If you’re looking for a reason to be happy after Tax Day, you might want to celebrate with one of Arkansas’s quirkiest outdoor occasions. Bullfrog season is open and will run through Dec. 31, 2024.
It may not come with the fanfare of opening day of deer season, and no one’s ever joined a “gigging camp,” but the men and women willing to do some high stepping in the swamp can be handsomely rewarded for their “legwork.”
In Arkansas, only bullfrogs may be harvested, and a valid fishing license is required. The limit is 18 frogs per day, measured from noon one day until noon the next day. Bullfrogs may not be sold except by fish farmers with a valid commercial bullfrog permit. Visit https://www.agfc.com/education/alternative-fishing-methods for more information on regulations concerning frog gigging and other alternative methods of fishing.
Frogs may be harvested with bow-and-arrow, hook-and-line, gig or simply snatching them up by hand. By far the most popular method is to use a 10-foot long pole tipped with a barbed gig point or spring-loaded jaw. Wading along the shallows of a pond, scanning the surface of the water will reveal the glowing eyes of the frogs. Froggers will keep the light trained on their prey, dazzling them much like deer in the headlights, and slowly ease within range of the frog to take a quick stab at it. If their aim is true, the frogger needs to act quickly to pull the frog from the gig and place it in a cooler or mesh sack before it pulls itself loose. Wire fish baskets used by bream anglers come in very handy, as they don’t give the frogs an opportunity to escape like a cooler lid being opened.
The most common form of frog hunting involves two people with a jon boat, spotlight and frog gig. AGFC photo.
If the pond is too deep to maneuver along the bank, a small canoe or jon boat works well with an electric motor or paddle, but it’s best to have at least two in the boat. Teammates can take turns keeping the light focused on the frog and paddling or controlling the trolling motor while the other member focuses on making a good stab at his or her prey. Grabbing frogs by the hand is done much the same way except that it requires you to get much closer.
Hook-and-line frog enthusiasts ply their “fishing” attempts during the day, when frogs are focused on flying insects. Using a long cane pole, anglers dangle a small fly (usually just a bit of red and black yarn on a bream hook) in front of the frog, attempting to fool it into thinking it’s an easy meal. Once the frog takes the bait, the angler snatches it up quickly and adds it to their catch.
People who “fish” for frogs often use colorful yarn flies like this bream killer pattern to tempt frogs into biting their “bug.” AGFC photo.
Bullfrogs can be found across Arkansas, but the heaviest concentrations usually are found along the many ponds, slow-moving streams and fish farms in the eastern half of the state. It may take some door-knocking and asking for permission, but some small private ponds can prove worth the effort once you break out the gigging gear.
Be sure to scan the bushes along the banks before making an approach on any frog. Plenty of spiders set up shop along the shore’s edge and the webs can be a pain. Snakes also climb into low-hanging branches of brush along the water’s edge. Many tales of men walking on the water or sinking a small jon boat during a frog-gigging trip begin with a snake falling into the boat. Most water snakes are not venomous, but it doesn’t make it any less frightening when one plops in the boat next to you. Learning what to look for in identifying a venomous snake can set your mind at ease. The AGFC has a downloadable snake pocket guide available at www.agfc.com/en/resources/brochures.
Cleaning the frogs after a night of gigging is relatively simple. Cut it in half just above the waist, then peel down the skin from the legs with a pair of pliers. Snip off the bottom feet and the legs are ready to be grilled or rolled in your favorite breading and fried.
The old quote, “It tastes like chicken,” likely originated with a parent getting their child to eat frog legs for the first time. Anyone who’s enjoyed these treats from the swamp will tell you chicken doesn’t compare to the flavor and texture offered by this delicately sweet meat that’s the ultimate in organic, locally sourced protein.
On March 25 & 29 the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Magazine High School staff and community members to conduct the “Ready, Set, Graduate” program. Ready, Set, Graduate is a financial management program that teaches high school senior’s skills in budgeting, banking and the wise use of credit.
During the first day of RSG, seniors participated in educational classes on budgeting, banking, and credit. These lessons were taught by Magazine High School CTE instructors. Students learned how to write checks, balance a checkbook, create a budget based on a prospective salary for their chosen career, resume writing and interview etiquette.
Students conduct reverse interviews with volunteers.
On the second day, students had the opportunity to apply these skills during the “Mall of Life” simulation. Stations were set up in the gym and manned by area businesses and community members. At each station,students made decisions similar to those adults make each month. Students had to buy or rent a home, purchase a car, insurance, utilities and other common expenses, all while staying within their proposed monthly budget.
The seniors also participated in mock interviews conducted by community members from Mercy, First Western Bank, Cooperative Extension Service, Shelter Insurance, Mountain Vista Real Estate, and Magazine High School Staff. During interviews, students were evaluated on their professionalism, dress and resume, then informed whether or not the company would “hire” them based on this evaluation. Students walked away with a better understanding of “adulting” and skills that will help them once they graduate High School.
The Extension Service would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for helping to make Ready, Set, Graduate a success:Jimmy Pannell and Matt Barry – Shelter Insurance, Venus Avery and Christin Villarreal – First Western Bank, Aaron Brewer – Mountain Vista Real Estate, and Megan Evans and Randi Brown – Mercy Hospital. We would also like to thank the sponsors who provided door prizes for the students: 22 Brew and Walmart – Booneville.
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.
The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday night, April 18. Members present included James Steele, Julie Thomas, Sheri Hopkins, Boyd Farmer, and Beverly Lyons. Alderman Glen Hurt was absent.
Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the minutes and financial reports from the March meeting, the council heard the city services reports. Mayor Black presented all three departmental reports, fire, police and public works. City attorney Travis Plummer stated there were no new matters to discuss, with the exception of amendment to city ordinance 2024-2, listed on the agenda.
The council would vote to hear, and adopt the changes to ordinance 2024-2, regarding water meter boxes.
In the last matter of unfinished business, a discussion about the proposed RV park at N. Caldwell and E. Center Street, adjacent to the Mansfield Elementary School. Steele stated his position, again, noting that he would be voting against the proposal out of concern for the safety and security of the children.
Mayor Black allowed audience members to speak. Bobby Musgrove addressed the council, stating, “I can tell by the looks on your faces, I know how you will vote. But we are losing businesses in this town…with this RV park, the city could charge a 2% tourism tax…You have got to think about the city. We have run businesses out of town out of stupidity…I can see all your points, you’re afraid that some kids might get kidnapped, raped or molested, but that can happen anywhere at any time…
Alderman Farmer responded stating that because he is elected by the people, and that the overwhelming majority of people were against it, he must vote no. Thomas agreed, stating “I have never had so many people reach out to me about an issue since I have been elected.”
Mayor Black noted that he had invited both the school superintendent, and Don Wheeler, the owner of that property, to attend the meeting. However, neither were present.
Steele would make the motion that there would be no RV park at the location at N. Caldwell and E. Street, adjacent to the Elementary School. Hopkins seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
In matters of new business, the council would approve the certification raise for officer Eric Townley. Additionally, two new members of the Mansfield Fire Department, Kyle England and Dylan Thomas.
Mayor Black reported on the updates to the wastewater facility and sought approval from the council for a skid unit for the fire department’s new brush truck to be purchased with county funds.
Before adjourning, the announcement was made about the Mayor’s Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, April 20 at 8 a.m., Mansfield City Lake.
By Ryan McGeeney U of A System Division of Agriculture
As highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is detected in cattle in a growing number of states, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has issued an order restricting livestock exhibiting symptoms or testing positive for the virus from entering the state.
Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said Arkansas has seen no reports of cattle infected with the virus within its borders. Additionally, there have been no reports of bird flu in Arkansas commercial poultry production facilities or backyard “hobby flocks” since December 2023.
“So far, we’re doing quite well,” Clark said. “I won’t say we’re safe. We need everyone to maintain good biosecurity practices.”
Clark is also the associate director of the Division of Agriculture’s Poultry Center.
Per an April 5 letter from Arkansas State Veterinarian John Nilz:
No dairy cattle exhibiting symptoms of or testing positive for HPAI shall be allowed to move into Arkansas.
No dairy cattle from states with impacted herds shall be allowed to move into Arkansas.
Livestock moving into Arkansas found to be in non-compliance with this order shall be quarantined to the nearest facility until all requirements are met on said animals to meet specifications.
“This is still an unfolding issue,” Clark said. As of April 15, USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service reported confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle in eight states, including Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina. All of the reported cases have been in dairy milking cattle.
Clark said that since February 2022, more than 90 million birds in the United States have been affected by the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
“It’s been detected in about 480 commercial flocks and 645 hobby flocks,” Clark said.
According to an April 16 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, more than 8.5 million birds had been affected within the previous 30 days. While HPAI has been detected in 48 states over the last two years, it has only been reported in eight states — Michigan, Florida, New Mexico, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, North Carolina and Maine — during that 30-day period.
“Two of the largest of those were table egg flocks in Michigan,” Clark said. “One with more than 2 million birds, the other slightly less than 2 million birds. Then there was a commercial table egg flock in Texas that was more than 1.8 million birds. Those were the biggest in the last 30 days.”
Clark said that while USDA and the state veterinarian outlined clear biosecurity guidelines for
the transportation of poultry for both commercial producers and backyard hobbyists, one factor that can’t be controlled is the presence of wild birds.
“Don’t expose your hobby flock birds to wild waterfowl,” Clark said. “Keep them penned up at this point in time, while the migration is still going on. Don’t let them range and keep them away from water sources that may have had wild waterfowl on them, such as a pond.
“If you go somewhere such as a park and there’s a pond there, stay away from it,” he said. “When you go home, clean and disinfect your shoes and change clothes before you visit your own poultry.”
Many public resources are available to help individuals establish good biosecurity measures and assess the possibility of an infected herd or flock, including the USDA’s HPAI biosecurity factsheet, the Division of Agriculture’s biosecurity resources page and the Arkansas Department of Health’s HPAI page. Individuals who think they may have an infected bird should consult their veterinarian or call the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746.
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.
By Tracy Courage U of A System Division of Agriculture
There’s good news for Arkansans looking forward to strawberry seasons: There’s no more waiting. This year’s strawberries arrived one to two weeks earlier this month, with the season expected to peak in late April or early May. “Normally our peak is closer to Mother’s Day, but we’ll peak earlier this year,” said Amanda McWhirt, extension fruit and vegetable horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The temps warmed up earlier this year, and we were able to protect the plants through the cool spells. We may have had a little damage to the crowns from that ice and snow we had, but we were able to get row covers on them. With warm days in March, the plants started coming out of dormancy and started growing.” Strawberries suffer damage when temperatures dip below freezing, but most growers were able to get row crop covers on their plants. Randy Arnold, president of the Mid-American Strawberry Growers Association, said he’s seen just a little damage to some of his 75,000 strawberry plants at this farm near Alma. “I’m realizing just a little damage and seeing the smaller nubbins,” which he sells as seconds, he said.Arnold picked his first strawberry on April 1 and has been picking ever since to keep pace with demand. There’s often a waiting list at the Arnold Family farm Store on Highway 71 in Alma. “The demand is as big as I’ve seen it,” he said. “We picked 900 pounds today, and they were gone by 1:30 p.m.” In Central Arkansas, Barnhill Orchards was busy picking and selling quarts of berries at its drive-through at 277 Sandhill Road in Lonoke. “Our berries came in about a week early,” said Ekko Barnhill, who manages sales. “We have a new variety we are using — Ruby Junes. They are big strawberries, very red and sweet. Our customers absolutely love them.”
Barnhill said her family planted 8 acres of berries this year, one more acre than last year. She expects peak harvest around the first or second week in May.
“As the temp gets warmer, the berries put on faster,” she said. “The extra heat makes them a little sweeter, too.”
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
When singing the song, “Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam,” people do not think of Arkansas yet thousands of buffalo once lived in the state. In 1540, Desoto reported seeing numerous buffalo as he crossed the state as did LaSalle a century later. When William Dunbar made his expedition across the state in 1804, he reported they fed off the numerous deer and turkey but were not able to bring down the huge buffalo with the rifles that they carried. He did comment on the many salt springs in the area which were referred to as “buffalo licks.” The many salt licks eventually lead to the entire county being called Saline or salt county. Colonel Richard Dodge reported encountering a massive herd of Arkansas buffalo in one of his 1860’s memoires. Further north, the Buffalo River was named for the famous animal and was often labeled on maps as the Buffalo tributary of the White river. Reportedly, the last buffalo in the state was killed in Saline County shortly after the ending of the Civil War.
It is estimated that more than 60 million buffalo were once found in the U.S. and herds were found from the Rocky Mountains all the way into New York. Woodland buffalo, slightly larger and blockier than the plains buffalo, ran in smaller herds in the more forested areas of the state. Both they and the plains buffalo were found in Arkansas. Both were hunted by the Native American tribes and were a major source of food. Off Bear Gap trail on the south side of Magazine Mountain is what is thought to be a buffalo jump. A buffalo jump is a cliff formation where drive lanes funneled herds of animals over a cliff wall to their death. Bear Gap, a natural declivity in the rock formation, was used to push the animals toward a constructed rock wall which would then force the animal over the cliff. Although unconfirmed, lichen deposits and construction of the wall appears to predate American settlers.
The Grand Prairie of Franklin and Sebastian county once contained large numbers of buffalo. Both Spanish and French trappers visited the area and exchanged beads and trade goods for the meat and hides from the buffalo. The exchange or trading port on the Arkansas river was called Lavaca (the cow in Spanish) and lead to the naming of the present day town. The river bisecting Sebastian County is called Vache Grasse, the French name for fat cow. In both instances, the cow they were referring to was the buffalo.
The American buffalo is really not a buffalo but a bison. The shaggy, brown-haired animal can reach heights exceeding six feet tall, nine feet long, and over a ton in weight. In Yellowstone, I once saw a buffalo cow taking on a herd of wolves while protecting her calf. Charging, she would place her head near the earth and pick up and toss the wolves in every direction. A majestic animal, the buffalo could easily have become our national symbol. Once more common place in our state than the elk, it would be fantastic to see small numbers reintroduced into the wild in our state and national forestland of the Ouachita and Ozark mountains.
LAVACA– Feature stories on athletes, coaches, and fans across our company’s footprint are some of the most enjoyable stories we have the pleasure to bring to you from RNN Sports.
And when our office was contacted with the suggestion of writing a story on a father and son who are coaching at Lavaca High School, we jumped at the opportunity.
Longtime Lavaca coach, Mark Headley, is finishing his 27th year in education. And as a bonus to his coaching career, Coach Headley had the pleasure of coaching with his son, Hayden, over the past 2023-24 school year. A rare pleasure for coaches, and one that makes for a great story in River Valley sports.
Recently, RNN Sports had the opportunity to visit with Coach Mark Headley in a telephone interview for this story. And in doing so, we were in for a surprise.
Coach Headley told us that it was coincidental that we had contacted him to do this story. You see, it just happens that this current school year will be his last to coach at Lavaca. Mark is set to become the district’s athletic director starting next school year. So, as fate would have it, the timing of this story could not have been better.
In our experiences and interactions with the many coaches across the River Valley, it has and continues to be our pleasure and privilege to interact with so many quality people who dedicate their careers to making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
And longtime Lavaca coaching legend, Mark Headley, is certainly no exception. He cares deeply about making a positive difference in the lives of young people, and he is a credit to the Lavaca community and the coaching profession.
Coach Headley graciously agreed to take the time for an interview, and we thank him for doing so and for contributing to this story.
Our conversation began with his tenure at Lavaca as a coach. Coach Headley began by saying, “This is year twenty-seven. I started at Lavaca when I was 22 after graduating from Arkansas Tech. Originally, I was just going to take an elementary physical education job, and then a coaching position became open. So, I applied and was eventually paired as an assistant coach and an elementary PE teacher. I went to high school at Lavaca and graduated in 1992. I tell people pretty much that I bleed purple and gold. I married a Lavaca girl, Dasha Helms, and I am a Lavaca Golden Arrow, 100%.”
We talked a little about the Lavaca football program and the upward trajectory the program has experienced over the past four years. Coach explained, “I really feel like coaching is a calling, and I tried to live it like that. We’ve been competitive at times, and we had some rough years. But my wife was always good about reminding me what we are in it for, and one of the biggest things that I have enjoyed about my time at Lavaca has been about the relationships. I think that everything in education is about relationships with your players, co-workers, and assistant coaches. So that has been a big goal of mine. I have coached every sport here, boys and girls, except for cross country and golf. So, I’ve tried to make not only a good athlete on the field, but hopefully that can learn something that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Knowing a little bit about how the coaching profession works and how opportunities in larger markets can present themselves, we asked Coach Headley about turning down such opportunities to remain at Lavaca his entire career. That scenario is becoming increasingly rare in the profession as coaches climb the career ladder to bigger and more high-profile positions.
When I asked Coach about this, he replied, “I have had some offers and have visited with other people (representatives of other districts). But ultimately, it has always come down to this (Lavaca) being my home. “Small Town USA” seems to be pushed aside a little bit, and I am still all about that. I believe in community, and I believe in relationships with the people in the community. It has been important to me. I have invested into it and so have my wife and kids. That is our whole life.”
From the athletes’ standpoint, it is reassuring to have stability in the school’s coaching staff. Knowing who your coach will be and that it is unlikely to have an abrupt coaching change, is comforting to players. Coach Headley continues to be a trusted member of the staff that brings stability to Lavaca athletics. It is rare to see in today’s world, and Lavaca is very fortunate to be the beneficiary of his long-term commitment to the Arrows athletic department.
And that long-term commitment will continue next year for Coach Headley. Coach will begin the 2024-25 school year as the district’s athletic director. In doing so, he will bring a unique awareness of both history and vision to the Arrow’s athletic department. Although fans may not see him coaching on the field, Coach Headley will continue to work behind the scenes, having a positive impact on Lavaca sports with his guidance and support of all athletic programs in the district. Again, Lavaca is very fortunate to have a high character and successful coach of over 27 years leading and mentoring the younger and future coaches at Lavaca.
Coach Headley has had a positive impact on coaches around him his entire career. But perhaps none more meaningful and fulfilling than that of the past school year when he had the opportunity to coach with his son, Hayden.
Coach Mark Headley and his son, Hayden, after Lavaca won the state baseball championship in 2001 (Image provided by Mark Headley to RNN Sports)
The obvious first question I asked Coach Headley was how it had been coaching both football and baseball this past school year with his son, Hayden. Coach quickly responded, saying, “It has been pretty cool. This is my last year to coach, and I was blessed to be able to hire Hayden. I honestly didn’t know that everything was going to work out that I was going to step down this year. But it is neat now looking back that his first year to coach was my last.”
One of Coach Headley’s first tasks will be to recommend his successors for both football and baseball. Coach shared that the district is in the early stages of those processes. Coach indicated that he will be involved along with the high school principal and the rest of the administration in both searches.
Lavaca should attract a lot of interest from coaches across the state. Lavaca has good programs, a good school system, and a community that is supportive and offers a good quality of life.
Coach expounded on this by saying, “Small school programs, you are going to cycle through sometimes with good groups and some years not-so-talented groups. But you have to love them all and coach them all. I’ve enjoyed that process. It’s stressful at times because some years you will have groups where you really have to coach them up and just do the best you can and still love them. One of the things that I try to impress upon our younger coaches is that you have to give them (players) time. It’s one of those things that I believe in kids; and I have seen kids that come on in the 7th grade and you might not think they were going to develop into good players in high school go on to do great things later as athletes (speaking of their development as players.) It is important because, you know as well as I do, that some of these kids will mature and suddenly they are ready to play. I think sometimes we write off some kids way too early. I think it is important for our coaches to build that relationship and stick with them (the players). Our kids want to be a part of the program, and we need to help them get there (in their development as players.)”
Coach Headley shared that the Lavaca school district administration and school board were very supportive in the hire of his son, Hayden. And with Coach’s move from coaching to a new role as athletic director, Hayden’s assignment next year has not been finalized yet as of the deadline for this story. But that decision, along with others that will be made for next year, are now ongoing and are expected to be finalized soon.
