Resident News Network

Obituary: Hestle Paul Matlock (1921-2024)

Obituaries

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5:39 pm

Obituary: Hestle Paul Matlock (1921-2024)

With rejoicing hearts, we announce the passing of Hestle Paul Matlock, a cherished member of our community, who went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas. Born on January 11, 1921, in Cave City, Arkansas to Elmer and Maggie (Marlin) Matlock. Hestle led a remarkable life filled with dedication, faith, and service. He courageously served his country in the Army during World War II, bravely fighting in France, Germany and Belgium. He was a proud Army veteran. Throughout his 103 years on Earth, Hestle remained steadfast in his faith, finding solace in the arms of his Creator until his final moments. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Hestle pursued a career as an automotive mechanic, demonstrating precision and skill in all his work. His commitment to excellence and craftsmanship earned him the respect and admiration of all who crossed his path. He found joy and fulfillment in the simplicity of his trade, always approaching his work with a level of dedication that was unparalleled. Affectionately known as “HP” by those in his circle, Hestle humorously attributed the initials to “High Power,” a testament to his quick wit and playful spirit.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Hestle was a devoted husband to his beloved Pauline Mae Matlock, with whom they raised four children in Porterville, California. Together, they cultivated a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. As a small business owner, Hestle had no retirement funds. He was entering his forties and realized he needed to do something. Hestle and Pauline made the brave choice to make a drastic lifestyle change leaving, Porterville, a small agricultural town and moving to Los Angeles, California. Together their LA adventure began. Hestle started work at Badger Paper Company as a maintenance mechanic and retired as plant supervisor. When he retired they returned to Porterville. Hestle’s kind and gentle nature left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him, leaving a legacy of compassion and generosity that will endure for generations to come. In his leisure time, Hestle enjoyed family time, including playing board games like Farkle, which he seemed to always win at. His smile and love touched the hearts of many. Though he may no longer walk among us, the memory of Hestle’s unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Hestle leaves behind to cherish his memory his children: Patricia Eldonna Maness and husband Glenn of Moreno Valley, California; Darrell Eugene Matlock and wife Gail of Waldron, Arkansas; and Linda Fay Wilson of Covena, California. One daughter-in-law, Charlotte Matlock of Wala Wala, Washington. Grandpa will remain in the hearts of his five grandchildren: Christopher Maness, Glenn Matlock, Jr., Tracy Wilson, Darrell Matlock and Daniel Paul Wilson; and thirteen great grandchildren.

Hestle was preceded in death by: his parents Elmer and Mag Matlock; his wife, Pauline Matlock; two sons: Paul Ray Dean Matlock (infant son) and Glenn Ray Matlock; two sisters: Vernie Lassiter and Ovella Cummings; and one brother.

Hestle’s life celebration will be held later this month at Vandalia Cemetery in Porterville, California. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas and the Myers Funeral Service in Porterville, California.

Arrest Reports 9/1

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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5:44 am

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Adam Britt Bailey of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 4 at 3:39 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Bailey was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State.

Justin Kyle Battin of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 3 at 2 a.m. and released on signature bond September 3 at 9:23 a.m. Battin was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Michael Anthony Burnett of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 3 at 5:08 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 4 at 2:58 p.m. Burnett was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense, and Possession of open container.

Michael Todd Crabtree of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 8:15 p.m. and released on cash bond September 5 at 11:04 p.m. Crabtree was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Adrianna Jessica Johnston of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 8:56 p.m. and released on signature bond September 5 at 9:51 p.m. Johnston was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Morgan Gere Jones of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 11:42 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 6 at 3:06 p.m. Jones was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Harold Jay Smith of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 2:41 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 6 at 12:48 p.m. Smith was charged with Aggravated Assault – Choke, Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Brock Tyler Thrailkill of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 4 at 2:05 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Thrailkill was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Seymour Alirio Castro-Morales of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 6:58 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 3 at 12:33 p.m. Castrol-Morales was charged with Battery in the Second Degree – Reckless.

William Lee Holmes of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 10:18 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 7 at 12:29 p.m. Holmes was charged with Theft of Property – >$1k.

Dennis Wayne Palmer of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 6:38 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 6 at 11:27 a.m. Palmer was charged with Violation of a Protection Order Felony.

Logan Wayne Stallings of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 2:40 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 6 at 5:20 p.m. Stallings was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Pregnant (Purposely).

Braden Shawn Suter of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 8:47 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 6 at 8:38 p.m. Suter was charged with Domestic Battering in the Second Degree – Victim <12 years old or >60 years old, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Wesley Leonard Hartsfield of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 1:17 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 6 at 5:37 p.m. Hartsfield was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree, and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Donna June Jordan of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 9:59 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on September 6 at 11:23 p.m. Jordan was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Grace McPherson of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 4:56 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. McPherson was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State.

Herman Ray Raulston of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 7 at 1:33 p.m. and released legally sufficient bond September 8 at 8:54 a.m. Raulston was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000, Theft of Property <$1k, Criminal Trespass premises C misdemeanor.

Pedro Romero of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 7 at 10:50 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Romero was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Micheal Jason Ward, Junior of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 11:24 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 7 at 2:25 p.m. Ward was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Jody William Knight of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 4 at 3:32 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Knight was charged with drug court sanctions.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Sarah Michelle Morrison of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 7 at 1:38 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Morrison was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department, Hackett Police Department:
Staci Leann Neu of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 6:51 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Neu was charged with Theft of Property >$1k–motor vehicle and parole violation.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Laddy Thompson, 28 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 2 at 6:19 p.m. Thompson was charged with breaking or entering, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing, and residential burglary.

Merl Wilkins, 37 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 2 at 6:31 p.m. Wilkins was charged with criminal trespass, possession of a controlled substance, furnishing, possessing or using prohibited articles -delivering a prohibited article.

David Hagy, 32 of Huntington, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 3 at 10:25 a.m. Hagy was charged with failure to appear.

Roy Graham, 54 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 4 at 8:14 p.m. Graham was charged with contempt of court and hold for other agency.

Darin Haney, 58 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 5 at 8:56 p.m. Haney was charged with contempt of court.

Matthew Franklin, 38, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 6 at 1:22 p.m. Franklin was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

James Robinson, 59 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 6 at 2:08 p.m. Robinson was charged with possession of a controlled substance schedule I/II, public intoxication – drinking in public.

Tyler Dewitt, 33 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 6 at 3:35 p.m. Dewitt was charged with warrant served, absconding, possession of a controlled substance, parole hold, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Kaleb Carter, 23 of Greenwood, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 7 at 5:31 p.m. Carter was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Renny Titus, 39 of Huntsville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 7 at 1:03 p.m. Titus was charged with activities prohibited where signs posted.

Darnell Deshawn Robinson, 32 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 6 at 4:31 p.m. Robinson was charged with nonsupport (>10,000<25,000)

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

Robert Grainger, 43 of Hartman, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 5 at 4:07 p.m. Grainger was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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

Obituary: Linda Hamm (1961-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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4:37 am

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Linda Marie (Marsh) Hamm, 62, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, September 6, 2024. Linda was born on December 13, 1961 to Bobby and Helen (Berry) Marsh in Lawton, Oklahoma. She was a woman who found solace in her faith, cherishing her daily readings of the Bible, drawing strength and comfort from her devotion to the Lord.

Linda had a love for nature that was evident in her love for spending time outdoors, especially watching for red birds, a simple joy that brought her peace. Linda had a special talent for fishing, always managing to reel in the largest catch. Her creativity knew no bounds, finding joy in painting, crocheting, and drawing, showcasing her artistic flair. But above all, her heart was as vast as the sky, always willing to go the extra mile for those in need, embodying kindness and generosity. Linda was a dedicated mother and grandmother. Linda’s world revolved around her family, finding pure delight in spoiling her grandchildren. With her warm smile and nurturing spirit, she created a home filled with love and laughter, leaving an indelible mark on those around her.

Linda leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband, Kerry Hamm of the home; three children: Robert Grigsby and wife Vikki; Thomas Grigsby and wife Lauretta; and Jessica Chalmers and husband Charles all of Waldron, Arkansas. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her twenty one grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Linda is also survived by her mother Helen F. Marsh of Waldron, Arkansas; one ex-husband of twenty years, Tommy Grigsby and many nieces and nephews including an extended family of friends and loved ones dear to her heart.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Marsh and her sister, Carol Canada.

