Resident News Network

Late summer water levels call for increased boating caution

Outdoors

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6:56 pm

Late summer water levels call for increased boating caution

By Randy Zellers

For the second year in a row, dry conditions throughout most of The Natural State have led to many lakes and ponds sitting at lower water levels than anglers and boaters experienced throughout spring and early summer. The cooling, lower water of fall can concentrate baitfish and bass, making for great fishing experiences, but it also can create a few hazards for boaters unfamiliar with navigating lakes during this time of year.

According to the Arkansas Water Plan, reservoirs and ponds in Arkansas typically lose up to 46 inches of water level during the year through evaporation, with most of that occurring from July through September. These three months also are some of the driest of the year in Arkansas.

Besides lack of rainfall and increased evaporation, many Arknasas lakes see lower water levels to accommodate the influx of water that typically occurs in late fall. A few lakes also see intentional water level drops in winter to combat aquatic vegetation issues or allow neighboring landowners to fix docks and boathouses.

No matter the reason for the reduction, low water levels bring many unseen hazards closer to the surface. Stumps and rock piles that once sat well out of range are within reach of your boat motor’s lower unit and propeller.

As water levels drop, mart boaters should keep their motors at idle speed once they exit the relative safety of marked boat lanes and river channel markers. Photo by Mike Wintroath/AGFC.

“When water levels are low, it’s really important to slow down a little, especially if you’re not familiar with navigating the lake you’re fishing during this time of year,” Jeremy Risley, Black Bass Program Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said. “Stay near the channel, and if you’re in a lake or river that has navigation buoys, stay inside those markers when you have the boat on plane.”

Risley also suggests using your electronics as much as possible, especially if you have topographic maps and a GPS system available.

“You still want to have a depth finder running so you can see exactly how much water you have to run in, but a lot of GPS units will let you plan your route and stay in deeper water without any surprises. Plenty of highland reservoirs have humps and creek turns with steep banks that can put you in only a foot or two of water within a few seconds if you aren’t paying attention to that map and your depth finder.”

Risley also reminds all boaters to wear a properly fitting life jacket when underway, and to always connect your engine’s kill switch to your person when it’s running.

“If you do hit an obstruction, you may be thrown out of the driver’s seat of your boat or out of the boat entirely,” Risley said. “A life jacket will keep you afloat, even if you’re unconscious, and the kill switch will ensure that your boat doesn’t take off to become a danger to you or others.”

Inflatable life jackets are comfortable enough to fish in all day without worry. Photo by Mike Wintroath/AGFC.

It’s always a good idea to have your life jacket on, even if the boat isn’t under power. This is especially true in fall as water temperatures begin to fall. The sudden shock of an unexpected plunge into cold water can cause a person to involuntarily gasp, drawing in air (and water). The added buoyancy the life jacket offers can mean the difference between life and death.

Visit www.agfc.com/boatered for more boating safety tips and to learn how to register for one of the AGFC’s Boater Education courses. A boater education card is required to operate a boat on Arkansas waters for anyone born after 1985. Free instructor-led Boater Education courses are available through the AGFC, or you can take the course online for a small fee.

20-year-old accident still spreading safety message

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:51 pm

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20-year-old accident still spreading safety message

By Randy Zellers

Jacob Cain was 10 years old when he went on an impromptu squirrel hunt near Arkadelphia in November of 2004. His father, Larry Cain, was nearby clearing shooting lanes for deer season. After an hour or so on a tractor, Larry decided to check on the boy.

He shouted his son’s name a time or two but heard no response. Larry became concerned and went to deer camp, grabbed a few friends and began to seriously search with four-wheelers. It wasn’t long before he heard a weak answer.

