Hello everyone! Welcome to Arkansas, spring, summer, winter and fall all in one day. I love the time change though. I am not gonna lie, I have had a hard time going to bed at night, but I will get back in the swing in a week or two. I don’t think I have told y’all, but my youngest granddaughter is living with me again. She is a hypochondriac and her brothers know this. We were eating and she was telling us how she accidentally got a desk at school shoved into her stomach and it hurt and so on. I don’t doubt one bit that it hurt, I’m sure it did. I overheard her brother, Ethan, telling his brother, Evan, “Well we know where this is going, she probably has internal bleeding from it.” I couldn’t help but laugh. He knows her all too well. Remember that song “Kids Say the Darndest Things”? That is a true story. They will embarrass their parents for sure. I remember when Jacob was about two or so. We were at the IGA (aka Countryboy, aka CVS, aka Harps). There was a man there and he had an eye patch on, and little sweet Jacob sees him and yells, “Look mom, a pirate?” I could have crawled in a hole, but the man was very kind about it. When his sister was little, we were in a grocery store and passed a woman that was so wrinkled she looked like a prune—too much sun—and Shannon yells, “Mom did you see that ugly woman?” Yes, she said it and I just took off like a scalded ape as fast as I could. I went to church a couple of weeks ago to listen to my nephew speak. They have a nice church full of wonderful people, but they are sure not like us Pentecostals. I was the only one clapping and saying amen. I said all that to tell you this: one time when my niece Raylee was little, she went to church with me and we clap, sing loud and holler amen. When she went home, she told her momma and daddy that at Aunt Sheri’s church the preacher yells at them and they yell back. I thought that was so funny. I like some fast-paced music and hand clapping. Have a blessed week and be ready for all four seasons since we live in Arkansas. This week’s recipe is for a peach cobbler: 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder pinch of salt 1 cup milk 1 cup of butter 1 large can peaches with syrup Melt butter in a 9×13 baking dish in a 350-degree oven and set aside. Mix all dry ingredients and add milk, blending well. Pour batter evenly into a baking dish. Pour sliced peaches with syrup on top of the batter, do not mix. Place in a 350-degree oven and bake until golden brown, approximately 45 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
A new congregation has quietly begun gathering in Mansfield, rooted in historic Christian doctrine and a desire to serve the local community.
Christ Church of Mansfield officially began holding services in January, though organizers say the groundwork for the church plant had been developing for more than a year.
“Our church is called Christ Church of Mansfield because we want to emphasize that Jesus Christ alone is the covenant head and Lord of the church,” said Pastor Dakota Langford, who leads the congregation.
Dakota Langford
While several earlier meeting locations fell through during the planning phase, the church has found a temporary home in a residential setting. The congregation currently meets in a home at 700 Grove Street, located across from First Assembly of God.
Langford said the home setting has helped create a welcoming environment.
“Meeting in a home has actually been a blessing,” he explained. “It creates a comfortable atmosphere for people who might feel hesitant about stepping into a traditional church building for the first time.”
Rooted in Historic Christian Faith
The church’s teachings are grounded in historic Christianity and the beliefs passed down through the early church.
Members affirm ancient confessions of faith such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, which express belief in one God existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The church’s theological framework also reflects the teachings of the Protestant Reformation.
Langford explained that the church emphasizes the historic doctrine that salvation is “by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, and for the glory of God alone.”
Christ Church of Mansfield describes itself as Reformed in theology, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and God’s sovereignty in salvation. The congregation welcomes believers from several traditions within the Reformed family, including Presbyterian, historic Baptist, Dutch Reformed and Anglican backgrounds.
“We also hold a high view of the Holy Spirit,” Langford said. “We believe the Spirit brings new life to believers and continues the work of shaping them to grow in their faith.”
A Call to Ministry
Langford said he sensed a call to ministry as a teenager.
“I first felt called to ministry when I was 15 years old,” he said. “That call was affirmed by my church family at Abbott Baptist Church.”
Since then, Langford has preached in both Baptist and Reformed congregations and has also had opportunities to preach internationally in Europe. He has previously served as a youth pastor in a Southern Baptist church.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Media Communication with an emphasis in written journalism at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, while simultaneously studying at Kairos University, where he is working toward a Master of Divinity with a focus on Reformed theology and teaching.
In addition to his academic work, Langford participates in pastoral training through Practical Shepherding. Earlier this year, he was ordained to pastoral ministry by several regional church leaders, including Bro. Gary Martin and Bro. Dale Stovall of Fellowship Baptist Church, Bro. Shayne Coffey of St. Gabriel’s Anglican Church, and Luis Chinos of Palestine Baptist Church.
Langford also serves on the board of Lifewise Academy.
Dakota and Emma Langford at the gender reveal for their first child, a son, Spurgeon John.
Deep Local Roots
Langford and his family have longstanding connections to the Mansfield area.
He is the grandson of Denise Speegle Black and Sally Langford, and the son of Trey and Jennifer Langford, with family ties to the Black and Elmore families in the region.
His wife, Emma Langford, is an elementary school teacher in the area.
“She’s new to Mansfield, but she has already fallen in love with the community,” Langford said.
The couple is also expecting their first child, a son named Spurgeon John, in May.
“It means a lot to us to serve in a place that is deeply connected to our family,” he said. “We’re encouraged by how many people want to see Mansfield flourish again like it once did for my ancestors.”
Langford said the church hopes to be part of the community’s continued growth and renewal.
“As we pray for Mansfield to prosper and grow, we also pray that our town would joyfully submit to the lordship of Christ,” he said. “There are many faithful people here already working toward that.”
Weekly Gatherings and Community Events
Christ Church of Mansfield hosts regular weekly gatherings designed to encourage fellowship and make it easier for people with varying work schedules to attend.
On Sundays, the church serves a free lunch at 12:30 p.m., followed by its worship service at 2 p.m. The later service time was chosen intentionally to accommodate individuals who work mornings or evenings.
Midweek gatherings take place on Wednesdays, with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. followed by a service at 6 p.m.
The church is also preparing to host a special community event in April.
On April 18, the congregation will hold a “Secret Church” event led by Bible teacher David Platt, featuring a six-hour Bible study focused on the life of Elijah. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with snacks provided.
Organizers say the event is open to anyone in the community, regardless of church affiliation.
“Our hope is simply to see people grow in their love for Christ and for this community,” Langford said.
Looking Toward the Future
As the church continues to grow, Langford said the long-term vision remains centered on faithfulness rather than facilities.
“In the long term, our prayer is that the Lord would continue to establish the church here in Mansfield,” he said. “If it is His will, we would love to eventually have a building of our own, but more importantly we want to see a faithful and healthy church grow.”
Langford said the congregation hopes to serve as faithful stewards of the ministry entrusted to them.
“Our desire is simply to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us and to preach the gospel faithfully,” he said. “We also hope to partner with other churches in the area so that together Mansfield might glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
He added that the church’s long-term vision extends beyond the Mansfield community.
“Lord willing, as the church matures, we would love to see men raised up and sent out to plant other churches in surrounding communities,” Langford said, “so that the ends of the earth are discipled.”
The Hackett Fire Department spent the weekend sharpening critical skills during a training session focused on incident scene operations and fire origin and cause investigations.
The courses were led by Arkansas Fire Academy Adjunct II Instructor Todd Johnson, with additional instruction and support provided by veteran fire service leader Chief James McCutcheon. Both instructors brought years of real-world experience to the classroom, helping firefighters strengthen their understanding of both operational safety and investigative techniques.
The incident scene operations portion of the training emphasized organization and safety on the fireground. Firefighters reviewed command structure, communication, scene control, and strategies used to safely manage emergency incidents. The fire origin and cause training focused on identifying how fires start, recognizing burn patterns, and understanding how investigators determine the source and progression of a fire.
Johnson reminded firefighters of the seriousness of their work, stressing the importance of constant preparation. “Train like your life depends on it, because it does,” Johnson told the group.
Department leaders expressed appreciation for the firefighters who took time out of their weekend to continue building their knowledge and skills. Those attending the class were treated to a catered meal by Anas Ben Salah, which included salad, fettuccini, two different types of lasagna and tortellini.
Training opportunities like this ensure that local firefighters remain prepared to respond safely and effectively when their communities need them most. The department also expressed gratitude for the dedication of its members who consistently commit themselves to learning and refreshing the skills necessary to serve and protect their community.
We are proud to recognize an extraordinary group of individuals who exemplify what it means to live as a Sheep Dog.
Among this year’s honorees is Ron Redding, Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.), whose lifetime of service reflects the true spirit of the Sheep Dog community.
Redding is a lifelong public servant with more than four decades of leadership in military service, emergency management, and fire service. After serving 33 years in the United States Air Force, he retired with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Throughout his career he held key roles in emergency management operations supporting missions including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, and Operation Southern Watch, working alongside local, state, and federal agencies.
Following his military career, Redding continued serving the public as a Deputy Fire Chief with the Arkansas Department of the Military, contributing more than 26 years of service under the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System.
His commitment to helping others did not end with retirement. Ron has been actively involved with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance for more than 11 years, graduating from the second class of Sheep Dog University and participating in numerous disaster response missions and outdoor adventure programs that support veterans and first responders.
Each of this year’s Sheep Dog honorees was nominated by friends, family members, or peers who witnessed their character, leadership, and commitment to serving others. From quiet acts of service to extraordinary dedication in their communities, these men and women represent the very best of the Sheep Dog spirit.
Our 2025 Sheep Dogs of the Year embody courage, compassion, and selfless service. Their impact reminds us that being a Sheep Dog isn’t just a title—it’s a way of life.
These outstanding individuals will be formally honored at the 2026 Sheep Dog Impact Assistance Heroes Banquet, where their commitment to protecting, serving, and strengthening communities will be celebrated.
Please join us in congratulating Ron Redding and all of this year’s Sheep Dogs of the Year and thanking them for the example they set for all of us.
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers recently convened for budget hearings to review spending across state government ahead of the fiscal session beginning April 8. The hearings opened with a presentation of Governor Sarah Sanders’ balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027. Arkansas does not deficit spend or borrow to fund day‑to‑day government operations, so each year’s budget must be balanced. The Department of Finance and Administration outlined a plan that increases state general revenue by $194.5 million. Overall, the proposed budget totals $6.7 billion, reflecting a three‑percent increase in state spending. In her introductory letter, the governor emphasized that her administration’s top priority is limiting the growth of government while continuing to invest in essential services. She noted that this approach supports the ongoing effort to responsibly phase out the state income tax. To help manage spending, the proposal formally reinstates “Category A” and “Category B” designations. Category A includes essential expenses such as employee salaries and building maintenance—items the state must fund every year, much like families must cover rent and utilities. Category B covers discretionary programs that may be funded when revenues allow, similar to how families budget for vacations or non‑essential purchases. The proposed budget includes several notable funding items:
• More than $309 million for the Arkansas LEARNS Education Freedom Account program—an increase of $122 million from last year’s proposal—along with an additional $70 million from surplus funds to accommodate anticipated growth. The program allows families to use state funds for educational expenses such as private school tuition and homeschooling. This is the first year the program is open to all students, and approximately 44,000 are participating.
• $53.4 million for the state’s new pay plan, with the majority dedicated to salary increases for correctional officers and Arkansas State Police troopers.
• $6 million for higher education institutions.
• $7 million for drug task forces across the state.
• $5 million to improve the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rate. Under the federal One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, states will begin sharing the cost of SNAP benefits for the first time in the program’s 86‑year history. A state’s share will depend on how often it overpays or underpays benefits. Those with error rates below six percent will continue receiving full federal coverage, while those above six percent must begin contributing at least five percent of program costs beginning Oct. 1, 2027. As of December 2025, Arkansas’ error rate was 7.01 percent.
• $6 million for the 10:33 Initiative, a program led by the governor’s Faith‑Based Initiatives office. It connects Arkansans in need with faith and community partners who can provide immediate assistance and long-term support to help families move out of poverty and become self‑sufficient.
During the upcoming fiscal session, legislators will finalize the state budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which is from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
By Mary Hightower University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is restricting imports to the rapidly growing timber markets in the Middle East and northern Africa, according to an industry outlet, but impacts on the Arkansas timber industry will likely be minimal, said Matthew Pelkki.
Pelkki is a professor and George H. Clippert Chair of Forestry at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business. He’s also part of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The Middle Eastern and North African Market — or MENA — region has become a growing market for timber exporters, especially Russia, according to industry news outlet Wood Central. Russia shipped 1.7 million cubic meters of lumber there in 2024. The American Hardwood Export Council said U.S. hardwood lumber shipments to MENA rose 11 percent during the first six months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
“Arkansas sends about 17 percent of its production of wood out of state,” he said on Thursday. “Most goes to mills in surrounding states, especially Louisiana.
“As far as internationally, our largest customer for Arkansas wood products is Mexico,” Pelkki said. “We do ship some hardwoods to the European Union, primarily Germany, and a lot of wood pellets to the United Kingdom.”
Some hardwoods and logs end up in Vietnam as well, he said.
“While the Middle Eastern and North African Market has grown substantially, it is still a small component of U.S. wood exports,” Pelkki said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, the U.S. exports $8.75 billion in wood products.
Canada is the top destination, valued at $1.96 billion. The United Kingdom is second at $1.68 billion, and the European Union is third at $881 million. None of the Middle Eastern or North African nations is in the top 10.
However, “any loss or reduction of U.S. hardwood exports is going to cause prices for lumber to stagnate or drop, and as prices and quantity of those hardwoods decrease, it will have an effect on demand for hardwood timber,” Pelkki said. “But I think at this time, the effect of the war on Arkansas’ hardwood sawmills and forest landowners will be minimal.”
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center
The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land-grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
Students from the Waldron and Charleston School Districts were among those competing at the 18th annual Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Archery in the Schools State Championship, held Saturday at Bank OZK Arena and the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs.
Archers from across the state gathered for the championship event, which is hosted each year by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as part of its Archery in the Schools program.
Among the standout performances for the region came from Charleston High School, which finished fourth overall in the high school division, placing the Tigers among the top teams in the state. Charleston also had one of the top individual performances of the day, as Maddie Johnson finished second among female high school archers with a score of 286, narrowly missing the top spot after a tiebreaker determined by additional 10-ring hits.
Statewide, Magnet Cove High School once again led the competition, winning the high school team championship with a score of 3,385 out of a possible 3,600 points, finishing 80 points ahead of runner-up Bryant High School.
At the middle school level, the Charleston School District also had a strong showing. Charleston Middle School finished third overall in the state with a team score of 3,198, trailing only El Dorado Barton Junior High and Valley Springs School District.
Charleston’s success continued in the elementary division, where Charleston Elementary captured first place statewide with a score of 2,994, earning the top trophy in the elementary competition.
While Charleston schools produced several top finishes, students from Waldron schools also participated in the statewide event, joining hundreds of young archers representing districts from across Arkansas and highlighting the continued growth of archery programs throughout the River Valley.
According to AIS Program Coordinator Aimee Swaim, the championship represents the culmination of months of preparation by students and coaches across the state.
“The coaches and students work so hard all year long to get here, and you can see the excitement on their faces when they file into the arena,” Swaim said. “It takes a lot of people to put this program together, and I’m just fortunate to have such an incredible group of coaches and staff throughout the state who come together to make it happen for the kids.”
The Archery in the Schools Program teaches students the fundamentals of archery using modern compound bows and is designed so students of nearly any size or ability can participate.
