Resident News Network

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

News

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2:27 pm

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – The 2025 legislative session got off to a fast start. By the end of the session’s third day more than 200 bills had been introduced.

In November the governor presented a balanced budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The legislature’s Joint Budget Committee has already begun working on a detailed review of every spending request by state agencies, and on a comprehensive new pay plan for state employees proposed by the governor.

During opening ceremonies, the governor outlined a list of legislative priorities that are not budget bills.

She proposed improving access to state-supported institutions of higher education, through a plan called Arkansas ACCESS. If adopted, students will fill out one application and pay a single fee. The student will be able to send that application to every four-year university and two-year college in the state.

Another priority of the governor’s will be to make it easier to fired tenured professors who indoctrinate students instead of educating them. Also, in order to make higher education more affordable, the governor proposes “funding college credits while students are still in high school.” More scholarships will be available for students earning associate’s degrees and certificates that are not designated as a degree.

At the request of the governor, legislators will work on changes to the higher education funding formula.

The governor proposed using revenue from taxes on medical marijuana to pay for a summer program that will help families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Those families typically struggle during summer months because the children are not getting lunch at school.

The governor told legislators that the same source of revenue could be used to make school breakfast completely free.

A related proposal would protect people and businesses from liability if they donate food to hunger relief programs. Restaurants should not have to worry about ending up in court if they donate excess food to a food pantry, she said. Her proposed legislation will be called the Good Neighbor Act.

The governor mentioned her proposal to seek authority from the federal government to require that food stamps be used only for healthy and nutritious food, rather than junk food. Another proposal would encourage schools to purchase food from local farmers and businesses.

Legislators will consider a proposal to ban cell phones in schools throughout the day. Suicide rates among teenagers have risen dramatically and the culprit is clear, the governor said. It is unrestricted access to phones and social media.

A related bill, titled the Social Media Safety Act, would enable parents to sue social media companies in state court.

The governor proposed legislation allowing property owners to more easily evict squatters from their land, by calling their local sheriff.

Expanding access to Medicaid for pregnant women will be considered this year, as will legislation to pay for an additional prison unit.

Timepiece: Replaced by Johnny Cash

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Tammy Teague

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5:58 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

One of Arkansas’s natives’ sons, Johnny Cash, had his statue placed in the rotunda of the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. From my earliest memories, I can remember his deep voice resonating as he sang about love, prisons, and railroads. World famous, his life resonates with our history and with the state of Arkansas.

Each state is allowed only two statues, the other being the statue of civil rights leader Daisy Bates. Two older statues were removed, those of James Clarke and the statue of U.M. Rose. Relatively unknown today, both of these men played important roles in Arkansas history. James Clarke, a populist Senator and former governor of Arkansas, is best known for his stand on the use of silver currency, his violent temper, support of “white supremacy”, and for wishing to liberate the Philippines from American control. One wonders how and why his statue was ever erected. The other statue, that of U.M. Rose, is an entirely different story. Rose was born in Bradfordsville, Kentucky, on a farm of 300 or 400 acres,[9]: 8 on March 5, 1834, son of Joseph and Nancy Rose. Taught by a tutor, he learned Latin by age five, once stating, “I cannot remember a time I could not read.” His mother died in 1848 and his father a year later. The estate was worth less than the debts so the children were thrown out into the world. Rose survived by taking a job as a clerk at a nearby store. The clerk position did not allow him time to study so he resigned and worked on a farm as a field hand for board and $5 per month. From these humble beginning came one of the foremost and greatest lawyers of the century. Rose eventually was admitted to Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky where he was able to complete studies and graduate in six-months-time. In 1853, he moved to Batesville and then into Pulaski County. He was opposed to the succession of Arkansas from the U.S., he took an oath to support the Confederacy and was named state historian. During the war, he was sent to Richmond, Virginia where he copied all names and information about Arkansas Confederate soldiers. Unfortunately, these records were lost in a warehouse file. After the war, he moved into Little Rock and set up what is now known as the Rose Law Firm. He was once offered a position as U.S. Senator but declined stating, “I have no love of political life. I have seen much of it at a distance. I regard it for the most part as a sham and a delusion, and often it is a shame and a disgrace.”

In 1872, he was one of the 75 lawyers who formed the American Bar Association and was president of the organization in 1901-02. He also was active in the formation of the Arkansas state bar association and was chairman of that group. He presented a number of cases before the supreme court of both Arkansas and of the United States. A friend of President Theodore Roosevelt, the president once described him as “the brainiest man I have ever met.” Roosevelt appointed Rose as a delegate to the Second Hague Peace Conference and gave him the status of ambassador of the United States.

In 1913, Rose took a fall in his office and died a few days later. All the state and county offices were closed for the day of his funeral, held at Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock. An extraordinary man, Rose overcame many obstacles including early death of this parents, lack of extensive formal education, and poverty to become one of the foremost legal minds of the 19th century. His legacy, the Rose Law Firm, is one of the most recognized and respected law firm

in the country. In 1915, the Arkansas General Assembly voted to place a marble statue of Rose in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Replacing and updating our state monument is a way of demonstrating change and honoring those of a newer generation but let us not forget the contributions of our ancestors.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

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Tammy Teague

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5:53 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins

Hello everyone! I survived the snow and cooked the whole time I was stuck at home. We had chicken pot pie, roast, carrots, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, breakfast food, popcorn and last but not least, we had snow ice cream.

I talked to my loving son, Jacob, the one that wants me to find a cemetery closer to him, so he doesn’t have to drive all the way out by Jack Creek to the cemetery when they bury me. We talked a while and he said, I can’t believe you didn’t fall in the snow, because every time we have a snow, you fall. I said, “well believe it or not I did not fall.” I am not going to lie, I believe this is the first time I haven’t fell in the snow.

I know I have told y’all about the times I have fell. This particular time it was a big snow and Doug Graves would always pick me up and Janie and I would work at the Mansfield branch, because my boss, Gina, couldn’t make it down her driveway. When it was time for us to get off, Doug’s sister, Glenda, and their daughter, Megan, picked us up from work and it had just snowed, similar to the snow we just had. We all pile in this truck and I am in the front seat. We went to the CV’s and here and there and they took me home. I went to get out of the truck and that was it. One foot down and I slid under the truck and was gone. I could hear them talking, saying, “where is Sheri?…Where could she be?” They finally got out of the truck and were hollering for me and I yelled, “I’m down here!” I was up under that truck. I couldn’t get up and they couldn’t help me up because they were all laughing too hard. It took all of them to finally get me up and on my feet. We have laughed and laughed about that for years.

It doesn’t even have to be snowing for me to fall. I can fall on level ground. One time we were at Silver Dollar City and walking back to the car and we were going across the parking lot and down I went. I mean skinned my knee all. Some nice man that didn’t look like he could lift much, hurried over to held Jacob, help me. Jacob says, “Why did you fall? It was a flat surface!” I said, “I think there was a little lip in the concrete.” He says, “mom there was not a lip in the concrete.” It was worth a shot. I have broken a record not falling in the snow for the first time.

The recipe this week is for comfort food. Good Ole potato soup for these cold days we have to look forward to.

CROCK POT POTATO SOUP
6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 8 oz. block of cream cheese (softented)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (little extra for the top)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Add the diced potatoes, onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper to your crock pot. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours or on low 6-7 hours until potatoes are tender. I take the potato masher and mash up some of the potatoes, that’s just how I like it. Add in the cream cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream and bacon. Stir well and let it cook enough till the cream cheese is melted good. Mix well. I always add salt, but I like salt. Dip up a bowl and add some more bacon and green onions on top. You can also serve with cornbread! Enjoy, and have a blessed week, stay warm!

GO-AR Sponsors Meet the Legislators Day

Resident News Network

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5:27 pm

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By Cassie Coben

Monday, January 13, kicked off the 2025 Legislative session. Elected lawmakers from every county and district in Arkansas will be at the state Capitol for several weeks working on our behalf.

The following day, Tuesday, January 14, was Meet the Legislators Day, sponsored by Gun Owners of Arkansas. Thanks to the efforts of Gary Epperson, President of Gun Owners of Arkansas (GO-AR), attendees were privileged to see and hear from several lawmakers. Many representatives from different districts around the state took time to stop and answer constituents’ questions.

All of them agree that the 2nd Amendment of the constitution is one of, if not THE most important Amendment. They also promised to fight to uphold the right to defend ourselves and make sure our “right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”.

Gun Owners of Arkansas is an organization that has been fighting tirelessly for several years to keep Arkansas lawmakers aware of pending bills involving gun laws. Epperson vets any bills that may have a negative impact on gun rights and is quick call attention to them. Most of the time they are amended or thrown out before they are even filed.

GO-AR sponsors the Meet the Legislators Day periodically, and it is an excellent opportunity to tour the Capitol and visit elected officials. The public, however, is welcome to visit the Capitol at any time. For information on tours visit Arkansas Secretary of State https://search.app/aMZuPsGKhgBdCw3LA

For more information on GO-AR, visit their website at Gun Owners of Arkansas https://search.app/UhkNRZP1svEKqDbT9

“Be Proud Be Pro” Truck Coming to Waldron Schools

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Tammy Teague

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4:50 pm

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“Be Proud Be Pro” Truck Coming to Waldron Schools

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Mac Davis, Stan Cottrell and Konnor McKay. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Cheyenne Smith, Toni Dozier, Chris Lipham, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Tonya Cluck, Josh Atchley, Chelsea Ridenhour and Zack Taylor.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Mr. Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Superintendent Fielding informed everyone that January is School Board Member Appreciation month, and he recognized the school board members for their service to our school.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucer to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the December 9th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Mac Davis to add item A) Discuss and Approve an 18-week marking period for the 2025-26 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve to move forward on an 18-week marking period for the 2025-26 SY. Motion carried 4-1.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the modification of Policies 3.8L-Licensed Personnel Sick Leave-Option A and 8.5L-Classified Personnel Sick Leave-Option A. Motion carried 5-0.

Superintendent Fielding informed the school board members that Angela Hunsucker has agreed to be the Legislative School Board Point of Contact person.

Superintendent Fielding informed the school board members about a School Transfer from Waldron School District to Danville School District.

The principals reported on each of their schools. Mrs. Solomon reported that there are currently 8 spots available at ABC. Mrs. Jeffery informed the board members that PD on January 6th went very well with particular attention on Phonics and Mathematics. She also stated that 2 new students enrolled. Mr. Taylor informed the board members of the Spelling Bee coming up on January 24th at 1:30. Mr. Taylor announced that interim testing will be soon as well. Mr. Atchley reported that the Sports Medicine class went to UARK on Wednesday, January 8th, they were then invited to attend the Arkansas Razorback Basketball game. “Be Proud Be Pro” truck is coming on January 29th and 30th for all students.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham informed the board that 8 out of 17 routes will not be able to run January 14th, due to weather. Mr. Lipham also reported that State Cheer placed 5th out of 17 squads. Archery tournament will be held on January 25th.

Superintendent Fielding informed the administrators and board members that the Act 1082 Coordinated Support meetings are no longer required due to the improvement of reading scores. He also stated that he is still waiting on approval from ASBA on the Elementary School roof replacement.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to extend Superintendent Fielding’s contract for one more year starting July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to extend Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham’s contract for the 2025-26 school year. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Lauri Glumm in Food Service effective January 7, 2025. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Grace McPherson on contract as a Level II Computer Technician with 2 years’ experience, effective January 2, 2025. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

MES 2nd Quarter/1st Semester Honor Roll & Principal’s List

Networks

Tammy Teague

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4:46 pm

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MES 2nd Quarter/1st Semester Honor Roll & Principal’s List

Kindergarten Honor Roll:
Erin Clark, Nova Connor, Carter Duarte, Waylon Elmore, Rhiatt Escalanta, Ava McCutcheon,
Lynnex Marion, Athena McDonald, Lynnlee O’Bar, Sonny Oxford, Abbigail Prater, Jasper Schaefer,
Jason Silva, Conor Smith, Minka Sterling, Jaspar Webster
First Semester Honor Roll:
Leah Boyster, Erin Clark, Nova Connor, Kaelyna Cook, Waylon Elmore, Aaron Fry, Lynnex
Marion, Ava McCutcheon, Lynnlee O’Bar, Sonny Oxford, Abbigail Prater, Veda Purifoy, Jasper
Schaefer, Harper Shrum, Jason Silva, Minka Sterling
Kindergarten Principal’s List:
Noah Baker, Hudson Bond, Leah Boyster, Kaelyna Cook, Raelyn Dooley, Aaron Fry, Jude
Garrison, River Hamilton, Saylor Hamilton, Hope Harris, Drayden Hartman, Monica Herrera-Vidana, Logan Howell, Evan McBride, Myles McCaslin, Adrianne McCool, Rhett Moore, Cecilia Newman, Josie Nichols, Annagrace Overton, Lynnden Reano, Jaylie Richmond, Harper Shrum, Talon Shrum, Ocie Walden, Case Walls, Camrie Witt
First Semester Principal’s List:
Noah Baker, Hudson Bond, Raelyn Dooley, Jude Garrison, River Hamilton, Saylor Hamilton,
Hope Harris, Drayden Hartman, Monica Herrera-Vidana, Logan Howell, Evan McBride, Myles
McCastin, Adrianne McCool, Athena McDonald, Rhett Moore, Cecilia Newman, Josie Nichols,
Annagrace Overton, Lynnden Reano, Jaylie Richmond, Talon Shrum, Conor Smith, Ocie Walden,
Case Walls, Camrie Witt
First Grade Honor Roll:
Edward Biazo, Jessica Boyd, Kylie Brown, Jimmy Case, Jani Cowan, Penelope Dang,
Matthew Francis, Emilee Freeman, Castyn Hancox, Avery Hensley, Deklan Highsmith, Aurora King-
Drew, Emerson Krigbaum, Kimber Kuettle, Emily Langford, Logan Leland, Leena Little, Zayne
Morrison, Finn Moss, Lucas Pennington, Colten Ronzzo, McKenzie Tole
First Semester Honor Roll:
Edward Biazo, Ava Bowman, Jessica Boyd, Kylie Brown, Tucker Brumbelow, Jimmy Case,
Matthew Francis, Emilee Freeman, Maci Grissom, Avery Hensley, Deklan Highsmith, Aurora King-
Drew, Emerson Krigbaum, Kimber Kuettle, Logan Leland, Leena Little, Zayne Morrison, Savannah
Morton, Finn Moss, Lucas Pennington, Colten Ronzzo, Griffin Safranek, McKenzie Tole
First Grade Principal’s List:
Redwater Stick, Jessie Swearingen
First Semester Principal’s List:
Jani Cowan, Penelope Dang, Lawson Gitthens, Castyn Hancox, Lainey Hattabaugh, Hadley Heydenreich, Emily Langford, Addison Mize, Zoey Nguyen, Redwater Stick, Jessie Swearingen Second Grade Honor Roll:
Stella Adams, Damien Brown, Trynadee Bryen, Sierra Clark, Eli Clay, Dakota Coplin, Hansel, Liam Helms, Wyatt Howard, Paislee Huddleston, Samuel Jordan, Mylah McNeill, Cayse Milligan, Gabriella Moore, Della Newman, Ellie Polk, Aurora Sylva
First Semester Honor Roll: Stella Adams, Damien Brown, Sierra Clark, Eli Clay, Addison Deeds, Aiden Elmore, Marleigh Fuerst, Sawyer Godwin, Emily Griffin, Piper Hall, Chase Hansel, Roque Hattabaugh, Liam Helms, Wyatt Howard, Samuel Jordan, Cambrie Mason, Mylah McNeill, Gabriella Moore, Della Newman, Ellie Polk, Emmalee Pollard, Brentley Richmond, Tyler Smith
Second Grade Principal’s List: Aurora Alvarez, Mason Dickinson, Cambrie Mason, Jayce Reed, Wade Roper, Aiden Whittaker, Deacon Wilson
First Semester Principal’s List: Aurora Alvarez, Trynadee Bryen, Dakota Coplin, Mason Dickinson, Jayce Reed, Wade Roper, Aiden Whittaker, Deacon Wilson
Third Grade Honor Roll:
Presley Adams, Rayleigh Bascue, Charlotte Booker, Karleigh Boswell, Noah Branche, Ezekiel Buckley, Jazmyn C’deBaca, Paizlee Coe, Kylor Cox, Skylar Deer, Jerra Dewitt, Journey Elmore, Makayla Eubanks, Tobias Fuerst, Lane Gitthens, Coda Griffin, Hadley Guillory, Ainsley Hawkins, Divina Hunt, Edmund Krause, Amerie Marcotte, Elijah McCutcheon, Toby Meyers, Asher Moore, Sarah Morton, Emery Newman, Skye Pruitt, Elaina Robinson, Beau Shaver, Ethan Shipley, Ava Silvey, Jayden Soares, Hugh Strozier, Colten Williams, Temperance Wingate, Easton Winters, Natalie Young
First Semester Honor Roll:
Presley Adams, Rayleigh Bascue, Charlotte Booker, Noah Branche, Ezekiel Buckley, Paizlee Coe, Kylor Cox, Skylar Deer, Jerra Dewitt, Journey Elmore, Makayla Eubanks, Maddie Francis, Tobias Fuerst, Lane Gitthens, Coda Griffin, Hadley Guillory, Legend Handlang, Ainsley Hawkins, Divina Hunt, Edmund Krause, Amerie Marcotte, Corbin Mason, Elijah McCutcheon, Toby Meyers, Asher Moore, Sarah Morton, Emery Newman, Ethan Nguyen, Skye Pruitt, Elaina Robinson, Beau Shaver, Ava Silvey, Jayden Soares, Hugh Strozier, Colten Williams, Temperance Wingate, Easton Winters, Natalie Young
Third Grade Principal’s List:
Lincoln Bozant, Roslyn Himes, Augustus Krigbaum, Ethan Nguyen, Adalynn Pennington
First Semester Principal’s List:
Karleigh Boswell, Lincoln Bozant, Roslyn Himes, Augustus Krigbaum, Adalynn Pennington
Fourth Grade Honor Roll:
Paige Bryan, Lilinette Cormier, Parker Davis, Jaxon Dickinson, Nora Godwin, Madalyn Hope, Kenzlea Jenkins, Oliver Jones, Woodrow Krigbaum, Haley Plowman, Hailie Prater, Delani Purifoy, Jessica Risner, Kyren Ross, Jo-Hanna Russell, Rebel Sanders, Jayden Schaefer, Wyatt Shelton, Hayden Smith, Jaymes Tynan, Luke Wingate, April Wright, Erik Wright
First Semester Honor Roll:
Paige Bryan, Lilinette Cormier, Parker Davis, Jaxon Dickinson, Nora Godwin, Jed Guinn, Bricen Harp, Madalyn Hope, Genesis Huff, Kenzlea Jenkins, Oliver Jones, Woodrow Krigbaum, Kyren Ross, Rebel Sanders, Jayden Schaefer, Wyatt Shelton, Hayden Smith, Ashlynn Thompson, Jaymes Tynan, Luke Wingate, April Wright, Erik Wright
Fourth Grade Principal’s List:
Ryleigh Andrews, Alexis Bates, Ella Brown, Emma Carlton, Racyn Clopton, Coraline Cook, Hunter Elmore, Aiyanna Gordon, Peyton Grissom, Braylee Hamilton, Montana Hattabaugh, Layton Heydenreich, Alexandria Howell, Matthew Hudcovic, Kamryn Jackson, Brooklynn Johnson, Harper Jolley, Riley Kelley, Tyler Lawrence, Anniegayle Minden, Gabriella Morgan, Kinsley Norton, Brody Schefe, Ethan Trinh, Ashlynn Uselton, Skyla Webb
First Semester Principal’s List:
Ryleigh Andrews, Alexis Bates, Ella Brown, Emma Carlton, Racyn Clopton, Coraline Cook, Hunter Elmore, Aiyanna Gordon, Peyton Grissom, Braylee Hamilton, Montana Hattabaugh, Layton Heydenreich, Alexandria Howell, Matthew Hudcovic, Kamryn Jackson, Brooklynn Johnson, Harper Jolley, Delani Purifoy, Jessica Risner, Brody Schefe, Ethan Trinh, Ashlynn Uselton, Skyla Webb

