Resident News Network

Arrest Reports 4/14

Police Reports

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7:21 pm

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Jada Reanne Berhahl of Branch was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 5:33 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Berhahl was charged with Delivery of Fentanyl, Class Y and petition to revoke – felony.

Bucella, Adrianna Ranelle of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 8:20 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Bucella was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine >2g.

Scott Robert Marchand of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 6:51 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 20 at 3:19 p.m. Marchand was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Summer Ann Kuhl of Branch was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 9:19 a.m. and released on signature bond April 19 at 10:05 a.m. Kuhl was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor,

Martin E. Lopez Sigala of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 11:28 p.m. and released on cash bond April 20 at 11:11 a.m. Sigala was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Amy Jean Townley of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 8:32 a.m. and released on signature bond April 18 at 10:48 a.m. Townley was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Nicholas Scott Townley of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 8:30 a.m. and released on cash bond April 18 at 1:22 p.m. Townley was charged with petition to revoke – misd.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Caitlyn Nichole McClure of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 17 at 11:48 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 18 at 1:16 a.m. McClure was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Scott Allen Nell of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 5:17 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with $25,000 cash bond. Nell was charged with four counts of Registered Offender Prohibited From Entering Upon School Campus.

Bradley Scott Pinkard of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 17 at 12:08 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 18 at 8:39 a.m. Pinkard was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony, and Furnishing a Prohibited Article-Correctional Facility.

Alexander Ace Slater of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 18 at 12:50 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 18 at 4:06 a.m. Slater was charged with Domestic Battering Purposeley.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Chelsea Caroline McCormack of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 5:29 p.m. and released on April 22 at 5:02 p.m. McCormack was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Theft of Property <$1k, and Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree – False ID.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Crystal L Reano of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 19 at 2:47 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Reano was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), absconding and parole violation.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Taylor, Brittaney Nicole of Sallisaw, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 16 at 3:54 p.m. and released on signature bond April 16 at 8:15 p.m. Taylor was charged with Criminal Trespass, and failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Gregory Smith, 54 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 14 at 10:30 p.m. Smith was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and possession of firearm by certain persons.

Thaddeus Wilkins, 32 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 15 at 6:32 a.m. Wilkins was charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kenyatta Kirby, 53, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 15 at 11:08 a.m. Kirby was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Jaime Villarreal, 40, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 15 at 11:19 a.m. Villareal was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Jacob Ollie, 29, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 15 at 9:02 p.m. Ollie was charged with bond revocation.

Tyler Kelton, 33 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 15 at 11:34 p.m. Kelton was charged with body attachment.

Aaron Klein, 42 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 16 at 5:58 p.m. Klein was charged with public intoxication – drinking in public, and disorderly conduct.

Teresa Cunningham, 58 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 20 at 3:39 a.m. Cunningham was charged with contempt of court.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Jason Bradley Childers, 40 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 20 at 2:29 a.m. and released on April 22 at 1:50 p.m. Childers was charged with driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st.

David Lee Cowen, 41 of Hartman, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 1 at 5:16 p.m. and released on April 22 at 1:42 p.m. Cowen was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Colbin Dylan Mason, 20, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 21 at 1:16 p.m. and released on April 22 at 6:47 p.m. Mason was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury.

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

Airing of the Quilts, the Clothesline of My Childhood Memories

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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8:39 pm

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Airing of the Quilts, the Clothesline of My Childhood Memories

I remember growing up as a child, grandma hanging out quilts and throws on the clothesline. Their intricate and delicate hand stitched squares of mismatched fabrics gently blowing in the breeze. Every year, around this time, the celebration of that history with the “Airing of the Quilts” in Greenwood, evokes the memory.

HISTORY
While many quilts were made out of necessity, this was not their only purpose. They were also representations of family history as precious heirlooms made to mark life’s most important events. Baby quilts were given to new mothers and larger quilts were given to couples when they married, often with symbolic block patterns such as Lover’s Knot or Double Wedding Ring.

Even in death, quilts sometimes played a significant role. During the difficult journey westward, death was common. But scarce wood or lack of time often prevented trail travelers from making coffins. On these occasions, the deceased were often wrapped in a family quilt. Those leaving them behind were comforted knowing their loved one rested in something symbolizing the family’s love.

In early America, quilts were regularly hung outdoors over fences, on clotheslines, and in other display areas to “air.” This served as a way to remove dust and refresh the fabric. Additionally, airing quilts outside provided an opportunity for members of the community to showcase their craftsmanship and creativity while storytelling and visiting with friends and neighbors. Quilting has long been an important craft and socializing opportunity for American women.

MODERN DAY
Today, the airing of the quilts is most often associated with quilt shows, festivals, and community events. The Airing of the Quilts in Greenwood, Arkansas is a vibrant celebration of local creativity, craftsmanship, community, and heritage. Quilting has been an important part of our area through the years, and we are happy to showcase the talents of local sewists.

There will be special quilt show events at the Old Jail Museum Saturday, May 11. Civil War cannon and musket firing, reenactments, costumed guides, vendors and live music will be featured in the afternoon. The Vineyard Family Quilt Collection will be shown in the 1848 Vineyard Cabin. There is no admission fee to these events.

This is the 13th year for the event. Airing of the Quilts has grown from a small local show that began at Greenwood’s City Hall to an event that showcases contemporary and vintage quilts in three venues. Additionally, draws visitors from nearby and distant states. The show features two special exhibits, vendors, a silent auction and a raffle. The Arkansas Authors table gives patrons a chance to meet local authors and have their purchases signed. Lastly, the popular Tea Room serves luncheon daily from 10:30-2:00.

Proceeds from Airing of the Quilts benefit the South Sebastian County Historical Society.

Anyone with questions about quilting or interested in learning to quilt can contact Central Sewing in Fort Smith or their local quilt shop.

While entries to this year’s show are closed, those wishing to be included in the 2025 show can contact Kay Voss at 479-883-0254 (contemporary quilts) or Emily Mitchusson at 479-597-9755 (vintage or antique quilts).

Airing of the Quilts
1050 Bell Park Road
Greenwood, AR

May 9 and 10 (9-5)
May 11 (9-3)

Admission $10
Tea Room $10 (optional)

Three venues. Trolley transportation available.

“Thanks to the many who have worked to make this show a success, and we appreciate the quilters, volunteers, sponsors, and friends who have participated. And thank you for attending the 13th annual airing of the quilts!” -Donna Goldstein

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Featured

Tammy Teague

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6:36 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Lovely weather we have been having in the River Valley. It’s supposed to be a little cooler this weekend. We can take it! I have been out of pocket for a couple of weeks, I have had so much going on. But I am back now! I hope everyone enjoyed the eclipse as much as I did. It was amazing. The temp dropped, it got dark, and the crickets were chirping. I just thought it was a great experience. We had an eclipse festival downtown on Saturday. We had good food, music, crafts and lots of laughs. To say I was tired was an understatement. When it was over I said, “I feel like I have been to Florida and back in a day.” I believe Marie Clopton used to say that line. I haven’t been that tired in a long time. I am getting old, I guess. Our next big event will be the Fourth of July. Time flies, it will be here before you know it.

My nephew and niece lost their mother last weekend. I met with them on Sunday at my nephew’s house. Y’all know who it is, but I helped them write the obituary. We had some laughs, and we had some cries. It is very hard to lose your mother or your father. We were telling funny stories, and my nephew was leaned back in his lawn chair, and he fell backwards, and I mean he fell for days, just kept going. His phone landed in the driveway; his legs were in the air. We laughed and laughed; he was pretty sore the next day. When someone falls, you have to laugh, you can’t help yourself. Falling runs in our family. My niece Kelly has fell so much. She fell one day at Burton Pools and Spas and hurt so bad she couldn’t even drive. She had to have her underage daughter drive her home. I fell so much that when Jacob got married and moved out, he wanted to know who was going to get me up when he moved out. He would always make jokes. He loved to say the Howard Cosell famous line “down goes Frazier!” He would say that when I would fall. I fell one time when I was helping my mom with one of her yard sales. I had a box of glassware, carrying it with both hands. Let me tell ya, I saved it, but I crashed hard! I fell off the swing set at my own house when I was eight and broke my arm. Being a klutz runs in our family. Enough about falling. I might jinx myself. This week’s recipe is a Jello Cheesecake. I hope y’all enjoy it. Have a great week and be kind, and always smile!

LEMON JELLO CHEESECAKE
8 oz. cream cheese
3 oz. lemon Jello
1 cup hot water
6 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 store bought graham cracker crust
Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and whip it till it’s nice and fluffy. Next, add in the sweeted condensed milk and mix till combined. Sprinkle the lemon Jello in and then pour the hot water (make sure you use hot water), add in the lemon juice and the vanilla. Mix everything until it’s nice and creamy. Pour in the graham cracker crust and chill for about four hours. Enjoy and if you want to do other flavors you could do different flavors of Jello – lime, strawberry, or orange to change it up. This is perfect for church dinners or just because you want some cheesecake. Enjoy!

Ready, Set, Graduate!

Featured

Tammy Teague

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9:42 pm

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On April 15^th and 18^th the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Paris High School staff and community members to conduct the “Ready, Set, Graduate” program. Ready, Set, Graduate is a financial management program that teaches high school senior’s skills in budgeting, banking and the wise use of credit.

During the first day of RSG, seniors participated in educational classes on budgeting, banking, and credit. These lessons were taught by Travis Schluterman from Union Bank, Vicki Schneider from Paris High School, and Kaitie Golden from the Logan County Extension Office. Students learned how to write checks, balance a checkbook, create a budget based on a prospective salary for their chosen career, resume writing and interview etiquette.

Logan County Judge, Ray Gack and Natosha Carr assist students during the Mall of Life Simulation.

On the second day, students had the opportunity to apply these skills during the “Mall of Life” simulation. Stations were set up in the gym and manned by area businesses and community members. At each station,students made decisions similar to those adults make each month. Students had to buy or rent a home, purchase a car, insurance, utilities and other common expenses, all while staying within their proposed monthly budget.

The seniors also participated in mock interviews conducted by community members. During interviews, students were evaluated on their professionalism, dress and resume, then informed whether or not the company would “hire” them based on this evaluation. Students walked away with a better understanding of “adulting” and skills that will help them once they graduate High School.

The Extension Service would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for helping to make Ready, Set, Graduate a success:Jimmy Pannell and Matt Barry – Shelter Insurance, Logan County Judge Ray Gack, Natosha Carr – Logan County Judges Office, Paul Hively –Nabholz Construction, John Whitman – Guy Fenter Educational Cooperative, Travis Schluterman and Ashley Watts – Union Bank, Beth Ullrich – Paris School Board Member, and Laura Bauer – Anchor Reality. We would also like to thank the sponsors who provided door prizes for the students: 22 Brew, True Grit Grounds: Coffee and Tea, and Walmart – Paris.

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

Arkansas bullfrog season underway

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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9:41 pm

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By Randy Zellers

If you’re looking for a reason to be happy after Tax Day, you might want to celebrate with one of Arkansas’s quirkiest outdoor occasions. Bullfrog season is open and will run through Dec. 31, 2024.

It may not come with the fanfare of opening day of deer season, and no one’s ever joined a “gigging camp,” but the men and women willing to do some high stepping in the swamp can be handsomely rewarded for their “legwork.”

In Arkansas, only bullfrogs may be harvested, and a valid fishing license is required. The limit is 18 frogs per day, measured from noon one day until noon the next day. Bullfrogs may not be sold except by fish farmers with a valid commercial bullfrog permit. Visit https://www.agfc.com/education/alternative-fishing-methods for more information on regulations concerning frog gigging and other alternative methods of fishing.

Frogs may be harvested with bow-and-arrow, hook-and-line, gig or simply snatching them up by hand. By far the most popular method is to use a 10-foot long pole tipped with a barbed gig point or spring-loaded jaw. Wading along the shallows of a pond, scanning the surface of the water will reveal the glowing eyes of the frogs. Froggers will keep the light trained on their prey, dazzling them much like deer in the headlights, and slowly ease within range of the frog to take a quick stab at it. If their aim is true, the frogger needs to act quickly to pull the frog from the gig and place it in a cooler or mesh sack before it pulls itself loose. Wire fish baskets used by bream anglers come in very handy, as they don’t give the frogs an opportunity to escape like a cooler lid being opened.

The most common form of frog hunting involves two people with a jon boat, spotlight and frog gig. AGFC photo.

If the pond is too deep to maneuver along the bank, a small canoe or jon boat works well with an electric motor or paddle, but it’s best to have at least two in the boat. Teammates can take turns keeping the light focused on the frog and paddling or controlling the trolling motor while the other member focuses on making a good stab at his or her prey. Grabbing frogs by the hand is done much the same way except that it requires you to get much closer.

Hook-and-line frog enthusiasts ply their “fishing” attempts during the day, when frogs are focused on flying insects. Using a long cane pole, anglers dangle a small fly (usually just a bit of red and black yarn on a bream hook) in front of the frog, attempting to fool it into thinking it’s an easy meal. Once the frog takes the bait, the angler snatches it up quickly and adds it to their catch.

People who “fish” for frogs often use colorful yarn flies like this bream killer pattern to tempt frogs into biting their “bug.” AGFC photo.

Bullfrogs can be found across Arkansas, but the heaviest concentrations usually are found along the many ponds, slow-moving streams and fish farms in the eastern half of the state. It may take some door-knocking and asking for permission, but some small private ponds can prove worth the effort once you break out the gigging gear.

Be sure to scan the bushes along the banks before making an approach on any frog. Plenty of spiders set up shop along the shore’s edge and the webs can be a pain. Snakes also climb into low-hanging branches of brush along the water’s edge. Many tales of men walking on the water or sinking a small jon boat during a frog-gigging trip begin with a snake falling into the boat. Most water snakes are not venomous, but it doesn’t make it any less frightening when one plops in the boat next to you. Learning what to look for in identifying a venomous snake can set your mind at ease. The AGFC has a downloadable snake pocket guide available at www.agfc.com/en/resources/brochures.

Cleaning the frogs after a night of gigging is relatively simple. Cut it in half just above the waist, then peel down the skin from the legs with a pair of pliers. Snip off the bottom feet and the legs are ready to be grilled or rolled in your favorite breading and fried.

The old quote, “It tastes like chicken,” likely originated with a parent getting their child to eat frog legs for the first time. Anyone who’s enjoyed these treats from the swamp will tell you chicken doesn’t compare to the flavor and texture offered by this delicately sweet meat that’s the ultimate in organic, locally sourced protein.

Ready, Set, Graduate!

Featured

Tammy Teague

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9:39 pm

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On March 25 & 29 the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Magazine High School staff and community members to conduct the “Ready, Set, Graduate” program. Ready, Set, Graduate is a financial management program that teaches high school senior’s skills in budgeting, banking and the wise use of credit.

During the first day of RSG, seniors participated in educational classes on budgeting, banking, and credit. These lessons were taught by Magazine High School CTE instructors. Students learned how to write checks, balance a checkbook, create a budget based on a prospective salary for their chosen career, resume writing and interview etiquette.

Students conduct reverse interviews with volunteers.

On the second day, students had the opportunity to apply these skills during the “Mall of Life” simulation. Stations were set up in the gym and manned by area businesses and community members. At each station,students made decisions similar to those adults make each month. Students had to buy or rent a home, purchase a car, insurance, utilities and other common expenses, all while staying within their proposed monthly budget.

The seniors also participated in mock interviews conducted by community members from Mercy, First Western Bank, Cooperative Extension Service, Shelter Insurance, Mountain Vista Real Estate, and Magazine High School Staff. During interviews, students were evaluated on their professionalism, dress and resume, then informed whether or not the company would “hire” them based on this evaluation. Students walked away with a better understanding of “adulting” and skills that will help them once they graduate High School.

The Extension Service would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for helping to make Ready, Set, Graduate a success:Jimmy Pannell and Matt Barry – Shelter Insurance, Venus Avery and Christin Villarreal – First Western Bank, Aaron Brewer – Mountain Vista Real Estate, and Megan Evans and Randi Brown – Mercy Hospital. We would also like to thank the sponsors who provided door prizes for the students: 22 Brew and Walmart – Booneville.

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

Mansfield City Council Rejects Plan for RV Park

Tammy Teague

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9:35 pm

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Mansfield City Council Rejects Plan for RV Park

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday night, April 18. Members present included James Steele, Julie Thomas, Sheri Hopkins, Boyd Farmer, and Beverly Lyons. Alderman Glen Hurt was absent.

Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After approving the minutes and financial reports from the March meeting, the council heard the city services reports. Mayor Black presented all three departmental reports, fire, police and public works. City attorney Travis Plummer stated there were no new matters to discuss, with the exception of amendment to city ordinance 2024-2, listed on the agenda.

The council would vote to hear, and adopt the changes to ordinance 2024-2, regarding water meter boxes.

In the last matter of unfinished business, a discussion about the proposed RV park at N. Caldwell and E. Center Street, adjacent to the Mansfield Elementary School. Steele stated his position, again, noting that he would be voting against the proposal out of concern for the safety and security of the children.

Mayor Black allowed audience members to speak. Bobby Musgrove addressed the council, stating, “I can tell by the looks on your faces, I know how you will vote. But we are losing businesses in this town…with this RV park, the city could charge a 2% tourism tax…You have got to think about the city. We have run businesses out of town out of stupidity…I can see all your points, you’re afraid that some kids might get kidnapped, raped or molested, but that can happen anywhere at any time…

Alderman Farmer responded stating that because he is elected by the people, and that the overwhelming majority of people were against it, he must vote no. Thomas agreed, stating “I have never had so many people reach out to me about an issue since I have been elected.”

Mayor Black noted that he had invited both the school superintendent, and Don Wheeler, the owner of that property, to attend the meeting. However, neither were present.

Steele would make the motion that there would be no RV park at the location at N. Caldwell and E. Street, adjacent to the Elementary School. Hopkins seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

In matters of new business, the council would approve the certification raise for officer Eric Townley. Additionally, two new members of the Mansfield Fire Department, Kyle England and Dylan Thomas.

Mayor Black reported on the updates to the wastewater facility and sought approval from the council for a skid unit for the fire department’s new brush truck to be purchased with county funds.

Before adjourning, the announcement was made about the Mayor’s Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, April 20 at 8 a.m., Mansfield City Lake.

Bird flu detected in cattle in eight states; Arkansas Ag Department restricts transport into state

Networks

Tammy Teague

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10:28 am

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Bird flu detected in cattle in eight states; Arkansas Ag Department restricts transport into state

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture

As highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is detected in cattle in a growing number of states, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has issued an order restricting livestock exhibiting symptoms or testing positive for the virus from entering the state.

Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said Arkansas has seen no reports of cattle infected with the virus within its borders. Additionally, there have been no reports of bird flu in Arkansas commercial poultry production facilities or backyard “hobby flocks” since December 2023.

“So far, we’re doing quite well,” Clark said. “I won’t say we’re safe. We need everyone to maintain good biosecurity practices.”

Clark is also the associate director of the Division of Agriculture’s Poultry Center.

Per an April 5 letter from Arkansas State Veterinarian John Nilz:

No dairy cattle exhibiting symptoms of or testing positive for HPAI shall be allowed to move into Arkansas.
No dairy cattle from states with impacted herds shall be allowed to move into Arkansas.
Livestock moving into Arkansas found to be in non-compliance with this order shall be quarantined to the nearest facility until all requirements are met on said animals to meet specifications.

“This is still an unfolding issue,” Clark said. As of April 15, USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service reported confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle in eight states, including Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina. All of the reported cases have been in dairy milking cattle.

Clark said that since February 2022, more than 90 million birds in the United States have been affected by the H5N1 strain of bird flu.

“It’s been detected in about 480 commercial flocks and 645 hobby flocks,” Clark said.

According to an April 16 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, more than 8.5 million birds had been affected within the previous 30 days. While HPAI has been detected in 48 states over the last two years, it has only been reported in eight states — Michigan, Florida, New Mexico, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, North Carolina and Maine — during that 30-day period.

“Two of the largest of those were table egg flocks in Michigan,” Clark said. “One with more than 2 million birds, the other slightly less than 2 million birds. Then there was a commercial table egg flock in Texas that was more than 1.8 million birds. Those were the biggest in the last 30 days.”

Clark said that while USDA and the state veterinarian outlined clear biosecurity guidelines for

the transportation of poultry for both commercial producers and backyard hobbyists, one factor that can’t be controlled is the presence of wild birds.

“Don’t expose your hobby flock birds to wild waterfowl,” Clark said. “Keep them penned up at this point in time, while the migration is still going on. Don’t let them range and keep them away from water sources that may have had wild waterfowl on them, such as a pond.

“If you go somewhere such as a park and there’s a pond there, stay away from it,” he said. “When you go home, clean and disinfect your shoes and change clothes before you visit your own poultry.”

Many public resources are available to help individuals establish good biosecurity measures and assess the possibility of an infected herd or flock, including the USDA’s HPAI biosecurity factsheet, the Division of Agriculture’s biosecurity resources page and the Arkansas Department of Health’s HPAI page. Individuals who think they may have an infected bird should consult their veterinarian or call the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746.

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

Arkansas strawberries arrive early, signaling start of fruit season

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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9:03 pm

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Arkansas strawberries arrive early, signaling start of fruit season

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

There’s good news for Arkansans looking forward to strawberry seasons: There’s no more waiting. This year’s strawberries arrived one to two weeks earlier this month, with the season expected to peak in late April or early May. “Normally our peak is closer to Mother’s Day, but we’ll peak earlier this year,” said Amanda McWhirt, extension fruit and vegetable horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The temps warmed up earlier this year, and we were able to protect the plants through the cool spells. We may have had a little damage to the crowns from that ice and snow we had, but we were able to get row covers on them. With warm days in March, the plants started coming out of dormancy and started growing.” Strawberries suffer damage when temperatures dip below freezing, but most growers were able to get row crop covers on their plants. Randy Arnold, president of the Mid-American Strawberry Growers Association, said he’s seen just a little damage to some of his 75,000 strawberry plants at this farm near Alma. “I’m realizing just a little damage and seeing the smaller nubbins,” which he sells as seconds, he said.Arnold picked his first strawberry on April 1 and has been picking ever since to keep pace with demand. There’s often a waiting list at the Arnold Family farm Store on Highway 71 in Alma. “The demand is as big as I’ve seen it,” he said. “We picked 900 pounds today, and they were gone by 1:30 p.m.” In Central Arkansas, Barnhill Orchards was busy picking and selling quarts of berries at its drive-through at 277 Sandhill Road in Lonoke.
“Our berries came in about a week early,” said Ekko Barnhill, who manages sales. “We have a new variety we are using — Ruby Junes. They are big strawberries, very red and sweet. Our customers absolutely love them.”

Barnhill said her family planted 8 acres of berries this year, one more acre than last year. She expects peak harvest around the first or second week in May.

“As the temp gets warmer, the berries put on faster,” she said. “The extra heat makes them a little sweeter, too.”

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

Timepiece: Where the Buffalo Roam

Featured

Tammy Teague

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8:55 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

When singing the song, “Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam,” people do not think of Arkansas yet thousands of buffalo once lived in the state. In 1540, Desoto reported seeing numerous buffalo as he crossed the state as did LaSalle a century later. When William Dunbar made his expedition across the state in 1804, he reported they fed off the numerous deer and turkey but were not able to bring down the huge buffalo with the rifles that they carried. He did comment on the many salt springs in the area which were referred to as “buffalo licks.” The many salt licks eventually lead to the entire county being called Saline or salt county. Colonel Richard Dodge reported encountering a massive herd of Arkansas buffalo in one of his 1860’s memoires. Further north, the Buffalo River was named for the famous animal and was often labeled on maps as the Buffalo tributary of the White river. Reportedly, the last buffalo in the state was killed in Saline County shortly after the ending of the Civil War.

It is estimated that more than 60 million buffalo were once found in the U.S. and herds were found from the Rocky Mountains all the way into New York. Woodland buffalo, slightly larger and blockier than the plains buffalo, ran in smaller herds in the more forested areas of the state. Both they and the plains buffalo were found in Arkansas. Both were hunted by the Native American tribes and were a major source of food. Off Bear Gap trail on the south side of Magazine Mountain is what is thought to be a buffalo jump. A buffalo jump is a cliff formation where drive lanes funneled herds of animals over a cliff wall to their death. Bear Gap, a natural declivity in the rock formation, was used to push the animals toward a constructed rock wall which would then force the animal over the cliff. Although unconfirmed, lichen deposits and construction of the wall appears to predate American settlers.

The Grand Prairie of Franklin and Sebastian county once contained large numbers of buffalo. Both Spanish and French trappers visited the area and exchanged beads and trade goods for the meat and hides from the buffalo. The exchange or trading port on the Arkansas river was called Lavaca (the cow in Spanish) and lead to the naming of the present day town. The river bisecting Sebastian County is called Vache Grasse, the French name for fat cow. In both instances, the cow they were referring to was the buffalo.

The American buffalo is really not a buffalo but a bison. The shaggy, brown-haired animal can reach heights exceeding six feet tall, nine feet long, and over a ton in weight. In Yellowstone, I once saw a buffalo cow taking on a herd of wolves while protecting her calf. Charging, she would place her head near the earth and pick up and toss the wolves in every direction. A majestic animal, the buffalo could easily have become our national symbol. Once more common place in our state than the elk, it would be fantastic to see small numbers reintroduced into the wild in our state and national forestland of the Ouachita and Ozark mountains.

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK