Resident News Network

Law Enforcement Community Mourns the Loss of DTF Agent

News

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7:52 pm

Law Enforcement Community Mourns the Loss of DTF Agent

It was yet another devastating blow to a community already in mourning when the news came of the passing of Lyonette-Hale Thomas. Thomas served as a Probation/Parole Officer and an Agent for the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force for the past 15 years.

Thomas, who passed away on Wednesday, August 7, was escorted by multiple law enforcement agencies back home from the Arkansas State Crime Lab on Thursday, August 8. Then, on Friday, the community joined those in honoring her life as the procession passed the Waldron City Park.

Multiple law enforcement agencies providing an escort home for Agent Thomas.

Thomas, 38, leaves behind a husband, Austin, and a baby girl, Raylyn Sue. She was described by her law enforcement family as passionate and dedicated.

Austin and Lyonette Thomas with baby Raylyn Sue.

The Waldron Police Department issued the following statement:
“Lyonette was special, she cared deeply about what she did, Waldron was her home and she wanted to make it a better place. Lyonette was here every week working with us, or the Sheriff’s Office, she was our sister, our friend and a mentor to some of our younger officers, she was everything you should strive to be as an LEO. Our hope is that she knew how much she meant to us and the good she was doing for not only our community but all those in the 15th Judicial District. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family, friends and all those who loved her.”

A memorial account has been set up in honor of Lyonette at Chambers Bank. Make a deposit at any of their locations- account ending 1347 in her husband Austin’s name.

The Scott County Boys and Girls Club honoring the memory of DTF Agent Lyonette Thomas.

Timepiece: Government Food Programs

Featured

Tammy Teague

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6:49 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

A friend from Facebook recently posed a question concerning whether others had received their SNAP card for the summer. Living within a school district that is one hundred per-cent school free lunch, every student is provided a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) card benefit which provides for lunch during the summer break. The card, essentially a credit card issued by the government, can be used to purchase food for low-income families or low-income regions.

The entire program started back during the Great Depression. Under the Agriculture Adjustment Act, the federal government encouraged farmers to destroy surplus foods in order to drive up prices. Thousands of hogs were destroyed, gallons of milk poured out on the ground, and productive crops were simply plowed under; all in the hope that the economy would improve and farmers could make a decent wage. Many, horrified to watch the wanton destruction of produce while at the same time seeing millions suffering from malnutrition and even starvation, demanded that the government find a way to distribute the food to the needy. The government complied by setting up a program through the USDA to distribute the surplus through the non-profit Federal Surplus Commodities Corporation. By 1938, more than 54 million dollars in surplus food was being supplied to low-income families. As with today, this distribution lead to complaints of waste, the creation of informal markets, and concern about the “social” harm done to participants. One of the biggest concerns was voiced by merchants who felt that giving food away dramatically affected their sales. To address this, Secretary of Agriculture William Wallace set up the first food stamp program. The initial program allowed needy people to purchase orange stamps to be used to buy any food. For each dollar worth of orange stamps purchased, fifty cents worth of blue stamps was received free. The blue stamps could only be used to buy materials the USDA deemed surplus.

This program languished during the war years but was reinstated during the last year of the Eisenhower administration and grew during the Kennedy and Johnson years. No longer restricted to surplus items, the stamps could be used for most food products and had the support of retailers when it created financial gain for the producers and distributors of processed foods. The program, amended and changed many times over the years, has continued to expand to supply healthy and nutritious food to those in need. It also still faces some of the same criticism as was evident in the 1930’s. A big positive for Arkansas, in June of 2014, Mother Jones reported that 18% of all food benefits money was spent at Walmart.

The food stamp alleviated much of the problem associated with food insecurity but did not alleviate the food surplus problem. To maintain markets, the USDA continued to supply excess “commodities” to the school lunch program and to those in need. Alarmed by the many military recruits that came in undernourished and under-weight from rural areas, especially in the South, the USDA set up a program to provide healthy food choices to low-income areas. As a child growing up in Arkansas, I observed lines forming hours before distribution of food to the general public. Many stood in line for hours, pulling a wagon or holding a sack to be filled with food. Termed commodities by locals, the products consisted of rice, beans, cornmeal, peanut butter, canned meats, butter, and powdered milk and eggs. Everyone’s favorite was the five-pound blocks of cheese; a mixture of cheddar, Colby, milk curds and other unknowns that resulted in a unique blend all its own.

Although few in the south wanted to be known as welfare recipients, few would turn down good, free food. My Oklahoma Indian grandmother always received extra, and others shared when they had more than they could use. The taste of the horrible, powdered eggs or milk were offset by the delicious cheese and peanut butter. We loved the rice but, in Arkansas, it is a breakfast cereal to be consumed with plentiful amounts of butter, sugar, and milk. The cooks at school turned the floor, sugar, and butter into wonderful concoctions of cake, cobbler, and cinnamon rolls rather than serving the pre-made peanut butter sandwiches provided today.

The program is still alive, but barely, occasionally supplying those over 60 or under income with surplus commodities. I often wonder if that “commodity” cheese is still available? I might go stand in a line myself!

Keep your cool: Hot tips for summer bass care

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:45 pm

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Keep your cool: Hot tips for summer bass care

By Eric Naas

Arkansas summers can be scorching. As temperatures rise, it’s not just us feeling the heat; the fish are feeling it, too. We can beat the heat by lounging by the pool, taking a refreshing swim in a lake or creek, or retreating indoors to enjoy the air conditioning, but bass caught during tournaments face a different challenge. Being cold-blooded, they can’t regulate their body temperature like we do, so fish need anglers’ help in cooling down and staying calm from the time of the catch until weigh-in. Here are five ways to help our finned friends stay cool and comfy during these sweltering months:

Schedule Outside of the Season
The best way to avoid tournament-related bass mortality is to avoid scheduling tournaments when water temperatures exceed the 80-degree mark. Most tournament circuits have begun moving their derbies earlier in the year to take advantage of some impressive prespawn weights, and the side-benefit of those tourney times is a natural increase in the survival of fish after release. Although night tournaments are a great way to beat the heat for anglers in summer, water temperatures are still very high, and fish survival still suffers as a result. Be prepared to put the work in to not only catch them, but keep them alive.

Ice ’Em Down
Adding ice to your livewells can give bass a cool escape from summer heat. When the surface water temperature is over 80 degrees, it not only holds less oxygen, but it increases the fish’s metabolism and oxygen consumption because they’re cold-blooded and can’t regulate their own body temperature. Keep a thermometer handy in your livewell, and add ice to keep the temperatures around 75-80 degrees, just like a comfy home climate. Don’t overdo it; dropping the livewell temperature too low can kill fish just as quickly from shock if they’re pulled from 80-degree water and put in an ice bath.

Give Them Some Air
Keeping water well-oxygenated is crucial. Think of your aerators as the fish’s personal air conditioning system. Keep aeration systems running nonstop when water temperature is high and the livewell is full of fish. Also do your best to avoid overcrowding in the livewell and separate fish into multiple livewells, if your boat is so equipped, to make the oxygen in the water last as long as possible. Aerators common on fishing boats use less power than a big-screen fishfinder with forward-facing sonar, so why not up the power potential of your batteries to make sure the fish you catch are healthy for weigh-in and don’t cost you precious ounces in penalties?

Fresh Water
Don’t forget to keep the water fresh. Recirculating the same water through your aerators will maintain a cooler temperature when surface temperature of the lake is high, but it can get contaminated over time. Exchange at least half of the water in your livewell with fresh water from the lake every 4 hours to reduce nitrogen and ammonia buildup from waste.

A Touch of Salt
Bass are freshwater fish, but adding a little salinity to your livewell water will help them recover after the catch. It can buffer the pH of the water, but most importantly it helps the fish regulate bodily fluids like their slime coat. As a general rule, add one-third-cup of noniodized salt for every 5 gallons of water in your livewell. Commercial additives also are available, but they are primarily composed of salt or similar compounds.

