Resident News Network

An Essential EMS Service

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11:17 am

When you dial 911 in a health emergency, you expect an ambulance to arrive and provide aid. In fact, we depend on the EMS service to help in times of our greatest need. However, Arkansas, like many other states, do not deem EMS as an essential service.

What is an essential service?

Currently, 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws designating or allowing local governments to deem EMS as an essential service, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Those include Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. At least two states, Massachusetts and New York, have pending legislation.

Current State of Arkansas Representative for District 47, Dr. Lee Johnson, called attention to the issue at a recent OSHA meeting with local fire departments. “We tried to get legislation last session, but we fell short,” stated Johnson. “EMS should be under the same umbrella as fire and police…as an essential service.”

One of the primary funding challenges is that health care reimbursements—particularly from Medicare or Medicaid—do not cover the total cost of providing EMS care. EMS billing systems and the federal government need to adapt to allow for funding parity between EMS systems and hospitals.
While EMS does an inherently different job, stabilizing and emergent medical care remains the same regardless of where it is delivered.
EMS may have begun as a transport-based industry, but modern EMS providers are much more than merely stabilizers on the way to transport. With community paramedicine programs being developed, agencies providing care approaching ICU levels in the field, and scopes of practice advancing nationwide, it is important for insurance agencies to recognize that itemized billing needs to apply to EMS services, too.
EMS is not just a ride to the hospital – it is a multi-faceted healthcare industry that intersects with public safety and brings emergency care to the patient.
With EMS providing care in an inherently imperfect environment, it is important to allow for adequate reimbursement and funding to allow EMS providers to continue to do their job and serve their communities.¹

A documentary film chronicling the EMS system and shedding light on the realities of its collapse:
Honorable But Broken: EMS In Crisis | EMS Documentary Film
is garnering attention with a goal to recognize and address the issues on a state and federal level.

It simply is not enough to deem EMS as essential. EMS must be supported in the same manner in regard to recruitment and retention. As revealed in the documentary, most in the field work multiple jobs, which leaves little time at home with their families. Additionally, that there are EMS professionals who are on section 8 housing and food stamps. These are the people who are taking care of us as a society, day in and day out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, yet somehow are not receiving the same pay and benefits that others in the healthcare field do.

“We are the end of the line…When people are dying, or they are in a time of great need, we are there,” shared Education Director at Southwest EMS Corporate and University of Arkansas EMT Instructor, Ryan Shane Rowe.

It’s past time for change, and ultimately that change falls to our elected officials. “When it boils down to it, what is the life of the person you are trying to save worth…and that is for the politicians to decide.” (Honorable But Broken: EMS In Crisis | EMS Documentary Film)

For change to take place, advocacy is needed. You can contact your elected officials by visiting Elected Officials – Arkansas.gov and encourage them to act on legislation to deem EMS an essential service.

¹Davies, J. (2024, April 29). Breaking down EMS Reimbursement. EMS Aware. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.emsaware.org/articlesforthepublic/insurance

Obituary: Patsy Sehorn (1941-2024)

Networks

Tammy Teague

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11:10 am

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Patsy Ann Sehorn of Waldron, Arkansas, reached her ultimate goal in life, to sit at the feet of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and worship Him face to face while singing the Holy of Holies as Heaven is her reward. Patsy “Pat” Sehorn was born April 24th, 1941, and passed from this life to her home on high on September 17th, 2024 at the age of 83 years old.

Mimi Pat deeply and abundantly loved and cherished her family. She voiced it very clearly to her family, that her life was built according to the plan Jesus Christ had for her. So, she made it her personal mission in life to minister to family and friends and “live out loud” a Christ-like example by bringing her loved ones closer to God. Patsy’s “Walk with The Lord” has woven a beautiful tapestry, enjoyed by many generations, stitched with kindness, dedication, humility, servitude, faithfulness and a genuine love and concern for others. Her presence brought a warm peace and inner joy that was felt by everyone around her. Her words were gentle and encouraging. God gave her many gifts and talents, in which she willingly and honorably used, to glorify Him.

