Resident News Network

Paris receives a 3.8 M grant to revitalize historic Smith Hospital building

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4:47 pm

Paris receives a 3.8 M grant to revitalize historic Smith Hospital building

Recently, the Smith Memorial Association was informed they were awarded $3.8 million in grant funding from the Arkansas Department of Commerce.

These funds will be used to revitalize the historic Smith

Hospital located in Logan County.

The Smith Memorial Association states this project will focus on workforce development, healthcare, and education for Western Arkansas and beyond. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Smith family. Finance chair, Dr. Lee Lane expressed her gratitude and excitement saying, “Because of the generous donation from Dr. JC Smith and his sister, Elaine Minden, community services can be created and expanded for the River Valley.”

This project has been a labor of love for many years by several dedicated individuals. After many conversations and assessments, the project plans to address many of the recognized needs of the area and provide opportunities for the young, old, and the in-between. The team plans to waste no time bringing their vision to life. Phase One of the project is planned to be completed by December 2026.

Services will again be provided in the historic Smith

Hospital “that can impact nine counties in Arkansas”, said Arkansas State Senator, Gary Stubblefield. This is truly an important project and the first of its kind in the state of Arkansas. Representative Jon Eubanks’ support was also instrumental in securing the grant funding. The Smith Memorial Association would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the legislators, including Govenor Sanders, individuals, and the many community partners and organizations that advocate for positive changes in the River Valley.

Bismarck Defeats Charleston 35-27 to Advance to Class 3A Quarterfinals

Sports

Jim Best

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5:25 am

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Bismarck Defeats Charleston 35-27 to Advance to Class 3A Quarterfinals

CHARLESTON- There will be a new state football champion in Class 3A in 2023. The defending champions Charleston Tigers dropped a heartbreaker at home on Friday night to the Bismarck Lions, 35-27.

After leading at halftime and seeing their lead evaporate in part by turnovers in the second half, Charleston’s final drive ended with less than 40 seconds remaining in the game at the Bismarck four-yard line. The Tigers were attempting to score a touchdown and a two-point conversion to send the game into overtime, but it was not to be.

As a result of Bismarck’s win at Charleston, the Lions will advance to the quarterfinals and will travel next Friday to Prescott to play the Curley Wolves for the right to advance to the state semifinals in Class 3A.

In other playoff action involving the remaining teams from conference 3A-1, the Booneville Bearcats defeated the Osceola Seminoles by the score of 52-20. The Bearcats advance to the state quarterfinals next week to play Harmony Grove Ouachita County.

Perhaps the biggest win of the night was 3A-1 Mansfield traveling four hours to northeast Arkansas to take on perennial power Hoxie. The Mansfield Tigers won a tough road contest tonight in Hoxie, defeating the Mustangs by the score of 14-13. Tonight’s second round win on the road may be the most historic win in the Tigers’ program history. With the win, Mansfield advances to the quarterfinals next Friday and will play at Salem against the Greyhounds.

Action involving remaining playoff teams from conference 3A-4, the Glen Rose Beavers defeated Perryville by the score of 37-0. Glen Rose advances to the state quarterfinals and will host Junction City on Friday. Jessieville, who won in an upset over Rison in the first round, went down to defeat at Salem by the score of 40-27 in the second round. The Bismarck Lions are the other remaining team from the conference who will also play in the quarterfinals next week.

After tonight’s game in Charleston, RNN Sports asked the Tigers’ head coach, Ricky May, to comment on the game. Coach May shared with us, “Our kids played their tails off and so did they (Bismarck). We made too many mistakes and they capitalized on them. I loved our kids’ effort.”

Tonight’s loss will hurt for a while. Charleston is a proud program who prepares to and expects to win each week. Coach May and his staff did an outstanding job this season by bringing a very young team that was predominantly a sophomore team to within a short margin of being in the third round of the state playoffs. Charleston lost their starting quarterback in the Mansfield game earlier in the season, and senior Eli Huck did a great job in stepping up for the Tigers.

