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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The

Daily Citizen TheDailyCitizen.com

Serving Searcy and White County, Ark., since 1854

Local teams ranked for ‘11 season Court: No banning violent game sales A statewide football magazine released its 2011 preseason poll featuring local teams. — Page 1B

Organizer: Freedom Fest a success

Jack Jones Jr.

Age: 46 Convicted: 1995 rape and murder of Mary Phillips; attempted murder of her daughter, Lacey Phillips, in Bald Knob Sentence: Death Status: On appeal Judge: Pulaski County Circuit Court of Judge Tim Fox

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states cannot ban the sale or rental of violent games. — Page 2A

Jones

Jones waits on death row

Appeal before Little Rock judge

By Warren Watkins warren@thedailycitizen.com A convicted serial killer whose last victim was killed in White County still waits on death row to hear the result of his appeal.

Jack Harold Jones, Jr., now 46, was convicted and sentenced to death for the June 6, 1995 rape and murder of Mary Phillips, 34, and the attack on her daughter, Lacey Phillips, 11 at the time, in Bald Knob.

On death row at Varner Supermax prison after a stay of execution was issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court on May 24, 2010, Jones is represented by attorney Jeff Rosenswag. Jones’ appeal focuses on the method of execution, which Jones maintains is cruel and unusual. About 10 other inmates on death row have also joined the suit, styled “Jones vs. Hobbs,” in the Pulaski County Circuit Court of Judge Tim Fox. Ray Hobbs, Director the Department of Corrections, is charged with overseeing the execution.

Defending Hobbs is state attorney Joe Cordi.

“They just need to kill me. That’s it.

Just get it over with.”

Jack Jones Jr.

Convicted of the 1995 rape and murder of Mary Phillips and attempted murder of her daughter, Lacey Phillips, in Bald Knob.

Rosenswag told The Daily Citizen Monday he expected the ruling by Fox would be appealed by whichever party was not favored.

White County Prosecutor Chris Raff, who successfully prosecuted the case, commented on the delay.

“I am hopeful that the circuit court and then the Arkansas Appellate courts will decide this matter before much longer,” Raff told The Daily Citizen Monday. “I am also hopeful that they decide that the method of execution used in the state of Arkansas is legal which would enable the administration of justice in this case that we have been waiting on and the victims have been waiting on for so long to be carried out.”

Continued on Page 2A

State insurance chief to try again on exchange

By Andrew DeMillo The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas' top insurance official said Monday he hopes to win legislative approval next year to begin implementing a key part of the federal health care overhaul.

Arkansas Bradford Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford said he plans to ask the state Legislature to give him the authority to set up its state health insurance exchange when it convenes for its fiscal session next year. The state Insurance Department has been planning for the exchange using a $1 million grant, but legislation authorizing its setup stalled in the Legislature earlier this year over objections to the federal health care law.

Bradford said getting the exchange legislation considered will be difficult, since any non-budget matters during the fiscal session require a twothirds vote in both chambers to even be considered.

"The math is tough, but I would be remiss in my job

as a regulator to take care of Arkansans if I didn't ask the Legislature to do that," Bradford told reporters after briefing legislators on the exchange. "It's a hard case because people have very different opinions about which way we should go. The serious part of it is if they stop me mid-stream, we cede this whole process to the federal government."

Earlier this year, Republicans in the majority-Democrat Legislature had blocked the Insurance Departments budget because of concerns about the exchange.

The budget was finally approved after a companion bill authorizing the exchange's setup was sent to a committee for study rather than a vote.

The health care law created a new stream of federal funding for health care: tax credits to subsidize private insurance coverage for people participating in new state marketplaces called "exchanges." They open for business in 2014.

Bradford and Gov. Mike Beebe have warned that by not authorizing the state to set up its exchange, the power for setting them up will instead be ceded to the federal government.

WEATHER

Vol. 157, No. 154 ©2011 The Daily Citizen

Today: Partly sunny. Rain likely. Highs in the lower 90s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Rain.

Lows in the upper 60s.

Northeast winds 5 mph.

Shay Skinner, 12, of Bald Knob, flies through the sky with the aid of bungee cords at the Searcy Event Center during Freedom Fest Sunday evening. Jacob Brower/jbrower@thedailycitizen.com

Thousands attend event

T

By Warren Watkins warren@thedailycitizen.com he “booms” heard coming from the sky over Searcy beginning at 9:15 Sunday night were the sound of a freedom celebration.