Patsy served in her church in many capacities. But her greatest joy in service came from teaching Sunday School. She absolutely loved teaching others about Christ and answering questions according to God’s Word. She had a gift with children and was often caught with a lap-full of little ones as she lovingly told them stories from the Bible. Her love for children carried over to her professional life perfectly because Patsy was a beloved child care provider and “adopted Mimi” to the children at her daycare. After many years of loving and helping raise children in daycare, Patsy got the opportunity to be a homemaker and indulge in the beautiful simplicity of home and family. And years later, for “one last rodeo,” she spent her last 5 years (before retirement) working at Waldron High School as a janitor and (once again) an adopted Mimi to the kids in her reach. She never hesitated to share the love of Christ with others. And sometimes she shared her love of football too.

As a big fan of pro football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, Patsy loved watching teams play and cheered the Chiefs to victory this year in Superbowl 2024. Another passion of Patsy’s was cooking. She made everything with such love, loaded with lots of butter and everything that’s bad for us, and prepared some incredible country home-cooked meals and dishes for her family. Her homemade rolls are legendary and her pies are heavenly. She always took great pride in serving her family Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. It was just one of the ways her love poured out over her dearest family.

Her family. Patsy’s greatest joy. Her whole world was her dearest son Nicky Sehorn, her “Baby Boy” even though he stands at 6’2” these days… He will always be her baby boy. Her love for her son was evident in everything she said and did and she treasured being his mother. And Debbie Sehorn, as Patsy called her “My Daughter” -Patsy said she molded Debbie into just the daughter she wanted and can get her to do just about anything, especially for fun. Their bond was a beautiful match.

Patsy had one grandson, the light of her life, Derrek Sehorn. Mimi Pat always said Derrek had favor on him from the Lord and his accomplishments in life would be many and edifying to Christ. These two had a very special connection. She cared for him when he was young and now that he is a man, he cared for her with the utmost love and respect. Throughout life, they have protected one another physically and spiritually.

Mimi Pat was eternally blessed again when Derrek brought Rachael, his wife, into the family. Lovingly calling her “My Rachael” Mimi Pat came into Rachael’s life when she was seeking a mentor to teach her biblical truths and characteristics of a Godly wife. Mimi Pat welcomed Rachael to the family with open arms and instantly became “the calm to the storms of life” to her newfound and beloved granddaughter.

Derrek and Rachael later added two little blue-eyed bundles of joy to the Sehorn Family. Mimi Pat was blessed with two adorable and very active great-grandsons, Tyler and Camden. She called Tyler “Ty Bob” and Camden was “her Cam.” The arrival of her two great grandsons rejuvenated the whole Sehorn family and brought a whole new chapter of happiness for Mimi Pat. The boys were her pride and joy and she loved spoiling them with love, food, adventure and all the things that make Mimis SO GRAND! You could say, when the great-grandsons came… She put them right up at the top of the Love List.

From her son Nicky, to her grandson Derek, to her great-grandsons Tyler and Camden, Patsy Sehorn lived a life in Christ and was a beautiful example to all three generations below her. Her legacy will continue in the lives of these good, Godly men; whom she poured her life’s ministry into so that they might (also) experience eternal life in heaven someday with her.

Patsy is survived by one son, Nicky Sehorn of Waldron, Arkansas – one grandson, Derrek (wife Rachael) Sehorn of Waldron, Arkansas – two great grandsons, Tyler & Camden Sehorn of Waldron, Arkansas. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Shirley Jones of Magazine, Arkansas. Others left to cherish her precious memory are a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her much-loved church family at Packsaddle Community Church.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband CL “Nick” Sehorn – her parents, Logan and Nancy (Mercer) Jones – Two brothers, Jack (wife Royce) Jones and Bob Jones – two sisters, Lou (husband Melvin) Scantling and Jane (husband Howard) Wagoner.

Patsy’s graveside celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Sehorn Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow.

Obituary: Jeania Brown (1946-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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12:23 pm

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Jeania Vae Brown was born to Eugene and Melda Vae Walker of Ozark, Arkansas, on October 12, 1946. Jeania grew up feeding chickens, milking cows, and being the oldest of four siblings. Jeania’s dad taught her to drive a tractor and bale hay long before she learned to drive a car, and a family friend down the road taught her to play the piano. Jeania attended Ozark public schools where she was an excellent student and often played piano accompaniment for fellow students in band competitions. Jeania attended the First Baptist Church of Ozark where she was active in ministry and played piano for Sunday services. In 1961, Jeania was selected by Ozark’s newspaper, The Spectator, for their first annual Americanism Award after her freshman year in high school. After graduation, Jeania attended college at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology.

As a child growing up in Ozark, Jeania and her siblings were taken to Sunday School at First Baptist by their mother where they learned about the Bible and God’s love for them. When Jeania was 10 years old, she attended Vacation Bible School at First Baptist, and it was during that week that she understood that Jesus had come to save her through His death and resurrection. She asked Jesus to forgive her, and she committed herself to follow Him all the days of her life – she never looked back.

During a visit back to Ozark while in college, Jeania played piano for a revival service at Ozark First Baptist where she persuaded a class friend of hers, Larry Brown, to come with her, and he came and also made the decision to commit his life to following Jesus. Their friendship grew into love, and they were married on December 27, 1969. After a honeymoon at Petit Jean State Park, Larry and Jeania lived in Memphis, Tennessee, while Larry finished his dental degree. During this time Jeania worked as a medical technologist at Methodist Hospital. After Larry’s graduation, the couple moved to Danville, Virginia, where Larry practiced dentistry and Jeania taught science in the Danville public school system. In these locations, Larry and Jeania were active in church and ministry, and they developed many friendships that survive to this day.

In 1972, Larry and Jeania moved back to Arkansas to be closer to family where they bought a dental practice in Mansfield. Jeania worked alongside Larry in the dental practice as dental assistant, receptionist, and office manager. Larry and Jeania attended the First Baptist Church of Mansfield where Jeania played the piano for services and taught children’s Sunday School, Children’s Church, and Discipleship Training classes. Jeania also led a ministry for widow ladies in the church, and she also served on the Sebastian County Library Board.

Larry and Jeania have two sons. Matthew was born in 1973 and Marcus in 1977. Jeania was always a very loving mother who would do anything for her children. On one occasion, at the urging of her sons, she even hiked with them up the side of Poteau Mountain and back down! Her parenting focus, however, was always on making sure that her sons attended church, knew God’s Word, and knew the importance of following Jesus like she did.

After Matthew and Marcus moved out of the house for college and families of their own, Larry and Jeania became very active in ministry and mission trips with Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, Arkansas. Jeania taught Children’s Church on Sundays and helped in the church’s AWANA Bible program for kids on Wednesday nights. Larry and Jeania also participated in many mission trips and sports camps around the country and the world. Jeania’s driving passion was in telling kids about the love of Jesus and how they can know and follow Him – just as she learned as a 10 year old back in VBS in Ozark. Jeania told countless numbers of children about Jesus, and she cherished each opportunity to share His Good News and love with them. Just this past summer, Jeania had participated in four mission trip sports camps where many kids and teens heard about Jesus and committed their lives to Him.

Jeania’s life long desire was that each person she met would know that the Bible is true, that Jesus loves them, that we are all sinners in need of rescue, and that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9), so that you also will have Heaven awaiting when your earthly body wears out. Our Lord granted Jeania the privilege of seeing hundreds of young people come to faith in Jesus over her lifetime. She had also just very recently talked with her youngest grandchild, Faith, who has also given her life to Jesus and is planning to be baptized in October.

Jeania moved to Heaven from her sleep at her home in the early morning of Tuesday, September 17, 2024, after having seen and talked with many friends and family during her brief hospital stay the weekend before. Jeania is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Melda Vae Walker; her brother, Russell Walker; her brother-in-law, Alfred Williams; and her aunts, uncles, and some cousins. Jeania is survived by her husband of 54 years, Larry Brown; her sons, Matthew Brown and his wife, Joyce, and Marcus Brown and his wife, Amy; her grandchildren, Elliana, Nathan, Sarah, Mikayla, Peter, Xander, and Faith; her sister, Jackie Hill, and Jackie’s husband, Bill, and their children, Mistie and Joshua; her sister, Mary Williams, and Mary’s husband, Paul; her brother Russell’s wife, Vonda Walker, and their children, Andrea, Bethany, Caleb, and Daniel; and many relatives on Larry’s side of the family.

