The Daily Press http://bentoncourier.com http://bentoncourier.com/apfeed.xml--1 Copyright The Daily Press 2013-05-20T11:30:19-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77452013-05-20T11:30:19-04:002013-05-20T11:30:19-04:00The Saline CourierNo dateline availableNo author availableHistorical societies to meet on TuesdayNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7745Change0Usable2013-05-20T11:30:19-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77432013-05-19T00:24:37-04:002013-05-19T00:24:37-04:00The Saline CourierThey are: 10, 13, 14, 22, 52 and Powerball 11.Officials say the latest Powerball jackpot figure results are still pending. They had estimated it at $600 million.With four of every five possible combinations of Powerball numbers in play, someone is almost sure to win the game's highest jackpot. The problem, of course, is those same odds just about guarantee the lucky person won't be you.The chances of winning the prize remain astronomically low: 1 in 175.2 million. That's how many different ways you can combine the numbers when you play. Associated PressWinning numbers drawn in Powerball jackpotNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7743Change0Usable2013-05-19T00:24:37-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77402013-05-18T17:49:04-04:002013-05-18T17:49:04-04:00The Saline CourierThe event will begin at 10 a.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist ChurchTull, ARLynda HollenbeckOld Folks Singing scheduled in TullNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7740Change0Usable2013-05-18T17:49:04-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77292013-05-17T11:49:30-04:002013-05-17T11:49:30-04:00The Saline CourierDavid Bruce, 65, spends his afternoons as a hospital volunteer playing hymns on his diatonic harmonicas to staff and patients alike in the main entrance, in hallways and in patients' rooms. He learned the hymns, which fill up two thick, three-inch music books that he carries around the hospital along with his harmonicas, when he attended First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith with his parents as a child.Playing a harmonica was part of the deal when he began volunteering at the hospital three years ago, he told the Southwest Times Record."From the very first interview, this is what I wanted to do," Bruce said.Bruce bought his first harmonica, which he still has, in 1966 while serving in the Navy in Hamburg, Germany. He didn't pay much attention to the instrument until he retired in 2008 and moved back to his hometown of Barling, where he met a harmonica aficionado named Elmer Anderson at the Barling Senior Citizens Center."I was privileged to know him, for he was the only man I've ever known to actually master this instrument," Bruce said. "When you see the John Wayne films, and they're sitting around the campfire and you're hearing 'Home on the Range,' Mr. Anderson played that song."Although Anderson taught harmonica classes at Westark College, now the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Bruce said he didn't learn the instrument from Anderson so much as he was inspired to play it.It took Bruce about a year to get a firm grasp on the harmonica. He learned from instructional videos and websites, and practiced while working a security job."Like most guards, they have a lot of time on their hands — so one thing led to another, with the time on my hands and being able to play," he said. "There're a lot of songs out there on the market; there's a lot of different types of music. The only music that matters to me is the classics, the songs that have withstood the test of time."His wife, Iris, serves as the hospital's chaplain and said she enjoys listening to her husband practice by playing along with a tune on the computer.Iris Bruce said she spends most of her time at the hospital at the Intensive Care Unit waiting room or in pastoral care, so she doesn't often get to see him play for patients."I've seen him play when my father was ill," she said. "He'd play for my father, and my daddy just dearly loved it."Toni Holohan, manager of Volunteer Services at Sparks, said she realizes how important music can be in a patient's recovery, and is grateful to have David Bruce on staff."He's got one of those caring hearts. Usually when he goes to talk to somebody, it breaks down any wall because of the way that he shows that he cares," Holohan said. "That makes it very easy for patients to talk to him. They love listening to his music."I'd love to have 100 of him," she added.Holohan said the hospital hopes to expand its music program by adding violinists, and is looking at having a fundraiser to place a baby grand piano outside the waiting rooms near the main entrance."David's opened up our eyes to what else we can do, which is awesome," she said.Bruce doesn't play by memory; in the books he carries around with him are hundreds of tabs, which outline the notes to be played along with the lyrics of the song or hymn.Sparks isn't the only venue Bruce plays. He also plays at Hopes Creek Assisted Living Center in Van Buren, Fountain of Youth Adult Day Center and Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Fort Smith, and also volunteers and plays at Peach Tree Village, all for free."When Christ was here, he said I didn't come to be served, I came to serve. So, if we are a true follower of Christ, then we are to be servant," Bruce said.Over the years, Bruce said he's seen the healing power of music first-hand, especially when he plays for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease."The music that these senior citizens grew up with — when they hear that, they get a warm fuzzy feeling and their Alzheimer's disappears and they act normal," he said. "It may be for three minutes. It may be for two minutes. It may be for 30 seconds, but there's something in their mind that's triggered to help them remember."Iris Bruce said her husband doesn't plan to quit the harmonica any time soon."I think they can feel his love for the Lord," she said. "I think it just comes through his music — that he cares so much for the Lord."David Bruce said when a patient invites him into a room to play, that's his "utopia."Fort Smith, ARAssociated PressFort Smith hospital uses music to alleviate painNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7729Change0Usable2013-05-17T11:49:30-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77172013-05-16T15:49:04-04:002013-05-16T15:49:04-04:00The Saline CourierSarah is a 31-year-old white female, with brown eyes and blond hair. She is about 5’10” tall and 160 pounds. She has a tattoo of a flower on her chest and a blue butterfly on her left ankle. According to the Benton Police Department, there is no reason to suspect at this time that foul play is involved, but Mondragon's family is concerned because they haven’t heard from her in more than six weeks. Police are encouraging anyong with information on Mondragon’s whereabouts to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send an anonymous tip about her whereabouts to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text, or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. Benton, ARNo author availableBenton police search for missing womanNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7717Change0Usable2013-05-16T15:49:04-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77162013-05-16T13:19:18-04:002013-05-16T13:19:18-04:00The Saline CourierBenton, ARNo author availableNOTICE: City of Benton to launch new websiteNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7716Change0Usable2013-05-16T13:19:18-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77092013-05-15T17:46:13-04:002013-05-15T17:46:13-04:00The Saline CourierU.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright ruled that the lawsuit, which was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and the Center for Reproductive Rights on behalf of two Little Rock abortion providers, made a strong enough case to warrant allowing it to go forward."The court finds at this pleading stage, plaintiffs have demonstrated a realistic danger of sustaining a direct injury as a result of Act 301's operation or enforcement, and they have presented a justiciable controversy that is ripe for review," Wright wrote in her nine-page ruling.A hearing is scheduled Friday on the groups' request for a preliminary injunction against the ban. The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of Dr. Louis Jerry Edwards and Dr. Tom Tvedten, names members of the State Medical Board as defendants because the board is responsible for licensing medical professionals.The state has argued that the groups don't have standing to challenge the ban since it won't take effect until in August. Wright rejected that argument, saying the threat of enforcement was enough to challenge the law. Doctors who violate the law face having their medical license revoked by the state.Wright also rejected the state's argument that the 12-week restriction was not subject to constitutional challenge since it argued the law only limits some abortions before a fetus is considered viable. The ban includes exemptions for rape, incest, the life of the mother and highly lethal fetal disorders.Wright noted that opponents have argued that 12 weeks is months before a fetus is considered viable, and that 20 percent of abortions in the state occur at or after 12 weeks."Accepting these allegations as true, as the court must do at this juncture, the court finds that plaintiffs have alleged facts sufficient to state a claim that the provision of Act 301 that prohibits abortions at 12 weeks gestation when a fetal heartbeat is detected impermissibly infringes a woman's Fourteenth Amendment right to choose to terminate a pregnancy before viability," she wrote.Arkansas' Republican-led Legislature enacted the ban in March when it overrode Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe's veto of the measure. Beebe and other opponents of the ban say it violates the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion until a fetus could viably survive outside the womb, which is generally considered to be at 22 to 24 weeks.Little Rock, ARAssociated PressJudge rejects motion to dismiss Ark. abortion suitNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7709Change0Usable2013-05-15T17:46:13-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77052013-05-15T14:57:21-04:002013-05-15T10:47:18-04:00The Saline CourierThere's still time to register for the race, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. that day, but race organizer Michael Sacomani recommends those who want to sign up do so in the next couple of days. Those interested in participating may register at www.salineriver.canoe.com or by calling 501-749-2266.Proceeds will benefit Second Chance Youth Ranch, a ministry of Family Church of Bryant that gives a home to abused, neglected or at-risk youth.More details are found in today's issue of The Saline Courier.Benton, ARNo author availableSaline River Canoe Race and 'after party' set for SaturdayNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7705Change0Usable2013-05-15T10:47:18-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77012013-05-15T10:34:46-04:002013-05-15T10:34:46-04:00The Saline CourierAttendees are encouraged to bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal to the library and enjoy a special storytime filled with stories, songs, games and prizes.Among the activities will be a puppet show, teddy bear "bounce house" and a teddy bear dance party.Benton, ARNo author availableTeddy bear party set for Thursday at Benton libraryNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7701Change0Usable2013-05-15T10:34:46-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:77002013-05-15T10:23:23-04:002013-05-15T10:23:23-04:00The Saline CourierThe deadline to register for the sale has been extended to Thursday. Those interested in selling unwanted items may contact the parks department in Bryant at 501-943-0444.Each 10x10 booth is $25, members of The Center of Bryant pay $15. Bryant, ARNo author availableSaline County Rummage Sale set for SaturdayNo source availableurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7700Change0Usable2013-05-15T10:23:23-04:00