THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”.

The Sentinel-Record   10-17-1977

MALVERN, Ark (AP) – The state Supreme Court will be asked to furnish judges for Circuit Court Judge Henry B. Means’ district since the judge says he will be unable to hear any more cases this year.

Means has issued a statement through his court reporter, Pat Lightfoot, says he will be unable to hear more cases due to his illness. He said he was under advice from his physician.

Means’ 7th District includes Hot Spring, Saline, and Grant counties.

The statement by Mrs. Lightfoot did not specify any illness which resulted in Means being advised to discontinue hearing Circuit Court cases.

However, during a recent legislative hearing concerning Means, the judge said he was a heart patient. Means recently announced that he would not seek reelection next year and would return to his private law practice after his current term ends.

An investigation by a legislative committee spanned four months this summer and resulted from a controversial drug case at Sheridan last November in which Means presided over.

During the investigation Means and his attorneys contended the committee had no power to conduct such an investigation. The committee voted to censure Means and stated that if he continued to practice law or plea bargain, it would be regarded as grounds for removal from office.

Means has been 7th District Judge for 19 years and has never had opposition. Before becoming a judge, he was a prosecuting attorney.