Resident News Network

Mansfield City Council Meets in Regular Session

News

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7:14 pm

Mansfield City Council Meets in Regular Session

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday, February 15 at p.m., city hall. All members of the council were present including Julie Thomas, James Steele, Glen Hurt, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins, and Boyd Farmer. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After calling the meeting to order, the council voted to unanimously approve the minutes and financials of the January meeting.

The council then heard the city services reports.

Chief Michael Smith submitted his report which stated there were a total of 20 calls, three fire and 17 EMS. Smith noted that they were still waiting on the FCC to grant a new frequency (for the new tornado sirens.) Safety Com installed the system on February 20, and the new sirens will be able to be sounded off manually until the new frequency is assigned. Smith also stated in his report that the new tanker had a new tank and dump chute installed, and that he was awaiting new fittings to finish. On February 5, Chief Smith purchased a 2012 Chevrolet 3/4-ton pickup for $6,900. He plans to make a brush truck out of it since the department already has a tank, pump/reel hose. Finally, Smith noted that no city money was spent to purchase the truck, rather, it was paid for with Sebastian County Funds. According to Smith, all trucks were up and running, and that he had worked over 200 hours for the month.

Police Chief Wayne Robb then presented his departmental report, noting January 2024 totals: four citations, four violations, and one misdemeanor warrant in Scott County; three citations and six violations, two felony and one misdemeanor warrants in Sebastian County. For the month there were a total of 35 calls, 12 agency assists, eight in Scott County and four in Sebastian County. Additionally, five medical calls, five incident/arrest reports, three accident reports, two adult arrests, and seven animal calls. Chief Robb stated that they had 16.5 hours of training for the month.

With no further discussion from the remaining department’s report submissions, the council moved on to items of unfinished business, which included the approval of employee position changes within the public works department. Those changes were presented and approved unanimously.

In items of new business, a motion was made to convene into executive session to discuss a personnel issue. After reconvening, there was no action taken by the council.

Next, the consideration of raising the Volunteer Fire Department’s annual pay from $5 to $10 (meetings) and $10 to $15 (incidents). After some discussion, the council approved the following change in VFD pay: per meeting – $15 for members, $20 for officers; per incident – $20 for members, $25 for officers. It was stipulated members/officers must attend at least one event or greater to be eligible for end of year pay.

Next, the council discussed Ordinance 2024-1, the closure of Cole Street East of Bowman. In a unanimous vote, the council approved and passed the ordinance.

In other matters of new business, the discussion of a proposed RV Park. The council took no action on the matter but did decide to have a study session in the future to discuss the proposal.

Mayor Black informed the council about Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality issues at the water treatment plant. And, lastly, the consideration of promoting Officer Joey Bolin to Corporal. Bolin’s start date was October 31, 2023. The council would vote down the motion to promote Bolin, but noted they would revisit the promotion next month.

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

Paris Softball Hopes to Take Next Step in Program Rebuild This Season

Jim Best

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2:15 pm

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Paris Softball Hopes to Take Next Step in Program Rebuild This Season

PARIS- Last season was tough for a Paris softball program that had grown accustomed to playing deep into the postseason state playoffs. The 2023 record is what it is, and everyone connected to the program will tell you it was a tough go all season for the Lady Eagles. The program graduated its highly decorated, All-State pitcher, Jayden Hart, in 2022, and several other seniors who had backed-up Hart on defense were also gone from the program. So, when first year Lady Eagles head softball coach, Jonathan Vire took over the program in 2023, the cabinet was bare with the exception of two seniors in particular, Jayden Wells, and Rachel O’Neal, who played their final seasons of eligibility along with a very young and inexperienced roster. In short, it was just a tough year for the program in 2023.

Turn the page forward, and in 2024, the Lady Eagles will return several young players who gained a lot of experience last season. That experience, along with a transfer pitcher who could provide more experience and depth in the circle for Paris, could combine to propel the Lady Eagles up the standings of the 3A West making them more competitive this season.

The 3A West conference is home to last year’s 3A state champions, the Booneville Lady Bearcats, who feature All-State senior pitcher Lexi Franklin. Joining Franklin and the Bearcats will be the Hackett Lady Hornets, and their All-State pitcher, Makenzie Freeman. The Lady Hornets could be poised this season to make a run at a possible state championship. So, for the rest of the 3A West conference, it could boil down to a race for the third and fourth seeds at the end of the regular season.

A few weeks ago, RNN Sports had the opportunity to visit with the Lady Eagles’ coach, Jonathan Vire. Coach Vire is also the head girls basketball coach at Paris, so we appreciate him taking the time to visit with us on the phone in the middle of basketball season as we looked forward to the start of high school softball. Paris will open their 2024 campaign on March 4 at Dover.

We started our conversation by looking at an overview of last season. Like I mentioned in the opening of this story, Coach Vire inherited a very young and inexperienced team for the most part. When I asked him about last season, the coach began by saying, “We definitely had to play some girls at different spots; they got thrown into the fire. I think that most of them are all back and some may play at different spots than they did a year ago. We graduated Jayden (Wells) and Rachel (O’Neal) who played a lot. But everyone else will be coming back. We have to fill those two spots (vacated by Jayden Wells and Rachel O’Neal) for sure.”

