Darrell Spells, RESIDENT PRESS Contributor reports on his personal experience with Wednesday’s grass fire, and who showed up to help. This is community!
On 2-22-2016 the Hackett Fire Department, and Police Department responded to a grass fire in the 19000 block of Highway 45 North.
As I walked through the smoke of the fire to assist I saw a familiar face.
Along with exhausted men who were trying to use buckets of water to contain the fast spreading fire stood Eighteen-year-old, Daniel Boyles. He’s a familiar face among residents of Hackett. Whether it be his time on the football team or through his time at Hackett High, Daniel is a fixture in Hackett.
As Daniel stood there, leaned over the five-gallon bucket full of water, and visibly exhausted, I asked was this a relative’s house who he happened to be staying at? Daniel simply replied “No. We just saw the flames and smoke and stopped to help.”
As I took the heavy bucket from Daniel, he directed me to the spot he had been working on to keep the fire from spreading. Daniel knew he had to do everything he could to keep the fire from spreading to the neighboring property and was actively working on extinguishing the fire along a fence line.
Through Daniel’s actions, they were able to keep the fire from spreading until Hackett Fire Department could arrive. Daniel is a true reflection of the Hackett community. Always looking out for his fellow neighbor.
Great job Daniel Boyles!!
Thank you, Daniel Boyles
4 Seasons on Main Opens in Hackett
Darrell Spells, RESIDENT PRESS Contributor
Hackett welcomes its newest business. 4 Seasons on Main.
4 Seasons is a retail based business that allows vendors to rent booth space and sell their items. 4 Seasons is owned by Becky and Tracy Eckert.
A great selection of Valentine gifts are also available. For booth information stop by 4 Seasons on Main at 112 South Main Street in Hackett, Arkansas
Hackett City Park Receives Upgrades
Darrell Spells, RESIDENT PRESS Contributor
The City of Hackett recently upgraded the playground area of their city park.
New playground equipment was purchased as well as new mulch and borders. With Spring just around the corner, the City of Hackett encourages residents and visitors to bring their family and enjoy what the park has to offer.
Bubba’s Rescue Assists in Abandoned Dog Epidemic
Scott County is experiencing a tremendous amount of dogs that are being dumped in rural areas. Bubba’s Rescue, which operates a no kill animal shelter in Waldron is overflowing with dogs that have been abandoned, and needs homes, and loving families.
“We are always operating at full capacity and have to turn away more dogs than we can take in. We try our best to make room for as many as possible, but with limited available space, it is not always possible” said Tom Dunn
Recently, Bubba’s Rescue was contacted by a county resident that found a dog that was dumped on her property. The Boston Terrier has severe cataracts and is barely able to see. It would be impossible for this little dog to fend for himself. Dunn took him in and found a specialized rescue group for Boston Terriers in Oklahoma that can give him the care he needs. This is the message we got from the woman who found him:
FROM KATHY:
“I am so ANGRY at the person that threw away this poor old dog ! He has cataracts and doesn’t see well – he is so miserable wanting to be home I don’t think he has stopped trotting,- sniffing trying to figure out where he is since he showed up here. The only time he relaxes is when I hold him in my lap. I have to keep him in the barn so I leave one of the gentle dogs with him so he’s quieter but he is moving constantly and my heart hurts for him all because someone decided to dump him – an old almost blind dog – you have brought fear and horrible stress to him – and a painful heart wrenching situation for me. I cant protect him or keep him safe on a farm – he doesnt know horses kick or tractors will run over you- so he stays locked in the barn miserable and confused so I stay sad for him and go hold him when I can and try not to cry when he drifts off to sleep in my arms and I have to put him down when I need to get other things done. Oh how I would LOVE to find who did this to him – but nothing I said to them would shame them at all because they are missing the vital part of their brain that registers empathy for the suffering of others including animals. You have NO idea the pain you are responsible for that I have had to witness and try to make better for a little old – nearly blind – thrown away dog. Just drive somewhere dump him out of your car and drive away – problem solved. Did you wonder if coyotes got him – if he could somehow manage to get to where he heard other dogs – well he didnt we went to him watching him wandering around and around- I will never forget how he tried to get to me when I got close – FRANTIC – SHAKING – but your problem was over – after how many years did you own him. As thin as he is I wouldnt want you to have bim back so I will be forced to take him to a no kill shelter tomorrow and all the EMPATHY inside of me will be breaking my heart – something you have no understanding of !!”
