Don't panic, they aren't locusts and they won't devastate crops -- at least, not according to one expert.
St. Francis County and many counties in Arkansas have the "privilege," according to St. Francis County Extension Agent Justin Hensley, of witnessing a phenomenon that happens only every 13 years.
"We have the privilege of being around to witness the hatch of what is evidently brood XXIII (23) of the 13-year periodical cicada," said Hensley. "This is not something that residents should be alarmed by, but is something they should watch for. These are fascinating insects and some of the longest-lived of all insects in our area, but we won't see this brood again for another 13-years."
The cicada last emerged in 1976 and 1989, according to Hensley.
"This emergence is happening in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and here in Arkansas," he said. "The racket these things make is really unbelievable until you experience it."
The cicadas are not as dangerous to plant life as locusts, assured Hensley.
"They can cause some damage to the twigs of the trees they lay their eggs in, but for the most part, they are not causing any damage," he said. "People are convinced they will devastate their trees, gardens, or crops, but they will not."
Hensley said periodical cicadas live in the soil either 13 or 17 years and emerge as adults for a short time to mate and begin their 13 or 17 year cycles again.
"They are similar in shape to the green 'Dog Day' cicadas that are prevalent in August. However, these are black in color with some gold trim, membranous wings, and striking red eyes. Periodical cicadas are very beautiful insects in their own way."
The mechanism these insects use to perpetuate the species is to emerge in large numbers at the same time.
"They are apparently very tasty to other insects, birds, and mammals, and when they emerge it is like ringing the dinner bell to a whole host of insect feeders. However, if predators can't eat them all, they will live on," said Hensley.
He continued, "The bottom line is, don't worry about it. Enjoy this phenomenon of nature and realize that this is a fortunate time for birds and other wildlife to have an abundance of food."
For more information, contact Justin B. Hensley, County Extension Agent - Agriculture, 313 S. Izard, Ste. 14, Forrest City, AR 72335-3856; telephone 870-261-1730; Fax: 870-261-1732; e-mail jhensley@uaex.edu
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
St. Francis County has received some of the money owed to it for housing state prisoners, Sheriff Dave Parkman reported this morning.
"We've received a check from the state for $109,850," said Parkman. "I can't remember how long it's been since we got a check from them. It's been months. Of course, this is just a partial payment on what the state owes us."
Counties are supposed to be paid $28 a day for each state prisoner the county holds. Overcrowding in state prisons makes it necessary for some inmates to be housed in county jails.
Parkman said he didn't have the latest figures on how much the state owes. There are currently 18 state inmates in the St. Francis County Jail.
He did say that the money is welcome.
"This really will help us," he said. "With our (county) finances like they've been, we are glad to have this payment. And catching up would really help us."
State cutbacks this year have forced all counties in Arkansas to wait on checks for housing state inmates. More money for the program could be freed up later in the year.
Members of the Times-Herald news staff came away with four first-place finishes and the paper tied as Sweepstakes winner in its division of the annual Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors contest.
The paper also placed in the General Excellence category. Winners were announced Saturday in Little Rock.
The Sweepstakes winner is decided by total points, figured from the number of awards received. General Excellence is judged on papers from particular dates.
Three of the first place awards came in opinion writing.
Publisher Weston Lewey received a first place in Editorial Writing, for a piece in which she criticized Gov. Mike Huckabee after convicted rapist Wayne Dumond was released, then accused of murder in Missouri. Judges' remarks included, "Hard-hitting and tough. No waffling."
Managing Editor Tamara Johnson received a first place in the Column/Hard News category, in which she addressed the issue of a gun found at a local school, which did not get reported. "Nice sense of outrage," stated the judges.
Johnson also picked up a second first place award in the Graphics category, for census/population charts. "This was a lot of work to show the growth trend," the judges wrote.
David Nichol received a first place in the Column/Lifestyle, Human Interest category for "A Fatherless Father's Day." Judges' comments included, "...doesn't get overly maudlin and reminds us all of the need to reach out to our parents while they are with us."
In addition, Sports Editor Fred Conley took a second place in the Feature Sports Photo category.
Also, Johnson took a second place in the Service to FOI for a story, "Election Commission Violates FOI."
The General Excellence category was judged on papers from May 16, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11, 2001. The Times-Herald placed third in that category.
A Forrest City man was killed during a weekend shooting in Hot Springs.
Hot Springs Police said they found Kendrick Rogers, 21, dead early Saturday morning at the Entertainer club on Central Avenue.
Police responded at 2:26 a.m. to reports of the shooting, and found Rogers dead and three others injured.
Crystal Leann Hendley, 21, the club manager, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge. Police did not have details early Saturday on a motive.
Two of the injured had gunshot wounds and the third person had been injured after falling through a plate glass window. Police did not release their names.
The filing period for municipal races, in towns which do not participate in primaries, ends today, and tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, is the last day for political announcements in the Times-Herald.
Candidates for any of these offices have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to bring in their announcements for publication.
Voting for the May 21 primary begins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at polling locations throughout St. Francis County. The polls will close at 7:30 p.m.
Ballots will be counted Tuesday night at the St. Francis County Courthouse.
As of this morning, 1,088 county voters had taken advantage of early voting at the courthouse.
Two guns and cash were reported stolen from the Widener Police Department over the weekend.
According to the report, someone pushed open the door to the building, which is currently being renovated, and stole two .45 automatic pistols from a desk. Also, a file cabinet was pried open and a bag containing $1,035 in cash and $975 in checks was stolen.