Lisa Burnett
Zoned Editions Staff Writer
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Recent Stories by Lisa Burnett
Robert Raines: Gangster museum opens doors for Hot Springs man
updated: 05/17/2013 11:46 a.m. Discuss
Some people have a collection of stamps or coins, but Robert Raines of Hot Springs has a collection that’s a little bit different. Raines has a collection of gangster memorabilia. Raines is executive director of the Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs. He grew up in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, where he worked in advertising and computers. Raines is an alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he graduated with a degree in music. He pursued a music career briefly after college, but he came back to Pine Bluff, where he starting working in advertising.
Top certification: Beebe principal earns ‘master’ status
updated: 05/17/2013 12:02 p.m. Discuss
Karla Tarkington is the master — master principal, that is. On Monday, Tarkington, principal of Badger Elementary School in Beebe, received the status of Master School Principal from the Arkansas Leadership Academy. Tarkington was required to complete three years of professional development and a year of performance evaluations to achieve the status. During the three years of working on the Master Principal Program, a principal’s school has to show an upward trajectory in standardized test scores, Tarkington said.
Pottsville art students stamp status as winners
updated: 05/17/2013 11:21 a.m. Discuss
Male ducks — otherwise known as drakes — have eye-catching plumage in an array of vibrant colors. Apparently, the work of Carrie Drake’s Pre-Advanced Placement art students are just as eye catching. Lately, the students have been making a name for themselves at the state level.
Bryant residents get opportunity to grow community garden
updated: 05/15/2013 10:54 a.m. Discuss
Residents of Bryant who want home-grown tomatoes and strawberries this summer are in luck. They can rent a plot at Bishop Park for $25 to plant anything they wish, said Brandon Griffin, recreation superintendent for Bryant Parks and Recreation. “This is the first year for a community garden in Bryant,” Griffin said. “These plots will feed our community and encourage a healthier lifestyle.” Plots became available to rent on May 6 and will be open to the public to start gardening on Monday.
Tests can get to the root of the problem
updated: 05/15/2013 10:19 a.m. Discuss
Faulkner County residents are seeing spots — in their yards. The Faulkner County Extension Service is getting an elevated number of calls this spring about lawn-care problems in the area.
Riding for a reason: Batesville cyclists get ready for 100-mile trek
updated: 05/15/2013 10:30 a.m. Discuss
Members of the Batesville community are strapping on their biking shoes to prepare for the 2013 All Rise Century Ride. Bikers will meet Saturday at the Independence County Department of Human Services office in Batesville. The ride is an “out-and-back,” so riders may choose any distance of one to 100 miles, the entry form states. Flatland is limited on the route, but there are no major climbs during the ride. This 100-mile bike ride is designed to increase interest in cycling and raise money for the Independence County DWI Court Program, or ICDC program.
Interscholastic Star : Beebe’s Lercher receives state recognition
updated: 05/10/2013 10:18 a.m. Discuss
Brandon Lercher of Beebe is a star, but not just any star. He was named Arkansas’ Interscholastic Star at the end of April. “[When I won], I was very excited. I was almost in shock at first,” Lercher said. The award is presented by the Arkansas Activities Association and State Farm Insurance. The winning student is given a $1,000 scholarship. Arkansas’ Interscholastic Star program is designed to recognize and reward an individual whose efforts might not otherwise be noticed, said Annette Savage, assistant executive director of the Arkansas Activities Association.
Maumelle church answers ‘call’
updated: 05/10/2013 2:29 p.m. Discuss
First Baptist Church Maumelle is looking for ways to answer calls from foster parents across Arkansas through the church’s ministry The CALL Mall. It is a branch of The CALL, which stands for Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime.
Maumelle teen goes for ‘gold’
updated: 05/10/2013 2:41 p.m. Discuss
Emily Darnell of Maumelle is making a name for herself. She recently received the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. At the age of 15, Emily has been in Girl Scouts for nine years.
Searcy K-Life going strong into summer
updated: 05/10/2013 10:21 a.m. Discuss
Nine months after relocating to be closer to the students it serves, Searcy K-Life is going strong. The ministry, which stands for Kanakuk Life, is an interdenominational Christian organization that reaches Searcy youth through Bible studies, mission trips and after-school activities. On its website, K-Life’s mission is described as “the ability to build relationships with kids and bring the content of God’s word to bear on those relationships.” To help further that mission, Searcy K-Life moved last August from a now-demolished house on Elm Street to a one-bedroom ’40s-era home at 810 N. Elm St.
