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LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR to be Featured at Dixie Theater Fundraiser

Featured

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1:27 pm

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

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2:41 pm

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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

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11:59 am

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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

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8:13 pm

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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

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2:05 pm

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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.

Pedestrian Struck, Killed in Logan County

News

Tammy Teague

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1:44 pm

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Pedestrian Struck, Killed in Logan County

A vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian at 6244 State Highway 22 in Logan County on Wednesday, July 17 at 11:52 a.m.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Mary Ann Fredrick, 84, was attempting to cross Arkansas State Highway 22 when she was struck by 2019 Dodge Ram 1500.

The truck was traveling east on Highway 22, west of Subiaco. Fredrick walked into the east traffic lane and was struck.

The name of the driver was not released.

Paris’ Fulmer Promoted to Head Volleyball Coach

Sports

Tammy Teague

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6:54 pm

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Paris’ Fulmer Promoted to Head Volleyball Coach

Contributed article

Exciting news for the Paris Volleyball Communty. Jerry Fulmer, a beloved figure and long-time assistant coach, has been officially promoted to the position of Head Volleyball Coach for the 2024 season after the Paris School Board approved the promotion on Thursday evening.

Fulmer, who has been an integral part of the Paris volleyball program for many years, is well known for his dedication, leadership, and passion for the game. His promotion marks a new chapter for the team as they look to continue their success. His strategic understanding, strong work ethic, and ability to connect with players have earned him respect from players, coaches, and fans alike.

As he steps into the role of Head Coach, Fulmer is excited about the future and ready to take on new challenges.

“I am incredibly honored to be named the Head Volleyball Coach at Paris,” Fulmer said in

a recent statement. “This program and community has been like family to me.”

Trey Prieur, Athletic Director, expressed his confidence in Fulmer’s leadership abilities. “Jerry has been a driving force behind the success of our volleyball program. His promotion to Head Coach is a testament to his hard work and commitment. We believe be will lead our team to even greater heights.”

BOSWELL HIRED ON VOLLEYBALL STAFF

(Photo courtesy of Paris Public Schools)

The Paris School Board also approved the hiring of Ciara Boswell as the new JR. High Head Volleyball Coach and Senior High Assistant Coach for Paris Volleyball. Boswell, a former player for this program, retums to her alma mater to take on this exciting new role.

In her new role, Ciara Boswell is excited to bring her passion for the sport back to Paris along with keeping the long time tradition alive in the Paris Volleyball Family: With her firsthand experience as a former player, Boswell is well-positioned to provide valuable insights and support to the current team.

New Storage Facility Offers Climate Control Environment

Business

Tammy Teague

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5:27 pm

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New Storage Facility Offers Climate Control Environment

A new storage facility in Mansfield is now offering customers a climate stable and indoor environment.

Mansfield native and Secure Lock Storage owner, Adrienne Hobbs states the facility will keep contents in “prime condition.”

“I am a Mansfield graduate and I wanted to provide a service to my hometown that was not currently available,” continued Hobbs.

The indoor storage officially opened on July 1, at 305 Huntington Avenue in Mansfield. It offers multiple size units ranging from 5×5 to 10×18 and starting at only $35 a month. Additionally, those who pay the entire year’s rent, get a month for free.

Hobbs explained that once customers rent a unit, they receive a link to download an app so that the door can be unlocked via Bluetooth or by the keypad with 24/7 access. Additionally, Secure Lock Storage offers carts for moving items with ease.

To learn more about Secure Lock Storage, call 479-207-5625, visit their website: securelock-storage.com, Facebook page: “Secure Lock Storage”, or email: 1wexfordproperties@gmail.com.

AGFC works with private landowners to open new water for angling

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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8:33 am

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AGFC works with private landowners to open new water for angling

By Randy Zellers

Anglers looking for a new honey hole may be able to score some fishing time at a few new private waters this year, thanks to three landowners who joined the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Public Access to Private Waters initiative.

Public access to water is abundant in Arkansas, but there’s always room to add a few more places to wet a line in The Natural State, so the AGFC developed a practice in its new Conservation Incentive Program to do just that.