Other Charleston seniors, including Reese Merechka and Hunter Little, among others, had great high school careers for the Tigers that included a state championship in 2022.

Look for action photos from this game on Monday on RNN Sports’ “Team Press Pass” page, as well as on Facebook at Charleston Tigers Sports.

Congratulations to the Bismarck Lions, and congratulations to the Charleston Tigers on a great season. We look for the Tigers to be a very good football team in 2024, and we can’t wait to cover their games!

And to all of our readers who have followed us during this season, thank you for reading our coverage, and we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

State celebrates Turkey Week ahead of holiday Governor pardons two turkeys

Featured

Tammy Teague

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3:54 am

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State celebrates Turkey Week ahead of holiday Governor pardons two turkeys

By Tracy Courage U of A System Division of Agriculture

At Thanksgiving, it’s all about the turkey — but at least two lucky birds have been spared from being the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving feast.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders pardoned “Hank” and “Davie” during a Turkey Week Celebration on Friday at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. The event, coordinated by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, recognizes the value that turkey producers bring to the state’s agricultural industry.

“We want to continue to support, grow and do all we can to increase the agriculture industry here in Arkansas,” Sanders told a group of more than 100 industry officials, legislators, members of Arkansas 4-H and Future Farmers of America and other guests.

Turkeys in Arkansas

“Agriculture is our state’s largest industry, and turkey production plays a role in that,” Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward said.

Poultry production is the leading agricultural industry in Arkansas. Currently, Arkansas ranks second in the nation for turkey production, according to the Poultry Federation. Last year, 26 million turkeys were processed in Arkansas, equating to 556 million pounds of poultry, valued at $594 million, Poultry Federation President Marvin Childers said.

“We’re fortunate to have two of the largest turkey producers operating plants here in Arkansas,” Childers said, referring to Cargill and Butterball. “Every whole turkey sold by Butterball at Thanksgiving and Christmas is processed here in Arkansas.”

Cargill has also donated a quarter of a million pounds of poultry to Arkansas’ food banks, Sanders said.

This year’s lucky turkeys were raised by Jackson Barber, 15, of Cabot, who has provided the turkeys for the governor’s pardon for three years now. Barber, son of Tom and Scharidi Barber, is part of FFA and Arkansas 4-H.

While it was Barber’s third turkey pardon in Arkansas, it was Sanders’ first as governor, and she called the pardons a “fun and nonpartisan way to encourage Americans to give thanks.”

Sanders said she was pardoning Davie and Hanks “so they can enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving.”

“We don’t want to see them anywhere other than right here,” she said.

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: aaes.uada.edu. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit 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. The Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.

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 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.

Be aware of carbon monoxide dangers both in the home and on the hunt

Featured

Tammy Teague

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9:44 pm

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Be aware of carbon monoxide dangers both in the home and on the hunt

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Hunting safety encompasses many things, including firearms safety, proper handling of game and a working knowledge of emergency first aid. But as temperatures drop and fall hunting season enters full swing, Arkansans should also be aware of a danger that can sometimes accompany modern efforts to stay warm: carbon monoxide poisoning.

Jesse Bocksnick, extension 4-H outdoor skills coordinator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said carbon monoxide, often a byproduct of certain kinds of heating units, can kill with little warning.

“If you get carbon monoxide poisoning, you may not even realize it,” Bocksnick said. “It can happen in just a few minutes.”

Inhaling carbon monoxide can impair your body’s ability to absorb oxygen, effectively suffocating you. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that at least 420 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and more than 100,000 Americans visit emergency rooms with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Earlier this month, a father, 46, and son, 26, were both discovered dead in a cabin in Sharp County of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators said the cabin reeked of propane fumes, and a propane stove was found in the “on” position, its tank empty.

Bocksnick said that many hunters use small propane heaters in hunting blinds when temperatures are cold. These heaters run off of small, 1-pound propane tanks. In blinds, which are notoriously drafty, carbon monoxide build-up is typically not a problem, but they may present other concerns, such as fire risk due to tipping.

