Missing man’s body recovered

VAN BUREN COUNTY— William Ward was reported missing on March 23, 2023.

With help from the FBI, Arkansas Tech University geology department, Arkansas State Police and the 20th Judicial Drug Task Force, investigators with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office recovered Ward’s body in the Gravesville community near Damascus in Van Buren County on Sept. 5.

Investigators placed Bobby Glover of Newalla, Oklahoma, in custody for homicide in relation to this case on Sept. 11, with help from Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, Cleveland County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office, the 22nd Judicial District Attorney Task Force of Oklahoma, Arkansas State Police and the 20th Judicial Drug Task Force of Arkansas.

Glover is being held on a $250,000 bond in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, pending extradition to Arkansas. He faces charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.

“This case is still ongoing,” authorities said.

Any information related to the case can be directed to Lt. Investigator Chasta Harrison with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges may be increased, changed, or added pending final review of the case by the Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to William Ward’s family and friends. Our goal is to get them the answers they deserve,” Sheriff Eric Koonce said.

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LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Heritage recognized recipients of Small Museum and

See STATE, page A8 STATE

From page A2

Arkansas Heritage grants today at its headquarters in Little Rock. These grant programs provide awards to Arkansas’s small history museums, historical societies, historic houses and sites, and military museums. For this grant cycle, Arkansas Heritage awarded $55,600 to 17 recipients from across the state.

“These grant programs provide funds to help promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history,” said Shea Lewis, director of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

“Our hope is that these funds will enrich current programs and provide inspiration for future activities, continuing to build momentum and energy.” The Small Museum Grant Program aims to increase the ability of community-based small museums/organizations to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history.

Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less; must have a staff of at least one person, either paid or volunteer; and must be open to the public at least 90 days per year. Eligible activities include building and grounds maintenance, operating costs, equipment purchases up to $1,000, accessioning of artifact collections, educational programming, research, exhibits, and website design and maintenance. The maximum grant award is $2,500.

This year’s recipients include:

• Altus Historical Society, Altus Heritage House Museum Operations, $2,500.

• Calico Rock Community Foundation, Inc., Calico Rock Museum Operating Grant, $2,500.

• Cross County Historical Society, Replacement of Awning, $2,500.

• Hardy History Association, Utilities, $2,500.

• Fort Smith Historical Society, Fort Smith Historical Society Website, $2,500.

• Henry Clay Yerger High School Museum, Utilities, $2,500.

• Little Rock Air Force Base Historical Foundation, Museum Uniform Display Cases, $2,500.

• Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society, $2,500.