Details for a family memorial life celebration to honor Linda will be announced in the coming days, as we gather to commemorate the remarkable life she lived. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

SR Tigers Dominate Waldron In Battle Of Scott County

Sports

Adam Hecox

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1:34 pm

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SR Tigers Dominate Waldron In Battle Of Scott County

When two rival schools meet up, you can bet that….well….all bets are off. The Battle of Scott County may not be a massive media draw like the Salt Bowl (Benton vs Bryant) or the Battle of Rogers Avenue (Northside vs Southside), but it is a big-time rivalry all the same. Waldron came into the game hyped after earning their first win in two years while Mansfield entered licking their wounds from a battle with Bismarck last week. The game was pegged to be a make-it-or-break-it for both teams and with this being a rivalry game, everyone from Scott County was intrigued by how each team would handle themselves.

The Tigers kicked off the ball to Waldron’s offense to start the game sending their gritty defense on the field first. It didn’t take long for the Tigers to make some defensive noise when Samuel Burton tipped a Bulldog pass on the second play, nearly causing an early turnover. Waldron was forced to punt the ball shortly after giving Mansfield’s powerful offense their first shot at lighting up the scoreboard. At the snap of the ball, All-State running back Daniel Burton took a quick pitch downfield for 35 yards and a first down. Just three plays later, Andrew Burton rolled 16 yards into the endzone for a Tiger touchdown. Jeremy Strozier split the uprights for the extra point conversion giving Mansfield an early 7-0 lead. Waldron was able to drive the ball downfield on their next series and began knocking on Mansfield’s door at the five-yard line, but the Tigers’ defense bowed up and forced a turnover on downs. The quarter ended shortly after with Mansfield leading Waldron in the 2024 Battle of Scott County 7-0.

The Tigers’ offense started the second quarter 95 yards away from their goal, but with the likes of Daniel Burton and Andrew Burton in the backfield, no amount of yards is too many. After eight plays, the Tigers ate up Waldron’s defense for 90 yards and sent Andrew Burton into the endzone from five yards out for another Tiger touchdown. Jeremy Strozier again kicked through the extra point pushing the Tigers up 14-0. With the Bulldogs being down by two scores, their offense began to air the ball out into the flats. The change-up worked for Waldron as they chewed up yards with passes until one pass went right into the hands of Mansfield’s Daniel Burton. Burton intercepted the ball at the Bulldogs 15 yard line then returned it down to the Tigers 10 yard line. Daniel almost scored on the interception, so the Mansfield coaching staff gave him the ball on the Tiger’s first offensive play to let him finish the job, and boy did he ever finish by going untouched into the endzone for another Tiger touchdown. Jeremy Strozier added the extra point kick to the scoreboard giving the Tigers a dominant 21-0 lead on Waldron. The Bulldogs again went to the air on offense, but unfortunately for them, Daniel Burton again intercepted the ball. This time though, Burton capitalized on the pick going 43 yards for a Tiger touchdown. Jeremy Strozier “wormed” a kick through the uprights which gave Mansfield a 28-0 lead. Linebacker, Zander Walters, made an interception of his own before the half, but time ran out on the Tigers as both teams entered halftime with the Tigers mauling the scoreboard holding a 28-0 lead over Waldron.

Mansfield started the third quarter with a large lead and the ball which spelled disastrous for Waldron. Daniel Burton, Samuel Burton, Trey Powell, and Andrew Burton kept the Bulldogs’ defense chasing their tail as the power-packed Tigers backfield played a game of “Who Has the Ball Anyway”. It was Samuel Burton who crossed the goal line from 10 yards out for another Tiger touchdown. A Jeremy Strozier kick pushed the game into an atmospheric 35-0 at the midway point of the third quarter. Waldron made their way to their one-yard line and was able to punch through for a touchdown, but The Tiger’s offense kept the pedal to the metal going into the fourth quarter as Andrew Burton took a handoff and ran right into the teeth of the Bulldogs while breaking canines along the way to score from 25 yards out. This was the final touchdown for Mansfield’s offense and closed out the 2024 Battle of Scott County with Mansfield defeating Waldron with a 41-8 final score.

Mansfield redeemed their early season loss to Bismarck with the blowout of Waldron, but their overall goal has not been met quite yet. The Tiger’s goal of being taken seriously by the 3A and the State will again be put to the test next week as Mansfield travels to one of the 4A-4s powerhouses in Lamar. The Warriors will be another big-time test for Mansfield, but the Tigers see it more as an opportunity to prove themselves. Lamar whipped up on Huntsville in Week0 beating the Eagles with a convincing 49-12 final. The Warriors soaked up a bye week while Mansfield played this week’s Battle for Scott County so they will be well rested for the Tigers. All things statistically may lean in Lamar’s favor, but this Tiger team will head to Lamar on Friday, September 13^th with momentum on their side and a chip on their shoulder looking for another win.

Greenwood Handles Fort Smith Northside 58-0

Ross Fujibayashi

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11:57 am

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Greenwood Handles Fort Smith Northside 58-0

Under the lights of Smith-Robinson Stadium for the first time in the 2024 season the Greenwood Bulldogs extended their home winning streak to sixty-five games and their home opener win streak to sixteen. For the Bulldogs it is not about the streaks or what the past is, it is about the current game and then the next game.

Northside would get the ball to open the game, but instantly found themselves in trouble. A Delay of game penalty, then a tackle for a loss by Senior Gage Hanna. On the next play, the Grizzlies would throw a pass resulting in an intentional grounding out of the endzone. Due to it being in the end zone, it is a safety. Greenwood was up 2-0 with 11:16 left in the first. After a catch by Senior Grant Karnes, Junior Kane Archer took the ball in from 36-yard line for the touchdown. Senior Hudson Meeker’s kick was good putting the score 9-0 with 10:37 in the 1st. On Northside’s next drive, a fumble from the Grizzlies caused by Senior Cash Archer was recovered by Northside. Senior Zach Edwards, with a tackle for a loss on third down, forced the Grizzlies to punt and end their drive. Catches from Senior Scott Holland and Junior Champ Davis put the Bulldogs on the three-yard line. Junior Wesley Raggio gets in the end zone, with the Meeker kick with 6:47 left in the game. 16-0, Greenwood with the lead. Northside’s next drive was highlighted by 2024 USAF Whole Athlete Award Winner Senior Kaylor Jasna getting a tackle for a loss. Northside would punt on the drive. A deep pass to Grant Karnes from Archer put the Bulldogs on the 6 yard line. A pass to Champ Davis had the Bulldogs one yard out from the endzone. Raggio would get the touchdown two plays later with Meeker’s point after putting the score at 23-0, 3:46 left in the firsst. The Grizzlies would make their way down to the Greenwood 39-yard line. A penalty brought the ball back to the Grizzly 45-yard line, where Northside would punt. On Greenwood’s next drive passes to Grant Karnes and Champ Davis, had the Bulldogs down to the 50-yard line as the time ran out in the first quarter.

A pass to Senior Isaiah Arrington from Kane Archer put the Bulldogs down to the 23-yard line. Champ Davis would take an Archer pass on the next play in for a Touchdown, Hudson Meeker would be perfect on the point after making it 30-0 with 10:58 in the half. The Grizzlies started on their own 16-yard line. Cash Archer produced a sack putting Northside on the 5-yard line. Northside would open up the offense throwing to Senior Cam Massey getting them to midfield. Senior Zach Zitzmann would stop the Northside momentum on fourth down, turning the ball over to Greenwood. Kane Archer would find Junior Cooper Bland for the touchdown from the 46-yard line. Meeker’s touchdown was good, making it 37-0 with 6:27 left in the half. Northside punts on their next drive. Runs from Wesley Raggio and Kane Archer put the Bulldogs down on the 1-yard line. Sophomore Mario Dunbar would punch it in, with a good point-after. Greenwood 44-0 1:51 in the half. Northside would run out the rest of the clock.

Greenwood opened the second half with the Sportsmanship rule in effect. Passes to Grant Karnes had the Bulldogs into the redzone. Isaiah Arrington would take a Kane Archer pass for the Touchdown; Landon Franklin’s kick was good making it 51-0 with 8:29 left in the third. Penalties on the Touchdown and the point after. Had Greenwood kicking from the Northside 15-yard line. Northside’s drive would end in a punt. Greenwood would run the clock out in the third quarter after a pass from Junior Cooper Goodwin to classmate Lawyer Thornsberry.

Opening the fourth quarter, Cooper Goodwin would take it in for the Touchdown. Franklin’s kick was good making it 58-0 with 10:44 left in the game. Northside’s drive would end in the punt, with Sophomore Jacob Berry getting a tackle for a loss. Sophomore QB Brayden Brewer would run the clock out on the game by taking a knee.

“I’m really proud of our kids. I mean all three phases. Offensively, you know, don’t punt again.” Head Coach Chris Young said after the game. “I thought Kane was more efficient with the ball tonight, did a great job protecting. Our ball protection was better.”

“Defensively, man, other than that 3rd and 21, those guys are really, really good.” Coach young said, “Like to see the improvement from last week to this week.”

The Bulldogs are home again next week against Springdale Har-Ber. The Wildcats beat the Farmington Cardinals 65-50 in Friday night action. In the last meeting of Greenwood and Springdale Har-Ber, it was 2020 and they replaced Northside on the schedule that season as fill-in game. Greenwood won that match-up 33-0. Kickoff is slated for 7p.m.

Silent Spoiler: Listeria outbreak raises food safety concerns

Featured

Tammy Teague

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8:00 pm

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Silent Spoiler: Listeria outbreak raises food safety concerns

From deli counters to dinner tables, food safety relies on careful research and strict sanitation. As a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to deli meats raises concerns, researchers continue to work behind the scenes to ensure food safety standards.

Food safety scientists like Jennifer Acuff at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are
dedicated to improving fresh and processed food safety and protecting food products from
microbial contamination. Some of her work involves understanding how pathogens like listeria
survive and spread — including in ready-to-eat foods.

“One of the things that my research program focuses on is trying to control environmental
conditions so that pathogens are not welcomed guests into that environment,” Acuff said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is investigating a
multistate outbreak of infections linked to Boar’s Head brand meats. So far, 7 million pounds of
products have been recalled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nine
deaths and 57 hospitalizations from 18 states.

“Whenever we see Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks, we see high hospitalization rates and
alarmingly high mortality rates. And that’s because listeria has this incredible ability to cause an
invasive infection,” Acuff said.

Acuff said listeria is unique because it’s what scientists call a psychrotroph, meaning it can
survive and grow at cold temperatures, unlike other foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella
and E. coli. This characteristic makes ready-to-eat foods like deli meats particularly vulnerable since they can remain in cold storage for extended periods. And listeria and other pathogenic bacteria, Acuff says, is particularly dangerous because it doesn’t visibly spoil food, unlike molds.
“We can’t see them on our food. There’s never an indicator to us that the food is spoiled by a
pathogen,” she said. “Doing the sniff test or looking at it to see if it looks okay doesn’t tell you if
listeria is there.”

Acuff is a Cooperative Extension Specialist and also a member of the Center for Food Safety,
which conducts research and develops technologies to detect, control and reduce foodborne
pathogens, toxins, and chemicals, enhancing food safety from production to consumption. The
center is part of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“These appointments give me really good opportunities to integrate the research findings we’re
looking into with what is actually applicable to our stakeholders in Arkansas — producers,
consumers and scientists alike,” she said.

Where does listeria come from?
Listeria is a ubiquitous bacterium, meaning it’s naturally present in the environment, Acuff said,
and that contamination often signals a sanitation problem in food processing.

“When we see listeria associated with a ready-to-eat food product, it automatically sends up red
flags because we don’t want to see it in the processing plant,” she said. “It is so easy to
accidentally track it in, whether through workers’ boots or clothing, leaks in the environment, or
even pests.”

The FSIS reported several noncompliance violations at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia, including
the visible presence of mold, trash and insects.

Mitigating risks
According to the CDC, symptoms of listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes,
can take up to 10 weeks to appear, making it difficult to promptly trace the infection’s source.
Many people who are immunocompetent recover without medical care, so the actual number of
cases is likely higher than reported. Immunocompromised individuals, such as pregnant people
and those taking immunosuppressant drugs, are at particular risk, though.

Acuff said consumers can take steps to reduce their risk of listeria exposure. If you have any of
the recalled products at home, throw them away immediately. It is also a good idea to clean any
surface area the product might have encountered.

For general consumption, one effective prevention method is to heat deli meats to 165 degrees
Fahrenheit, reducing the risk of listeria infections. Acuff also encourages consumers to be
proactive about food safety when dining out, especially during an ongoing outbreak.

“People should feel empowered to ask a restaurant where their deli meat comes from. It’s okay
to ask for more information,” she said.

While it’s impossible to produce food in a sterile environment, Acuff says it’s important to
maintain strict sanitation standards to minimize risks.

“We don’t get to eat no-risk food,” she said. “So, being informed and knowing, ‘Am I willing to
take this risk?’ is crucial.”

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural
Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms
and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research
Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X
at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative
Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture,
communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.
Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the
Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land
grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has
offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research
programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation,
national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Waldron Woman Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

Tammy Teague

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7:55 pm

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Waldron Woman Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

A Waldron woman was killed in a single car crash on Friday, September 6. The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 248 west and Jones Creek Road.

Linda Hamm, 62 of Waldron, was traveling west on State Highway 248 when her vehicle, a 2014 Chevrolet, ran off the road on the south side and struck a tree.

Hamm was transported to Waldron Mercy Hospital and pronounced dead. An injured passenger of that vehicle was also taken to Mercy Hospital in Waldron.

The ASP report stated that the next of kin had been notified.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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12:23 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

A legislative committee has signed off on stronger penalties against pharmacy benefit managers that fail to reimburse local drug stores according to rates established in state law.

The Senate and House Committees on Insurance and Commerce reviewed and accepted new rules proposed by the Arkansas Insurance Department. The rules govern reimbursements paid by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pharmacies.

An important provision in the rules prohibits PBMs from reimbursing independent pharmacies at lower rates than they pay to pharmacies owned by or affiliated with the PBMs. Also, PBMs must reimburse local pharmacies at a rate known as NADAC, which stands for national average drug acquisition cost.

Legislators have been hearing concerns from local pharmacies about the disparities in reimbursements, and about their concerns that they may have to close if PBMs don’t adjust their reimbursement rates.

The Insurance Department receives about 1,500 complaints a month from local, independent pharmacies about alleged violations of the law. Regulators believe that many more possible violations are not reported because pharmacists just don’t have time to fill out the paperwork.

The Department may levy a $5,000 fine for each violation, with a cap of $50,000. However, under the proposed new rules there would be no cap on financial penalties.

The Department notified PBMs in March that stricter rules were being proposed. In August the governor and the state Insurance Commissioner announced fines of $1.47 million against four major PBMs.

Arkansas was one of the first states in the country to regulate PBMs, which are companies that negotiate contracts between manufacturers, health insurance providers and local pharmacies. In that role they act as a middle man, and they’re instrumental in the prices that consumers pay for prescription drugs.

Since the legislature passed Act 900 of 2015, the Insurance Department has regulated the reimbursements paid by PBMs to pharmacies. Act 900 was challenged in court by PBMs but was upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

In a 2018 special session the legislature strengthened the Insurance Department’s authority to license and regulate PBMs.

The first attempt to regulate PBMs in Arkansas was in 2003. The Senate passed a bill to regulate the companies, but it died in the House.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In 1993 the legislature approved Act 796 to change the law governing workers’ compensation insurance. At that time, rates were increasing and the availability of insurance was decreasing. A provision in the act requires the Insurance Commissioner to present a report each year to legislators about the market for workers’ compensation insurance in Arkansas.

The commissioner told legislators that the market is strong and profitable, and that rates in Arkansas were among the lowest in the country. In a nutshell, “that is good news for businesses buying coverage for employees,” he said.

Before passage of Act 796 there had never been a prosecution for workers’ comp fraud. Since then there have been 174 cases referred for prosecution by Department’s investigators, resulting in 123 convictions.

RNN Sports Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Week 1

Ross Fujibayashi

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11:55 pm

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RNN Sports Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Week 1

Predicting games, well there is not a science to it. A lot of it is luck and last week Adam Hecox and I, our luck ran out. The only games we picked 100% correct were Greenwood vs Bentonville West and Arkansas vs UAPB. Guest picker, Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow went 7-2 in games picked, we went an embarrassing 3-6. Like any good team, that was last week and we are here again to pick who we think will win under the Friday Night Lights and one game on Saturday in Stillwater.

This week’s guest is Magazine Mayor Joshua Scott. We would like to say thank you to Mayor Scott for participating and we hope he out picks Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow.

STONE COLD LOCK OF THE WEEK

Fort Smith Northside vs Greenwood

Last week we tabbed Northside to take home the Battle of Rogers Ave trophy. Heck, they even had a flyover during the Anthem. Those Grizzlies do it big time. Just like this week’s voting of the 5News Yarnell’s Sweetest Play of the Week runoff vote, they jumped out to a big league then lost. This team is a sleeping giant once that switch flips for them. Greenwood last week put up basketball numbers, beating the Wolverines of Bentonville West 70-35. Northside has talent, they will score points, but they will have to stop the Greenwood offense. It was 2021 when Northside found a way to stop Greenwood, could there be a repeat this year?

The Others

Ozark vs Booneville

This one almost became the game of the week, but that Sebastian County rivalry of the big schools is tough to pass up. Booneville surprised two of us with a win of perennial 4A playoff contender Poteau, Ok. Can the Bearcats keep rolling against the Hillbillies? Both teams are projected to finish top in their conference, unfortunately one of them will be taking a loss this Friday. One thing for sure is it will be a rowdy crowd in Booneville.

Charleston vs Pottsville

Last week the Charleston Tigers got another week of prep before they head to Pope County to take on Pottsville. The Apaches traveled to Heber Springs in Week 0 action and came away with a 17-14 victory. Pottsville has a talented senior class that could be trouble for Charleston.

Waldron vs Mansfield

There were two surprises in last week’s picks, Fort Smith Southside beating Northside, and then Waldron beating Paris in Overtime. As a student of the sport of High School Football, and writing this column for the past year, I cannot tell you how great it is to see Waldron pull that one out. While I do have ties to the Paris football program and want to see them have success. Seeing a team that has struggled to find their footing and have positives happen, was just a tad bit better. Sadly, the Bulldogs revelry is short lived, as they travel up Highway 71 to meet the Mansfield Tigers. The Tigers are going to be hungry after a 4-point loss to Bismarck in Week 0

Lamar vs Magazine

Coming off a 14-0 loss to Cedarville, the Rattlers look to bounce back against Lamar. The Warriors played Huntsville last week and beat the Eagles convincingly 49-12. The bounce back may have to wait a week for the Rattlers.

Paris vs Lavaca

I would not have pictured these two teams to be 0-1 this week. Surely thought Lavaca would take care of Dover as would Paris over Waldron, but here we are. The bonus is both were close losses and should provide some excitement this Friday as both teams look to break into the win’s column. Once Paris gets through this week, Booneville awaits in Week 2.

Cedarville vs Mountainburg

While Greenwood and Northside are battling for Sebastian County bragging rights, Cedarville and Mountainburg are going for Crawford County bragging rights. Cedarville enters the game 1-0 after defeating Magazine 14-0. Mountainburg was off last week.

The Razorbacks

Arkansas vs Oklahoma State

Two hours fifty-six minutes. Just over 184 miles mostly on Hwy 412. That is how long the Hogs will travel to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. It is only twelve more minutes than they had to travel last week to beat UA-Pine Bluff 70-0, in the stadium everyone loves trash talk. I am excited for this game to have a true test to see how much the Hogs have improved from last season. I would love to say that last week was an indication but that seemed more like a scrimmage, a very lopsided scrimmage.

	Ross Fujibayashi	Adam Hecox	Joshua Scott
FS Northside vs Greenwood (LOTW)	Greenwood	Greenwood	Greenwood
Ozark vs Booneville	Booneville	Ozark	Booneville
Charleston vs Pottsville	Pottsville	Pottsville	Charleston
Waldron vs Mansfield	Mansfield	Mansfield	Mansfield
Lamar vs Magazine	Lamar	Lamar	Magazine
Paris vs Lavaca	Paris	Paris	Paris
Cedarville vs Mountainburg	Cedarville	Cedarville	Mountainburg
Arkansas vs Oklahoma State	Oklahoma State	Arkansas	Arkansas

Community Flu Vaccine Clinic Announced

Tammy Teague

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7:45 pm

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On Monday, 9/23/2024, the Scott County Health Unit with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at no charge at the Scott County Health Unit from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.

“We want Scott County residents to stay healthy this flu season andgetting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Holly Laird Scott County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.

“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, ADHDirector. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families, because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be.”

People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.

The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely, if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.

The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it, and then touching their nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.

For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK