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City of Greenwood Recognized Tree City USA

Tammy Teague
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City of Greenwood Recognized Tree City USA

The City of Greenwood has once again been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as “Tree City USA.” The city has been acknowledged by the foundation for the past six years.

According to their website, the Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.
PROGRAM HISTORY
Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs. Our founders had a vision for a greener, healthier America, and hoped this initiative would inspire change on a nationwide level.
The first Tree City USA cohort was comprised of 42 communities in 16 states. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
The first Tree City USA cohort was comprised of 42 communities in 16 states. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
We’ve seen a lot of change over the years — but our participants’ passion for trees has remained the same.

A thriving urban forest offers many advantages to communities. Here are just a few:

  • Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%. 
  • Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without. 
  • Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds. 
  • Homes with trees have higher property values. 
  • Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health. 
  • Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change. 

Other cities in Arkansas recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation include: Batesville, Bella Vista, Bentonville, Casa, Centerton, Clarksville, Conway, Cotter, Delight, Etowah, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Gassville, Gentry, Gilbert, Goshen, Greenbrier, Hardy, Holiday Island, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Leslie, Little Rock, Little Rock AFB, Lowell, Marvell, Maumelle, McGehee, Melbourne, Monticello, Morrilton, Mountain Home, Mountain View, North Little Rock, Osceola, Paragould, Pine Bluff, Pleasant Plains, Prescott, Rogers, Searcy, Springdale, Star City, Trumann, Walnut Ridge, Warren, West Fork, Winslow, and Wynne.

City to Host Town Hall to Discuss Proposed RV Park

Tammy Teague
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City to Host Town Hall to Discuss Proposed RV Park

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, March 21 at 6 p.m. Members of the council present included James Steele, Glen Hurt, Beverly Lyons, and Sheri Hopkins. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black, Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker, and City Attorney Travis Plummer. Council members Julie Thomas and Boyd Farmer were not present.

After approving the minutes and financial reports from previous meetings, the council heard the city services reports.

Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 31 calls for the month, four fire and 27 EMS. Additionally, that the new sirens had been installed and that he was still waiting for the solar panels to be installed to have the system fully operational via radio. Until that time, the system can still be used manually. Lastly, Smith noted the preparations being done for the upcoming solar eclipse event.

Police Chief Wayne Robb reported 42 total calls, eight agency assists, two total school calls, seven medical calls, 10 total incident and arrest reports, two accident reports, one DWI arrest, two drug arrests, seven adult arrests, two juvenile arrests and two animal calls. His department had a total of three training hours.

Mayor Black read aloud the public works department report, which included 141 service orders completed, 111 One Call requests completed, two leaks repaired on the main line of Hub Brooks Rd., and a main line and service line repaired on Franklin St. The report also reflected that the department had filled multiple potholes and cut and patched other areas, and that work on the streets was ongoing. Additionally, the aerator pumps at the sewer plant had been installed, two manholes had been repaired, new sensors and telemetry equipment had been installed, and a new water/trash pump and service line puller had been purchased to aid in water line repair. Lastly the report stated that both trash trucks were up and running again.

City Attorney Travis Plummer relayed to the council that he had heard from State Representative Marcus Richmond regarding a city official receiving pay from two different offices but is waiting on a ruling from the attorney general’s office.

In matters of unfinished business, the council discussed allowing the RV park proposed at the intersection of N. Caldwell and E. Center St., adjacent to the Mansfield Elementary School. “It is not prudent or wise to approve that RV park so close to a school zone,” stated Steele. “I agree,” responded Hopkins, “there are kids that walk that way home, and I just don’t feel like the location is good.” Lyons proposed a meeting with the members of the community to receive their input on the proposed RV park. “We are here to represent the people, and I have had some tell me they are for it, and others against it. Why don’t we have a meeting so they can come and give their input.” Mayor Black summed that he would work to secure a date and time to hold a town hall meeting on the proposal.

In items of new business, the council voted to allow the public works employees to brush hog the outer perimeter of the Johnny Cake Baseball Fields during the 2024 season. Additionally, the council approved an ordinance regarding meter box replacement.