Visitation will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, Arkansas, at 1pm on Saturday, September 21, followed by the funeral service at the church at 2pm. Interment will be at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield, Arkansas, following the funeral service. Donations in Jeania’s memory can be made to the Lottie Moon Foreign Missions Offering through Fellowship Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Mansfield.

Arrest Reports 9/8

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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12:15 pm

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Rodney Bruce Berkshire of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 9:30 p.m. and released on signature bond September 16 at 3:12 p.m. Berkshire was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Foy Hale Brown of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 9 at 12:09 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 9 at 12:43 p.m. Brown was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Melody Fuller of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 10 at 11:21 p.m. and released on September 11 at 12:53 a.m. Fuller was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Laine Garrett Harper of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 4 p.m. and released on September 16 at 2:07 p.m. Harper was charged with False Imprisonment 2nd Degree Misdemeanor, Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd, Aggravated Assault – Choke.

Nathan Wayne Mackey of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 10:32 p.m. and released on bond September 12 at 10:29 p.m. Mackey was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony, and petition to revoke – misd.

Timothy R Terry of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 3:53 a.m. and released on signature bond September 14 at 8:08 a.m. Terry was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Hunter Luke Brandenburg of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 10:59 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Brandenburg was charged with three counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Petition to Revoke – Felony, Petition to Revoke – Misd., Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine.

Bryanne Taylor Lockhead of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 9 at 10:33 p.m. and released on signature bond September 9 at 10:57 p.m. Lockhead was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Carissa Lee Moore of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 12 at 12:28 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Moore was charged with Careless Driving – Failure to Maintain Control, DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor, Theft of Property <$1k.

Nicole C Rotheiser of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 8 at 1:57 p.m. and released on signature bond September 8 at 9:54 p.m. Rotheiser was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Walter Stringer of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 9:39 p.m. and released on September 13 at 11:43 p.m. Stringer was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Kevin Bruce Brown of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 12 at 2:46 a.m. and released on signature bond September 12 at 4:30 p.m. Brown was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Stacy Dawn Flemming of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 7:50 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Flemming was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Dax Jordan Holcombe of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 10 at 12:22 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Holcombe was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Possession of Firearms By Certain Persons – Non-Violent, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz, Possession Of Firearm By Certain Persons Felony, Theft by Receiving – Firearm (<2500).

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Daniel Earl Carney of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 8 at 1:01 a.m. and released on signature bond September 9 at 5:13 p.m. Carney was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Wesley Leonard Hartsfield of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 10:19 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with no bond. Hartsfield was charged with Parole Violation, Petition to Revoke – Felony, and ADC Commitment Hold.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Willie Junior Jones of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 4:18 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Jones was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor, and parole violation.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Troy Vincent Salito of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 3:59 a.m. and released on signature bond September 14 at 11:19 a.m. Salito was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Gary Wilkerson of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 11:34 p.m. and released on signature bond September 12 at 2:48 p.m. Wilkerson was charged with resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Bobby Perras, 46 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 11 at 9:48 a.m. Perras was charged with failure to appear, contempt of court, and hold for other agency.

Joshua West, 38 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 13 at 6:31 a.m. West was charged with warrant served.

Brianna Lowe, 33 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 13 at 12:32 p.m. Lowe was charged with bond revocation.

Patrick Bowman, 40, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 13 at 1:33 p.m. Bowman was charged with bond revocation.

Milton Brown, 45, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 13 at 3:42 p.m. Brown was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Johnathan Michael Jackson, 50 of Houston, TX, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 13 at 5:56 p.m. Jackson was charged with public intoxication – drinking in public and criminal trespass.

Cory Snow, 36 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 14 at 12:56 p.m. Snow was charged with contempt of court.

Shawn Harris, 44 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 14 at 7:08 p.m. Harris was charged with breaking or entering, and theft of property.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Detention Center:
Robert Grainger, 43 of Hartman, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 5 at 4:07 p.m. Grainger was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of corrections and charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

James Richard McEntyre, 39 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 6 at 12:48 p.m. McEntyre was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Kristy Lea Campbell, 44 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 13 at 1:41 p.m. Campbell was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

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

Obituary: Ethel “Lorene” McCain Williams (1931-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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11:57 am

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Obituary: Ethel “Lorene” McCain Williams (1931-2024)

Ethel “Lorene” McCain Williams, 92, of Mansfield, Arkansas, passed away September 15, 2024 in Springdale, Arkansas. Mrs. Williams was born on November 17, 1931, in Falkner, Mississippi, one of 14 children, to the late Jessie Marion Young and Mary Ethel Rowland Young.

She was a faithful member of Mansfield United Methodist Church for 55 years and an active member of United Methodist Women.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, James Williams; children, Marc McCain (Jo) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Melissa McCain-Noble (John) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Pat Crowder (Larry) of Conway, Arkansas; Janet Smith of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Gary Williams (Pam) of Mansfield, Arkansas; and Steve Williams (Jackie) of Fort Smith, Arkansas; three sisters, Sue Ferguson of Scoby, Mississippi; Teresa Strain of Ellijay, Georgia; and Brenda Guy of Woodway, Texas ; one brother, Don Young of Flowery Branch, Georgia; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Joe McCain; six brothers, John Young, J.O. Young, Wilfred Young, Connie Young, Fred Young, and Larry Young; and three sisters, Myrle McKay, Eleanor Yates, and Sharon Harvey.

Following a private burial, memorial services will be at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Mansfield United Methodist Church in Mansfield with Rev. Ron Newberry officiating. A reception and lunch will follow the memorial service. Memorials may be made to Mansfield United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 56, Mansfield, AR 72944 in honor of Lorene.

Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Mansfield.

SR Tigers Run Out Of Opportunities In Loss To Lamar

Sports

Adam Hecox

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12:28 pm

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SR Tigers Run Out Of Opportunities In Loss To Lamar

Opportunity is a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. Hundreds of sayings and quotes help people see how important an opportunity can be. Things like “America is the land of opportunity”, “when opportunity knocks, you open the door”, and “every challenge is an opportunity to grow”. The Mansfield Tigers had the opportunity to make a big statement Friday night against a rough-and-tumble Lamar Warriors team. In fact, they had as many opportunities as there are sayings and quotes for such. Unfortunately, capitalizing on those opportunities fell flat for the Tigers as they fell to Lamar 13-12 in a nail-biter of a game.

Both teams started the game with their strengths on the field as Mansfield kicked the ball off to Lamar which sent out the Tiger’s stiff defense against the Warriors’ high-flying offense. Lamar’s offense mixed in passing and running plays to keep the Tigers’ defense on their heels and drove downfield to the ten-yard line in nine plays. That is where Mansfield bowed up and forced a turnover on downs. Unfortunately, the Tiger’s offense was stuffed in just three plays on their opening offense drive, and was forced to punt the ball right back to Lamar. A shot punt and good return gave Lamar the ball at their own 30-yard line but after just two plays, Mansfield forced a fumble to get the ball right back. The Tiger’s offense went back to work as Daniel Burton rolled for a quick ten yards and a first down on a wide run. Samuel Burton popped a big run to the opposite side of the field for 16 yards putting the Tigers near midfield. With momentum on their side, the Tigers dropped the ball on the following play which slammed the door on their drive. Lamar took advantage of the opportunity and scored in just six plays downfield. The Warriors added on the extra point kick which put the Tigers down early with a 7-0 score in Lamar’s favor at the end of the first quarter.

The Tiger’s offense started the second quarter with a good drive that put them at midfield again but failed to convert on fourth and short which turned the ball over to Lamar again. The Warriors jumped on the opportunity and powered their way past Mansfield’s defense for another touchdown. The extra point kick by the Warriors was blocked by Trey Powell which denied the extra points for Lamar giving the Warriors a 13-0 lead. While the Warriors held the lead midway through the second quarter, it was clear after the blocked kick the Tigers were ready to play ball. A couple of big runs gave quarterback Jeremy Strozier a chance to sling the ball to Daniel Burton who made his way to midfield for Mansfield. But the midfield curse reared its head against the Tigers again as Lamar’s defense and a costly penalty forced the Tigers to punt. Mansfield returned the favor shortly after making Larmar punt from deep in their own territory. Now with a favorable field position, the Tigers began to look more like the Mansfield football team from last week as they pounded the ball into Lamar’s defense for four plays before Samuel Burton busted one loose for a 26-yard touchdown. The Tigers extra point attempt went wide but they were still on the board and only down by a score, 13-6. Both teams continue to battle it out all the way down to the closing seconds of the half. Lamar lost a big chunk of yards after Ethan Martin sniffed out a quarterback run leaving the Warriors with no choice but to try to gain points with a field goal attempt. The kick went up and wide right sending both teams into halftime with the Lamar Warriors leading the Tigers, 13-6.

Mansfield started the second half with the ball at the 35-yard line but quickly crossed over into Lamar territory with a Daniel Burton 25-yard sprint for a first down. Mansfield plowed their way down to the three-yard line with runs from Andrew Burton and Daniel Burton. With just three yards left to score, linemen James Baulsey, Cadien Ore, Logan Ore, Ethan Martin, and Zander Walters gave it one more big push which allowed Daniel Burton to stroll into the endzone. Mansfield missed the extra point which left the Tigers down by a single point to Lamar with a 13-12 score in the third quarter. Opportunity had left the door wide open for either team to win this game at that point, but both the Tigers and the Warriors tied their shoelaces together before running towards that door. For the remainder of the game, both teams failed to convert fourth down attempts, threw interceptions, fumbled the ball, and obtained costly penalties. While it wasn’t pretty, the Tigers did stay in the fight down to the final buzzer but couldn’t pull off the upset as Lamar closed and locked all doors of opportunity in the game defeating Mansfield with a final score of 13-12.

The loss closes Mansfield’s nonconference schedule out with a 1-2 record. While the losses in nonconference play aren’t what the desired outcome was intended to be, the challenge of facing premier teams was exactly what the Tigers needed. Mansfield faced a Top10 3A team at Bismarck, a 4A rival against Waldron, and a salty 4A-4 Lamar program that is on the rise with two losses being at a combined total of merely five points. A loss is a loss and in the end, that is all that matters on the spreadsheet, but the grit that the Tigers showed in all three games is something to be commended. Mansfield will roll into a bye week this upcoming week which will give them time to finish polishing off their fundamentals and give players time to heal up before moving into their ever-tough 3A-1 conference schedule. The week of rest may prove to be pivotal too as Mansfield’s first conference game will be against their Sebastian County rivals, the Hackett Hornets. Mansfield versus Hackett is one of those old-school smashmouth rivalry games where there is no bluffing and both teams lay it all on the line for not only the win but also for bragging rights. The Tigers will host Hackett on Friday, September 9th at 7:00 pm.

Greenwood Councilman Charged with DWI

News

Tammy Teague

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12:45 pm

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Greenwood Councilman Tim Terry was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center early Saturday morning, September 14, at 3:53 a.m.

Terry was charged with driving while intoxicated, 1st offense, and released on a $1,000 signature bond at 8:08 a.m., Saturday.

Terry’s court date is set for Monday, September 16 at 12:30 p.m. at the Sebastian County Courthouse in Greenwood.

Updated September 16: Terry pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving while intoxicated.

Updated September 19: Terry confirmed on his social media “X” that he will no longer serve as the voice of the Bulldogs: “Thanks for everything. It was the time of my life. It truly was.”

Greenwood Parks Commission Meeting Minutes

News

Tammy Teague

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6:22 pm

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Greenwood Parks Commission Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Parks Commission Vice-Chair Brandon Tate at 4:00 p.m.; roll was called, and members present were as follows: Jennifer Travis, Kay Headley, and Otis Edwards; a quorum was declared with the addition of the acting Chair; Commission members Joel Goldstein and Cinda Bell were absent, and City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry was present.

Approval of Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Mrs. Travis to approve the 07-16-24 regular meeting minutes as presented; motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

Freedom Fest Committee – None
Trails Committee – None
Tree & Plant Board – None
Agenda Items to be Added: None
Business Items
Director – Pavilion Rates Update – Mr. Craig presented these revisions for consideration and
answered any questions the Commission had; Mr. Craig indicated that even with the raised rates,
the City is still well under what others charge in the area; motion was made by Mr. Edwards,
seconded by Mrs. Travis to accept the changes as presented; motion passed unanimously.
Director – 5 Year Capital Outlay List – Mr. Craig said that he felt the list would be a good idea
to update the Commission on future needs, and encouraged members to take it home and review
it. He also emphasized the need for a Parks building for equipment and vehicle storage; Mr.
Edwards asked for an account of the number of vehicles and equipment and agreed that storage
should be added to the wish list; Mr. Craig said that he has already submitted his budget to Mr.
Marsh; Ms. Derry agreed that she would add the Parks 2025 Budget to the next regular meeting
agenda.
Finance Director – Discussion on Parks A&P Budget – Mr. Marsh gave the Commission a
detailed account of spending to date from the virtual A&P Parks Fund in contrast to revenue from
the A&P Fund received; and cautioned that any deficit that this virtual fund experiences will be
funded by unrestricted monies in the General Fund; Ms. Derry expressed concern with this
structure being “open-ended” and Mr. Marsh explained further that the major cost event is held in
the middle of the year, prior to the total revenue being realized at the end of the year; he went
through other updates such as the splash pad account and its portion of A&P funding, as well.
Areas to cut back on the Fall Festival were discussed, and Mr. Marsh encouraged everyone to
publicize the need to shop and eat local in order to keep taxes coming in. Ms. Derry reminded the Commission that if the Park Fund finds this area falling short year over year, consideration might
be given to go back to the A&P Commission to see if they could bump up the percentage from
45% to something more in order to keep events funded; Mr. Craig acknowledged the need to slow
spending a bit and he stated that he would not spend money irresponsibly.
Budget Amendment for Bell Park Project Reallocation – Mr. Craig said that he had submitted
professional fees as $20,000 for 2024 and they are actually $32,000 and he has talked to the
engineers and confirmed amounts. There was discussion between Mr. Marsh and Mr. Craig
about this and it was determined that other areas of the Parks budget could absorb this and no
action would be needed at this time.

Foundation Report
None
Director’s Report: Written report submitted with talking points as follows:

Splash Pad update – opening date unknown as of yet
Switchback Trail update – reassigned to a different Scout
Liberty Park Bridge update – old fashioned timber framed covered bridge looking very nice
ARDOT grant re-appropriated and easement obtainment underway for the paving of the trail from
the Oaks to Bell Park
Lake Trail Kiosk update
Inclusive Park update
God’s Plan movie being hosted at Bell Park August 22nd

Comments: Mayor Kinslow commended the new parks employees on the exceptional mowing job as of late; Mr. Craig indicated that he has recently sent them a message with the same sentiment.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Travis, seconded by Mrs. Headley; meeting
adjourned at 4:58 p.m.

Arkansas pumpkins face increased pest pressure; growers urged to scout often

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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5:21 pm

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Arkansas pumpkins face increased pest pressure; growers urged to scout often

By Sarah Cato
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service

Arkansas’ future jack o’ lanterns are facing a scare of their own, with the early arrival of melonworms that can cause significant yield loss for growers.

Melonworm is a pest of cucurbit crops — a family that includes cucumbers and watermelons — that feeds on plant foliage and fruit, usually etching pumpkin rinds just under the stems, causing handles to pop off, or where the fruit contacts the ground. Often confused with pickleworm, melonworm is a different, tropical species that migrates to Arkansas from coastal regions. Because melonworm doesn’t overwinter in Arkansas, its arrival varies year to year, typically beginning in early to mid-September, but sometimes as early as late August.

“We first saw melonworm on Aug. 8 near Fort Smith and Aug.15 in Hope,” said Aaron Cato, extension horticulture integrated pest management specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “This is about a month earlier than usual. In 2021, moths showed up sometime in August and began multiplying rapidly before pumpkin harvest started, leading to widespread damage.”

Cato said many Arkansas growers saw a 50 percent or more yield loss in 2021. The early arrival of melonworm, both in 2021 and 2024, may be in part related to tropical weather.

“In 2021 Tropical Storm Claudette and Hurricane Ida had heavy winds that likely moved a lot of moths north towards Arkansas,” Cato said. “In 2022 and 2023 there was no tropical weather tracking from Texas and Louisiana in our direction, and we saw almost no impact from melonworm in those years.”

It’s possible that Hurricane Beryl, which moved into the Gulf of Mexico in early July of this year contributed to the early arrival of melonworms. Cato said with this early arrival, paired with the recent Tropical Storm Francine, growers should treat this year like 2021 and scout early and often.

“Based on observations from the past four years, melonworm arrival by early September signals a problematic year,” Cato said. “Aug. 8 is a very early sighting and growers should be on guard, as this is a similar trajectory to 2021 where many growers incurred significant loss.”

Scouting and control methods

Cato said growers should be scouting pumpkins for melonworms one to two times a week, focusing on the early signs of an infestation.

“The earliest signs of melonworm is feeding on the leaves, where melonworm larvae will be present in the new growth first,” Cato said. “It’s also important to keep an eye out for moths and rolled or folded leaves. Fruit should also be scouted for injury, even if melonworm haven’t been observed.”

Melonworm moths have white, almost translucent, wings with a brown outline. Larvae are green caterpillars with two longitudinal, white stripes down their back and four sets of prolegs.

Cato recommends an insecticide application as soon as melonworm larvae are observed in a pumpkin planting.

“We recommend growers have a diamide insecticide like Besiege, Coragen or Shenzi on hand and apply as soon as you find any melonworm larvae or moths,” he said. “If growers are already spraying a weekly pyrethroid for control of other pests they can expect melonworm to be suppressed as well. Our data indicate that weekly pyrethroids, or Bt, will suppress melonworm as well as the diamide insecticides, however, diamides offer 21 days of residual activity which has offered the least fruit loss in previous trials.”

More information on melonworm and control options can be found in Cato’s blog.

Mention of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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5:05 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

Legislators and state officials continue to work on methods of improving maternal health care in Arkansas.

A special committee created by the governor last week issued its recommendations in a report called “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies.” It calls for making access to health care more clear and convenient for expectant mothers.

It also listed ways for medical providers to recognize when pregnant women are at risk of losing their health coverage. It recommends steps to make sure that women have some type of health insurance and are aware of the services available.

The lack of obstetricians in rural Arkansas is a challenge, so the committee recommended creating a loan forgiveness program for maternal care providers. One method is to increase the number of residencies in obstetrics and gynecology. Another would be to establish a school of midwifery.

Another recommendation was to create a process by which doulas and community health workers can get certified and receive Medicaid reimbursements. A doula is a woman who provides guidance and help during labor, and after delivery. Doulas provide physical and emotional support, with expertise in breathing techniques and breastfeeding.

Medicaid, a government health program for low-income families, pays for more than half the deliveries in Arkansas. Adding doulas and community health workers to the list of approved Medicaid providers could significantly increase the availability of maternal care in isolated parts of the state.

The report also recommends evaluating reimbursement rates for all aspects of maternal care, including family planning and contraception.

The state Health Department operates local clinics throughout Arkansas, and the department is assessing whether each one needs to enhance maternal health care.

A report by the March of Dimes points to the urgency of expanding maternal care options. According to the organization, 38 of the 75 counties in Arkansas lack a hospital or birthing clinic with obstetric care providers.

Nationwide, about a third of all counties lack obstetrics services, according to the March of Dimes report.

Last December another special committee created by the legislature in 2019 issued a lengthy report that identified specific illnesses that are most prevalent in pregnant women in Arkansas, and recommended strategies for improving treatment.

The leading cause of death among those 38 was cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscles. The second leading cause was cardiovascular conditions caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and age.

In last year’s legislative session lawmakers approved Act 562 requiring Medicaid to reimburse providers when they screen pregnant women for depression. An early diagnosis can dramatically help prevent the negative effects of postpartum depression.

Legislators also approved Act 553 to mandate that the state Medical Examiner conduct a postmortem examination of any woman who dies within 365 days of being pregnant, if the death is possibly related to the pregnancy. By identifying the serious medical conditions that harm a pregnant woman’s health, physicians can better treat and prevent them.

Act 581 of 2023 requires Medicaid to reimburse physicians and clinics for providing reversible contraception immediately and during postpartum.

R

About the Division of Agriculture

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