Jacob was found with a .22 wound through his foot, although all was well after a trip to the hospital. Larry, a Hunter Education instructor, used the accident as a teaching moment and sent the AGFC an article he wrote about it, which appeared in the November/December 2006 issue of Arkansas Wildlife. He ended the article with these words: “At first I was very reluctant to write this story. As a hunter education instructor, I felt that maybe I had failed and was embarrassed. However, the more I thought about it, maybe another instructor or father can prevent an accident like this from happening. I am certain that Jacob has learned a very bittersweet lesson in gun safety.”

We recently got a call from Jacob, now 30 or so. He also became a Hunter Education instructor and plans to use the accident – and his dad’s article – to teach others.

Jacob, like many other dedicated volunteers, provides a valuable service to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as well as the general hunting public. Thousands of new hunters each year graduate from Hunter Education before taking to the field. The course is required for anyone 16 or older who was born after 1968 to hunt on their own. Hunters under 16 may hunt with a licensed mentor who is at least 21 if they have not taken the course, and hunters 16 and older may do likewise after acquiring a Deferred Hunter Education (DHE) code through the AGFC’s licensing system (www.agfc.com/license).

The AGFC has a devoted group of volunteers who teach Hunter Education throughout Arkansas. Photo by Mike Wintroath/AGFC.

“About 50 percent of our Hunter Education graduates still attend the free in-person classes,” Joe Huggins, Hunter Education Program Coordinator for the AGFC, said. “The rest opt for the online course. If you are 10 years or older, you can take the complete course online, including the final examination.”

Hunter Education teaches much more than firearms safety – it also covers all sorts of topics like basic woodsmanship, treestand safety, in-the-field first aid and even hunting ethics.

“Hunters are our best conservationists, and Hunter Education courses help them understand where they fit into the bigger picture of conservation,” Huggins said. “But the most important aspect will always be preparing them for a safe experience they can tell friends and family about for years to come.”

Visit https://www.agfc.com/education/hunter-education to find out more about Hunter Education in Arkansas and how to sign up for a class near you.

By the way, a week after he was injured, Jacob went deer hunting with his dad and bagged an 8-point buck.

Coming or Going? Fall flights reach beyond waterfowl

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:48 pm

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Coming or Going? Fall flights reach beyond waterfowl

By Kirsten Bartlow

Hunters may be consumed with questions of when the ducks will arrive; avid birders know there’s more to migration than mallards. Songbirds, wading birds and a variety of other species constantly flow through The Natural State; many make their fall travel plans well before the temperature clues us humans into the changing seasons.

About two thirds of bird species in the United States migrate. Some meander a short distance to a more southerly climate or simply change altitudes on a mountainside, while others journey hundreds or thousands of miles.

Why Fly?
Migration can be perilous – storms, predators, lack of habitat and collisions with obstacles. Birds aren’t on sightseeing excursions; they take on these risks when critical resources are in short supply. In the spring, this translates to nesting locations. The tropics are lovely over the winter, but many birds wing their way north to Arkansas and other locales in North America where there’s room to spread out and raise young along with fewer nest predators.

On the flip side, birds’ motivation for fall migration revolves mainly around food, or lack thereof. Species with petite beaks designed to capture insects or feed on nectar and fruits – vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, hummingbirds, orioles, swallows, and most warblers – fuel up and fly south from Arkansas before their main food sources become scarce.

For those feeling a bit blue about the end of summer and the departure of some of the state’s most colorful feathered creatures, take heart. The Natural State hosts an influx of birds, especially from more northern climates, that find our woods, wetlands, fields and prairies a wonderful winter stopover – waterfowl, eagles, gulls, sparrows, kinglets and wrens to name a few.

Which Way?
North American birds travel along four major superhighways in the sky during migration. These routes run along rivers, coastlines and mountains. Millions of birds traverse the Mississippi Flyway through Arkansas, which stretches 2,300 miles and spans 1.5 million square miles along North America’s greatest waterway.

In a world where we rely heavily on smartphones and other electronic gadgets to find our way, birds have us beat on navigation skills. These small, feathered creatures navigate so well that some may travel thousands of miles, through varied terrain and extreme weather, and are able to return to the same place where they were hatched.

People have puzzled over the coming and going of birds for centuries. Thanks to more widespread and updated field studies, such as bird banding and satellite tracking, we’re better informed on the complex methodology of migration.

Join the Flock
More than 400 bird species may be seen in Arkansas throughout the seasons. Learning when they are coming and going can be overwhelming for a novice birder.

Bird nerds – both amateur and professional – flock to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird website. Bird sightings, logged by citizen scientists from around the world, are distilled into data that is both useful for science and is enthralling for birders. Visit eBird.org/explore and check out the Bar Charts tab. Choose a region, such as Arkansas, and drill down even further to the county level to explore birds residing in your neck of the woods by month.

For those seeking more information on the spectacle of migration, Cornell and partners host BirdCast where scientists harness radar to analyze real-time bird migration traffic. Billions of birds migrate through the U.S. each spring and fall and amazingly, most fly during the night. Sign up for live and local bird migration alerts.

Here’s a sample of what’s coming and going in Arkansas:

Blue-winged Teal
Blue-winged teal, tiny dabbling ducks, leave the starting blocks well before other fall migrants. Watch for small, fast-flying flocks twisting and turning in unison as they wing their way through Arkansas July through November en route to South America for winter.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The yellow-bellied sapsucker – the only completely migratory woodpecker in eastern North America – winters in Arkansas. Watch for neat rows of shallow holes in tree bark – the industrious woodpecker laps up oozing sap and trapped insects with its Velcro-like tongue.

Common Loon
Common loons are famous for their hauntingly beautiful calls. Loons enjoy Arkansas’s large, clear reservoirs during winter. Although less vocal during the nonbreeding season, a loon will occasionally emit its yodeling call. Watch for their sleek bodies with subdued winter plumage – plain gray above and white below – sitting low in the water.

Mississippi Kite
The crow-sized Mississippi kite thrives in Arkansas’s wooded river bottoms to suburban neighborhoods during the breeding season. They careen through summer skies on a quest to capture insect prey, especially dragonflies. After raising their chicks, these streamlined raptors fly to South America for winter.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The brilliant red and green flash of the ruby-throated hummingbird delights us at backyard feeders and flowers, spring to fall. Hummers fatten up on nectar and insects before flying nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico on their journey to wintering grounds in Central America.

Keep a List
Many bird watchers enjoy keeping a list of all the birds they have identified. It can be a thrill to see a species for the first time and add it to your life list.

A great way to start is with a yard list, adding every species of bird that visits your property. Check out AGFC’s miniature field guide, Arkansas Backyard Birds, to help identify some of the state’s common species. Migratory birds are exciting to spot, but don’t forget the homebodies that find Arkansas to their liking throughout the seasons: northern cardinals, blue jays, tufted titmice, Carolina chickadees, downy woodpeckers and white-breasted nuthatches brighten our landscape year round.

Keep track of your list through Wings Over Arkansas, AGFC’s award-based program recognizing bird watchers’ contributions to Arkansas’s outdoors. Start a checklist of birds you’ve seen and receive a decorative pin and certificate identifying your level of birding experience.

Hunters haul 181 alligators in 18th annual hunting season

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:44 pm

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Hunters haul 181 alligators in 18th annual hunting season

By Randy Zellers

Arkansas hunters managed the second-highest harvest of alligators on record during the last two weekends in the sloughs and swamps of The Natural State. The 181-alligator harvest falls short of last year’s record effort of 202 alligators checked, but maintains the overall upward trend in what is still a relatively new opportunity for hunters.

Amanda Bryant, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Herpetologist, said she was pleased with the healthy harvest, particularly the hunt’s higher-than-normal success rate.

“Typically we see about one-third of public land tags filled, but this year we had 54 percent success rate on public land,” Bryant said. “And 96 percent of the private land quota was filled.”

This year’s weather may have increased the harvest, as Hurricane Helene may have caused a few hunters to check an alligator during the first weekend who normally would have held out for a larger one.

