OBITUARY – Dr. Jeremy Hinton

Dr. Jeremy Alan Hinton, 44, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on April 9, 2022, of complications from Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a specific type of brain tumor.

Jeremy was born September 10, 1977, to Jeffrey and Diana Hinton in West Memphis, Arkansas. He was valedictorian for the class of 1995 at Marion High School; graduated from Arkansas State University, magna cum laude (’99); and earned his Medical Doctor degree from University Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine in 2003. After medical training, he completed a residency in psychiatry and a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at UAMS.

Jeremy began his career as a psychiatrist at the Arkansas State Hospital before moving on to the Veterans Administration psychiatric clinic at Fort Roots in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Jeremy was passionate about treating veterans suffering from mental illness and worked at the VA until just prior to his death.

In addition to being a physician, Jeremy had numerous hobbies including playing board games, listening to music, reading books, playing video games, picking locks, sabering champagne bottles and spending time with family and friends. Jeremy’s love of board games led him to opening the first escape room in central Arkansas, attending a yearly board game convention, and keeping a game on hand at all times just in case an impromptu opportunity to play came about.

Jeremy was diagnosed with GBM on April 6, 2014. GBM gives very little hope of survival, often proving terminal 12-18 months after diagnosis. However, Jeremy forged on with a fierceness and determination in his battle with the deadly disease. Based upon a scene from the television show Game of Thrones, Not Today became Jeremy’s mantra for his eight-year fight with GBM. (What do we say to the god of death? Not Today). Jeremy, through the Not Today non-profit organization, raised awareness of GBM and raised funds to research a cure for GBM. Jeremy’s wish, through his work with Not Today, was that a cure would be discovered for GBM to prevent others from suffering, like him.

Before his diagnosis, Jeremy helped found the B Street Rib Off in 2008. The nonprofit organization leveraged a love of BBQ to raise funds to support Arkansans battling cancer. He remained active throughout his fight with GBM, helping raise nearly $100,000 in support of Arkansans fighting cancer.

Jeremy is survived by his parents Jeffery and Diana; sister, Casey Mitchell; brother, Justin Hinton; brother-in-law, Matthew Mitchell; sister-in-law, Rayanne Hinton; nieces and nephews, Ajax Stallings, Riley Mitchell, Chase Mitchell, Gavin Mitchell, Noa Claire Hinton; cat, Jens; and dog, Shiloh. Jeremy is also survived by countless friends and family members.

A celebration of life for Dr. Jeremy Hinton will be held at the Argenta Plaza, 510 N. Main St., North Little Rock, Arkansas, on Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, North Carolina.

Teen shot accidentally released from hospital

 

Shooting accidental, children found gun while home alone, police say.

 

By the Evening Times News Staff

news@theeveningtimes.com

 

A 14-year-old West Memphis youth was treated and released from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis Sunday night after being accidentally shot while he and a group of other juveniles were playing with a .380 semi-automatic pistol inside a home at 819 Walnut St.

When police officers arrived on the scene shortly after 8:30 p.m. they observed the 14-year-old sitting on the couch suffering from a bullet would to the outer thigh of his left leg.

When officers search the property the located a black and silver .380 semi-automatic pistol in a bush on the right side of the front door. Langston said the pistol was with one empty magazine and one spent casing that was jammed in the chamber.

“There were several juveniles on the scene and no adults were present at the time of the incident. The youth was taken to the hospital, treated and later released Sunday night. He is expected to make a full recovery,” Langston said.

Detectives interviewed a 16-year-old early Monday morning who said he found the handgun and that they were playing with the weapon when it discharged and the victim was struck. He told detectives that he fled the scene before police arrived.

Crittenden County juvenile authorities have been contacted about possible charges on the 16-year-old.

“We have free gun locks available for our community that can be picked up at the police department to prevent such accidents,” Langston added.

West Memphis announces Carvana distribution center

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City, AEDC partner to reveal plans for inspection, distribution center in West Memphis

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By the Evening Times News Staff

news@theeveningtimes.com

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One of the worst-kept economic development secrets in Crittenden County became official early Friday, as the City of West Memphis and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced, after weeks of speculation, that Carvana is coming to the community.

Carvana, a leading e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, will locate an inspection and distribution center in West Memphis, a massive investment of approximately $40 million by the company for the building, equipment and infrastructure for the new center. The facility, once completed, is expected to ultimately create more than 400 jobs.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson praised the announcement.

“Carvana is an upstart company that is changing the used car industry through technology and great customer service,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “That’s just the sort of business model we have sought in our recruiting efforts, and we’re pleased to see these high-paying jobs coming to the Delta.”

Carvana, based in Arizona, is a company that prides itself on being “The New Way to Buy a Car,” providing an easy, intuitive online purchasing option for car buyers, powered by technology and an exceptional customer experience. Customers can shop more than 15,000 vehicles on Carvana.com, finance, purchase, trade-in an existing vehicle, and schedule as-soon-as-next-day delivery or pick up at one of the company’s signature, patented Car Vending Machines. Carvana currently offers as-soon-as-next-day delivery in 141 markets across the U.S. and has 21 Car Vending Machine locations, offering customers a unique, memorable pickup experience.

Part of that experience is getting the vehicles where they need to go. That’s where Carvana inspection centers like the facility planned in West Memphis come into play.

The centers are where Carvana’s inventory is inspected, reconditioned, photographed and stored. Vehicles undergo a rigorous, 150-point inspection, have never been in a reported accident and have no frame damage, and only then do they become Carvana Certified.

“Carvana has been growing extremely rapidly over the last several years and we are working to bring The New Way to Buy a Car to even more customers all the time,” said Carvana’s Director, Infrastructure Development & Operations, Benjamin Morens. “As part of our efforts to scale the business, we’re looking forward to working with West Memphis and the state of Arkansas to open a vehicle inspection and reconditioning center, and become a member of the West Memphis community.”

“The Carvana facility will undoubtedly create national buzz,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Preston. “That will allow us to showcase the city and state in a way that will put Arkansas on the forefront of even more opportunities.”

Locally, the announcement is yet another victory for the administration of West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon who has touted a “winning streak” for the community his first year in office.

“Our city has so much to offer in the way of resources, location and workforce,” said McClendon. “And we appreciate that Carvana recognizes that and their committed
investment in our community.”

Look for more information about the announcement in Monday’s edition of the Evening Times, on newsstands or online at http://www.theeveningtimes.com.

WMPD: Shooting in break-in justified

No charges after burglar shot and killed

By the Evening Times News Staff

news@theeveningtimes.com

A 26-year-old intruder, identified as Bernard Bullins, was shot and killed early Thursday morning minutes after he broke into a home located at 147 Stuart St., West Memphis, where a man and woman were sleeping, West Memphis Assistant Police Chief Robert Langston said.

Police responded to a shooting shortly after 4:30 a.m. at the Stuart Street address and when they arrived they found Bullins dead and lying on the floor inside the house.

An unidentified woman told officers that she and her boyfriend were sleeping when they heard the front door being kicked in. She told officers that her boyfriend grabbed his gun and went to investigate the noise.

When he spotted Bullins inside the front door he shot him twice in the chest.

Detectives determined that the shooting was justified and there were no charges filed against the boyfriend, Langston said.

‘Operation: Clean City’

Public invited to hear about plans to get West Memphis cleaned up

By John Rech

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon took another swing at his Operation Clean City during a special Public Works Commission meeting over delinquent trash pick-up by the city sanitation department. Problems with the claw trucks have prevented regular trash pick-up, which has frustrated city customers and compounded the heaps along the streets.

“Our biggest problem in the city continues to be trash,” said McClendon. “I get 10-15 dissatisfied calls daily.”

The Mayor vowed accountability for the sanitation department, called for a collaborative effort between city departments and customers and rolled out a new trash collection schedule effective August first. The mayor will host two community meetings to roll out changes in the trash ordinance and the new route schedule. Garbage days remain the same for city customers.

“People put trash out curbside anytime because they don’t know when to expect their next pick up,” said McClendon.

McClendon wanted trash put out no sooner than the night before scheduled pick-up. In exchange, the mayor promised consistent trash service for limbs and yard debris.

The new routes go by the five wards. The trash truck runs through Ward 1 on Monday, Ward 2 on Tuesday, Ward 3, on Wednesday, Ward 4 on Thursday, Ward 5 on Friday. The five political wards served as a good pattern for equalizing trash work with about equal population residing in each.

“It will get us a fresh start,” said McClendon.

The mayor made the announcements as expected delivery of two newly leased trash trucks was set for early August.

“The main thing has been coming up with a system that can be counted on; we have not been consistent,” said McClendon. “This is not something I want on my watch. I accept full responsibility. We have dropped the ball, and it is time for us to pick it up. Monday we’ll begin in Ward One, Tuesday in Ward two and so on.”

August may prove to be a pivotal inaugural month for Operation Clean City with daily trash pick up resuming at city schools, and the daily commitments to the new routes.

The mayor was prepared to announce the changes in the trash ordinances and detail regarding the new schedule in two separate Operation Clean City meetings. Landlords and Apartment managers were invited to city hall Tuesday, July 30 (today), at 10:30 a.m.

We will be contacting those apartment managers and hope to have a good turn out,”” said McClendon.

One big change loomed or apartment complexes with five or more units. No more claw truck service can be provided under the new ordinance.

“The reason we can’t get caught up is that we have had to pick up illegal dumping at apartment complexes,” said McClendon. It keeps us behind. Apartment complexes need to arrange their own trash Dumpsters.”

Residential customers may hear Operation Clean City details at a meeting at 5 p.m. this evening, with changes beginning Aug. 1 (Wednesday).

Pictured: West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon hopes trash heaps like this one on South Avalon will disappear with a new definite schedule for the claw trucks and changes in the city’s trash ordinance set to begin August 1 under Operation Clean City. (Photo by John Rech)

Arrest made in car/house collision

Woman facing multiple charges after hitting West Memphis home with her BMW, leaving the scene

By the Evening Times News Staff

news@theeveningtimes.com

A West Memphis woman with a suspended drivers license, found standing at the corner of East Woodlawn and South Woodlawn Drive Tuesday morning, is believed to be the driver of the vehicle that ran into a home at 607 E. Woodlawn Drive causing minor injuries to the female occupant.

Assistant Police Chief Robert Langston identified the suspect as Sherice Walker of West Memphis. She has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving while intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, careless and prohibited driving.

Langston said at approximately 10:30 a.m. Tuesday officers responded to the Woodlawn Drive address and found a white BMW 525 that has crashed into the southwest wall.

Officers spoke to a witness who advised that she had been sitting in a vehicle across the street when the BMW slammed into the residence. Officers were also told the BMW was traveling east on North Woodlawn at a high rate of speed and the driver lost control attempting to make the curve onto East Woodlawn.

The witness also told police two black females exited through the passenger side of the vehicle before gathering items from the trunk and running south on East Woodlawn before she lost sight of them.

Langston said it was soon after talking to the witness that they came in contact with Walker and noticed a strong odor of intoxicants. Officers also said Walker’s eyes were bloodshot and watery and that her speech was slurred.

“Upon questioning Walker about the incident, she said that she had been driving the vehicle when it struck the residence. It was at that point that Walker was taken into custody and transported to the Crittenden County Detention Center,” Langston said.

Further investigation revealed that Walker’s license had been suspended and that she had no insurance on the vehicle.

Stalwart: Remembering Murphy Smith

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

Early Memorial Day morning, I received word that Murphy Smith had passed away, and I knew that I would need to write something up, but I also knew that it was a holiday and not only were our offices closed, but also most of the people I might call to get a word from would be busy or out of town.

So, I decided I would handle this one myself. I’ve known Murphy for a number of years. His wife and my wife worked together at West Memphis High School. And before his retirement, he was literally everywhere there was something going on in the community. I have, unfortunately, had to write a number of these types of pieces over the years, and it’s always tough to sum up anyone’s life in just a few words, but I came up with one that I think captures who Murphy Smith was. You probably saw it in the headline… stalwart.

Webster defines a stalwart as “a loyal, reliable and hardworking supporter or participant in an organization or team.” There’s an old joke that if you look up “blank” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of “person” next to it. Well, no matter the organization, no matter the team, if it was good for Crittenden County, you would most likely find Murphy there being a stalwart for it.

I saw Murphy a number of times before I knew who he was or what he did. In fact, I couldn’t with 100 percent certainty tell you exactly what he did at Fidelity Bank even now, but I know he enjoyed doing it and judging from all the warm greetings and welcoming handshakes he got everywhere I ever saw him, he was good at it. He often came up to the paper throughout the work week, checking in on the Fidelity ads for that week and just saying hi to everyone. Whether it was a football game, a community event, a special fundraiser for a special cause, or whatever, you could always expect to see Murphy Smith there, smiling and doing what he could do to make whatever it was that was going on a success. He wasn’t a big Facebook user, but his page is filled with photos from DeltaARTS, DBS Paint the Town Pink, the Marion vs. West Memphis Hometown Showdown, Crittenden County March of Dimes and a bunch of other local gatherings and events.

The start of my tenure at the newspaper coincided with my boys starting junior high school. So, it was pretty cool when my oldest son did something that warranted his picture in the paper. I don’t even remember what it was… some sort of academic honor, like a high ACT score or making the “all-something” team. But it was neat seeing him in there. Anyway, a few days later, he got a letter in the mail. He opened it up to find a 5-by-7 light blue card. It was laminated. On one side was a clipping of the photo of my son from the paper. On the other was a message. “Great job” or “Keep up the good work” or some other words of encouragement.

I don’t know if he even knew my son at the time. It’s possible they had met at some point thanks to his wife and my wife working together. But that probably didn’t matter, because I found out that the “laminated blue card with a newspaper clipping” was a Murphy Smith signature move. It was something he did to let people know that someone had taken note of their accomplishments and give them a little pat on the back. I wonder how many of those little blue cards he sent out over the years?

Murphy retired last November after 16 years at Fidelity, just a week ahead of his 70th birthday. Sadly, it wasn’t long after his retirement that I heard he was sick. So, I’m sad he didn’t have a long retirement to enjoy, but he always struck me as someone who enjoyed the life he lived. So, there’s some solace in that.

I’m sure there are plenty of stories about that life that plenty of folks around town could share. But I’ll share one of my own. When I became editor of the newspaper about six years ago, I was pretty proud of it. I wasn’t looking for any kind of recognition, but we did run a photo of me at my editor’s desk in the bottom corner of the front page of the paper. I didn’t think much about it, other than making sure my Mom saw it. But a few days later, I came back to the office after lunch to find an envelope sitting on my desk. I opened it to find a blue 5-by-7 card inside. It was laminated.

On one side was the photo of me, sitting at my editor’s desk with a caption underneath naming me as the new editor of the Times. On the back, was a little note reading, “Congratulations!” It was signed, “Murphy Smith.” Forever a stalwart.

I still have it.

‘Everyone is Crying’

Parents, students emotional after shooting death of West Memphis teen

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhhardin@gmail.com

I try not to inject myself into the news stories that I cover. In fact, I wasn’t really even thinking about it from a newspaper perspective, but my “reporter senses” began to tingle as I stepped out of my car at West Junior High School in West Memphis.

Details are still emerging about the early morning shooting death of a West Memphis teen, a 16-year-old who was, by all accounts, a well-liked student at West. A Friday in any junior high is usually a pretty upbeat scene, with teachers and students alike getting ready for the weekend.

But as I made my way down the sidewalk on West Barton Avenue approaching the school, it decidedly anything but jubilant. A line of parents trickled toward the front doors. More parents, with students in tow, trickled out of the exit. Many of the students showed signs of emotion — they were fighting back tears or in some cases, not even fighting.

I wasn’t really in “reporter mode,” but I couldn’t help but overhear as I passed two parents who had stopped to chat on the sidewalk.

“It’s one thing when it’s grown folks shooting each other,” one said. “But a kid? That’s just messed up.”

“They aren’t saying who it was,” the other commented. There was more, but I was really just trying to get inside. Not as a reporter for the Evening Times.

I was there to get my daughter.

I had first heard about the shooting earlier that morning. While it was troubling to hear about another senseless death in West Memphis, it didn’t occur to me at the time that it would have an emotional impact on anyone in my family. But a little before 9 a.m., I got a text from my youngest child.

“Can one of you come check me out?” she asked in the group texting chat she has with me and my wife, which she cleverly titled “Parents & the Fav.”

“What’s the matter?” I asked. I hadn’t connected the shooting with where the kid went to school or how it might affect others.

“We don’t have Solo and Ensemble any more,” she replied. It was a band event set for later in the day — one that, along with any other semblance of normal school activity was now canceled. “Literally everyone is crying, including me.”

That had been when it hit me… this wasn’t just another shooting in West Memphis. This wasn’t just another teenager getting shot and killed. This was a junior high kid… one that walked the same halls as my daughter every day. And someone had murdered him.

Needless to say, I quickly headed to West to collect my daughter, as well as one other student whose mother had asked that I check her out as well. And as I approached the door, it was clear that many other parents were making similar plans.

Inside, the usually empty foyer was buzzing with activity. There were a handful of West Memphis Police officers on the scene. Some were talking with school officials. Another had his arm around a student.

The school had mounted an excellent response to the tragedy. School counselors were walking and talking with students. They had brought in a few trained counselors from outside the school — grief counselors — to help distraught students process their emotions.

I saw one I recognized and approached him, asking how things were going.

“About what you’d expect,” he said. “It’s tough.”

I asked if he had spoken to any students who was friends with the kid who got killed, anyone who knew him.

“Today, everyone knew him, you know?” he said. I did know.

Eventually, it came my turn in line at the checkout desk, so I signed out the two girls I would be taking home and spoke briefly to the secretary. We go way back. Not only did we used to work together, I see her at least once a week taking something up to the school my daughter forgot at home or taking her lunch or whatever.

“It’s got to be tough,” I said to her once we made eye contact as she shuffled around her office, wading through a sea of kids and backpacks between her station and the intercom system. I guess “tough” is the go-to word in these kinds of situations.

“I didn’t expect this crowd,” I said to the assistant principal, another person at West I go way back with.

“Pretty much everyone is going home,” he said. “We’re all just kind of dealing with whatever comes up.”

A young man I knew from his sister being on my daughter’s volleyball team was standing in the doorway of the office trying to put on a brave face.

“You OK? I asked.

“I’ll be alright,” he assured me.

“Did you know him?” I asked.

He told me they were on the basketball team together. I could only nod knowingly. He was obviously hurt emotionally and I did not want to exacerbate that.

“Do you need a ride home?” I asked.

“No,” he assured me and thumbed over at another student. “He was pretty good friends with Luke. Luke’s staying, so I’m staying.”

There were similar stories there at West, I’m sure. There were several clumps of students and teachers, all consoling each other. If not for the tragic circumstances, it would have been very inspiring to see students of all races and genders in such camaraderie.

My daughter and her friend arrived at the office and we made our way out and back to the car.

“Let me know if you need anything,” the counselor I had spoken to told my daughter as we left. She smiled, red-eyed, looked up at him and said she would.

It was a quiet walk back to the car. I decided to wait for them to say anything. They eventually started talking about the young man, his social media accounts, his friends and all the things that were going on at the school because of the shooting. They asked me a few questions. I answered them the best I could, shooting down a couple of rumors I could confirm were not true. Kids like to gossip as much as adults, I suppose. After a few niceties, I was really only left with one bit of insight.

“It’s tough.”

[Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Look for updates and complete coverage in Monday’s edition of the Evening Times, on newsstands or online at http://www.theeveningtimes.com]

 

 

 

Two killed, WMPD officer injured

Chase leads to deadly shooting in West Memphis

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

Two people are dead and a West Memphis police officer is recovering following an incident on the east side of the city last night.

According to preliminary reports, two men were killed after an officer-involved shooting in West Memphis Wednesday, according to state troopers. The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. in the 800 block of North 18th Street. Witnesses reported a massive police presence at the location following the incident.

The Arkansas State Police were at the scene investigating. While details are still scarce and the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials did confirm that the shooting started when two people injured a West Memphis police officer. According to reports, following a police chase, the two people who were killed ran over the officer, injuring his legs.

After that officer was hurt, other police officers at the scene shot the two suspects and killed them. Police have not yet identified the two people who were killed. A representative from the West Memphis Police Department confirmed that officer was not shot. He was taken to Regional One in Memphis in non-critical condition.

Mayor Marco McClendon released a statement after hearing reports of the incident. “First and foremost, my prayers are with the officer that was injured and the victims of the deadly shooting,” said McClendon. “My heart goes out to everyone and all families involved.” McClendon, who is out of town, in Little Rock attending the Arkansas Municipal League Conference, said he had been in touch with Police Chief Eddie West and is awaiting further information.

Crittenden Youth Theatre hosts Auditions for Big Bad

Spring Play auditions open to all Kindergarten through 8^th grade students

From Jayme Stokes

jstokes@deltaarts.org

West Memphis, AR — Crittenden Youth Theatre will host auditions for Kindergarten through 8^th grade students taking place on Saturday, January 19 at 10am at the Glenn P. Schoettle Arts Education Center. Big Bad. is presented through the generosity of our sponsor Trent Pierce, MD Family Practice Center and season sponsors Evolve Bank & Trust and the Morris Foundation.

The most notorious criminal in the fairy-tale world, Big Bad Wolf, is being slapped with a class-action lawsuit by the countless quirky characters he has wronged.  Now, the two greatest legal minds in the Enchanted Forest — the Evil Stepmother and the Fairy Godmother — will clash (on live Court TV, no less, with Sydney Grimm as commentator) in a trial that will be remembered forever after.  As Little Red Riding Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs and the Shepherd in charge of the Boy Who Cried Wolf testify, the wolf seems deserving of all that’s coming. What will the verdict be? The audience decides, when the Judge invites them to determine the outcome of the trial… and the play! This Crittenden Youth Theatre production is sure delight the whole family!

Part of a script will be provided for students to use in the audition, no need to have anything memorized. Just bring a great attitude and a smile. Since this is not a musical, you will not sing or dance, but please wear athletic footwear and pants (no boots, skirts, or dresses). Some auditionees may be asked to return on Sunday, January 19 at 2p for a call back audition to read a scene for certain roles.

A mandatory informational meeting for parents will be held Tuesday, January 22, at 6p at Faulk Elementary School (908 Vanderbilt Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301). Participation forms and fees will be collected at this meeting.

Matinee performances are Thursday and Friday, March 28 and March 29, at 12:30p and tickets are $5 per person. The public performances are Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. ($10 adults/ $5 children 12 and under) at the Marion Performing Arts Center, 1 Patriot Drive (Carter Drive), Marion, AR 72364.