Bits & Pieces: A murder at the curb

After gathering police reports for Dispatch Desk on Monday morning, we pulled into our driveway to witness a murder outside our home on Martindale Hill. It was trash day in Arkadelphia, and at our curb were two bags of refuse we’d set out just before heading out to the police department. The murder was there, at the curb and pouring into the street. We can honestly report that it was the first time we’d seen a murder up close and personal. Hopping hurriedly out of the car to ward off the offenders, we waved our arms and yelled at the black-beaked bandits as they stabbed at their victim, taunting us as though to proclaim victory as theirs. We bravely marched in their direction, stamping our feet and clapping our hands. Though the murder didn’t cease to exist, our effort was enough to send the feathered scavengers into the neighbor’s yard across the street. The victim, however, lay ripped open, its odorous contents spilled into the yard. The sanitation workers eventually drove by to claim the bags, and the group of crows — well, we haven’t seen it since.

Trust that, when it comes to homicide or mysterious death, we’re constantly nagging top law enforcement officials for updates. Once we know something, we will report it.

Ozzy the Chocolate Chihuahua sez: The Barkadelphia Community Dog Park is set to re-open its big-dawg side today, April 30, after debris from Mill Creek’s floodwaters bent over the back fence weeks ago. I be glad to see big dawgs git back to the udder side of the fence.

Our readers have likely noticed in advertisements that Downtown Arkadelphia establishment JavaPrimo Coffee House is preparing to upgrade its menu of food offerings. We’re anxious to see their new offerings. Crossing our fingers that the Southwest and Chipotle chicken wraps stay.

On this day in 1864, Confederate General William Reid Scurry was killed at the Battle of Jenkin’s Ferry, fought in present-day Grant County. Union forces led by Frederick Steele had just retreated from Camden four nights before; they had been in Arkadelphia one month prior. The month of April 1864 was a busy one for Civil War activity: other notable South Arkansas battles fought in those weeks were Elkins’ Ferry (April 3), Prairie D’Ane (April 10), Poison Spring (April 18), and Marks’ Mills (April 25). One that shouldn’t be forgotten is the April 3 Battle of the Bees, a brief skirmish in a pecan orchard near Okolona that was won not by Union or Confederate troops but by stinging bees whose hives were overturned.

Our Facebook page now has more than 10,000 followers. We should use it more often, but by golly do we detest social media.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reportedly moving to ban synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, found in thousands of popular snacks and drinks. We thrive — often survive — on Mountain Dew KickStarts and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Both had better taste the same when their respective companies replace the dye with natural ingredients come late 2026. Say, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., what’s in that spray tan you use?

Joel Phelps is editor and publisher of arkadelphian.com. Views expressed in Bits & Pieces are his own. Give him a shout by emailing editor@arkadelphian.com.