Resident News Network

Protecting Arkansas Volunteer Fire Departments

News

-

3:17 pm

Protecting Arkansas Volunteer Fire Departments

Across The Natural State, selfless men and women protect their communities from danger through service with local, volunteer fire departments. They deserve our thanks and support, particularly at a time when their ability to carry out that work is under threat.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a rule that would impose unnecessary and, frankly, debilitating regulations on Arkansas’s volunteer fire departments, search and rescue units, and emergency medical services providers.

Deeply concerned about the implications of this proposal, emergency personnel from across the state have engaged with my office to express their dismay and worries. Through these discussions, we’ve gained greater insight into the noble services and support they provide to their fellow Arkansans, and the harmful impact this mandate could have throughout our state.

These requirements mandated by OSHA could force many fire stations, particularly those in rural areas that are mainly staffed with selfless and brave volunteers, to close their doors, eliminating services vital to the survival and safety of these communities.

The current proposal would require all fire stations and other emergency response centers, regardless of their resources, to meet impractical standards. Fire departments will face constraints such as using trucks no older than fifteen years regardless of feasibility and availability considerations, costly medical examinations, and time-consuming and expensive facility assessments.

Out of Arkansas’s 1,003 fire departments, 974 are at least partially staffed by volunteers. It is these volunteer-based departments, already operating on tight budgets, that will struggle the most to comply with OSHA’s new standards.

OSHA estimates these new regulations will cost fire departments $15,000. Given the breadth of the requirements, that figure seems highly unrealistic and doesn’t account for the likely unintended consequences, including the need for in-house lawyers and compliance staff necessary to implement the 250-page rule. It is easy to understand why our local leaders and volunteer fire services view this rule as daunting and unworkable.

While I appreciate OSHA’s efforts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our emergency services personnel, this is another example of a blanket federal regulation that does more harm than good. It jeopardizes the safety of small communities across Arkansas and our country by decimating local fire station staff and potentially leaving them without adequate systems for protection and mitigation.

I understand the importance of local volunteer fire departments to Arkansans. In many cases, they are the backbone of our rural communities, composed of courageous volunteers who take great pride and responsibility in serving their fellow citizens. Without them, our communities face greater fire risks, leading to widespread safety concerns and higher home insurance premiums for everyday Arkansans.

Needlessly threatening to eliminate these long-standing community institutions is not only sad, but unwise.

That’s why I was proud to join the rest of Arkansas’s congressional delegation, led by Congressman Rick Crawford, in denouncing OSHA’s new rule and requesting its immediate rescission. We will continue working to protect our volunteer fire departments and the important mission they fulfill for communities in every corner of our state.

Commission clarifies nonresident deer dog regulations, early archery hunt

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

-

12:29 pm

0

Commission clarifies nonresident deer dog regulations, early archery hunt

By Randy Zellers

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today approved a dozen clarifications to regulations passed during May’s Commission meeting. While most changes were simple clarifications in wording, four changes may affect hunters during upcoming deer and turkey seasons.

The first change was the reinstatement of a $100 nonresident turkey permit that can be purchased by holders of a Nonresident Annual Hunting License. The Commission adopted a separate $325 Nonresident Turkey Hunting License in May to allow hunters only interested in turkey hunting to save money compared to purchasing a $410 annual license and $100 turkey permit. The previous permit was accidentally stricken from the code, but today’s action reinstated it, allowing nonresidents two options for turkey hunting licenses in Arkansas.

The second set of revisions clarifications clarified that handguns used during the new alternative firearms season are required to be non-semi automatic and shoot straight-walled cartridges .30 caliber or larger to match the requirements for rifles during this season.

Arkansas’s new early archery deer hunt also saw a clarification during today’s meeting. The code was modified to ensure hunters could only legally harvest a single buck and no does during this three-day hunt preceding regular archery season.

Finally, a regulation concerning nonresidents who use dogs to pursue deer in Arkansas saw a clarification at today’s meeting. According to the newly modified code, nonresidents using dogs to chase deer, whether for training purposes or hunting, may only do so during the final nine days of regular modern gun deer season in those private and public land zones where it is legal to pursue deer with dogs. They also will be restricted to a limit of one deer while using dogs.