In the last item of new business, the addition of a new member of the volunteer fire department. The council voted unanimously to approve John Cochran as a new fire fighter.

In comments and announcements, Mayor Black reminded everyone of the upcoming citywide cleanup dates, and the solar eclipse festival, planned for April 6.

With no other items of business remaining on the agenda, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

The perennial puzzle: Deciding whether to fertilize your pasture in the spring

Tammy Teague
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The perennial puzzle: Deciding whether to fertilize your pasture in the spring

By the U of A System Division of Agriculture

For many producers in Arkansas, fertilization in the spring isn’t so much a tradition as it is a necessity, along with crop rotation and soil testing. For pasture managers, however, the decision of whether to fertilize a grazing area depends on several factors that can change from year to year.

Dirk Philipp, associate professor of forage agronomy for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that it all comes down to what your soil really needs.

“Fertilizer is an expensive input to livestock agriculture,” Philipp said. “The basis for the decision when and how much to apply is a regular soil sampling plan.”

At a minimum, Philipp said, soil samples should be taken every two years.

“Not only will this help producers fertilize pastures in a more targeted fashion, it also serves to record how much soil fertility changes over time,” he said.

The Cooperative Extension Service provides cost-free soil analysis. Arkansans can find their nearest extension office in extension’s online directory.

Once growers receive their results, Philipp said, they should carefully check the recommendations, particularly the pH balance of the soil as well as the potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen levels.

“It’s important to know the acidity of your soils,” Philipp said. “It’s no problem if it’s about 6.0 — many pastures are — but avoid letting it drop too low. Bringing it back up will take time and easily require a couple of tons of lime per acre.”

Likewise, pastures that have historically been fertilized with chicken litter won’t normally be phosphorous-deficient, but growers should try and keep their levels well within the normal range so that they have “room to spare” in changing conditions, Philipp said.

“Potassium is an important element for plant cell function and one that affects plant health and productivity immediately,” he said. “Unfortunately, it is also quite expensive to apply.”

Philipp encourages growers to keep adequate potassium levels in soil, so they don’t find themselves suddenly needing to make large investments in the nutrient.

“Both phosphorous and potassium can be applied in advance, so if you know how much might be missing, you can fit those in your budget better,” he said.

Nitrogen, Philipp said, is the most limiting nutrient for plant growth and should be applied right when it’s needed.

“Keep in mind that both cool and warm season plants grow most rapidly in spring because of increasing day length and temperatures,” he said. “They will substantially reduce their growth rates during fall due to decreasing day length and temperatures.”

Timely application is important, Philipp said, but can mean different things, such as:

  • Before a rain shower, when growers actually can get into the field
  • After a hay cut, when large amounts of nutrients are removed
  • At the beginning of the growing season, if a producer wants to apply a blend of all NPK
  • If poultry litter is available, depending on one’s timeline for cleanout and delivery.

“These are all valid compromises you may have to make,” Philipp said.

When it comes to linking fertilization with pasture management, producers may need to address an additional host of issues, he said.

“When applying nitrogen to tall fescue in spring, are you able to actually graze it off and avoid fescue toxicity as much as possible? You may be better off applying it in early September for stockpiling,” Philipp said.

“Some forages, such as orchardgrass, definitely need additional nitrogen to be productive, while tall fescue is less sensitive to skipping a year,” he said. “Native warm season grasses can do without nitrogen fertilization for a long time. Hay crops of any kind including summer annual forages require a fertilizer budget and should be planned accordingly.”

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.

Commission hears response from regulations proposals 

Tammy Teague
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Commission hears response from regulations proposals 

By Randy Zellers

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission had a busy two-day meeting at The Lodge at Mount Magazine Wednesday and Thursday with topics ranging from using dogs to pursue deer to conservation programs improving thousands of acres of wildlife habitat on private land. 

Thursday’s meeting opened with a group of speakers voicing concerns about a proposed regulation change which would require all dogs pursuing game in Arkansas to be outfitted with a tracking collar capable of GPS location and remote correction. Jan Jones, president of Arkansas Dog Hunters, and Ronnie Powell, president of Scott County Fox, Wolf and Deer Hunters Association, spoke in representation of the hunters who would be impacted by the requirement. Arkansas dog hunting enthusiast Lee Kuykendall also spoke to the Commission during briefings held Wednesday. Chief among their concerns was the cost of equipment required to satisfy the regulation change and it being burdensome on many hunters who do not have the financial means to acquire it. Kuykendall also spoke about limitations of current electric collar technology and its inability to correct a dog from crossing a property line without adversely affecting the dog’s future ability to hunt.

Arkansas State Senator Terry Rice was one of three representatives from the Arkansas General Assembly who spoke in representation of their constituents about the proposal. Rice said he understood and appreciated the position in which Commissioners are placed, balancing the needs of the hunters who are passionate about deer hunting using dogs and landowners who have had repeated issues with trespassing and dogs disturbing their hunts.

“We’ve got to find some kind of option that can be worked out that can be as fair as possible,” Rice said.

Commissioners and AGFC Director Austin Booth all echoed Rice’s sentiment of trying to come up with solutions that balance enjoyable hunting opportunities for everyone and the rights of landowners and leaseholders who want a different hunting experience. They asked members of the dog hunting community to pose some alternatives to the proposed regulation that would work.

“We want to come up with some solution,” Commission Chairman Stan Jones said. “We absolutely don’t want to take away what you’ve done all your lives.”

AGFC Fisheries Chief Tommy Laird introduced two proposals to clarify existing fisheries regulations to the regulations package:

  • Continue the removal of bag limits on Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir during the lake’s renovation.
  • Clarify the code concerning largemouth bass size limits on Tommy L. Sproles Lake Pickthorne. The change to a daily limit of 2 with only one exceeding 21 inches was made in 2018 and is reflected in the Fishing Guidebook and signage at the lake, but code language was not updated at that time.    

Commissioners also asked staff to draft code language and proposals to add three additional changes to the regulations package for consideration in April. 

  • Remove the restriction of motion decoys for waterfowl hunting on AGFC-owned wildlife management areas;
  • Allow certain weapons capable of firing straight-walled ammunition of .30 caliber or larger during the statewide muzzleloader season, and
  • Replace the current 3-day trip fishing license with a 4-day trip fishing license at the same price. (This change would be contingent upon approval by the Arkansas General Assembly.)

Although the change to muzzleloader season was not proposed as an official rule change in the public comment survey conducted in February and early March, it received numerous comments. The change to again allow motion decoys on WMAs during duck season comes from communications with hunters who wish to see more consistent regulations for private and public land hunters and the desire to use additional types of decoys to add motion to their spread.  

The two newest proposals will be available in an additional public comment survey, available for input through March 31 here. 

The Commission is expected to hear the first reading of these additional proposed regulations at its April 10-11 meeting, and will vote on the final regulations in May.

The Commission also heard from Koen Masingale, a 12-year-old hunter who shared pictures of his journey into hunting and angling thanks to his parents and getting involved in programs offered at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. Masingale has competed and won at the AGFC’s Marksmanship Challenge and Big Squirrel Challenge and has attended many educational programs held at the center. He recently signed up to participate in the 2024 Archery in the Schools Program and had the highest single score of any student in the Elementary and Middle School Division. 

“I’m in a virtual school, most of my recess is fishing or hunting,” Masingale said. “But I didn’t know I could participate at first. Kendra at the center let me know I could enter, and I had a great time.”

In other business, the Commission:

  • Heard an update on the 2023 Arkansas black bear harvest from Large Carnivore Program Coordinator Myron Means. [CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENT]
  • Heard an update on the agency’s new Conservation Incentive Program from Private Lands Habitat Division Program Coordinator Michelle Furr. [CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENT]
  • Heard from local hunter and angler Paul Reames about his experience growing up in the outdoors of Logan County. [CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENT]
  • Heard an update on the agency’s Recreational Shooting Division from Division Chief Jose Jimenez, Youth Shooting Sports Coordinator Jimmy Self and newly promoted Archery in the Schools Coordinator Aimee Swaim. 
  • Heard an update on the incredible growth of the agency’s Fishing in the Natural State Program by FINS Coordinator Bo Davidson. 
  • Awarded retiring wildlife officer Cpl. John Partain his service sidearm for 37 years of service to the AGFC. [CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENT]
  • Awarded retiring wildlife officer Cpl. Andy Smith his service sidearm for 28 years of service to the AGFC. [CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENT]

Paris Baseball Success Rides into Final Month of Conference Play

Jim Best
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Paris Baseball Success Rides into Final Month of Conference Play

PARIS– Coach Josh Hart’s Paris Eagles baseball team is riding high as they enter the final month of conference play in April. The conference season will conclude on April 25 with the district tournament being held at the end of the month.

At deadline time for this story (March 22) Paris was ending spring break and preparing to resume the regular season schedule the following week. As of March 22, the Eagles’ overall record was 5-3 (excluding play in the Alma tournament held during spring break), and their conference record was 2-0. Paris ended conference play before going into the spring break week with conference wins over Two Rivers and Subiaco Academy.

The Eagles baseball program is no stranger to postseason play in recent years. Paris advanced to the state tournament semifinals in 2022 before losing to the eventual state champion, Harding Academy. The Eagles returned to postseason play in 2023, advancing again to the 3A Region 1 Tournament. Paris lost their regional first round game that year to Elkins.

In 2024, it appears that Hart’s Eagles baseball program will likely advance to the regional tournament for a third consecutive year. Paris is still a fairly young ballclub, and the Paris baseball program’s future is bright.

After opening the season with losses to Ozark, Van Buren, and Clarksville, Paris has fought their way back with non-conference wins over County Line, Lamar, and Atkins. In conference play, Paris has wins over Two Rivers and regional tournament contender Subiaco Academy. Paris was to play conference favorite Booneville before spring break, but that game will be rescheduled due to rain.

With a little less than one month remaining in the regular season, Paris has conference games remaining with Danville, Cossatot River, Charleston, Hackett, and Cedarville. Realistically, the Eagles could be in a battle for all four top seeds in the postseason district tournament. Key games with Booneville, Charleston, and Danville will likely determine the order of seedings in the district tournament.

Eagles fans can track their team’s progress by clicking on this link that will take you to the live updates for the Paris baseball schedule. Our online readers can click on this link to be redirected to Scorebook Live’s up-to-date schedule and results: Paris Eagles Baseball Schedule – Paris, AR – scorebooklive.com

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Tammy Teague
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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! We have had spring, summer and winter this week. Hope everyone has enjoyed spring break. I know all the kiddos have. It usually rains the whole week, so that was a plus for us.

I saw on Facebook where a lot of people went on trips and cruises and looks like they had a great time. As most people know, when you are going to be gone out of state, notify your bank so we can put in a travel so you can use your debit card. There is always a few that don’t do that and that’s who I am going to tell you about this week. He is my nephew. He is smart, and a good person, but…he went out of town a couple years ago and did not notify his bank he was traveling. They could see his wife had used her card out of the state, so the bank blocked their debit cards. Well, my nephew had not used his on the trip, so he had no clue they had blocked the cards, and his wife just thought something was wrong with the debit card machine at the store. He made it back to the lovely state of Arkansas and he decides to take his youngest daughter to Braums for breakfast. They wait in line and finally make it up to the register to order their breakfast and you guessed it, his card was declined. He is telling the cashier he has no clue why it won’t work and in front of everyone in the line and whole restaurant, she says in a real loud voice, “you don’t have any money!” At this time everyone is staring, and my great niece is crying her eyes out at this spectacle he made in Braums. I love telling this story it makes me laugh every time he tells it.

I know y’all know who I am talking about because I only have one nephew that lives close to me that has three daughters. The moral of this story is: make sure when traveling, let your bank ladies know so we can take care of you. If you are wondering, yes, the little girl got her breakfast. He fumbled around and found a credit card and used that. I hope everyone is rested up and ready to get back to the grind on Monday. This recipe is easy as pie, literally. I have not had time to make this recipe, so if you do let me know how it turns out.

KOOL-AID PIE
1 store bough graham cracker pie crust
1 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 package of Kool-Aid (your choice – lemonade, strawberry, cherry, anything you think would taste good.)
Using a hand mixer, mix the Eagle brand condensed milk and dry Kool-Aid package until well combined. Then fold in the Cool Whip until light and fluffy. Pour it into the pie crust and refrigerate one hour before serving. The flavors are endless, and it is super quick and easy. Have a happy Easter!

Johnny Cake Ball Field Needs Your Help to Keep the Diamond Shining

Tammy Teague
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Johnny Cake Ball Field Needs Your Help to Keep the Diamond Shining

It’s an age-old problem: volunteers, financial resources and the lack thereof. Chris Williams, President of the Johnny Cake Baseball Association in Mansfield, noted that their situation is no different, and help is needed.

”We are using two mowers that are 20+ years old and we are trying to raise the funds to buy one. Hopefully we can get a grant to buy a second mower for next season. We also extended the bathrooms so there will be more than one toilet for each gender now. I have it framed and roofed. It will need siding, three toilets, two urinals, two sinks, and two handicap doors. The existing bathrooms, someone kicked the doors in and busted the frames, so two new doors and frames will also have to be purchased.” Williams went on to add that the siding is coming apart on the concession stand, the driveway and field are both washed out and in need of gravel/dirt.

“If we can get the bathrooms repaired and purchase a mower this year, then we can hopefully get a grant and finish the rest before next season. We would also like to put some playground equipment out there so the kids, who are not playing ball, have something to do.”

The Mansfield City Council voted to allow public works employees to brush hog the outside perimeter of the fields so that the association is only responsible for maintaining the rest during the 2024 season.

Williams and the ball association are asking for the assistance from the community to help make needed repairs and perform upkeep. Those who might be interested in either contributing labor, or making donations, can contact Williams at 479-561-5151.

Mansfield Football Beefs Up Non-Conference Schedule For 2024

Adam Hecox
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Mansfield Football Beefs Up Non-Conference Schedule For 2024

There always seems to be a lot of hype and excitement whenever it comes to schedule releases in the sport of football. Fans are often eager to see where they’re going for away games, what juggernauts or cupcakes their team will be playing, and try to predict their team’s win/loss record. Even though the first snap of a new season is almost half a year away, websites, forums, enormous magazines, and dinner table debates dedicated to the new season are already firing up and getting hot. After Mansfield’s extremely successful 2023 campaign under first-year head coach, Whit Overton, Tiger fans were eager to catch a glimpse at the 2024 schedule. Once released, some fans thought the changes were questionable while others openly accepted it as tough but manageable. The players, on the other hand, the players were downright excited to get a shot at testing their might against some stiff competition outside of the 3A-1.

The Mansfield versus Mena scrimmage has become a preseason staple for both programs and will continue in 2024.
Photo courtesy of Megan Hecox

Conference games are where the bread and butter of a team’s season is sorted out. Therefore, it is only right that those games would be the most critiqued when looking at a new schedule. With the 3A-1 not being affected by the AAA’s restructuring for this cycle, Tiger fans already knew what to expect in conference play. The non-conference games, on the other hand, can be a little more intriguing. Historically, Mansfield has always seemed to have their ups and downs with non-conference play over the years. From 2010 through 2015, the Tigers played Mena, Greenland, and Waldron for their warmup games. In 2016 and 2017, Mena was replaced by Lincoln while Greenland and Waldron stuck around. During that seven-year stretch, Mansfield went 10-14 against their non-conference foes. Hackett and Lavaca were not in the 3A-1 during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, so the neighboring rivals were inked in along with Waldron as the Tigers’ non-conference opponents which allowed Manfield to drum up a 6-0 non-conference record in the two-year span. The COVID years of 2020 and 2021 masked any previous successes Mansfield had though as the Tigers fell hard to Waldron and Elkins in 2020, had to cancel games against both teams in 2021, and only won two games in the time period both against Magazine. Then in 2022, the Tigers laid out a staircase non-conference schedule that saw Mansfield start with the Magazine Rattlers out of the 2A, move up to the Paris Eagles in the 3A, and finish their slate with their Scott County rivals, the Waldron Bulldogs, from the 4A. That particular layout saw Mansfield go 6-0 in non-conference play and was a good boost for the Tigers as they went on to make back-to-back State Playoff seasons.