“A lot of newer heaters have anti-tipping sensors, which will shut the heater off if it tips over, or is moved too quickly,” he said. “Be sure and test that out at home. If your heater uses any kind of filter, inspect that as well. Make sure all your safety features are functioning properly before you even get out to the woods.”

If using a propane heater in a more enclosed space, such as a cabin or camper, Bocksnick recommended bringing a carbon monoxide detector with fresh batteries.

Some heaters, such as those using “forced air,” are completely inappropriate for anything other than very well-ventilated areas.

“They don’t work that well in a deer blind, and are very dangerous, as far as both heat and carbon monoxide,” Bocksnick said.

“Silent Killer: What You Should Know about Carbon Monoxide” is a free publication available from the Cooperative Extension Service, the education and outreach arm of the Division of Agriculture. It details the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:

Low level poisoning:
Tiredness in healthy people
Chest pain in people with heart disease
Medium level poisoning:
Flulike symptoms including nausea, dizziness, headache and confusion
Impaired vision and coordination
Breathing difficulty and increased blood pressure
Skin with a reddish cast
High level poisoning:
Convulsions or seizures
Loss of consciousness
Death

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.

Magazine’s Corley Named October’s Most Engaged Student in Arkansas

Networks

Jim Best

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9:08 pm

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Magazine’s Corley Named October’s Most Engaged Student in Arkansas

Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly and in its entirety from Mr. Jonathan Gipson, social media and Media Relations Coordinator, Magazine Schools. We thank Mr. Gipson for sharing this story with our readers.

MAGAZINE – Magazine Schools strives each day to prepare its students for life after graduation, whether it be college, the workforce, trade school or the military, by providing the education, resources and training students need to be successful.

Through courses and resources offered by Magazine High School, students like senior Joslyn Corley are developing and sustaining essential employability attitudes, skills and knowledge to prepare to enter the workforce or career field of their choice.

One of those student learning resources is Future Ready by Ringorang, an app-based software solution that transforms learning into everyday habits students can activate to get jobs, build their careers and create value in the workplace. Students develop the attitude, skill and knowledge habits employees need, and the curriculum of 100 game questions and micro-tutorials prepares students for testing and the world of work.

Corley was recently named October’s “Most Engaged in the State of Arkansas” in the Future Ready National Tournament by Ringorang. She engaged in the greatest number of game questions and “learn more” tutorials on employability skills offered in the app-based program.

“It asks you questions about the future and how to get ready for it after high school,” Corley said. “It helps us get ready for the future. Some kids don’t have this opportunity, so to get this opportunity is really good for us.”

Corley said she was excited to receive this award, as were members of the Magazine High School faculty who have watched her put in the hard work and effort to be successful in the classroom over the past years.

“Over the years, I have seen Joslyn go above and beyond the expectations in her classes,” Magazine Media Specialist and Career and Technical Education teacher Cheryl Davis said. “She put in the work to become a middle-level district officer and perform the duties while learning more about business and career and technical opportunities. She is involved in various clubs and sports and also takes college classes to prepare for the future.”

The Future Ready by Ringorang app-based program is a component of the Magazine High School seniors’ Advisory A period taught by CTE teacher Jayson McGaugh. The Guy Fenter Educational Service Cooperative provides the resource to Magazine Schools, as well as other schools in its cooperative, to help prepare seniors for the Rattler Career Connect, a reverse job fair for seniors held each spring.

Bulldogs and Former Bulldogs Garner Post-Season Honors

Ross Fujibayashi

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6:33 am

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Bulldogs and Former Bulldogs Garner Post-Season Honors

All-Conference honors on the High School and Collegiate levels have been announced over the past week. In a previous article, the 6A West Offensive and Defensive players of the year, Kane and Cash Archer were announced. The Volleyball on the High School and Collegiate level was announced this past week. One Former Bulldog was announced All-Conference for Football.

Greenwood Lady Bulldog Volleyball

The Volleyball put in a great effort on the 2023 season finishing State Runner-Up. Several Bulldogs were honored for their efforts on the court.

Keke Rice – 5A West All-Conference, 5A All-State Honorable Mention, All-Star Nominee, and All-State Tournament Team

Myia McCoy – 5A West All-Conference, 5A All-State, All-Star Nominee, All-State Tournament Team, 5A West Offensive Player of the Year – Signed with Bradley University

Tori Howard – 5A West All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention, All-State Tournament Team, All-Star Nominee

Karsen Hart – 5A West All-Conference, 5A All-State, All-Star Nominee, 5A-West Most Oustanding Middle Hitter – Signed with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M University

Lexi Wieser – 5A West All-Conference

Loren Eckart – 5A West All Conference

Former Bulldogs

Members of the 2017 and 2020 State Championship Lady Bulldog Volleyball are leaving their mark on the collegiate level.

Camryn Presley – Hendrix College – All-SAA 2nd Team

Hannah Watkins – UofA Fort Smith – All-LSC 2nd Team, LSC Defensive Player of the Year

Larkin Luke – Henderson State – All-GAC Honorable Mention

On the gridiron, 2018 State Championship team member has now went back to back on Great American Conference honors

Grant Ennis – Harding University – All-GAC 1st Team

RNN Sports Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Playoffs Round 2

Ross Fujibayashi

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5:35 am

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RNN Sports Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Playoffs Round 2

Last week we got to see the 6A West show the 6A East who the big dogs were. Hackett took an early exit against Bismarck, but Bismarck playing 3A Region 1 talent goes into Round 2 against Charleston. Booneville took care of Drew Central. Lavaca met the Glen Rose steam roller. So… who do we have this week.

RNN Sports Lock Of The Week

Bismarck @ Charleston

On paper the two teams look to be almost even, and this might be one of the best games to watch in this round in all classifications. If there is something Charleston knows how to do, it is rise-up in November to have a practice on Thanksgiving. The Tigers are welcoming the Lions into Alumni Field on Friday, and it will be a shootout between the two number 2 seeds from their respective conferences. Coach Ricky May will have the Tigers ready, but I do not think it will be enough.

The Rest

Mansfield @ Hoxie

Saw some video on Hoxie, I looked at their conference and I want to be on the fence about this. One Fearless Friday writer wrote about my co-picker Adam Hecox “Adam Hecox probably gonna write an article that rivals the Geneva Convention and amend the constitution talking about how there is a conspiracy about how Mansfield should’ve won but everything under the sun stopped it from happening.” Well thank you Fooseball4EVER. Let’s me know you’ve been reading the Resident News, and I guess this truly makes us big time now. WooHoo. If the size and athleticism of Hoxie doesn’t do Mansfield in it will definitely be the 4 hour 13 minute drive. Dang isn’t the playoff’s fun.

Osceola @ Booneville

The Seminoles are coming to Booneville for the second year in a row, albeit a week earlier than last year. Osceola’s 1-6 road record does not bode well on top of a nearly 5-hour bus ride. The Bearcats end another team’s season this week with a very possible day after Thanksgiving game against Camden Harmony Grove at Camden looming.

Lincoln @ Ozark

I picked Lincoln and Ozark as the Lock of the Week several weeks ago. The Hillbillies made a mockery of the pick by beating Lincoln 44-7 on very windy October 6th. I’m sorry Lincoln, Ozark puts a stop to your Play-off run this week.

Mountain Home @ Greenwood

Bomber magic in the 1st round of the 6A Playoffs is the real deal. Last week Mountain Home defeated Little Rock Catholic at War Memorial, their announcer than exclaimed “Greenwood! We are coming to town next week!” Love the spirit, and Mountain Home is for sure building on something great there. Just wish they did not have a tough 2nd round opponent from their own conference. This will be the 3rd time in the 2nd round The Bombers meet Greenwood since 2020. In 2022 they met Pulaski Academy and pushed the Bruins. Of note, the 6A West conference went 4-0 in the first round leaving just Marion and Benton to defend the honor of the 6A East. Marion takes on Pulaski Academy and Benton has Greenbrier. The bye week has been kind to Greenwood with players coming back. As with any team at this point, Greenwood will not look the same as they did against Mountain Home the first time around. The Greenwood defense, which was rock solid against the Bombers on September 8th, has given up an average of 30 points in 3 games against Russellville, Pulaski Academy, and Little Rock Christian. Although, the Bulldogs are averaging almost 57 points per game in the same 3 games.

The Other

Fort Smith Southside @ Fayetteville

In Southside’s best season since a 6-6 run in 2018 and a 8-5 record in 2015, the Mavericks head up I-49 to Fayetteville. In Week 6, Southside hosted the Bulldogs and put up a fight losing 45-31. Fayetteville is coming off a bye week and their first undefeated regular season in quite sometime. I feel Fayetteville has the tools to send the Mavericks back down the hill with a loss and are looking at a possible game against the Conway Wampus Cats, if Conway gets past Bentonville West.

Games	Ross’ Picks	Adam’s Picks
Bismarck @ Charleston	Bismarck	Bismarck
Mansfield @ Hoxie	Hoxie	Mansfield
Osceola @ Booneville	Booneville	Booneville
Lincoln @ Ozark	Ozark	Ozark
Mountain Home @ Greenwood	Greenwood	Greenwood

Men’s Basketball home opener set for Saturday

Sports

Tammy Teague

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10:55 pm

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Men’s Basketball home opener set for Saturday

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men’s Basketball begins the home portion of its 2023-24 schedule when the Lions host Harding University at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

Tipoff between the Lions and Bisons is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Tuesday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. will see the Lions welcome Ecclesia College for the return of the Toy Toss game, benefitting the Salvation Army, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Fort Smith. Fans that bring a toy to the game will receive free admission. Fans are encouraged to toss their soft toys on the court following the Lions’ first point.

Both games will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network as well as broadcast on Fox Sports Radio 103.5. Live stats will be available at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: UAFS dropped its two season opening contests at the South Central Region Crossover to Metro State-Denver and Black Hills State.

HOME OPENER: The Lions are 13-1 in home openers in the NCAA II era.

4: UAFS has four players averaging double figures in scoring after the first two games, led by guard Lian Ramiro at 17.5 points per game and forward Addison Wallace at 16.0 points per game.

SCOUTING HU: The Bisons are 1-2 after dropping both games of their conference challenge with the MIAA in Fort Smith before bouncing back with a win over Baptist Bible. Harding is under the direction of first-year head coach Weston Jameson and is led by leading scorer Keyln McBride at 14.7 points per game. Forward Sam Smith averages 12.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Bisons.

SCOUTING EC: The Royals are 2-4 on the year and will play three games over the weekend prior to Tuesday’s matchup. Ecclesia averages 80.4 points per game led by 21.0 points per game by guard Ryan Reed.

THE SERIES: UAFS is 2-1 against Harding and 7-0 versus Ecclesia.

Consider these year-end financial moves

Business

Tammy Teague

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8:29 pm

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It won’t be long before we turn the page on 2023. But you still have time to make some financial moves that can pay off in 2024 — and beyond.

Here are a few to consider:

• Review your progress toward your goals. Have you made progress toward your long-term goals over this past year? If not, you may want to revisit your investment and financial strategies.

• Boost contributions to your retirement plans. If your employer allows it, you may be able to increase your contributions to your 401(k) or similar retirement plan before the year ends. And you have until April 15 to contribute to your IRA for the 2023 tax year. You can put in up to $6,500 to your traditional or Roth IRA and add another $1,000 if you’re 50 or older. (Your ability to fully contribute to a Roth IRA is based on your income).

• Don’t waste FSA dollars. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, you’ve likely used it to take care of a variety of health care costs, such as deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance. But FSAs are “use it or lose it” accounts, so if you have unspent dollars at year-end, you risk losing them. Make sure you know your employer’s deadlines for incurring expenses and submitting claims so you can take full advantage of your FSA.

• Contribute to your HSA. When you have a health savings account (HSA), your contributions are tax deductible, your earnings generally grow tax free and your withdrawals are tax free, as long as they’re used for qualified medical expenses. Plus, an HSA isn’t “use it or lose it” — you can carry unused funds throughretirement, when you can still use them for qualified medical expenses. And you’ve got until the April 15 tax deadline to contribute to your HSA for 2023 (Check with your employer on how to contribute to your HSA past December 31, 2023.)

• Strengthen your emergency fund. If you don’t already have an emergency fund, see if you can start one before the year lets out. Eventually, try to put away three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account.

• Think about tax-loss harvesting. If you have some investments that have lost value, and they no longer fit into your plan, you could sell them to offset gains from other investments, including capital gains distributions from mutual funds. And if your losses exceed gains for the year, you could use the remaining losses to offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income — and any amount over $3,000 can be carried forward to offset gains in future years. You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before embarking on tax-loss harvesting.

• Bundle your charitable contributions. A few years ago, a change in the tax laws resulted in a large increase in the standard deduction, which led to fewer people itemizing deductions and less incentive for making deductible charitable gifts. But if you can afford to “bunch” two to three years’ worth of charitable donations, you may be able to itemize and gain a greater tax benefit.

It’s always challenging to reach your goals and gain feelings of control over your financial future. But by reviewing your situation every year and making the appropriate moves, you can help yourself keep moving in the right direction.

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

Edward Jones

20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855

479-963-1321

jeffrey.o’[email protected]

edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

HOLIDAYS: When it comes to Black Friday shopping, plan ahead to get the best deals

Featured

Tammy Teague

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8:09 pm

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HOLIDAYS: When it comes to Black Friday shopping, plan ahead to get the best deals

By U of A System Division of Agriculture

Black Friday is right around the corner, butmany retailers are already offering “early” or “pre” Black Friday deals leading up to what is considered the busiestshopping day of the year.

Online retailers joined in by offering deals on Black Friday and on the following Monday, Cyber Monday. Some stores even began advertising special holiday prices well before Halloween. According to the National Retail Federation, 31 percent of consumers planned to start their holiday shopping before October; 39 percent start in November, and 9 percent will wait until December to begin shopping.

Consumers who shop the post-Thanksgiving sales can stilltake advantage of special offers earlier in the month. Laura Hendrix, an Accredited Financial Counselor and an associate professor of personal finance and family resource management with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, offers these tips to make the most of your money during this year’s holiday season:

• Decide if it’s really a bargain. You must know the original price to understand if the advertised sale price is a real discount. Make sure it’s a quality product and not just a cheaper product at a cheaper price. Is it something you really want or need? If not, it’s a waste of money no matter what the price.

• Avoid impulse buys. Advertised sale items are designed to get buyers in the door or on the website. Store displays and pop-up ads are designed to prompt impulse buys, so stick to what’s already on your list.

• Plan ahead. Make a list of the items you need and set a spending limit. Prepare in advance by checking ads, looking for coupons, comparing prices and loading store apps on your phone. Look for ways to combine discounts, such as a sale item plus coupons.

• Read the details. Pay close attention to sale items advertised as “door busters, “while supplies last” or “limited supplies.” Some stores don’t offer rainchecks or price matching on Black Friday. Price matching – also called a price match guarantee — refers to a store matching a lower price offered on the same product from another store. Price match if you can, but keep in mindthat some stores do not offer price matching on Black Friday.

• Pace yourself. Know when stores open and where and when the best prices are available. Some stores open on Thanksgiving evening, some at midnight, and others might offer “early bird” specials. If an important item is labeled “while supplies last,” you may want to go to that store first and be in line early. Save some room in your holiday budget for future purchases. Remember, there are still bargains to be had throughout the holiday season.

Shopping securely

“When shopping online, make sure you buy from a reputable retailer with a secure payment system,” Hendrix said. “Look at return and replacement policies. Check shipping costs. The company may offer free shipping. If not, consider if the item is still a bargain after shopping costs are added. Log out of accounts and close browsers after completing financialtransactions.”

For more money tips, visit the Extension Money Blog at uaex.uada.edu/money.

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: aaes.uada.edu. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit 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. The Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.

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 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.

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