83.4 F
Fort Smith
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 197

Record participation in Big Squirrel Challenge defies Arctic blast

Tammy Teague
-
0
Record participation in Big Squirrel Challenge defies Arctic blast

YELLVILLE — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s third Big Squirrel Challenge drew 139 teams statewide at 12 sites over last weekend, but the biggest of the squirrels seem drawn to Yellville, where the overall winners in every division brought their bags to the AGFC’s Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center and claimed top prize.

Tate Milligun and Emet Moore turned in a bag of fox squirrels totaling 2,401 grams to claim the Youth Fox-only Division and also the biggest bag of any pair of hunters statewide. Taylor Biggs and Justin Cochran were the overall winners in the Adult Fox-only category, hauling their 2084-gram bag into Crooked Creek Nature Center. Other overall winners there were Will and Misty James in the Adult Mixed Bag Division with 1865 grams and Sophia Layton and Hank Duran in the Youth Mixed Bag Division, with a 1910-gram bag.

Twenty-one teams brought in their harvest at Yellville, the most of any site. Jonesboro had 18 teams along with 64 total participants, the most in the state.

Fort Smith had 13 teams participating but was right behind Yellville in terms of bag weight in several categories. Jack Ishii and Lyle Smith were just edged out by the Biggs-Cochran duo in the overall standings of Adult Fox-only, but their 2050 grams won their division in Fort Smith over Jeremy Slaten and Steve Hunt by a mere 10 grams. Ishii and Smith also bested the field in Fort Smith in the Adult Mixed Bag with 1725 grams, while Jayden Ishii and Ariyen Xia Chokbengboun were best in the Youth Mixed Bag Division in Fort Smith with 1826 grams.

Hunters took to the woods from noon Friday to noon Saturday, with up to two people making up a team and pursuing bushytails during regular hunting hours, then bringing their harvest to one of the 12 sites. Individual youths could hunt with an adult mentor in their divisions.

The Big Squirrel Challenge began in May 2021 at one location, the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, before being expanded in January 2022 to a statewide event. Hunters could harvest their legal limit of 12 squirrels per person, but only the top three squirrels, skin on and field-dressed, were weighed at the end of the event, and each squirrel could only be weighed once — meaning, squirrels weighed in the fox-only division could not be weighed again in the mixed bag grouping. When the weigh-in was done, all squirrels were returned to the hunters to enjoy at the dinner table.

Each regional first- and second-place team received medals. The statewide overall winners received additional prizes. Door prizes were also awarded at each weigh-in facility during the event.

Regional Winners, Division, Total Grams per Bag

Batesville, Paul H. Willmuth Shooting Sports Complex: Hank Chriswell and Shane Hiter, Adult Mixed, 1463; Philip and Payton Duncan, Youth Fox-only, 1695; Donnie and William Horton, Youth Mixed, 1772.

Columbus, Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center: Chad Rader and Cameron Tatom, Adult Mixed, 1779; Braiden Friend and Karson Pach, Youth Mixed, 1231.

Fort Smith, Arkansas River Valley Nature Center: Jack Ishii and Lyle Smith, Adult Fox-only, 2050; Jack Ishii and Lyle Smith, Adult Mixed, 1725; Hunter and Matthew Moore, Youth Fox-only, 2008; Jayden Ishii and Ariyen Xia Chokbengboun, Youth Mixed, 1826.

Jonesboro, Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center: Jacob and Josh Wicker, Adult Fox-only, 1912; Ethan King and Haylee Nye, Adult Mixed, 1597; Jake Johnson-Luke Tarlton, Youth Fox-only, 2087; Colin Kifer, Beau Dooley, Youth Mixed, 1617.

Magnolia,  SAU Laney Farm: Benson and Benson, Adult Mixed, 1594; Clark and Cupples, Youth Fox-only, 2234; Goodgion and Goodgion, Youth Mixed, 1707.

Mayflower, Camp Robinson Shooting Range: Willie Elliott-James  Harris, Adult Mixed, 1616; Timothy Paulette-Elijah Paulette, Youth Mixed, 1790.

Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA Headquarters: Trey Munger and Steve Stublefield, Adult Fox-only, 1897; Phillip Skipper, Adult Mixed, 1506; Zack and Zane Lovett, Youth Fox-only, 1859; Anthony and Addyson Elliott, Youth Mixed, 1447.

Monticello, AGFC Southeast Regional Office: Michael Dodson, Adult Mixed, 1627; Nick Chapman, Youth Mixed, 1490.

Russellville, AGFC West Central Regional Office: Clay Titsworth and Jesse Johnson, Adult Fox-only, 579; David Burgener, Adult Mixed, 1501.

Pine Bluff, Delta Rivers Nature Center: Michael Ware, Adult Fox-only, 1698; Michael Ware, Adult Mixed, 1464; Cooper and Reese Stron, Youth Fox-only, 1305; Alex and Mattox Watkins, Youth Mixed, 1352.

Springdale, Ozark Highlands Nature Center: Terry Cloud, Adult Fox-only, 1198; Kraig Rutherford-Cameron Clark, Adult Mixed, 1817; Colton Hendrix-Chris Hendrix, Youth Fox-only, 1939; Brady Cotton-Bentley Cotton, Youth Mixed, 1747.

Yellville, Crooked Creek Nature Center: Taylor Biggs and Justin Cochran, Adult Fox-only,  2084; Will and Misty James, Adult Mixed, 1865; Tate Milligun and Emet Moore,  Youth Fox-only, 2401; Sophia Layton and Hank Duran, Youth Mixed, 1910.

Arkansas extension brings new book for beginning beekeepers

Tammy Teague
-
0
Arkansas extension brings new book for beginning beekeepers

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

The Cooperative Extension Service is introducing a new resource that targets beginning beekeepers, said Jon Zawislak, extension assistant professor in apiculture and urban entomology.

“’Beekeeping in Arkansas’ is an all-purpose introduction to small-scale beekeeping,” Zawislak said. “This publication is recommended for anyone who is considering getting into beekeeping. At 32 pages, it looks like a lot of information, but it is a basic introduction to the main concepts. 

“It will give the curious a starting point to decide if they want to learn more or learn enough for them to know that beekeeping is more than they want to take on right now,” he said. “It was written to be a printed companion to the online video short course.”

“Beekeeping in Arkansas,” MP577, replaces MP-419.

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

About the Division of Agriculture

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

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

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services 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.

ADEM and National Guard Assisting Communities with Water Issues After Weeklong Subfreezing Temperatures

Tammy Teague
-
0
ADEM and National Guard Assisting Communities with Water Issues After Weeklong Subfreezing Temperatures

Several days of below-freezing temperatures across the state are causing water issues for multiple cities as Arkansas begins to thaw out. Throughout the week, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management in coordination with the Governor’s office has been assisting and facilitating help in these communities.  

In Phillips County, a water shortage due to a water pump failure has impacted 8,000 to 9,000 residents. The Arkansas National Guard (ANG) has deployed a Water Hippo (2,000 gallons) to support the county. The Hippo was in place at 10 p.m. on Thursday.

The City of Thornton in Calhoun County has had a water pump malfunction. ANG has responded with a Water Buffalo (400 gallons) to assist.

In White County, the Pangburn water storage tank pump failed, impacting 2,600 residents. Five pallets of water have been delivered by the local emergency coordinator.

A significant water line in the City of Mansfield in Sebastian County ruptured, impacting 1,500 people, including the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center. ANG is assisting with placing a Water Hippo at the Mansfield City Complex.

In Stone County, heavy rain, snow, and freezing temperatures damaged the system’s intake structure. Convoy of Hope, the Foodbank of North Central Arkansas, the Mountain View Fire Department, and Arkansas State Police have assisted with 33 pallets of water and a 1,000-gallon tank drop-off.

High demands on the water supply in the city of Sparkman in Dallas County are causing low water issues. ANG delivered a Water Buffalo for the town.

The City of Fulton in Hempstead County is operational but under a boil order. Five pallets of water have arrived to assist those who need fresh water.  

Many other cities and communities across the state are under a boil order. The Arkansas Department of Health has a list of all the impacted water systems that are a current boil order here. 

Obituary: Barbara Alice Barnett (1931 – 2024)

Tammy Teague
-
0
Obituary: Barbara Alice Barnett (1931 – 2024)

Barbara Alice Barnett of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, January 19, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas. Barbara was born July 22, 1931 to James “Jim” House and Nora (Brooks) House in Waldron, Arkansas. Barbara was 92 years, 5 months and 28 days old. She was a member of the Living Church of God.

Barbara married Ralph Barnett in 1950 and together they raised two sons; Leslie “Randall” and Darrell “Rudy”. Barbara enjoyed gardening all year around. She would share her vegetable bounty with neighbors and friends. Barbara loved being outdoors and had a wonderful time weedeating, it was one of her favorite things to do. Barbara lived a good life and enjoyed spending time with her family. The memories with them will forever be treasured.

Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memory her two sons: Randall and wife Joan Barnett of Waldron, Arkansas and Rudy and wife Anitra Barnett of Waldron, Arkansas. Granny Barb will forever remain in the hearts of her four grandchildren: Rebekah and husband Tim Woods of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Roderick Barnett and wife Jennifer of Huntsville, Arkansas; Ryan Barnett and wife April of Springdale, Arkansas; and Rustin Barnett and wife Ellen of Cabot, Arkansas. Barbara also is surived by eleven great grandchildren: Grayson Griffith, Abbie Barnett, Rylee Barnett, Kaitlyn Barnett, Kingston Barnett, Jacob Barnett, Noah Barnett, Jonah Barnett, Eli Barnett, Emma Grace Barnett and Norah Kate Barnett. Barbara will be missed by all that knew her including a host of family and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Barnett, her parents Jim and Nora House, and her five siblings: Freddye Richmond, Jimmye Craig, David “Dave” House, James “Chuck” House and Don House.

Barbara’s interment will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in the Greenridge community outside of Waldron, Arkansas.

Paris & Subiaco Academy Make History with First All Logan County Scholastic Wrestling Match

Jim Best
-
0
Paris & Subiaco Academy Make History with First All Logan County Scholastic Wrestling Match

SUBIACO- After being sequestered to homes during the frigid temperatures and snowfall this week, the Paris and Subiaco wrestling teams provided a much-needed break from the “cabin fever” that many Logan County residents have been experiencing as of late. The two schools competed on Thursday night at Subiaco Academy in a historic first-ever scholastic wrestling meet between two Logan County schools.

The Trojans defeated Paris on points by the score of 42-24. Paris, in their first-ever season in their program’s history, continued to take big strides under the direction of coach Andrew Cannon. In fact, Coach Cannon is starting his second program, having started the Subiaco program previously.

Both programs competed well in a highly spirited yet sportsmanlike respect for each other. The large crowd on hand was treated to exciting competition. Paris is not competing at home in its first year, and the Subiaco match provided Paris fans in particular the chance to see the team compete close to home.

RNN Sports will have a special feature on this match in next week’s RNN Logan / Franklin County newspaper. If you have not yet subscribed to the area’s only weekly newspaper focusing on LOCAL news and sports, just go to residentnewsnetwork.com/subscribe to sign-up today!

Congratulations to both schools on an excellent match, and best of luck with the remainder of your seasons. Photos from this match will be available on Sunday at RNN Sports’ “Team Press Pass” page on Facebook and at Paris Eagles Sports, also on Facebook.

Superintendent with a Servant’s Heart

Tammy Teague
-
0
Superintendent with a Servant’s Heart

A servant’s heart is a combination of character and attitude that lend themselves to serving others. That is truly the definition of Charleston School’s Superintendent Melissa Moore.

Moore, her husband, Jim, and her assistant, Marilyn Moore, spent much of the day on Wednesday, January 17, clearing parking lots to make both students and their families safer in the drop-off line.  

We want to take a moment to thank Superintendent Moore for heart to serve, and for sacrificing her time for others!

Photo courtesy of Jo Ann Neissi
Photo courtesy of Jo Ann Neissi

Obituary: Tracy Coughran (1972 – 2024)

Tammy Teague
-
0
Obituary: Tracy Coughran (1972 – 2024)


Tracy Lynn (Kastl) Coughran, 51, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family; her world. Tracy was born June 3, 1972 to Clinton “Nubbin” Kastl and Judy Lynn (Boyd) Kastl in Mena, Arkansas.

Tracy was married to the love of her life, Jack Coughran. Together they raised three amazing boys; Cody, Trey and Drew. Tracy enjoyed listening to good ol’ rock and roll music and playing pool. She had an eye for decorating and was always organized and prepared for any adventure her and her family would go on. Jack and Tracy had a love that was like none other. Together they often would go fishing; Tracy didn’t like fishing but she wanted to always be with Jack. Tracy would say her family was “My world”. To know Tracy was to love her and she always took care of everyone in her world. The memories made with her world will forever be treasured by each of them.

Tracy leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Jack Coughran of the home and her three sons: Cody, Trey and Drew all of Waldron, Arkansas; her parents: Clinton “Nubbin” and Judy Kastl of Waldron, Arkansas; her siblings: Nicole Kastl, George and wife Latonya Kastl, Wendy Kastl, Robin Kastl and Amy Kastl all of Waldron, Arkansas. Aunt Tracy will forever remain in the hearts of her eighteen nieces and nephews: Jalon, Allen, Logan, Ethan, Evan, Trevor, Levi, Noah, Olivia, Jenna, Preston, Owen, Isaac, Stella, Seth, Leland, Jaxson and Ember. Tracy is also survived by her aunts and uncles: Carol and Bud Lewis of Greenwood, Arkansas; Clarence and Leslie Boyd of Waldron, Arkansas; and Bill and Cindy Boyd of Waldron, Arkansas.

Tracy was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Perry and Treva Boyd; her paternal grandparents: George and Juanita “Dettle” Kastl; Aunt Beverly “Cheech” Kastl; Uncle George and Aunt Cindy Kastl; and Uncle Jacky Kastl.

Tracy’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Evening Shade Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Tracy’s pallbearers will be Jack Coughran, Cody Coughran, Trey Coughran, Drew Coughran, George Kastl, Nubbin Kastl, Roy Shorts and Greg Godfrey. Honorary pallbearers will be Tracy’s nieces and nephews.

Tracy’s visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Mansfield And Mountainburg Preparing For Battle Of Fire And Ice

Adam Hecox
-
0
Mansfield And Mountainburg Preparing For Battle Of Fire And Ice

The Mansfield Tigers and Lady Tigers have been on a hot streak in conference play this season. Both teams are sitting pretty atop of the 2A-4 with undefeated 5-0 records and have powered past their 2A-4 opponents in convincing fashion. With wins over Hector, Western Yell, Lavaca, and JC Westside under their belts and just two conference teams left to face, Mansfield fans may be thinking it’s all going to be smooth sailing to the 1Seed of the District Tournament. There’s just one “Mountain” of a problem with that kind of thinking. The Mountainburg Dragons and Lady Dragons have been silently stalking the same 1Seed and aim to burn up Mansfield’s chances on Friday, January 19th when Mansfield travels to “The Burg”. Mansfield and Mountainburg were originally slated to face off against each other on December 8th, 2023 but with Mansfield still in the state football Playoffs, the game was postponed until a full month later. During that time, both Mansfield and Mountainburg successfully ran a gauntlet schedule of larger programs which helped build up the upcoming small-town showdown.

The Mansfield Lady Tigers are 5-0 in conference play and 17-0 overall so far this season. By defeating non-conference teams like Elkins, Pea Ridge, Lincoln, Booneville, and Acorn then mowing over conference competition, Mansfield has made their way up to #2 in most media State rankings. Mansfield’s nuclear nine-player roster has blown up the scoreboard by scoring 1,004 points in just 17 games (59 points average) while their ferocious defense has only allowed 456 points (26 point average). The Lady Tigers’ shooting skills have shown that they have nothing but ice in their veins as each of Mansfield’s nine players has the capability of putting opponents away from beyond the arches. The Mountainburg Lady Dragons have taken nearly the same type of path as they sit with a 5-0 record in conference play and 15-1 overall. The Lady Dragons have defeated the likes of Lincoln, Cedarville, Lifeway Christian, and West Fork in non-conference play. Mountainburg’s only loss was in their first game of the season as they narrowly fell to Prairie Grove 48-45. Since that loss, the Lady Dragons have burnt up the courts by going 15-0 and outscoring their opponents 787-575. Although the Lady Dragons aren’t in the state spotlight, they have slowly but surely earned their way to being ranked 6th in the State by multiple media outlets. Both the Lady Tigers and Mountainburg are three games up on the closest conference competition (Lavaca / 2-3) so the battle to reach the top of the mountain in Mountainburg will have a lot on the line.

Mansfield’s boys’ team started the season with the same tough non-conference schedule as the girls, but with the football State Playoffs still in progress, many of their current starters were on the field rather than on the court. That may seem as if it were an excuse for early losses on the Tiger schedule, but in all actuality, it showed the talented depth on the Tigers’ bench stretched for miles. Even with injuries to starters throughout the first half of the season, the Tigers still have a winning record going 5-0 in conference play and 11-7 overall. Through the thrilling wins and close losses, Mansfield is seemingly starting to get into their groove as an overall unit on the court setting the floor ablaze seemingly at will. Although the Tigers are undefeated against their 2A-4 conference opponents, they’re not so far ahead that W’s are an automatic. Mountainburg is currently tied for second place in the 2A-4 with Lavaca as both teams have a 3-2 conference record. With losses against Western Yell and JC Westside earlier in the season, the Dragons know that a home victory over the top-ranked Tigers would be huge for their program’s chances at a conference championship. The Dragons are 9-7 overall and share a pair of losses with Mansfield against like opponents, Waldron and Hackett. Mansfield fell to Waldron losing 68-44 while Mountainburg was scratched out by the Bulldogs 67-64. The Tigers lost to Hackett twice with scores of 54-43 and 63-35 and the Dragons were stung 60-39 by the Hornets. Record-wise, the game favors Mansfield while the statistics and home-court advantage lean Mountainburg’s way.

Both the Tigers and Dragons basketball programs are relatively equal in nearly all areas of the game. Mansfield and Mountainburg have extremely skilled players, exceptional coaching staff, and impressive victories over larger schools. The program’s records are nearly identical against like opponents. These games will likely be key indicators as to who’s who when it comes time for the 2A-4 conference and district championships in Lavaca. With a lot on the line in Friday’s games at Mountainburg, whoever wins and whoever loses will boil down to one thing and one thing alone…..who wants it more?

Mansfield photos courtesy of Joey Bolin.
Mountainburg photos courtesy of Malinda Mizell

What Advertising Platform is Best for your Business, Brand or Service

Jason Baggett
-
0
What Advertising Platform is Best for your Business, Brand or Service

Preface – this IS NOT a click funnel begging for your dollars trying to keep a newspaper alive. It’s time someone said it, and I felt led to be that person. Here we go…

In today’s advertising market, it’s had to miss to the self-made millionaires, their e-books, their email stratgies, and so on. It’s all garbage, and it’s a total waste of time, and money.

QUESTION: What does word of mouth and traditional advertising have in common?

ANSWER: People trust what (and where) other people trust / position their business.

During covid, a lot of newspapers were literally begging for tips, donations, etc. (some still are) and I vowed to either make it on our core principles of morals, ethics, and honesty or we would shut down. There were a few thin months, but here we are, proudly not accepting any tips, or donations. Enter my opinion per my experience…

So many people and businesses want the quick fix to make a dollar, especially in new business. Social media isn’t it, and will never be. Here’s why.

You’re competing for eyeballs that blink slower than scrolling fingers, you’re competing with every business out there trying to create the attention grabbing artwork, or promo. It is literally endless.

I’ve compiled a list, also throwing in some elements I found to should pose the debate as to why supporting your local newspaper/news source is a better, long-term advertising alternative to showcase your brand, business, service, etc.

Social Media Disadvantages

  • Social media alone won’t allow you to reach your full audience
  • Social media relies on those who already know you. (friends, family, etc)
  • Platforms (Facebook, “X”, Instagram, etc.) owns your content
  • You ARE NOT guaranteed visibility / might be missed by users.
  • Ad creation is timely and confusing.
  • Consumers highly respect doing business with trusted newspapers (print/online)
  • Reputation management – Possibility of negative feedback that can tarnish brand/business.
  • Low ROI – could be a hefty investment to actually see positive results (if any)
  • Requires active, engagement and monitoring.
  • Doesn’t reach / work for all people / groups / demographics 
  • Difficult to measure response
  • No control over Consistent algorithm changes
  • Information overload / limited attention span

Newspaper Advantages

  • Automatically ads credibility to your business
  • Creates a meaningful connection to their community and surrounding areas
  • Large audience reach (website, print newspaper, social media, newsletter, plus…)
  • Target audience demographic – newspapers knows their readership
  • Cost effective with delivered results
  • Visual Appeal that stands out
  • Continued brand awareness (coffee table)
  • Better engagement from initial contact to consumer sales
  • Positive impact to the brand itself
  • Create better relationships with family like value
  • Perceived importance (consumers are widely known to take newspaper ads more seriously amidst the constant worry of social media fraud)
  • Credibility/ reputable / established 
  • You control your brand presence

As a marketing professional with over 20+ years experience spanning from the outdoor industry, pharmaceutical, and small business sectors, I clearly stand for the “mom and pop” businesses of the world who are the backbone to many industries worldwide.

Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear your opinion. Let me know!

Timepiece: Arkansas Duels

Tammy Teague
-
0

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

As an old western observer, I probably have watched far more gun duels than is healthy for any individual.  Most of those, including my favorite Gunsmoke, usually included a face-off between two antagonists out to wreck revenge on each other.  Perhaps prime entertainment in our lifetime, duels were once a matter of honor and occurred all too frequently in our past.  The 1804 duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr featured two of our countries founders and ended with the death of Hamilton, a man many felt would have eventually became president.  Burr, who had been elected vice-president, lost job and reputation as a result of the fight. Andrew Jackson fought many duels, the most famous involving Charles Dickinson, a man who had insulted Jackson’s wife.  Jackson killed Dickinson in the duel but was himself severely wounded.  He carried the bullet inside his chest and suffered chronic pain from it for the rest of his life.

Arkansas had its share of duels, many started by events or words that would be deemed insignificant for offense today.  A prank, and slight to one’s family, or calling a person a liar or cheat would, and too often did, result in the challenge to a duel.  In 1827, Secretary of State (territory) Robert Crittenden and acting governor Henry Conway fought a duel over statements made during a political campaign.  Meeting near the confluence of the White and Mississippi river, the two faced off with Conway missing while Crittenden did not.  Conway died eleven days later.  

During the Civil War, commanding general Lucius Walker ordered several retreats as the Union Army advanced toward Little Rock from Helena.  General Marmaduke voiced his disagreement with Walker’s strategy and Walker felt his honor and bravery was being challenged.  Both sent friends to discuss the misunderstanding but the friends, without consulting the generals, set up a duel.  On September 6, 1863 the two meet just across the Arkansas River from Little Rock and faced off at 15 paces.  Both missed the first shot but Marmaduke’s second shot hit and killed Walker.  Missing the field general, Commander Price pulled out left Little Rock, essentially surrendering the state capitol without a fight. 

One of the more violent and savage duels in the state occurred in Conway county in 1842.  Dr. Nimrod Menefee and his former friend and neighbor, Nelson Phillips got into a violent argument which eventually ended when the two agreed to meet in nearby woods and settle their disagreement without anyone else present.  As reported by a young man who happened to pass by while the duel was in progress, Phillips fired his gun first and missed.  Menifee then fired and shot Phillips in the back.  Phillips then pulled a knife and cut Menefee severely in the chest while Menefee defended himself using his empty pistol as a weapon.  During the ensuing battle which was reported to have lasted for some period of time, Menefee was stabbed repeatedly and died from the wounds.  Phillips, shot in the kidney, died a few days later.  

An 1847 duel between Albert Pike and John Roane ended muchmore amiably.  Both men exchanged two shots twice with both missing and were persuaded to call a halt to the contest.

 They retired to Fort Smith and ended the day drinking and carousing as friends.  This was not uncommon in duels.  According to Dueling Handbook, only about 20% of those dueling was injured and only 1 in 14 resulted in a fatality.  My professor friends from U/A Fort Smith, Tom Wing and Roy Hill conducted their own research on the topic while writing a historical paper.  Using old black powder weapons, the two set up targets about 30 foot away.  Doing push-ups to stimulate and tire themselves, both men would then stand and fire at the targets.  Both are excellent marksmen but still hit fewer than 20% per-cent of their shots.  Good odds for survival but not good enough for me!  Let’s just skip the dueling part, agree to disagree and be like Albert Pike.  Meet me at the Old South to carouse.  We will shake hands and I’ll buy the breakfast and coffee.  That’s a much more pleasant way to spend the day. 

1...196197198...1,044Page 197 of 1,044

© Resident News Network | 2015 - 2026 | All Rights Reserved | Baggett Enterprises LLC | Isaiah 43:18-19