All regulation changes passed today were formally presented during the Commission’s June 20 meeting.

The Commission also authorized a real-estate easement today at White Oak Lake in Ouachita County to allow Ouachita County Electric Coop to run underground fiber-optic cables along an existing easement for overhead power lines along Arkansas Highway 387.

A video of the meeting is available on the AGFC’s YouTube Page.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Tips for handling homework

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

8:26 pm

0

BACK TO SCHOOL: Tips for handling homework

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The start of a new school year typically marks the dreaded return of homework for students and parents. Brittney Schrick, extension family life specialist and associate professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said it’s key for parents to give children plenty of free time, manage their own expectations and think outside the box regarding homework help.

Schrick said that it’s crucial for children — especially elementary and middle school-aged students — to have a period of free time after they get out of school, instead of immediately sitting down to focus on homework.

“Adults often have this perspective of, ‘All you’ve been doing is sitting in a chair all day, why are you tired?’” Schrick said. “But it’s exhausting. They have to focus all day and not move around, when what they want to do is move around, so it’s really important that when they get home, they are given time to do something else with minimal expectations.”

In the last 20 years, schools have reduced free play time, including recess, and prioritized academics much earlier for younger students, Schrick said.

“Historically, kindergarten and first grade were really about learning how to go to school, and they were learning about how to be in a classroom with other kids, the basic building blocks of social interaction and rule-following,” she said. “It’s gotten to the point where parents are concerned when their kids can’t read before they go to kindergarten.

“Those are kind of unrealistic expectations because kids haven’t changed – it’s the expectations that are placed on them that have changed,” Schrick said.

More homework, more problems

Schrick said the emphasis on academics for younger students has led to teachers assigning them more homework, which often harms more than it helps.

“I would argue that homework is not developmentally appropriate for kids below high school, but definitely not below junior high,” Schrick said.

Schrick said that if parents are concerned about the amount of homework their child is bringing home, the first step is checking in with his or her teacher.

“In high school, all bets are off, but in elementary school, there’s no reason for them to be getting a ton of homework,” she said. “So if they are, that’s a conversation to have with their teachers.”

While too much homework does not benefit children, consistently reading together at home is vital for elementary and middle school students.

“Reading is really all that younger students need to be doing regularly at home,” Schrick said. “There are some math concepts that probably would benefit some kids to practice at home, especially if they’re struggling, but with low stakes. The benefit is literally just fluency, it’s not mastery. It’s not about learning new information.”

Think outside the box for homework helpers

Doing homework together can be a significant source of conflict for families. When tensions rise, Schrick said it may be necessary for a parent or child to take a break and walk away from the task.

“When you get into those high-stress moments, when your kid has reached their limit, pushing them because ‘It’s homework and you have to do it,’ is not helpful in the long run, and I think it’s not helpful in the short run either,” Schrick said. “It can cause damage to a relationship, and it can cause damage to the relationship a kid has with school.”

Schrick said it’s helpful to figure out which parent or guardian to turn to for each school subject. For example, one parent may have a better grasp on math problems, while another may be the go-to for language arts homework. And for a family with multiple children, one parent may be better equipped to help one child than another.

Schrick also suggested seeking homework help from family friends or community members.

“It’s a matter of thinking outside the box of who could help,” she said. “Sometimes we think it has to be someone in the immediate family, and that’s not necessarily true. Especially for single parents, or grandparents who are raising grandchildren, think of alternatives.

“Use your close resources first,” Schrick said. “Maybe your aunt is an accountant, maybe your grandfather used to be in a science field. Think about the retired teachers in your life. Teachers don’t stop being teachers – there’s a reason that educators gravitate towards education. Reach out to the recent college graduates in your circle.”

Manage expectations, adapt to changing needs

Schrick said managing one’s expectations of their child is a significant part of managing conflict with them. The way a parent might think to approach a homework problem is going to be different than how their child approaches it. Acknowledging and accepting this difference can lead to smoother interactions.

“Their effort doesn’t need to look exactly like how I would do it, because I’m a grown adult,” Schrick said. “And when I’m watching my third grader do homework, she’s going to be doing it differently than I would.”

It’s also important for parents to determine what kind of guidance their child needs when it comes to planning and task completion.