The Battle of Scott County will be played this upcoming season and for the foreseeable future. ‘Nuff said.
Photo courtesy of Joey Bolin

With two successful years of proving the growth of the program in non-conference and conference play, the Tigers were looking for some stiffer competition for the 2024 season to keep from becoming merely a stagnant mid-card program in the state. It didn’t take long for Coach Overton and his staff to turn their gradual staircase non-conference schedule into an extension ladder of competition. The Tigers will maintain their annual scrimmage with Mena and continue the Battle of Scott County with Waldron in 2024. The changes will come from dropping Magazine and Paris on the Tiger’s non-conference slate and replacing them with a pair of larger hardnosed programs. The Bismarck Lions will be one of the teams filling the spots in the Tigers 2024 non-conference schedule. Bismarck, like Mansfield, stunned the state in 2023 with an under-the-radar performance that put them on the map. Going 10-3 overall and 6-1 in conference, Bismarck’s only losses were to the State Semifinalist and conference opponent, Glen Rose Beavers, and then twice to the State Runner-Up Prescott Curly Wolves. The Lions dismantled Hackett 42-13 in Round1 of the 2023 Playoffs and shocked Charleston 35-27 on their own turf in Round2 before being cut down by Prescott for the second time in the State Quarterfinals. Bismarck was affected by the AAAs conference shuffle and will face some tough teams out of the 3A-7 this year but will likely still be favored in the preseason polls in most of their games. Mansfield will travel to Bismarck for the first meeting between the two programs for Week1 of the season on Friday, August 30th.

Bismarck’s defense only allowed an average of 17.9 points per game last season.
Photo courtesy of Jim Best

Mansfield will host the Waldron Bulldogs for their annually anticipated Battle of Scott County on September 6th. The Tigers have owned this rivalry for the most part of two decades. Anything is possible in this rivalry, especially since the Bulldogs will have a new head coach for the third time in four years. The Tigers’ third and final non-conference game will be against a familiar foe from back in the day. The Lamar Warriors. Just as Mansfield has held a leash on Waldron in recent years, Lamar has had the Tigers by the tail dating back to 2011. The Warriors have an 8-2 record against Mansfield in the program’s previous ten meetings, all of which were when Lamar was in the 3A. Lamar moved up to the 4A in 2020 and earned a Round2 spot in the 4A Playoffs each year since. Now in the 4A-4, the Warriors will likely be one of the Top3 teams in the conference preseason rankings which makes their game against Mansfield a big match-up for both programs After the Tigers travel to Johnson County to play Lamar, they will be gifted with a bye week which will be a slight break from the non-conference pot before they enter the fire that is known as the 3A-1 conference.

Photo courtesy of Joey Bolin

They say iron sharpens iron, and if that is true, the Tigers should be able to cut through tungsten, chromium, and titanium going into their 2024 3A-1 conference schedule. Facing a 4A-4 team in a scrimmage followed up by two 4A-4 teams and an up-and-incoming 3A-7 program in non-conference play is a hefty bag to haul. It can also be a boost for the players, coaches, and fans if they’re successful. Many other premier programs in the state schedule larger teams for non-conference play all the time. Greenwood has made a habit of upsetting 7A teams nearly every year. Booneville faced a 5A and two 4A schools for non-conference play while Charleston took on three 4A teams last season. Even though both programs lost some of those games, they benefited greatly by doing so and finished first and second in the 3A-1. Mansfield is aiming to step up to the roles of a premiere team and the recipe to do so calls for the Tigers to step up in competition. Although it may seem a tad bit off to those used to a weaker or more evenly matched non-conference schedule each year, the 2024 Tigers are eager to stick their necks out there and prove themselves to the state right out of the gate.

A String Fort Smith presents Two Public Concerts featuring Chamber Music for Strings by G. F. Handel, Jean Sibelius, and G. P. Telemann

Tammy Teague
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A String Fort Smith presents Two Public Concerts featuring Chamber Music for Strings by G. F. Handel, Jean Sibelius, and G. P. Telemann

The opening concerts of A String Fort Smith’s 2024 Spring Season will take place on Thursday, April 4, at 6pm, at First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, and on Friday, April 5, at 7pm, in the sanctuary of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith. The performance will also be offered virtually in perpetuity on A String Fort Smith’s YouTube Channel. Repertoire to be performed includes: G. F. Handel’s Concerto in F Major for Organ and Orchestra, Op. 4 No. 4, HWV 292; Jean Sibelius’s Romance in C for String Orchestra; and G. P. Telemann’s Burlesque de Don Quichotte. Guest artist and virtuoso keyboard player, Benjamin Henderson, will be featured on organ and piano.

“As we welcome the arrival of spring, I’m so pleased to share the accomplishments of A String Fort Smith – a truly remarkable ensemble of young musicians, faculty, and guest artists – in two public performances. Now in our fourth season, our upcoming spring concerts offer a variety of beautiful chamber music by composers of the Baroque and Romantic periods. Our performances are free and open to all, and I look forward to welcoming everyone on these two occasions!” enthuses Lori Fay, Founder and Director of A String Fort Smith.

A String Fort Smith, founded in the summer of 2020 by Lori Fay, is aimed at fostering excellence and unprecedented performing opportunities for junior- and high-school aged students interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts. Assisted by four devoted colleagues – Anthony Verge, Assistant Director & violin; Barbara Godette, violoncello; Cory Winters, viola; and Nathan Boyd, double bass – A String Fort Smith participants are selected based on an audition.

The ensemble consists of the most advanced and dedicated students – approximately twelve to fifteen (12 to 15) per semester – who make a commitment to rehearse for one hour once per week, on Monday evenings at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith. Members of A String Fort Smith’s 2024 Spring Semester – all of whom won a spot in the ensemble based on their outstanding audition – are from a combination of Southside and Northside High Schools. Southside participants include: Rin Ahlert, Lydia Collins, Justin Han, Hiếu Le, and Omar Martinez, violin; Thanh Lu, viola; Tzideny Romero, violoncello; and Luis Galdamez and Adren Stahl, double bass. Northside participants include: Isaac Edwards and Trieu Le, violin; and Rylee Whittaker, violoncello. The ensemble is delighted to welcome back Gregory Allen, a graduate of Northside High School, as well as Tru Reynolds and Allijah Rutherford, currently enrolled at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS).

Members of the general public cherish performances by A String Fort Smith, not only because of Fay’s striking programming and the talented student participants, but because of an impressive array of guest artists and student soloists. The upcoming April 4th and 5th performances will be no exception.

Among the many highlights of the upcoming concerts by A String Fort Smith, will be an appearance by guest artist Benjamin Henderson, performing on both organ and piano. Benjamin Henderson is from Middletown, CT, and is the Director of Music and Organist at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. He received his Master of Music in organ performance at Rice University in the studio of Ken Cowan, his Bachelor of Music in organ performance from The Eastman School of Music in 2020, and at Eastman, was awarded the Performer’s Certificate while in the studio of Nathan Laube. He is an aspiring composer and enjoys singing.

Lori Fay, ASFS Founder & Director – photo credit Angela Kiefer

Founder and Director Lori Fay is a widely respected violinist, and brings years of symphony orchestra, chamber music, solo performing, and recording experience to the Fort Smith area where she resides. Ms. Fay received a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (Houston, TX), as well as a Master of Music in Teaching from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Oberlin, OH). Since settling in Fort Smith nearly 20 years ago and establishing a career as Associate Concertmaster of the Fort Smith Symphony, Co-Founder and Co-Director of DuoBrava (www.duobrava.com), private violin, viola, and piano instructor, and more, her passion remains working with young string players interested in improving their skills and deepening their love of music.

A String Fort Smith concerts are FREE, open to the public, and appropriate for the entire family. Fort Smith’s First Presbyterian Church and St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church are accessible for the physically impaired. For patrons who cannot attend in-person performances by A String Fort Smith, the April 5, 2024 performance will be offered virtually in perpetuity, on A String Fort Smith’s YouTube Channel. For more information about the work of A String Fort Smith, or for string players interested in auditioning for A String Fort Smith, please visit the website, at: www.astringfortsmith.com

Remote sensors record spring ‘gobbler talk’

Tammy Teague
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Remote sensors record spring ‘gobbler talk’

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is spying on a lot of “talking turkey” throughout the state, but they’re not eavesdropping on conversations at local coffee shops and gas pumps. The chatter they’re capturing is coming from male eastern wild turkeys making their presence known to hens before breeding season begins.

Each spring, male turkeys (gobblers) will call out with their namesake gobble to attract hens and show their dominance and suitability as a mate. Those gobbles don’t just attract hens; they’re also the trigger that gets thousands of turkey hunters fired up each spring to hike marathon distances through mountains and swamps in pursuit of their passion.

Just like males of most species, a few overeager individuals always arrive at the party a little early, and in the case of turkeys, those few birds are usually pretty vocal about their desire to get things moving. Birds are often heard gobbling well before the season, which prompts many calls from hunters worried that they’re going to miss the opportunity to hunt when most birds are sounding off.

Each spring turkeys begin a courtship with one male tending to many hens. AGFC photo.

Allison Fowler, assistant chief of the AGFC’s Wildlife Management Division, says hunters shouldn’t worry about turkeys being “gobbled out” by the time the season rolls around, and a new study is focused on providing information on the timing of turkey gobbles throughout the state.

“Some turkeys will gobble in January,” Fowler said. “They’ll gobble just about year-round, but that doesn’t mean hens are ready to breed. What we’re looking at is scientifically gathered data on when gobbling increases, peaks and declines, as that correlates with peak breeding and nesting seasons,” Fowler said. “With these new recorders, we’re collecting data in an unbiased, scientific way to study the gobbling period and factors influencing it much more in-depth than in years past.”

Previous AGFC Turkey Program coordinator Jeremy Wood installs a remote listening device to record gobbling activity at a wildlife management area. AGFC photo.

According to Fowler, roughly 200 remote listening devices are set up across the state to capture when and how often gobblers are sounding off. They’re distributed among public hunting areas in the Ozark, Ouachita, Delta and Gulf Coastal Plain ecoregions to gather information on habitat type and latitude’s effects on spring gobbling frequency. Hunting pressure’s effects on gobbling can also be teased out of the data. Areas selected for recording represent WMAs open to hunting throughout the season, limited through permit hunts, and even closed to turkey hunting.

“We know from previous gobbling surveys and hunter surveys that gobbling seems to drop off sharply as soon as hunters enter the woods and the birds feel the disturbance, but this study will remove any observer bias or anecdotal evidence and quantify that disturbance effect,” Fowler said. “Some of these areas may also see prescribed fire, so data on that disturbance and its effect on gobbling may be possible to monitor, too.”

Roughly 200 remote listening devices are spread throughout the state to collect data on gobbling activity from March 1-May 15. AGFC photo.

The units were placed in February and are set to record from March 1-May 15. Data collected from these units, along with data from the AGFC’s Annual Turkey Gobbler Hunting Survey and Annual Wild Turkey and Quail Population Survey, will help paint a more complete picture of turkey activities throughout the state to inform future habitat management and season structures.

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