“Most unfilled alligator tags are because people hold out for a larger alligator than what they’re seeing, but maybe some of the forecasted rain had people more willing to take a little smaller alligator,” Bryant said. “Then the last weekend turned out pretty nice after all, and we continued to see decent numbers taken throughout the end of the season.”

Cody Gourley of Amity was one of those hunters whose patience paid off when he wrestled a 12-foot, 6-inch beast to the side of his boat on Millwood Lake during the second weekend of the hunt.

“We went out the first weekend and saw 70 to 75 gators per night, but we just couldn’t get close enough to a big one to make it happen,” Gourley said. “I tried to use a harpoon on one or two, but I couldn’t get it to stick. The second weekend, I was getting to the point that any alligator would have been good for me. My uncle said we should hold out until midnight that Saturday night before we looked for a smaller gator. At about 9:30, we saw this one and knew it was in that larger category.”

Gourley says he rigged up a snare for his second weekend, using instructions from the AGFC’s website.

“The snare was a much more intimate experience,” Gourley said. “We had to be right there within 8 feet of that gator before I could loop on the first snare. Then once we snared it, it was a fight.”

Gourley said he was in a 14-foot boat to be able to reach backwaters other hunters couldn’t.

“When the gator came up and I saw just how big it was, I was shocked,” Gourley said. “We couldn’t even get it in the boat, so we had to float it beside us as we made our way back to the ramp. It was unlike any hunt I’ve ever been on.”

Biologists have received a few calls from local anglers who were concerned about the alligator population in Millwood becoming too large, and Bryant says the harvest on the lake was encouraging.

“We had eight public tags for Millwood this year, and six of those were filled.” Bryant said. “It’s great to see so many of the tags being filled here, and hopefully it’s a step toward reducing the perception of human-wildlife conflict in this area.”

Temeren Pfaffenberg checked this 12-foot, 1-inch alligator from private land in Alligator Management Zone 2, the largest from that zone during this year’s hunt.

Bryant says increased harvest, especially on private land, has contributed to fewer nuisance calls in south Arkansas in the last few years.

“We see a strong relationship between the added harvest opportunity and lower nuisance calls,” Bryant said. “Some of it may be because people are more accustomed to seeing alligators now than they did 20 to 30 years ago, but a lot has to do with the private land hunt enabling landowners to handle the nuisance alligator on their own during the hunt.”

This year, Alligator Management Zone 1 (southwest Arkansas) and AMZ 3 (southeast Arkansas) tied for the most alligators harvested.

“Usually Zone 3 has the most harvest, but this year was evenly split at 87 alligators each,” Bryant said. “Alligator Management Zone 2 [south-central Arkansas] had seven alligators checked.”

Chris Ryall shared this image of his 10-foot, 9-inch alligator taken in Alligator Management Zone 3. Photo courtesy Chris Ryall.

Alligator hunting is by permit only in Arkansas. The AGFC issued 50 public hunting permits through a public draw system, with hunting allowed only on designated areas of certain WMAs, lakes and rivers in south Arkansas.

Alligator hunting on private property is managed through a quota system. Anyone may purchase a private land alligator hunting permit, but hunting season ends early if the quota for the alligator zone is met. This year, all zones remained open during the entire hunting season.

Alligator hunting in Arkansas is open from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the last two weekends each September. All alligators must be snared or harpooned by hand and subdued before being dispatched. Visit www.agfc.com/alligator for more information.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Tammy Teague

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6:24 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins

Hello everyone! Gorgeous day in the River Valley. I had to make a mad dash to Greenwood, in Sheri Hopkins fashion, I had forgot to get my car tags. Yes, I paid the penalty and then I went and paid my taxes. I sure don’t want my name showing up in the paper. I wonder if they still list the delinquent folks in the paper. I never see a paper except our wonderful Resident Press.

One time Jacob had some friends over and one of them came in the house and said, “your car tags are expired.” I said, “no, they are not.” He says, again, “yes, they are!” I told him someone had to of stolen my sticker. I went outside to check it out and they are seven months past due. In my mind, I am still thinking someone had stolen my sticker and I am mad as a wet hen over it. The next Monday, I headed to the revenue office. I had my second-grade report card in my purse in case they needed it. I went in and told the lady behind the counter that someone had stolen my sticker off the tag. She gets my information and looks me up and says, “it appears you never renewed your tags.” Imagine the shocked look on my face. I said, “you mean to tell me I’ve been driving all over the place for seven months and never once got pulled over?” I renewed my tags and paid the penalty and five months later had to get them again. Crazy, I know, but it happened. I have no excuse; I just do things like that.

This is what happened when I went to the courthouse to pay my taxes. I take everything out of my pockets and leave everything in my car. I walk in and put my keys and my tax statement in the little box and walk through the metal detector. And yes, it goes off. Every. Single. Time. It goes off when I go to the courthouse. They eyed me up like I was just released from cell block C and said, “turn around.” Turn around? Did he want to dance or what? I turn and he says, “all the way around.” So, I spin, and I said, “that made me dizzy!” He stares at me like I am some kind of nut and never cracks a smile. Well good day to you too, Mr. Grouchy. I finally got through the courthouse security and paid my taxes and went on my merry way. It seems like crazy things always happen to me. Another day in the life of a crazy senior citizen.

This week’s recipe is for a candy corn fudge or a Butterfinger fudge because it tastes like a Butterfinger.
3 cups candy corn
1 cup peanut butter
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)
Line a pan with foil or parchment paper use a 9×9 size or something close add candy corn (easier if you chop it up) and peanut butter to a medium saucepan and heat over low heat. Add the sweetened condensed milk and the white chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. This takes awhile. Spread evenly in the pan. Cool or chill until hardened. You can melt the chocolate chips and drizzle on the top of the fudge. Cut into squares and enjoy. Have a blessed week and remember to pray for the Helene victims. Count your blessings, folks.

Arrest Reports 9/29

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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6:00 pm

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Jacob Richmond Alson Amos of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 3 at 6:46 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on October 4 at 12:49 p.m. Amos was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Jacob Nathaniel Bowman of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 3 at 2:05 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 3 at 5:23 p.m. Bowman was charged with two counts of Released from ADC has previous charges they have not bonded on.

Shauna Bramlett of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 3 at 3:38 a.m. and released on signature bond October 7 at 1:08 p.m. Bramlett was charged with DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor.

Shannon Duane Dool of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 1 at 12:43 p.m. and released on signature bond October 1 at 3:06 p.m. Dool was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Brittanie Belle Jones of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 5 at 11:42 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Jones was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Darrell Dewayne Mitts of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 4 at 10:47 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with a scheduled release date of October 13 at 10 a.m. Mitts was charged with Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked.

Bruce Wayne Roberts of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 5 at 9:13 p.m. and released on signature bond October 6 at 12:40 a.m. Roberts was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Foy Hale Brown of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 4 at 10:50 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Brown was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
George D Burlingston of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 5 at 2:03 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 5 at 4:18 p.m. Burlingston was charged with Violation Of A Protection Order Misdemeanor.

Miranda Sue Owen of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 5 at 5:01 p.m. and released on cash bond October 5 at 8:35 p.m. Owen was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Cody Owen Covey of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October2 at 1:01 a.m. and is scheduled for released on October 17 at 1:25 p.m. Covey was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Paula Annett Guess of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 1 at 12:21 a.m. and released on signature bond October 1 at 1:42 a.m. Guess was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Heaven Rhodes of Jessieville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 4 at 6:59 p.m. and released on October 7 at 1:52 p.m. Rhodes was charged with Theft of Property <$1k.

Anthony Christopher Thompson of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 30 at 11:36 p.m. and released on signature bond October 1 at 12:25 a.m. Thompson was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Huntington Police Department:
Gage Myles Rogers-Williams of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 30 at 11:17 a.m. and released on October 7 at 2:14 p.m. Williams was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Jason Geels, 43 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 29 at 9:49 p.m. Geels was charged with violation of conditions of suspension or probation, two counts of fleeing, contempt of court, and refusal to submit to arrest.

Paige Barr, 26 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 1 at 5:36 a.m. Barr was charged with disorderly conduct and involuntary commitment.

Bonnie Traylor, 58 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 1 at 1:56 p.m. Traylor was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.

Darrel Reed, 66 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 2 at 10:39 a.m. Reed was charged with failure to appear and contempt of court.

Robert Durkin, 37 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 3 at 2:20 p.m. Durbin was charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, and domestic battering in the 3rd degree.

Merl Wilkins, 37 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 4 at 1:40 p.m. Wilkins was charged with two counts of criminal trespass, possession of a controlled substance, furnishing, possessing or using prohibited articles – delivering a prohibited article.

Oliver Frith, 34 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 4 at 4:38 p.m. Frith was charged with two counts of failure to appear.

Laura McLure, 57 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 5 at 4:29 p.m. McLure was charged with domestic battering in the third degree.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Anthony R. Clay, 24 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 30 at 10:30 a.m. Clay was charged with battery – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes injury.

Desiree Ann Linton, 27 of Prescott, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 2 at 1:22 p.m. Linton was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

William Platt, 27 of Virgina Beach, VA, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 3 at 1:23 p.m. Platt was charged with possession of SCH VI with purpose to deliver GT 4 oz. but LT 25 lbs., and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Diontrell Thompkins, 24 of Richmond, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 3 at 1:25 p.m. Thompkins was charged with possession of SCH VI with purpose to deliver GT 4 oz. but LT 25 lbs., possession of drug paraphernalia, and riding in spaces not intended for passengers.

Haygen Karns, 19 of Lavaca, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 3 at 2:05 p.m. Karns was sentenced to days.

Samuel Lee Burgener, 26 of Conway, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 3 at 3:50 p.m. Burgener was sentenced to days.

Joshua Lee Featherston, 42 of Subiaco, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 3 at 11:09 p.m. Featherston was charged with two counts of terroristic threatening in the 1st degree.

Glen Kirby, 66 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 4 at 10:24 a.m. Kirby was sentenced to ADC.

Kevin Michael Johnson, 36 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 4 at 11:49 a.m. Johnson was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

Dusty Michael Lay, 34 of Atkins, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 4 at 2:35 p.m. Lay was charged with four counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Johnny Aviles, 35 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 5 at 3:43 p.m. Aviles was charged with battery – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes injury.

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

Obituary: Charlie Neice Jr. (1981-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:06 am

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Charlie O Neice Jr., 42, of Mena, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, September 27, 2024, leaving behind a trail of memories. Known for being a bit rough around the edges, Charlie was a true mama’s boy who always had a surprise up his sleeve. Charlie was born October 1, 1981 to Charlie O Neice Sr. and Atha (Leathers) Kephart in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

With a wacky sense of humor, Charlie loved to pester his loved ones with his funny voices and jokes. He had a big heart, always lending a helping hand to those in need. When he wasn’t cracking jokes, Charlie could be found jamming out to country tunes and headbanging to Metallica. One of his favorite pastimes was cruising down back roads and getting down and dirty with some good old-fashioned mudding. A hard worker through and through, in recent years Charlie enjoyed working with his hands doing carpentry alongside several uplifting co-workers who became friends.

Charlie will be dearly missed by his wife Sharon Neice of Waldron, Arkansas; his son Dominic Jones of Waldron, Arkansas; daughter Cheyenne Neice of Altus, Arkansas; step-son; Billy Singleton of Waldron, Arkansas; two step-daughters: Julia Slater and Whitney Singleton of South Carolina; and one grandson Jaxson Jones. Charlie is also survived by his mother Atha Kephart of Waldron, Arkansas and four sisters: Daisy Sims and Tylor of Waldron, Arkansas; Atha Alvarez and Carlos of Magnolia, Texas; Rosie Perez of Waldron, Arkansas; and Violet Sanchez and Santos of Waldron, Arkansas. He had several nieces and nephews as well. Charlie will be missed by all that knew him and the memories they have of a man who brought laughter and joy to so many.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father: Charlie O Neice Sr., and his grandparents: J.W. Leathers and Mary Leathers.

A family celebration of life memorial will take place in the days to come.

Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Ebie’s Grand Reopening

Madison VanRavensway

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6:19 pm

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Since 1969 Ebie’s Gift Box and Flowers has called historic Main Street in Waldron home. The original shop was part of a row of buildings where Waldron’s gazebo is now. Later it moved south down main to the building it resides in to this day (232 S Main St). The original owner established Ebie’s in her namesake.

On August 17, 2023 Lorie Martin added her name to the legacy of Ebie’s owners. Lorie brings with her almost a decade of floral experience. She began her flower shop career working for Buell and Margaret Watts in 2015. Later, between 2018 and 2019, Martin opened her own store Crossroads Floral Designs and Boutique which she ran until her recent purchase of Ebie’s.

Upon obtaining the business she set to work on the building. Customers will notice exposed brick on the walls now, where paneling had been before. The shop is beautifully filled with flowers and gifts for all ages and tastes! Martin also reconfigured the cooler and reworked the back.

At Ebie’s Gift Box and Flowers they offer Payfree which allows customers to pay their bills like electric, phone, DishTV, DirectTV, etc. As well as other things for community members.

On October 1, 2024, the Waldron Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Grand Re-opening of Ebie’s under Martin’s ownership. Refreshments were served, door prizes were given away, and a good time was had by all!

Lorie said her next plan is to renovate the outside of the building.

Greenwood Takes The Homecoming Win

Ross Fujibayashi

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2:07 am

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After last week’s game against Shiloh Christian, several questions throughout the week arose. How would the Bulldogs respond the next week, and would Kane Archer be ready to go. Those questions were answered quickly as Greenwood rolled the Cyclones on Homecoming night.

The Bulldogs would defer the kickoff allowing the defense to set the tone. Russellville would punt on their first drive after plays from Senior Cash Archer put them facing 4th down. Greenwood got on the board on the ensuing drive with a pass from Junior Kane Archer to Senior Grant Karnes. Senior Hudson Meeker’s kick was good putting the score at 7-0. On the next drive for Russellville, Senior Kaylor Jasna intercepted the Cyclone pass and ran it in for a Touchdown. The point after was good, Greenwood with the lead 14-0. Russellville’s next drive would end in a punt. Grant Karnes would find the endzone again on a pass from Kane Archer. Hudson Meeker’s kick was good pushing the lead to 21-0. Russellville’s drive ended with a punt again, being a short punt, it put the Bulldogs in prime position. Greenwood would run the rest of the first quarter clock deep in Cyclone territory.

Opening the second quarter, Junior Wesley Raggio got the call and took it in for the touchdown, point after was good. Greenwood with a commanding lead 28-0. Russellville’s offensive woes continued as the Cyclones fumbled and Junior Cody Johnson recovered the ball. Kane Archer would find Junior Champ Davis for his first touchdown on the night. Greenwood up 35-0 in the 2nd quarter. Russellville committed their third turnover when Senior Isaiah Arrington intercepted the Cyclone pass. After a deep pass to Champ Davis that was caught on a tip from the Russellville defender. Kane Archer took the ball in himself for the touchdown, after the point after the score was 42-0 with 4:16 left in the half. Russellville’s next drive ended with a blocked punt by Cash Archer and Senior Mark Garretson picked up the ball and ran down to the Russellville 10-yard line. The Bulldogs scored with a 11-yard touchdown from Kane Archer to Champ Davis. Landon Franklin’s point after was good making the score 49-0 under a minute left in the half. The Cyclones were driving down the field when the Russellville pass was intercepted by Senior Zach Zitzmann. The Bulldogs ran out the clock on the half.

Opening the second half, a 66-yard touchdown pass from Kane Archer to Isaiah Arrington put the score at 56-0 after the Landon Franklin point after. Russellville drove down the field on the ensuing drive to get on the board 56-7 with 3:59 in the third quarter. Greenwood would then make a swap at Quarterback on their next drive with Cooper Goodwin. The Bulldogs would run the time out on the third quarter.

Goodwin found classmate Cooper Bland for a 17-yard touchdown. The point after was good to put the score at 63-7 with less than nine minutes left in the game. Russellville would use a majority of the fourth quarter to drive down and score. 63-14. The clock ran out on the kickoff.

“I thought our kids performed really well. Offensively and defensively. Came out our twos on offense in the 2nd half played really well.” Head Coach Chris Young said, “Our 1’s are playing really good. But you know it’s a long season we have got to find some backups.”

The win was Head Coach Chris Young’s 51st victory as the Head Coach. It was also Greenwood’s 66th home win in a row as well as the whole programs 24th victory in 25 games this season. “I’m lucky to be a part of this program. It’s just a special place. Our crowd was awesome tonight. Our student section, our spirit groups. Our parents support us like nobody else.” Coach Young said when the milestone was mentioned.

The Bulldogs are on the road next week against Siloam Springs. The Panthers are experiencing some success this season as they sit 2-3. Kickoff is at 7pm, and the Live Stream starts at 6:30 on Greenwood Sports Center.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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6:41 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – A subcommittee of legislators is close to finishing its year-long study of Arkansas gun laws.

The study includes a package of bills to clarify the rights and restrictions of owning and carrying firearms.

Arkansas lawmakers overwhelmingly support the Second Amendment. The intent of the subcommittee’s work has been to make it easier to understand the requirements of responsible ownership of firearms. To achieve this goal, the package of legislation would repeal repetitive, confusing or conflicting provisions in current law.

The Legislative Council last year approved the study by its Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee.

Legislation under study by the subcommittee would eliminate the current dual system of granting licenses to carry concealed firearms, and simplify the law by having only one system. Now, you can apply to the State Police for either a “regular” concealed carry license or an “enhanced” concealed carry license. The attorney general recommended going to one system.

A spokesman for the attorney general told the subcommittee that having a “regular” license means little because Arkansas allows permitless carry. Act 777 of 2023 makes clear that a permit is not required to carry a concealed handgun.

Another bill in the study would prohibit cities and counties from enacting gun laws that are more restrictive than state laws.

Lawmakers also want to emphasize the rights of gun owners to carry while on a journey. To avoid confusion, a draft bill under consideration would define a journey as leaving home.

The subcommittee heard from several law enforcement agencies, as well as people who are firearms instructors, hunters and owners of firing ranges. Also providing input were people seeking stronger gun laws near schools.

Broadband Funds

Arkansas has become eligible for an additional $1 billion in federal funding for grants to expand access to high speed Internet access. This good news is especially important for schools, medical providers and businesses in isolated, rural parts of the state.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the grant funding, which is a part of what is known as the BEAD program. That stands for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Program, which is providing more than $42 billion to all 50 states to expand high speed Internet access.

The BEAD program follows up on the Arkansas Rural Connects program, which in three rounds of funding provided about $520 million to Arkansas communities for broadband expansion.

Arkansas was one of 19 states to receive more than $1 billion through the BEAD program.

SNAP Benefits

The state Human Services Department announced that people who receive food stamps can be reimbursed for benefits stolen through an electronic scam known as skimming, or cloning.

The temporary relief program applies to benefits stolen between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2024. During that period 296 people reported digital theft of their benefits.

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