As earlier mentioned, the Lady Eagles have a player who has transferred to the program who they have high hopes that she will be able to contribute this season. That player is Abby Nacol, and Coach Vire hopes she can add depth to the available pitching this season for Paris. Coach explained, “She transferred to Paris from Nebraska. She has been enrolled at Paris since the start of this school year. She should help contribute in the circle. Abby is a sophomore. She has played a lot of travel ball and has a lot of experience. She will help in the circle and her bat is not bad at all. Her other positions I think are first base and maybe the outfield. We’ll put her (on defense) wherever we can put her when she is not pitching. She is definitely going to help us out.”

The 2023 Paris schedule was adjusted to begin a week later than originally planned. That was due to the team not having a pitcher ready to begin the season. I asked Coach if last year’s experience and the addition of Nacol has better positioned the team to start the season this year. Coach replied by saying, “We will definitely be ready this season. You know, last year, Kirsten (Schneider) got sick. She had to do it (pitch for the Lady Eagles) so we had to push our schedule back. She didn’t have time to get her arm ready after she return from the illness, and I didn’t want to put her our there and jeopardize her when she wasn’t ready. But with having Abby this year we will be ready to go.”

A year ago, Paris had current University of Arkansas freshman softball player Jayden Wells, and Coach Vire tried to use her in several positions to give the young Lady Eagles as much help as possible. I asked Coach who he thought would take Jayden’s place this season as that utility player that could move around the infield to provide a defensive advantage in different situations, they may face this season. Coach said, “Really, it is going to have to be Kaydence (Freeman) and she will be the veteran in the infield. This season will be her third season as a starter. I think Preslee (Bowman) will play at first base, and those two will have to be the leaders. Second base is going to probably be someone that hasn’t played there. Third base is either going to be a freshman or someone who has not played there. So, we are going to be young at those two spots. At short and first, we have some experience. Behind the plate, it will be Emily Patterson.” Patterson has played some behind the plate, so she will bring some experience to the position.

In the Lady Eagles’ outfield, Coach Vire said that Annabelle Perry will play center. The talented junior has great athleticism and can cover the gaps with her great speed and also has a strong arm on throws to the infield or to the plate. Coach continued, “Right field could be a Layla Patterson; she played there some last season. She may have to end up playing second base. Left field could be Kirsten Schneider, but she also could end up playing second base. So, it is still kind of a puzzle, but we have some pieces that we feel comfortable with. It is just a matter of making sure that we can get everything as close to ready to go as we can.”

Paris fans may get to see the team play several players in different positions in the non-conference portion of their schedule early as the coaching staff tries to determine the best players and combinations to play going into conference play. Coach also said that “We could also go into JV (junior varsity) games with about 13 or 14 players, and we could play everyone again (in the JV game) and move them around to get a better idea. We can see where they will fit in best.”

On offense, Coach Vire says he has some players that can hit with power, but we kind of want to play a little more “small ball” (bunting, moving players into scoring position) and try to manufacture as many runs as we can. We have some power hitters, but we also have a bunch of speed. So, it will be a little bit of a mixture on offense, but we do want to do a little bit more “small ball.”

When I asked Coach Vire about his conference schedule this year, he began by talking about having the defending state champions in an otherwise tough 3A West conference. Coach said, “Booneville graduated a few, but they are the state champs. So, until someone can knock them off, I think the conference race will be them and Hackett. Booneville did graduate some key pieces, but they still have Lexi Franklin, and when you have a pitcher like that in the circle, you are tough to beat. And then Hackett…I don’t think Hackett graduated a lot last year, and they have Freeman in the circle, so, both of those teams should compete for the conference championship again. We have two of the toughest teams in the state in our conference. And when you go to the regionals, the conference seeds will have to likely face Lincoln. So, we have three of the top teams in 3A in our conference and region.”

It will be very possible again in 2024 that the 3A state softball champion will call the 3A West their conference home. “I think it will be Booneville and Hackett competing for the state title.”

Realistically, Paris and the remaining teams in the conference will be playing to be a three seed at the end of the season and the postseason district tournament. “You play everybody in the conference once, and you may upset one of them on a bad night. Who knows what can happen, but, realistically, everyone else will be playing for third place.”

The common denominator for the top two teams in the conference is great pitching. So for the Lady Eagles, more depth and experience in the circle may help the team be more competitive for what fans hope to be a three seed and a solid regional seeding. After the 2023 season, that would be a huge step forward in the rebuilding status for the program. Coach shared, “I think the pitching this season could give us an improved chance.”

Kirsten Schneider did a great job competing last season under very tough circumstances. She gave courageous efforts every week when the team had no other options to offer any relief to the young Lady Eagles pitcher.

Looking at the Paris softball schedule for this spring, Coach Vire shared some highlights of the Lady Eagles’ opponents. “We are going to go to the Russellville tournament this year. We are going back to the Greenwood tournament as well. Other than that, there is not much different on this year’s schedule. Most of our games will begin at 4:30 p.m.”

Eagles fans can go to Scorebook Live on the internet to see the 2024 Paris softball schedule. Readers who are viewing the electronic version of this story can click on this link to be redirected to the schedule: Paris Eagles Softball Schedule – Paris, AR – scorebooklive.com

RNN Sports would like to thank coach Jonathan Vire for giving us his time to contribute to this story. It will not be long until Eagles fans make the trip to Dover to see the Lady Eagles open the 2024 softball season.

We wish Paris and all of the River Valley teams the best of success this season!

Mansfield Breaks Out Of Caveman Mode To Enter The Modern Livestream World

Sports

Adam Hecox

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7:30 am

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Mansfield Breaks Out Of Caveman Mode To Enter The Modern Livestream World

Sports have always captivated the minds of people. Fans show up by the thousands to sporting events all over the world to catch a glimpse of their team in action. It was in Greece that sports were first instituted formally, with the first Olympic Games recorded in 776 BCE in Olympia. But not everyone could make of the games back then due to the distance. Who knows, maybe their sandals broke, or the creek raised too high to get to the first Olympics. Cue sports media. Sports journalism/media has been traced back to 850 BCE and has been going strong ever since. The first voice broadcast of a sporting event over the radio took place on April 11th, 1921, covering a 10-round boxing match between Johnny Dundee and Johnny Ray. The United States’ first televised sporting event was aired showing a college baseball game between the Columbia Lions and Princeton Tigers on May 17th, 1939. One of the first live sporting events through the internet in the United States to be streamed was the Ohio State spring football game in 2001. With technology screaming by at breakneck speeds, it would only be a matter of time before small-town USA was able to livestream games. That time finally came for Mansfield athletics in late 2023 when Middle School Principal and boys basketball Head Coach, Joshua Brown, set up the Mansfield Tigers Network on YouTube.

For years while many other schools in the area were covering their teams with livestreaming and radio broadcasting of events, Mansfield remained in the Stone Age of modern technology. Fans would have to be at the games themselves, hear about them from word of mouth, or hope that they could catch an extremely rare glimpse of their Tigers and Lady Tigers on the 10:00pm news. But when the Mansfield Tigers football team made it to the second round of the 2023 State Playoffs, Coach Brown decided that the Tiger faithful who couldn’t make the four-hour trip to Hoxie on Friday, November 17th deserved to watch their team. The initial success of the Mansfield vs Hoxie livestream was astounding as viewers poured in online to watch the game. People from all over the state, country, and yes, even the world tuned in to watch the Tigers take on the Hoxie Mustangs. Coach Brown and High School Principal, Justin Bond were the color commentators for the wild matchup that had an even wilder finish. But Brown did not want this to be a one and done. To achieve the channel being a permanent fixture, Brown and company needed one thousand subscribers to the Mansfield Tigers Network YouTube page. It took just a couple of days for that goal to be met giving the Mansfield Tigers athletic program and their fans something to be proud of.

Coach Brown and Mr. Bond color commentated for the remainder of the Tigers historic playoff run, but when basketball season rolled around, Brown had to step away to tend to his basketball program. Losing commentary for basketball season would have left Mansfield with, well, just plain ol’ bland video. Enter Mansfield alum and teacher, Jordan Martin. Martin was a 2003 graduate and old-school baller from back in the day who bled Tiger red from day one. With his wealth of knowledge on the game of basketball and quick-witted, smooth-talking skills over the microphone, Martin was the perfect fit to continue the Mansfield Tigers Network into the basketball season. Being a teacher at Mansfield High School and pastor at Palestine Baptist Church, Martin had no problem speaking to the public and even put his own twist to how he calls the games. Although he is great at what he does, Martin brings in a guest now and then during some of his game casts to talk about the current game as well as other things. Mansfield Head Football Coach, Whit Overton, was put on the preverbal hot seat first while the voice of the Tigers, Travis Pettus, was invited to join Martin in the booth for another Tigers game. Needless to say, the transition from Brown and Bond during football season to Martin in basketball season has been effective and flawless. Of course, there can always be issues with livestreaming. Mansfield even has those covered though with numerous filming volunteers, tech volunteers, and even backup commentators. Football Coaches, Whit Overton and Layton Robinson stepped in to fill Martin’s shoes for a basketball game when Martin was unable to attend.

As it was famously sung as The Jefferson’s theme song, the Mansfield Tigers are “movin’ on up” into the modern technological world. Fans from all over have tuned in to use Mansfield’s YouTube Network. Some may think that this would affect the number of bodies in the stands, but it most definitely has not. Tigers and Lady Tigers fans still pour in to both home and away games as usual, but it’s those who have a legit reason for not making the games that benefit the most. Parents and fans whose shifts go past opening kickoffs or tipoffs, those who can’t make it out due to illness, and folks who live far away but remain a true Tiger at heart, those are the folks who have rightfully earned the use of this media platform. With 1.5 thousand subscribers, a great color commentary cast, and the Mansfield Athletics program as a whole succeeding by leaps and bounds, the Mansfield Tigers Network has been a great addition to the goal of spreading Tiger Pride worldwide.

Scott County’s Sodie Davidson Awarded Recreation Grant

News

Tammy Teague

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7:11 pm

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Scott County’s Sodie Davidson Awarded Recreation Grant

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is awarding $4.34 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects within 29 counties across the state. The grants fall into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants and matching grants.

“My administration is looking for any opportunity to get kids and families off screens and outdoors. It’s a priority for our whole state,” said Governor Sanders. “This year’s multi-million-dollar investment in playgrounds, park facilities, and more will provide added amenities to communities from the Delta to the Ozarks. It’s all part of my goal to make Arkansas the best state in America to live, work, and raise a family.”

“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) has provided $52.6 million in matching grants since 1988 and $16.4 million in FUN Park grants since 1991,” said Secretary Shea Lewis. “These funds have undoubtedly enriched the quality of life for Arkansans statewide, fostering greater access to outdoor recreation and bolstering the vitality of local economies.”

These awards have helped cities and counties develop public outdoor recreation facilities.

“Our team works tirelessly throughout the year to provide more access to the outdoors for Arkansans through this grant program,” said Katherine Andrews, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

“It’s amazing to see the positive impact that even minor investments in neighborhood parks can have on a community,” said Matt McNair, director of the ORGP. “Visiting a community after one of our park projects has been completed can be absolutely stunning.”

Project officers make recommendations regarding the feasibility of proposed facilities, eligibility for grant monies and other facets of the planning process. Each year, nearly 200 site visits are conducted to assist local communities.

The 2024 matching grant recipients are:

Alma (Crawford County) to install play equipment, construct a restroom facility, and provide amenities and access at Christello Park. – $210,000.00
Camden (Ouachita County) to install inclusive play equipment and accessibility improvements at Carnes Park. – $210,000.00
Crawford County – to construct a walking trail and associated accessibility improvements at Diamond Center Complex. – $135,705.00
Daisy (Pike County) – to install new play equipment and improve accessibility at Daisy City Park. – $24,857.00
Delaplaine (Greene County) – to construct a basketball facility, ballfield fencing,, ballfield seating (incl. shade structure), access (incl. pedestrian bridge), and accessible parking at Delaplaine City Park. – $73,300.00
Forrest City (St. Francis County) – to provide access to restroom and programming facilities (priority), and other access and amenity improvements as funds allow (optional) at Dennis Memorial Park. – $62,241.40
Hot Springs (Garland County) – to construct a bicycle playground at Velocity Park. – $80,000.00
Huntsville (Madison County) – to construct a splashpad, restroom facility, drinking fountains, and associated accessibility improvements in Madison County Walking Trail Park – $210,000.00
Magnolia (Columbia County) – to install play equipment and park amenities, upgrade pavilion, and construct safety and accessibility improvements at East Side City Park. – $100,650.00
Mineral Springs (Howard County) – to repair and upgrade concession stand and restroom facilities and install bleachers at Bridgeman Park. – $30,500.00
Newport (Jackson County) – to improve accessibility and safety through parking and sidewalk repair/redesign/paving and install new play equipment at George Kell Park. – $74,176.00
Ozark (Franklin County) – for compliance and safety upgrades to the restroom facility (priority) and pavilion, amenity, and splashpad upgrades at West Side Park (optional if funds remain) – $80,000.00
Pea Ridge (Benton County) – to construct an all-inclusive play facility at North Curtis Avenue Park. – $210,000
Scott County – to construct pickleball and basketball courts, install park amenities, and improve/upgrade pavilion, soccer field, and accessibility at Sodie Davidson Park in Waldron. – $90,000.00
Searcy (White County) – to install field lighting at Searcy Soccer Complex and provide ADA-compliant play equipment at Berryhill Park. – $125,000.00
Searcy County – to repair and refurbish the pool, restrooms, and concession facility at Searcy County Civic Center and improve seating, accessibility, and lighting at Civic Center ballfields. – $110,936.60
Sherwood (Pulaski County) – to construct a restroom and basketball facility, install signage, lighting, and park amenities, and improve accessibility and safety at Lake Cherrywood Park. – $210,000.00
West Memphis (Crittenden County) – to purchase and install play equipment, provide access, improve safety, and upgrade the pavilion in Hicks Park. – $210,000.00

The 2024 FUN Park grant recipients are:

Ash Flat (Sharp County) – to construct a new pavilion and to install lighting and accessibility features at Ash Flat Ball Park. – $100,000.00
Calhoun County – to light and resurface existing walking trail at Woodberry Park. – $99,000.00
Calico Rock (Izard County) – to improve accessibility and install ballfield lighting and ballfield retaining wall at Earl King Park. – $99,888.00
Cove (Polk County) – to install new play equipment, park amenities, and accessibility improvements at Cove Memorial Park. – $100,000.00
Crawfordsville (Crittenden County) – to construct a pavilion, walking trail, and accessibility features at Old School Yard Park and to construct a new play area, basketball facility, ,and accessibility features at Boone Street Park. – $100,000.00
Egypt (Craighead County) – to install play equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, pavilion, walking track, and accessibility features in Egypt City Park. – $100,000.00
England (Lonoke County) – to replace outdated play equipment and construct accessibility features at Elm Street Park. – $97,470.00
Franklin (Izard County) – to install new play equipment, refurbish existing play equipment, and construct accessibility features at Franklin City Park. – $100,000.00
Glenwood (Pike County) – to construct a new play area and walkways at John Benjamin Lake Park. – $99,430.00
Grubbs (Jackson County) – to install new play equipment, park amenities, and to improve access at Grubbs City Park. – $100,000.00
Independence County – To install new play equipment and improve access at Desha Park. – $100,000.00
Jericho (Crittenden County) – to install new play equipment, grills, park amenities, and to improve access at Jericho Town Park. – $100,000.00
Keiser (Mississippi County) – to install new play equipment and park amenities at Keiser City Park. – $100,000.00
Madison County – to install new play equipment and improve access at Wesley Community Park. – $100,000.00
McNeil (Columbia County) – to construct a play area, pavilion, accessibility features, and to install park amenities at McNeil City Park. – $99,430.00
Newton County – to construct a walking trail, pavilion, seating, play area, and accessibility features at Parthenon Community Park. – $100,000.00
Ozan (Hempstead County) – to install new play area, basketball facility, accessibility features, and park amenities at Ozan Park. – $100,000.00
Pyatt (Marion County) – to construct a new play area, fencing, accessibility features, seating, and to repair the basketball facility at Pyatt Downtown Park. – $100,000.00
Searcy County – to install playground equipment and to construct a pavilion, walking trail, seating, and accessibility improvements in Witts Springs Community Park. – $100,000.00
Traskwood (Saline County) – to construct a new play area and access improvements in Traskwood City Park. – $97,700.00
Viola (Fulton County) – to construct a new play area and access improvements in Viola City Park. – $100,000.00.

Arrest Reports 02/11

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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6:50 pm

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Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Cavin Dale Allison of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 14 at 12:19 a.m. and released on cash bond February 14 at 7:02 a.m. Allison was charged with petition to revoke – felony.

Zachary Andrew Dobbins of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 9:42 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Dobbins was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Shannon Marie Malone of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 13 at 11:46 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Malone was charged with three counts Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, Failure to Appear Felony-Class D felony, Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Escape II-Felony, Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree – False ID, Fleeing -Vehicle, Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, Fugitive from Justice Out of State.

Jose Julian Molina of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 9:45 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Molina was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Theft by Receiving, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Amber June Morgan of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 4:53 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 16 at 4:22 p.m. Morgan was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Brian Pritchard of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 17 at 9:42 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 18 at 2:08 a.m. Pritchard was charged with driving while intoxicated 1st offense.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Lawrence E Banning of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 11 at 11:33 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 12 at 9:10 a.m. Banning was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Shelly Denise Johnson-Foote of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 11 at 4:59 p.m. and released on February 18 at 9:08 p.m. Foote was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g., Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Christopher L Jones of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on 17 at 2:54 a.m. and released on signature bond February 17 at 10:05 a.m. Jones was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Emmalea Lynn Kollar of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 17 at 7:33 p.m. and released on signature bond February 18 at 1:44 a.m. Kollar was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Elizabeth Anne Bolin of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 12 at 2:36 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 12 at 10:07 p.m. Bolin was charged with Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card or Debit Card-Stolen-M.

Billy Wayne Catlett of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 14 at 2:34 p.m. and released on signature bond February 14 at 2:34 p.m. Catlett was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Omar Kiley Dunn of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 15 at 9:09 a.m. and released on cash bond February 15 at 11:39 a.m. Dunn was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Daniel L Harris of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 13 at 8:56 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Harris was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Maintaining a Premises for Drug Activity, Manufacture of [Schedule VI Controlled Substance] >25lbs (marijuana), Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms-Firearm, and two counts of Trafficking [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance].

Jason Lee Hicks of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 14 at 9:48 a.m. and released on signature bond February 14 at 11:24 a.m. Hicks was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Charles Mark Lennon of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 13 at 12:18 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 13 at 10:22 a.m. Lennon was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Hannah Nicole McElyea of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 15 at 12:42 p.m. and released on signature bond February 15 at 1:26 p.m. McElyea was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Spirit Rose McMurray of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 12 at 8:25 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. McMurray was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State, Assist Outside Agency-Felony, and Return To Testify.

Jessica Ann Rogers of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 14 at 3:49 p.m. and released on cash bond February 14 at 5:28 p.m. Rogers was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Paul Raymond Burton, Jr. of Subiaco was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 14 at 9:18 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Burton was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member – Choke.

Jason Robert McIntyre of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 15 at 8:07 p.m. and released on signature bond February 16 at 8:04 a.m. McIntyre was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Brian Keith Luna of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention on February 15 at 1:38 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Luna was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), petition to revoke – misd.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Justin Ray Cowell of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 13 at 8:01 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Cowell was charged with Absconding, parole violation, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree, Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.

Mary Kay Darrell of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 10:14 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 17 at 12:37 p.m. Darrell was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Daniel Vincent Guess of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 6:43 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Guess was charged with Violation of a Protection Order Misdemeanor, Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, and Fleeing -On Foot-Misd.

Natasha Shashon Horn of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 10:12 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Horn was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Justin Wendell Parker of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 10:09 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Parker was charged with absconding and parole violation.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Kelly Sue Lackey of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 16 at 2:37 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Lackey was charged with Possession of Fentanyl with the Purpose of Deliver, Class A, Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >2g., Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Parole Violation.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Mona Lisa Ramsey of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 12 at 1:04 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 12 at 5:25 p.m. Ramsey was charged with Poss. Misbranded Drugs, and DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Bobbetta Williams of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 17 at 1:33 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond February 17 at 3:58 p.m. Williams was charged with Theft by Receiving >$1k.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Tyson Snow, 30 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on February 12 at 4:35 p.m. Snow was charged with aggravated assault on a household or family member, battery – 3rd degree, and obstructing governmental operations.

Stephanie Elmore, 52 of Mansfield, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on February 12 at 8:22 p.m. Elmore was charged with commercial burglary.

Johnny Freeman, 53 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on February 13 at 10:47 a.m. Freeman was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Alan Berger, 58 of Farmington, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on February 13 at 11:08 a.m. Berger was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Rodney Glenn Crutchfield, 36 of Hartman, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 17 at 2:21 p.m. Crutchfield was charged with absconding.

Matthew Adams Bishop, 39 of Shirley, AR, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 16 at 8:23 p.m. Bishop was charged with failure to appear.

Johnny Hopkins, 41 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 16 at 8:10 p.m. Hopkins was charged with two counts of failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

James Edward Flemming, 52 of Booneville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 16 at 7:48 p.m. Flemming was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Mark A. Sanders, 30 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 16 at 2:48 a.m. Sanders was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of meth or cocaine with purpose to deliver LT 2g., and possession of SCH VI LT 4oz.

Jonathan Paul More, 42 of Sacramento, CA, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 15 at 10:05 p.m. Morgan was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

Anthony Ward, 43 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 15 at 5:50 p.m. Ward was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Ashley Dawn Moore, 35 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 15 at 2:25 p.m. Moore was charged with failure to appear, and five counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Dawn Denise Cockerham Ichtertz, 35 of Winslow, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 14 at 5:35 p.m. Ichtertz was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Brent Dowdy, 30 of Van Buren, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 13 at 12:20 p.m. Dowdy was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA)

Brennan Ray Burks, 36 of Subiaco, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on February 12 at 7:26 p.m. Burks was charged with failure to appear on class B misdemeanor (FTA).

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

Timepiece: Iron Brigade

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Tammy Teague

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4:43 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

As I travel from Dardanelle to Hot Springs, I pass a number of Civil War trail signs. I constantly ride the brakes going downhill and apply gas to the motor to climb the next incline. Travel, even in today’s modern vehicles and on paved roads is not an easy task and must have been a dauntless task for those during the war.

Roads in the mid-1800’s were scarce and those that did exist were often little more than cleared paths. Moving large numbers of men, equipment, and animals greatly limited the pathways one could traverse and, more than any other factor, contributed to where major campaigns and battles would occur. Geography and topography dictated where most campaigns and battles occurred in Arkansas, especially in the west. Looking at one campaign clearly demonstrates how travel dictated where, when, and how battles occurred.

In September of 1863, General Jo Shelby left Arkadelphia on a campaign into Missouri to enlist new recruits and to gain supplies. Traveling north with 600 men, eight wagon, and two cannon, he first had to wind his way over than through the Ouachita mountains. Six hundred men on horseback plus the wagons, would have presented an awesome sight to people in the small towns they passed. Riding four abreast, the train would have stretched more than a mile in length. Shelby, a cavalry man, would not have been pleased with the wagons and cannon. Often called “encumbrances” because they slowed him down and restricted his travels to the better roads, they were a necessity. Each of the 800 or so horses in his required 14 pound of grain and ten pounds of hay per day. On an extended campaign, he could not rely on confiscating enough feed for his animals. Grain, ammunition, and food had to be carried in the wagons.

Running east and west, some of the mountains have steep inclines and rise over 2,500 foot in elevation. Getting the horses and wagons over and through the mountains took days. Going up a slope, it was a struggle to pull the heavy wagons and the cannon. A diary from one of the eastern campaigns described the necessity of men to dismount and push a cannon to assist the animals. Getting near the top of the slope, the animals tired and stopped. Immediately, gravity took over and the wheeled cannon began rolling backward taking man and beast along for the journey. Shelby probably encountered the same problems as the traversed up the side of Nimrod Mountain. Traveling down slope was no easier. Wagon brakes were often wooden chocks, pulled on desperately to increase friction to prevent runaways.

The next geographical obstacle to moving north was the Arkansas River. Horses could swim the river but wagons, in more than two foot of water, would be caught in the current and float away. Large Union forces existed at Dardanelle and Fort Smith so Shelby choose the ford at Roseville for his crossing. After encountering troops near Roseville and fighting a small skirmish, he was able to cross the river using the ferry to transport the wagons.

Traveling through Ozark at midnight on September 27, 1863 he journeyed into the Ozark mountains, stopping for a three-day rest near present day Cass. Avoiding as many mountains as possible, he traveled up War Eagle valley into Huntsville. It is interesting that he took his troops on parade through Huntsville to allow union sympathizers to count his strength. The group in the lead doubled back and joined the end of the column and were counted several times.

His journey than took him through Mud-town near today’s Springdale and then up what is now I-49 into Missouri. Why this route? Again because the geography and terrain dictated and because there was enough water for the one-thousand horses in his group. Each horse requires ten gallons of water per day while on expedition. Ensuing battles occurred from the edge of Missouri into Sedalia. Struggling through the mud, mountains, and eventually an early winter snowstorm, Shelby and his men become known as the legendary “Iron Brigade” and return victoriously to Old Washington.

The Civil War evokes memories of cannons roaring, charges across open fields, and heroism as troops dressed in blue and grey encounter each other in battle. The Civil War road signs paint a different picture- one of slow, tedious, backbreaking travel struggling against every obstacle our environment can throw against us.

Minutes of the Greenwood Parks and Recreation Meeting

News

Tammy Teague

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4:38 pm

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Minutes of the Greenwood Parks and Recreation Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Commission Chair Joel Goldstein and the roll was called by City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry. Commission members present at roll call other than Mr. Goldstein were as follows: Cinda Bell, Jennifer Travis, Brandon Tate and Otis Edwards; a quorum was present and Commission member Kay Headley was absent; Hunter Mikles was present.

Business Items

Splash Pad Options Selection – Chair Goldstein addressed the Commission and stated that $1.17 Million was originally budgeted for the splash pad and $107,000 of $110,000 professional fees are already incurred: he indicated that contingencies or additional add-ons are unknown at this time regarding the rock present at Bell Park for this as construction gets underway. He said the road to be built will be $1.2 Million funded by the Street Department and greater than $750,000 from the water and sewer department to place piping and he said all of this combined translates to a 3-million-dollar splash pad to operate a few months per year, depending on water conservation issues. He said that he has recently asked Mr. Craig to downsize the pad from 80 feet across by 50 feet width so that money savings could be realized, and he added that he doesn’t feel enough is known to proceed, and he cannot foresee spending over 1.17 million for a splash pad. There was additional discussion, with Mr. Marsh offering options for financing and Mr. Craig discussing various options and alternates that MAHG has offered to reduce costs. Ms. Derry stated that if the $275,000 of the Inclusive Park local portion was to be used towards the splash pad a vote would be needed, since it is already committed for a grant on another project. After discussion, no
action was taken.
After Item #2 was voted on, there was additional discussion about the splash pad funding options, with Mr. Marsh reminding the Commission that the City Council will need to be the final approval on loan funding, as they are the only authority that can encumber the City, with general agreement that option #4 seemed best, although option #3 included bathrooms, with Mr. Mikles suggesting that the bathrooms are very necessary and could be scaled down drastically in order to save even more money. Suggestion was made for a resolution to be brought back to the next
meeting for the Council to consider on this; Mr. Craig acknowledged this and stated also that he has received word from MAHG that the numbers provided are padded in case problems are encountered.
Approval of Inclusive Park Project – Ms. Derry stated that she had gone through past minutes and
recordings and the Commission had not committed to approving the project as of yet but did vote to go forward with pursuing grant funding for this. Chair Goldstein stated that he was not comfortable with spending any more than the $275,000 local portion already committed for this and asked Mr. Craig what would happen if donations were taken for this project, but the project didn’t end up happening, to which Mr. Craig said that the money would go back into the City’s fund balance or the project could be phased in. There was extensive discussion about the
need for formal approval of this project, the various avenues of taking donations for it, and the fact that the only approval thus far on this was to pursue grant funding, although that resolution did not specifically name this project. After discussion, motion was made by Commissioner Bell, seconded by Commissioner Tate to approve the inclusive park project to someday be built; motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Tate, seconded by Commissioner Edwards; and the meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Sharla Derry, City Clerk/Treasurer

Young Alumni Awards

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Tammy Teague

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3:55 pm

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Dr. Daniel Fudge, ‘12, and Jaime Vargas, ’18 and ‘23, received the Young Alumni Award. Each year, the Alumni Council awards two grads under 40 who are strong leaders in their careers and have distinguished themselves through service to the university, community, state, or nation.

Jaime Vargas

Fudge “represents the best example of the opportunities and educational foundation the UAFS provides its graduates,” according to his nomination. After graduation from UAFS, Fudge completed a master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science at the University of Mississippi.

“Daniel’s passions lie in civic education, voter engagement, and personal development,” his nominator said, noting that he has served as a political strategist and advisor for political campaigns in Arkansas and Missouri. He serves on the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation Board and is a member of the 2023-2024 class of Leadership Arkansas.

He is an assistant professor of political science at the University of the Ozarks at Clarksville, where he is an advisor to the Political Eagles Club and a member of the Student Enrichment Fund and Academic Affairs committees. He is a deputy faculty representative to the University of the Ozarks Board of Trustees and a faculty mentor to the U of O baseball team.

Jaime Vargas, ’18 and ‘23, a first-generation college graduate, completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UAFS and served six years as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army. In the fall of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vargas returned to UAFS for a master’s degree in healthcare administration. He is working on a Doctor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Oklahoma State University at Stillwater.

He oversees three pediatric clinics and 20 providers in Northwest Arkansas, focusing on providing access to care to NWA children. According to his nominator, Vargas helps in the day-to-day operations, assisting in translations when needed and providing a positive work environment for all his employees.

“Jaime is part of the compassionate team of NWA Pediatrics, and (he) continues to want to make a difference in healthcare in NWA and surrounding communities,” the nominator said, citing Vargas’ determination, family support, and education at UAFS as the keys to his success.

Spirit of Numa Award

The Alumni Advisory Council bestowed the Spirit of Numa Award on Sara Putman. This award recognizes non-alumni friends and supporters who champion the mission of UAFS through volunteer or philanthropic service.

Sara Putman

“Sara Putman is a constant and passionate supporter of UAFS and embodies the spirit and values of the River Valley, the university, and the Fort Smith community,” said her nominator. “As a female small business owner and community leader, Sara champions education and connection in her actions and in her words. As the owner and operator of Bookish at the Bakery District, she is a friendly and warm neighbor to the UAFS Center for Economic Development. For some time, her shop connected as a pathway from the facility’s main entrance to the lobby of the UAFS CED, and without fail, Sara and her staff were a welcoming and bright spot for all who entered.”

Combining her love of literature, storytelling, and UAFS, Putman supported the 2023 author event when UAFS hosted Colson Whitehead. Putman also is an adjunct professor, teaching Composition I in the English department.

“She has fully embraced the success of our institution and its students, which is evident in her engagement with university staff, students, and community members,” her nomination said.

Stacey Jones Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award

This award, named for Jones, a long-serving university alumnus and staff member, is presented to a current or former UAFS faculty or staff who consistently goes beyond expectations to set their students up for success, as learners, young professionals, and people.

Dr. Nicki Stancil, associate professor of English, Rhetoric and Writing, and Media, “always goes above and beyond for her students,” her nominator. “She is one of the most innovative professors I have ever seen, and she cares so much for her students.”

The nomination also cited Stancil’s willingness to spend time making sure her students understand her. She is an inspiration who “makes efforts to stay in contact after graduation to see how we are doing,” according to her nominations.

Distinguished Alumni Award

In 1928, the first graduating class of Fort Smith Junior College selected the phrase “through diligence to victory” as an expression of their experience and aspiration. Subsequent classes also found victory through diligent work and service. The Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor presented by the Alumni Advisory Council, recognizes alumni who have turned this motto into a personal creed and distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership in their professional lives or through service to the university, community, state, or nation.

The 2024 Distinguished Alumni recognition for 2024 is awarded to Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at UAFS.

A nominator, who says she has known London, ’08, as a fellow student, colleague, and friend, said, “Stephanie has dedicated her life to being a Lion.” The nomination cites London’s role in developing Cub Camp, updating the student handbook, and shaping new student orientation.

“She has been on … campus more than 5,000 days, racked up more than 39,000 hours, and impacted THOUSANDS of students,” London’s nomination said. “She helped Lions who entered those doors through the creation of Cub Camp when she was a student, and now she helps them walk across the stage at the Stubblefield Center as a professional staff member.”

During London’s time in her current position, there has been a dramatic increase in students living on campus. She “is an intentional and meaningful leader,” the nomination said. “She is certainly the example of ‘through diligence to victory.’ Stephanie has DEFINITELY shown outstanding, consistent, and persistent leadership in her professional life … to benefit others, our fellow Lions.”

Attorney General Griffin Reminds Arkansans of Election Integrity Unit Ahead of Early Voting Starting February 20

News

Tammy Teague

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3:52 pm

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Attorney General Griffin Reminds Arkansans of Election Integrity Unit Ahead of Early Voting Starting February 20

Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement regarding his office’s Election Integrity Unit ahead of the start of early voting for the 2024 preferential primary election and nonpartisan general election:

“The public’s confidence in government is directly tied to the public’s confidence in our elections. Election integrity has always been a priority for me throughout my time in public service. I established the Election Integrity Unit last year to ensure the people of Arkansas have an outlet to submit complaints and ensure that all credible leads are investigated.

“Thanks to the legislature’s work last year, my office now has the authority to bring a civil cause of action against those who violate our election laws. This is an important tool to ensure that our laws are followed as monetary damages can be an effective deterrent.”

Griffin established the Election Integrity Unit (EIU) under his office’s Special Investigations Division in March 2023 with Chief Wayne Bewley serving as the unit’s director. In April, Act 544 of 2023 was signed into law. The Act codified the EIU and permitted the Office of the Attorney General to file civil suits for election-related offenses.

Griffin reminds Arkansans who may wish to file a complaint concerning potential election law violations to contact his office’s Election Law Hotline at (833) 995-8683.

Passion Gives Rise to Sourdough Bread Business

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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3:48 pm

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Passion Gives Rise to Sourdough Bread Business

Local travelers along Highway 96 / Howard Street in Mansfield may have noticed a lone sales table set up near the gazebo every Friday. Area resident, Jennifer Briley, has grown her passion for baking from a hobby to an at home business.

“I make delicious sourdough creations out of minimal ingredients,” shared Briley. “I love crafting new flavors and making other treats from my fermented starter as well.”

Briley began selling her breads publicly in October 2023. She noted that a year prior to selling, she had experienced some failed attempts in sourdough “starters.”

“Others should be encouraged, even after a few failures,” continued Briley. “I think most of us who dabble in sourdough, do so because we wanted to be less dependent on the grocery store and know the ingredients in our food. It (sourdough) also has a plethora of health benefits. Sourdough in general has a lower glycemic index. It also contains probiotics that can aid in digestion.”

Briley will continue to be selling her bread products weekly in Mansfield. She also plans to be set up at the Mansfield Farmers Market on Saturdays in the spring.

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