Remembering Anita Tucker 1959-2020
Of the people, By the people, For the people
TUESDAY, November 24, 2020 / Vol. 6 Issue 47 / 75 cents
Voice editor Anita Tucker dies by Warren Johnson
In Memory of Anita Tucker
Some people... knock on the door or our lives, some come right in, make themselves at home in our hearts, and we are better -- so much better for having them there. That was you in our lives, and in our hearts and we are blessed for knowing you. From all the Voice's Volunteers
Van Buren County lost an icon on Wednesday morning. Anita Tucker once said “Van Buren County, Arkansas — a place you can leave but never get out of your heart and soul.” Anita was a 1978 graduate of Clinton High School. After graduation she studied at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She went on to work for large newspapers in Florida (including Tampa), the Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock, Editor at the VBC Democrat and wrote for the Arkansas News Bureau. Anita is best known for her role as Editor / General Manager of The VOICE of Van Buren County. The Voice was a partnership between Anita Tucker and Terry O’Connor. The la-
dies stepped out in faith believing the reward would be worth the risk. The mission statement was very simple. If it didn’t happen in Van Buren County or to the people of Van Buren County, it wasn’t news here. On October 13, 2015, the first edition of the VOICE was published. In the upper left hand corner were the words “of the people, by the people, and for the people”. The people have supported the mission statement and the ladies for the past five years. A couple of months ago, I asked Anita if the Voice was going to have a five year anniversary edition. She stated, “I don’t think so.” She didn’t want to make a “big fuss” over it. Not making a big fuss was Anita’s personal mission state-
ment. She loved animals and would quietly look for opportunities to contribute to causes advocating for them. In September, someone posted to Anita’s Facebook page thanking her for “the microwave and the people and animal food”. The post went on to say the care package had came at just the right time. His microwave had stopped working that morning. I mentioned the care package to Anita. She said, “Our county is full of good people who do good things and who don’t want a big fuss made over them.” She remembered during the Clinton flood of 1982, a worker with an aid organization was heard saying they really weren’t needed here. Folks whose homes were flooding already had
a place to stay with friends and family and no one would be allowed to go hungry. She told me people in our community are passionate. We disagree now and again, but we always come together and have one another’s back. Many years ago, Bill Eoff introduced me to Anita. Our friendship became one of my most cherished. When I needed advice or encouragement, Anita was always there. She was extremely intelligent and possessed wisdom like unto someone who had lived many lifetimes. She was always a voice of reason and possessed undeniable grit. I once asked her if she was sure about pursuing a story. She See Anita on page 5
Murdock selected as new Police Chief
Jay Murdock by Warren Johnson
After a four hour executive session at a special Clinton city council meeting Wednesday night, a new police chief was named. City Attorney Chad Brown explained before the executive session began that the Mayor has the appointment power for this position. Brown went on to say, the council’s role is they can overturn the decision with a two thirds majority. This decision would
mean four of the six councilors could veto the appointment. During executive session, only the mayor and council are allowed in the chamber. They brought several applicants in to interview separately during the process. Mayor Richard McCormac delivered a written statement to the Voice office Thursday morning, “It is my pleasure to announce the selection of and to congratulate Lt. Jay Murdock as my choice for the position of Chief of Police for Clinton. After interviewing the candidates over the past few weeks, I believe that Lt. Murdock has the essential skills and qualifications to effectively manage and fulfill this position’s requirements and responsibilities. His ten plus years within this particular
department has given him familiarity with its budget, inventory, personnel, and day to day operations. He has shown the ability to make effective decisions in the field and works well within the court system. I would like to thank everyone who expressed interest in the job, especially the ones who interviewed for the position. The field was well represented which made the selection process difficult. Each applicant had served in the past locally as a county and or city law enforcement official or is currently doing so. Clinton is well represented by these public servants who are dedicated to this community. With that, I wish to welcome Lt. Jay Murdock to this position as he assumes his new role.”
Election commission receives citations from Secretary of State by Warren Johnson.
At Thursday’s Quorum Court Meeting, County Judge Dale James praised the new election commissioners on stepping in at the last minute and doing a phenomenal job. He added, “we ended up with an election we can all be proud of.” James presented commissioners Philip Ellis, Jimmy Kirkendoll, and Janice Sundelin with framed citations from Secretary of State John Thurston. Later in the meet-
ing, the new commissioners asked to be paid the same as poll workers at a rate of $10 per hour to save the county money. Due to the general election being big this year, they worked many more hours than usual. They averaged as many as 14 to 16 hour days. J.P. Nickie Brown wanted to clarify this was the Commissioner’s idea. They all agreed and said they believed it was the fairest thing to do. The JP’s thanked the group again for the fantastic job they
did. The crowd in attendance gave the trio a huge clap offering. Reports from other departments at the Nov. 19 meeting included: *County Judge Dale James stated they are at the time of year when his crew will begin spot blading to make as many roads smooth as possible for holiday traffic. James said work is still scheduled for Pinewood and Rumley roads to have See Court on page 5
Coronavirus Coronavirus cases continue to spike in the county By the numbers Van Buren County - Nov. 21
State of Arkansas - Nov. 21
• Total Cumulative Cases: 320 • Confirmed Cases: 284 • Probable Cases: 36 • Total Active Cases: 66 • Active Confirmed Cases: 46 • Active Probable Cases: 20 • Total Recovered Cases: 251 • Recovered Confirmed Cases: 235 • Recovered Probable Cases: 15 • Total Deaths: 3 • Confirmed Deaths: 3
• New cases 1433 • Active 13,534 • Hospitalizations 925 • Deaths 2141
Early last week, after most trees had dropped there leaves, this stunning beauty persisted on Hwy. 16 West. Photo by Jeffry Burgess