“Some kids need very little, and others need a ton. Do they need to write everything down? Do they need little reminders about when things are due?” Schrick said. “Adults either tend to be ‘hands-off’ because they feel it’s the kid’s responsibility, or they’re so involved that the kid doesn’t learn how to manage it. It’s about trying to find that happy medium.”

Finding that happy medium will take trial and error — and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Schrick said that in her experience as a parent, the most helpful strategy usually must come from the child themselves.

“I’ve learned that often, whatever the management strategy is, it has to be their idea,” she said. “They have to have some ownership over it. If you have a kid who won’t try anything, imposing something might be your only option, but typically, adult-imposed solutions just become more work for the adult.”

Schrick said parents must understand that these time management and planning solutions will need to change over time as the child grows and their responsibilities become more demanding.

“As kids get older and family dynamics change, all of these strategies have to be fluid,” she said. “You have to be willing to adapt to changing needs and changing schedules, and changing expectations from the school, changing expectations from your kid. What worked last year may not work this year, especially if your child is going to a different school, or especially if they’re going to junior high or high school. Everything is going to change.”

For more information about family life resources, visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Personal and Family Well-Being page, or contact Brittney Schrick at [email protected].

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

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 to all eligible persons 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.

Practice caution to prevent heat-related illness

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

-

8:19 pm

0

Practice caution to prevent heat-related illness

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

With the heat of summer 2025 on, it’s important to follow heat safety guidelines to prevent sunburns, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Bryan Mader, extension assistant professor of health for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said people should practice caution when temperatures reach above average highs for their specific region.

“While there is not a specific temperature — such as 100 degrees Fahrenheit — at which we should be more concerned than another, a simple way to think about being extra cautious around heat is when temperatures and humidity are above average for a given geographic area,” Mader said. “Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.”

Heat-related illnesses are preventable if precautions are taken, Mader said. These illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, occur when the body is not able to properly cool itself.

“While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough,” Mader said. “In some cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”

Though everyone is susceptible to heat-related illness, Mader said there are special populations who should take extra caution during heat exposure. Those at increased risk include adults 65 and older, infants and children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or cancer. People without access to air conditioning, athletes and outdoor workers are also at a higher risk.

Signs of heat-related illness

· Heat stroke: A high body temperature greater than 103 F; hot, red or dry skin; fast pulse; dizziness, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness.

· Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache and fainting.

· Heat cramps: Heavy sweating during intense exercise; muscle pain or spasms.

· Heat rash: Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin, usually on the neck, chest, groin, elbows or on the anterior side of arms.

Heat-related illness prevention tips

· Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes to improve airflow and aid in natural cooling.

· Stay indoors when able, and avoid using appliances that give off heat.

· Do not leave children, or anyone else, in cars unattended. Double check all the seats in your vehicle before walking away.

· Schedule outdoor activities with a plan in place. Try to limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Rest, often, in shaded areas to limit heat exposure.

· Wear sunscreen to protect your skin, and wear hats, long sleeves and pants when able, and when it does not restrict your movements or your ability to sweat naturally.

· Drink plenty of fluids, and do not consume sugary or alcoholic beverages when you are in the heat.

· Replace salts and minerals, such as electrolytes, frequently during heat exposure. Sweating eliminates electrolytes, which can be replaced using a sports drink, or another source for replenishing minerals.

· Stay informed about changes in the weather, especially related to extreme temperatures, humidity and UV exposure.

· Use a buddy system, especially for outdoor workers or athletes, to ensure safety.

· Check on those who are at high risk, especially if they do not have air conditioning in their home or place of employment.

Mader said that while working in the heat, it is recommended to drink at least 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes. This translates to approximately 24-32 ounces per hour of heat exposure.

For more information about healthy living, visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Health in Arkansas website.

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

COSL announces regional tax auction results

News

Tammy Teague

-

7:23 pm

0

COSL announces regional tax auction results

The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Sebastian and Scott counties raised over $1.4 million dollars, the Commissioner of State Lands announced.

The regional auction drew 180 registered bidders, who purchased 90 of 99 parcels for $1,455,743.01 Results were as follows:

Crawford County: 28 parcels offered; 27 parcels sold; $342,722.81 total; $22,072.70 taxes collected

Franklin County: 4 parcels offered; 4 parcels sold; $60,000.00 total; $3,017.58 taxes collected

Logan County: 7 parcels offered; 7 parcels sold; $60,000.00 total; $7,308.53 taxes collected

Sebastian County: 47 parcels offered; 39 parcels sold; $921,520.20 total; $95,143.84 taxes collected

Scott County: 13 parcels offered; 13 parcels sold; $71,500.00 total; $4,872.18 taxes collected

The auctions offered real estate parcels with taxes delinquent since 2019.

“We only auction a fraction of the parcels certified for delinquent taxes,” Commissioner Tommy Land said. “By far, most owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes. Naturally we hope property is redeemed if the owners want to keep it, but it is vital that the parcels return to the county’s active tax rolls.”

The COSL office forwards taxes and interest to the county, whether that money is collected through redemption or sale.

“Last year, the Commissioner of State Lands Office sent more than $21 million to school districts and county governments,” Land said. “Of that, $1,517,722.58 went to these five counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools.”

Those turnback amounts were:

Crawford County: $389,298.89.

Franklin County: $122,756.95.

Logan County: $83,084.31.

Sebastian County: $897,587.07.

Scott County: $24,995.36.

Auction sales are final.

Unsold parcels may be redeemed online at www.cosl.org, using a credit or debit card, or owners can call 501-324-9422 to request a Petition to Redeem. Redemption does not grant ownership; it simply makes the taxes current.

Parcels that did not sell at the public auction will be available after 30 days and can be purchased through an online auction by viewing the Post-Auction Sales List at www.cosl.org.

LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR to be Featured at Dixie Theater Fundraiser

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

1:27 pm

0

LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR to be Featured at Dixie Theater Fundraiser

Article contributed by Kevin Jones

The LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR will be featured at an upcoming fundraiser at the Dixie Theater in Mansfield, August 10 at 7 p.m. This will be the tenth live LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR show since 2018. Tickets are only available at the door for $10.

According to the city’s website, little is known about the history of the Dixie Theater. The building was likely built sometime in the 19th century. It was originally believed to be the Hickerson Ford dealership then later a Dodge auto agency. It was converted into a movie theater around World War II. The City of Mansfield obtained the building in 2008, with major fundraising, such as grants and donations, designs and renovation efforts provided by Robert and Becky Walker, Marion Mathis, Glen Hurt, Brad Howard, Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, who was from Mansfield, Gov. Hutchinson, Bobby Shepherd, Carl Cummings, Dollie Gage, Jan Hurt, Jill Wagoner, Joe McCutcheon, Treva Mathis, and Warren and Nancy Looper, as well as numerous other local, regional, and state supporters have given time, treasure, and talents to bring this space back to life and promote economic and cultural growth to the region.

LCRH, Vol. 4, King Opera House, VB, Maggie and Kevin Jones (photo courtesy of Brandon Chase Goldsmith)

The Local Color Radio Hour live show features Little Known Facts and unique people, places, and events in the region around Mansfield, AR from its origins to now and highlights the restoration of the 1940s Dixie Theater which has served as a community theatre, movie house, and meeting center since then.

The usual suspects in the lineup also provide great music by Joe Hardin, Maggie Jones, Kevin Jones, Dennis Siler, Gary Udouj, Matt and Will McCoy, and Nick Probstfeld. Rounding out this rabble will be comedy sketches in the same manner of the golden age of radio with skits about the Needmore Hardware Store, “if we ain’t got it, you don’t need it”, as well as a visit from CODY FABER, the Roving Rambling Ranger, and his Tales of Summer in Arkansas. Always fun and education, full of great music and humor.

Many in the cast are UAFS professors, historians, and musicians who seek to promote local history, cultural studies, and area growth. Their goal is to remind people of their past, present, and how we can work together for a brighter future.

Maggie Jones and Joe Hardin, Matt McCoy, and Kevin Jones, FS Museum of History, LCRH Vol. 3 (photo courtesy of Melanie Stout)

Dan Maher, Matt McCoy, and Steve Kite at LCRH 3 at FS Museum of History. (photo courtesy of KJONES)

MPD Makes Drug Arrest

Tammy Teague

-

2:41 pm

0

Mansfield Police Officer Sheldon Robison made a traffic stop on Hwy. 71 near the high school, Monday, July 22, at approximately 10:30 p.m.

According to Police Chief Wayne Robb, Robison made the initial stop for no tail lights, but detected the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

With the assistance of the Scott, Sebastian County Sheriff’s office, and the DTF out of Danville, Chadwick Griffin of Thibodaux, LA, and Jumaane Berkley of Shreveport, LA, were taken into custody.

Robb stated Griffin and Berkley had been to Arizona and were headed back to Shreveport for delivery.

Griffin and Berkley were charged with felony possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of misbranded drugs and possession of a SCH. I substance.

”It was nearly a total of 3 lbs. of drugs with this arrest,” stated Robb. “That included mushrooms, the SCH. I substance.”

Arrest Reports 7/14

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

-

11:59 am

0

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Miguel Angel Gopar-Diaz of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 10:30 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 21 at 8:12 a.m. Diaz was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Kelley Leigh Manning of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 9:16 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on July 21 at 8:24 a.m. Manning was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Katelin Haines of Mena was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 17 at 5:25 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Haines was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations-force-ID, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

James Kirk Pettigrew of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 14 at 9:15 a.m. and released on signature bond July 14 at 10:59 a.m. Pettigrew was charged with Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Barry Dunn Thomas of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 18 at 12:47 a.m. and released on signature bond July 18 at 9:33 a.m. Thomas was charged with Criminal Trespass – Occupiable Structure.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Stephen Auther Hanna of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 15 at 8:02 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Hanna was charged with Criminal Trespass, petition to revoke – misd., and Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Sidney Ray Hayes of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 14 at 2:45 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Hayes was charged with ADC commitment hold and return to testify.

Jason Lee Hill of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 18 at 11:54 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Hill was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Darrell Dewayne Mitts of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 19 at 2:42 p.m. and released on signature bond July 19 at 4:28 p.m. Mitts was charged with Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DWI.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Corey Justin Turner of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 18 at 6:31 p.m. and released on signature bond July 18 at 9:51 p.m. Turner was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Heather Nicole Voight, 32 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 16 at 11:20 a.m. Voight was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Dakota Gray, 33 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 16 at 12:40 p.m. Gray was charged with body attachment.

David Lewis, 61 of Magazine was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 16 at 7:51 p.m. Lewis was charged with obstruction of interior prohibited, and driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked.

Seth Terry, 31 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 17 at 1:30 p.m. Terry was charged with possession of methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft by receiving.

Aaron Klein, 42 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 17 at 1:38 p.m. Klein was charged with disorderly conduct.

Alicia Buchanan, 31 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 18 at 6:23 p.m. Buchanan was charged with failure to appear.

Jason Bowden, 50 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 18 at 6:35 p.m. Bowden was charged with two counts of failure to appear, and absconding.

Tiffany Davis, 30 of Springfield, MO, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 19 at 4:37 p.m. Davis was charged with warrant served.

Ronald Fondren, 56 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 20 at 6:33 p.m. Fondren was charged with assault on family or household member in the third degree, and violation of a no contact order.

Dustin Mayer, 40 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 20 at 8:40 p.m. Mayer was charged with domestic battering in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, and violation of a no contact order.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sherrif’s Department:
Brian Henderson, 54 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 17 at 8:18 a.m. Henderson was charged with absconding/ white warrant.

Matthew Nathaniel Tusing, 24 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 18 at 11:50 a.m. Tusing was sentenced to days.

Logan Alan Parks, 29 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 18 at 12:23 p.m. Parks was charged with possession of firearm by certain person.

Keith R Capo, 40 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 18 at 4:41 p.m. Capo was charged with failure to pay child support.

Brittany Felicia Jones, 23 of Cecil, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 19 at 8:21 a.m. Jones was sentenced to days.

Michael Wayne Cook, 41 of Fayetteville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 19 at 9:47 a.m. Cook was charged with failure to appear.

William Douglas Pettigrew, 19 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 19 at 11:12 a.m. Pettigrew was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and contempt – failure to comply.

Darissia Lynn Lovelace, 28 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 19 at 12:31 p.m. Lovelace was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation, and four counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor.

Lazardo Martinez, 28, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 20 at 11:15 p.m. Martinez was charged with no driver’s license, careless and prohibited driving, drinking on hwy. or public, open container containing alcohol in motor vehicle, failure to wear seat belt, driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Miguel Martinez, 30 of Grandview, MO, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on July 20 at 11:24 p.m. Martinez was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, drinking on hwy. or public, open container containing alcohol in motor vehicle.

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

Head-on Collision Claims the Life of a Juvenile

News

Tammy Teague

-

8:13 pm

0

Head-on Collision Claims the Life of a Juvenile

Traffic was rerouted for several hours on Saturday afternoon, July 20, while first responders worked the scene of a head-on collision north of Huntington.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the accident occurred at 2:07 p.m., on US Hwy. 71, south of Holland Place.

A minor, whose name will not be released, was traveling south on Highway 71 in a 2012 Nissan Maxima when they crossed the center line and struck a 2024 Freightliner head-on.

The body of the minor was taken to the Sebastian County Coroner’s Office and the next of kin notified. The driver of the semi was not injured.

Timepiece: Music and the Delta

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

2:05 pm

0

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

The fields stretched forever, flat and baking in the summer sun. In the distance a line of trees demarcated a property boundary or the edge of a drainage canal. The smell drifting through the open car window emanated mixed brews of wet vegetation, bug spray, and spent petroleum. Country homes surrounded by huge sheds containing tractors, harvesters, and farm trailers dotted the landscape and, in the distance huge silos containing rice, cotton seed, or other products indicated the presence of a small town or community. The Mississippi delta, home to the blues, country singers and rock-a-billy music.

An amazing number of famous musicians and singers came from this region of Arkansas, many of them of the country and western variety. Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich all hail from the delta and Conway Twitty was raised in Helena. Legendary soul singer Al Greene was born to sharecroppers in Forrest City, Arkansas. He won 11 Grammy Awards and is 14^thin Rolling Stones list of greatest singers of all time. One of his biggest hits, “Let’s Stay Together,” remains a classic even to this day.

Not as well-known is the fact that Arkansas has turned out some of the biggest names in rock and rock-a-billy music. Black Oak Arkansas and Jim Dandy are icons but possibly the best known is Mark Lavon Helms, born near Elaine, Arkansas in 1940.

Before playing drums and singing with The Band, Levon was born Mark Lavon Helm near Elaine, Arkansas in 1940. His parents were cotton farmers and the actual community he grew up in was known as Turkey Scratch. His parents encouraged him to learn to play music and, although best known as a drummer, he could play virtually any instrument having strings. Growing up he listened to a variety of music ranging from the Grand Ole Opera to R&B, all eventually contributing to his eclectic style of music. Helms lived through a period of time where he witnessed some of the earliest performances of Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, and Bo Diddly.

After graduating high school, he joined a Canadian group called the Hawks and changed his name to Levon. He traveled across the country performing at various venues with varying success. He became most famous working as the back-up band for Bob Dylan and began writing and performing their own songs; becoming known simply as “the Band.” The Band relied heavily on Helm’s talent as a singer as well as drummer. One of his most played songs, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Downwas written during this time.

Levon was one of those men most known for those who worked and performed with. He was greatly respected and was friends with many of the biggest names in the music world. Elton John referred to him in the song, Levon. He performed and rubbed shoulders with Charlie Daniels, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan and others. In 1980, he played Loretta Lynn’s father in Coal Miner’s Daughter. He later played roles in several films including The Right Stuff.

My drummer friend, Tom McGuire got to know Levon in his later years. He described him as a humble man who was never ashamed of his roots but also as a man that you would want on your side in a fight. Multi-talented, he performed right up till the time of his death.

Why so much talent coming from the delta? Farming is a difficult life, especially if you’re working poor. Lyrics from Helms’ song Growing Trade, “ I worked the land to raise a family, Till I was weary to the bone, But hard labor never bothered me, Lord it’s all I’ve ever known.” Music provides a relief and a way to escape the drudgery of a life often steeped in poverty. Levon left but was and always will be a man of the delta.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK