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Waldron School Board Meets

Tammy Teague
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Waldron School Board Meets

​The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, January 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Mac Davis, Stan Cottrell and Konnor McKay.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Cheyenne Smith, Toni Dozier, Chris Lipham, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Tonya Cluck, Josh Atchley, Randi Hickman and Zack Taylor.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Mr. Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

​Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​Superintendent Fielding informed everyone that January is School Board Member Appreciation month, and he recognized the school board members for their service to our school.

​A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to add item H) Approve Bid for the Purchase of Jerseys for the Football Team for the Upcoming School Year.  Motion carried 5-0.

​ A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the December 11th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders to Amazon; D) Approve Purchase Orders to Great Minds; E) Approve Purchase Order to Lexia Learning System, LLC; F) Approve Purchase Order to National Institute for Excellence in Teaching; G) Approve Purchase Order to Saied Music Company; H) Approve Bid for the Purchase of Jerseys for the Football Team for the Upcoming School Year.  Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to add Item A) Authorization for the District to Request a Waiver to New Business and move the original itemsdown.  Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to Authorize the District to Request a Waiver to start school on August 12th.  Motion carried 5-0.

Superintendent Fielding informed each of the school board members of the number of training hours they received for 2023. 

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Gate Keeper Pay.  Motion carried 5-0.

​The principals reported on each of their schools.  Mrs. Dozier reported that Adventure Online Academy currently has27 students enrolled.  Mrs. Jeffery informed the board members that ten 4th Graders participated in the Spelling Bee.  She also stated that iReady testing is underway.  Mr. Taylor informed the board members of the Spelling Bee winners, they are as follows:  Ajay Cherry, 1st place, Kayla Tedford, 2nd place, and Alounpaphay Dala, 3rd place. Mr. Taylor announced that theBook Fair will be at Middle School starting February 2nd.  Mrs. Solomon reported that the Juniors will be taking the ACT in February. There will be a Reverse Job Fair on April 16th.  The date for Prom has not been determined yet.  Coach Atchley reported that FCA has grown so much that the classroom they are meeting in is overflowing. 

Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham informed the board that Jr. High Basketball District will begin February 5th in Pottsville and Sr. High District will begin February 12th in Clarksville.  Volleyball will be in the 4A Conference next school year. Mr. Lipham also reported that 7 band students tried out for All-Region Band and Ben Crump will go on to try out for All-State Band.  Indoor Track at UA will be February 3rd.  

Superintendent Fielding wanted to give a shout out to the maintenance crew during the freezing temperatures for all their work and dedication.

​Executive Session Start:  7:16      Executive Session Returned:  8:14

​ A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Stan Cottrell to accept the resignation from Sarah Gouthro from Food Service as of 12-22-2023.  Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the resignation from Jeremy Hall as Custodian, as of 12-29-2023.   Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Caleb Smith as Custodian effective January 16, 2024.   Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to extend Superintendent Fielding’s contract for one more year starting July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.   Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn.  Motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Obituary – Cody “Rod” Lang (1964 – 2024)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Cody “Rod” Lang (1964 – 2024)

Cody “Rod” Lang, age 59, of Fruitvale, Texas, passed from this life at his home on January 17, 2024. He was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on October 20, 1964 and spent his formative years in Mansfield, Arkansas.

Cody was a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark as the Owner and President of Liquid Oasis Pools & Spas and Earth Tech Land Services. Cody was not only a successful entrepreneur but also an avid hunter who found solace in the great outdoors. His love for the lake and cherished moments spent at Timberlang Ranch brought him immense joy.

Cody’s passion extended to the kitchen, where he delighted in cooking for family and friends. Known for his culinary expertise, he generously hosted and prepared meals for large gatherings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Beyond his personal circles, Cody opened his home to contractors and employees, fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation.

His legacy lives on through the businesses he built, the memories created, and the connections forged over shared meals and gatherings. Cody Lang will be remembered for his love of nature and the warmth he extended to all who crossed his path.

