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Jury Selection Ends in Capital Murder Trial Jury selection in the capital murder trial of Kenneth Osburn ended around 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 11, in the Ashley County Courthouse. A panel of four male jurors, eight female jurors and two female alternates were chosen during the two-day jury selection from a pool of 127 Ashley County residents. Screened in groups of five, selected jurors were instructed to return around 8:50 a.m. Monday, January 14, to begin serving. Osburn is charged with kidnaping and murder in connection with the August 27, 2006, disappearance and subsequent death of Casey Crowder, 17, of Pine Bluff. The state is seeking the death penalty in the case. Proceedings included questioning of jurors in groups of five about any knowledge that they may have about the case, any connection to the victim's family or others involved in the case. The prospective jurors were also asked about their views on the death penalty and if they would be able to view photos of the victim without the photos interfering with their ability to hear the case impartially. Each of the 127 prospective jurors completed a 17-page questionnaire prior to the jury panel selection process. Half of the panel appeared Thursday with the remainder appearing on Friday. Prior to the onset of proceedings, Circuit Judge Sam Pope asked the panel about issues which would prevent the members from hearing the case. The court allowed Thursday and Friday for juror selection in the case. Judge Pope allocated all of next week for the trial itself. The case was moved to Ashley County from Desha County.
(Updated) Following a lengthy executive session, Crossett School Board members on Thursday night, January 10, hired a new addition to the district to serve as head football coach, athletic director and dean of students. The new mentor for the Eagles and high school dean of students will be Todd Ledford, the current head coach and athletic director at Ashdown High School. Board member Doug Thurman cast the lone dissenting vote on the motion to hire Ledford.
Jury Selection Ends in Capital Murder Trial Jury selection in the capital murder trial of Kenneth Osburn ended around 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 11, in the Ashley County Courthouse. A panel of four male jurors, eight female jurors and two female alternates were chosen during the two-day jury selection from a pool of 127 Ashley County residents. Screened in groups of five, selected jurors were instructed to return around 8:50 a.m. Monday, January 14, to begin serving. Body of Wilmot Man Missing for Six Days Located in Peanut Field The body of a Wilmot man who had been missing since Monday evening, December 31, was found in a field between Parkdale and Wilmot on Sunday morning, January 6. Ashley County Sheriff David Johnson and Emergency Services Coordinator Jim Skender identified the man as Sylvester Kitchen, 55, of 111 Earl Street, Wilmot. Jury Selection in Crowder Capital Murder Case to Begin Thursday Jury selection in the Casey Crowder capital murder trial is slated to begin Thursday in the Ashley County Circuit Courtroom. According to Circuit Clerk Bob Rush, twelve jurors and two alternates will be selected from a panel of 127 Ashley County residents to serve during Kenneth Osburn's trial before Tenth Judicial District Judge Sam Pope. Electronic Ledger Attracts Almost Million Visitors, Over 3 Million Page Views The electronic edition of the Ashley County Ledger, ashleycounrtyledger.com, had almost one million visitors during 2007, and those visitors looked at over three million pages. Crop Prices Higher, But Fertilizer and Fuel Also Reaching Record Levels FAYETTEVILLE-- Arkansas rice, soybeans, corn and wheat producers are seeing record and near-record high crop prices and agricultural economists foresee the trend holding in 2008.
Dedicated Logistics, LLC, of Crossett was recently presented a Platinum Safety Award"by National American Insurance Company as part of the 2006/2007 National Fleet Safety Awards program. Sunday Morning Fire Fatal to Hamburg Woman A Hamburg woman, identified by police as Margaret Chappel, 81, of 521 South Gardner, died in a fire at her residence on Sunday morning, December 30, Hamburg Police Chief Breedlove said. The fire was reported at 6:55 a.m. Hambuirg Man Charged with Rape Hamburg Police Officer David Oliver arrested a Hamburg man last week on two counts of rape involving two minor girls. Looking Back at the Top News Stories from 2007 The new year of 2007 began with local officials taking the oaths of office for their various positions. Circuit Judge Sam Pope administered the oaths to all county officials as well as several mayors and other city officials. In Crossett, District Judge Billy Hubbell administered the oaths to city officials there. Crossett Seeking Suspects In Friday Shooting of Two A Friday night shooting ended with two Crossett residents seeking medical treatment at Ashley County Medical Center and Crossett Police Officers conducting an active investigation into the identity of the shooter. Montrose Officer's Patrol Car and Personal Vehicle Shot Ashley County Sheriff’s Deputies are conducting an investigation into the identity of the person or persons that shot a Montrose part-time police officer's patrol car while patrolling the city and later shot his personal vehicle multiple times while parked outside city hall on Oak Street, Montrose. FDA Warns About Potential for Botulism in Canned Green Beans The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about a potential Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) contamination of canned cut green beans manufactured by New Era Canning Company, New Era, Mich., and labeled as "GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans." C. botulinum is the bacterium that causes botulism. Crossett Voters to Decide Fate of Development Tax on March 11 The Crossett Economic Development Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is seeking the support of voters to continue the levy of a one-fourth of one percent sales and use tax in a special election on March 11, 2008. Hamburg Council Approves Budget In a short meeting on Tuesday night, December 18, the Hamburg City Council approved the budget for the coming year. However, the formal reading of the budget ordinance will not be until the January meeting. Crossett Council Adopts Election, Tax Ordinances; Debates Vicious Dogs Additions to the city's animal ordinance, proposed garbage rates, and the approval of two city ordinances were the focus of Crossett City Council's meeting on Monday, December 17.
Roddy Parker of Hamburg witnessed the unbreakable bonds of brotherly love Friday, December 14, when he stopped and offered a ride to a stranger, Steffen Hem Lain, 25, of Norway, walking east on Highway 82. Ten Apply for Crossett High Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Ten people have submitted applications for the position of head football coach and athletic director in the Crossett School District, according to a list provided by Superintendent Janice Warren. Teodis Ingram, who holds the position, has resigned from the position for next year. Crossett Man Charged with Capital Murder in Death of 17 Month Old A Crossett man is being held in the Ashley County Jail in Hamburg without bond on a potential charge of capital murder in connection with the death of a 17 month old male infant over the weekend, Crossett Police Chief Tommy Sturgeon said Monday afternoon. Crossett Board Votes to Close Buildings Crossett School Board members voted unanimously Monday, December 10, to close two of the district's six buildings, Daniel Intermediate and North Crossett Primary, with administrators assigning grade placement in the remaining buildings.
Miss Arkansas 2007, Katie Bailey, spoke to students at Allbritton and Noble Elementary Friday, December 14, on school violence prevention and awareness, making good choices, and the importance of education. Justices Approve Budget for New Year Members of the Ashley County Quorum Court on Tuesday, December 11, approved a county budget for the coming year, a budget which in may cases is below the amounts approved for the current year. The budget does not include any raises for county employees this year. Psychiatrist Arrested for Drugs Falsified Records Ashley County Quorum Court members received an update of the circumstances that led to the hiring, termination and arrest of a former Ashley County Medical Center psychiatrist employed two weeks at the facility's Generations unit. Hospital Tax Loses by 17 Votes The Ashley County Medical Center's proposal to levy an additional one-fourth percent sales tax for maintenance of the hospital building and to finance new equipment lost by a margin of 17 votes in a special election on Tuesday, December 11. The proposal received a total of 748 favorable votes as compared to 765 that voted against it in the complete but unofficial results. Arson Suspected in Fire that Destroys Home Under Construction The Arkansas State Police and the Ashley County Sheriff's Department are conducting an investigation into the cause of a residential fire at 117 Ashley Road 292 last week. They are treating the fire, about three miles east of Hamburg, as possibly due to arson. AG Announces Settlement with Nine Internet Stores, Including Local One On Monday, December 10, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced the resolution of nine lawsuits against companies and individuals which offered "instant cash rebates" to ostensibly promote the sale of Internet access contracts. Included in the settlement was a Crossett business.
Norman Junior High Teacher John Way in Crossett is one of 250 Arkansas teachers who have achieved national board certification in 2007.
Jessie Clark was the guest speaker at the first Crossett High School Parent Teacher Organization meeting held Thursday, November 29, beginning at 6:30. The rally was a effort put together by countless teachers, staff and volunteers which produced a great turnout by the community. There were close to 600 total in attendance, including 176 students, 232 parents, 61 staff members and other supporters. U. S. News & World Report Ranks HHS in Top Nine Percent in U. S. Hamburg High School earned a bronze rating in the U. S. News and World Report's news analysis of America's Best High Schools. No Arkansas schools earned gold ratings and only two, Dardanelle and Valley View, earned silver ratings. Green, Young Get Quorum Court Seats When the Ashley County Quorum Court gathers on Tuesday, December 11, for its regular meeting, it will have two new members. Governor Mike Beebe named two men to vacant positions on the county legislative body this past week.
On Friday, November 30, Georgia-Pacific presented a $20,000 check to the North Crossett Volunteer Fire Department. Georgia-Pacific has chosen the North Crossett Fire Department as one of its 2007 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant winners. Georgia-Pacific has selected winners in 12 communities from more than 300 communities where it has facilities in the United States. LITTLE ROCK - The American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas recognized real life saving heroes during the Arkansas Heroes luncheon on Monday, November 19, at the Wally Allen Ballroom, Statehouse Convention Center, in Little Rock. This was the fifth celebration for this honor. Hamburg Council Approves Bonuses Even though the City of Hamburg's employees have not had a raise for three years, they will receive a Christmas bonus as a result of the council's actions on Monday night, November 26, during the regular council meeting. Accident Proves Fatal to Hamburg Woman A Hamburg woman, Joyce Livingston, 69, died in a Pine Bluff hospital Saturday, apparently from injuries she suffered in an accident in Hamburg on Wednesday, November 21. Crossett Postpones Sewer Rate Rise Proposed increases in garbage rates were the focus at Crossett's City Council meeting held Monday night, November 19. Supreme Court Affirms Ruling in 1992 Ashley County Murder Case The Arkansas Supreme Court recently affirmed an Ashley County trial court ruling which denied the appellant's petition for a new trial on the grounds of judicial misconduct. Justices Approve Tax Levy, Two Other Ordinances The regular meeting of the Ashley County Quorum Court on Tuesday, November 13, was a short and routine one. The justices approved the annual tax levy ordinance and two more ordinances and heard a series of reports.
The Hamburg School Board will vote during its next regular meeting on Monday, December 17, on one of two proposals for long term facilities plans. Hamburg Superintendent of Schools Keith Alexander presented the proposals to the board during the regular meeting on Monday night, November 12. CPD Offering Reward for Arrest of Vandals The Crossett Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual/individuals involved in the vandalism of vehicles parked at the Crossett Senior High School Band Room and at the Crossett football field house during an away game on Friday, November 1. Hamburg Wins Appeal on Literacy Alert Hamburg School District Superintendent Keith Alexander was notified this past week that the appeal to change the alert status for literacy at the high school had been approved. The appeal was submitted by Carol Moyers, district literacy coach, and Marilyn Chambers, special programs director, in August when the initial reports were received.
Gov. Mike Beebe and Arkansas Education Commissioner Dr. Ken James honored 14 outstanding Arkansas middle and junior high schools, including Hamburg Junior High, at a luncheon Friday hosted at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion. All 14 schools were identified as higher performing schools by Just for the Kids in Arkansas (JFTK) and The National Office for Research, Measurement and Evaluation Systems at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (NORMES).
Nine businesses from throughout the state have been inducted into the Arkansas Small Business Hall of Fame and were formally recognized in a 6 p.m. ceremony Oct. 30 at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. G-P Closes One Plywood Mill; 300 Employees Are Laid Off “A challenged local wood basin and a current market conditions have made it necessary to reduce operations at our Crossett plywood mills. We have idled the number one mill and continue to operate the second plywood mill. As a result, based on seniority, approximately 300 employees have been laid off,” stated Teresa Walsh, Georgia-Pacific public affairs manager. Enrollment Declines in Ten of 13 School Districts in Cooperative Area The enrollment in ten of the 13 school districts in the Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative's service area has declined by 401 students over the past year, according to an e-mail from Norman Hill of the cooperative. The cooperative serves 13 districts in the region. Most of Work Completed on New Roof for Courthouse With the largest part of construction complete on the courthouse roof, Ashley County Judge Emory Austin discussed upcoming repairs to the ceiling on the second floor and gave an update on the construction progress Monday morning. During construction, Austin said leaks continued as workers with Dunn Construction installed the new hipped roof, but that the majority of damage was minor and anticipated.
The Arkansas Forestry Association (AFA) named Rob Jones of R.D. Jones Logging in Fountain Hill as the AFA Logger of the Year. Hamburg Board Picks Pete Hollis, Approves Sale of Building Bonds The Hamburg School Board has a new member as a result of the regular meeting on Monday night, October 15. The board selected Cecil "Pete" Hollis to fill the seat left vacant by the death of his wife, Sharon Hollis. He will serve until the school elections next September. Hamburg Council Gets Updates on Street Work, Water Map Dispute The regular meeting of the Hamburg City Council on Monday night, October 15, was a quite routine one with very few agenda items. Crossett Council Gets Update on West Crossett Lawsuit An update on the pending lawsuit filed by seven West Crossett residents against Georgia-Pacific Corporation and the city of Crossett was discussed during Crossett's City Council Monday night, October 15. Justices Call Tax Election, Approve Refuse Cleanup and Jail Ordinances The Ashley County Quorum Court, in its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 11, approved four new ordinances, including one calling a special election for December 11 and a new county law requiring rural property owners to clean and remove debris and garbage from their property. Stone Takes Over as President of Crossett Board With all members present, including newly elected board member Raymond Blair, officers were elected during the Crossett School Board's regular meeting on Monday, October 8. The new officers are Robert Stone, president; Robert Cornelius, vice-president; Doug Thurman, secretary; and Janice Warren as ex-officio secretary. Portland Council Makes Fir One Way for One Hour Each School Day Parents and guardians will soon notice a change in their afternoon routine when picking their children up from Portland Elementary. The Portland City Council recently approved a new ordinance declaring Fir Street to be one way between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Arkansas Court of Appeals ruled this past week that Ashley County was the proper venue for the trial of a man who was convicted of battery in connection with a fight along or in the Saline River on August 21, 2005.
Citizens of Montrose and surrounding areas will soon have access to a library/museum housed in the former city hall at 307 E. Second St., according to Montrose Mayor Larry Coulter. Slated for an open house 2- 4 p.m. Sunday, October 7, Coulter said to his knowledge this will be the city's first public library. Hamburg Selected for Winrock Training Program The City of Hamburg was recently accepted as one of the newest participants of Winrock International's Nonprofit Improvement Program. Through this program, city representatives will receive invaluable information on federal, state and private funding opportunities. Council Decides to Move Caboose to Park The caboose which has been on North Cherry Street for several years will soon be moved to the Norman Park, the Hamburg City Council decided on Monday night, September 24. Jurors Sentence Brothers to 110 Years Each in Shootings An Ashley County Circuit Court jury convicted and sentenced two brothers tried as accomplices on multiple counts of terroristic acts to 110 years in prison in a trial which concluded on Wednesday, September 19, before Circuit Judge Don Glover. Desha County Capital Case Moved to Ashley County For Trial During January Tenth Judicial District Circuit Judge Sam Pope has reserved seven days on his calendar in January for a capital murder trial involving a Desha County man charged in the death of a Pine Bluff teen. Crossett Council Focuses on Vandalism, Pathways Vandalism of street signs and UAM Career Pathways, an educational initiative offered at the UAM College of Technology-Crossett, were discussed at Crossett's city council meeting held Monday, September 17. The meeting started with all members except Wilburn Austin and Robert Freeman. Hospital Administrator Gets Earful of Questions, Comments, but No Approval of Tax Election Ashley County Hospital Administrator Russ Sword appeared before the Ashley County Quorum Court on Tuesday, September 11, to request the quorum court to call an election for an one-fourth percent sales tax to help in maintenance costs for the facility. Not only did he not get exactly what he wanted, but he also heard from several people who are dissatisfied with the service they received at the facility.
(Updated) Justin Dailey Carpenter, 32, of 1743A Portland Road, Portland, is now in the Ashley County Jail in Hamburg, being held without bond on a charge of capital murder. Ledger Web Site Passes 1,000,000 Visitors for 2006 Some time during the night hours of December 19-20, the one millionth person for the year visited the Ashley County Ledger's electronic edition at ashleycountyledger.com. The year just closed was the first time for the electronic Ledger to pass a million visitors in one year. Photo Galleries Now On-Line at Ledger Web Site Effective on Friday morning, October 21, the electronic edition of the Ashley County Ledger has a new feature, a series of photo galleries. Ledger's Web Site Wins Another Award During the 2006 annual convention of the Arkansas Press Assocation in Hot Springs the weekend of June 22, the Ashley County Ledger's electronic edition was recognized as the third best weekly electronic edition in the state.
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Crossett High Gets New Head Coach and New Name
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