A week before Sponsor: Faith Independence Assembly of Day, about 8,000 God Church attended Freedom 2011 Fest at the Searcy Attendance: Events Center, About 8,000 sponsored by When: Last Faith Assembly Sunday of God, 2447 Highway 16 North.

This year’s event — free as usual — offered a huge fireworks display, the annual event’s centerpiece.

“The fireworks were a big hit,” said Cody Berry, youth pastor and organizer of the event. “Its a big deal.

They say it’s one of the biggest and best in central Arkansas. People have compared it to the Riverfest show.”

In keeping with July 4 celebrations, free food was offered — including smoked barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, cotton candy, snow cones

Freedom fest

Jordan Whitney, 12, left, of Searcy and Logan Needam, 10 of Bald Knob, battle with pugil sticks at the Searcy Event Center during Freedom Fest Sunday evening. Jacob Brower/jbrower@thedailycitizen.com and the old time traditional favorite, “The mean machine” monster truck even made another appearance watermelon. Kids of all ages played this year. in large inflatables and had fun with Stage entertainment this year games, pony rides, a petting zoo, included bluegrass, worship music, rock climbing wall and trampoline.

Christian rock and even a painter “We had a new ride this year, the who completed a large canvas paintWhizzer,” Berry said. “Four people ing as the audience watched. sit on it and you can pump handles, “Freedom Fest was a huge sucand the faster you pump it the faster you spin. It was really sweet.”

Continued on Page 3A

INDEX NATION & STATE, 2A OPINIONS, 4A LIFESTYLES, 5A CALENDAR/OBITUARIES, 6A SPORTS, 1B CLASSIFIEDS, 6B

“

We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.

Nelson Mandela Statesman, 1918

Contact us: 3000 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143, (Phone) 501-268-8621, (Fax) 501-268-6277

”

White County Football 2011

1

>>>

$ 25

Your comprehensive guide to local high school and college football is inside today’s edition.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The

Daily Citizen TheDailyCitizen.com

Serving Searcy and White County, Ark., since 1854

Coaches react to new 6a policies

New rules by AAA mandate all 6A programs to get an automatic bid into state playoffs. — Page 1B

Doctor charged in murder in Conway A former physician suspected in the 2002 slayings of two men has been charged with murder. — Page 2A

Coyotes reported in city limits Coyote problem

n Within Searcy city limits n Some report up to eight coyotes in area n Mostly located on south side of town

Reports say wild animals are on south side of town

By Molly M. Fleming mfleming@thedailycitizen.com The Searcy Police Department and Searcy Animal Control report they have both received complaints about coyotes being in the city limits.

The reports come from areas

Kensett festival

What: Kensett Heritage Festival When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 Where: Downtown Kensett

mostly on the south side of town.

Reports have come from Skyline Drive, Valley Elms subdivision, River Oaks subdivision, The Ridge apartment complex, the industrial park area and the bicycle trail.

“We haven’t had any complaints of human interaction,” said Terri Lee of the Searcy Police Department. “People have just been seeing them a lot more frequently.”

Reports about the coyotes first started coming into Searcy Animal Control about a month ago, according to Animal Control Officer Cynthia Poskey.

“We were getting a lot of reports about a month ago, but they have since backed down,” she said. “I think that’s only because the coyotes are in the same area and the people who have called know we are trying to do something about it.”

Poskey said she was told that at one time there were at least seven different coyotes on the south side of town.

Lee said the department will be handling the coyote problem in a controlled and safe way.

“We have contacted the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and they have issued us a depredation permit to get rid of the coyotes in the Continued on Page 3A

Mud volleyball turnout record tied

Festival officials expect large turnout

Continued on Page 2A

Harding: Volunteer to honor those lost

By Molly M. Fleming mfleming@thedailycitizen.com The nation will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy this year with a number of memorial services and events.

In White County, Harding University is asking residents to remember those lost by volunteering their time to make this country a better place. The university has been chosen to document volunteers for a nationwide effort in identifying more than a million volunteers between today and Sept. 11.

“Any type of volunteer service is welcomed, no matter how big or small the project,” said Liz Howell, director of alumni relations at Harding.

“We really want people to just do random acts of kindness, and then write it down.”