Cody is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Johnson Lang of the home; two daughters, Ashely (Geoffrey) Jones of Fruitvale, Texas, and Jamie (Luke) Ballard of Alba, Texas.

Cody’s memory will be cherished by his four grandchildren; Rylee Simmons, Jed Boysen, Garrick Jones, and Frankie Ballard; his brother, Bo (Sharon Jean) Lang and sister, Kim McBee, both of Mansfield, Arkansas; “Brothers”, Brad Fry and Chris Fry; and his mother-in-law, Betty Kimrey of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Cody was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley (Fry) Lang, brother, Jeff Lang, and Aunt and Uncle, Patsy and Sonny Fry.

The family will receive friends and relatives for Visitation on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, Arkansas, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Fellowship Baptist Church at 10:00 am. Officiating the service will be Rev. Gary Martin. 

Pallbearers are: Bo Lang, Brad Fry, Chris Fry, Jimmy Franklin, Luke Ballard and Geoffrey Jones

Honorary Pallbearers are: Bobby Johnson and Tommy Eckle

Graveside service will be at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Freedom Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation, Mansfield, Arkansas.

Arrest Reports 1/14

Tammy Teague
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Arrest Reports 1/14

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Hunter Luke Brandenburg of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 19 at 10:25 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Brandenburg was charged with Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Billy Joe Noble of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 18 at 3:29 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Noble was charged with Violation Of A Protection Order Misdemeanor, and Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member – Choke.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Cabol Ryan Brooks of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 18 at 6:40 p.m. and released on signature bond January 18 at 10:32 p.m. Brooks was charged with Violation Of A Protection Order Misdemeanor.

James Robert McFarlin of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 19 at 4:35 a.m. and released on signature bond January 19 at 6:31 a.m. McFarlin was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Maxwell Morin of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 20 at 9:27 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 21 at 2:13 a.m. Morin was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Michael Warren Evans of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 17 at 3:14 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Evans was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Eddie Dale Hice of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 19 at 12:31 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Hice was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Mauricio Davilla Robertson of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention on January 15 at 9:35 p.m. and released on January 18 at 8:41 p.m. Robertson was charged with Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd., Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Kendra Nicole Tanner of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 15 at 1:26 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 15 at 2:05 p.m. Tanner was charged with five counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card or Debit Card-Stolen-M, and Theft of Property <$1k.

Arron Wayne Taylor of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 20 at 2:22 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 20 at 12:32 p.m. Taylor was charged with Possessing Instrument Of A Crime, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Store or Conceal – Other, and two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Mark Miller, 26 of Van Buren, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 17 at 8:03 p.m. Miller was charged with failure to appear, driving while license suspended or revoked for DWI, and criminal use of prohibited weapons.

Ronnie Kennedy, 42, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 18 at 10:58 p.m. Kennedy was charged with two counts of failure to pay.

James Price, 42, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 3:45 p.m. Price was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Jospeh Jeffery, 41 of Spiro, OK, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 6:39 p.m. Jeffery was charged with theft of property GT $1,000 LT $5,000.

Keona Woodbridge, 30, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 8 p.m. Woodbridge was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

James Emberson, 62 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 20 at 11:03 p.m. Emberson was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Jay Marshal, 34 of Blytheville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 20 at 5:27 p.m. Marshal was charged with possession of schedule VI with purpose to deliver GT 4oz. but LT 25lbs.

Keniko Torres, 22 of Bells, TN, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 6:40 p.m. Torres was charged with breaking or entering / building or structure, theft $1,000 or more and less than $5,000 (breaking or entering / building or structure).

Jorge Paraga-Gonzalez, 27 of Ft. Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 2:20 p.m. Gonzalez was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor.

Michael Isiah Howe, 21 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 10:06 a.m. Howe was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

James Edward Timmerman, 61 of Altus, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 19 at 9:44 a.m. Timmerman was charged with two counts of failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

Saw Lahney Htoo, 36 of Clarksville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 18 at 10:13 p.m. Htoo was charged with criminal contempt of court, and driving while intoxicated – DWI 2nd offense.

Christopher Lee Sutterfield, 36 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 18 at 10:03 a.m. Sutterfield was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

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

Lady Tigers Douse Dragons To Remain Undefeated

Adam Hecox
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Lady Tigers Douse Dragons To Remain Undefeated

Rankings mean nothing unless there is a match between two opponents where one wins and another loses. Comparing all of the statistics such as like opponents, win/loss record, and rosters doesn’t give the same idea of who’s better. But a head-to-head matchup, now that does. The Mansfield Lady Tigers were supposed to face the Mountainburg Lady Dragons on December 8th, 2023, but that game didn’t happen due to a conflict with the football State Playoffs. At that time, both teams were just getting their feet under them on the court. As the season progressed though, both the Lady Tigers and Lady Dragons developed some hype around their eventual matchup on Friday, January 19th. Mansfield held first place in the 2A-4 with an undefeated conference record and was ranked second in the state while Mountainburg also had dibs on the conference’s top spot with a 5-0 record and sat at 6th place in the state polls due to an early season loss. But was the overall buildup of this #1 versus #2 2A-4 showdown worth the wait? You bet your bottom dollar it was.

The game started with something you wouldn’t expect from two top-notch teams. Both Mountainburg and Mansfield’s jumpers missed the opening jump ball. Once the butterflies settled, Kaylee Ward tipped the second jump ball to her older sister, Kynslee Ward, and the Lady Tigers went to work. After a missed shot by Mansfield and a turnover by Mountainburg, the Lady Tigers got on the scoreboard first with a long range three-point shot by Kynslee Ward. The Lady Dragons quickly answered with a three-pointer of their own to set the game at 3-3 early in the first quarter. Not to be outdone, Kynslee Ward again drained a three-pointer which forced the Lady Dragons to take a timeout. The timeout didn’t cool Mansfield’s hot streak down though, as Harlie Fuller hit a three-pointer of her own to extend Mansfield’s lead. Mansfield kept the points rolling on through the net as they ran away with a 15-5 lead. But the Lady Tigers had happy feet, which led to multiple traveling calls. The turnovers allowed Mountainburg to cut into the Lady Tigers’ lead to end the first quarter with a 17-9 lead for Mansfield.

The second quarter started with an early foul by Mountainburg which sent Kaylee Ward to the free-throw line where she hit one of two shots. The Lady Dragons took a page out of Mansfield’s book as they drew a foul of their own and hit both shots. Both teams were uncharacteristically sloppy with missed shots, turnovers, and fouls which created a sort of stalemate in the second quarter. A Kynslee Ward to Harley Fuller floor pass broke a two-minute scoring drought for Mansfield as Fuller rolled in a smooth layup to give a 13-point lead to the Lady Tigers over Mountainburg. Alyson Edwards began to show her power at the boards late in the second quarter as she started to get buckets and draw fouls to gain five points in less than a minute. Mountainburg wouldn’t lay down though as the Lady Dragons closed the gap just before halftime with a few short shots and a two-point buzzer-beater to send the teams into halftime with a 29-19 score in Mansfield’s favor.

Mountainburg came out of the half on fire by hitting a three-pointer and drew the foul to get a quick four points. With the score gap now in single digits, Mansfield was in unfamiliar territory. Alyson Edwards was able to push up a pair of shots to give the Lady Tigers some breathing room, but Mountainburg smelled an upset brewing and kept the pressure on Mansfield by getting within three points of the Lady Tigers, 33-30. In close battles, it’s the warriors that step up to take control and Kynslee Ward took a huge step forward for Mansfield by hitting a much needed three-pointer to get the Lady Tigers back to a six-point lead. Heavy defensive pressure by Trinity Triska and Harley Fuller led to a Kaylee Ward short shot to give the Lady Tigers a 38-30 lead. Fuller then showed her offensive side with a big three-pointer to stretch the score back into a double-digit lead for Mansfield, but Mountainburg closed the door again with a three-pointer of their own. Harlie Fuller would have none of that though and rolled in a layup with two minutes left in the third quarter to set the score at 43-33. A three-point shot by Kaylee Ward pushed Mansfield even further ahead giving the feeling that the game was all but done. Mountainburg came right back with a pair of uncontested layups to cut Mansfield’s lead back down to nine points. Alyson Edwards again came through for Mansfield with a forceful board shot to close the third quarter with Mansfield leading Mountainburg 50-39.

With three quarters down and just one to go, this game was living up to the hype. It didn’t matter if it was sloppiness by both teams or just two great programs keeping each other in check, this game was definitely a small-town showstopper for the first three quarters. Someone had to win though, and Alyson Edwards was the one to put Mansfield’s name in the winner’s hat first. Edwards started off the fourth quarter by putting up a board bucket and drew a foul to boot. Trinity Triska’s defensive prowess picked up a few steals which allowed Mansfield to cash in on shots by Kaylee Ward and Alyson Edwards. Edwards continued to push up the Lady Tigers lead as she dominated the final quarter with powerful shots in the paint and drew fouls along the way as the Mansfield Lady Tigers took the win over Mountainburg with a 67-44 final score. Alyson Edwards led the team with 26 points in the game. Sisters Kynslee and Kaylee Ward combined for 33 points while Harlie Fuller closed out Mansfield’s scoring with 8 points. A big road win over the #6 team in the state solidified Mansfield’s name as a true state contender and kept the Lady Tigers with an undefeated 18-0 record.

Consider family meeting to discuss estate plans

Tammy Teague
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Consider family meeting to discuss estate plans

At some point, you’ll want to share your estate plans with your loved ones — and the first step in this process may be to hold a family meeting.

The best time to hold this meeting is when you’re still in good mental and physical shape, and the enactment of your estate plans may well be years away. But what topics should you cover?

Consider these main areas:

• Your wishes — and those of your family. Use this meeting to introduce your estate plans and, in a basic sense, what you hope to accomplish with them — leave money to your family, support charitable groups and so on. You’ll want to emphasize that you want to be equitable in what you leave behind, but there may be issues that affect this decision, such as disparities in income between grown children or an allowance for a special-needs child. But you’ll also want to listen to what your family members want — and you might be surprised at what they tell you. Consider this: More than 80% of the millennial generation would rather know their parents are financially secure throughout their retirement, even if this means that their parents will pass on less money to them, according to an Edward Jones/Age Wave study.

• Estate planning documents – At the time of your family meeting, you may or may not have already created your estate planning documents, but in either case, this would be a good time to discuss them. These documents may include a will, a living trust, financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney and possibly other arrangements. At a minimum, you’d like to give a general overview of what these documents mean, but at an initial family meeting, you don’t necessarily have to get too detailed. For example, you might not want to talk about specific inheritances. This is also an opportunity to inform your loved ones of the professionals involved in your estate plans, such as your attorney and your tax advisor.

• Roles of everyone involved – Not only does a comprehensive estate plan involve moving parts, such as the necessary documents, but it also includes actual human beings who may need to take on different roles. You will need an executor for your will and, if you have a living trust, you’ll need a trustee. Even if you choose to serve as the initial trustee, you’ll still need to identify one or more successor trustees to take your place if you become incapacitated, or upon your death. Plus, you’ll need to name people to act as your power of attorney for health care and finances. Choosing the right people for these roles involves thought and sensitivity. Obviously, you want individuals who are competent and reliable, but you also need to be aware

that some family members could feel slighted if others are assigned roles they feel they could do. By being aware of these possible conflicts, you can be better prepared to address them.

Here’s one more suggestion: Let your family know that this initial meeting doesn’t mean the end of communications about your estate plans. Encourage your loved ones to contact you with questions whenever they want. You may need to hold additional family meetings in the future, but by laying the initial groundwork, you will have taken a big first step in establishing the legacy you’d like to leave.

This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones
20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855
479-963-1321
jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com
edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

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

Hello everyone! Brrrr, it’s cold here in Mansfield, Arkansas. Hope everyone made it without a fall. I am proud of myself, I slid once, but never went down. I think that is a record for me. I always fall when it snows.

I am so sorry for all our rural water customers without water. Hopefully, by the time this paper comes out, they will have found the leak and have it fixed. No water is no fun.

All this talk about water reminded me of a Buff Jimmy story. For those of y’all that don’t know, Jimmy Brimble practically lived at my house. Him and Jacob were best friends. I’m just gonna tell y’all that he was always an easy target. Jacob and their buddies pestered him a lot. Jimmy is my second son. I love him like he was mine. We loved Buff Jimmy. Oh, the reason we called him Buff Jimmy was because we were at church one time and Mason Weaver was there and he hadn’t seen Jimmy in a while and he says, “wow Jimmy is so buff!” We got the biggest laugh out of that. So, that’s how Buff Jimmy got started.

Back to my story. Chuck Hopkins always had some kind of learning lesson for the boys. He knew facts of all kinds. He was talking to them one day about water and how our drinking water had bleach in it and so on, and Jimmy says, “really, Chuck?” and Chuck said, “really.” That particular day, Jimmy had drunk some tap water and goes outside and tries to gag himself and throw up because had had drank water with bleach in it. He used to get worked up over the simplest things. One time the boys tried to spray bug spray on him and he thought he was going to die. He lived, but he was scared to death. Let me tell ya about keys. He always, not once a week, but every day, lost his keys. We all had to go on a search for his keys. One time we had looked everywhere, and we just couldn’t find them. Mom lived with us because she had Alzheimer’s. So, I asked her if she took them. Noooo, I most certainly did not was her reply. I finally pried her purse away from her and found Buff Jimmy’s keys in her purse. She had everything but the kitchen sink in that purse. I even found a baby bird in it one time. That is a good story, I might as well tell y’all.

I came home from work one day and kept hearing a bird. I asked Jacob if he heard it, he said, “yes, there is a bird’s nest on the front porch with babies in it.” I took that as a good answer, but it sounded like it was in the house and close to my mom. I finally pried the purse from her again and low and behold one of those baby birds had fallen out of the nest and my mom had got a washcloth and wrapped it up and put it in her purse. Please don’t think I am ever making fun of my mother. It was either laugh or cry and I chose laughter. She kept me on my toes that’s for sure. I miss her dearly. Oh, and for Buff Jimmy, he is a manager at Walmart and obviously keeps up with those keys, makes me proud.

This week’s recipe is for a Milk Cake. Yes, Milk Cake. I made it last week for a friend of mine. They said it was delicious. I didn’t’ taste it since I made it for them, but I sure wanted to.

THREE MILK CAKE
1 yellow cake mix, made according to the box directions. Let the cake cool.
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 regular container of Cool Whip
2 teaspoons of vanilla (give or take, I didn’t measure)
After the cake is cooled, poke holes in it. While it is cooling, mix all the milks together and mix well. Stir in the vanilla. I know this seems like a lot of milk, but trust me on this, my friend said it was delicious. Now, pour all the milk on top of the cake. I put it in the refrigerator for about an hour and then topped it with Cool Whip. Keep this cake in the refrigerator. It’s better the next day. Have a wonderful week. Be safe and check on your elderly and loved ones!

Record participation in Big Squirrel Challenge defies Arctic blast

Tammy Teague
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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