Dunn added, “We see it all, from severely abused and malnourished dogs to dogs that obviously had been cared for but have now been abandoned.”
Bubba’s Rescue is an all volunteer non-profit rescue that operates solely on donations. Their monthly bills run higher than the gracious donations, so more often than not, its board members foot the bills for these dogs.
On average, it costs over $100 per dog for standard veterinary care which includes vaccinations, heartworm test and spay/neuter.
Bubba’s Rescue biggest problem is lack of space. Their (14) kennels stay full, which has prompted Dunn to run a campaign on GoFundMe to raise money for a larger building.
Dunn added, “The more space we have, the more we will be able to help our community.”
To make a donation to the GoFundMe Fundraiser, CLICK HERE
Mansfield (2) Girls Basketball Finish 13-2
Mansfield 2-Edwards 5/6 grade girls finish their 2016-2017 season play with a 13-2 record for the year, and first place finish in the River Valley Basketball League end of the season tournament in Booneville on Saturday February 18th.
Husband and wife coaching duo Owen, and Andrea Edwards have an amazing ability to coach, and lead this fine group of young ladies on the court, and in their daily life.
Team members: Kaile Sysakayavong, Alyson Edwards, Cole Smith, Raine Hecox, Kyla Carlton, Cassidy Carlton, Natalie Allison, and Skylynn Harris.
Congrats Coaches, and Girls!!!! GO TIGERS!
Mansfield Gifted & Talented Announces Spring Testing Date
Mansfield School District will begin Spring testing Monday, March 27, 2017 Students may be referred any time in grades two through twelve, but formal service for identified students begins in the 3rd grade. If you feel your child would benefit from Gifted and Talented services, you can pick up a referral packet in the Elementary, Middle, or High School Offices. Please fill out the forms and return to one of the offices by Friday, March 10, 2017.
*Referral period is from Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, March 3, 2017.
*In this packet you will find the following:
-a list of characteristics showing the difference between a bright child and a gifted child (this is for your reference when deciding if your child fits the criteria of a gifted student)
-the Gifted and Talented recommendation for services form
-the SIGS checklist
-a permission to test form
-an overview of the program
*Please return the referral packet to Tracy Dedmon or the office at the elementary, middle, or high school by Friday, March 3, 2017.
Teachers: Please attach a copy of the child’s report card, and work sample.
Hackett City Council – February
Darrell Spells, RESIDENT PRESS Contributor
The Hackett City Council held its monthly meeting on February 16, 2017. Chief Spells gave the monthly police update and Fire Chief James McCutcheon reported on fire department activities.
McCutcheon noted that the department is still working on how to resolve the issue with the tanker truck. The Water Department addressed the council and brought the council up to speed on a duplex being built on the north side of town and the water line going to it as well as a couple of leaks that were repaired in town.
Gary Grimes addressed the council regarding the loss of GIF funding. Grimes offered suggestions to the council on ways to help offset the loss of this funding.
In new business, the council was told by Mayor Stephens that Farmers Bank would be paying for the new electronic sign that will be placed in front of city hall. Mayor Stephens also discussed the need for lighting in the new parking area behind city hall.
The council approved the funding for more park improvements. The improvements will be made to the north side of the park.
The council also addressed the need for improvements to the roof of city hall. The issue was tabled until next month.
Former Hackett Mayor, Darrell Newton Leaves Legacy
Darrell Spells – Hackett Police Chief, and RP Contributor
Yesterday, Friday, February 17th, 2017, the city of Hackett lost the epitome of a public servant. A quiet and Godly man who served his community for many years, Darrell Newton always made time for the residents of the community. One of the very first articles I submitted to Resident Press was an interview I did with Newton a couple of months back. The article focuses on some of Newton’s accomplishments as Mayor of Hackett.
Trying to find a project in Hackett that doesn’t have the fingerprints of former Mayor Darrell Newton is a difficult task. Newton was well known around the city of Hackett. The projects he helped create are even more well known. Newton served on and off the city council for 10-20 years and 16 years as Mayor of Hackett.
Newton who was married to his wife, Nellie for 63 years was frequently found at city hall in the early morning hours reading his Bible in his office. Before most city employees had started their day, Newton was already beginning his. Newton whose quiet demeanor carried him through years of public service is was a frequent face at Main Street Café where you could often catch he and his wife eating breakfast.
When asked, what was his biggest project, Newton never hesitated. “The city park without a doubt”. Newton described in detail one of the obstacles the park project faced. “Not long after the park was almost finished we had a bad flood. The flooding took out about 90 foot of asphalt on the north side of the park. During this time, three boys were playing in the flood waters up the creek. Luckily we had some first responders on scene who were able to get the boys out of the water”.
Newton also overseen the development of the new fire center during his tenure as mayor. Newton and fellow Hackett resident Dale Johnson also had a hand in Hackett’s most visible and well known structure. The three crosses facing south near the intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 45 catches travelers eye as they enter the city. While the city park may be the biggest project, the smile on Newton’s face let me know that the cross project was his favorite. “Dale Johnson and I came up with the idea. We were over at his shop when the idea was first mentioned. Dale Johnson put a lot of work into it along with Mark Ibson. Donations for the project came from several citizens in Hackett.”
It’s safe to say the city of Hackett and its citizens certainly benefited from Newton’s servant heart.
Mansfield City Council Meeting – February
The Mansfield City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting, Thursday, February, 16th at Mansfield City Hall. In attendance were City Council members – Dave Johnson, Nathan Sterling, Beverly Lyons, Rick McDaniel, Sheri Hopkins, Georganna Mabry, Mansfield Recorder / Treasurer – Becky Walker, Mansfield Mayor – Larry Austin, Mansfield Police Chief – Boyd Farmer, Mansfield Fire Chief – Stephen Haysmer, as well as a many citizens, and business owners of our area.
Editors Note: Due to a previous engagement, we were late to the meeting and came in during Unfinished Business.
XI.
A. Engineers are working on the progress of the Henley Road water line, and should have a bid really soon. Power line is causing some delays.
B. Police Station roof repaired.
C. Mayor Austin asked the board to have a special meeting regarding voting on the Walking trail bids, which open on Wed, Feb. 22nd. Meeting planned for March 2nd, at 6:00pm. Estimates are $35k as the base.
D. Mayor Austin recommended that Handicap access would be accessible to, and on the stage. Becky Walker asked, “Who is making these decisions”, Mayor Austin responded that no decisions have been made. Several members of the Council immediately disagreed with any thought as to having handicap access to, on, and through the stage.
The ongoing concern is that decisions are being made about the Dixie Theater, and other issues / areas without the consent of the City Council, and other valuable opinions who have played an important role in the progression of the town, emergency services, and public perspective.
XII.
A. During discussion of public use of the Dixie Theater, the council discussed the Mayors decision of charging use fees of per person, or per group of people. The discussion was charging use based on the amount of people.
For example: “0-10 people” would be charged “X” ammount, where “20-40 people” would be charged higher, and so on. The fees would include a base rate of cleaning deposit, which would be refunded if cleaned properly.
Councilman, Nathan Sterling defended the Mayors actions by referring to the operating costs which the fees would be applied towards. Mayor Austin recommended that ONLY Mansfield residents should be involved in the planning, and committee positions.
Councilman, Rick McDaniel advised the board that Becky Walker should head up the proposed committee to look into certain aspects of the Dixie Theater’s use since it is has been her, and Husband Robert Walkers dream to get this building renovated, who have also done most of the planning, and fundraising thus far.
XIII.
A. Taylor House sale has been finalized.
B. Fire Department Status (See below image)
In addition to the items on the agenda….
Councilman, Rick McDaniel asked the Mayor how, and why he banned the Mansfield 4H from using the Mansfield City Hall after their meeting this week, and Mayor Austin replied, “They left candy wrappers on the floor!.” McDaniel asked why he (Mayor Austin) took it upon himself to take action without the City Council’s acknowledgement. Mayor Austin DID NOT respond.
McDaniel also asked the Mayor why the Mansfield Soccer was banned from using City Hall over his accusations of “stealing an ink pen.” Again, Mayor Austin had no comment.
McDaniel made the motion that Mansfield 4H were to continue using City Hall for their meetings.. Motion was unanimous.
Waldron Nursing Center News – February 16, 2016
Story by Christine Lees LSW/ADC
Mrs. Shelley Welch’s Learning Academy Class brings lots of Valentines to help fill the Residents Valentine holders, referencing the above image.
Congratulations to Waldron Nursing Center residents Paul Davis and Johna Rich for being elected by popular vote as Valentine King And Queen at the Special Wednesday morning activity of “Valentine Masquerade Ball” complete with the wearing of different mask, lots of dancing, then the crowing of the King and Queen. The voting boxes were placed at the nurse desk a couple of weeks ago and anyone that wished could cast a vote for the person they would like to see as our Valentine King and Queen. Out of all the votes cast these two received the most votes. King Paul and Queen Johna both received a crown, along with Valentine bears with a box of candy and their certificate declaring them to be Valentine King and Queen. Everyone that was nominated for King and Queen also received a certificate. Besides King Paul, there was Ronald Bickford, John Cloptin, Edward Doak, Sam Giddens, Kellow Holland, Vester Hutchens, Jimmy Mize, Granville Stuart, all nominated for King. Besides Queen Johna there was Barbara Belknap, Diane Brennan, Judy Cheesman, Barbara Hay, Thelma Lawson, Mary Jo Maxey, Fern Powell, Jean Plummer, Gladys Thompson, Gladys Simpson, Joyce Thompson, Norma Williams, Fern Yandell, Virginia Yandell, Eula Davis and Gertrude Shelton.
Other activities last week included Sunday singing with Rick Byce, movie with Alex, Reminiscence with Diane Miller, Monday night services with Temple Baptist group, bingo on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon with our good volunteers, Joanna Strozier, Doyle Wayne & Karen, Pat Morales, helping out at the games. We are in desperate need of more volunteers to help residents at the games with their cards on Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 2-3 PM. Our group has really grown and we need more help. So if you have a spare hour and would like to get a real blessing come and help one of our residents with their card and see the look of happiness on their faces when they bingo. Tuesday night was a great time with the Blue grass singers, Roger Sparks and group, exercises, painting nails, scrap-book red hat meeting, and lots of Valentine crafts. This weeks activities of keeping residents busy while the bug was present was lots of one on one activities of word puzzles, art pages, trivia games with Alex and Billie along with our Special activity of “Big Mouth”. Quiet a few were able to attend this activity and enjoyed knocking the teeth back in the Big Mouth. Prizes of Valentine box candy and M & M’s. We were also able to do a smaller group of bingo players, Thanks to Joanna for calling the bingo numbers.
We welcome a new church to our Saturday afternoon activity at 2:00 PM from the Lighthouse church with pastor Diago Rodriguez. We are proud to have them join in our activity program on the fourth Saturday of the month.
Congratulations also goes out to James Beaver, CNA on the evening shift, for being elected as “employee of the month” besides his plaque he received $100. in cash. Congrates also to Proud parents & our Nurse Charles Strozier & wife McKayla, along with Granny Billie Strozier, who just happens to have photos of new grand son- Baby Rowan Lane Strozier-weighing in at 5 lb 2 oz.
Thanks goes out to all those that have been bringing the magazines and books along with bingo prizes from Marie Payton and Teresa Brixley. The residents really get big eyes when they see all of the new prizes on the prize table. Also to all of those who helped fill the Valentine holders, Pleasant Hill EH Club, Oleta Goodner Lewis, Tony & Vanessa, Mrs. Welch’s Learning Academy students as well as lots of the employees and co-residents exchanging Valentines. There was also lots of beautiful flower arrangements, a huge Teddy Bear and lots of cards and candy that arrived for the residents from family members and friends.
Due to the flu bug that arrived this week some of our group activities that are provided by the different Churches and singing groups had to be rescheduled. We are so appreciative of their understanding. We also don’t want them to catch the bug which we are expecting be passed in a few more days. Remember that you may call the nurse desk 24-7 to check on your loved one.
In closing we are so blessed to have all of the caring people in our community who help us out with the bingo prizes as well as the ones that I buy with our Christmas money that was given me at Christmas time from the BPW club and Packsaddle Church. These donations help with getting extra nice prizes for our activities.