Continued on Page 2A

Reward offered in 70-year-old’s slaying Jill Churchill of Austin gets ready for the ball to arrive during the North Central Arkansas Red Cross Chapter’s seventh annual Mud Volleyball Tournament Saturday afternoon at the Searcy Sports Complex.

Thirteen teams of six players each participated in the tournament, which matches its largest turnout ever, according to Wayne Denson, executive director of the chapter. Jacob Brower/jbrower@thedailycitizen.com

Red Cross event raises $6K

By Jacob Brower and Marisa Lytle The Daily Citizen t wasn’t exactly good, clean fun, but that didn’t stop 78 area residents from turning out to take part in the North Central Arkansas Red Cross Chapter’s seventh annual Mud Volleyball

I

WEATHER

Vol. 157, No. 207 ©2011 The Daily Citizen

n Volunteering encouraged n Log volunteer hours n Memorials held throughout day

Any type of volunteer project encouraged

3rd annual event boasts parade, music

By Marisa Lytle mlytle@thedailycitizen.com KENSETT — City of Kensett officials are expecting an increase over last year’s turnout of more than 2,000 people at the city’s upcoming festival.

The city will hold its third annual heritage festival Sept.

10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the downtown area.

The festival will begin with a parade on Searcy Street.

Kensett Mayor Max McDonald will act as grand marshall as he leads a long line of floats, scout members, a local band, motorcycles, sheriff’s patrol, horses, antique cars, county fire and police department vehicles and a hay wagon from the corn maze along the streets of downtown Kensett.

The purpose of the festival is “to let people know we love Kensett,” said event coordinator Linda Sullivan. “We want to show a community coming together to build Kensett up.”

A committee has worked since March to organize the festival, taking care of everything from hiring vendors to solving electrical issues.

“We’re just all members of the community,” Sullivan said, regarding the committee members. “Everyone works really hard. We all do different things to make it work.”

One of the committee members, Martin Palmer, will be the master of ceremonies for the festival. Another committee member, the owner of Connie’s Florist, is a vendor for the event At the festival, music will be played throughout the day.

Darrill Edwards will play the steel drum, Angela Phipps will

Sept. 11 events

Today: Sunny. Highs around 90. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight.

Lows in the lower 60s.

Tournament Saturday afternoon at the Searcy Sports Complex.

Thirteen teams of six players each participated in the co-ed tournament, which matches its largest turnout ever, according to Wayne Denson, executive director of the chapter. In all, the tournament raised around $6,000. The donated funds remain

within the North Central Arkansas Chapter, which includes White, Woodruff and Independence counties, Denson said.

Since June 2010, the North Central chapter has helped almost 250 people in responding to 76 fires.

In addition, it has helped 55 families

INDEX NATION & STATE, 2A OPINIONS, 4A LIFESTYLES, 5A CALENDAR/OBITUARIES, 6A SPORTS, 1B CLASSIFIEDS, 5B

Continued on Page 3A

“

The Associated Press NEWPORT — Police in Newport are offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to a conviction in the slaying of a 70-yearold man who was stabbed to death in his home.

The Jonesboro Sun reported Saturday that police are trying to develop a suspect in the murder of James Logan Morgan, who was an historian who specialized in Newport and Jackson County.

Family members found Morgan dead when they checked on him on Aug. 19.

Police say evidence from the scene is being analyzed at the state Crime Laboratory.

A funeral for Morgan was held Friday.

The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. ... The opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.

Elie wiesel

Romanian-born journalist-author, Born in 1928

Contact us: 3000 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143, (Phone) 501-268-8621, (Fax) 501-268-6277

”

The Daily Citizen

Friday, February 11, 2011 • Page 3A

Local

A worker at plows the walking paths at Harding University Thursday morning. Classes continued as usual at the university Thursday, but were canceled during Wednesday’s blizzard. Luke Jones/ljones@thedailycitizen.com

Snow: White County

Post: Stamps are famous

recoups after snow storm said. “But there are a lot of street signs down, where cars have slid and knocked them over.”

Morris said the police department was reporting better conditions on Thursday.

“I’ve spoken with two officers, and they said that so far it’s better,” Morris said.

“It’s not the blinding snow we had [Wednesday].”

Osborne said conditions will continue to get better, but may be a little worse early Friday morning.

“The conditions are better and people are being smarter,” Osborne said.

“Everything will freeze and be slick again, but it will get better.”

Valentine’s Day Is Almost Here!

Ca

ee p Fr ra W ft Gi

Bottom right: Gracie Warren, 11, hurls a snowball in the direction of sister Peyton Warren, 10, in the River Oaks area of Searcy Thursday afternoon.

All nine White County school districts canceled classes Thursday due to slick road conditions.

ds

Caanrdles C

ewelry J ion h s Fa

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10am-5:30pm Saturday 10am-4pm

Or d Gif er Y o t 27 Bas ur k 9-9 e 14 t 4

Heart & S H He Soull Gifts. ftts ts Bridal. Interior erior.

Jacob Brower/ jbrower@thedailycitizen.com

1627 6627 27 EE. B Beebe Cappss • SSearcyy 501-268-2290

February 26, 2011 • 6:30 p.m. • Robbins-Sanford Grand Hall Tickets $55 per person or $100 per couple in advance, or $60 per person the day of the event.

Tickets may be purchased at Blackbird Clothing Store and The UPS Store on Beebe-Capps Expwy.

Luke Jones/ljones@ thedailycitizen.com

Refund: A&P refund for deli denied

"I think three were under $10," Meads said. A total of $21 was paid in refunds.

Hill said he is disappointed with the city’s decision.

“I felt like [the tax] was designed to reimburse the taxpayer,” Hill said. “Since that was the intent of it, I felt like I should be reimbursed.”

Meads declined to provide specifics of the rejection, pending the mailing of the rejection letter.

"I have determined that he is not eligible for the refund based on the documentation he provided," Meads said regarding the reasons for Hill’s rejection.

Meads did not elaborate on what was wrong with the documentation. The period for filing claims for A&P

t Gif

k Gifts bac ley or d

Vera Br a

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Ra z

Top right: Sarah Story, 11, pelts sister Rachel Story, 9, with a snowball in the River Oaks area of Searcy Thursday afternoon. All nine White County school districts canceled classes Thursday due to slick road conditions.

Searcy Mayor David Morris and his wife Gail search for weather troubles Thursday morning near Harding University.

Morris said the police had so far reported fewer accidents Thursday than Wednesday.

Continued from Page 1A

Japan.

June Sullivan, who worked at the office for seven years, estimates seeing thousands or perhaps even hundreds of thousands of the letters passing through.

"I think it's good for the town," she said. "Everyone wants one."

The special stamps are available right up until Valentine's Day, Sparks said.

nd

Thursday, but would hit the streets early today.

“There will be some slick spots,” he said. “We’ll have to hit them first thing.”

Watson said the department will again focus on major intersections and hills.

He expects some of the melting snow to freeze, which will make it more difficult.”

“Once ice gets on the road, it’s hard to get off,” he said.

Morris said he’s impressed with the way the department handled the situation.

“I cannot brag enough on the outstanding job the street department has done,” he said. “With what little equipment they have for snow removal, they have done an excellent job.”

Morris said it was a busy time for city police officers, but no serious incidents were reported.

“The police department has dealt with several minor accidents, but nothing serious,” he said.

Searcy Police Chief Kyle Osborne said the volume of reports has been high.

“We have worked a large number of accidents,” he said. “They were very minor, where someone didn’t brake in enough time and bumped the person in front of them or where they slid into a post.”

Osborne said that there hasn’t been a lot of damage.

“We haven’t had a lot of property damage,” he

Continued from Page 1A

She estimates the office performing around 6,000 stamps before Valentine's Day. Many mailers send letters through Romance even at other times, just to receive the special "Romance" cancellation, Sparks said.

On Tuesday, Sparks presented envelopes she had just received postmarked from Missouri, South Dakota, Florida, California, Ontario, Guatemala, Australia and

Ca rd s

Continued from Page 1A

Stacey Sparks of the Romance Post Office wields the special “Love Station” stamp. People from all over the country and the world send envelopes to Romance each year, especially during Valentine’s season. Sparks said in two weeks she had stamped 485 Valentine’s cards and 290 wedding invitation. Luke Jones/ljones@thedailycitizen.com

refunds expired on Jan. 18.

"There is a right of appeal," she said. "If someone is not satisfied with the outcome I've determined, the remedy is to go into circuit court and that's spelled out in the ordinance."

Hill said he was unsure if he would take the case to court.

Searcy Cinema 8

“I don’t know what all is involved with that,” he said.

“If it requires an attorney to be heard, I don’t know if I’ll go to that amount of trouble.”

The previous refunds were all delivered to individuals who provided documentation of their taxation via receipts.

DOLBY DIGITAL

3D

501-279-3644 • 501-305-3456 • www.searcycinema.com

LUXURIOUS HI-BACK ROCKER SEATS WITH POP-UP LOVE SEAT ARM RESTS AND CUP HOLDERS IN ALL AUDITORIUMS Featuring Digital Surround Sound DTS in all MATINEES auditoriums! DOLBY DIGITAL 3D on 3 screens SAT & SUN ONLY Gnomeo and Juliet 3D G

No Strings Attached R

2:30 7:30 9:15

2:00 7:00 9:30

Stadium Seating, Dolby Digital 3D

Justin Bieber 3D G

Digital Surround Sound

The Rite PG13

Stadium Seating, Dolby Digital 3D

Digital Surround Sound

Just Go With It PG13

The Green Hornet PG13

2:00 7:00 9:20

Digital Surround Sound

1:45 6:45 9:20

Sanctum 3D R

2:15 7:15

Digital Surround Sound

1:45 6:45

True Grit PG13

Stadium Seating, Dolby Digital 3D

Digital Surround Sound

The Roommate PG13

Country Strong PG13

2:15 7:15 9:20

Stadium Seating, Digital Surround Sound

9:30

Digital Surround Sound

9:15 2:30 7:30 9:30 Show Times Friday, February 11 - Thursday, February 17

48th Annual Charity Benefit Sponsors Ruby Level

Classic Fare Catering Farm Bureau Insurance-Ronald McFarland First Security Bank Simmons First Bank White County Medical Center Simpson, Simpson & Collier

Sapphire Level

Annie Luy, M.D. B & B Oil BBL Oil Co. Cargile Insurance Agency C.F.S.I Employment Services Citizens State Bank Crescent Commercial Entergy First Community Bank Haymond Insurance Johnny Brock Excavating & Landscaping Liberty Bank Lightle, Raney, Streit, & Streit LLP Mark & Dr. Cheryl Payne Millar, Gibson, & Cullipher, P.A. North Star EMS Powell Funeral Home

Sapphire Level (continued) Regions Bank W&W Ford

Charity Benefit Sponsors Aramark Facilities Service Daily Citizen Cargile Auctions Carren’s Flowers Corner Gifts & Florist Crain Media Hopkins Orthodontics Searcy.com Searcy Living The Painted Pig The UPS Store

Special thanks to

Centennial Bank Dr. Ken and Mrs. Barbara Showalter Lindsey & Co. Searcy Dermatology Stevens Commercial Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wilson Mrs. Diane Hutsell

Sports

The

Daily Citizen

Thursday, May 5, 2011

SECTION B

Sports Editor Craig Woodson 501-268-8621 cwoodson@thedailycitizen.com

Rose Bud defeats Harding Academy to win conference Regional tournament

First round Friday at Harding Academy n Rose Bud vs.

Arkansas Baptist, noon n Riverview vs. Benton Harmony Grove, 1:45 p.m. n Bald Knob vs.

Cutter Morning Star, 3:30 p.m. n Harding Academy vs.

Glen Rose, 5:15 p.m.

RBHS wins, 13-3

W

By Jacob Brower jbrower@thedailycitizen.com hat started out looking like a tight game ended up to be a blowout 13-3 win for Rose Bud in Wednesday afternoon’s conference championship game.

Through 3-1/2 innings, the game was close, with Harding Academy (17-10) clinging to a 21 lead, but Rose Bud (26-4) blew the game open in the bottom of the fourth, scoring 5 runs.

The Lady Ramblers put the nail in the coffin in the fifth inning, scoring 7 runs to make the score 13-3, ending the contest in five innings.

Rose Bud’s players said that conference bragging rights were one of their goals throughout the season.

“It feels great to win,” junior shortshop Tori Willborg said.

“That was definitely one of our goals. We’re taking it a step at a time and hoping we can get through regionals and state.”

As Willborg indicated, the celebration was short-lived for the Lady Ramblers. The team is two years removed from the Final Four, but was eliminated by now-2A Magnet Cove in the first round of regionals last season.

“It’s very rewarding to win the conference,” Rose Bud Head Coach Joey Pruitt said. “We celebrated for a little while, but we’re looking forward to [first-round regional opponent] Arkansas Baptist right now.”

Willborg said she still has a bitter taste in her mouth from last year’s early exit.

“It motivates us to make it further than we did last year,” she said.

Rose Bud’s Tori Lemieux slides into home plate during the Lady Ramblers’ 13-3 victory over the Lady Wildcats in the conference championship game at Harding Academy Wednesday afternoon. Rose Bud earned the No. 1 seed in the regional tournament, which begins Friday at Harding Academy. Jacob Brower/jbrower@thedailycitizen.com Harding Academy junior Tory Mote sees a pitch she likes during the Lady Wildcats’ 13-3 loss to Rose Bud in the conference championship game at Harding Academy Wednesday afternoon. The Lady Wildcats will be the No. 2 seed in the regional tournament, which begins Friday at Harding Academy. Jacob Brower/jbrower@thedailycitizen.com

Harding Academy Head Coach Rusty Garner said his team simply couldn’t overcome Rose Bud’s onslaught of offense in the final two innings.

“It was a great softball game for four innings,” he said. “We made an error or two to open the door, and they kicked it down.

Once they smelled blood, they

jumped on us. To their credit, they’re a great softball team.

Offensive standouts for Rose Bud included Sara Sartin, who hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to seal the victory. The Lady Ramblers also had good plate performances from Dana Naquin and Sydney Starkey, who each went 3-for-3,

Third in New York carries over

LITTLE ROCK — A so-so third in the Wood Memorial in New York took the shine off the 2-year-old champion.

Once the Kentucky Derby favorite, he slipped to second or third in the public eye. Whispers about his breeding became headon questions about whether he had the stamina to win at 1 1-4 miles.

That was Secretariat in 1973; this is Uncle Mo today.

A month ago, Uncle Mo was on his way to the Triple Crown and the sports editor of The Associated Press was worried about her travel plans on June 11.

She has some Olympic business out of the country and is due back in New York on that Saturday, the day Uncle Mo was supposed to win the Belmont and complete the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

Later on April 9, she found out Uncle Mo had finished third in New York.

Until that race, her perception of Uncle Mo was in step with that of Randy Moss, the former Arkansan who covers horse racing for ABC and ESPN. “After the earlier prep races, I thought Uncle Mo might be poised to sweep the Triple Crown, and then he took a giant step backwards in the Wood Memorial,” Moss said in an e-mail.

Unless some horses improve substantially, he said, “this will become one of the most lackluster

HARRY KING

Kentucky Derby runnings I can remember.”

His analysis is founded in speed figures, something he helped to produce when he was based at Oaklawn Park.

Generally, those figures are below par.

For instance, the 98 earned by one-two Arkansas Derby finishers Archarcharch and Nehro is better than anything recorded by a Derby horse in a 1 1-8-mile stakes race. Normally, a few Derby horses top 100 prior to the first Saturday in May. It was Uncle Mo’s 108 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in November at Churchill Downs that launched talk of a Triple Crown. His number was 92 in the Wood.

Like many others, Moss believes the Arkansas Derby was the strongest of the Derby prep races. “I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Archarcharch and Nehro both have plenty to say in the outcome,” Moss said.

Uncle Mo’s breeding has always been in question, but he had two excuses in New York

— the gastrointestinal infection that sounded a bit hollow and the lack of conditioning that seemed evident. Secretariat’s loss in the Wood was blamed on a very real tooth abscess.

All along, trainer Todd Pletcher has said Uncle Mo can negotiate the Derby distance.

What else can he say?

“I still believe he’s the best horse,” Pletcher said.

Maybe, but he is not Secretariat and he had it all his own way in the Juvenile, falling in behind the leader, who was a maiden at the time, and taking over when he pleased.

On Saturday, there are some committed front-runners signed on, including Comma to the Top with one of the best gate jocks in the country, Pat Valenzuela.

Secretariat beat 12 horses in the Derby; Uncle Mo has 19 opponents. And, there is a 40 percent chance of rain for a horse who has never competed on an off track.

Morning line favorite Dialed In has raced only on a fast track and trainer Nick Zito has said he would rather not see a sloppy track on Saturday.

Instead of labeling this Derby lackluster beforehand, call it wide open.

Harry King is sports columnist for Stephens Media’s Arkansas News Bureau. His e-mail address is hking@arkansasnews.com.

and Tori Lemieux, who went 1for-1 with two sacrifice bunts.

Torry Mote has a strong afternoon for Harding Academy at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run. Mote scored all 3 of the Lady Wildcats’ runs.

Kristen Lester was 2-for-3 with a RBI and Lynley Crowell was 1-for-3.

All firstround regional games will be played Friday at Harding Academy.

Rose Bud will face Arkansas Baptist at noon, Riverview will play Benton Harmony Grove at 1:45 p.m., Bald Knob will take on Cutter Morning Star at 3:30 p.m. and Harding Academy will face Glen Rose at 5:15 p.m.

WEEKEND TICKET

No. 5 Florida at Arkansas When: Tonight at 6:30, Friday at 6:35, Saturday at 7 p.m.

Where: Baum Stadium TV: Thursday - ESPNU, Friday — None, Saturday - ESPNU Radio: Razorback Sports Network Series Record: Tied 22-22 Coaches: Arkansas — Dave Van Horn (349-192 in ninth season); Florida — Kevin O’Sullivan (158-73 in fourth season) Probable Starting Pitchers: Arkansas — RHP DJ Baxendale (6-1, 1.50 ERA), LHP Randall Fant (1-3, 2.92 ERA), TBA; Florida — RHP Hudson Randall (8-1, 1.75 ERA), LHP Brian Johnson (71, 2.26), RHP Karsten Whitson (6-0, 2.02 ERA)

Hogs open series against Florida tonight

By Robbie Neiswanger Arkansas News Bureau FAYETTEVILLE — First baseman Dominic Ficociello won’t be around the television when the behind-thescenes look at the Arkansas baseball team airs on ESPNU tonight.

But the freshman is certain it will be entertaining, saying he has learned something about his teammates the past several months.

“I think we’re kind of a television friendly team,” Ficociello said.

The Razorbacks will have plenty of opportunities to prove it when they open a three-game series against No. 5 Florida (35-10, 17-4) tonight.

Off the field, the Arkansas baseball program is the focus of a 30-minute special called “ESPNU All Access,” which will air at 5:30 tonight. The show

was filmed last month leading up to and during the Mississippi State series.

Then on the field, an important series will begin with the Razorbacks’ debut on ESPNU’s Thursday Night Baseball at 6:30. The series finale between the two teams also will be televised by ESPNU on Saturday night at 7.

The extensive television time has assured a high-profile week for Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn and his program, who are also playing five games in five days. But it’s one he welcomes as the Razorbacks battle for late-season positioning in the jumbled SEC West standings.

“I just felt like it was good exposure for our team and the University of Arkansas and our baseball program,” Continued on Page 3B

Scoreboard Varsity softball

Rose Bud 13 Harding Acad. 3

Don‘t see your score here? Call Sports Editor Craig Woodson at (501) 268-8621 to get your team’s results featured on the scoreboard before 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Daily Citizen

From Page One

2 injuries reported in 3-vehicle accident

NorthStar EMS personnel load the driver of a silver Toyota RAV4 into the back of an ambulance following a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Race and Hartsfield at around 4:45 p.m. Thursday. The RAV4 and a Ford F350 truck collided at the intersection in a wreck that also involved a silver Toyota Highlander. The drivers of both the RAV4 and the F350 were transported by ambulance following the accident with undisclosed injuries. The Searcy Police Department and Searcy Fire Department also responded to the scene of the crash.

Authorities had not released the names of the victims as of press time. Jacob Brower/jbrower@thedailycitizen.com Patrol Sergeant Steve Hacker sat in a class about Mexican drug cartels recently to bolster his knowledge of the local drug trade, which involves drugs from Mexico, he said. Warren Watkins/warren@thedailycitizen.com

Police: Mexican drug cartels create problems in area

Continued from Page 1A

ed to drug violence, Hacker said.

Drugs confiscated in Searcy and White County by the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force have been connected to the Mexican drug cartels and are transported along an “ice road” that goes through the community, police say.

“You don’t understand how vicious these people are,” Hacker said. “Used to

if you were a DEA agent in Mexico, they knew who you were and would leave you alone. Now, they’ll kill you like anyone else.”

Cartel assassins have traveled into the U.S. as far as Alabama, Hacker said, to make a “hit.”

The solution to the drug violence surrounding the border involves tougher drug

Benefit: Event is tonight

Continued from Page 1A

of mind for the rest of his time here.”

Reed said Oakes is currently concerned mostly with paying his $25,000 in medical expenses, which he is determined to pay himself.

“He’s trying to take care of the medical bills on his own, so we’re stepping in and helping him with the funeral costs,” Reed said.

Oakes will attend the event assuming his health permits, said Steven Martin, who is also helping organize the event.

Martin said he and Oakes work together at B&J Construction of Bald Knob.

“He’s my best friend in the whole wide world, I’ve known him for years,” Martin said.

The goal is $7,000, and Reed said they’ve already raised $5,374 through donations and the sale of T-shirts that Reed designed in honor of Oakes.

“He never expected people to reach out for him like that,” she said.

The T-shirts read, “Believe — In honor of David Oakes,” referring to the Brooks & Dunn son, “Believe,” which Oakes wants played at his funeral.

Reed said the dinner will feature the sale of more Tshirts, bracelets and sonic cards, but the main event will be a silent auction with items donated from many local businesses including TJ’s Tanning and Fitness, The Treasure Chest, Jessica Ladd Moore Cakes, Cake Concoctions, Lincoln Lawn Care, Bald Knob Flower Shop, Horton’s Produce and others.

Singer Angela Schmidt will perform, and 7-year-old Trevor Blanton, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and who spoke at last year’s Race For the Cure, will tell his story.

Reed said she expects the event will cause the funds to easily surpass the goal.

“I sat down with [Oakes]

yesterday,” she said. “I did realize it would go over the $7,000 mark, and asked him what he wanted us to do with the rest of the money.”

The extra funds, Reed said, will go towards a scholarship for seniors who are involved in band or music, based on Oakes’ love of music.

Dinner will be served free of cost (donations accepted), with Boston butt, barbecue, coleslaw and baked beans being on the menu. Reed said the meat is provided by Who Dat’s.

The dinner will take place tonight from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the old Russell School.

“It’s bittersweet,” Martin said. “It’s a good deal for everyone to jump in and help, but it’s bad that he’s going through all of this.”

sentences to be imposed on those who are caught, Hacker said, and continued drug education, especially for parents.

And it’s not just Hispanics that are involved in the big picture, Hacker said, adding that Middle Eastern terrorists are involved, smuggling heroin from Afghanistan into the U.S. to finance terrorism.

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Bullying discussed at White House

By Darlene Superville The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama smiled when he said his large ears and funny name once made him a target of school-yard harassment.

But he was all seriousness Thursday when he told a White House conference on bullying that torment and intimidation must not be tolerated.

Some 13 million students, about a third of all those attending school, are bullied every year, the White House said. Experts say that puts them at greater risk of falling behind in their studies, abusing drugs or alcohol, or suffering mental or other health problems. Kids who are seen as different because of their race, clothes, disability or sexual orientation are more likely to be bullied.

"If there's one goal of this conference," Obama said, "it's to dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up.

It's not." He spoke to more

than 100 parents, students, teachers and others gathered to discuss the problem and share ideas for solutions.

"Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people. And it's not something we have to accept," he said.

The issue has been getting more attention partly because texting, Facebook, Twitter and other technologies are being used to carry it out — it's called cyberbullying — and because of media coverage of teens who have killed themselves after such taunting.

Families of some of those youngsters joined Obama at the White House, including the mother of Carl WalkerHoover, an 11-year-old boy who hanged himself at his Massachusetts home in 2009. The mother said classmates had tormented him.

By Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Higher oil prices are slowing global economic growth, and the impact is likely to spread in coming months.

Oil prices helped raise the U.S. trade deficit to a sevenmonth high in January, when crude prices were $87.50 a barrel. Oil is now trading at more than $100 a barrel, suggesting the gap will widen in coming months. Even fastgrowing China isn't immune — higher oil prices contributed to a rare trade deficit there in February.

Pricier oil dampens consumer spending and that

cuts into economic growth.

Surging oil prices can also stir up inflation fears, triggering higher interest rates that cut into household and business spending.

In January, America's foreign oil bill rose 9.5 percent, or $3.04 billion, to $34.9 billion. That's the highest monthly total since October 2008.

Since then, political turmoil in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia have sent oil prices surging.

Pump prices have risen 13 percent in the past month to a national average of $3.53 a gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service.

Conference

Who: President Barack Obama What: Discussed bullying during a conference When: Thursday

Higher oil prices threaten global economy

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