News in brief

THREE RIVERS AREA — Jacksonville Chamber alerts public to scammers

JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is advising businesses that receive calls from representatives of Hometown Productions to be wary of purchasing advertisements for placement on local maps. The company, part of Universal AdCom, is falsely claiming a partnership with the Chamber.

Hometown Productions has been calling members of the Jacksonville business community to solicit advertising for a local map, which it says it is partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to produce. The Chamber announced in a press release that it does not have a contract with the company.

According to the press release, Hometown Productions utilizes high-pressure sales tactics and misrepresents that advertising done with the company will benefit local organizations.

Information found online about Hometown Productions indicates that the company operates under a host of different names. It produces low-quality maps and does not circulate its product. Further research by the Chamber uncovered a Better Business Bureau rating of “F” for the company because of questionable sales tactics, billing for orders never placed and government action taken against the business.

For more information, contact Amy Mattison at chamber@jacksonville-arkansas.com or call the Chamber office at (501) 982-1511.

Izard County Performer to co-host TV show

HORSESHOE BEND - Horseshoe Bend Music in the Mountains Show founder and emcee Melodie Clemmons will co-host the Gene Williams Country Television Show for three shows, through Saturday, July 31. Williams invited Clemmons to fill in the absence of his regular co-host, Katie Lynn. She will perform, as well as interview guests with Williams. Music in the Mountains Band members Bob McCarty and Chuck McNeight will also appear on the July 30-31 shows, accompanying Clemmons and guest Waylon Collins of Franklin, according to a press release.

Gene Williams was the original founder of the Music Mountain Theatre in Horseshoe Bend during the development of the city in the late ’60s and early ’70s. His television show is carried on more than 100 stations in the United States. Clemmons reopened thetheater in 2006. For more information, call (870) 373-3303.

Lonoke County Deputies recover stolen goods

CABOT - Jake Wesley Robertson, 26, and Kailee L. Horton, 19, both of Cabot, turned themselves in to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office on July 9. Robertson and Horton were arrested for three counts of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, felony theft by receiving and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robertson and Horton each posted a $10,000 bond and were released.

“This investigation is far from over,” Lt. James Kulesa said in a press release. “We are in possession of numerous flat-screen TVs and firearms, of which we’re still attempting to locate the owners. One of the items is an X-box 360, which has someone’s name written on the inside cover.”

Kulesa said anyone in the area who was a victim of a residential burglary in which a TV, X-box or firearm was taken can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (501) 676-3000 or (501) 843-2611.

Marijuana leads to stolen property

AUSTIN - Chief John Staley of the Austin Police Department received a tip July 6 concerning marijuana plants located behind a residence on Sunset Circle in Cabot. Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office investigators Lt. James Kulesa, Keith Eaton and Allen Marshall went to the home with Chief Staley and found 17 marijuana plants.

A search warrant was obtained and executed, and inside, the investigators found an estimated pound of marijuana, digital scales, drug paraphernalia and two plastic bags containing prescription medication: Percocet and oxycodone. The bags were marked with prices per pill. Also found were numerous handguns, shotguns and rifles. There were also numerous flat screen TVs. Further investigation revealed six of the firearms that were seized had been reported as stolen. It had been confirmed that one of the flat-screen TVs and four of the firearms were stolen during a residential burglary in the Butlerville area, according to police reports. One of the handguns was reported stolen by the Beebe Police Department.

Jackson County City to raze unsafe structure

NEWPORT - The Newport City Council voted on a resolution ordering the razing and removal of a dilapidated and unsafe structure at 500 Walnut St. that is owned by Arthur and Brenda Dunn.

The City Council has determined that the structure is unsightly, unsafe, unsanitary, obnoxious and a detriment to the public welfare, and that the building constitutes a nuisance because the interior of the structure is exposed from several openings in the roof and there is severe stress to the foundation of the structure. The Dunns have been properly served with a violation notice via certified mail, return receipt requested, and have been given 30 days to address the violation.

Stone County Monument to be replaced

MOUNTAIN VIEW - The war memorial monument has been removed from the court square. An identical replacement will be constructed, and the original eagle and name plaque that were on the monument were salvaged and will be reattached to the new memorial.

Cleburne County Junior golfer goes to nationals

HEBER SPRINGS - Heber Springs High Schoolstudent Katie Webb is one of five Arkansas junior golfers who recently qualified for the 42nd Trusted Choice Big “I” National Championship golf tournament in Chesterfield, N.J., which will be held Monday through Friday, July 30. Webb is ranked in first place in the 2010 Arkansas State Golf Association Junior Girls Player of the Year standings.