Resident News Network

Obituary: Alberto Núñez (1950 – 2024)

Obituaries

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4:51 pm

Alberto Núñez, 74 of Waldron, Arkansas passed away Friday, June 28, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born April 8, 1950 in Corregidora Qro, Mexico to Damazo Núñez Flores and Gonifacia Hernandez Jaimes.

Alberto came to the United States of America with a dream for a better life. He met the first love of his life Betty. They were married and stayed together until she passed away in 2006. In 2007, he met the second love of his life, Hortensia. They would marry and stay together until she passed in 2009. In all those wonderful years he took under his wing five very special nephews because he had no children of his own: Martin, Jaime, Jose N., Carlos and Jose P. Alberto made sure they kept their Mexican traditions along with new American ones. He loved each of these gentlemen like they were his sons. Together they all loved to go night fishing with their Uncle. They would sit, talk and make many memories together.

Alberto leaves behind to cherish his memory four siblings: Felix Núñez Hernandez, Pueblito Núñez Hernandez, Irene Núñez Hernandez and Poula Núñez Hernandez. Uncle also leaves behind his nephews: Martin Núñez and Diane Pogue, Jaime and Charlotte Núñez, Carlos and Maria del Rosario Zuniga Dlvera Sanches, Jose Núñez and Libby Norskow; Alberto’s God son , Mr. & Mrs. Jose Palacios and many great nephews and nieces. May they always cherish the many memories and experiences they had with him. He loved each and every one of them dearly. Alberto will be deeply missed here and in Mexico.

Alberto was preceded in death by his parents: Damazo Núñez Flores and Gonifacia Hernandez Jaimes; two sisters, Guadalupe Núñez Herandez and Rosa Maria Núñez Hernandez; and one brother, Leobardo Núñez Hernandez.

Alberto’s visitation will be on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary: Arron Lee Boyungs (1973 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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4:59 pm

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Obituary: Arron Lee Boyungs (1973 – 2024)

Arron Lee Boyungs, born March 15, 1973 in Dixon, Illinois passed from this life on June 28, 2024 at 51 years old in his home. Arron lived life in the fast lane. He was a mechanic by trade and loved to make cars go fast. Arron won street legal championships in Centerville, Arkansas in 2007. He was a loving son, a great father and the best big brother.

Arron is survived by his mother, Pamela Dustin of the home; three children: Heather Boyungs of Meyersville, Maryland; Collin and Catlyn Boyungs of Diamond City, Arkansas; his sister Margaret Crump and her husband Michael Crump Sr. of Diamond City, Arkansas; Arron is also survived by three nieces: Mary Smith and husband, Shannon Smith of Waldron, Arkansas; Mercedes Crump and fiancé, Jacob Jones of Hollister, Missouri; and Michelle Crump of Diamond City, Arkansas; one nephew Michael Crump Jr. Of Diamond City, Arkansas; one great niece, Susan Smith and one great nephew, Jayden Jones; two aunts, Lynn Pfister of Dixon, Illinois and Jill Fullmer and husband, Denny of Rock Falls, Illinois; two uncles, Craig Boyungs and wife Minerva of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Barry Boyungs of of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Arron will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including numerous cousins and a multitude of friends.

Arron was preceded in death by his grandparents, LaMeda Boyungs of Sterling, Illinois and Richard Boyungs of Waldron, Arkansas; one aunt Pat Shaw of Sterling, Illinois and three uncles Jerry Boyungs of Sterling, Illinois; Brad Boyungs of Sterling, Illinois and Gilbert Rein of Las Vegas, Nevada; and his soulmate, Susan Budenzieg of Waldron, Arkansas.

There will be a celebration of life for Arron at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Arron donated his body to medical research. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent to Colorectal Cancer Research in Arron’s name.

Obituary: John Sapp (1973 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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4:56 pm

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William John Earl Sapp, 51, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with is Lord and Savior June 25, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife and friends. John was born in Bartow, Florida to Mary Sue McDaniel Gilbert and Jack Hubert on January 19, 1973.

John was loved by all that knew him. He was a long distance truck driver and contractor for many years before settling in Waldron to cook at the Rock Cafe. John developed life long friends and new family members at the Rock who will forever cherish his memory. He loved riding motorcycles and fishing but the love of his life was his wife of 25 years Judy Sapp.

John is survived by his wife, Judy Sapp of the home and his children: William Sapp, Gabby Sapp, Travis Lefford, Timothy Sapp, Frankie Perry, Tina Perry and eight grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. John is also survived by his father, Jack Sapp of Baldknob, Arkansas; his sister, Lynn Billings of Baldknob, Arkansas; brother, Jack Sapp Jr. of Searcy, Arkansas; brother, Michael Sapp of Truman, Arkansas and Robert Sapp of Baldknob, Arkansas.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sue McDaniel Gilbert.

John’s life celebration memorial will be held at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas on Saturday, July 20th at 2:00 pm. This will be a time of celebration and memories. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Jon’s honorary pallbearers are his friends at the Rock Cafe.

Booneville Farmer Harvesting the Dream

Tammy Teague

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4:46 pm

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The old saying is, farming is a profession of love, that the dirt doesn’t stain the hands, but rather runs in the blood. Farmers operate generation to generation and pass down this labor of love. One of those farmers, Glen Holt from Booneville.

Glen and his wife, Jessica, got their start in the poultry business in 2005 with four broiler houses. Four years later, they sold those houses and built four breeder houses. The couple and their family continue to manage those breeder houses and maintain a cow/calf operation.

“We gather over 11 million eggs a year,” shared Holt. “We supply approximately 70 million pounds of poultry back into our food chain each year.”

Holt, who was born and raised in Booneville, never wanted to live or work anywhere else. He was determined to make a living in his hometown.

He recalled his younger days on a farm. “As a kid my uncle had a farm and I loved being out there as much as possible. The smells, the sounds, the work; I loved it all. I’d often go to the feed stores with my dad and uncle Floyd. I’d walk around the warehouse smelling all the feeds and was mesmerized by all the different kinds.”

Holt confessed that early on he knew he wanted to own and operate his own feedstore. And that childhood dream, unbeknownst to him, was to become a reality. “A few years ago, while in the feedstore I asked Bradley (former owner) if he was ready to slow down and sell me the store. He replied, ‘not yet I’ve still got a few years left!’ I didn’t think much about it after that. Then this spring I got a call from Bradley, and he said ‘Glen, I’m ready to retire. You have first shot if you still want it.'”

He recognized the honesty and loyalty of the former owner, noting that he and his brother, Herbert, are highly regarded. The former owner recalled Holt asking about the feed store years earlier. “Bradley and I have fished in same bass club for years and my family and I were in the store every week getting something. We had developed a great relationship over the years.”

Holt and his wife took to prayer before making the big decision to purchase the feed store. “We already work seven days a week, yearlong and I wasn’t sure we could do it,” added Holt. “Jessica knew I always wanted a feedstore and she loved the idea. I couldn’t have created a better wife than Jessica. She’s a very hard worker, great wife, mother and very supportive.”

Putting their faith in action through prayer proved fruitful as things fell in place on their farm and confirmed their decision to purchase the feed store. Their five children, Madison, 20, Clayton, 16, Kaity, 13, Charolette, 12, and Harrison, 3, all assist within the family’s business. Holt credited his family and their support, noting, “there’s no way I could’ve have gotten where I am without very supportive parents, Edgar and Norma Holt, and my uncle Floyd Parnell. They’ll never know how much they’ve help make my dreams as a kid come true.”

“We are super excited about the opportunity and are motivated to keep building on what Bradley has already built over the years,” concluded Holt. We are not doing away with anything, just adding a few things our area hasn’t had in many years. It will be the same store, same quality feed, same friendly service; just different faces. We will continue selling Big V, Oakley, and Powell Feeds. We will continue selling bulk feed from our location. We are like any feedstore. We’ll have anything and everything you need to have happy, healthy animals. If we don’t have, we’ll get it.”

Arrest Reports 6/23

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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6:42 pm

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Eric Michael Anolfo of Lavaca was booked into to the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 2:31 p.m. and released on signature bond June 26 at 8:15 p.m. Anolfo was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Kevin Dane Branch of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 23 at 1:10 p.m. and released on signature bond June 23 at 8:02 p.m. Branch was charged with Public Intoxication – Annoyance

Justin Lee Combs of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 11:37 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond June 27 at 12:31 a.m. Combs was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Hubert Ray Duncan of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 9:37 a.m. and released on signature bond June 26 at 11:03 a.m. Duncan was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Scotty Eugene Escalante of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 25 at 12:14 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Escalante was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Assault in the 3rd Degree, and Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Melissa A Hill of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 7:51 p.m. and released on June 29 at 4:22 p.m. Hill was charged with two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Shawn Emmitt Lockridge of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 24 at 5:30 p.m. and released on cash bond June 25 at 11:57 a.m. Lockridge was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Timothy Loyd Luther of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 27 at 12:32 a.m. and released on signature bond June 27 at 9:01 a.m. Luther was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Christopher Perry of Central City was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 25 at 3:56 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Perry was charged with rape <14.

Adrienne Leann Phelps of Blue Mountain was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 25 at 5:07 p.m. and released on cash bond June 25 at 9:56 p.m. Phelps was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Amber LeeAnn Stephenson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 8:31 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Stephenson was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Alicia Lynn Tanner of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 30 at 10:42 a.m. and released on signature bond June 30 at 11:22 a.m. Tanner was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Brock Tyler Thrailkill of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 24 at 3:31 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Thrailkill was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Kenneth Joe Williams, Jr. of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 23 at 9:47 a.m. and released on June 28 at 11:52 a.m. Williams was charged with Petition to Show Cause.

Arresting agency- Hackett Police Department:
Bryan Mark Beachem of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 6:54 p.m. and released on signature bond June 26 at 9 p.m. Beachem was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Lisa Marie Hardwick of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 4:19 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond June 26 at 9:35 p.m. Hardwick was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree, and Domestic Battering Purposely.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Dakota Cheyanne Bullard of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 29 at 1:28 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Bullard was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Trista Lee Ann Watts-Newman of Central City was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 24 at 4:25 p.m. and released on signature bond June 25 at 4:21 a.m. Newman was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Eric Ross Williams, III of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 27 at 3:32 p.m. and released on June 28 at 3:30 p.m. Williams was charged with Contempt of Court–Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior committed during court.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Kerrie Dwan Christian of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 24 at 1:13 a.m. and released on signature bond June 25 at 8:03 p.m. Christian was charged with Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DW, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Chase Ian Hattabaugh of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 24 at 6:34 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond June 25 at 1:13 p.m. Hattabaugh was charged with DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor.

Rodney Jacobs of Lumbertown, NC was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 25 at 4:56 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Jacobs was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree, Assist Outside Agency-Felony, and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Ethan Duke Jones was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 29 at 1:56 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Jones was charged with absconding and parole violation.

Morgan LaShea Wilkins of Mulberry was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 28 at 2:26 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond June 28 at 3:50 p.m. Wilkins was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Jamie Willcut of Hot Springs was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 29 at 1:54 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond June 29 at 9:08 a.m. Willcut was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Timothy Lee Fry of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 25 at 10:15 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Fry was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Assist Outside Agency-Felony, Fleeing -Vehicle, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Stephen Auther Hanna of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 25 at 11:33 p.m. and released on signature bond June 26 at 6:22 a.m. Hanna was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Excessive Noise.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Justin Fredrick Gene Sweeten of Cameron, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 11:53 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Sweeten was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Mitchell Daryl Tudor of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 24 at 4:39 p.m. and released on cash bond June 26 at 10:24 a.m. Tudor was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Devon Scantling, 39 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 28 at 11:03 a.m. Scantling was charged with warrant served and parole hold.

Alexander Hittner, 34, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 29 at 8:03 a.m. Hittner was sentenced to days in jail.

Mary Duvall, 34 of Dardanelle, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 29 at 2:23 p.m. Duvall was charged with contempt of court.

Renee Collins, 34 of Benton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 30 at 11:59 a.m. Collins was charged with disorderly conduct.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Thomas Caden Bryan, 19 of Huntsville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 28 at 8:46 p.m. Bryan was charged with hold for another agency.

Kevin Lee Curtis, 36 of Morrilton, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 29 at 12:51 p.m. and released on June 29 at 4:03 p.m. Curtis was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Alisha Marie Labelle, 38 of Brunswick, ME, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 28 at 9:01 p.m. Labelle was charged with hold for another agency.

Bradley Glen Morris, 36 of Cecil, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 29 at 6:39 a.m. Morris was charged with protection order violation.

David R. Bowman, 42 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 27 at 10:40 p.m. and released on June 30 at 12:16 p.m. Bowman was charged with public intoxication.

Jamie Lynne Pullen, 44 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 28 at 7:28 a.m. Pullen was charged with possession of meth or cocaine GT 2 GM but LT 10 GM, and possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine.

Jim Ed Hopkins, 42 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 28 at 7:27 a.m. Hopkins was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine, and possession of meth or cocaine GT 2 GM but LT 10 GM.

Geneva Jean Wood, 67 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 28 at 7:26 a.m. Wood was charged with possession of meth or cocaine GT 2 GM but LT 10 GM, possession of meth or cocaine purpose to deliver GT 2 GM but LT 10 GM, and possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine.

Jesse Donavan Easom, 37 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 24 at 5:26 p.m. Easom was charged with sexual indecency with a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Cecelia A Munoz, 47 of Eureka Springs, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on June 24 at 4:41 p.m. Munoz was charged with failure to appear.

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

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Expands Capacity of Law Enforcement Section

Tammy Teague

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11:01 am

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Expands Capacity of Law Enforcement Section

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) Law Enforcement Section has
expanded its ability to investigate agricultural crimes in Arkansas.

Kenneth Booth was recently sworn in as a special agent for the Department, bringing years of law enforcement experience along with expertise in locating stolen equipment.

“We exist to serve Arkansans and work collaboratively with other agencies to investigate crimes that impact agriculture, our state’s largest industry,” said Law Enforcement Chief Billy Black. “Special Agent Booth recently joined our team of now six agents to enhance our ability to protect Arkansas agriculture. He has played an instrumental role in completing several successful investigations since he was sworn in last month.”

On May 29, a 24-foot cattle trailer and seven head of cattle were reported stolen from Pruitt’s Mid-State Stockyards in Van Buren County. Special agents identified and questioned a suspect who admitted to the theft. All property was recovered and returned to the owner. The agents were assisted by the White County Sheriff’s Office, Damascus Police Department, and Rose Bud Police Department.

On May 28, agents recovered two flatbed trailers and one cargo trailer that were reported stolen from Pulaski County. The agents were assisted by the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office in recovering the trailers in Lonoke County. A suspect has been identified and is awaiting formal charges.

The Law Enforcement Section was recently tasked with investigating foreign land ownership throughout the state pursuant to Act 636 of 2023. The addition of Special Agent Booth will allow agents to protect the producers of Arkansas more effectively.

Learn more about the Law Enforcement Section at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-resources/law-enforcement/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit
agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sharing Stories of Service

Featured

Tammy Teague

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4:05 pm

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From the office of US Senator John Boozman

The service and sacrifice of Arkansans called to wear our nation’s uniform are woven into the fabric of our communities. Long after men and women leave active duty, their commitment to others continues. I’m proud to share the stories of these individuals and their desire to serve for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP).

In 1974, Debra Holmes enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve as an air traffic controller during the tumultuous years following the Vietnam War. A decade later, Ken Griffin was training to become a fighter pilot in U.S. Air Force and 30 years after Holmes’ first day, Chris Traxson joined the U.S. Marine Corps to become a heavy weapons specialist and serve in Iraq.

Their experiences will be soon be part of the VHP, a collection of oral histories of the men and women who served our nation in every branch of the military.

While their jobs, locations and personal experiences were completely different, each veteran made many of the same observations and shared similar feelings about their commitment to serving others, their love for our country and the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference.

They also spoke about the skills they learned through military service that helped shape their lives. These included the value of discipline, the ability to work as a team for a common goal and how to be a leader in whatever role you are given.

As we approach Independence Day, these stories are on my mind. They speak to the desire to make a difference and the best of the human spirit that citizen-soldiers have demonstrated long before the founding of our country. I am grateful for the service of these Arkansans and the important work of the Library of Congress to preserve their experiences for future generations. The VHP is the largest repository of oral histories by American veterans and, as many Arkansans know from my monthly Salute to Veterans feature, the project is important to me and my staff. In addition to regularly traveling across the state to interview veterans from every branch of the military and every era of service, we’ve trained others to join this initiative.

In recent months, we have interviewed veterans who served in the Vietnam War-era to the War on Terror. Each one of them told a unique story about where they came from, how they ended up in the military, how they served and what happened next.

Threads of patriotism and sacrifice are united through each of their stories as they described their lives both before and after their military service. In most cases, they took what they learned and found new ways to make a difference in their communities. Whether working in a government agency, as a chaplain or in roles directly helping other veterans, they continue their mission of service.

If you are a veteran or have a veteran in your life who would like to participate, please reach out to my office. We are happy to provide more information. The Library of Congress has more details about this important national project atwww.loc.gov. Learn more about the Arkansans we’ve highlighted in our Salute to Veterans feature on my website to see examples of interviews we’ve been honored to conduct and share.

Plan your plots for fall success

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:03 pm

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By Randy Zellers

Even though deer season is months away, there’s plenty of planning to be done now for landowners looking to increase the attractiveness of their land to deer during this fall’s hunting seasons.

Jeremy Brown, Deer Management Assistance Program Coordinator in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Private Lands Habitat Division, says successful use of food plots in deer management is much more than roughing up a spot in the dirt and throwing out seeds from the latest no-fail deer forage blend on the shelf of a big box store.

“I wish it was as easy as some of those labels make it seem,” Brown said. “If the stars align you can grow some food that attracts a deer to a spot where you’re hunting, but the use of food plots has much more potential than just making what we call a ‘kill plot’ during deer season.”

The first thing Brown tells prospective deer managers is to really think about their goals.

“Are you wanting to just attract deer to a small spot during hunting season or are you wanting to manage on more of a year-round basis and provide food for a healthy deer herd and maximize antler development?” Brown said. “Start off with your goals in mind so you don’t waste time and money going the wrong direction.”

Brown says the answer to his first question often is dictated by his second: “What are your limitations?”

Many clubs have to work within the parameters of their lease agreement when it comes to planting food plots or otherwise altering the land in a way that could affect the landowners’ interests.

“A lot of timber companies still let lease holders plant some small plots to help attract deer during hunting season, but large management regimes aren’t really possible,” Brown said. “The good news for those clubs is that some of the regular thinning and harvest activities in certain stages of timber production can increase forage value for wildlife to an extent.”

Clubs who own their own land or have a wide-open policy for management activities still may face roadblocks based on finances and size.

“If you’re a smaller landowner, you might not be able to put enough into food plots to make a shift in herd health, but you might be able to work with neighboring landowners to manage cooperatively so everyone benefits,” Brown said. “And remember, food plots are only a part of the equation.”

Once you’ve assessed your goals and limitations, it’s time to gather some intel on the property’s potential. Soil samples and surveys of the vegetation already present can increase your chances of success tenfold.

“One of the most common mistakes people make when planting food plots is hopping on that tractor too soon to ‘get to work,’” Brown said. “It feels good to think you’re doing something that’s going to benefit the deer and other wildlife, but you may be tearing up perfectly good habitat in your effort to plant something.”

Brown says taking an inventory of what’s already on the ground also allows you to balance the nutrients available with your goals in mind. There may already be plenty of energy-rich forage available, but protein sources might be lacking which would lean toward planting soybeans or other legumes.

“Or you may already have all the protein and energy you need and can concentrate on clovers and other calcium-rich plantings in early spring to help antler development,” Brown said. “This is really where sitting down with a biologist can pay big dividends.”

Brown works with a team of biologists employed through the National Deer Association who specialize in deer management on private land in Arkansas. Their assistance is entirely free, and they can even help some landowners find ways to offset management costs through state and federal programs.

“The DMAP program has been around for a couple of decades to help participating deer clubs manage their local deer populations,” Brown said. “Thanks to a renewed focus on private land habitat assistance in Arkansas, we’ve found another gear to move forward even more. Thanks to a partnership with NDA, we have more biologists available to come out and visit with landowners and help them assess their property and advise them on how to improve it for wildlife.”

Even disking up last year’s food plot to replant might be a mistake, depending on your situation.

“I always tell people that you never want to tear out a bunch of food to plant more food,” Brown said. “Not only are you running the risk of overworking the soil, but you’re causing a forage gap.”

Brown explains that the weeks needed for seeds to sprout and mature may leave the area a nutritional desert of bare dirt, especially if you don’t receive enough rain.

“Instead, I advise people to create multiple food plots and rotate them so one is always producing and can take up the slack when you go back to plant,” Brown said. “Even then, take a good look at what’s there. You may be better off just spraying a selective herbicide and fertilizing that existing plot to promote more growth than starting over. It’s not as exciting as disking and planting for some people, but it can be much more effective. And you’ll get to the exciting part when fall comes around.”

Click here to register for a free workshop July 9 in Dardanelle for hunting clubs interested in enrolling in DMAP. The workshop will provide presentations on habitat management, financial aid opportunities, effective deer management and the DMAP program. Two additional DMAP workshops will be held in August and September at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. Keep an eye on the www.agfc.com/landownerevent to find more opportunities to learn through hands-on workshops and presentations held by AGFC biologists and partnering agencies.

The Deer Management Assistance Program is a component of the AGFC’s Private Lands Habitat Division supported, in part, by the AGFC’s cultivating partner Greenway Equipment. The program assists landowners and hunting clubs manage their local deer herd through voluntary management plans. Participants may request free site visits to improve the harvest structure of the deer and learn how to improve habitat to increase the land’s potential for deer and other wildlife. Visit www.agfc.com/DMAP to learn more.

Summer serenade: Nightjars display evening calling

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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3:58 pm

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Summer serenade: Nightjars display evening calling

By Kirsten Bartlow

Some sounds just say summer – the chorus of calling insects, water lapping against the shore, the sizzle of meat hitting the grill and the hum of a lawnmower.

What about the incessant, nighttime cadence of the eastern whip-poor-will? If you’re unfamiliar with this one, fair warning, the bird’s chanting inspires songs and poetry in some while vexing others. Click here for a sample, courtesy of Cornell Laboratory.

Although not technically a songbird, the male whip-poor-will may chant its call hundreds of times on a warm summer night, especially under a full moon. Whip-poor-wills haunt Arkansas nights April through September, while winters are spent in Mexico and Central America. The species may be heard in south central Arkansas and in the Delta during their migration, but breeding occurs in the northwestern third of the state. City dwellers may not be familiar with the bird’s iconic call; it seeks out forests and woodlands with open understories.

Good luck spotting one of these cryptically-colored birds. Gray and brown plumage camouflages them during daylight as they snooze on limbs close to the ground with their body parallel to the branch. For those lucky enough to sneak a peek, it’s fair to say their appearance is odd – big eyes, a tiny bill and a large gaping mouth all the better for gulping down insects.

Add to their oddities the names that surround them, “goatsucker” being at the top of the list. This head-scratcher of a name goes way back to Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher. He veered out of his wheelhouse when he wrote that members of the nightjar family (we’ll get to that nickname), which includes whip-poor-wills, swoop in during the cover of darkness and suck milk from goats’ udders. The reality? The birds were likely flying about and dining upon insects associated with the goats.

This widespread myth had a lasting effect – whip-poor-wills and their kin belong to the Caprimulgidae family, derived from Latin and meaning “milker of goats,” and are still referred to as goatsuckers. This same family of birds – including the common nighthawk and chuck-will’s-widows in Arkansas – are also referred to as nightjars. This one is easier to understand with their nocturnal habits and incessant calling that is jarring to some.

Whip-poor-wills hunt at dawn, dusk, and during a full moon and will also take advantage of insects attracted to stadium and street lights. A cavernous mouth outlined by stiff feathers efficiently gobbles up an assortment of insects: moths, beetles, grasshoppers, stoneflies, ants, bees, wasps, fireflies and weevils.

A nighttime drive in a rural area may unveil the bird sitting in the road while the sweep of headlights reveals glowing red orbs from the reflective membrane in the bird’s eyes that assists with night vision.

Whip-poor-wills are in tune with the lunar cycle and lay their eggs so that young hatch about 10 days before a full moon. When the moon is near full, the adults forage all night, catching large numbers of insects to feed their hungry nestlings.

Nest building is not a part of their repertoire, and the female lays eggs directly on leaf litter, tucked in on the north side of a shrub that offers shade from the hot afternoon sun. At about eight days old, the chicks, covered in orange-tan down, molt into highly camouflaged plumage. The male takes over care of the young, calling and patrolling along his territory and chasing off intruders with aggressive calls, hisses, raised wings and an open mouth. Both parents will feign injury to lead predators away from the nest.

Chuck-will’s-widows, the equally vocal relative of the eastern whip-poor-will, is larger with a bigger head and prefers more open habitat. Some listeners may mistakenly identify the call as a whip-poor-will, but each song has a distinct pitch and cadence that’s unmistakable once heard. Listen to this sample and hear for yourself.

The chuck-will’s-widow’s feeding habits are similar to whip-poor-will’s. It may also gobble up an occasional small bird or bat with its gaping mouth.

Data collected by the North American Breeding Bird Survey shows a significant decline in both nightjars between 1966 and 2019. Like other species of wildlife, habitat loss is their main nemesis. Other woes include collisions with cars along with buildings during nocturnal migration, nest predation and insecticides.

Whip-poor-wills are a feathered form of Americana. Songs referencing their iconic chanting in eastern forests abound in country music with its nostalgia for rural life.

Get involved with concerned conservationists and citizens who want to hear the birds’ onomatopoeic calls for years to come. The Nightjar Survey Network relies on volunteers to run survey routes: www.nightjars.org

The AGFC and other conservation organizations actively manage habitat across the state with prescribed fire and other tools to open the forest understory, which benefits a suite of wildlife species, including whip-poor-wills and chuck-will’s-widows. Landowners looking to improve their habitat for wildlife will find assistance through AGFC’s Conservation Incentive Program: www.agfc.com/education/conservation-incentive-program.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

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Tammy Teague

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Welcome to summer in Arkansas. We did get a big rain yesterday. Several people had limbs and trees down. Enough about the weather.

About a month ago, I had a filling fall out of a back tooth. That’s what I thought anyway. I had an appointment scheduled on Monday, so they said, “let’s just wait till your appointment.” I panicked and I said, “what if it starts hurting?!” They responded, “just call us if it does.” I mean I am a big baby; I don’t want pain at all. I made it over a month till my appointment Monday. I go back and my hygienist says, “I think you are going to need a crown.” Surely not a crown. Here comes good ole Dr. Duff, and he says, sure enough you are going to need a crown. The filling is still there, but the tooth is broken off. Let me tell ya, if you got a filling from Dr. Larry Brown, they stayed. He was good. I had probably had that filling since I was 12 years old. The crazy part of all this is I have no clue what happened to the tooth. I am assuming I swallowed it. I had a temporary crown till the day before I went on vacation. They told me to be very careful and baby it until then.

A few years ago, I had to have a crown and I got the temp till the real one came in and the dental assistant said, “don’t be eating anything sticky or gooey on that side.” I assured her I wouldn’t. If y’all know me and how much I love candy, it wasn’t a week later I was eating Starbursts and out came the temp crown and I had to go back. This time she said, “just don’t eat on that side.” I made it till the new one came in.

Another thing about going to the dentist is the Novocain makes me crazy. When I tell you that, this is how I am–just as looped as Otis the town drunk on the Andy Griffith show. I’m dizzy and acting silly. No telling what I told them. I guess they are used to it. I had a friend that went to the dentist one time, I won’t tell you her name. She had Novocain and her mouth was numb. She never went anywhere without her lipstick on, so she digs it out of her purse and paints her lips while she is still in the dentist office. Nobody bothered to tell her she had it above her lip and all over her mouth. She gets out of her vehicle and looks in the rear-view mirror and about croaked. She had lipstick on for sure, just not on her lips. I always laugh when I think of that. I wonder what the folks in the waiting room thought.

Just a little advice, do not put your lipstick on till the feeling comes back to your mouth. Hope y’all have a great 4th of July. Be safe and don’t get too hot. This week’s recipe is for a peach cake. I love fresh peaches. I had a friend bring me some from Spiro and they were delicious.

EASY PEACH CAKE
1 box white cake mix, mixed according to cake box directions
2 cups or 2 large peaches, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon flour
FROSTING
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon (and a little extra for sprinkling)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add your diced peaches to a bowl with the tablespoon of flour, set aside. Mix your cake mix according to box directions. Fold in peaches until combined. Pour in prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes until center of cake is set and toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely. In a large bowl, add all your frosting ingredients and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cake, slice and serve. You can shake some cinnamon on top. If you do not want to make the homemade frosting, put some Cool Whip on top and I would add a little of the peach juice to the Cool Whip and mix good. Something to enjoy on the hot summer days.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK