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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
The
Daily Citizen www.thedailycitizen.com
Serving Searcy and White County, Ark., since 1854
NUKE SITE OUTAGE UNDER INVESTIGATION RAMBLERS SEEK STRONG SEASON FINISH
The Air Force and the U.S. Strategic Command are looking into a recent nuke site outage. — PAGE 2A
CIVIL SUIT
Deceased: Larry Martin, 57 Plaintiffs: His sister, Notra McGhee Defendants: Searcy Elks Lodge, Gallagher Basset Services, Discover Property and Casualty Insurance Courtroom: White County Circuit Judge Tom Hughes
Opening remarks heard in civil trial
The Rose Bud football team will try to keep its playoff hopes alive Friday at Episcopal. — PAGE 1B
Woman found dead, man arrested
41-year-old sought, found and interviewed
By Warren Watkins warren@thedailycitizen.com ROMANCE — A man wanted for questioning in a “suspicious death” was found hours after the body of his girlfriend was discov-
SUSPICIOUS DEATH
Deceased: Kaitlyn Moudy, 26 Person of interest: Stephen Wayne Keirsey Jr., 41
ered Wednesday morning. Kaitlyn Moudy, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene after White County Sheriff’s deputies to 315
Hilltop Acres concerning a report of an unresponsive female. The property backs up to Kentucky Valley Road and is near Highway 31. Criminal investigators arrived and processed the scene, according to sheriff’s spokesman Corporal Steve Hernandez, and shortly after noon detectives announced Stephen Wayne
Keirsey Jr., 41, was a person of interest being sought concerning the death. Keirsey was found and arrested by 5:30 p.m. and was being held for questioning. “There was no apparent cause of death, so it is undetermined,” Hernandez said. “There’s nothing
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3A
Lincoln, Boozman campaign in White County
Testimony begins concerning death after bar fight
By Warren Watkins warren@thedailycitizen.com A jury was seated, opening arguments were completed and testimony was begun Wednesday in a civil suit in which a man died after a 2006 bar fight at the Elks Lodge in Searcy. Larry Martin, 57, died in 2008, two years after a fight at the private club, which sells alcohol by the drink. Plaintiff in the lawsuit is his sister, Notra McGhee, who claims negligence on the part of the club. McGhee is represented by attorney Connie Grace of the Little Rock law firm of Gary Holt and Associates. Defendants are the Searcy Elks Lodge, Gallagher Basset Services, Discover Property and Casualty Insurance and 10 unknown “John Does,” defended by attorney Bill Frye of the Frye Law Firm in North Little Rock. The case is being heard before White County Circuit Judge Tom Hughes.
Above: U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln greets customers at Maddie’s Cafe on the Square during a recent campaign appearance. Left: U.S. Congressman John Boozman greets supporters at a campaign event held at Harding University Wednesday. Boozman and Lincoln will face off in the race for US Senate. Warren
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3A
School board member accused of anti-gay post By Jill Zeman Bleed The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK — A member of an area school board, commenting on campaign to get people to wear purple to show support for bullied gay and lesbian youth, purportedly posted on Facebook that the only way he would wear purple is "if they all commit suicide." The Arkansas Department of Education on Wednesday condemned the alleged posting by Midland School Board member Clint McCance. The school district is headquartered in Pleasant Plains, and extends into northern White County. The Advocate, a magazine that reports about gay issues, first reported about the posting on its website. The Facebook page has been disabled, but The Advocate posted a screen grab of the purported postings that it says someone forwarded to it. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3A
Watkins/warren@thedailycitizen.com
Southwest computer programs aid students focus
By Luke Jones ljones@thedailycitizen.com A Searcy school is preparing to use a special computer system to help students with attention deficit disorder better focus on school work. Southwest Middle School principal Richard Denney heard about the program, Play Attention, from Harding University’s Jenene Alexander. Play Attention uses special sensors placed inside a modified bicycle helmet to monitor students’ focus. “The three sensors connect to a small transmitter in a bluetooth that connects back to a computer,” Denney said. “Then, by using [the students’] brain activity, the comput-
WEATHER
Today: Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 5 mph. Vol. 156, No. 258 ©2010 The Daily Citizen
PLAY ATTENTION
What: Computer system to aid students with attention deficit disorder How: Biofeedback-controlled game programs Where: Southwest Middle School
er assesses whether they’re focused on the activity at hand.” While using Play Attention, students play a variety of computer games that designed to augment their focusing ability. According to www.playattention. com, “These games not only teach [the student] to improve focus, but also to ignore distractions, develop memory skills, finish tasks and become organized. These skills can improve school work, improve self-
“We want to help the child be able to control or harness their ability to focus and achieve at high levels.” RICHARD DENNEY
Southwest Middle School principal
esteem and make life at home much happier.” Avery basic game features a whale floating in the ocean. The student must concentrate on the whale to make it swim deeper towards the ocean floor. If the student loses focus, the whale will float towards the surface. The games increase in challenge level from here, but most of them are able to accurately read the students’ brain waves to interact with the games.
INDEX NATION & STATE, 2A OPINIONS, 4A LIFESTYLES, 5A CALENDAR/OBITUARIES, 6A SPORTS, 1B CLASSIFIEDS, 5B
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“There’s one where the child has to focus in and load a truck with supplies,” Denney said. “They are driving a fork lift using their thoughts.” Denney was able to use the program briefly while principal of Sidney-Deener Elementary School. He said it has been around for at least 10 years, but only a couple schools in Arkansas have taken CONTINUED ON PAGE 3A
All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. HENRY ELLIS
British psychologist, 1859-1939
Contact us: 3000 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143, (Phone) 501-268-8621, (Fax) 501-268-6277
”
The Daily Citizen
LOCAL
Drug Task Force arrests 2
Two men have been arrested on meth charges. Dennis Swan, 47, and Paul Foshee, 45, both of Searcy, were arrested Tuesday by the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections and the White County Sheriff’s Office when officers seized an active methamphetamine lab behind a residence at 108
Thursday, October 28, 2010 • Page 3A
METH ARRESTS
Dennis Swan, 47, of Searcy Paul Foshee, 45, of Searcy
Lewis Lane, also known as Walkers Corner. Swan and Foshee were charged with manufacturing meth and incarcerated in the White County Detention Center on $25,000 bonds.
Trial: Opening remarks
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
Martin was involved in an altercation at the bar on Sept. 1, 2006 and died on Aug. 3, 2008. The Elks Lodge is located at 3708 Evans Drive in Searcy and is not in the city limits but on a “peninsula,� almost completely surrounded by the City of Searcy. During opening arguments, Grace maintained she will show evidence and present testimony that the bar did not have a bouncer on duty when he approached Dean Emmerling, a customer at the bar. “Larry took an empty swingandmissed,�Gracetold the jury. “Emmerling reached back and through a punch and hit Larry and pushed him over some chairs.� Martin then hit his head hard on the floor, Grace said, and Martin, who she described as a diabetic with cirrhosis of the liver, a bleeding disorder and a history of alcohol abuse, was placed
into a chair. A patch of blood was visible that was three inches by three inches in size, Grace said. Grace maintained the Elks Lodge was negligent for not having security and that Martin’s medical bills during the two years before he died were $1.3 million. In his opening remarks, Frye said the Elks Lodge had no previous trouble with Emmerling and that an eye witness to the altercation would be presented. “She will say that Larry Martin took a swing at Emmerling and then fell forward into Emmerling and Emmerling pushed Martin off of himself,� Frye said. Frye claimed Martin’s blood alcohol level was .19 at the time of the incident and that “right after this happened 911 was called.� Testimony is expected to resume Thursday in the case, which is expected to take three days.
Post: School official
accused of anti-gay post
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
McCance's alleged posting was in response to a Facebook campaignthataskedsupporters to wear purple last Wednesday to show solidarity after several gay and lesbian youths killed themselves, reportedly because of bullying. "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers killed themselves," McCance allegedly wrote. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin." McCance didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday left on his voicemail. But he told the Arkansas Times that the issue had been "blown out of proportion" and he planned to issue a statement later Wednesday. Officials at the Midland School District said Superintendent Dean
Stanley was out of the office and not available for comment. The Human Rights Campaign, which seeks equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, has called for McCance's resignation. A Facebook group, "Fire Clint McCance," had more than 15,000 members by midday Wednesday. The state Education Department said in a statement Wednesday that it had no jurisdiction over elected school officials but that it would investigate any reports of bullying that arise because of the incident. "The Arkansas Department of Education strongly condemns remarks or attitudes of this kind and is dismayed to see that a school board official would post something of this insensitive nature on a public forum like Facebook," the department said. The Daily Citizen contributed to this report.
White County Sheriff’s officers on the scene of a suspicious death Wednesday were, from left, Detective Kevin Smith, Criminal Investigation Division supervisor Jeff Langley and Deputy Steve Cochran. The death happened on Kentucky Valley Road near its intersection with Highway 31. Warren Watkins/warren@thedailycitizen.com
Arrested: Woman found dead, man arrested
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
obvious about it.� Moudy is believed to have died Wednesday morning, Hernandez said,
and she and Keirsey were in a relationship. Moudy’s body was released to the White County Coroner’s Office and
will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy, Hernandez said.
Programs: Computer programs aid students focus
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
advantage of it. “Last January in Great Britain a new research study came out showing the effectiveness of Play Attention when used a minimum of twice a week on the service,� Denney said. The school has the utilities for four Play Attention users at a time, but the system has not yet been used this semester. “At this point, the teachers know it’s being planned for but it’s not being implemented yet,� Denney said. He said those who have used the program have benefited from it. “Of the former students I had from SidneyDeener, many were very positive,� he said. “We had a lot of positive reactions from teachers, parents and students. Kids are gaining more confidence. I think four kids on campus have had the opportunity to train with this in the past and all of them are doing very well.� Denney said the biggest part of the program is connecting the games with reality. “Helping students see the connection between the two is the key aspect,� he said. He noted that the program is not as much a cure for ADD as it is an aid. “I’ve seen kids that are staying focused and their grades are improving, but are still taking medications as well,� he said. “Where
Southwest Middle School Principal Richard Denney explains some of the Play Attention equipment. The program uses sensors in a modified bicycle helmet to monitor brain wave activity during several types of focus-oriented video games, helping students with attention deficit disorder learn concentration. Teachers help students connect the video game skills they learn with real life. Luke Jones/ljones@thedailycitizen.com they had struggled with unique individuals and what achieve at high levels.� Denney said the school grades in the past, after this some might consider a disthey are doing much better ability can be an asset if it’s will begin using the software work in the classroom. But harnessed right,� he said. in the next several weeks, to say they didn’t exhibit “We want to help the child but the system would not be be able to control or harness fully functional until next any ADD at all, no.� “We’re all different, their ability to focus and semester.
“Come join us for our Fall Fest Carnival�
Friday Oct. 29th 4-6pm at Searcy Healthcare Center!
JP District 3 Includes The Communities of Rose Bud, Romance, Sidon, Joy, Gravel Hill, Floyd, and El Paso. If You Are Unsure Of Your Polling Location, The County Clerk’s Office Can Help: 501-279-6204 General Election Tuesday, November 2nd
Lots of fun and free of charge! 1205 Skyline Drive Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-6188
Fax: (501) 279-3842
Paid Political Ad
40th Annual Arkansas Valley
Arts and Crafts Fair November 5 & 6, 2010
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Searcy Cinema 8
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 2PM MATINEES auditoriums! DOLBY DIGITAL 3D on 3 screens SATURDAY & SUNDAY Paranormal Activity 2 R Digital Surround Sound
2:30 7:30 9:20
Jackass 3D R
Life as We Know It PG13 Digital Surround Sound
2:15 7:15 9:20
Easy A PG13
Stadium Seating, DOLBY DIGITAL 3D
Digital Surround Sound
Red PG13
Legends of the Guardians PG
2:15 7:15 9:25
Stadium Seating, Digital Surround Sound
1:45 6:45 9:15
My Soul To Take 3D R
Stadium Seating, DOLBY DIGITAL 3D
2:00 7:00 9:10
Secretariat PG
Stadium Seating, Digital Surround Sound
2:30 7:30 9:30
Digital Surround Sound
1:45 6:45
The Social Network PG13 Digital Surround Sound
9:15
Special Screening Saw 3D R Thursday, 10/28, 8pm
2:00 7:00 9:25 Show Times Friday, October 22- Thursday, October 28
y ail zen D iti C e
Th
Love
my
Pet
C O N T E S T Searcy Humane Society 2011 Pet Calendars On Sale November 8th at these locations: Barkin Barn Thrift Store The Boutique Westside Veterinary Clinic Liles Veterinary Clinic Searcy Animal Clinic The Daily Citizen
Monday, November 22, 1PM Conducted at
Best Western Inn & Conference Center, Highway 76 West
Branson, Missouri SELLING 9 Properties • Many Absolute! Homes • Commercial • Acreages Reeds Spring - Shell Knob - Clever Branson - Kimberling City
Great Investment Properties! Tour Dates: November 7 & 14 • 2-4PM All Properties Subject to and Available For Sale Prior to Auction More Information - Photos & Directions