Six of the nine practices in the AGFC’s Conservation Incentive Program focus on land management efforts landowners can use to improve the quality of wildlife habitat on their property, but three had fisheries-based components. The Public Access to Private Waters practice is the only incentive targeted at expanding access for fishing.

“It really serves two purposes,” Vic DiCenzo, assistant chief of the AGFC’s Fisheries Division said. “People who win a permit have access to a fishery that receives very little, if any pressure. And the landowner gets help with managing their fishery.”

DiCenzo explained that many private ponds can become crowded with too many predators, stunting the whole population.

“There are a lot of bass-heavy ponds that need more harvest, but the landowner can’t keep up with the number of fish that need to be removed,” DiCenzo said. “Anglers who win one of these permits will be able to harvest fish at statewide limits and help balance the fishery.”

In addition to the added harvest, landowners will receive technical assistance on how they can best manage their water, including advice on topics such as stocking rates, fertilization, water-quality issues and shoreline stabilization.

“We can’t stock the lakes directly, but we can offer the expertise on how much and what to stock,” DiCenzo said.

Anglers can gain access through a drawn permit system similar to the one used for the AGFC’s extremely successful Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program.

Descriptions of each available private access can be found at Public Access to Private Waters. To apply for one of the sites, visit agfc.com/licenses and click the “Fishing” Category. The CIP-Public Access to Private Fishing Waters Permit will be one of the options available. Permits are valid for a full Saturday-Sunday period, and applications are available Thursday-Sunday the weekend immediately before the one being applied for. Applications cost $5 each, and permit winners are notified each Monday to begin preparing for their weekend. Access does not include any camping or hunting privileges and permit holders must remove all belongings and litter from the area upon their departure.

This practice of the Conservation Incentive Program is a shared component of the AGFC’s Fisheries Division and Private Lands Habitat Division. The program is funded by set aside finds from the 2023 Arkansas General Assembly.

“We appreciate our partners in the Arkansas General Assembly and Arkansas Legislative Council expressing their support for this program and approving the transfer of funds to make this possible,” Garrick Dugger, Private Lands Habitat Division chief, said. “Their continued support is vital to the success of our mission.”

Greenway Equipment is a cultivating partner of the AGFC’s Private Lands Habitat Division. Visit www.agfc.com/habitat for more information.

Mansfield City Council Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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8:10 pm

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The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, July 11 at 6 p.m. Members of the council present included James Steele, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins, and Boyd Farmer. Council members Julie Thomas and Glen Hurt were absent. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After the reading and approval of the June meeting minutes and financial reports, the council heard the city services report.

Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 30 calls for the month, six fire and 24 EMS. Additionally, Smith stated that the Fourth of July fireworks show was a success and that $743.00 was raised from concession and $775.00 was taken up at the gate. Smith also stated that the department participated in a Boots and Badges Blood drive on July 8. Next, the chief reported a leak in one of the foam tanks on the E One, noting that there is one foam tank still operational. Lastly, Smith stated that he plans to begin testing storm sirens on Wednesdays, weather permitting.

Police Chief Wayne Robb then reported a total of 17 calls for the month, with 17 agency assists (four in Scott County, and 13 in Sebastian County.) Additionally, 11 medical calls, three incident/arrest reports, one accident report, one adult arrest, and two animal calls. In Scott County, the Mansfield Police Department issued 20 citations, 25 violations, one felony and one misdemeanor warrant. In Sebastian County, the department issued 13 citations and 17 violations. Chief Robb stated his department has a total of 86 training hours.

Public Works Director Derek Pollard reported that his department had completed 107 service orders, 30 One Call requests, located and repaired two water leaks, completed repairs on Franklin Street, and removed dead trees by the city park next to city hall.

In matters of unfinished business, the members of the council heard a positive report on the wastewater plant, and that the Hartford flow meter had been installed, and calibrated accurately to reflect correct readings.

In matters of new business, the council was informed that R&R Pipeline will be working for AOG and will begin in the Fairfax Street area. Also, that the last week of July, there will be a sewer smoke test. Lastly, that one of the police vehicles, a Dodge Charger, is no longer running. The council took no action on the matter.

Before adjourning, Mayor Black stated that the Fourth of July event was a great success.

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