Coach Headley described Hayden by saying, “Hayden is really intrinsically driven. He just works hard at everything he does. My son enjoyed agriculture and animal science in school. He went on to get an animal sciences degree in college. So, I didn’t try to push him into coaching or push hin into education. He later worked at another business for a few years and then we ended up hiring here at Lavaca as our maintenance director. Hayden had helped and volunteered a little bit with us in both practices and games. He eventually came to me and said, “Dad, I think I would like to get into coaching.” So, like I have said, I think coaching is a calling. It’s not just a job. He goes back, passes the PRAXIS (teachers’ exam) and is in a masters degree program now. Now, I know he is where he needs to be. He has great drive, and he motivates me, honestly. He brings great energy and excitement back to our programs.”
Coach Mark Headley earlier coaching days with his son, Hayden. (Image courtesy of Mark Headley)
As we wrapped up our visit, Coach Headley shared with me what coaching is in his opinion. Coach said, “It can’t just be showing up. You have to know that the reason you are there is to have a positive influence on kids. Whether it is in the classroom or on the field or court, a coach can affect more people in a year that other people can in a lifetime. More and more, we (coaches) are seeing kids more each day than their parents are. So, you (coaches) better be doing it right. And I will tell you, that is a burden for me. I have had a lot of good winning seasons and I have had some losing seasons. But I hope at the end of the day, it wasn’t just about the wins and losses. Believe me, I want to win, just like any other coach. But if that is all it has been about, and it has not been about the impact I have had on kids, then it has not been worth it.”
Coach Mark Headley will now pass the coaching torch to his son, Hayden. And my bet is that the caring and high integrity career of Mark Headley will continue long after Coach Headley’s eventual retirement. But for now, it will remain a family affair in Lavaca as Mark Headley, athletic director, will continue to see his son move on with his young coaching career.
It is a great story and is one that all community patrons in Lavaca can take great pride in knowing that their schools continue to have great character on their coaching staff.
Thanks again to coach Mark Headley, and we wish him and Hayden the best of success as they both move forward in their respective careers.
The college track schedule for the 2024 season has had its twists and turns. For the second time in a matter of weeks, former Mansfield All-State athletes found themselves in the same location once again competing on opposite teams.
Ouachita Baptist sophomore Darby Jones and UA Rich Mountain freshman Jadelynn Wood cheered each other on in different races at the Bison Open hosted by Harding University in Searcy. The collegiate pair once earned their racing stripes along the track and cross country courses of Mansfield HIgh School. Now, the two are giving their best efforts to their respective universities as they work towards post-secondary degrees.
Between the two, they have navigated track meets this season within the borders of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. It was at nearby meets in Conway and Searcy the former Lady Tigers crossed paths and got a chance to catch up.
“The race went pretty well,” explained Jones in a message describing her April 6 trip to Searcy. “I got boxed in pretty badly at the start but ran a 6:11. Overall, I had a good time and I’m feeling excited for the conference!”
OBU will run their conference meet in Magnolia. The Great American Conference Championships will begin May 2 and continue through May 4.
Wood made an appearance in Waldron on April 4 prior to her trip to Searcy. She and her coach, Samantha Shores, were there in part to scout local talent participating at the Gaile Hainley Senior High Relays. As Wood’s younger sister Laney was in attendance competing for the Mansfield Lady Tigers, the trip made an extra incentive.
Traveling east a few days later, the older Wood ran the 800m run at the Bison Open. Her finish for the two lap race on Harding’s all-weather surface was recorded at 2:43.07. The time was 8 seconds faster than her first race of the season but short of her 2:34.20 personal best set at the Richard Martin Invitational at UCA.
“The race wasn’t that good today,” noted Wood on her latest track result. “I may have gone out too fast on my first lap.”
Wood acknowledged that her junior college doesn’t have a conference meet. According to her, that leaves little time before finals and the end of the semester to make another big splash.
By Mary Hightower U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
As avian influenza cases rise, will consumers be paying higher prices again for eggs?
“It’s too soon to tell,” said Jada Thompson, agricultural economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Avian influenza was blamed for higher egg prices in 2023, which peaked at $4.82 per dozen in January, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. By September 2023, as the supply chain recovered, egg prices dipped to $2.07 per dozen. However, prices rose again, hitting $2.99 in March 2024.
In early April, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the nation’s largest producer of fresh eggs, said it had to destroy more than a million laying hens and more than 337,000 pullets after highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected at its facility in Parmer County, Texas. A pullet is a hen that has not begun to lay eggs.
“I don’t think this one outbreak is enough to make us see the high fluctuations we have seen,” Thompson said.
She said there are two reasons for this, “one, we haven’t had the consistent barrage against the egg industry in the same way, which meant that one large complex like this event may cause some regional price changes but won’t compound the overall price situation.
“Two, the replenishment stocks aren’t as impacted as before,” Thompson said. “Before, we had outbreaks on egg premises and on pullet and parent stock premises, meaning the birds that would replace the ones that got sick were also in short supply. That isn’t the same shortage as before, so the impact won’t take as long to recover — hopefully.”
Egg producers have also taken actions to prevent a repeat of 2023.
“Egg prices are based on current supply,” Thompson said. “I believe the market has tried to increase stocks of birds and likely are trying to compensate for potential losses.
“While you can’t predict a million-bird complex becoming infected, more replenishment stocks and a general wariness leads to substantial preparations and that is helpful for business continuity and market consistency,” she said.
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.
DeMaris Diane Pugh Barnett, 54, of Greenwood, Arkansas, passed away on April 15, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. DeMaris accepted Jesus as her savior at an early age and lived her life as a Christian. Born on February 20, 1970 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Larry Duane and Sherri Elaine Ellington Pugh. DeMaris grew up in Waldron, Arkansas and married Danny Barnett also of Waldron in 1991. DeMaris drew strength from a supportive family. Even though Danny’s job took him away from Arkansas, he worked hard, provided for and loved his family. DeMaris always wanted to be a mother. She and Danny were blessed with two boys, Nicholas Allen and Daly Austin. DeMaris was an awesome mom.
DeMaris was athletic. She was an All-State Volleyball player in high school. DeMaris played the French horn and was drum major in her high school band. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Central Arkansas and two Master’s Degrees from the University of Arkansas in Special Education and Educational Leadership. She went on to a career in teaching and leading Special Education and Federal Programs. She was the Director of Special Education for the Greenwood Arkansas School District where she worked since 2004. DeMaris also worked for the school districts in Huntsville, Waldron and Booneville, Arkansas. She had an impact on many children with special needs and their families. She was a mentor to younger professionals and seemed to always know how to handle a particularly delicate situation. DeMaris was known for her involvement in Special Olympics and promoting mental health services in the schools.
DeMaris leaves behind a loving family, including her husband, Danny Barnett, two children, Nicholas and Daly Barnett. DeMaris leaves behind mothers Sherri Ellington McLaughlin of Kansas City, Missouri and Carolyn Fielding Pugh of Waldron, Arkansas; sisters Dana Stockton with husband Donald of Waldron, Arkansas and DuLane Gash with husband Darryl Gash of Bryant, Arkansas and nephews Clayton and Eric Stockton, as well as many friends whom she thought of as family. DeMaris also leaves behind her puppies Lizzie Beth and Ollie and three cats.
DeMaris was preceded in death by her father, Larry Pugh, grandparents Nita & Everett (Mamaw & Papaw) Ellington and Inez & RC “Bud” (Nanny & Grandad) Pugh.
DeMaris loved animals. She got her first cat when she moved to college her freshman year, Cleopatra. As soon as she had her own place, she and Danny immediately got two dogs, Samantha and Abby, then later Scooby. DeMaris always had many dogs and cats. She fed the birds in her backyard because she and her pets enjoyed watching them. DeMaris was a strong swimmer and enjoyed being in and around the water. DeMaris spent several summers as a lifeguard in Waldron. DeMaris was a die-hard Razorback fan. She enjoyed attending football, baseball and basketball games. She was an avid reader and often enjoyed sharing books with her sisters and friends. DeMaris enjoyed watching movies with her family and friends. She particularly liked Marvel movies and funny movies. DeMaris was always there to help those in need. She opened her home and her life to many. DeMaris loved driving her Volkswagen beetle convertible.
DeMaris’ memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. A visitation will be held at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Greenwood Special Olympics 316 North Daisy Street, Greenwood, AR 72936.
DeMaris left us much too soon. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her kindness and love.