Arrest Reports 1/5

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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6:18 pm

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Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Montana Blake Pearson of Poteau, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 8 at 2:29 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Pearson was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Pregnant (Purposely).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Keisha Jones, 32 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 6 at 2:33 p.m. Jones was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of firearm by certain persons.

Aiden Jones, 21, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 6 at 5:42 p.m. Jones was charged with hold for other agency.

Robert Williams, 36 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 6 at 6:07 p.m. Williams was charged with body attachment.

Kaleb Carter, 23 of Greenwood, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 8 at 2:35 p.m. Carter was charged with contempt of court.

Bruce McGahey, 39 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 8 at 4:30 p.m. McGahey was charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, and domestic battering in the third degree.

Anthony Green, 30 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 8 at 8:01 p.m. Green was charged with body attachment.

Amber Tharp, 42 of Clinton, AR, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 9 at 1:14 a.m. Tharp was charged with possession of methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Clifton Davis, 63 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 9 at 11:38 a.m. Davis was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Roxi Anne Pardue, 34 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 8 at 8:26 p.m. Pardue was charged with possession od drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine, and refusal to submit to arrest.

Michelle Dawn Nelke, 52 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 7 at 3:44 p.m. Nelke was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Dustin Lee Rowbotham, 46 of Hagarville, AR, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 7 at 1:11 p.m. Rowbotham was charged with failure to appear on class C felony.

Robert Warden, 40 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 6 at 7:38 p.m. Warden was charged with domestic battering – 2nd degree / physical injury.

Jordan Hayden McIlroy, 38 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 6 at 10:25 a.m. McIlroy was charged with possession of SCH I or II GT 2GM but LT 10GM.

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

White Bluff-Rye Hill’s Seiter Recognized with Community Award

News

Jason Baggett

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3:33 pm

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White Bluff-Rye Hill’s Seiter Recognized with Community Award

White Bluff Rye Hill’s Dale Seiter was honored during their regular fire meeting held on Monday evening, January 13, at 6 p.m. Seiter, who serves as the President / Fire Marshal at White Bluff- Rye Hill VFD, was named the 2024 recipient of the Resident News Media award.

Dale Seiter is pictured with his wife Pam, and parents J.J. and Johnette Seiter.

“We are here to honor Dale Seiter, and I say we, because each of us are a reflection of this community. The community that he serves and has served faithfully so many years. Moreover, that he has worked diligently to ensure that the department’s efforts are a positive reflection through events such as the “Santa Run”, school safety programs and countless others. Additionally, the comradery fostered within the department encouraging participation, training, recruitment and retention. He is to be commended for fostering other departments and assistance aiding others with grant writing. Dale, your service and example has raised the bar for future generations of community minded leaders and volunteers. This is also a historic presentation for us, as this is the first time this award has been presented to a member in the fire service. We recognize and praise the efforts you put forth to ensure community awareness, as well as your dedication and partnership with us at Resident News. For that we say thank you and are honored to recognize you this evening with Resident News’ media award.” – Tammy Moore Teague, Editor/Publisher Resident News

President / Fire Marshal at White Bluff- Rye Hill VFD Dale Seiter and Chief Mark Condren.

Seiter received the award alongside members of the department, friends and family, Sebastian County Judge Steve Hotz, Sebastian County Emergency Management Director Travis Cooper, and Sebastian County Emergency Management Deputy Director Will Sappington.

“It is vital members of the community like Seiter be recognized for everything they do,” added Teague. They are the ones serving humbly and selflessly, never seeking self-recognition while building others up. That, in my opinion, is the definition of servitude and solid leadership.”

RNN appreciates the kind, warm hospitality of the department and its members. A special thanks to Hackett fire training officer, Todd Johnson, and White Bluff-Rye Hill Chief Mark Condren for their efforts in arranging the ceremony.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Featured

Tammy Teague

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12:30 pm

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By Sheri Hopkins

Hello everyone! I hope everyone survived the great snowstorm of 2025 and got your milk and bread before the snow hit. I don’t know about eggs; they are so high. I am thinking of getting a bank loan to buy a few dozen. The snow sure was beautiful. I made snow ice-cream for me and the boys; we really enjoyed it. I bet I gained 10 pounds in two days. All I done was cook and mess and gom as my mom used to say. By the time you read this everything should be back to normal.

On January 1, I had to get sworn in for another four-year term as city councilman or woman. It was a privilege for my nephew, the honorable Judge Michael Wagoner, to swear me in. I knew that it would not go down without an incident. I knew something funny would happen. I don’t know how he manages to make it through the courtroom without laughing out loud.

There was three of us being sworn in that day: Beverly Lyons, James Steele and myself. So, we all lined up and Michael was going to swear us all in at once. He starts quoting the oath, I solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and the City of Mansfield…He is just rattling this off so fast and, in my mind, I am thinking I can’t repeat all that, he will have to do it in sections. When he gets finished, I said there is no way I can remember all that, you are going to have to slow down and let me repeat it. I have this wild look on my face, and everyone is laughing, and he says, “all you have to say is I do, like you were getting married. You don’t have to repeat it.” Whew, that was a relief, we all got a good laugh, and we got sworn in again the correct way.

It brought back memories of the Andy Griffith episode where Barney was swearing in the town drunk, Otis Campbell, Barney has him raise his right hand and repeat after him. “I will be alert at all times, I will at all times act like a deputy and look like a deputy.” Otis repeated all this and then Barney says, “I will at no time while wearing this uniform take a drink.” Otis won’t repeat that. He says again, “I will at all times try to look like a deputy and act like a deputy.” That is a funny episode. They don’t make shows like that anymore. I felt like Otis except I am not the town drunk.

This week’s recipe is Cherry Cake. My mom used to love cherry ice-cream. She would by vanilla and buy a little jar of maraschino cherries and pour some of the juice and cherries on her ice cream.

MARASCHINO CHERRY CAKE
For the cake:
3 large eggs
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
1 box of vanilla cake mix (I am going to try the almond cake mix next time)
16 maraschino cherries cut into quarters (I just put in my chopper)
Bake in a 9×13 pan sprayed with cooking spray according to the box directions. It may take a little longer, you will know when it is done.
Icing:
1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Mix this till smooth and creamy. You can add more powdered sugar or cherry juice to get it to the consistency you prefer. Enjoy and have a blessed week.

Cabin Fever

Featured

Resident News Network

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9:13 am

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By Cassie Coben

The last couple of days, Scott County has been blessed with more snow than we have seen in a long time.

But after all the fun of snowball fights, making snowmen and eating snow ice cream, staying inside out of the mess can be challenging. Some people can develop mild symptoms of cabin fever, including depression, restlessness, boredom and irritability.

What can you do to combat some of these symptoms?

First of all, remember these are normal feelings and it’s ok to feel them! You can actually make yourself feel worse by thinking it’s your fault for not handling things better.

Turn up the music and dance! Play some happy upbeat tunes as loud as possible and move. Make up some of your own dance moves. Sing along. It doesn’t matter one bit if you can’t sing or dance. Just moving around will help.

Color. Stock up on coloring books and crayons, markers, pens or colored pencils. Draw your own pages to color. If you don’t have all that, no problem! All you need is some paper and a pen or pencil to draw some squiggly lines to color in!

Write. Write some letters or start a journal. You don’t have to send them or keep up with the journal. The point is to just keep busy.

Read. Spend the day with a favorite book. Get lost in the story.

Call. You can bet there are others that are feeling isolated. Call them. No need to spend more than a few minutes on the phone to do a lot of good for the other person and yourself.

Be still. Take this time to just be still and silent. Every day is so filled with noise and distractions. Stop and enjoy the down time.

Be thankful. We are all so blessed. It’s always a good thing to remember that and to acknowledge our blessings.

Disclaimer: I’m no medical professional. These are just some things that have helped me during some down times.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK