The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, October 19. All members of the council were present including Julie Thomas, James Steele, Glen Hurt, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins, and Boyd Farmer. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the minutes and financials from the September 28, 2023 meeting, the council heard the city services reports.
Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 25 calls, two fire and 23 EMS. He stated that the E One was awaiting delivery after being repaired, that the new tornado sirens were currently in Little Rock, and that ISO would be coming to do an inspection. It was also reported that the fourth quarter Act 33 money had been received. Lastly, Smith reported that the station roof was still leaking, but that all other trucks were up and running.
Next, Police Chief Wayne Robb gave his report to the council, noting a total of 50 calls, 12 agency assists, three school calls, 12 medical calls, nine incident/arrest reports; one accident report; one adult arrest, one juvenile arrest and two animal calls. In Scott County, there were 18 citations, and 19 violations. In Sebastian County, there was one misdemeanor warrant.
In matters of unfinished business, the council considered and ultimately approved seven resolutions to condemn “nuisance” structures.
In matters of new business, the announcement that an officer would be resigning.
The council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance to levy taxes in both Scott and Sebastian Counties.
The council then considered raises for the elected official’s pension, voting to increase the amount by 3%.
Next, the council approved the annual contract to support the senior center for the year of 2024.
Lastly, Keith Vaughn addressed the council regarding the old tennis courts next to city hall and sought approval to explore updating them for a pickle ball court.
Before adjourning, it was announced that the Christmas parade would be held on Saturday, December 2, and the town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony would be on Friday, December 1 at the gazebo, 6 p.m.
With no other items of business, the council voted to adjourn the meeting.
City Council Approves Resolutions to Condemn Nuisance Properties
RNN Sports Lock of The Week: Week 8
We are so close to the end of the season, so many big match-ups in the coming weeks.
Last week we had Mansfield vs Booneville as the of the Lock of the Week. Turns out Booneville is still Booneville and they are laying claim as to why they are the number one team in Class 3A. Does anyone have anything for the Bearcats? We’ll find out this week.
RNN Sports Lock of The Week
Booneville @ Charleston
Booneville is rolling through Conference and this is a re-match of the 2022 Class 3A State Championship. This was a tough choice because Mansfield vs Lavaca and Elkins vs Ozark are very appealing match-ups. Both of those will have Playoff implications just as this one will. Booneville wins and then wins out the rest of their games they will be the 1 Seed out of the 3A Region 1, same goes for Charleston. While the Tigers seem to be trending upward, Booneville has proven week in and week out the are the team this year. There are a lot of teams hitting their stride in 3A. While #3 in 3A, Salem is undefeated they stand to make the most noise out of the Top 5 that includes Prescott, Glen Rose, Harmony Grove.
The Rest
Mansfield @ Lavaca
Adam Hecox pointed out this matchup is the Conference’s best Defense and the Conference’s best Offense. I mentioned at the beginning of the season I felt that Lavaca was the sleeper in the Conference. Over the next three weeks we will see if I am right or not. I am really conflicted on this, the past two games for Mansfield have obviously been ones they want to forget. So how do you bounce back after demolishing your non-conference and first third of conference and then a loss to Charleston and Booneville. A Mansfield win will hold the hope they are 3 seed out of Region 1.
West Fork @ Hackett
To many weapons on the Hackett side of the ball to give West Fork the nod in this one. Hackett stings the Tigers early and often in this matchup.
Greenland @ Cedarville
1 and 6 Greenland traveling to 0 and 7 Cedarville. I don’t have a quirky one liner fo this game.
Magazine @ Hector
Magazine continues the struggle to finish the season. Hector takes this one by the sportsmanship rule.
Centerpoint @ Paris
We are both divided on this. I think Paris has what it takes to pull out a victory tonight.
Waldron @ Nashville
The 8 time State Champion Nashville Scrappers play host to the Waldron Bulldogs. Waldron may be down this year, but their is fight left in this Bulldog.
Elkins @ Ozark
Ok so the last two weeks I thought the Hillbillies defense was going to be tested. They for sure will this week with Central Missouri commit Dizzy Dean, RB De’Shawn Chairs is a very underrated athlete for Elkins. So who has the edge., Elkins. They have been remarkable this season.
Russellville @ Greenwood
Does Greenwood enact the Sportsmanship rule for the 7th time this season? The Cyclones have been playing close games, but they have not faced the type defense Greenwood is bringing. Sophomore QB Kane Archer was 14-for-14 at halftime against Lake Hamilton. Greenwood has two match-ups in the coming weeks that will determine were how the top three shake out. The Bulldogs will have to remain focused on the task at hand as this could be a trap game, last year Russellville went toe to toe with Greenwood in the first half, before the ‘Dogs pulled away.
The Others
Fort Smith Northside @ North Little Rock
I’m going all in on Northside in this match up. Weird to think that traditionally talent rich that these two have been, that they are dealing with struggles.
Springdale Har-Ber @ Fort Smith Southside
The toughest part of the Southside schedule is behind them. With Playoff seedings on the line, after a fast start to the season, Southside finds themselves on the cut-off line in the 6th spot. A win against Har-Ber vaults them into the 5th spot, with 3rd place Bentonville West next week. Could Southside play the spoiler and jump spots in the next two games?
| Games | Ross’s Picks | Adam’s Picks |
| Booneville @ Charleston (LOTW) | Booneville | Booneville |
| Mansfield @ Lavaca | Mansfield | Mansfield |
| West Fork @ Hackett | Hackett | Hackett |
| Greenland @ Cedarville | Greenland | Greenland |
| Magazine @ Hector | Hector | Hector |
| Centerpoint @ Paris | Paris | Centerpoint |
| Waldron @ Nashville | Nashville | Nashville |
| Elkins @ Ozark | Elkins | Elkins |
| Russellville @ Greenwood | Greenwood | Greenwood |
MES First Quarter Honor Roll/Principal’s List 2023-2024
Kindergarten
Honor Roll: Jaiden Bentley, Tucker Brumbelow, Penelope Dang, Maci Davis, Dayson Elmore, Castyn Hancox, Weston Hattabaugh, Elijah Ingle, Conner Jolley, Emerson Krigbaum, Hunter Plowman
Principal’s List: Jani Cowan, Lawson Gitthens, Allie Goines, Lainey Hattabaugh, Hadley Heydenreich, Emily Langford, Logan Leland, Leena Little, Addison Mize, Finn Moss, Zoey Nguyen, Allison Nichols, Lucas Pennington, Colten Ronzzo, Jessie Swearingen, Theodore Templeman
First Grade
Honor Roll: Brylee Bennett, Rhett Blevins, Eli Clay, Addison Deeds, Aiden Elmore, Bentley Elmore, Piper Hall, Chase Hansel, Giovannie Hartman, Roque Hattabaugh, Liam Helms, Wyatt Howard, Paislee Huddleston, Mylah McNeil, Stade Mitchell, Gabriella Moore, Della Newman, Fabio Pantoja, Clayton Parsons, Zurina Ross, Hunter Smith, Tyler Smith
Principal’s List: Aurora Alvarez, Damien Brown, Trynadee Bryen, Lucas Craig, Maxwell Dennis, Mason Dickinson, Marleigh Fuerst, Sawyer Godwin, Emily Griffin, Cole Hobbs, Cambrie Mason, Buck Pacek, Ellie Polk, Emmalee Pollard, Eyana Reed, Jayce Reed, Wade Roper, Aurora Sylva, Aiden Whittaker, Deacon Wilson
Second Grade
Honor Roll: Presley Adams, Noah Branche, Ezekiel Buckley, Jerra Dewitt, Dalylah Himes, Roslyn Himes, Sydnie Jones, Oliver Martin, Corbin Mason, Sarah Morton, Adalynn Pennington, Hugh Strozier, William Worley
Principal’s List: Lincoln Bozant, Makayla Eubanks, Coda Griffin, Ainsley Hawkins, Carson Lloyd, Elijah Mccutcheon, Elaina Robinson, Natalle Young
Third Grade
Honor Roll: Ryleigh Andrews, Brently Battles, Kaylin Black, Emma Carlton, Racyn Clopton, Hunter Elmore, Matthew Escalante, Montana Hattabaugh, Matthew Hudcovic, Kamrynn Jackson, Brooklynn Johnson, Harper Jolley, Brayden Jones, Oliver Jones, Kinsley Norton, Noah Peters, Hailie Prater, Jo-Hanna Russell, Hayden Smith, Ethan Trinh, Tyler Tuck, Kiara Worley
Principal’s List: Alexis Bates, Ella Brown, Nora Godwin, Aiyanna Gordon, Layton Heydenreich, Alexandria Howell, Riley Kelley, Ellie Martin, Anniegayle Minden, Brody Schete
Fourth Grade
Honor Roll: Nathaniel Adams, Remington Boyd, Raelyn Bozant, Emmitt Buckley, Jordan Cesaire, Braxton Clay, Serenity Cooper, Madrox Cormier, Easton Crossland, Korben Eyerman, Abram Gentry, Riley Hall, Meaghan Leland, Alexander McCatferty, Austin Pacek, Zoey Schossow, Xavier Shores, Liam Soares, Ryder Staton, Piper Sudbeck, RJ Swearingen, James Thomas, Kalea Trautwein, Tripp Williams, Kassidy Wilson
Principal’s List: Dahlia Collier, Tyler Derr, John Luke Felton, Faith Harris, Caroline Mort
Paris High School Holds National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
PARIS- Paris High School held its annual National Honor Society induction ceremony for first year inductees, as well as second year members. The ceremony was held last week at Paris Gymnasium in front of the PHS student body and a large crowd of parents and visitors.
Members are chosen based upon scholastic achievement, citizenship, leadership, and recommendation from the Paris High School faculty and administration.
The Paris High School National Honor Society chapter was founded in 1950. Each year since, the school has recognized its finest students for academic and citizenship accomplishments for membership in the service-oriented organization. The core values of NHS are scholarship, service, leadership, and character. During the induction ceremony, officers lit candles representing each of the core values and gave short speeches on the meanings of each value.
RNN congratulates each member of the Paris High School National Honor Society!
Volleyball travels to Canyon for clash with No. 5 West Texas A&M
FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball is rejuvenated after a weekend off and will return to Lone Star Conference action Friday at No. 5 West Texas A&M in a clash of the league’s top two teams.
First serve for Friday’s match is set for 6 p.m. UAFS will also visit Cameron Saturday at 2 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: UAFS defeated Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M International and Arkansas Tech a week prior to having last weekend off.
TOP 25: The Lions received five votes in this week’s AVCA Top 25 Poll. UAFS is one of three LSC teams to be in the top 25 or receiving votes.
KEEP DIGGING: UAFS continues to lead the LSC and is fourth nationally with 18.96 digs per set. Libero Paola Fragalle is fifth in the league at 4.92 digs per set.
.356: The Lions hit a season-high .356 in the sweep of Arkansas Tech. It was the second time the Lions hit over .300 this season.
BEST OF THE BEST: West Texas A&M leads the league with a .262 attack percentage while UAFS is first in opponent attack percentage at .149.
RECORD WATCH: Setter Chloe Price is second all-time with 1,985 career assists while right-side hitter Reagan Macha is sixth all-time with 832 career kills. Price also ranks 10th with 717 total digs.
SCOUTING WT: The No. 5 ranked Lady Buffs are 17-2, 7-1 LSC having won seven straight matches. Middle blocker Carly Evetts and outside hitter Emma Becker are both hitting over .340 for WT this season while middle blocker Taytum Stow averages 1.14 blocks per set. Libero Bryli Contreras is seventh in the LSC with 4.77 digs per set.
SCOUTING CU: The Aggies snapped a 10-match losing streak with a win over Midwestern State but are just 4-18, 1-7 LSC. Cameron is last in the LSC in attack percentage at .127. Outside hitter Paris Patterson averages a team-high 3.44 kills per set for the Aggies.
Tri-State Spooker Preview
It is the time of the year when the track up on the hill sees a record number of racers.
This weekend marks the 44th time the end of the season classic has been run. Drivers from all over the country make the trek just over the border into Oklahoma to try and win the now coveted Reaper trophy.
Points Championships were run three weeks ago and for at least two classes it is to have their names into eternity. Ok, not so much eternity but on the back of shirts and hoodies that will be seen everywhere. Names like Larry Phillips, Terry Phillips, Jason Hughes, Billy Moyer, Ryan Gustin have won either the Late Model portion or the Modified portion of the event. Terry Phillips and Ryan Gustin won the Late Model and Modified, with Gustin the only driver to win it in the same night.
What can you expect to see? Saturday night from 5pm to 6pm drivers will be in front of the stands to hand out candy to the kids. Plus, face painting and a photo area for the kids and adults. 12 classes of cars will take to the Pocola High Banks at a chance to snag part of the $80,000.00 up for grabs.
Fans Guide to the Spooker
Wednesday Night: Practice. Have you ever stumbled upon multi-class racing while looking for something to watch? Well look no further. Initially the same cars will roll out together, but every so often you will see a Stock Car running with Modifieds or a Mini Stock with Stock Cars. Participants in all 12 classes will be on hand testing and tuning. The later in the night runs will be crucial for the drivers as Tri-State has become famous for its Dry Slick track prep. Once cars have started to lay down rubber it will be interesting to see what lines certain cars start to work looking for grip or compensating for a lack of.
Thursday: Classes – Front Wheel Drive, Mini Stock, 360 BMods, Area Pure Stock, Area Factory Stock. Below I will have a fan spotters guide showing and trying my best to show the cars that will be racing. There will be heat races and features for Front Wheel Drive, Mini Stock, and 360 Bmods. Area Pure Stock and Factory Stock will have qualifier races.
Friday: Classes – USRA Modified, B-Mod, Stock Car, and Factory Stock. Area Pure Stock and Area Factory Stock. USRA Modified is running a full show of heats and a Feature. USRA B-Mod, Stock Car, and Factory Stock are running qualifier races. Area Pure Stock and Factory Stock are running their Features.
Saturday: Classes – All USRA classes that ran Friday, plus Super Dirt Late Models and Area Super Stocks. USRA Modified, Late Models, and Super Stock are running heats and Features. The USRA classes that ran qualifiers on Friday will be running their features.
Now that we have the schedule, what is the difference in all the classes? To be honest, not much in appearance.
Front Wheel Drive
These are the most basic of the cars that will run, as the name implies they are just normal passenger cars with a roll cage put in. They will range from Honda Civics and Volkswagen Jettas to V8 powered Chevy Impalas.
Mini-Stock
Small pick-ups and 4 cylinder Fox Body Mustangs from the 80’s and 90’s are the majority on this class
Area Factory Stock and USRA Factory Stock
These next two classes are relatively the same, and will look the same as their big brother Area Pure Stock and USRA Stock Car. While they are a touch slower than the Stock Car, they are also quieter. But physically they “almost” look identical.
Area Pure Stock and USRA Stock Car
The biggest similarity between these two is the exhaust. Really, there’s been past Spooker’s I wasn’t sure what class I was watching. The USRA Stock Car class put on the best show week after week during the Tri-State season.
Super Stock / Grand National
These look a bit different than the above mentioned classes. While they resemble an 80’s Monte Carlo it is more of a Silhouette of one. This class used to put on a show at the end of the summer with a $5,000 to win Super Stock Showdown. For a few years it was ran at the same time with a Super Stock race at Batesville Motor Speedway in Arkansas and Lucas Oil Raceway in Missouri.
360 B-mods and USRA B-Mod
If there’s a difference I am not aware of it. The B-mods that race Thursday night, most will be back Friday night. There is another Modified class and to the eye they will look the same except B-modifieds do not run a spoiler.
USRA Modified
The class that will get your name on the annual shirt. The USRA Modified shares a rules package with National touring series United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS). Over the past several years, if USMTS is not running on Spooker weeked the drivers will hop over to Tri-State to run the Saturday portion.
Super Dirt Late Models
These are the cars we grew up watching Billy Moyer Sr. and Scott Bloomquist run. Fast full bodied cars that will leave you in awe. Two major series, Comp Cams Late Model and World of Outlaws Late Models, drivers will come to Tri-State to try and win the Reaper Trophy.
Timepiece: a Grandfather’s Tale
By Dr. Curtis Varnell
The chair was surrounded by eager students, all pressing forward around Charles Apple, eager to get their book about Mr. Apple’s early life signed. The book, written by his relative Gayla Edwards, described Charles’s experience in growing up during the 1930 and 40’s on Magazine Mountain. Followed by a question and answer session, the students experienced true history as Charles shared stories from his past, a past shared by many grandparents in rural Arkansas.
The Apple farm, located at the base of Magazine Mountain, had been purchased as excess public land by Charles father, Will, at a cost of about $2.50 per acre. His father built a nice home on a flat bench along a road leading to the top of the mountain. Clearing land, he planted twenty acres of peach and apple trees as well as the more typical crops of corn, vegetables, and upland cotton. The fruit trees were very productive and Mr. Apple peddled the fruit to the visitors at the hotels on Magazine Mt. The road he travelled to the top and around the mountain is now known as Will Apple road and trail.
Like most rural families the farm was nearly self-sufficient. A few staples such as flour, salt, and sugar were purchased at the nearby small town of Millard. Most meals consisted of garden vegetables, cornmeal, beans, fruit, and, when available, meat. The most common meat was from pigs, killed in the fall and cured so the meat would last through the winter. Several families would often meet during “hog” killing season and share the labor of dressing out the hogs. One of the men stated that every part of the hog was eaten except the squeal. Kids were astonished when Mr. Apple said there were no dear or bear available to hunt- all of them were killed off by the farmers during the previous generation and had to be reintroduced into Arkansas by the game and fish commission. The group were not to enthused about the game available and eaten by the Apple family. This included lots of squirrel, rabbit, coon, and possum, something few of the kids had ever eaten and, seemingly, few had the desire to try.
The kids were amazed that Mr. Apple and his family had no electricity which meant no television, lighting, and no refrigeration. Fresh meat and milk products were placed in a well house, built over a spring, and cooled by the fresh water. One of the neighbors bought a large box radio and was able to power it by a battery. Charles, his family, and others would go over the neighbor’s house on Saturday night and listen to the Grand Ole Opera. Often, so many neighbors showed up for the entertainment that the house could not contain them. When this occurred, doors and windows were left open and people sat about the yard to hear the latest hits. Sometimes local musicians showed up and provided live entertainment.
Each township of public land had a section of land that was sold and the money used for public education. As a result, small one-room schools sprang up across Arkansas. Charles and his family attended school at nearby Rich Mountain school. The building consisted of one room, several hard-backed chairs, a chalk board, a wood-burning stove, and the teacher’s desk. One teacher taught all grades and all subjects up to the 8th grade. Education past that level required going to an academy where one had to pay an attendance fee. Even in elementary school, students were required to purchase their own books and supplies. Charles and his sisters rode to school in a make-shift school bus consisting of a flat-bed truck equipped with a canvas tent cover and with benches that ran down each side of the truck bed. School terms were short and were held around planting and harvesting season.
Students commented about how difficult and hard that Mr. Apple’s life must have been. He chuckled as he answered each question and kindly explained the joys of growing up in a community and with a family where people shared the values of hard work, patriotism, and faith. Several members of his family were present with him at the Magazine Mountain visitor center and he and they expressed and showed the strength of family love and support that has sustained them through a long life-time. It was evident that he may not have had every modern convenience that kids do today but that he had those things that were most important to a happy life.
Eagles Take to the Road for Final Time in 2023 Regular Season
MALVERN- The Paris Eagles will make the long trip to Malvern on Friday to play their final road conference game of the regular season against the Magnet Cove Panthers. Kickoff in Malvern is scheduled for 7 p.m.
At press time, Paris was preparing for an extremely important home conference game with Centerpoint that would go a long way in determining the playoff fate of the Eagles. A win over the Knights makes this Friday’s game another big game in boosting the Eagles into the playoffs. A loss last week over Centerpoint would all but eliminate any hopes of Paris making the playoffs.
In addition to the playoff implications of this game, it is still possible that it could be the last football game of the year for Paris. The Eagles are scheduled to play Danville at home on November 3, but depending on who you talk to, it is still not out the realm of possibility that the final game with the Little Johns will not be played. In fact, Senior Night for Paris was moved up to last week’s game with Centerpoint to ensure that seniors would have a game to be recognized. Danville cancelled their season last year just before the start of conference play, citing safety concerns for their players due to low participation numbers. That seems to be a concern again this year, but since Danville has played conference games, a possible cancellation by Danville at this point in the season would result in a forfeit win for Paris.
Magnet Cove defeated the Eagles in Paris a season ago by the score of 47-13. Paris was banged up late in the season and had only tallied one win earlier in the season at home against Two Rivers. The Eagles were reduced to running out of the wildcat formation for much of the game and were predictable to their opponents. But this year’s team has now won three games on the year, and, depending on the outcome of last week’s game against Centerpoint, could still be in the running for a five seed in the state playoffs.
Magnet Cove had a coaching change this year with Dean Adams taking over for Caleb Carmikle who left Magnet Cove to take the head coaching position at Rison. The Panthers spent a large portion of the season ranked in the Top Ten in Class 3A until they were upset by Centerpoint, 41-40. As of October 13, the Panthers are 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play. The Panthers have wins over Poyen (42-8), Fordyce (40-36), Baptist Prep (76-7), Danville (44-0), and Two Rivers (47-8). Magnet Cove has losses to Centerpoint (41-40), and Bismarck (50-15). At press time for this story, the Panthers were preparing to play Jessieville on October 20.
Magnet Cove has games remaining at home vs Paris this Friday and will finish their regular season at Glen Rose on November 3. If the Eagles are to remain in playoff contention, they will have needed to defeat Centerpoint last week and would also need to give Magnet Cove their third loss, and a head-to-head victory over the Panthers in case of a tiebreaker. A third loss by Magnet Cove makes the possibility of the Panthers finishing with four losses a likely event with the Panthers playing Glen Rose in week ten.
The Magnet Cove Panthers are a team composed of a large senior class, but, according to Hootens Arkansas Football publication, lack depth on their roster. One such returning senior is Luke Harper who plays on defense as a tackling machine against both the run and pass. Harper also plays on offense as a running back.
Paris, as of October 6, has played two consecutive conference games on the road with their sophomore backup quarterback, Brady Owens. Owens has performed well while being thrust into the starting lineup. Starter Maddox Watts’s status was unknown as of the deadline date of this story. In addition to keeping the Eagles in playoff contention this season, Owens and other underclassmen on the team have gained valuable experience that will payoff next season for the Eagles.
Watch for RNN Sports’ post-game story on this game on Saturday afternoon on our website at residentnewsnetwork.com. Photos from the game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports next week.
So travel safely on Friday, and we’ll see you at the stadium!
Charleston Travels to West Fork This Friday in Conference Play
WEST FORK- After all of the buildup leading up to last week’s battle with Booneville, the Charleston Tigers must refocus on this week’s opponent, the West Fork Tigers. Charleston will make the trip to northwest Arkansas on Friday to play at West Fork in a 3A-1 conference game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
At deadline time for this story, Charleston was just hours away from kicking off against Booneville for what should have determined the eventual conference champion. Regardless of the outcome of that game, it will be critical for Charleston to avoid a letdown at West Fork this week. Charleston will be playing to either wrap up the conference championship this week and next, or, to wrap up the conference runners-up position and a number two seed from the conference in the state playoffs. Either way, it is imperative for a young Charleston team not to overlook the West Fork Tigers.
West Fork was 5-5 a season ago, missing the playoffs in 2022. This year, West Fork is 2-5 overall and 1-3 in conference play as of October 13. At deadline time, West Fork was preparing to travel to Hackett for an important game for both schools with respect to their chances of making the playoffs as the conference’s five seed. West Fork has games remaining with Charleston and with rival Greenland on November 3. Charleston defeated West Fork at Alumni Field a year ago by the score of 49-7.
West Fork is led on offense by sophomore quarterback Cooper Ridenoure and junior tailback Bryson Whitmill. Although the Tigers are a spread team on offense, they still prefer to run the ball as they did in their flex bone seasons of recent years. West Fork will want to dominate possession in the game and shorten the game to remain in contention late.
Charleston will be coming off of a very physical and emotional football game with Booneville, and regardless of the outcome of that game, the Tigers must focus on West Fork to avoid being listless and keeping West Fork in the game. Charleston has to win at West Fork and then focus on an explosive offense with Lavaca in week ten. Injuries have been a key factor with Charleston, and the Tigers need to wrap up the season before hopefully getting some of their key players back for the playoffs.
RNN Sports photographer Ronni Tate Young will be in West Fork to bring you the action in pictures. Watch for her pictures on RNN Sports’ “Team Press Pass” page next week.
Avian influenza confirmed in Oklahoma; extension recommends biosecurity measures for poultry producers
By Ryan McGeeney U of A System Division of Agriculture
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in poultry flocks in eight states over the past few months, most recently in Carter County, Oklahoma, about 300 miles from the Arkansas border.
In 2022-2023, the virus was confirmed in 47 states, the largest recorded outbreak of HPAI. Currently, it has been confirmed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado and Oklahoma.
Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said Tuesday the disease is present in wild waterfowl, and that the current fall migration poses risks to both commercial and small hobby flocks.
“It’s very important that commercial growers follow their integrators’ biosecurity protocols and report any problems to their service tech or company veterinarian,” Clark said.
Clark recommended five simple biosecurity measures to help keep small flocks in Arkansas safe:
1. Keep birds in pens covered with roofs or tarps to prevent exposure to wild bird feces/droppings and to keep poultry away from any pond or other water source that wild waterfowl may visit.
2. Keep facilities and equipment clean and in good repair. Change feed and water frequently.
3. Quarantine and isolate any new or sick birds from otherwise healthy poultry (minimum of three weeks).
4. Keep unnecessary visitors away and keep a record of all necessary visitors. Don’t let visitors come in contact with flocks. If you visit an area where there are waterfowl or poultry, do not visit your own poultry until you change clothes, shoes and wash your hands.
5. Recognize signs of illness in poultry and report unusual signs to your local veterinarian, local county extension agent, extension poultry veterinarian, state veterinarian, U.S.
Department of Agriculture hotline (1-866-536-7593) or Arkansas AI hotline (501-823-1746).
“It is very important that we do all we can to assist in protecting our own flocks and our neighbors’ flocks,” Clark said.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter 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 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.