Resident News Network

Arrest Reports 8/4

Police Reports

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7:34 pm

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Matthias Cissco Aviles of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 9 at 11:15 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Aviles was charged with ADC commitment hold.

Levi Joseph Cothran of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 8 at 8:31 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 8 at 2:05 p.m. Cothran was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Zachary Nelson Foote of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 10 at 10:34 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 11 at 1:57 a.m. Foote was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule IV / V <28g-inmate.

Jason Clinton Gothard of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 9 at 3:01 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 9 at 5:31 p.m. Gothard was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Joseph Karl Hemerlein of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 4 at 8:46 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 5 at 12:55 a.m. Hemerlein was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely, Assault on Family or Household Member-3rd Degree, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree.

Nicholas Wayne Lewis of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 5 at 1:15 a.m. and released on signature bond August 5 at 2:55 a.m. Lewis was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine)

Anthony Gergory Painter of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 9 at 1:28 a.m. and released on August 9 at 4:20 a.m. Painter was charged with Reckless Driving 1st Offense.

Kenitay Cache Salyers of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 7 at 10:25 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Salyers was charged with Fleeing -Vehicle, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony, Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Reckless Driving 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Tabatha Marie Cole of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 4 at 1:44 a.m. and released on bond August 6 at 9:02 a.m. Cole was charged with Assault on Family or Household Member-3rd Degree, and Disorderly Conduct – Excessive Noise.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Timothy Scott Craig of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 5 at 4:27 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 5 at 8:19 p.m. Craig was charged with Assault on Family or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Terri L Gabbert of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 8 at 10:50 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Gabbert was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Alton Lloyd Hice of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 9 at 7:51 a.m. and released on bond August 9 at 2:50 p.m. Hice was charged with DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor, Center Left Turn Lane Violation, Driving Left of Center/Improper Overtaking or Passing, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI 4-10oz Felony.

Meghan Marie Pettis of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 8 at 12:58 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Pettis was charged with Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the First Degree -Conduct, Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely, and Aggravated Assault – Firearm.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Hammons, Tyler J of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 7 at 6:46 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Hammons was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, Fugitive from Justice Out of State, fleeing -foot-serious injury, Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree – $1,000 or less.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Michael Allen Hatcher of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 8 at 12:18 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Hatcher was charged with Parole Violation, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Pack or Repack -and Other, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Nathan Wayne Mackey of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 9 at 12:43 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 9 at 2:39 p.m. Mackey was charged with Burglary – Residential Felony.

Cody Wayne Williams of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 4 at 8:05 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Williams was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony, Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] <2g-inmate, Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Jamie Terrell Wortham of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 7 at 2:37 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Wortham was charged with Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DWI.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Erin Michelle McKim of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 5 at 10:03 p.m. and released to an outside agency on August 6 at 12:48 a.m. McKim was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Cory Boyd, 22 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 4 at 1:48 p.m. Boyd was charged with two counts of contempt of court.

Gregory Fraijo, 53 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 8 at 3:19 p.m. Fraijo was charged with extradition out of state.

Jesse Reed, 30 of Charleston, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 8 at 8:10 p.m. Reed was charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, and contempt of court.

Coleman James, 29 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 9 at 6:10 a.m. James was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing, and refusal to submit to arrest.

Timmy Pettigrew, 34 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 9 at 10:16 a.m. Pettigrew was charged with forgery in the first degree.

Adam Capo, 38 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 9 at 10:31 a.m. Capo was charged with bond revocation.

Katherine Kemp, 49 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 9 at 3:25 p.m. Kemp was charged with disorderly conduct, and public intoxication – drinking in public.

Samuel Harrison, 20 of Danville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 10 at 7:20 p.m. Harrison was charged with terroristic threatening in the first degree, two counts of failure to appear, criminal mischief in the first degree, and criminal trespass.

Danielle Warren, 35 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on August 10 at 9:30 p.m. Warren was charged with assault on family or household member in the third degree.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Charles Allan Whitten, 32 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 10 at 9:24 p.m. Whitten was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation, and failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Calysta C Markley, 26 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 10 at 12:25 a.m. Markley was charged with driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st.

Jason A. Dinkel, 45 of Booneville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 9 at 10:38 p.m. Dinkel was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Kari Dawn Sheets, 40 of Clarksville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 9 at 12:24 p.m. Sheets was charged with failure to appear on violation (FTA).

John Paul Combs, 39 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 9 at 12:02 p.m. Combs was charged with two counts of failure to pay child support, and two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Stephen L. Dillard, 49 of Thaxton, MS, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 9 at 4:35 a.m. Dillard was charged with possession of SCH I or II LT 2 GM, possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, tamper with physical evidence – obstruct prosecution / defense felony.

Samantha D. Tallant, 36 of Pontotoc, MS, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 9 at 4:26 a.m. Tallant was charged with possession of SCH I or II LT 2 GM, possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, tamper with physical evidence – obstruct prosecution / defense felony, speeding, and improper lane change.

Jaden Forrest Moffatt – Cornelius, 23 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 8 at 9:13 p.m. Cornelius was sentenced to days.

James Edward Arnold, 49 of Oklahoma City, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 8 at 3:42 p.m. Arnold was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release, and two counts of failure to appear.

Brittney Shae Crosby, 37 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 8 at 12:40 p.m. Crosby was charged with failure to pay child support

John Nichols Harris, 32 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 8 at 11:11 a.m. Harris was charged with battery – 2nd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, and aggravated assault.

Jason Douglas Root, 50 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 7 at 7:56 p.m. Root was charged with assault on family or household member – 3rd degree / apprehension of imminent, interreference with emergency communication second degree, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

Shannon Renae Buchanan, 55 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 6 at 9:07 p.m. Buchanan was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

Robert Dale McClellan, 70 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 6 at 4:57 p.m. McClellan was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Lanny O’Dell Wooten, 54 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on August 5 at 2:30 p.m. Wooten was charged with driving while intoxicated – DWI 2nd, open container containing alcohol in motor vehicle, driving while license suspended, and sentenced to days.

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

Obituary: Edna Lee (Scott) Piles (1946 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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6:19 pm

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Obituary: Edna Lee (Scott) Piles (1946 – 2024)

Edna Lee (Scott) Piles, 78, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Thursday, August 8, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Edna was born July 12, 1946 in Acorn, Arkansas to Robert “Bob” and Bonnie (Wilhite) Scott.

Edna was married to the love of her life Holland Leamon Piles for 33 marvelous years before Leamon went to Heaven to wait for her. Edna was a woman that enjoyed deer hunting, loved nature, and listening to the symphony of farm life. She lived a life enriched by the simple pleasures of watching bluebirds as well as reading and enjoying the warmth of a cup of coffee throughout her day. In her youth, Edna showcased her competitive spirit in sports like softball, basketball, and bowling. This spirited nature transitioned seamlessly into her role as a grandmother, where her heart overflowed with joy in the presence of her cherished grandchildren. The memories made with them will forever be treasured.

Edna leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She is survived by her children: Karla Scott and son-in-law Buster of Cedar Creek, Arkansas; Keri Davis and son-in-law Jason of Greenwood, Arkansas; and Jason Piles and daughter-in-law Terri of Greenwood, Arkansas. Nanny will be missed by her twelve grandchildren: Justin Scott, Lauren Ozuna, Colten Scott, Deavon McCafferty, Brynlee Davis, Shawnee Justice, Kaiden Mundy, Kylar Mundy, Ashlea Townsend, Dylon Piles, Amberlin Piles, Danielle Randolph and numerous great grandchildren. Edna is also survived by her sister, Teresa Rodebush-Hill of Greenwood, Arkansas and brother, Aaron “Bub” Scott of Greenwood, Arkansas. Edna will be greatly missed by a host of nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by precious friend and roommate Doris Kelley, who looked out for her and loved her unconditionally, and all that knew her and the many lives she impacted.

Edna was preceded in death by her loving husband Leamon Piles, her parents Robert “Bob” and Bonnie Scott, her two sons: Kristopher Wayne McCullah and Richie Dee Piles, sisters: Aldena Tinder, Geneva Piper, Linda Hill and Thelma Johnston, and great granddaughter Briella Ozuna.

Edna’s visitation will be Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Edna’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jerry Hill officiating. Interment will follow at the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Edna’s pallbearers will be Justin Scott, Colten Scott, Deavon McCafferty, Kaiden Mundy, Kylar Mundy, Guadalupe Ozuna, and Josh Leatherwood.

Registration for fall’s Walk Across Arkansas to open Aug. 26

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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6:15 pm

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Registration for fall’s Walk Across Arkansas to open Aug. 26

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The registration date for the Cooperative Extension Service’s biannual health initiative, Walk Across Arkansas, is fast approaching. Individual Arkansans are encouraged to form teams in their respective workplaces, neighborhoods or other communities and join the effort on Aug. 26.

Heather Wingo, family and consumer sciences program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the Cooperative Extension Service has been using Walk Across Arkansas to promote health and active lifestyle changes in the state for about 20 years.

“The program’s main goal is to increase physical activity,” Wingo said. “We’re working to help Arkansans overcome the state’s high obesity rates and combat chronic disease throughout individuals’ lifespans.”

During the eight-week session, individuals will log their daily total number of minutes of physical activity — which isn’t limited to walking. Running, gardening, playing or coaching a team sport — it all counts.

“A lot of Arkansans live close to parks or trails,” Wingo said. “It’s great when we see those being put to good use.”

During the spring 2024 Walk Across Arkansas, 65 teams — 346 participants — logged more than 986,000 minutes of activity over eight weeks.

The registration window for the fall session is Aug. 26 – Sept. 8. The eight-week session begins Sept. 9 and will conclude Nov. 3. To register, visit https://walk.uada.edu/walk/.

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

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Obituary: Lyonette Thomas (1985-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:30 pm

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lyonette Sue Thomas, a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated 15th Drug Task Force Agent. Born on August 28, 1985, in Waldron, Arkansas to Billy Joe Hale and Carolyn Hastings. She departed from this world on August 7, 2024 at her home at the age of 38.

Lyonette’s life reflected her passion for service, as she served with honor and distinction in the 15th Drug Task Force. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her love for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. Lyonette found solace in nature, often spending time deer hunting, trout fishing, tending to the cows, and riding on her side-by-side.

A woman of boundless love, Lyonette’s family held a special place in her heart. Her affection for her daughter Raylyn Sue was immeasurable, and she took great pride in being her biggest fan. Lyonette’s unwavering support and love for her family were evident in every smile, hug, and encouraging word she shared. In her travels across the United States, Lyonette embraced new experiences, creating lasting memories wherever she went. Her adventurous spirit and kind soul touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lyonette is survived by her husband Austin Blake Thomas, her daughter Raylyn Sue and Dax & Jack. Her mother: Carolyn Hastings and husband Ken of Stigler, Oklahoma and her bonus mom: Kim Hale of Hale Town, Arkansas. Her siblings: Chelsea Lord, husband Jacob and nephew Miles Lord of Wasilla, Alaska; Charley Kay Mills and husband Byron of Springdale, Arkansas; Kendra Kisling of Waldron, Arkansas; Kayla Cox and husband Ronnie of Waldron, Arkansas; and brother: Dustin Kisling and wife Hope of Rogers, Arkansas. Lyonette is also survived by her paternal grandparents: Billie Sue and W.D. (Rabbit) Ray of Waldron, Arkansas; aunt: Lisa Ridenhour of Waldron, Arkansas; Jodi Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma and uncles: Laney Dale Jones and wife Dawn and Randy Jones and wife Sheila all of Gravelly, Arkansas. Cousins: Chrissy Trampp, Hannah Owens, Ethan Jones, Lauren Pyles, Logan Trampp, Bryson Jones and Jake Perry. Mother-in-law, Karen Brogdon and husband Perry of Dover, Arkansas; and two brother-in-laws: Jeremy and Laura Beth Brogdon of Greenbrier, Arkansas and Jesse Brogdon of Dover, Arkansas. Lyonette’s radiant smile and unwavering love for her family will truly be missed by each of those whose life she had impacted.

Lyonette was preceded in death by her father: Billy Joe Hale; step-father: Randy Hollingsworth; paternal grandfather: Joe Madison Hale; maternal grandparents: Grady Ezeal and Bobbie Jones; father-in-law: Glynn Thomas; brother-in-law: Josh Brogdon; and uncle: Dennis Jones.

To honor Lyonette’s remarkable life, a public visitation will be held at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00p.m. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at the Waldron Public School’s Multi-Purpose Facility on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ricky Hunt officiating. Interment will follow with Lyonette being laid to rest in the Union Hill Cemetery in Union Hill, Arkansas.

Lyonette’s pallbearers will be: Brittany Fletcher, Horacio Gonzalez, Cheyenne King, Wes Baxter, Tony Hartwick, Billy Alvey and Tyna Martin.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Ethan Jones, Logan Trampp, Bryson Jones, Jake Perry, Arkansas Narcotic Officers Association, Association of Oklahoma Narcotic Enforcers, Iowa Narcotic Officers Association, Kansas Narcotic Officers Association, Texas Narcotic Officers Association, Colorado Narcotic Officers Association, California Narcotic Officers Association, Nevada Narcotic Officers Association, National Narcotic Officers Associations Coalition, Louisiana Narcotic Officers Association.

As we remember Lyonette Sue Thomas, let us carry forward her legacy of love, integrity, and service. In her passing, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and devotion that will be forever cherished by those who knew her. May her memory be a beacon of light in our lives, guiding us with the love and grace that Lyonette embodied so beautifully.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Tammy Teague

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8:02 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Boy it’s been hot in the River Valley. It is August, what do we expect?

When you go on vacation you pay for it. When you get home you have so much laundry and stuff to catch up on. The first night I was home, I told Ethan and Evan “I will cook supper for y’all since I have been gone a week.” Evan said, “we want chicken!” he said, “it’s been some tough days.” Six days to be exact! Poor kids must have nearly starved to death. I have them spoiled rotten!

Back to my vacation. One day my brother wasn’t feeling well, so Peggy and I took him back to the hotel room so he could rest. We went to downtown Mt. Airy and had so much fun shopping and talking to the town folks. Ya’ll are going to get tired of me telling y’all how friendly everyone was. We go back to the hotel, and we are walking through the lobby, and we had to go by the pool area. I hear someone yelling and I told Peggy, that sure sounded like my brother. She said, “no, that’s not him.” And we heard it again. I turned toward the pool area and low and behold he was in the pool by himself having a good ole time. I guess he got his second wind and decided to enjoy himself while we were out shopping.

There are seven wonders of the world. I have never been to any of them. I have been to Niagra Falls, the Grand Canyon, seen the Natural Bridge in Virginia, the Redwoods, been to the Ocean, the circus and saw the fat man dance, eat a whole cake and kill a bottle of Coke (why I’m not doing that gig is beyond me). Anyway, I got off track thinking of how much fun it would be in the circus. My vacation to Mt. Airy was in the top three vacations I have been on. If you get a chance to go, then go.

This week’s recipe is a pecan dump cake. Y’all know me and my dump cakes. Y’all be safe out in this heat and smile because when you are smiling the whole world smiles with you.

PECAN DUMP CAKE
2 packages of pre-made sugar cookie dough (the kind in the tube)
1 can coconut pecan frosting
2 cups chopped pecans
1/4 cup caramel syrup
1 box vanilla cake mix
3/4 cup butter, unsalted (1 and 1/2 sticks)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray. Spread the sugar cookie dough on the bottom of the pan. Spread the coconut pecan frosting on top of the sugar cookie dough. Sprinkle the pecans on top. Then drizzle the caramel on top of that. Sprinkle dry cake mix on top of the caramel. Do not mix. Add the sliced butter to the top and bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Law Enforcement Community Mourns the Loss of DTF Agent

News

Tammy Teague

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7:52 pm

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Law Enforcement Community Mourns the Loss of DTF Agent

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

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

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

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

Austin and Lyonette Thomas with baby Raylyn Sue.

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

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

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

Timepiece: Government Food Programs

Featured

Tammy Teague

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6:49 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep your cool: Hot tips for summer bass care

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:45 pm

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Keep your cool: Hot tips for summer bass care

By Eric Naas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sebastian County Fair & Rodeo

Featured

Tammy Teague

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6:42 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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11:42 am

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK