Threadfin shad: tiny fish, big impact on Arkansas sport fishing
By Sarah Baxter
Stocking threadfin shad is a relatively new endeavor for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. These tiny, silvery minnows may not be glamorous, but they have a big impact on your favorite sport fish, be it bass, crappie or walleye. They also are somewhat delicate, making them not only difficult to raise in a hatchery, but also to harvest, haul and stock.
Despite these difficulties, AGFC started raising them in 2016 — with great success. Staff have annually stocked between 1 million and 1.5 million threadfin shad in waters around the state ever since.
AGFC hatchery staff stocked a variety of lakes last year with threadfin shad, from some of the AGFC’s smallest lakes like 100-acre Horsehead Lake near Clarksville to Upper and Lower White Oak lakes in Ouachita and Nevada counties that equate to 1,700 acres combined. Brewer Lake near Plumerville saw a direct stocking of shad last year, and Lake Monticello was loaded down with more than 350,000 fingerling threadfins to help jump start this historical heavyweight largemouth bass destination as it rebounds from a recent renovation.
In addition to direct stocking, AGFC uses nursery ponds to stock shad. Each spring, thousands of adult shad are introduced to small ponds adjacent to larger lakes that have few if any aquatic predators or competing species. After spawning, both adults and their offspring are released into the lake in the fall, further bolstering the shad population. This innovative approach maximizes stocking efforts and strengthens the aquatic food web. Two larger lakes, Maumelle just west of Little Rock, and Greers Ferry near Heber Springs, saw a boost to shad populations through nursery ponds devoted to those lakes last year. Another nursery pond, this one on Lake Conway, also was stocked, but it is being used as a temporary fishing destination during that lake’s renovation and the shad stocked there are helping keep game fish in that pond at healthy weights for anglers until construction on Conway is complete.
What makes threadfin shad so valuable? They rarely grow larger than 5 inches, making them ideal prey for a wide range of predator species. They primarily inhabit open water: This not only adds feeding opportunities to portions of lakes where other forage species are not available, but also creates exciting angling opportunities for game fish. Anglers often see the telltale signs of shad schools being chased by predators — a thrilling sight that promises rousing fishing action.
These little fish are also incredibly productive, quickly multiplying and creating a sustainable food source for hungry predators. This “boom” in the food supply means more energy for sport fish to grow larger and stronger. By providing an abundant food source, threadfin shad help maintain a healthy balance in a lake’s ecosystem. A well-fed predator population puts less pressure on other prey species, contributing to overall fish community health.
The AGFC recognizes the vital role threadfin shad play in supporting Arkansas’s thriving sport fisheries. The Fisheries Division stocks thousands of shad in lakes where forage levels are low, ensuring a plentiful food supply for game fish. This proactive approach helps maintain healthy and exhilarating fishing opportunities for anglers across the state.
So, the next time you land a lunker bass or a slab crappie, remember the tiny threadfin shad that helped make it happen. These unsung heroes of the underwater world play a vital role in our aquatic ecosystems, fueling the growth of your favorite sport fish.
State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Senate quickly approved legislation to protect the rights of more than 500 victims of child sex abuse who have already won civil cases and are waiting for their settlements to become official.
Senators unanimously approved Senate Bill 13 on the same day that attorneys for a former pediatrician, and convicted child sex offender, argued before the state Court of Appeals that existing Arkansas law was unconstitutional.
The sex offender’s lawsuit challenges a law enacted in 2021 known as the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act. It greatly extended the statute of limitations for child abuse victims, and also extended the time period in which they can file lawsuits against the offenders who abused them.
Legislators became aware that the 2021 act was being challenged in court, so the same Senate and House sponsors of the 2021 act joined forces again to file SB 13.
Passage of SB 13 by the legislature will protect monetary awards that victims in Arkansas have already won, no matter the outcome of the case currently at the Court of Appeals. If the convicted sex offender wins, and SB 13 is not passed, money that already has been allocated to victims in Arkansas would instead be distributed to victims from other states.
Two other Senate bills that were approved early in the legislative session are meant to make veterinary services more available in parts of Arkansas that are under-served.
Senate Bill 68 passed by a vote of 34-to-1. It would allow veterinary technicians, technologists and technician specialists to help animals during an emergency when the supervising veterinarian is not present.
By a vote of 33-to-2 the Senate passed SB 61, which would allow a veterinarian licensed in Arkansas to provide telemedicine services, using audio-visual technology or the telephone.
The bill would also allow a veterinarian to provide emergency services via telemedicine for someone even though they have not yet established a relationship. In those instances, the veterinarian must establish a relationship with the client within seven days if a small animal was treated, and within 21 days if a large animal was treated.
The two bills will next be considered by the House of Representatives.
Also during the second week of the session, the Senate passed SB 15 to repeal a law concerning the negligent shooting of a firearm while deer hunting.
It is the first in a package of bills the legislature will consider this session to clarify the many statutes on firearms. Throughout 2024 a legislative committee studied firearms laws, while getting input from the attorney general, law enforcement and concealed carry safety instructors.
SB 15 repeals language about negligent shooting that is covered in other criminal and civil statutes. The repealed language is discriminatory against deer hunters, the sponsor said, because it doesn’t apply to other hunters.
The Senate approved a handful of budget bills, including the appropriation that authorizes state turnback for cities and counties. HB 1102 appropriates $29.37 million for cities and $21.4 million to counties.
Walters Goes From All-State Linebacker To Life Saving Hero
Let’s face it, our current era isn’t like the good ol’ days. Many Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Xennials, and a handful of Millennials recall a time when things seemed like a real-life episode of the Andy Giffith show in small towns. Back when manners weren’t a choice, families dressed up to go to town, and being neighborly was more than merely knowing the name of who lived next door. But today’s generation, let’s just say that there are many upcoming young men and women around the country who could care less about old-school morals, values, and ethics that once were. But now and then, you’ll find an Andy Taylor pop-up amongst all of the social media zombies in the modern-day teenage wasteland. In fact, a local young man gave his community a glimpse of hope in today’s generation. That young man wasn’t from the fictional town of Mayberry though, he was from Mansfield, Arkansas.
Zander Walters has made his name synonymous on the gridiron over the past few years as an All-Conference and All-State defensive linebacker and offensive tackle for the Mansfield Tigers. From the offseason weight room and the summer practices to game day itself, his grit and determination to be the best at everything he does has made him a “dude” that many opponents would rather not face. In the classroom, Walters is a teacher’s dream. His respectfulness, hard work, and studious mindset have Walters on the principal’s list or the honor roll every semester. Zander’s positive qualities don’t stop when he leaves the campus though. Walters is the first to help if he sees someone in need and brings a smile with him wherever he goes. Raised by his grandparents, Paul and Kathy Walters, Zander has the personality to fit in with multi-generational crowds. While teenagers like Zander are relatively difficult to find, there are plenty out there if you look for them. So, what sets Zander Walters apart from some of the others that are solid young men and women? Well, simply put, Zander Walters is a hero.
On the evening of December 14th, 2024, Zander was at his house playing with his dog, Dakota, when he noticed his dog focusing on something outside the yard. When he looked to the east in the same direction as his dog, he noticed that his neighbor’s house was engulfed in flames. This is where a lot of folks would call 911 and merely watch in shock while waiting for someone else to help. Zander Walters did call 911, but he did it on the run. His reaction was without the “re” and all about the action. “I had no reaction or fear in my mind. I just knew when I saw the fire that I needed to help whoever might be in the house”. It was a good 60 yards plus between the Walters’ home and their neighbors with barriers of brush, ditches, trees, and fences in between. But as Walters has proven on the football field, there is no one and nothing that can stop him when he gets his tree trunk legs going as he mowed his way to the fire. Once at the fiery residence of his neighbor, Zander and Mansfield Assistant Fire Chief Albert Haysmer, who was first on the scene, began scouring the blazing inferno for signs of life. Thankfully, the brave duo found Mansfield resident, Sissie Rupe Payne, and moved her to safety as the structure of the house began to collapse. Payne suffered significant burns from the fire, but the quick thinking and fearlessness of Haysmer and Walters prevented worse injuries or even death.
While Haysmer has saved numerous lives and seen some of the most tragic fires, that’s what he signed up for. Haysmer definitely deserves recognition for all he and the volunteers of the Mansfield Fire Department did on that fateful night. For that matter, on every call that they rush to, they volunteer to be lifesaving heroes daily. But the selflessness and fearlessness of a seventeen-year-old young man to rush straight towards hundred-foot flames to help save a life also deserves the recognition of a hero and that is just what the City of Mansfield did for Zander Walters. The city leaders and Walters’ grandparents devised a master plan to secretly surprise Zander on Thursday, January 23, at a Mansfield City Hall meeting. “I was told we had to go and sign some papers, so I thought nothing of it”. Once there though, Walters saw family and friends in attendance along with Mansfield Mayor, Buddy Black and the City Council. After opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, Zander was called to the front where Mayor Black awarded him with a Life Saving plaque. While surprised at the events that had unfolded before him, a humble Zander Walters said “I was surprised that they did this. It’s all good, but I didn’t help for a reward, I helped because it’s what we’re supposed to do”. Although Walters may not think he’s a hero, to Sissie Rupe Payne, he’ll forever have an iconic Superman S on his chest. “I pray for Zander every day”, said Payne. “He didn’t hesitate to carry me across the yard after I got out of the house. I am eternally grateful for Zander and all of the Walters family”.
Mayberry is of course a fictional town on television and many of the life lessons from the Andy Griffith Show seem to be turning into fiction too these days. But while many of us older folks look at the current generation of young men and women with judgment, just remember that we were once young rebels like them. That’s right, the Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Xennials, and Millennials had our quirks that the previous generations thought were un-Mayberry-ish. In every generation, just like this one, there are plenty of Zanders among us that slowly but surely put hope back in the future of mankind and back into our small towns.
Matthew 5:7-9 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”.
Obituary: Terry Mark Baird (1971-2025)
Terry Mark Baird, better known as Mark, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Monday, January 20, 2025 in Waldron, Arkansas. Mark was born July 17, 1971 in Plainview, Texas to Thomas and Glendell Baird. He was 53 years old.
Mark was born and raised in Texas and relocated to Waldron in 2005 to help care for his parents. He enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to music and riding his motorcycle. Mark loved putting out a huge garden every year. He took great pride in working the soil, harvesting the vegetables and enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Mark leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Glendell of Waldron, Arkansas, and one brother James Baird and wife Joanne of Dallas, Texas. Mark is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Abigail, Glenn, John and Charles as well as his great nephews Logan and Luke. Mark will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including extended family and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his father Thomas Baird and one brother Nelson Baird.
Mark’s celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
Museum’s Online Store Features Products to Promote Rich History
Treasuring the past, embracing our area’s rich history–the Scott County Museum of History is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Scott County, Arkansas. And, for the past four years, the SCMOH has seen continued growth, which includes new displays and the addition of an online store.
“This new store is not only a way for the museum to receive some extra funding but is also a way for us to promote the rich history and heritage of Scott County through our products and unique designs,” shared Museum Director Ty Richardson. “We want people to know about the history of Scott County and how amazing our heritage is. We also want the citizens here to be able to reminisce about the history here and learn new things about Scott County they may not have known before.”
Each design is carefully crafted by Richardson, who has a unique background in design. He currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architectural Studies from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Arkansas, and a Masters in Historic Preservation from the prestigious Ivy League Institution the University of Pennsylvania. His two design degrees have provided him with a set transferable skills used in designing not only the museum store items but displays and exhibits within the museum itself.
“These are obviously goals of the museum in general but sometimes it’s hard to get the word out,” continued Richardson. “So, with our new store we hope to provide people with quality items that are stylish and unique and also a way to showcase Scott County’s history at the same time. Our ultimate goal is to make our online store the place where people can shop for all things Waldron/Scott County.”
The online store contains approximately 18 new products with more to come. Shoppers can go online at https://www.scomoh.com/shop. Scroll through the website and enjoy the step back in time!
Nominations Now Open For MHS Wall of Fame
According to an announcement by the directors of the Mansfield High School Tiger Wall of Fame, the process for expanding the exclusive club membership has already begun. Nominations for induction are now open. With it, plans are moving forward to have the WOF Class of 2025 ready for selection by this summer followed by a forthcoming fall induction event.
Nominations for potential inclusion onto this year’s memorial wall are now being accepted until June 30. Written nominations using a copy of the designated nomination form should be sent to the Mansfield Administrative Building in care of the administrative secretary. Completed forms may also be submitted electronically using a fillable document provided on the Mansfield Public School’s website.
From their homepage at “mansfieldtigers.org”, click the “community” tab and select “Mansfield Wall of Fame” from the drop down menu. There for your convenience you’ll find a first line selection offering a fillable nomination form that can be submitted electronically. The third line selection offers access to a pdf copy of the nomination form which can be printed and completed in writing. In between, a second line click offers a list of past inductees.
Official nominations will go through a screening process to verify accuracy and eligibility. The WOF Board, made up of community volunteers with a unique and tangible knowledge of Mansfield history, will compare the list of qualifying candidates and then select by vote this year’s class of inductees.
WOF membership consideration shall be given to individuals or teams that meet criteria established by the directors of the program. Notable benchmarks looked upon as a premium include individual or team state championships, state or national recognition, diverse and district recognition, varsity and civic recognition, and scholastic or benefactress contributions. Any candidate regarded as being in good standing that meets one or more of the recommended criteria may be nominated at any time. Exceptions exist for Mansfield graduates. A waiting period of five years from the date of their high school graduation is required of a MHS alumnus before they can become eligible for admission.
Recently revised by-laws drafted by the WOF Board of Directors and its officers have included a stated preamble and purpose for the organization. Simplified, the operation’s preamble defines the Wall of Fame as a memorial to the outstanding students who through their athletic endeavors and achievements and/or other individuals whose endeavors or achievements have brought honor to themselves, the school, or community. The abridged purpose of the WOF is to acknowledge individuals who have brought honor to MHS, to establish a motivating influence, and to foster community pride
Freshman Wins Logo Contest
The Main Street Waldron Board has selected a winner for their photo contest- Pete Williams! Williams is a freshman in Misty Waddle’s Survey of Business class.
Mrs. Waddle had all of her students create a logo as if they were entering the contest put on by Main Street Board members. The most unique were then submitted for the contest. Along with submissions from the community around 20 logos were reviewed by the board and Pete’s was chosen as the logo to represent Main Street Waldron!
Pete said of his winning “I was truly surprised to learn that I won the Main Street Waldron logo contest! It’s an incredible feeling to know that my design will be part of such an important project for the community. I’m really grateful for this opportunity and could not have done it without God’s guidance.”
Pete, along with his parents Eric and Darla, met with the board for a photo op on Saturday 1/18/25. The logo will be used on “Main Street Money” that can be used at participating businesses on Main, as well as on merchandise that will soon be available.
Main Street Waldron is a work in progress, but anyone who has been around a while can see how much work has already gone in to it. Main Street Waldron is a 501c3 nonprofit waiting on the Main Street Arkansas program to reopen for application. Board members are excited for the support with revitalization and preservation the Main Street Arkansas program will open up.
Ashley Imperiali, owner of The Vault and board member said “Main Street Waldron, a newly formed 501c3 non-profit, knew the importance of creating a logo. The logo will serve as the visual face of Main Street Waldron, creating a strong first impression, fostering recognition, and communicating key aspects of our organization’s identity through design elements, ultimately helping to differentiate our organization from others. Our logo is the foundation of our identity, with focus on our heritage, legacy, and future.”
In 2024 Main Street hosted several events including a Homecoming Dance, Barktober Fest, Monster Mash, Chapman Thanksgiving Dinner, and a Christmas event. Plans are in the works for a car show in March in conjunction with Sodie Davidson Park, with more to come throughout 2025.
Merchandise sales profits will go towards funding these events and more!
Misty Waddle had high praises of the design winner “Pete is an outstanding student with a bright future. He is creative, detail-oriented, and always does his best. His work ethic is exceptional. Guiding him through the process of design has been a rewarding experience. I am incredibly proud of him and all of his efforts”.
Ashley Imperiali added on behalf of the board “After receiving many incredible submissions, the decision was difficult. Ultimately, Pete’s design embodied all the aspects we were looking for in a logo, and we are excited to share his design with everyone.Thank you to everyone who submitted designs and to our community for your support. We are grateful for the creativity and effort from all who participated. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our Historic Main Street!”
Exciting things are coming to downtown Waldron, and I cannot wait to watch and share it with you all!