Might as well -- a very happy 2007 to everyone. Yours truly will spend some time emcee'ing the Fayetteville First Night parade on the town square this evening. Hope to see you there among the 20-foot tall marching puppets.

As you can tell, we've been reading a little of Drudge this morning, and this came from his site. Because of our (my) overweaning interest in anything related to television news, this gets stuck on the page. And, yes, it is a bit ironic that the female news anchor was choking (or "choking up") as she did the story about Saddam's necktie-party.

That's definitely one for the Christmas party blooper reel.

OK, we've got a "sore throat" theme this New Year's eve. This video finally made it to YouTube and pretty much everyplace else. Seems someone in the crowd at Saddam's execution used a cell-phone to take this. Apparently the execution took place a little differently than described in the media the first time through. It had a more vengeful tone, but you had to expect that. Saddam's friends can probably be happy a huge crowd didn't simply tear him limb from limb. However, the overtones of Shi'ite partisanship are curious in this...this is from ABC News Terry McCarthy...

There are five men in black face masks who are visible on the gallows platform around Saddam, acting as guards. As they guide him towards the trap door and put the noose over his head, they start chanting religious slogans with the names of Moqtada al Sadr (the head of the Mahdi army, accused of organizing death squads against Sunnis) and Baqr al Sadr (the father-in-law of Moqtada).

Saddam, a Sunni, is outraged at this last-minute provocation, and tells them to “go to hell.” This is generally where the two TV stations cut the video, but on at least one occasion that we saw, Arabiya allowed the video to keep rolling: The cell phone camera is jerked down to the ground, as if the person holding it had to conceal the camera, then it is slowly raised up to Saddam again, and suddenly his body shoots down through the trapdoor.

At this, the Arabiya anchor came on and made a scissors symbol with two fingers with a mischievous grin on his face, as if to say that they really shouldn’t have shown that, but so be it. A cynical voyeuristic ploy, nudge nudge wink wink...

However, the impact of this video could be quite significant. First, it may reinforce Sunni suspicions that the execution of Saddam was merely an act of Shiite revenge for decades of repression under Saddam. The building where the execution took place was expressly chosen because it was once used as a detention center by a division of Saddam’s secret police that was focused on the Shiite Dawa party. Some of the witnesses whom the government invited to the execution had themselves once been tortured in that same building.

Indeed, Prime Minister Maliki, who signed the execution order the day before the hanging, is a long-term member of the Dawa party and had himself been sentenced to death by Saddam back in 1980 before fleeing the country.

Ah, yes, Mr. Bush's little project just gets more interesting by the moment. We wonder just how bad things can get in Iraq for American forces and the future of our foreign policy in the next two years. Yes, give Mr. Bush a rope, as they say...

First story is a good one today. Lesson learned? Kids, don't wear all black after dark and tuck toy guns into your waistbands while lurking around construction projects. That could make you end up looking like swiss cheese. Here's the morning news...

KIDS ALMOST GET POPPED BY COPS

A VERY CLOSE CALL FOR A GROUP OF YOUNG BOYS IN BENTON COUNTY EARLIER THIS WEEK. IN THE DARK, SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES DREW THEIR WEAPONS AND PREPARED TO FIRE ON THE CHILDREN AFTER GETTING A CALL ABOUT A POSSIBLE BURGLARY AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN PRAIRIE CREEK. THE FOUR BOYS, AGES 11 AND 13, DRESSED IN BLACK AND HAD TOY GUNS. IN THE DARK, DEPUTIES COULDN'T SEE THAT. THE BOYS ALL COMPLIED WITH DEPUTIES ORDERS AND STARTED TO CRY. THE KIDS ENDED UP OK, NOBODY GOT HURT, AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS IT WON'T FILE CHARGES.

HUCK WANTS CANCER CENTER

GOVERNOR HUCKABEE HAS PROMISED TO CONTRIBUTE A MILLION DOLLARS TO HELP START A CANCER CENTER. THE CENTER -- TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF LATE LT. GOVERNOR WIN ROCKEFELLER -- WILL SIT NEXT TO UAMS IN LITTLE ROCK. HUCKABEE WANTS STATE LAWMAKERS TO SET ASIDE HALF OF THE 124 MILLION DOLLARS TO START THE CENTER. HIS MONEY COMES FROM PART OF THE STATE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT FUND CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

MAN SAYS HE DIDN'T KILL MOM AND TWO KIDS -- OR DID HE?

A MAN CHARGED WITH KILLING HIS GIRLFRIEND AND HER TWO CHILDREN TOLD A JUDGE YESTERDAY HE DIDN'T DO IT. HOWEVER, POLICE SAY 30 YEAR OLD JAMES AARON MILLER CONFESSED TO KILLING 28 YEAR OLD BRIDGETTE BAR AND HER FIVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SIDNEY. POLICE SAY MILLER DIDN'T REMEMBER KILLING BAR'S 2 YEAR OLD SON GARRETT, BUT ASSUMED HE HAD. MILLER REMAINS BEHIND BARS WITHOUT BAIL.

BEEBE WANTS PETRUS SUPPORT ON GROCERY TAX

GOVERNOR ELECT MIKE BEEBE SAYS HE NEEDS HELP FROM INCOMING STATE HOUSE SPEAKER BENNY PETRUS TO GET RID OF THE GROCERY TAX. PETRUS HAS PUBLICLY SAID HE'D REATHER SEE A TAX REFUND OR REBATE FOR PEOPLE WITH MIDDLE TO LOW-INCOMES INSTEAD OF A CUT TO THE TAX. MR. BEEBE SAID HE'D LIKE TO SEE THE GROCERY TAX PHASED OUT OVER TIME. HE'LL TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE AS GOVERNOR ON JANUARY 8TH.

12 YEAR OLD RAPIST DEPORTED FROM ROGERS

IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS DEPORTED A FAMILY -- AND A 12 YEAR OLD BOY CONVICTED OF RAPE -- FROM ROGERS YESTERDAY. THAT HAPPENED AFTER SCHOOL OFFICIALS BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER KIDS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS -- AND AFTER THEY TALKED TO CONGRESSMAN JOHN BOOZMAN ABOUT IT. BOOZMAN SAID SUPERINTENDANT JANIE DARR TALKED ABOUT IT, SAYING THE COURTS HAD CONVICTED THE BOY OF RAPE SOMEPLACE OUTSIDE SCHOOL, AND EXPLAINING THAT SHE THOUGHT THE BOY WAS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT.

FAY COUNCIL CONSIDERS NEW IMPACT FEES

FAYETTEVILLE'S CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO CHARGE LOCAL DEVELOPERS FOR MORE TRAFFIC ON ROADS THAT LEAD TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER ASKING ALL VOTERS IN FAYETTEVILLE TO CAST BALLOTS IN AN APRIL SPECIAL ELECTION. THE CITY ALREADY COLLECTS IMPACT FEES FROM DEVELOPERS FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICES, AND ALSO HAS APPROVED IMPACT FEES FOR FIRE AND POLICE SERVICE.

ARK JOINS CASE AGAINST CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES

ARKANSAS JOINED 12 OTHER STATES IN A CASE AGAINST THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. THE STATE SAYS SAFECO AND GEICO INSURANCE BOTH VIOLATED THE FEDERAL CREDIT REPORTING ACT BY FAILING TO SEND OUT NOTICES WHEN A POOR CREDIT RATING RESULTED IN PREMIUMS GOING UP FOR CERTAIN CAR INSURANCE CUSTOMERS. OTHER STATES IN THE CASE INCLUDE KANSAS, OKLAHOMA AND GEORGIA.

NEW PARKING DECK FOR METHODISTS?

FAYETTEVILLE'S CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO BUILD A NEW FIVE LEVEL, 275 PARKING SPACE DECK BEHIND THE CHURCH DOWNTOWN. THE CHURCH PLANS TO SHARE THE THE PARKING WITH NEIGHBORS IN THE AREA. THE CHURCH HAS A CONGREGATION OF NEARLY 4-THOUSAND PEOPLE, BUT ONLY HAS 178 PARKING SPACES.

Park closer to thee, my Lord...

Wow, just how slow can it get? Is all this in honor of President Ford? Local news has temporarily ground to a halt...read it and weep...

CRASH INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS HAD MORE TO SAY ABOUT THE CRASH OF A SMALL PLANE NEAR WEST FORK DECEMBER 18TH. THAT CRASH KILLED THE PILOT, 37 YEAR OLD MICHAEL MORLAN, AND LEFT THREE PASSENGERS INJURED. INVESTIGATORS SAY THERE WAS SOME FOG THE NIGHT OF THE CRASH, BUT SAY THE PILOT WAS EXPERIENCED. THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHY MORLAN CRASHED. INVESTIGATORS RECOVERED A HAND-HELD GPS SYSTEM WHICH SHOWED THE PLANE WAS ON COURSE FOR THE RUNWAY, AND DESCENDING PROPERLY BEFORE THE CRASH.

COPPER CABLE THEFT IN LR

BANDITS IN LITTLE ROCK MANAGED TO STEAL COPPER WIRING FROM THE CITY'S TROLLEY LINE FOUR TIMES THIS YEAR. NOW, FIVE VIDEO CAMERAS WILL KEEP AN EYE ON THE MAIN STREET BRIDGE TO PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THE CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY SAYS THE REMOVAL OF THE WIRING HASN'T AFFECTED THE OPERATIONS OF LITTLE ROCK'S STREETCARS.

MODERN TIMES

THE COURTS IN BENTONVILLE HAVE DECIDED TO GO "HIGH - TECH" THIS YEAR. IN THE PAST, THE COURTS USED A "JURY WHEEL" - A BINGO-STYLE ALUMINUM CYLINDER FILLED WITH NUMBERED CHIPS - TO CALL JURORS FOR DUTY. NOW, LAPTOP COMPUTERS WILL MANAGE THAT TASK. THE WHOLE UPGRADE WILL COST 43-HUNDRED DOLLARS. AS RECENTLY AS 1990, THE COURTS PULLED NAMES FROM A CIGAR BOX -- THEY'VE COME A LONG WAY.

RIP, DEAD CHRISTMAS TREES

WANT TO DO SOMETHING POSITIVE WITH YOUR DEAD CHRISTMAS TREE THIS YEAR? TAKE IT TO BEAVER LAKE. IF YOU HAVE A TREE, YOU CAN DROP IT OFF AT THE BOAT RAMP NEAR THE ARKANSAS 12 BRIDGE EAST OF ROGERS. OR, JUST TAKE IT OUT TO YOUR FAVORITE FISHING SPOT AND SINK IT. THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SAY THOSE CHRISTMAS TREES PROVIDE A PLACE FOR FISH TO LIVE.

PRICEY PREP FOR LEG

ONLY ABOUT TWO WEEKS UNTIL LAWMAKERS CONVENE THE 86TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN LITTLE ROCK. SO FAR, IT'LL COST TAXPAYERS ABOUT 30-THOUSAND DOLLARS A DAY TO PREPARE THE CAPITOL FOR THE BIG EVENT. CREWS CONTINUE TO INSPECT STATE-ISSUED LAPTOPS TO BE USED BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. SOUND SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE ONCE OVER AND OTHER SYSTEMS -- LIKE THE VOTING SYSTEM -- WILL ALSO GET TECHNICAL ATTENTION.

MORE PLACES TO PIG-OUT IN FAYETTEVILLE

FANS OF DINING-OUT HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN FAYETTEVILLE THIS YEAR -- ABOUT A DOZEN NEW RESTAURANTS. A POPEYES CHICKEN AND BISCUITS WILL GO UP ON SIXTH STREET. THAT RESTAURANT WILL BE JOINED BY A NEW CHICK-FIL-A, TACO BELL AND A PIZZA PLACE. A NEW SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE AND SUSHI BAR WILL GO UP ON JOYCE BOULEVARD AS WELL.

As Whinnie-the-Pooh would say, "Yum-yum!"

I've been spending time this morning talking about the passing of President Ford, so figured I might as well post something about it as well. Mr. Ford, 38th President of the United States, passed away in California yesterday at the age of 93. He was the only un-elected president, and America's oldest president as well, beating Reagan by a month.

Our thoughts and good wishes go out to the Ford Family, and to some of our close friends who worked for the Fords as well. The President had nothing but friends out there (Chevy Chase excepted...)

I'm still baffled by my RNC Christmas card. Go figure. Some interesting items in the rundown this morning -- a very dark story out of Fort Smith and some over-eager criminals in Fayetteville. Here's your morning news...

CHILDREN MURDERED IN FORT SMITH

POLICE SAY A MAN MAY HAVE SPENT AS LONG AS A WEEK WITH THE BODIES OF HIS TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR MOTHER, TRYING TO CLEAN UP AFTER HAVING KILLED THEM. 30 YEAR OLD JAMES AARON MILLER SITS BEHIND BARS, WITHOUT BOND -- PROSECUTORS HAVEN'T FILED CHARGES IN THE CASE YET. THE CHILDREN HAD COME TO FORT SMITH FOR A CHRISTMAS VISIT TO THEIR MOTHER. POLICE PICKED UP MILLER AFTER GETTING A CALL FROM HIS FATHER, SAYING MILLER MIGHT HAVE BECOME SUICIDAL.

POLICE ARREST MAN FOR RAPE AT HOTEL IN SPRINGDALE

POLICE IN SPRINGDALE YESTERDAY ARRESTED A MAN FOR ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPING A WOMAN FROM HER HOME, THEN RAPING HER AT GUNPOINT BEFORE LETTING HER GO. 43 YEAR OLD JEFFERY THOMPSON FACES CHARGES OF HAVING KIDNAPPED THE WOMAN, TAKING HER TO A HOTEL WHERE HE STAYED. POLICE SAY THOMPSON THEN FORCED HER TO DRIVE HIS VAN BACK TO HER HOUSE WHERE HE LET HER GO.

NO BONUSES AT TYSON

TYSON FOODS SAYS "NO BONUSES FOR EXECUTIVES" THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE COMPANY FAILED TO MEET EARNINGS TARGETS. THAT MEANS EXECUTIVES WILL MISS OUT ON PERKS THAT ADDED UP TO MORE THAN 5-MILLION DOLLARS LAST YEAR. THAT MEANS EVEN JOHN TYSON WON'T GET EXTRA MONEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AFTER A POOR PERFORMANCE BY THE COMPANY, WHICH STRUGGLES TO BECOME PROFITABLE AGAIN.

VISIT FROM A STAR

RAZORBACK RUNNING BACK AND HEISMAN TROPHY RUNNER UP DARREN MCFADDEN GAVE AN UNEXPECTED PRESENT TO SOMEONE THIS HOLIDAY. MCFADDEN VISITED A BOY INJURED IN LAST WEEK'S PLANE CRASH NEAR WEST FORK. 9 YEAR OLD COLE MCGILTON REMAINS HOSPITALIZED. HIS FATHER, A SPRINGDALE FIREFIGHTER, ARRANGED THE VISIT.

NEW SCHOOL HAS NEW WAY OF POWERING UP

WHEN THE NEW BELLA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPENS NEXT FALL -- IT'LL BECOME ONE OF THE ONLY SCHOOLS IN THE STATE HEATED BY GEOTHERMAL WELLS. ONE REASON FOR THAT? NO NATURAL GAS LINES NEAR THE SITE OF THE NEW FACILITY. CURRENTLY, JB HUNT AND FADIL BAYYARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN SPRINGDALE ALSO USE GEOTHERMAL HEAT. SOME SAY THAT COULD REDUCE ELECTRIC BILLS AT THE NEW SCHOOL BY AS MUCH AS A THIRD.

POST-CHRISTMAS SALES LOOK GOOD IN NWA

THE POST-CHRISTMAS RETURN AND SALE SEASON APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED OFF IN A BUSY WAY THIS WEEK. STORE MANAGERS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS SAY THEY SAW FEWER RETURNS THIS YEAR THAN IN THE PAST. SOME OF THOSE MANAGERS CLAIM INCREASING SALES OF GIFT CARDS MADE THAT POSSIBLE. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION -- IN CASE YOU WONDERED -- ONE IN 12 GIFTS PLACED UNDER A TREE -- ENDS UP RETURNED.

GO EASY ON THE BUBBLY

IF YOU PLAN TO TIP A FEW BACK THIS NEW YEAR'S EVE -- GET A DESIGNATED DRIVER, ESPECIALLY IN BENTON COUNTY. POLICE THERE SAY THEY'LL ADD AT LEAST TEN ADDITIONAL OFFICERS TO DWI SATURATION PATROLS IN THE COUNTY. STATE POLICE HAVE ALSO ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR SOBRIETY CHECK POINTS ON STATE HIGHWAYS.

WILL DIVINITY PROJECT FALL THROUGH?

WILL A LAWSUIT PREVENT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE DIVINITY HOTEL AND CONDOS ON DICKSON STREET IN FAYETTEVILLE? SOME SAY THE HOTEL MIGHT NOT GO UP. FOR NOW, THE BARBER GROUP -- THE COMPANY BUILDING DIVINITY -- SAYS IT HAS NO PLANS TO GIVE UP. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY DOES SAY IT WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE OUTCOME OF A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CITY BY TWO MEN WHO ONE PROPERTY NEAR THE SITE. IF IT LOOKS LIKE THE CITY MAY LOSE, THE COMPANY MAY BUILD SOMETHING ELSE ON THE SITE, LIKE A PARKING LOT.

SMASH AND GRAB IN FAYETTEVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE INVESTIGATORS SAY CROOKS WERE HARD AT WORK OVER CHRISTMAS. THEY'VE REPORTED SEVERAL "SMASH-AND-GRAB" ROBBERIES AT LOCAL STORES, INCLUDING DICKSON STREET LIQUORS, CHEAP THRIPLLS AND HOUNDSTOOTH CLOTHING COMPANY. POLICE SAY SOMEONE THREW BRICKS THROUGH STORE WINDOWS AND TOOK MERCHANDISE.

Well, 'tis the season to throw rocks, smash windows and pilfer your neighbor's business, right?

Imagine that! The RNC actually sent me a Christmas Card! Not the President, of course, but Ken Mehlman! When I take it home, it goes right into my collection with each and every Christmas card I ever received from the Clintons (I've got all eight years worth.)

It's signed by Kenny, Jo Ann Davidson and Kelley McCullough! This would have to be the first Christmas card I've ever received from the GOP. Wow...I'm overwhelmed. Maybe this is in the spirit of bipartisanship? Did ya'll get one too? Or did I do something to warrant the attention?

Holt, did you put my name on some mailing list?

In keeping with the day's theme (returns, gift card purchases and sales) you'll find today's news consists of "remaindered" items, some of which ran this weekend. It's a slow day, deserted here at the radio station with minimal staff. Here's your day-after-Christmas morning news...

SHOPPING RUSH - DAY-AFTER VERSION

GET READY FOR THE DAY-AFTER-CHRISTMAS SHOPPING RUSH. EXPECT CROWDS AT YOUR LOCAL MALLS AS RETAILERS DO THEIR BEST TO BEAT SALES EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON. THAT HASN'T HAPPENED YET, AND THROUGH THE HOLIDAY -- SALES HAD FALLEN SHORT OF LAST YEAR'S. RETAILERS INCLUDING WAL-MART HAVE DECIDED TO HOLD CLEARANCE SALES ON ELECTRONICS....TOYS R US WILL HOLD SALES OF 60 PERCENT OFF THIS WEEK.

WHERE TO GET LIQUOR ON SUNDAY

THREE CITIES WILL LET LIQUOR STORES MAKE SALES THIS NEW YEAR'S EVE -- A SUNDAY, SO UNUSUAL. EUREKA SPRINGS, ALTUS AND WIEDERKER VILLAGE WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A 1999 WHICH ALLOWED THEM TO PASS LOCAL ORDINANCES PROVIDING LIQUOR SALES ON SUNDAY. SALES ON THAT DAY CAN TAKE PLACE BETWEEN NOON AND 10 P.M.

FUNDING, BUT NO PLACE FOR MENTALLY ILL IN NWA

BEEN AWHILE, BUT NOW NORTHWEST ARKANSAS HAS FUNDING TO TAKE CARE OF THE MENTALLY ILL. HOWEVER, NO HOSPITALS HAVE ANY SPACE TO DO THE JOB. IN 2005, LAWMAKERS MANAGED TO SET ASIDE HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR A PSYCHIATRIC UNIT IN THE REGION, BUT NO HOSPITAL HAS DECIDED TO TAKE THE PROJECT. THE LAST HOSPITAL-BASED PSYCHIATRIC UNIT - AT NORTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER - CLOSED IN 2002. THE HOSPITAL CLOSED THE UNIT, SAYING IT LOST MONEY ON THE SERVICE.

MORE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTERS?

ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN MAY GET MORE HELP SOON -- AND MAY FIND MORE PLACES WHERE THEY CAN GO FOR THAT HELP. A TASK FORCE SET UP BY STATE LAWMAKERS HAS RECOMMENDED THE STATE SET UP MORE "ADVOCACY CENTERS" -- THE FIRST OF WHICH OPENED FOR BUSINESS IN SPRINGDALE IN 1997. 8 MORE CENTERS ALSO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE. THE TASK FORCE ALSO RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS IN EDUCATION ON HOW SOCIAL WORKERS, TEACHERS AND OTHERS CAN IDENTIFY ABUSED KIDS.

CHRISTMAS STABBING

POLICE SAY A MAN WALKED INTO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OF NORTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER -- AFTER A STABBING ON CHRISTMAS MORNING. THE MAN, WHO DIDN'T SPEAK ENGLISH, SUFFERED A WOUND TO THE BACK NEAR HIS RIGHT SHOULDER. POLICE SAY HE DIDN'T SUFFER ANY LIFE-THREATENING INJUIRES -- INVESTIGATORS HAVE MADE NO ARRESTS SO FAR.

SHELTER WAITS ON MOBILE HOME REQUEST

A WOMEN'S SHELTER IN DE QUEEN, ARKANSAS WANTS TO USE FIVE MOBILE HOMES AS TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR BATTERED WOMEN. THOSE ARE FEMA MOBILE HOMES INTENDED FOR KATRINA VICTIMS -- HOMES STILL AT THE HOPE AIRPORT. DESPITE MAKING THE REQUEST A MONTH AGO, THE "SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER" SAYS IT HASN'T HEARD A WORD FROM THE GOVERNMENT. THE HOME CONTINUE TO GATHER DUST AT THE AIRPORT, AND THE CENTER CONTINUES TO FEEL FRUSTRATED.

Ah, just a few days 'til the Katrina investigations start in Congress!

The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown, passed away early this morning of pneumonia. He was 73 years old. Anyone who cares about hard driving music, metal, punk, what-have-you, cares about James. He has provided the soundtrack for many a night editing and writing the local news. He will be greatly missed. Sometimes you don't get a present on Christmas morning, sometimes you get something taken away. Rest in peace, Godfather...

Mr. Brown used one of his best-known expressions to convey his determination to perform, saying, “I’m the hardest working man in show business, and I’m not going to let them down.”

Mr. Brown died at 1:45 am today as a result of congestive heart failure caused by the pneumonia, Mr. Copsidas said.

Along with “the hardest working man in show business,” over a career that lasted more than 50 years, Mr. Brown called himself "Mr. Dynamite," "Soul Brother No. 1," "the Minister of Super Heavy Funk" and "the Godfather of Soul," and he was all of those and more.

Mr. Brown’s music was sweaty and complex, disciplined and wild, lusty and socially conscious. Beyond his dozens of hits, Mr. Brown forged an entire musical idiom that is now a foundation of pop worldwide.

"I taught them everything they know, but not everything I know," he wrote in an autobiography.

Want to read more -- click on the NYTimes obituary. Also, here is JB's home webpage.

Friends of Arkansas Tonight...

Some three years have passed since I first started the "Arkansas Tonight" radio program. In that time, we've had an uncountable number of guests, several producers, been on a couple of terrestrial and internet stations, and finally found our home on KFAY-AM in Fayetteville. This website also started as part of that effort. I'd have to say that it has always been a challenge to keep both the program and the show up-to-date. Sometimes we've done very well, other times we've performed at a snail's pace. But it has been rewarding. So, it's a little tough for me to tell both listeners and readers this news -- the "Arkansas Tonight" radio show will cease production, and probably broadcast as of the end of this month. The website will remain active, and dedicated to commentary and news about Arkansas and the nation, that much I can promise.

The decision was a difficult one to make. I've decided to resume my career in local television (on the anchor desk again) at a station on the east coast. Yes, I'm leaving the area because that's what people in television do.

However, the area won't leave me, and I won't forget it.

It's tough to simply leave all the people, places, laughter and even tears that made up my six-plus years in Northwest Arkansas. All of you (or most of you) always welcomed me with open arms. Even those who didn't are appreciated because they helped make the experience here unforgettable, and helped me grow. I couldn't possibly thank all of our guests individually, but do want to thank a handful of people in particular. Matt and Greg and John and others made the program better than it was when it started. They, and many others, continue to make my internet experience worthwhile. Baber -- don't quit writing, you too made (and make) this effort the best part of my stay here. To Laura -- you've done a fantastic job, and you'll be missed. As for Max and Warwick at the ArkTimes -- I'll miss our interaction as well. To those of you in local and state television, radio and the newspapers -- thanks for having patience and for letting me practice my craft here with you.

I have three years of recorded programs that I intend to rotate and post as soon as possible after my departure. I may even continue the program on a monthly basis online. You never know -- not having the strictures of the FCC and locale holding things back, perhaps we can really light some fires and get some good conversations going.

So, thank you all so much for the ride, for the experience and for the joy of working in Arkansas' local media. It was always a pleasure.

Finally, from my family to all of you, Happy Holidays and may the new year bring you all the best.

Don

PS - I'll send pics of the beach.

We know it's rare for us to post a news rundown on a Saturday, but chalk it up to the holiday malaise. Got up this morning, and just felt like slapping one together. Here's your morning news...

BIG MONEY AT TYSON

HOW MUCH DO YOU EARN? WELL, IF YOU WORK AS THE CEO OF TYSON FOODS -- YOU AN EXPECT A SALARY OF AT LEAST 1-POINT-2 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. CEO RICHARD BOND ALSO GETS MORE THAN SIX MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF TYSON STOCK BY THE YEAR 2010. THE COMPANY DISCLOSED THE BIG SALARY ON FRIDAY -- ALL THAT, AS THE COMPANY CONTINUES ATTEMPTS AT BECOMING PROFITABLE AGAIN.

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT UP

UNEMPLOYMENT IN ARKANSAS WENT UP IN NOVEMBER TO 5.2 PERCENT -- STILL ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, WHICH ALSO WENT UP TO 4.5 PERCENT. THE STATE LOST ABOUT 500 JOBS LAST MONTH, AND SAW THE NUMBER OF THOSE WITHOUT JOBS RISE TO MORE THAN 72,000 PEOPLE. THE HARDEST HIT INDUSTRY REMAINS THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. TRADE, TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES ADDED JOBS.

TRAVEL DELAYS AT XNA -- NO KIDDING!

TRAVELLERS TRYING TO GET OUT OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FOUND THEMSELVES EITHER AT HOTELS, OR STRANDED AT THE AIRPORT AT THE END OF THE WEEK, MOSTLY BECAUSE OF ROUGH WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE WEST AND MIDWEST THIS PAST WEEK. HOWEVER, THE ROADS APPEAR CLEAR, WITH THE STATE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT REPORTING CLEAR ROADS IN ARKANSAS, TEXAS, OKLAHOMA AND MISSOURI.

REMEMBERING THE DEAD IN IRAQ

FAYETTEVILLE'S "OMNI CENTER FOR PEACE, JUSTICE AND ECOLOGY" WILL HOLD A VIGIL TO REMEMBER AMERICAN WAR DEAD IN IRAQ. THE "BLACK TUESDAY VIGIL" WILLTAKE PLACE OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE ON COLLEGE AVENUE WHEN -- AND IF - THE 3,000TH AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBER DIES IN IRAQ. THE GROUP EXPECTS THAT TO BE JANUARY 2ND. AS OF THURSDAY NIGHT, THE AP REPORTED 2,959 AMERICAN MILITARY DEATHS IN IRAQ.

MORE ON PLANE CRASH

FEDERAL AVIATION INVESTIGATORS LOOKING INTO THE CRASH OF A SMALL PLANE NEAR WESTFORK LAST WEEK STILL DON'T KNOW WHY THE CRASH HAPPENED. HOWEVER, THEY DO NOW SAY THE PLANE CRASHED AFTER HITTING TREES ON APPROACH TO FAYETTEVILLE'S DRAKE FIELD. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS -- 9 YEAR OLD COLE MCGILTON OF SPRINGDALE -- WAS UPGRADED FROM CRITICAL TO SERIOUS CONDITION AT ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN LITTLE ROCK. THE PILOT OF THE PLANE DIED IN THE CRASH.

Our wishes go to the families involved in that crash -- that's one of the toughest ways ever to spend the holidays.

Just about time to depart for the holiday weekend, and there aren't too many things going on. Just Alice Walton feeling frustrated she can't have a Thomas Eakins painting up in B-Ville. Seems Philly jumped on it and decided not to let it go for quite a few bucks. No update for you on the Katie Rees story...here's your morning news...

SERIAL BANK ROBBERS CAUGHT?

A BENTONVILLE MAN AND HIS SON SUSPECTED IN A SERIES OF BANK ROBBERIES IN BOTH ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI SIT IN JAIL THIS MORNING. POLICE ARRESTED 63 YEAR OLD BILL BARNES AND HIS SON WILLIAM AFTER A BANK ROBBERY IN FORT SMITH WEDNESDAY. POLICE BELIEVE THE TWO ROBBED A BANK IN JANE, MISSOURI TWICE.

AMMONIA LEAK IN FAYETTEVILLE

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAMS IN FAYETTEVILLE LAST NIGHT HAD TO TRAVEL TO THE HILAND DAIRY BECAUSE OF A POSSIBLE AMMONIA LEAK. CREWS EVACUATED 16 EMPLOYEES FROM THE BUSINESS. NOT MUCH WORD YET ON WHY THE LEAK HAPPENED -- INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY WERE LOOKING AT A ONE-THOUSAND GALLON TANK HOLDING THE CHEMICAL. NO ONE GOT HURT.

DOUBLE HOMICIDE-SUICIDE

DEPUTIES IN SALINE COUNTY SAY A MAN SHOT AND KILLED HIS EX-WIFE AND HER FIANCEE IN THE PRESENCE OF TWO CHILDREN WEDNESDAY NIGHT. POLICE SAY 31 YEAR OLD WILLIAM POTTER OF BENTON SHOT THE COUPLE, THEN SHOT HIMSELF IN THE HEAD. POLICE SAY POTTER THEN TOOK HIS 18 MONTH OLD SON OUT OF THE CAR WHERE THE SHOOTING HAPPENED, GAVE THE CHILD TO A NEIGHBOR AND PULLED THE TRIGGER. POTTER'S 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS NEARBY.

HIGHER WATER BILLS SOON?

GET READY FOR YOUR WATER BILL TO GET MORE EXPENSIVE. THE BENTON-WASHINGTON REGIONAL PUBLIC WATER AUTHORITY WANTS TO INCREASE THE PRICE OF H2O BY 32 CENTS PER THOUSAND GALLONS. THE PRICE HIKE WOULD HELP REFINANCE DEBT. THE AUTHORITY OWES ABOUT 25 MILLION DOLLARS.

NEW USE FOR JEFFERSON SCHOOL POSSIBLE

THE OLD JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN FAYETTEVILLE MAY SOON HAVE NEW TENANTS. THE CITY SCHOOL BOARD LAST NIGHT DECIDED TO CONSIDER LEASING THE FACILITY TO A GROUP THAT WANTS TO CREATE AND ART AND EDUCATION CENTER. THE BOARD DECIDED TO SET A MARCH DEADLINE FOR A DECISION ON THE AGREEMENT. THE BUILDING MAY END UP HOUSING STUDIOS FOR 23 ARTISTS.

BLACK-OUT!

SHOPPERS AND DINERS IN ROGERS SPENT TIME IN THE DARK LAST NIGHT DURING A POWER OUTAGE THAT LASTED ALMOST AN HOUR. THE BLACKOUT HIT BUSINESSES ALONG WALNUT STREET FROM I-540 TO 13TH STREET AT ABOUT 7:45 PM. IT HAPPENED AFTER A CAR HIT A POLE AT KOHL'S. POLICE SAY A SIMILAR POWER OUTAGE HAPPENED LAST WEEK.

NO PHILLY PAINTING FOR CRYSTAL BRIDGES

SEEMS GROUPS IN PHILADELPHIA HAVE THROWN A WRENCH INTO PLANS BY THE NEW CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART TO BUY ANOTHER FAMOUS PAINTING. A FUNDRAISING DRIVE IN PHILLY GENERATED 30 MILLION DOLLARS -- THAT AND PROMISES OF BANK LOANS WILL KEEP ARTIST THOMAS EAKINS' PAINTING "THE GROSS CLINIC" ON THE EAST COAST. WAL-MART HEIRESS ALICE WALTON HELPED PUT TOGETHER THE ORGINAL DRIVE TO GET THE PAINTING TO NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

ROSS ASKS FOR VACCINE FACILITY

ARKANSAS CONGRESSMAN MIKE ROSS HAS ASKED THE SECRETARIES OF DEFENSE AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE TO PUT A GOVERNMENT-OWNED VACCINE PRODUCTION FACILITY AT THE PINE BLUFF ARSENAL. UNDER ROSS PROPOSAL, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD OWN THE SHOT MAKING FACTORY, BUT A CONTRACTOR WOULD OPERATE THE FACILITY.

Yes, indeed. Turn it over to a contractor. We thought that's what Rep. Ross said was the problem with the situation to begin with -- that a private contractor couldn't manage the job, and that the government should turn the job over to itself.

OK, I've got to admit that I've been following this and the Tara story more than I should, but darn it, it's just too difficult not to run a google search on the photos. Mr. Baber writes tonight...

Don,

A bigtime media guy like you oughtta be able to post a link here to the Miss Nevada pix that have everybody all bent out of shape. Can you do that???

Indeed, Baber, being the "bigtime" media guy, I can give you that link. Did you doubt for a moment complete photo albums and a spicey article to go along with it from the ol' TMZ.com?

Seems that Tara has more company. Looks like the now former Miss Nevada, Katie Rees, enjoys a little "Girls Gone Wild" action.

The only things I could think when looking at the pics were, "why would she do that? Does she want a job in porn? If so, this'll go great with her resume..." and, "doesn't she feel stupid getting busted for something like this?"

Who knows...maybe this is the way women in the beauty pageant biz have decided they can make more money, or become more famous and grace the covers of big-time magazines rather than do the simple nationwide tours and do appearances at Disney World and Universal.

Enjoy, Mr. Baber.

Getting closer to the holiday. Gotta do a lot of shopping the next four days. Hope you have yours done so we don't cross paths at the mall. I hate crowds. Here's your morning news....

FATAL WRECK ON I-540

AN ACCIDENT ON I-540 YESTERDAY CLAIMED THE LIFE OF ONE PERSON, AND LEFT THE DRIVER OF A TRUCK FULL OF CHICKEN PARTS INJURED. POLICE SAY THE CAR CROSSED THE MEDIAN NORTH OF WEDINGTON ROAD IN FAYETTEVILLE, HITTING THE TRUCK. POLICE HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED THE DRIVER OF THE CAR, BUT SAY THE TRUCK DRIVER, 63 YEAR OLD MORRIS SIMS, RECEIVED TREATMENT AT WASHINGTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOR MINOR INJURIES.

COUNTERFEIT ID'S CONFISCATED

INVESTIGATORS IN SPRINGDALE SAY THEY GOT A TIP -- AND FOUND EQUIPMENT, A PRINTER -- AND FAKE ID CARDS. HOWEVER, THEY DIDN'T CATCH ANY COUNTERFEITERS. DETECTIVES SAY THEY THINK WHOEVER MADE THE IDS HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE OCTOBER. THE CARDS WOULD REPORTEDLY SELL ON THE STREET FOR BETWEEN 50 AND 100 DOLLARS EACH.

SHE SAYS SHE DIDN'T DO IT

A FAYETTEVILLE WOMAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING A CHILD IN HER CARE SAYS SHE DIDN'T DO IT. 23 YEAR OLD LORITA LANEJ PLEADED INNOCENT IN COURT YESTERDAY, BUT STILL REMAINS BEHIND BARS ON A QUARTER-MILLION DOLLAR BOND. IF CONVICTED, SHE COULD FACE THE DEATH PENALTY OR LIFE IN PRISON. PROSECUTORS SAY LANEJ SHOOK, SQUEEZED AND APPLIED EXTREME FORCE CAUSING THE CHILD TO SUFFER INTERNAL INJURIES.

ROGERS NEW RETAIL CAPITOL?

TALK ABOUT AN EARLY HOLIDAY GIFT! ROGERS MAYOR STEVE WOMACK FOUND OUT YESTERDAY THAT SALES TAX REVENUE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER FOR PINNACLE PROMENADE WILL PROVIDE THE CITY A CHECK FOR NEARLY A MILLION DOLLARS. AS A RESULT, WOMACK SAID HE BELIEVES HIS CITY HAS STARTED TO BECOME THE RETAIL CENTER OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

INSURACE FOR LOW-INCOME WORKERS

BUSINESS IN ARKANSAS THAT HAVEN'T PROVIDED HEALTH INSURANCE FOR LOW-INCOME WORKERS NOW HAVE A NEW OPTION -- ARHEALTHNET WILL PROVIDE THAT COVERAGE FOR 80-THOUSAND WORKERS, AND GET SOME OF ITS FUNDING FROM MEDICAID. THE PROGRAM WILL CHARGE PREMIUMS BETWEEN 30 AND 70 DOLLARS A MONTH. IT'LL ALSO COST THE STATE ABOUT 18 MILLION DOLLARS OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

STATE LAWMAKERS WILL CONSIDER ENDING THE PRACTICE OF NAMING BUILDINGS, BRIDGES AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS AFTER LIVING PEOPLE. A NEWLY ELECTED STATE REPRESENTATIVE WANTS TO MAKE THAT POLICY THE LAW. REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT DAN GREENBERG SAYS HE CONSIDERS NAMING BUILDINGS AFTER THE LIVING "DISTASTEFUL" -- ESPECIALLY WHEN NAMING BUILDINGS AFTER POLITICIANS.

GAMBLING MACHINES PAY OFF

GAMBLING MACHINES JUST PUT IN AT A HORSE TRACK IN HOT SPRINGS AND AT THE DOG TRACK IN WEST MEMPHIS HAVE GENERATED NEARLY 2-MILLION DOLLARS REVENUE. THE STATE SAYS IT RECIEVED MORE THAN 300-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FEES FROM BOTH BUSINESSES AS A RESULT.

HUNT FOR WOODPECKER RESUMES

THE SEARCH FOR THE ELUSIVE -- IF IT EXISTS -- IVORY BILLED WOODPECKER HAS RESUMED IN ARKANSAS. TWO MEN REPORTED SEEING THE ONCE-THOUGHT-EXTINCT BIRD LAST WEEK. THE STATE'S GAME AND FISH COMMISSION SAYS SEARCH TEAMS WILL RETURN TO THE STATE EARLY THIS COMING YEAR TO LOOK FOR THE BIRD. AFTER INITIAL SIGHTINGS IN ARKANSAS, THE FOCUS FOR SEARCHERS EVENTUALLY MOVED TO OTHER STATES.

...tweet, tweet....tweet, tweet...

You may have heard this before -- is the Prez doing a version of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Even better is a song the "Spin The World" has called "Guys Like Me." This actually made the rounds some time back, but has a new life in the MySpace universe. Particulary interesting since Mr. B says he might put more troops in Iraq. Anyone catch the morning press conference in DC?

A couple of follows today, one about the car crash and one about that fatal fire that happened at a group home in SE Missouri. Other than that, pretty slow stuff...here's your morning rundown...

MORE ON NWA PLANE CRASH

WE KNOW MORE THIS MORNING ABOUT THOSE INVOLVED IN A PLANE CRASH THAT HAPPENED NEAR WEST FORK EARLIER THIS WEEK. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE PILOT -- 37 YEAR OLD MICHAEL MORLAN OF FAYETTEVILLE - DIED. THE PLANE WENT DOWN ON APPROACH TO FAYETTEVILLE'S DRAKE FIELD EN-ROUTE FROM ARDMORE, OKLAHOMA MONDAY NIGHT. A NEARBY HOMEOWNER HEARD CRIES FOR HELP AND LEAD POLICE TO THE CRASH SITE. STILL NO WORD ON WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH.

MORE IN FATAL FIRE IN MISSOURI

INVESTIGATORS IN MISSOURI NOW THINK THEY KNOW WHAT CAUSED A DEADLY FIRE AT A GROUP HOME NEAR JOPLIN EARLIER THIS MONTH. THEY SAY HOURS BEFORE THE BLAZE, A MAINTENANCE MAN INTENTIONALLY SHORT CIRCUITED WIRING TO CUT OFF POWER SO HE COULD WORK ON A FURNACE. INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF ARSON IN THE CASE, AND CALLED WHAT HAPPENED AN ACCIDENT.

ADVOCACY GROUP CALLS FOR "RAINY DAY FUND"

USING PART OF THE STATE'S PROJECTED 843 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET SURPLUS FOR A "RAINY DAY" FUND MIGHT LET ARKANSAS FOCUS ON LONG TERM NEEDS, INSTEAD OF FOCSING ON ECONOMIC CRISIS MANAGEMENT. THAT'S ACCORDING TO ARKANSAS ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. THE GROUP ALSO SAYS FOUR OTHER STATES ALSO DO NOT HAVE A RAINY DAY FUND -- COLORADO, ILLINOIS, KANSAS AND MONTANA. THE GROUP SAYS THE STATE SHOULD SET ASIDE AT LEAST 10 PERCENT OF THE SURPLUS.

SMALLER PER-STUDENT FUNDING INCREAS ON THE WAY

PUBLIC FUNDING FOR STUDENTS WON'T GO UP AS MUCH AS EXPECTED, IF LAWMAKERS APPROVE A PLAN FROM A LEGISLATIVE PANEL APPROVED YESTERDAY. THE PLAN WOULD ONLY RAISE PER-STUDENT FUNDING BY HALF A PERCENT. THE STATE NOW PAYS ABOUT 5 AND A HALF THOUSAND DOLLARS PER STUDENT. CONSULTANTS RECOMMENDED LAWMAKERS RAISE THAT FIGURE NEARLY 9 PERCENT.

FEDS GIVE BENCHMARK EXAMS THUMBS UP

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS FINALLY APPROVED ARKANSAS' BENCHMARK EXAMS FOR STUDENTS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. MORE THAN HALF THE STATE'S 450-THOUSAND STUDENTS TAKES THOSE TESTS. SIX MONTHS AGO, THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WOULDN'T APPROVE THE TESTS, SAYING SOME OF THE QUESTIONS JUST SEEMED TOO EASY.

BAR TO CLOSE IN FAYETTEVILLE AFTER COUNCIL MTNG

THE FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL LAST NIGHT DECIDED TO REVOKE THE CITY LIQUOR PERMIT OF CASA TORRES RESTAURANT ON COLLEGE AVENUE AFTER OWNERS OF THE BUSINESS SAID THEY PLANNED TO SHUT THE PLACE DOWN. THE DECISION CAME AFTER POLICE RECITED A SERIES OF PROBLEMS AT THE BAR OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. NEIGHBORS ALSO TALKED ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH CASA TORRES.

BILLION DOLLARS EXPECTED ON FAY SHALE EXPLORATION

TWO COMPANIES THAT PLAN TO EXPLORE THE FAYETTEVILLE SHALE FOR NATURAL GAS SAY THEY'LL SPEND MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS NEXT YEAR DOING THAT. SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY AND CHESAPEAKE ENERGY WILL INCREASE PRODUCTION BECAUSE OF PLANS TO CREATE ADDITIONAL PIPELINES. SOUTHWESTERN SAYS IT PLANS TO DRILL AS MANY AS 450 WELLS NEXT YEAR.

NEW EMERGENCY CENTER OFF AND RUNNING

WORK STARTED TUESDAY ON THE STATE'S NEW EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK. THE CENTER WILL ALLOW STATE OFFICIALS TO BETTER COORDINATE RESPONSES TO EMERGENCIES LIKE TORNADOES OR TERRORIST ATTACKS. THE FACILITY WILL COST 13-POINT-5 MILLION DOLLARS.

BB&BARBEQUE MAKES RECORD DONATIONS

BIKES, BLUES AND BARBEQUE SAW IT'S HIGHEST ATTENDANCE EVER THIS YEAR -- NOW, THE FEST CAN REPORT IT HAS MADE IT'S BIGGEST DONATION EVER TO LOCAL CHARITIES. RALLY ORGANIZERS DONATED 150-THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE THAN LAST YEAR TO 30 CHRARITIES ON TUESDAY. ALL THE MONEY MADE AFTER THE FEST PAYS ITS BILLS GO TO CHARITY. THE BIGGEST RECPIENT THIS YEAR? THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN FAYETTEVILLE RECEIVED MORE THAN 28-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Let the good times roll...

We're not huge fans of fake photoshop images, in fact, they strike us as a little juvenile. However, sometimes they are funny. This one struck us as humorous, and just a little political. It comes from Something Awful.

Another day, more politics -- and yes, today, a woman fired from her job in Rogers for buying $15 worth of medicine for a cat - go figure. Ah, yes, Houston Nutt got a six year contract extension and he'll get a raise. Go figure. Here's the morning news...

WESTFORK PLANE CRASH

THE FAA WILL START ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT A PLANE CRASH THAT HAPPENED ABOUT 10 P.M. LAST NIGHT NEAR WEST FORK. SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES SAY THE CRASH KILLED THE PILOT -- THREE PASSENGERS ENDED UP AT WASHINGTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL. THE PLANE DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR ON APPROACH TO FAYETTEVILLE'S DRAKE FIELD. CONDITIONS WERE FOGGY, BUT SO FAR, WE'VE HEARD NO WORD ON WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE CRASH.

ROGERS COP HURT IN IRAQ CONTINUES RECOVERY

A ROGERS POLICE OFFICER HURT WHILE SERVING AS A MARINE IN IRAQ LEFT A TEXAS HOSPITAL. LANCE CORPORAL CHRIS TRAXSON CONTINUES TO GET TREATMENT FOR INJURIES HE SUFFERED AFTER A ROADSIDE BOMB WENT OFF NEAR HIS HUMVEE NORTH OF BAGHDAD. ANOTHER MARINE -- LANCE CORPORAL TREY O'CONNELL OF FAYETTEVILLE -- ALSO GOT HURT DURING THAT ATTACK. TRAXSON WILL REMAIN NEAR THE HOSPITAL AT FORT SAM HOUSTON IN SAN ANTONIO.

DAYCARE OPERATOR TO SURRENDER TO PD

POLICE IN VAN BUREN EXPECT A WOMAN WHO RAN A DAYCARE CENTER OUT OF HER HOME TO TURN HERSELF IN TODAY. 54 YEAR OLD MARY AKINS FACES CHARGES OF FAILING TO REPORT THAT HER HUSBAND ABUSED CHILDREN AT THE CENTER. POLICE ARRESTED LARRY AKINS IN SEPTEMBER ON 11 COUNTS OF RAPE AND 9 COUNTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE. MS AKINS FACES AS MANY AS 20 YEARS IN PRISON IF CONVICTED.

FAY PD ARREST MAN FOR BURGLARY, ASSAULT

FAYETTEVILLE POLICE SAY THEY ARRESTED A MAN LAST WEEK THOUGHT TO HAVE THREATENED ANOTHER MAN WITH A KNIFE, AND ALSO THOUGHT TO HAVE HELD A WOMAN AGAINST HER WILL. 21 YEAR OLD ALVIN MCCULLOUGH FACES A SERIES OF FELONY CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY BREAKING INTO A WOMAN'S HOUSE. POLICE ALSO BELIEVE MCCULLOUGH WORE A SKI MASK AND CARRIED A KNIFE DURING A BREAK IN AT ANOTHER APARTMENT BUILDING IN THE CITY LAST WEEK.

LINCOLN PREFERS HUCK OVER MCCAIN

SENATOR BLANCHE LINCOLN ON MONDAY TOLD REPORTERS SHE THINKS CURRENT ARKANSAS GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE COULD PROVIDE REPUBLICANS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CONSERVATIVES LIKE ARIZONA SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN. SHE ALSO SAYS THE POSSIBLE LIST OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES "EXHAUSTS" HER. LINCOLN SAYS SHE HOPES THE CAMPAIGNS DON'T INTERFERE WITH THE SENATE AGENDA THIS COMING YEAR.

ARGUE HAS WEEKEND HEART ATTACK

STATE SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM JIM ARGUE CONTINUES TO RECOVER AFTER SUFFERING A HEART ATTACK THIS WEEKEND. ARGUE ALSO UNDERWENT ANGIOPLASTY SUNDAY, AND WILL RECOVER AT ST. VINCENT INFIRMARY MEDICAL CENTER.

DWI PATROLS INCREASE THIS HOLIDAY

THE STATE POLICE SAY THEY'LL PICK UP THE PACE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, LOOKING FOR DRUNK DRIVERS. TROOPERS WILL JOIN OTHER POLICE AGENCIES NATIONWIDE TO CRACK DOWN ON INTOXICATED DRIVERS ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S DAY. STATE POLICE DIRECTOR STEVE DOZIER SAYS 51 PEOPLE HAVE DIED ON ARKANSAS ROADS DURING THE HOLIDAYS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

FIRED FOR BUYING CAT MEDICINE?

THINK YOU HAVE A TOUGH JOB? SHE SAYS SHE LOST HER JOB -- FIRED AFTER FAILING TO GET APPROVAL FROM HER BOSS TO BUY 15 DOLLARS WORTH OF MEDICINE FOR A CAT. ROGERS ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGER KELLY GILBERT BECOMES THE THIRD PERSON FIRED FROM THAT JOB IN THE SHELTER'S 11 YEARS. MAYOR STEVE WOMACK HAD NO COMMENT ON THE PERSONNEL CHANGE. GIBERT'S MANAGER SAYS HE FIRED HER FOR INSUBORDINATION.

"SUPERNET" GOES ONLINE AT U OF A

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS HAS TAKEN A GIANT LEAP FORWARD IN TERMS OF INTERNET ACCESS. MONDAY, THE SCHOOL LOGGED IN AND WENT LIVE ON A NATIONAL HIGH-SPEED FIBER OPTIC NETWORK THAT CONNECTS UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE NATION. THE NEW SYSTEM ALLOWS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS TO COMMUNICATE AT A 10 BILLION BYTES PER SECOND.

Ah, let the porn flow! Talk about "live web cams" -- man, just wait until the abuse starts on this thing...

Yeah, I've taken more than a couple of days off. This weekend was my usual drunken holiday party weekend. OK, to put things into perspectives, I had three scotch and sodas which just about made me go blind. That's my total liquor intake for an entire year, but it packs a punch. Doing some big things in the coming weeks, we'll keep you posted...here's the news.

ETHICS FINES TO GO UP?

IF YOU HOLD ELECTED OFFICE AND BREAK THE STATE'S ETHICS CODE NEXT YEAR, GET READY TO PAY DOUBLE THE FINES. THE STATE'S ETHICS COMMISSION PLANS TO ASK THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE TO RAISE THE MINIMUM FINE TO 50 DOLLARS, THE MAXIMUM TO TWO THOUSAND. ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION DOESN'T THINK IT MAKES SENSE TO RAISE THE FINES -- CALLING THE CURRENT MAXIMUM FINE A "SLAP ON THE WRIST" -- THE NEW FINE, "TWO SLAPS ON THE WRIST" ESSENTIALLY INEFFECTIVE.

GET READY FOR SPEED TRAPS AND BOOZE

SEEMS SOME CITIES IN ARKANSAS WANT MORE TRAFFIC TICKETS. THE STATE'S MUNICAL LEAGUE PLANS TO ASK LAWMAKERS TO CHANGE A LAW THAT GOVERNS SPEED-TRAPS. THE LAW CURRENTLY PREVENTS SMALL TOWNS FROM GENERATING THE BULK OF THEIR REVENUE FROM TRAFFIC TICKETS. THE LEAGUE ALSO WANTS TO LET CITIES ESTABLISH "ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS" WHICH WOULD ALLOW PEOPLE TO CARRY OPEN CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOL FROM ONE BUSINESS INTO ANOTHER. THE GOVERNOR VETOED A SIMILAR PLAN LAST YEAR -- GOVERNOR ELECT BEEBE SAYS HE'LL SUPPORT THE PLAN.

AG WARNING ON GIFT CARDS

THE STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE HAS A WARNING FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPERS -- READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE BUYING GIFT CARDS, IF THOSE CARDS COME FROM BANK AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES. THE AG'S OFFICE SAYS SOMETIMES THOSE CARDS COME WITH FEES AND EXPIRATION DATES. THE AG SAYS IT HASN'T RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS SO FAR, BUT WANTS SHOPPERS AND GIFT-GIVERS TO PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE SITUATION.

BIG BILL FOR STATE'S RETIREES

THE STATE COULD END UP HAVING TO PAY MORE THAN 2 BILLION DOLLARS IN THE FUTURE TO COVER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE RETIREES. THAT BILL HAS SOME WORRIED. THE STATE COULD END UP HAVING TO DIVERT MORE TAXES TO RETIREE'S INSURANCE, OR MIGHT HAVE TO CUT BACK ON SOME COVERAGE. A NEW REPORT FROM CONSULTANTS ALSO SAYS TAXES MAY HAVE TO GO UP TO COVER THE BILL.

FAY NIGHTCLUB FACES BIG TROUBLE

A FAYETTEVILLE NIGHTCLUB COULD LOSE IT'S LIQUOR LICENSE DURING A PUBLIC HEARING SET TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL HEAR ABOUT A SERIES OF POLICE CALLS AND PROBLEMS AT CASA TORRES ON COLLEGE AVENUE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. LOCAL POLICE SAY THEY HAVE MORE THAN 100 PAGES OF ALLEGED STATE LIQUOR VIOLATIONS AT THE BUSINESS.

HUCK DOESN'T LIKE BLOGS...

GOVERNOR HUCKABEE HAS A NEW BOOK ABOUT TO HIT YOUR LOCAL STORE SHELVES. "FROM HOPE TO HIGHER GROUND: 12 STEPS TO RESTORING AMERICA'S GREATNESS" FEATURES 196 PAGES OF STORIES FROM THE GOVERNOR, AND ALSO INCLUDES HIS IDEAS ON MATTERS FROM EDUCATION TO TAXES. IN THE BOOK, MR. HUCKABEE ALSO URGERS PEOPLE TO READ BLOGS LESS AND READ THE BIBLE MORE.

Sometimes, the Rev. Gov. can be a gigantic weenie. Does he really think America will elect him President based on platitudes like "read blogs less...?" Sheesh, that's weenie talk if we've ever heard it.

Another day, another tax cut proposal. Here's your Wednesday morning rundown...

TAX CUT BILL FILED

WITH AN 843 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET SURPLUS, ARKANSAS STATE LAWMAKERS STILL HAVEN’T DECIDED WHAT TO DO WITH THE MONEY. STATE SENATOR KIM HENDREN OF GRAVETTE FILED A BILL YESTERDAY THAT – IF PASSED – WOULD GRANT EVERYONE IN ARKANSAS A 3 PERCENT INCOME TAX BREAK FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS. OTHER LAWMAKERS WOULD LIKE THE SURPLUS TO GO INTO A “RAINY DAY’ FUND AS A HEDGE AGAINST ANOTHER ECONOMIC DOWNTURN.

MAN CHARGED WITH KIDDIE PORN GOES AWOL

A BENTONVILLE MAN FACING FEDERAL CHARGES OF POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY – AND ALSO FACING A RAPE CHARGE – MAY HAVE LEFT THE AREA AHEAD OF HIS TRIAL. POLICE SAY 44 YEAR OLD TROY WAYNE FLETCHER SHOULD HAVE SURRENDERED MONDAY. HOWEVER, FLETCHER’S ATTORNEY COULDN’T FIND HIM. FLETCHER OWNS CHUCK WAGON CATERING, AND WILL NOW APPEAR ON BENTON COUNTY’S “MOST WANTED” LIST.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH RAPING BOY ON TRIAL

IN BENTON COUNTY YESTERDAY, JURORS IN THE TRIAL OF DONNA SUE MARS HEARD A RECORDING MADE BY A DEPUTY AFTER HER ARREST ON CHARGES OF RAPING A 13 YEAR OLD BOY. MARS REPORTEDLY ASKED THE DEPUTY, “HOW CAN YOU RAPE THE WILLING?” MARS ALSO FACES A CHARGE OF EXPOSING THE BOY TO H-I-V. SHE ADMITS DRINKING HEAVILY AND TAKING SEVERAL MEDICATIONS THE DAY OF THE ARREST. THE BOY TESTIFIED THAT HE RESISTED HER ADVANCES.

ARK UNPREPARED FOR BIOTERROR AND FLU

A NEW REPORT SAYS ARKANSAS HAS NOT PREPARED FOR AN OUTBREAK OF THE BIRD FLU OR BIOTERRORISM. THE REPORT, ISSUED BY “TRUST FOR AMERICA’S HEATH” ONLY FINDS A FEW STATES AND CITIES READY FOR A HEALTH DISASTER. ARKANSAS SCORED 5 OUT OF A POSSIBLE TEN IN TERMS OF READINESS FOR A PANDEMIC FLU OUTBREAK. KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA RANKED AMONG THE TOP STATES IN THE NATION ON THE REPORT.

BOARD MEETS WITH CITY COUNCIL

FAYETTEVILLE’S SCHOOL BOARD GOT TOGETHER LAST NIGHT WITH THE CITY COUNCIL FOR A CONVERSATION ABOUT EDUCATION. BOTH GROUPS AGREED THAT EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH GO TOGETHER. ECONOMIST KATHY DECK WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS SAYS PEOPLE IN THE REGION NEED TO INVEST IN EDUCATION, BECAUSE THAT INVESTMENT RESULTS IN NEW JOBS AND BUSINESSES.

ROGERS WILL GO FOR PERFORMANCE PAY

THE ROGERS SCHOOL BOARD HAS AGREED TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL FUNDING TO PAY TEACHERS EXTRA MONEY, IF THOSE TEACHERS STUDENTS POST HIGHER SCORES ON STANDARDIZED TESTING. THE “PERFORMANCE PAY” PROGRAM COMES AS PART OF THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT. HOWEVER, OF THE DISTRICTS 21 FACILITIES – ONLY 10 HAD STAFF WHO VOTED IN FAVOR OF APPLYING FOR THE FUNDING.

MOVIE ABOUT CRYSTAL BRIDGES

A WASHINGTON, D.C. BASED VIDEO COMPANY HAS DECIDED TO CREATE A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF ART IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. THE COMPANY HAS ALREADY SHOT SOME OF THE FILM IN BOSTON, INCLUDING FOOTAGE OF WALTON FAMILY HEIRESS ALICE WALTON – ONE OF THE PRIME MOVERS BEHIND THE MUSEUM PROJECT. SHOOTING ON THE MOVIE WILL CONTINUE IN BENTONVILLE.

I'm ready for my close up now, Mr. DeMille...

OK, back in town -- spent some time out west this weekend, flew back late Monday. Also, what a surprise we got this morning! Seems some of our AdBrite ads are pornographic. Apologies -- we thought we told the ad company we didn't take adult ads, and if you were offended by the naked pics that showed up when you accessed the page this morning -- well, take a pill. They were just naked people, what can we say. We're working to fix the problem. Your eyes didn't burn out or anything, did they? Here's the morning run down...

HUNT FUNERAL

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE YESTERDAY ATTENDED FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE LATE JB HUNT, THE FOUNDER OF J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES AND PARTNER IN THE PINNACLE GROUP. BOTH A MEMORIAL AND FUNERAL SERVICE TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY. HUNT DIED LAST WEEK AFTER SUFFERING A HEAD INJURY DECEMBER 2ND NEAR HIS HOME IN GOSHEN – HE WAS 79 YEARS OLD.

CELL PHONE BUST IN LEG?

STATE SENATOR KIM HENDREN OF GRAVETTE WANTS TO CRACK DOWN ON DRIVERS USING CELL PHONES BEHIND THE WHEEL. HENDREN HAS TWO PROPOSALS – ONE WOULD BAN CELL PHONE USE UNLESS THE DRIVER USES A HANDS-FREE DEVICE. THE OTHER WOULD BAN ANY DRIVER UNDER THE AGE OF 18 FROM USING ANY KIND OF CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING.

NEW DL'S FOR UNDERAGE DRIVERS

NEW DRIVERS’ LICENSES AND ID CARDS IN ARKANSAS AIM TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR TEENS TO BUY BEER OR CIGARETTES. THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THE NEW ID’S YESTERDAY. THE NEW CARDS HAVE A NEW LAYOUT – DESIGNED VERTICALLY, RATHER THAN HORIZONTALLY LIKE YOUR LICENSE NOW. THE DESIGN IS A PRETTY CLEAR SIGN TO STORE CLERKS ABOUT THE PERSON’S AGE. THE LICENSES WILL ALSO LIST THE DATE WHEN THE DRIVER WILL TURN 21, AND THE DATE WHEN THE DRIVER TURNS 18.

DISSENSION IN REPUBLICAN PARTY

STATE REPUBLICANS RE-ELECTED THE PARTY’S STATE CHAIRMAN, STATE SENATOR GILBERT BAKER OF CONWAY, AND DID IT WITHOUT MOST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE PARTY’S BENTON COUNTY DELEGATION. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DELEGATION EXPLAINED THAT THE GROUP BOYCOTTED THE CONVENTION TO PROTEST SENATOR BAKER’S ROLE IN DENYING ROGERS STATE SENATOR DAVE BISBEE A ROLE AS THE FIRST REPUBLICAN SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM SINCE THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR. BISBEE ALSO LOST HIS POSITION AS CHAIR OF THE JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE.

LAWN PARKING ON THE AGENDA IN SPRINGDALE

SPRINGDALE’S CITY COUNCIL HAS AN IDEA – BAN PARKING ON LAWNS AND GRASS. THE COUNCIL MEETS TONIGHT, AND WILL READ THE PROPOSAL, BUT WAIT TO VOTE ON THE ISSUE UNTIL THE PUBLIC HAS A CHANCE TO GIVE FEEBACK ON THE IDEA. THE ORDINANCE WOULD BAN PARKING ON HOME LAWNS IN THE CITY. AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL SAYS PEOPLE HAVE CALLED HER COMPLAINING THAT THE PRACTICE OF DOING SO HAS LOWERED PROPERTY VALUES.

BIG HEIST?

POLICE IN LITTLE ROCK DID THEIR JOB – GRABBING 17 YEAR OLD RAY LEWIS, THOUGHT TO HAVE ROBBED A BANK MONDAY WHILE WEARING A SKI MASK AND HOODED JACKET. THE ARREST HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER THE ROBBERY AT A SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL BANK. POLICE SAY THEY EVEN FOUND SOME OF THE STOLEN MONEY – A WHOPPING 71 DOLLARS.

Ah, all that work knocking off the bank, with so little payoff...

Obviously, bit story this morning and Thursday afternoon was the death of JB Hunt (the man, not the company.) No word on what the death means in terms of the future of Pinnacle and the company. Here's your morning rundown...

JB HUNT DIES AT AGE 79

BIG STORY, IF YOU DIDN’T HEAR ABOUT IT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON – JB HUNT PASSED AWAY THURSDAY AT THE AGE OF 79. ACCORDING TO HIS FAMILY, MR. HUNT DIED AFTER SLIPPING ON ICE THIS WEEKEND AND INJURING HIS HEAD – HE’D BEEN AT NORTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER IN SPRINGDALE IN CRICITAL CONDITION SINCE THE ACCIDENT. IN 2004, HUNT STEPPED DOWN AS CEO OF HIS TRUCKING COMPANY, THE LARGEST PUBLICLY HELD TRUCKING COMPANY IN AMERICA. SERVICES FOR JB HUNT TAKE PLACE NOON MONDAY AT THE CHURCH AT PINNACLE HILLS IN ROGERS. A VIEWING WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 2 AND 5 P.M. SUNDAY AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN SPRINGDALE.

HIGH COURT UPHOLDS DEATH SENTENCE

THE STATE SUPREME COURT YESTERDAY TURNED DOWN AN APPEAL OF THE CONVICTION AND DEATH SENTENCE OF A MAN WHO STABBED AND KILLED HIS WIFE IN AN INTERSECTION IN FORT SMITH. THOMAS LEO SPRINGS CLAIMED ATTORNEYS AT TRIAL IGNORED AN OLD HEAD INJURY HE CONTENDS MADE HIM UNSTABLE. CHRISTINA SPRINGS DIED JANUARY 21, 2005 WHEN MR. SPRINGS RAMMED HER CAR, AND STABBED HER TO DEATH AS SHE SAT IN THE VEHICLE.

WAL-MART FIRES AD AGENCY

FIRST – THEY GOT THE JOB, NOW THEY DON’T. WAL-MART HAS FIRED ITS NEW AD AGENCY AFTER THIS WEEK’S DEPARTURE OF JULIE ROEHM, WAL-MART’S TOP MARKETING OFFICER. SHE PLAYED A BIG PART SELECTING THE NEW COMPANY. WAL-MART WILL START SEARCHING FOR A NEW AD AGENCY NOW. THE COMPANY’S AD BUSINESS IS WORTH HALF A BILLION DOLLARS.

CLINTON SCHOOL GRADUATION

13 STUDENTS WILL GRADUATE AS THE FIRST CLASS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS’ CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE. CEREMONIES TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK WITH A SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER – THE SCHOOL’S NAMESAKE, FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON. FOUNDING DEAN DAVID PRYOR WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE.

SUIT OVER 12 STEP PROGRAM

DO 12-STEP PROGRAMS VIOLATE THE SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE? A WOMAN SENTENCED TO ATTENDING ONE SUCH PROGRAM SAYS SO, AND HAS FILED A FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST A JUDGE IN ROGERS BECAUSE OF THAT DECISION. MINDY GAYLE OFFUTT FILED SUIT – JUDGE DOUGH SCHRANTZ SENTENCED HER TO A 12 STEP PROGRAM AFTER HER CONVICTION FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. OFFUT SAYS SUCH PROGRAMS MAKE PRAYER MANDATORY.

TAX CUT TO SPARE SCHOOLS

GOVERNOR ELECT MIKE BEEBE TOLD THE STATE’S SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION GETTING RID OF THE STATE’S SALES TAX ON FOOD WON’T HURT EDUCATION FUNDING. BEEBE SPOKE TO THE GROUP’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE THURSDAY. SOME WORRY EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE WILL HAPPEN. BEEBE HAS ALSO PROMISED FARMERS THAT THE TAX CUT WON’T HURT FARM SUBSIDIES.

PAY FOR GRADES IN BENCO?

FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE BENTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND FOUNDATION HAVE ENCOURAGED GOOD GRADES – WITH CASH. BOTH GROUPS GAVE STUDENTS 28-THOUSAND DOLLARS LAST YEAR AND ABOUT 40-THOUSAND DOLLARS THIS YEAR. THAT MEANS 100 DOLLARS TO EACH STUDENT WHO SCORES 28 OR HIGHER ON THE ACT COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM. 60 STUDENTS MANAGED TO DO THAT THIS YEAR.

That's right -- pay them to get good grades. That makes them ineligible for the Olympics, right?

Another day, another story rundown. Near unanimous approval of Bob Gates last night in Senate voting for SecDef, including Mark and Blanche. Here's your morning news...

U OF A STUDENT FACES KIDNAPPING CHARGE

A UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS STUDENT AND ANOTHER MAN FACE CHARGES OF BEATING, THEN KIDNAPPING A U OF A SOPHOMORE AT A FRAT HOUSE. POLICE BELIEVE STUDENT SCOTTY GADDIS AND AARON ACKLIN BEAT UP, THEN BOUND STUDENT DAX NOWELL AFTER A FIGHT OVER A WOMAN. POLICE BELIEVE THE TWO MEN BEAT NOWELL UNTIL HE LOST CONSCIOUSNESS, THEN DUMPED NOWELL AT HIS HOME IN FAYETTEVILLE AFTERWARD. THE ALLEGED ATTACKERS REMAIN IN THE COUNTY JAIL.

HUMMER THROUGH HOUSE? TO JAIL YOU GO...

POLICE IN FAYETTEVILLE ALSO ARRESTED A MAN WHO DROVE HIS HUMMER INTO A HOUSE LAST MONTH, JUST MISSING A WOMAN AND TWO CHILDREN INSIDE. POLICE ARRESTED JONATHAN BUTLER ON CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER, BURGLARY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF. WOMEN AT THE HOUSE SAY BUTLER CAME BY LOOKING FOR A FRIEND, THAN STARTED DRINKING BEFORE THEY ASKED HIM TO LEAVE AND HE GOT INTO HIS CAR.

NO PARTERNSHIP WITH FAY SCHOOLS

AN ATTORNEY FOR THE FAYETTEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THE SCHOOLS CAN SPEND ANY DISTRICT MONEY TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS AT THE FORMER JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, EVEN IF THE SCHOOL HAS SOME SORT OF PARTNERSHIP WITH THOSE OPERATIONS. THE ATTORNEY SAYS THAT WOULD VIOLATE THE STATE CONSTITUTION. AN ART GROUP AND A SOCIAL SERVICES GROUP BOTH WANT TO USE THE FORMER SCHOOL FACILITY.

NEW WES CLARK BOOK DUE NEXT YEAR

RETIRED GENERAL WESLEY CLARK SAYS HE’LL HAVE A NEW BOOK IN STORES BY NEXT SUMMER, BUT ADDS NO ONE SHOULD CONSIDER THAT A SIGN HE PLANS TO RUN FOR THE WHITEHOUSE IN 2008. CLARK UNSUCCESSFULLY RAN FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION IN 2004. HIS BOOK – WHICH DOESN’T AS OF YET HAVE A TITLE – SHOULD APPEAR IN STORES IN LATE SUMMER 2007.

CONG. DELEGATION APPROVES IRAQ REPORT

ARKANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION YESTERDAY WELCOMED THE RELEASE OF THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP REPORT. AMONG OTHERS, CONGRESSMAN VIC SNYDER SAID HE BELIEVED THE REPORT OFFERED AMERICA A PLAN FOR GETTING OUT OF A TOUGH SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE BI-PARTISAN STUDY GROUP DESCRIBED THE SITUATION IN IRAQ AS “GRAVE AND DETERIORATING.”

ARK. SENS VOTE FOR GATES FOR SECDEF

ARKANSAS SENATORS MARK PRYOR AND BLANCHE LINCOLN BOTH VOTED LAST NIGHT IN FAVOR OF CONFIRMING NEW SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT GATES. GATES NOW TAKES OVER FROM OUTGOING SECRETARY DONALD RUMSFELD. THE NOMINATION PASSED THE SENATE ON A VOTE OF 95 TO 2 LAST NIGHT.

WASHCO FARMER DIES IN FIRE

FIREFIGHTERS FOUND THE BOY OF A 69 YEAR OLD WASHINGTON COUNTY FARMER INSIDE HIS BURNING HOUSE EARLY YESTERDAY. INVESTIGATORS SAY IT APPEARS THAT CHARLES THURMAN WENT BACK INTO THE HOUSE SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE, AND SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRE STARTED. THEY SAY NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY THURMAN WENT BACK INSIDE.

MONEY FOR CAMPS

TWO SECOND WORLD WAR JAPANESE INTERNMENT CAMPS IN ARKANSAS COULD QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RESTORATION AND RESEARCH AS PART OF A NEW BILL PASSED BY CONGRESS. IF SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT, THE LAW WOULD PROVIDE 38 MILLION DOLLARS AIMED AT PRESERVING THE CAMPS ACROSS AMERICA. THE US GOVERNMENT SENT PEOPLE OF JAPANESE DESCENT TO THE CAMPS FOLLOWING THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR ON DECEMBER 7, 1941.

SHOP WITH A COP

AND, TIME HAS COME AGAIN FOR “SHOP WITH A COP.” FAYETTEVILLE OFFICERS WILL TAKE 141 KIDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING THIS WEEKEND AT BOTH WAL-MART SUPERCENTERS IN TOWN. THE DEPARTMENT SAYS IT RAISED ABOUT 14-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR – 2 THOUSAND MORE THAN LAST YEAR. THE PROGRAM ALSO ADDED 21 MORE KIDS.

Good to have some truly positive news to tell you -- "Shop with a Cop" is just such news.

We're still in the middle of a re-design here, among other things, so the posts will remain sporadic at best. Interesting story about the resignation of Wal-Mart's Julie Roehm, the wunderkind behind the John Edwards/Playstation story...she needs a new job. Here's the morning news...

ECO SLOWDOWN HITS ARKANSAS

A NATIONWIDE ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN HAS HIT ARKANSAS. COMPANIES ELIMINATED ABOUT A THOUSAND MANUFACTURING JOBS IN THE NATURAL STATE LAST WEEK – THE BIG LOSSES CAME AS TWO PLYWOOD PLANTS, AND A TELEVISION FACTORY CUT JOBS. IN ALL, THE STATE HAS LOST NEARLY 5-THOUSAND JOBS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SINCE OCTOBER 2005. WHIRLPOOL AND OTHER COMPANIES CUT JOBS STATEWIDE, SENDING MANY OF THOSE JOBS OVER THE BORDER IN A SEARCH FOR CHEAPER FOREIGN LABOR.

GRIFFEN WANTS PUBLIC AT DISCIPLINARY HEARING

APPEALS COURT JUDGE WENDELL GRIFFEN WANTS THE STATE SUPREME COURT TO INVITE THE PUBLIC TO HIS DISCIPLINARY HEARING. THE COURT PLANS THE HEARING TO DISCUSS PUBLIC COMMENTS MADE BY GRIFFEN ABOUT THE NOMINATION OF CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS TO THE NATION’S HIGH COURT. THE HIGH COURT PANEL HAS ALSO DECIDED TO INCLUDE COMMENTS GRIFFEN MADE ABOUT THE WAR IN IRAQ AS PART OF THE PROCEEDINGS.

IMMIGRATION LAW?

A STATE LAWMAKER FROM VAN BUREN WANTS TO CREATE A LAW THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE STATE FROM CONTRACTING BUSINESSES WHICH EMPLOY ILLEGAL IMMMIGRANTS. HOWEVER, REPRESENTATIVE RICK GREEN SAYS HE DOESN’T HAVE ANY EVIDENCE THAT’S HAPPENING.

WMT MARKETER LEAVES JOB

SHE PROBABLY GOT SOME ATTENTION AFTER COMING UP WITH A NEWS RELEASE SAYING SOMEONE FROM THE JOHN EDWARDS CAMPAIGN ASKED FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION BUYING ONE OF THE NEW PLAYSTATION 3’S – SHE ALSO GOT HER JOB TO HELP WAL-MART SELL MORE HIGH END PRODUCTS TO SHOPPERS. NOW, WAL-MART SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS JULIE ROEHM FINDS HERSELF WITHOUT A JOB TODAY. THE COMPANY WOULDN’T SAY WHY ROEHM AND ONE OF HER ASSISTANTS LEFT THE COMPANY.

ALLEGED ROBBER CAUGHT

POLICE SAY THE CAPTURED A MAN WHO MAY HAVE ROBBED A TONTITOWN BANK YESTERDAY. POLICE ARRESTED ROY STUTTS AT HIS HOME AFTER SPOTTING HIS PICKUP TRUCK AT THE HOUSE – TWO BLOCKS FROM THE CRIME SCENE, AND TWO HOURS AFTER THE HOLD-UP. POLICE SAY THEY FOUND SOME OF THE STOLEN MONEY IN THE HOME.

TAX HIKE IN BENTON COUNTY

BENTON COUNTY’S QUORUM COURT HAS PASSED A 1-POINT-1 MILL TAX INCREASE, DESPITE OBJECTIONS FROM SOME COUNTY RESIDENTS AND A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. THE TAX HIKE WOULD EQUAL AN ADDITIONAL 44 DOLLARS EXTRA PROPERTY TAX ON A HOME WORTH 200-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

BELLA VIST INCORPORATES

BENTON COUNTY JUDGE GARY BLACK MADE IT OFFICIAL YESTERDAY, MAKING BELLA VISTA A TOWN. THE JUDGE SIGNED INCORPORATION PETITIONS AT HIS OFFICE. BLACK SIGNED INCORPORATION PAPERS ON MONDAY. THE COUNTY CLERK BELIEVES THE ENTIRE PROCESS WILL RAP UP THIS WEEK.

BENCO KIDDIE PORN ARREST

ALSO ON MONDAY, POLICE IN BENTONVILLE ARRESTED A MAN IN CONNECTION WITH POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY FOUND MATERIAL THAT SHOWS THE EXPLOITATION OF “EXTREMELY YOUNG CHILDREN” AT THE HOME OF 35 YEAR OLD FRANK JEREMY WALLACE. DETECTIVES GOT A TIP FROM A CALLER TO A CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE ACCUSING WALLACE OF OFFERING MONEY TO AN ELEVEN YEAR OLD GIRL IF SHE’D POSE FOR NUDE PHOTOGRAPHS. WALLACE ALSO FACES DRUG CHARGES IN THE CASE.

GRAY WINS CITY COUNCIL RECOUNT

AFTER A RECOUNT, IT LOOKS AS IF ADELLA GRAY AGAIN WON THE RACE FOR THE FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL. THE MARGIN OF VICTORY REMAINS A MEAGER FOUR BALLOTS. ELECTION OFFICIALS ORIGINALLY DECLARED RICHARD OSBORNE THE WINNER, BUT SAID AN INTERNAL AUDIT SHOWED ELECTION WORKERS COUNTED SOME OF THE BALLOTS TWICE.

FIGHT AGAINST FAT FAILING

SEEMS ARKANSAS REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST UNHEALTHY STATES IN AMERICA. LAST YEAR, THE STATE RANKED 46TH IN QUALITY OF HEALTH IN A NATIONWIDE SURVEY. HIGH OBESITY, A LARGE NUMBER OF SMOKERS AND LOW PER CAPITA SPENDING ON PUBLIC HEALTH CONTINUE TO CAUSE PROBLEMS IN THE NATURAL STATE. ARKANSAS RANS NEXT TO LAST IN THE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS, DESPITE EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNOR TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER LIVING.

I'm going now, I need to eat a box of ho-ho's...

Sorry about the strange look of the site this weekend. We've been playing with a redesign, and none of us are web designers, per se. Even my own graphic arts skills have considerably rusted since my days as an ad agency art director. The re-design will come soon, but we'll keep it "offline" until them. Here's the morning news...

FAY VA RETIREMENT HOME MAY MOVE

STATE LAWMAKERS SAY THEY DON’T KNOW IF ANYONE AT THE VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION KNOWS WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE NEW FAYETTEVILLE VETERANS HOME. THOSE LAWMAKERS HAVE A VERY BIG PROBLEM WITH THE RENT FOR THE BUILDING – THE OLD WASHINGTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL ON NORTH AVENUE. THAT RENT ADS UP TO NEARLY 10 MILLION DOLLARS OVER THE NEXT 25 YEARS – THAT’S ON TOP OF THE 7 MILLION THE STATE PAID TO RENOVATE THE FACILITY. THE MONEY ADDS UP TO MORE THAN THE STATE EXPECTED TO PAY. NOW, LAWMAKERS SAY THEY’LL LOOK AT PUTTING THE HOME SOMEPLACE ELSE.

J.B. HUNT HOSPITALIZED AFTER FALL

DEVELOPER, TRUCKING MAGNATE AND INVESTOR J.B. HUNT REMAINED IN CRITICAL CONDITION YESTERDAY AT THE NORTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER IN SPRINGDALE AFTER SUFFERING A FALL THIS WEEKEND. NEITHER THE HOSPITAL NOR HUNT’S TRUCKING COMPANY HAD FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT HIS CONDITION, OR ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. HUNT’S COMPANY HAS BECOME THE LARGEST PUBLICLY HELD TRUCKING COMPANY IN NORTH AMERICA. HUNT IS ALSO A PARTNER IN THE PINNACLE GROUP, WHICH OWNS MUCH OF THE AREA KNOWN AS PINNACLE HILLS IN ROGERS.

PRISONS WANT FEMA MOBILE HOMES

NEED A BRAND NEW MOBILE HOME, COURTESY OF FEMA? WELL, THE STATE’S PRISON SYSTEM WANTS 29 OF THOSE HOMES, STILL STORED AT THE AIRPORT IN HOPE, ARKANSAS. THAT REQUEST REMAINS THE LARGEST SO FAR FROM STATE AGENICES WHICH WOULD LIKE TO GET THEIR HANDS ON THE UNUSED MOBILE HOMES, INTENDED FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENET SAYS MORE THAN 9-THOUSAND OF THE HOMES WENT UNUSED AFTER THE DISASTER BECAUSE OF LOCAL REGULATIONS ON THE GULF COAST LIMITING THE PLACEMENT OF MOBILE HOMES.

NEW BASKETBALL FACILITY TO BECOME LARGER

FIRST, THOSE PUTTING TOGETHER A NEW SPORTS ARENA EXPECTED TO SERVE AS HOME TO THE REGIONS FIRST WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM WOULD HAVE SEATED 9-THOUSAND PEOPLE. NOW, THE DEVELOPER SAYS THE BUILDING COULD SEAT 18-THOUSAND. PLANNERS HAVE DECIDED TO ADD A “GRAND ENTRANCE” TO THE FACILITY, WHICH WILL SIT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF I-540 FACING THE PLEASANT CROSSING WAL-MART.

MANHUNT IN SPRINGDALE!

POLICE IN SPRINGDALE CONTINUE THEIR SEARCH FOR A MAN SUSPECTED OF SHOOTING HIS WIFE DURING A FIGHT EARLY SATURDAY MORNING. POLICE SAY CARLOS BARRERA-REYES SHOT HIS WIFE ANN WITH A SMALL CALIBER HANDGUN AT THE COUPLE’S HOME. POLICE BELIEVE SHE’LL RECOVER FROM HER INJURIES. INVESTIGATORS SAY A TEENAGER AT HOME AT THE TIME OF SHOOTING DID NOT GET HURT. AT THIS TIME, POLICE CONSIDER MR. BARRERA-REYES ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

Run, Carlos, run!