Keeping Bass Alive isn’t just the goal of catch-and-release and tournament angling; it’s also a practical program developed by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, demonstrating its role at the forefront of bass conservation efforts. This invaluable program offers advanced fish care techniques for anglers ranging from casual enthusiasts to competitive tournament participants. For more detailed tips and tricks, visit the B.A.S.S. fish care page, packed with expert advice.

Taking care of our fish is crucial, especially during hot summer months. Proper fish care can significantly reduce mortality rates, ensuring bass populations remain healthy and abundant. After all, a thriving bass population means better fishing experiences for everyone.

Sebastian County Fair & Rodeo

Featured

Tammy Teague

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6:42 pm

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The 111th edition of the Sebastian County Fair & Rodeo in Greenwood, Ar. starts at 5 p.m. August 20 with $1 admission night to the fair. The admissions will be donated to United Way specifically for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This program furnishes books free of charge to children.

The Junior Livestock Show will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday August 21. This year there are 90 exhibitors showing livestock, which is the largest group of kids in the last few years. Over 200 animals will be shown this year. The Livestock Auction will take place on Saturday August 24 at 6 p.m. This year there will also be an Agricultural Mechanics show which gives youth an opportunity to show off their mechanical skills. It will feature everything from trailers to storage buildings and much more. The Exhibit Hall will contain over 1,000 items from fine art, photography, arts & crafts, canned goods, vegetables and more.

Thursday and Friday will be School Days from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This event is free to schools and home schools. During the time here, kids will tour the livestock, the exhibit hall, see Smokey Bear, Butterfly Encounter, The Fort Smith Police Scribble Car, and Old McDonalds Farm.

The Rodeo takes place on Friday and Saturday nights featuring Bulls & Broncs on Friday and Mutton Bustin & Ranch Rodeo Saturday evening. Live music every night!

For more information, visit the Sebastian County Fair website: www.sebastiancountyfair.com or visit their Facebook page for more information.

Events 2024
Tuesday August 6 Mandatory Exhibitor Work Day
6:00pm—8:00pm
Thursday August 8 Mandatory Exhibitor Work Day
6:00pm—8:00pm
Saturday August 10 Mandatory Exhibitor Work Day
8:00am—10:00am
Friday, August 16 Online Creative Arts Entry
Saturday, August 17
7:00 A—12:00 PM Mandatory Poultry Testing.
Sebastian County Fairgrounds, Greenwood, AR
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Creative Arts Early Entry
Monday, August 19
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Creative Arts Entries in Place
5:00 PM Concession setup
6:00 PM—8:00 PM Commercial Building setup
7:00 PM Request all livestock equipment in place
Tuesday, August 20
9:00 AM Creative Arts Judging – Building Closed
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Livestock Entries in place
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Livestock Check In (Office)
5:00 PM Creative Arts & Commercial Buildings open
5:00 PM Gate Opens – DOLLAR NIGHT admission $2 Rides
7:00 PM Mandatory Livestock Exhibitor Meeting
7:30 PM Animal Weigh In (following exhibitor meeting)
Wednesday, August 21
8:00 AM Swine Judging, followed by Sheep, Goats, Dairy, Breeding Beef,
and Steer Judging
3:00 PM—4:00 PM Pullet Chain, Poultry, and Rabbit check in
11:30 AM Meal for exhibitors sponsored by Farm Credit
4:30 PM Mandatory Pullet Chain, Poultry, and Rabbit exhibitor meeting
5:00 PM Gate Starts – $7 Adult, $4 Children (6-12 yr.) 5 & under free
5:00 PM Pullet Chain, Poultry, and Rabbit Judging
5:00 PM Showmanship—Rabbit & Poultry
7:00 PM Live Music Main Stage
Thursday, August 22
9:00 AM—12:00 PM School Day
5:00 PM Gate Starts – $7 Adult, $4 Children (6-12 yr) 5 & under free
5:00 PM Creative Arts & Commercial Building Opens
5:00 PM Carnival Opens
6:30 PM Hay Show
7:00 PM Live Music– Main Stage
Friday, August 23
9:00 AM — 12:00 PM School Day
5:00 PM Gate Starts – $7 Adult, $4 Children (6-12 yr.) 5 & under free
5:00 PM Carnival Opens
5:00 PM Creative Arts Building & Commercial Building Open
7:00 PM Live Music—Main Stage
7:00 PM Bulls & Broncs
Saturday, August 24
10:30AM—12:30PM Senior Day
1:00 PM Gate Starts. $7 Adults, $4 Child (6-12 yrs.). 5 & under free
2:00 PM Bingo
5:00 PM Pre-Auction Premium Dinner
6:00 PM Junior Livestock Auction
6:00 PM Mutton Bustin—Ranch Rodeo
7:00 PM Live Music— Main Stage
8:00 PM Livestock Barn Clean Out Begins
9:00 PM Livestock Release According to Superintendents
Sunday, August 27 –
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Commercial Building Exhibits Pickup & Released
Monday, August 28
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Creative Arts Exhibits Released
CARNIVAL OPEN NIGHTLY – DAILY ARM BANDS AVAILABLE $25 EACH SESSION
Barns Close at 11 P.M. Every Night

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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11:42 am

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – More than 3,000 families applied for Education Freedom Accounts during the first week of August, bringing the total number of applicants statewide to 15,365.

The Internet portal for applications had been closed over the summer and re-opened on July 29, when about 12,000 applications had been approved.

There is no scheduled deadline, as long as funding is available under the Arkansas LEARNS Act. The accounts expand school choice options by helping families pay tuition at private or parochial schools.

Last year the governor proposed and the legislature approved Act 237 of 2023, also known as the LEARNS Act. The 2024-2025 school year is the second year it has been in effect. It is being phased in over three years.

Last year students were eligible if they were first-time kindergarteners, or if they attended schools that got an “F” on school report cards or were enrolled in districts ranked at Level 5 for academic distress. Also eligible were children of active duty military members, as well as children with disabilities and children enrolled in kindergarten for the first time.

For the upcoming school year, eligibility is expanded to include students from a school that got a “D” on school report cards, children of military veterans and the children of emergency responders. Current or former foster children are eligible.

Also eligible are students from the Succeed Scholarship Program, which existed before the LEARNS Act was created.

Next year, the third year of the phase-in of the Education Freedom Accounts, all children are eligible.

Another way the LEARNS Act expands school choice is by repealing previous limits on the number of charter schools in Arkansas.

The LEARNS Act also provides bonuses of up to $10,000 for teachers as merit incentives. In June, the state announced that 3,000 teachers qualified for the bonuses because their students showed remarkable academic improvement or they acted as inspiring mentors to new teachers.

Also, they qualified if they taught in a part of the state, or in a subject matter, with a critical teacher shortage. The state Education Department has listed those subjects in which there is a critical shortage of teachers. They are computer science, foreign language, secondary math, secondary science and special education.

The act raised the minimum salary for teachers from $36,000 to $50,000, which benefited more than 15,240 teachers. Also benefitting were teachers who already earned $50,000 or more, because they received raises of $2,000.

Also, the LEARNS Act provides teachers 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.

Other provisions in the LEARNS Act expanded opportunities for high school students to enroll in college-level concurrent courses and receive college credits for passing them. Surveys indicate that students who take concurrent courses are more likely to obtain a college degree or certificate.

Under the LEARNS Act, Arkansas schools will recruit an additional 120 literacy specialists. The act provides $500 for families of students struggling to learn how to read in kindergarten through third grade, so they can hire a tutor.

The LEARNS Act requires high schools to develop a career-ready pathway towards a diploma, to prepare students for well-paying jobs if they choose not to go to college.

Obituary: Glen Alan Holt (1977-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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6:31 pm

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Glen Alan Holt, 46, of Booneville, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. He was born November 22, 1977, in Booneville, Arkansas to Edgar and Norma Holt.

He was a member of the Sugar Grove Pentecostal Church, Sawmill Club, Booneville Bass Club, and River Valley Bass Elites and served as a marshal at the Bassmaster Classic and fished in the Barling Boat Sales tournament. He enjoyed fishing (especially crappie fishing), hunting, baseball, gardening, farming, and raising bulls and beagles. He was an avid Bearcat fan and loved all his kids and family and was very proud of them.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Herbert and Iva Lee Schlinker; paternal grandparents, Edgar and Edna Holt; and uncle, Jerry Schlinker.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Starting Point Church in Magazine with burial at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Sugar Grove, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.

There will be no visitation.

Glen is survived by his wife, Jessica Holt of the home; sons, Clayton Green and Harrison Lee Holt, both of the home; daughters, Madison Holt of Booneville, Kaytlynn Green, and Charolette Green, both of the home; parents, Edgar and Norma Holt of Booneville; sister, Jennifer Haynes (Bobby) of Booneville; special uncle and friend, Floyd Parnell (Sandy); several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers: John Weaver, Chuck Crabtree, Bobby Haynes, Doc Crowley, RJ Haynes, and Sammy Haynes

Honorary Pallbearers: Harrison Lee Holt, Floyd Parnell, Edgar Lee Holt, Clayton Green, Justin Leftwich, Edgar Baker, and Charlie Miesner

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Booneville Bearcat Foundation/Friends of the Bearcats or the Spina Bifida Association.

Obituary: Todd Hunsucker (1962-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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2:46 pm

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Todd Douglas Hunsucker was born May 19, 1962 in Tom’s River, New Jersey to Charles Jess & Doris (Hirschbiegel) Hunsucker. He entered this world full of love, vitality and lots of things to do. Todd passed from this life on August 1st, 2024 after a tragic stroke induced dump truck accident at the age of 62. Upon his peaceful passing at NW Regional Hospital, he was surrounded by family and friends who held his hands until He was safely in the arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

To know Todd was to love him. And if you “knew him” you were constantly wondering what he was up to and planning next. He was overflowing with fearlessness, energy, business ideas, adventure and generosity for others. Todd deeply valued hard work and took great pride in his businesses and providing for his family and employees. Todd was a “hold nothing back” kind of man. He loved sincerely and deeply – an unbridled man of true wholesome affection. Whether he was waving at you from a truck or greeting you in person, you could feel his joy. His hugs and kisses were for all those he loved and he never hesitated to let people know what they meant to him. Even his dogs knew how much he loved them, every day. His smile will forever be remembered, for it beamed pure sunshine.

In New Jersey as a young child, Todd’s parents (Charles & Kathy) enrolled him in the Admiral Farragut Military School for Boys where he learned stern discipline, humility and the value of leadership. All of these attributes helped shape Todd into the man we all know and love today. He was grateful for the skills he acquired and the direction that military school gave him in life.

At age 12, Todd moved from New Jersey to Waldron, Arkansas, and started the sixth grade and met his best friends in life, Scott Thompson and Bruce Sikes. He loved the country life in Arkansas and enjoyed the hunting, fishing, animals and outdoors. As a teenager, he was most interested in making money by hauling hay and pulpwood, playing sports, driving vehicles and girls (having just arrived from an all boys school). Todd was very handsome, a gifted athlete, had impressive manners, and made the most of every experience during his time at Waldron Schools. He made lifelong friends with the Class of 1981, team mates, coaches and teachers.

As a young father, Todd loved and provided for his first family, having two beautiful children, Heather and Heath. They were his whole world. He worked as a master electrician during this time under his father, Charles. Together they wired hundreds of houses, commercial buildings and even the WAC Basketball Arena where his funeral services are being held.

In the 80s, Todd was an employee of Tyson Foods where he held several management positions from Field Tech to Dispatch to Hatchery Manager. He also owned and operated two poultry farms for OK Foods and 31 years later (to this day); he still prided himself on being one of the best and oldest chicken farmers still in operation. His post Tyson days lead him to a very successful partnership in business with his dearest friend David Byford installing generators at poultry farms. He worked hard as a young man in many capacities; but always made time for his family and their activities and a little men’s softball & golf.

The next chapter of Todd’s professional life brought Alliance Propane & Petro. Together, with his wife Angela, they owned and operated the company and made many new friends through employing local people, serving customers and attending LP Gas Board and Arkansas Oil Marketers Assoc. It was a time in Todd’s life where he truly loved what he was doing- he was most happy when he was helping others, blazing trails, meeting people and building businesses. In 2017, The Hunsuckers sold their Gas Company to Ronnie Graves, who became a dear friend and vacation partner.

Currently, Todd enjoyed operating his heavy equipment and started a personal initiative to clean up Waldron with his business partners in his latest company, High Voltage Holdings. Today, you can drive around Waldron and see properties that Todd has bulldozed and improved, in hopes to make our town a better and safer place to call home.

At age 42, Todd rekindled a sweet friendship with the love of his life, Angela English. They married on October 2, 2005 and together they built a life they loved. Todd gave Angela the greatest gift she could ever receive, their precious daughter Justi. The love they share is out loud and everlasting. No couple could ever love, respect, cherish and honor each other more. They shared in their faith in God, love for adventure and laughing outloud, and the joy of their little miracle, Justi. Todd was saved while attending Camp Siloam at a young age and baptized. Todd loved time with his family and indulged in holidays, parties and moments when he was surrounded by his people. He was known to love a good steak dinner and be quite a dancer. He could not stay in his seat when 70s music was playing. He lived life to the fullest and never held back. His legacy of honesty and goodness will be carried on and spoken of with love and honor for years to come.

Todd is survived by his devoted wife, Angela of the home. He leaves behind three children he treasured above all else: Heather, Heath and Justi Hunsucker and his “sweet grandbaby girl” Carson Hunsucker. He will be deeply missed by his adoring mother, Kathryn Chicoine (Glenn) and his Mother-in-Law, Arlene English (Woody, deceased) all of Waldron. Todd is also survived by his sister Dawn Rowley, of New Jersey and his Borther in Law, Wesley English (Amanda) of Greenwood, AR. Left to cherish his memory are wonderful host of extended family and friends, whom he so richly loved.

Todd was welcomed in heaven by many loved ones that have gone on before him. But there is no doubt that the first one in line to hug and kiss him was his beloved Dad, Charles Jess Hunsucker.

Todd, our loving husband, father, son, brother, papaw, uncle, cousin and friend will lay to rest at Sehorn Cemetery in Winfield next to the beautiful land, rivers and mountains he grew up in, as a boy.

Todd’s celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Waldron Multipurpose Facility at Waldron Middle School. Interment will follow in Sehorn Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas.

Todd’s visitation will be Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home where the family will receive friends.

Todd’s pallbearers will be Scott Thompson, Bruce Sikes, David Byford, Ronnie Graves, Guy Taylor, Brian Jones, Brian Horn and Eddie Spence. Honorary will be pallbearers: Thomas Boggess and All Past and Present Employees of Alliance Propane & Petro.

Show Your Support for Local First Responders by Giving Blood at a Boots & Badges Blood Drive!

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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8:55 am

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Show Your Support for Local First Responders by Giving Blood at a Boots & Badges Blood Drive!

Roll up your sleeve and support your local first responders by giving blood with Our Blood Institute at a local Boots & Badges blood drive!

Our Blood Institute (OBI) will host the Greenwood Boots and Badges Blood Drive on Thursday, August 22, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the ROC. With your blood donation you’ll receive a free entry to Magic Springs Theme Park and Water Park in Hot Springs, AR.

Successful donors will also receive a limited-edition Boots & Badges T-shirt, while supplies last.*

“Our first responders see the daily need for blood first-hand when the people they rescue require life-saving treatment,” said Dr. John Armitage, president & CEO of Our Blood Institute. “We can’t say enough about the service our police, fire and EMSA provide, and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available in emergency situations.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days and platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year-olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.

Arrest Reports 7/28

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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6:13 pm

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Pablo Aguirre of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 31 at 10:09 a.m. and released on signature bond July 31 at 11:52 a.m. Aguirre was charged with petition to revoke – felony.

Joseph Daniel Cowan of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 2 at 4:17 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Cowan was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, and two counts of Released from ADC has previous charges they have not bonded on.

Benjamin Odell Deer of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 30 at 3:50 a.m. and released on cash bond August 2 at 1:39 p.m. Deer was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and petition to revoke – felony.

Kamron Lee Elkins of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 5 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 1 at 10:12 p.m. Elkins was charged with Domestic Battering in the Second Degree – Victim <12 years old or >60 years old, and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Justin Glen Ferguson of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 2 at 2:27 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Ferguson was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Andrew Lawrence Hunt of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 31 at 11:02 a.m. and released on cash bond July 31 at 6:46 p.m. Hunt was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Darrell Andrew Johnson of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 28 at 9:16 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 28 at 10:42 a.m. Johnson was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000.

Dakota Jordan of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 28 at 5:42 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 28 at 2:45 p.m. Jordan was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Brandon Travis Lay of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 12:50 a.m. and released on cash bond August 1 at 9:34 a.m. Lay was charged with petition to revoke – misd.

Timothy Joe Lee of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 2 at 7:40 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Lee was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense and Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DWI.

Kristy Lou Mcghee of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 31 at 1:07 a.m. and released on signature bond August 1 at 5:15 p.m. Mcghee was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Bequita Lynn Nehus of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 12:33 p.m. and released on signature bond August 1 at Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000.

Tanner Wade Plymale of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 2 at 4:09 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Plymale was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Jerry Lee Riordan of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 2 at 11:50 p.m. and released on signature bond August 4 at 5:12 p.m. Riordan was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Nicholas Anthony Thomas of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 31 at 9:01 p.m. and released on signature bond July 31 at 11:07 p.m. Thomas was charged with two counts of contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Roy Damon Wingate of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 31 at 5:29 p.m. and released on August 1 at 4:25 p.m. Wingate was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Daniel Ray Brown of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 28 at 1:34 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Brown was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor.

Rusty Warren Stuart of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 30 at 10:18 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 30 at 11:53 p.m. Stuart was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Taylor Wheeler of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 29 at 7:45 p.m. and released on signature bond July 29 at 9:24 p.m. Wheeler was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Logan Spencer Cates of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 28 at 11:20 a.m. and released on signature bond July 28 at 5:14 p.m. Cates was charged with Public Intoxication – Annoyance.

Omar Kiley Dunn of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 28 at 6:49 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Dunn was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Joshua David Jobe Severin of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 3 at 3:15 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 3 at 9:21 p.m. Severin was charged with Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Marti Jean Gentry of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 10:58 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 2 at 9:05 a.m. Gentry was charged with Assault in the 3rd Degree.

Scott Lee Piovesan of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 3 at 10:25 p.m. and released on cash bond August 4 at 3:38 a.m. Piovesan was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Gothard, Jason Clinton of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 30 at 3:33 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Gothard was charged with parole violation, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, Possession of Cocaine with the Purpose of Deliver >2g, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Jonpaul Lear Lingar of Van Buren was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 2 at 10:43 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Lingar was charged with Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz, and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Pamela Jo Presock of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 3 at 1:59 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Presock was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Beau Addison Sampley of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 3 at 6:12 a.m. and released on signature bond August 3 at 11:16 a.m. Sampley was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Kenneth Wayne Slusher of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 3 at 11:38 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Slusher was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Christian Howard Tate of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 3 at 9:12 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Tate was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, Disorderly Conduct – Obstructs Traffic, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, and Battery in the Second Degree – Officer.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Philip Paul Neblick of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 31 at 2:43 p.m. and released on bond July 31 at 7:40 p.m. Neblick was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony, and Obstructing Governmental Operations-force-ID.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Robert Barbee, 81 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 31 at 2:57 p.m. Barbee was charged with hold for ADC.

Whitney Laxton-Claybaugh, 24, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 1 at 3:41 p.m. Claybaugh was charged with Hold for U.S. Marshal.

Darnell Robinson, 32, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 1 at 5:27 p.m. Robinson was charged with Hold for U.S. Marshal.

Timothy Dribble, 63 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 1 at 5:53 p.m. Dribble was charged with contempt of court, no driver’s license, and no insurance.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Abigail Lyn Moyer, 21 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 3 at 11:51 p.m. Moyer was charged with possession of SCH I or II LT 2GM, possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine, owner fail to register vehicle-expired tags, failure to affix or display license plates, etc. (failure to show registration card)

Shawn Michael Boesiger, 48 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 3 at 10:35 p.m. Boesiger was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Rhonda A. Byers, 51 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 2 at 12:02 p.m. Byers was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

Shannon Renae Buchanan, 55 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 2 at 6:41 a.m. Buchanan was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Rami Ghalayini, 26 of Fairfax, VA, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 1 at 11:47 a.m. Ghalayini was sentenced to days.

Arian Shahbazi, 30 of Fairfax, VA, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 1 at 11:46 a.m. Shahbazi was sentenced to days.

Cameron Moss, 44, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 1 at 11:23 a.m. Moss was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

Nathaniel Kelley, 41 of Paris, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 1 at 9:51 a.m. Kelley was charged with four counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Charles Reynolds Jr., 59 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 30 at 8:19 p.m. Reynolds was charged with DWI – operation of vehicle during FWI license suspension or revocation, drinking on highway or public road, and sentenced to days.

John Alvin Vaughan, 47 of Gulfport, MS, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 30 at 4:26 p.m. Vaughan was charged with failure to appear.

Brian Woodard, 53 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 30 at 9:09 a.m. Woodard was sentenced to days.

Shawna Maylynne, 36 of Clarksville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 28 at 2 a.m. Maylynne was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st drugs, improper signal, stop or turn, speeding, endangering the welfare of a minor – 2nd degree, and sentenced to days.

Robert Lee Ratcliff, 30 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 28 at 11:35 p.m. Ratcliff was charged with three 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.**

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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2:22 pm

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As the 2024-2025 school year begins, the state Education Department is making grants available to Arkansas school districts to help implement cell phone restrictions in the classroom.

Prohibiting or restricting cell phone use by students is complex, because they can be necessary for learning and doing research.

However, recent studies clearly indicate that the mental health of some young people can be adversely affected by the amount of time they spend every day watching a screen. Rather than socializing face-to-face with fellow students and teachers, they are immersed in social media. They can be more vulnerable to bullying, and their self-confidence can be fragile.

In early July the governor and the Education Secretary announced that the state would make grants available to local schools to alleviate the unfolding crisis of “youth depression, anxiety and isolation” caused by excessive cell phone use among juveniles.

The grants can be used to pay for mental health services, via telehealth technology. It also is being used for secure pouches in which students lock away their cell phones during the day. Each pouch costs about $30. Teachers and other school personnel will have special magnets that unlock them.

According to a spokesman for the Education Department, more than 200 Arkansas school districts are interested in taking advantage of the grant program. Many schools already had policies limiting students’ use of cell phones for non-academic activities.

The enrollment in Arkansas schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade is about 475,000. In the upcoming school year an estimated 200,000 students will be in pilot programs that limit cell phone access during the day.

Accurately measuring results will be a key component of the policy to restrict cell phone, and that takes time. There are studies, and plenty of anecdotal evidence, indicating that students improve their academics if they’re more engaged with their teacher and fellow students.

However, in order to fully measure any benefits from restricting cell phones, it will take at least one full school year and probably more to compile changes in test scores. The effect on students’ mental health is even more difficult to accurately gauge.

Therefore, the pilot program includes an ongoing survey by the Office of Education Policy at the University of Arkansas to examine how restrictions on cell phones affect the mental health of students. The theory is that limiting young people’s exposure to social media will improve their mental health.

School districts that have already limited cell phones in classrooms report positive results, not just in academics but also in student behavior. Some school districts will begin by limiting cell phones in middle schools because that is when many students get their first devices, and begin forming online habits.

School Lunches

School districts implement a policy every year for collecting money from students for lunches and snacks. It is not as simple as it may appear at first glance because some students get behind in their payments, and schools must continue to provide them with the same meals that all students get.

Schools may not stigmatize students who are behind in payments, such as by making them wear wrist bands. School nutrition policies must comply with Act 428 of 2019, the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act.

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