Resident News Network

AGFC enforcement school graduates 12 Arkansas game wardens

Outdoors

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11:01 pm

AGFC enforcement school graduates 12 Arkansas game wardens

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

CONWAY – Twelve new faces will be seen behind the badge of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as game wardens this fall after graduating from the AGFC’s training program Friday at Antioch Baptist Church.

All 12 cadets spent the last 18 weeks of their lives undergoing a transformation from cadet to game warden at the AGFC’s H.C. “Red” Morris Training Center east of Mayflower on Lake Conway. Long days and many nights of training and conditioning have prepared the new recruits for their new role in enforcing wildlife regulations, supporting other law enforcement agencies and becoming valuable members of the communities where they are stationed. By the end of the training school, each cadet received 835 hours of training in self-defense, firearms, first aid and rescue, drug enforcement, physical conditioning, criminal law and wildlife code enforcement.

Capt. Sydney Carman directs the cadet-training program, with many AGFC game wardens serving as instructors. Other experts teach specialized topics.

“We’re training our men and women to be game wardens, and it can be an entirely different world from other types of law enforcement,” Carman said. “We operate in many more remote areas where we have to be self-reliant and we have to wear many different hats on a daily basis. The variety of our workday that makes this job so great also means we have to prepare for many more situations and rise to unforeseen circumstances all the time. That’s why we try to use experienced wardens to teach as much of the courses as possible.”

Carman says the learning curve doesn’t just cover enforcement, but knowledge of conservation and wildlife and fisheries management.

“People don’t just call us to report poaching or other cases of people breaking the law,” Carman said. When someone comes across a deer that looks like its suffering from a disease or see a fish kill in a local lake, their local game warden is usually the first person they call. Our wardens need to know how to handle those situations as well. When they leave the training program, our wardens are Jacks and Jills of all trades.”

Each graduating warden will be assigned to a duty station based on the current needs of the Commission, but accommodations can be made to ensure officers that are familiar with certain areas are assigned near them if possible.

“Game wardens are part of their community; in some rural parts of the state, most folks know their local wardens’ names, families and know they can trust them to always be able to help,” AGFC Lt. Col. Jake Dunn said. “We always take that into consideration and want to place them where they will be able to thrive. If they’re already a part of a community and we have the opportunity to place them there, then we definitely try to make that happen.”

The 2022 graduates and their county assignments are:

Haylee Applegate, assigned to Monroe County
Trestin Blythe, assigned to Arkansas County
Nathan Box, assigned to Desha County
Devin Elliot, assigned to Madison County
Adam Helm, assigned to Hot Spring County
Timothy King, assigned to Randolph County
Corey Lienhart, assigned to Green County
Destiny May, assigned to Ouachita County
James Ray, assigned to Sebastian County
Brady Smith, assigned to Cleburne County
Jimmy Snodgrass, assigned to Phillips County
Cameron Wilborn, assigned to Desha County

For more information on becoming a wildlife officer, visit www.agfc.com/enforcement.

Obituary – Denise Lynn Himes (1961-2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:58 pm

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Obituary – Denise Lynn Himes (1961-2023)

Denise Lynn Himes, 61, of Boles, Arkansas gained her angel wings, Tuesday, August 12, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Denise was born January 25, 1961 to Herman and Grace (Burns) Singleton in Tulare, California.

Denise was one of eight children and her family meant everything to her. She loved to do puzzle books and play games with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Denise had the purest of hearts so pure you could see it in her eyes. Her laugh was contagious. To know Denise was to love her and her spitfire self. She had a hard life but now she is free and her family will love her forever and always.

Proverbs 3:3 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Denise lived this scripture everyday, rain or shine. She lived from her heart and she always had a pure, childlike spirit about her. Her family will always remember her positive outlook on life and the joyfulness she brought to others. She was beautiful inside and out.

Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the day to come.”

Denise leaves behind to cherish her memory, her six siblings: Virginia Jones of Boles, Arkansas; Herman Singleton of Boles, Arkansas; Patricia Hegwood and husband Randy of White Hall, Arkansas; Melody Chorley and husband Glen of Tulare, California; Stacey Singleton of Boles, Arkansas; and Kenny Singleton and wife Stacy of Greenwood, Arkansas. Denise is also survived by one sister-in-law Julie Hargis of Waldron, Arkansas. Aunt Nessie will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.

Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Himes; her parents, Herman and Grace Singleton; her brother, Harvey Hargis; and two nephews, Daniel Pena and Wesley Singleton.

Denise’s family will have a private memorial life celebration at a later date. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Subtle Issues Around the Home You Shouldn’t Ignore

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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3:23 pm

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Subtle Issues Around the Home You Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s rarely a good idea to put off maintenance until the problem worsens, especially in your home. You shouldn’t ignore subtle problems around the home; they require immediate action. And knowing what these issues may look like is a good start. Read on to learn what problems around the house need your attention and how you may fix them promptly and efficiently.

Pest Problems

Insects and rodents may make their way into your home throughout the year. Although these small pests may not seem potent, they will become uncontrolled problems over time. Cockroaches reproduce around 16 eggs per month throughout the year and easily lead to infestations.

Mice may have litters of five and mate after reproduction, meaning they could give birth to a second litter within the same month. Stomp out pest problems as soon as they arise. If you notice more than one bug in one room, kill them swiftly.

You need to call for extermination or capture-and-release services that take rodents far away from the home to prevent them from making a nest in it. Use traps and bait as passive extermination methods, or call an exterminator to take care of them professionally.

Leaks

A leak is a bad sign in any building, but it could damage your home significantly. Leaks deteriorate the home’s interior. And depending on their location, you could have poor structural integrity that could cause the ceiling or wall to collapse. Look for signs of a leak, such as staining or strong odors.

Staining typically leaves a brown mark visible from your side of the wall or ceiling and becomes larger as time passes. The odor follows the appearance of the stain and has a strong, earthy smell. Fix the leak at the first sign and protect your home. Leaks can be subtle issues around the home that you shouldn’t ignore and need immediate attention to avoid worsening damage.

Ponding Water

On your roof, your shingles should redirect water and prevent pooling. When water does pool, it damages the roof, which could cause many issues. Water pooling on your roof causes dirt and debris to build up, leading the shingles and their flashing to deteriorate.

The water may cause bubbling and peeling if left for more than 48 hours. In particular, ponding water is a concern for metal roofs because it may exacerbate the standing water issue. Standing water is similar to ponding water but may occur on various roof levels. Check your roof occasionally to ensure there aren’t any pools of water. If you notice the ceiling sagging or a small stain, check the roof to ensure water isn’t ponding.

There are various issues that come with a house, and some need your full attention. Keep an eye out for any of these issues and resolve them quickly before they worsen and overtake your home.

Waldron School Board Meets in Regular Session

News

Tammy Teague

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12:00 am

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Waldron School Board Meets in Regular Session

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Stan Cottrell and Angela Hunsucker. School Board member Mac Davis was not present. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Zack Taylor, Darla Jeffery, Ryan Walker, Toni Dozier, Kristi Sigman, Tonya Cluck and Cheyenne Smith.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m.

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

Mrs. Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the August 14th and August 22nd Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Order for MHC Kenworth; D) Approve Purchase Orders for White River Services. Motion carried 4 -0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the Contract Disclosure Form and Resolution for Powell Graphics Plus. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Contract Disclosure Form and Resolution for R & J Air Systems. Motion carried 4-0.

Ryan Walker, ABC/Adventure Online Academy Principal, reported to the Board that there are now 32 students enrolled in the virtual online school and that there are 20 openings for students at the ABC. Mrs. Darla Jeffery informed the board that the Book Fair will be this week, as well as Grandparents Breakfast. Mrs. Jeffery also stated that the Fall Festival will be October 28th on Main Street. Zack Taylor, Middle School Principal, reported that club meetings, such as Gardening, Hair Styling, Football, etc., have started this week. Middle school is also hosting the Book Fair this week. Mr. Taylor also added that students will be attending the fair this Wednesday thru Friday. There will also be a pep rally at the Middle School this Thursday, September 14th. On September 18th, there will be a motivational speaker, Professional Angler Hunter Baughman, that will speak on overcoming obstacles. Kim Solomon, High School Principal, stated that a Career Fair on Thursday, October 5th will be followed by Homecoming on October 6th. There will also be a pep rally this Friday with a Hawaiian theme. Be Pro Be Proud will be here on October 16th as well.

Superintendent Fielding reported to the board that Parent Teacher Conferences will be Tuesday, September 19th. He also reported that although there were a few facility issues at the beginning of the school year, those issues have been resolved and the district can move past them.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to accept the resignation from Tamara Broomfield, Food Service, effective September 7, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Alyssa Jones as ABC/First Step Paraprofessional, retroactive back to September 1, 2023, with 1 years’ experience. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the modified stipend schedule. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Hogs’ Jeffcoat Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

Sports

Jim Best

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2:23 pm

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Hogs’ Jeffcoat Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE– Following Arkansas’ 28-6 win against Kent State, redshirt senior Trajan Jeffcoat has been named the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Week Monday. It’s the second SEC weekly honor of his career.

Jeffcoat’s impact on the game was undeniable as he helped the Razorbacks control the line of scrimmage vs. the Golden Flashes, allowing just 26 total rushing yards – the fewest by an Arkansas opponent since against New Mexico State (11) in 2017.

The Columbia, S.C., native recorded three tackles with 2.0 tackles for loss (-11), including a career high 1.5 sacks for a loss of nine yards.

Jeffcoat and defensive end Landon Jackson were instrumental in a goal line stand in the fourth quarter by combining for a tackle for a loss of four yards on fourth-and-goal. In the first quarter, Jeffcoat and linebacker Jaheim Thomas combined for a sack for a loss of seven yards on third down to force a Kent State field goal. Again in the first quarter, Jeffcoat tallied a sack for a loss of five yards to force a punt.

Jeffcoat and the Razorbacks return to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, against BYU. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the Razorback Ticket Center at (479) 575-5151.

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.

Razorbacks MBB Conference Schedule for 2023-24 Released

Sports

Jim Best

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1:36 pm

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Razorbacks MBB Conference Schedule for 2023-24 Released

FAYETTEVILLE – The Southeastern Conference released the 2024 men’s basketball league schedule last Wednesday. Arkansas opens league play on Jan. 6 at home versus Auburn.

After the home opener, Arkansas travels to Georgia (Jan. 10) and Florida (Jan. 13). Following the two road games, the Razorbacks will host Texas A&M (Jan. 16) and South Carolina (Jan. 20).

Arkansas will then play three of its next four games on the road including games at Ole Miss (Jan. 24), at Missouri (Jan. 31) and at LSU (Feb. 3). The only home game in the stretch is a Saturday matchup in Bud Walton Arena versus Kentucky (Jan. 27).

The Razorbacks host Georgia (Feb. 10) and Tennessee (Feb. 14) before hitting the road for games at Mississippi State (Feb. 17) and at Texas AM (Feb. 20).

The final five games feature three home games with two big road games. Home games include Missouri (Feb. 24), Vanderbilt (Feb. 27) and LSU (Mar. 6) with road games at Kentucky (Mar. 2) and at Alabama (Mar. 9).

The SEC Tournament returns to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will take place Mar. 13-17.

Tipoff times and television information will be released at a later date.

A charity exhibition game with Purdue was previously announced and will be played on Oct. 28. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Also, travel packages are still available for the 2023 Battle 4 Atlantis. Please email gohogs@razorbackfoundation.com for additional details.

Arkansas 2023-24 Men’s Basketball Schedule (as of Sept. 7, 2023)

Oct. 28 Purdue (Charity Exhibition)

Nov. 6 Alcorn State

Nov. 10 Gardner-Webb

Nov. 13 Old Dominion

Nov. 17 UNC Greensboro

Nov. 22 vs. Stanford (Battle 4 Atlantis, The Bahamas)

Nov. 23 vs. Memphis or Michigan (Battle 4 Atlantis, The Bahamas)

Nov. 24 vs. TBD (Battle 4 Atlantis, The Bahamas)

Nov. 29 Duke (SEC-ACC Challenge)

Dec. 4 Furman

Dec. 9 vs Oklahoma (Tulsa, Okla.)

Dec. 16 vs. Lipscomb (North Little Rock)

Dec. 21 Abilene Christian

Dec. 30 UNC Wilmington

Jan. 6 Auburn *

Jan. 10 at Georgia *

Jan. 13 at Florida *

Jan. 16 Texas A&M *

Jan. 20 South Carolina *

Jan. 24 at Ole Miss *

Jan. 27 Kentucky *

Jan. 31 at Missouri *

Feb. 3 at LSU *

Feb. 10 Georgia *

Feb. 14 Tennessee *

Feb. 17 at Mississippi State *

Feb. 20 at Texas A&M *

Feb. 24 Missouri *

Feb. 27 Vanderbilt *

Mar. 2 at Kentucky *

Mar. 6 LSU *

Mar. 9 at Alabama *

Mar. 13-17 SEC Tournament (Nashville, Tenn. – Bridgestone Arena)

Mar. 21-24 NCAA Tournament 1st & 2nd Rounds

Mar. 28-31 NCAA Tournament Regionals

April 6 & 8 NCAA Final Four (Phoenix, Ariz. – State Farm Stadium)

For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on Twitter.

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Mike Cawood.

State Champs Celebrate At 2023 Ring Ceremony

Sports

Tammy Teague

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12:46 am

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State Champs Celebrate At 2023 Ring Ceremony

It had been nearly 7 months since Mansfield won the 2023 ATCA Indoor Track and Field State Championship. The long wait for the delivery of the team’s state championship rings was finally completed on Saturday, September 9. In an intimate gathering of family and friends at the high school, the MHS Lady Tiger track team finally slipped on the spoils of their award winning season.

On February 18, the Lady Tiger track program brought home their 14th state track championship. This most recent title came at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville at the ATCA Indoor State Track and Field Championships. If you include all Mansfield athletic programs, this was the 27th overall state championship won by the school.

A rebuilt track roster, much different from the distance oriented state championship team from last season, took first place at the indoor finals with 137.5 points. Strong individual places and outstanding relay efforts put Mansfield easily ahead of second place Carlisle.

Mansfield carried an indoor track team of 19 players, scored 11, and produced 10 indoor All-State performers.

During the outdoor season, Mansfield sent 25 players to the conference championships hosted by the Tigers on May 2. In that 2A-4 district meet, Mansfield easily won the district title for the 17th time in the last 20 years of competition. The Lady Tigers scored 328 points, earned 13 All-District spots, and used a full roster for only the second time of the season.

From there, Mansfield advanced to outdoor state finals in Quitman in 14 of 18 events. Qualification standards reduced the roster once more. Only the 13 All-District qualifiers competed at the outdoor finals. Those competing used victories in the 4x100m relay and discus along with strong finishes in the sprints, hurdles, throws, and jumps to take the class 2A state runner-up trophy.

Out of 29 scoring schools, it came down to Mansfield and two-time defending Champion Yellville-Summit for the title. Yellville’s experience and depth won out. Still, Mansfield scored 82.5 points and registered 6 All-State performers. Five of which moved on to the prestigious Meet of Champs while 2 others continued to the state heptathlon.

At Saturday evening’s festivities, attendees were treated with a buffet style dinner before a 20 minute highlight video of the season was presented. Immediately following the video presentation a group of six junior high volunteers marched the trophies and rings onto the stage.

“The ring march may have been the coolest part of the evening,” said recently retired Mansfield head track coach John Mackey. “Travis (Pettus) our sound expert arranged for some awesome, upbeat music to escort those six kids into the room. It really built up the anticipation and added to the show.”

Seventh grader CJ Nelson, the younger brother of All-State sprinter Daisy Nelson, brought in the boxes of state championship rings. He was wearing a black t-shirt sporting the words “Ring Security”.

The younger Nelson was preceded by five junior high track girls. Each carried a state trophy associated with the career winnings of this particular 2023 senior high track team. Each of the girls, adorned in either a red or black semi-formal dress, paraded the trophies along the perimeter of the room for all to view before placing the accolades upon the awards table atop the stage.

Adeline Bray, Miley Clopton, Addison Howard, Annabelle Martin, and Abby Smith were the future track stars that helped make the special delivery along with CJ Nelson.

“It was good to get some of the younger people involved,” expressed Mackey. “These kids look up to these champions. They are hungry for their own future success. These are the type of student-athletes that will keep Mansfield in a good place.”

Announcer Jordan Martin then brought up special guests that acted as ring presenters. Dave Otto of the track booster club, Danielle Overton of the Championship class of 2010, Travis Pettus the “Voice of the Tigers”, Danielle Godwin of the Championship Class of 2008, and Julie Basham of Farmers Bank were all in attendance.

Representatives from Today’s Bank, Chambers Bank, and Roger Thompson of Farm Bureau were sponsors, unable to attend.

“We definitely appreciate the sponsors and all the help that went into this entire season,” continued the former coach.

Newly appointed Mansfield High School Principal Justin Bond helped direct the ring distribution to the guests who in turn presented the awards to the players and coaching staff.

All members of the collective ninth through twelfth grade team were recognized whether they participated on the indoor or outdoor team. Some members were unable to attend because they had already moved on to college or had other conflicts.

Seven Sanderson, the River-Valley’s Thrower of the Year, was the penultimate player announced to receive her championship ring. Sanderson was a two time All-State shot put and discus individual champion and Mansfield’s Track Player of the Year. She set a personal best throw in the discus at 115’ 9” to win the class 2A state title for the second consecutive year. The homeschool senior was also the two time defending indoor shot put champion.

Jadelynn Wood, Mansfield’s Team Captain and Golden Baton Player, was fittingly announced as the final player to receive her ring. Wood enjoyed a reputation of being the last to leave her lengthy practices and workouts. She was the team’s most decorated winner as a two time All-State runner, and four time All-Star cross country runner.

The recent MHS graduate was among the last players to compete on the 2023 Lady Tiger team as a Meet of Champs qualifier and state heptathlete. She now competes as a member of the UA Rich Mountain track and cross country program.

“I’m so proud of these two seniors that were the heart and soul of our program,” reflected Mackey. “They are among my favorite players of all time, as is this entire team. We kind of graduated together with this being my last season. The ring celebration was a wonderful way to close out a career.”

Players recognized for the team’s outdoor success but not individually recognized as members of the indoor roster were Brooklyn Adams, Natalie Allison, Jaelynn Garcia, Kaylie Lowery, Kayla Bieker, and Addison Robles.

State championship team members and ring recipients included the following.

Class of 2026:

Thrower, team assistant – Chloe Beran
All-District triple jumper, sprint relays – Madison Hearron
All-State sprinter, hurdler, sprint relays, pole vaulter and Outdoor MVP – Daisy Nelson
All-District shot put, discus, high jumper – Kaylee Ward
Middle Distance runner, team assistant – Chloe Whiley (unable to attend)

Class of 2025:

Team assistant – Isabella Escalante
Middle Distance runner, distance relays – Summer Frazier
Distance runner, distance relays – Ashley Martin
All-State relay runner, hurdler – Addie Stover
All-State relay runner, high jumper – Azlynn Stover
All-State relay runner, long jumper, triple jumper and Indoor MVP – Trinity Triska
Distance runner, team assistant – Carissa Vaughan
All-State relay runner, sprinter, high jumper – Carter Whiley
All-State relay runner, pole vaulter, hurdler, triple jumper and heptathlete – Laney Wood

Class of 2024:

All-State relay runner – Raine Hecox

Class of 2023:

All-State shot put, discus – Skylynn Harris (unable to attend)
All-State shot put, discus, Track Player of the Year, and River Valley Arkansas-Democrat Gazette Thrower of the Year – Seven Sanderson
Sprinter, team assistant – Saylor Steward (unable to attend)
All-State relay runner, hurdler, triple jumper, high jumper, heptathlete, and Team Captain – Jadelynn Wood

Coaches:

Assistant Indoor Coach, Head Boys Coach – Ethan Bowman
Assistant XC Coach, Assistant Indoor Coach – Susan Martin

Conference 2A-4 Track Coach of the Year, Class 2A Athletic Director of the Year, Head Coach – John Mackey

Arrest Reports 9/1

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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12:03 am

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Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Randolph Lee Thompson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 8:12 p.m. and released on signature bond September 2 at 10:30 p.m. Thompson was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Corey Lane Anderson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 1 at 8:32 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Anderson was charged with fleeing on foot – misd., criminal trespass – premises, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree – Tamper, Fugitive from Justice Out of State, Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd., and Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine >2g.

Audra Charee Bennett of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 7 at 10:38 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 7 at 5:06 p.m. Bennett was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member.

Hunter Luke Brandenberg of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 3:26 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 9 at 12:37 p.m. Brandenberg was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree.

Maddison Jade Brandenburg of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 3:31 p.m. and released on September 8 at 8:46 p.m. Brandenburg was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree, Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Ryan T Johnson of Bismark, AR was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 12:42 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Johnson was charged with Possession Misbranded Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony, and Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Christopher James-Paul Barnes of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 3:51 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Barnes was charged with petition to Revoke – Felony, parole violation, and Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >2g.

Reba Sue Chandler of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 12:35 a.m. and released on signature bond September 5 at 1:29 a.m. Chandler was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Ronnie James Freeman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 9 at 4:56 p.m. and remains at the SCDC. Freeman was charged with return to testify, and ADC commitment hold.

Christopher Wayne Grigsby of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 3 at 12:09 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 7 at 8:30 p.m. Grigsby was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and possession of fentanyl class C felony.

Kenneth Ray Harris of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 3 at 4:23 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on September 3 at 8:48 p.m. Harris was charged with assist outside agency – misd.

Heather Faye Love of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 12:03 p.m. and released on September 4 at 12 p.m. Love was charged with drug court sanctions.

Sarah Jewel Nichole Morgan of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 8 at 8:33 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Moran was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Larry Christopher Rice of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 3 at 10:57 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Rice was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

David Nathanael Sage of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 9 at 8:14 a.m. and released on September 11 at 8 a.m. Sage was charged with Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DWI.

Matthew Lee Slater of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 4 at 6:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Slater was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 3rd offense.

Ricky Wagner of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 10:36 a.m. and released on signature bond September 5 at 1:54 p.m. Wagner was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Schelte Steve Wassenaar of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 2 at 1:30 a.m. and released on cash bond September 2 at 9:37 p.m. Wassenaar was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Andrea Rayne Brown of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 6 at 12:05 p.m. and released on signature bond September 6 at 3:07 p.m. Brown was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Colby J Cole of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 7 at 9:02 a.m. and released on signature bond September 8 at 4:41 a.m. Cole was charged with criminal trespass.

Ruben Allen Dampier Junior of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 4 at 5:02 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Dampier was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, absconding, parole violation, and two counts of failure to appear – class C felony.

Jesse TL Emery of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 8 at 12:48 a.m. and released on signature bond September 8 at 4:32 a.m. Emery was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Jacque Marie Lemmond of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 4 at 6:33 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on September 8 at 8:51 a.m. Lemmond was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Daniel Linn Pearson of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 9 at 10:18 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Pearson was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Matthew Ryan Conner of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 1 at 2:32 p.m. and released on September 7 at 9:42 p.m. Conner was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Melissa Sue Spencer of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 1 at 2:23 p.m. and released on September 7 at 10:06 p.m. Spencer was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Arresting agency – Huntington Police Department:
Stacy Diane Howard of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 5 at 3:21 p.m. and released on signature bond September 5 at 10:04 p.m. Howard was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Roy Jackson Pierce, 65 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 9 at 4:12 p.m. Pierce was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

Darissia Lynn Lovelace, 27 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 8 at 9:27 a.m. Lovelace was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, and failure to comply with conditions of pre-trail.

Jonathan C. Vancepreghy, 32 of Van Buren, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 8 at 2:52 a.m. Vancepreghy was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Brennan Ray Burks, 35 of Subiaco, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 7 at 2:30 p.m. Burks was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Joshua Lewis, 35 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 2 at 12:07 p.m. Lewis was charged with two counts of violation of probation/suspended imposition of sentence.

Louisa Angeles, 44 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 2 at 8:23 p.m. Angeles was charged with possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance with purpose to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tommy McHam, 24 of Dardenelle, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 3 at 7:50 a.m. McHam was charged with contempt of court.

Aaron Klein, 41 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 5 at 11:46 a.m. Klein was charged with disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.

Lacrissa Minnie, 38 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 6 at 6:18 p.m. Minnie was charged with domestic battering in the third degree.

Christopher Corbitt, 30 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 7 at 11:28 a.m. Corbitt was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, careless and prohibited driving, and leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage only.

Jacque Lemmond, 36 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 8 at 9:16 a.m. Lemmond was charged with failure to appear.

Brian Kohutek, 35 of Hot Springs, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 8 at 10:26 a.m. Kohutek was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Holly Walker, 47 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 8 at 4:28 p.m. Walker was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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

Changes Proposed to State’s Sunshine Law

Tammy Teague

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12:39 am

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Changes Proposed to State’s Sunshine Law

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Friday she will add a proposal to amend the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act to the call for Monday’s special legislative session. Huckabee claims the 1967 law is “in dire need of an update.” And, added the state’s sunshine law slows down state government operations and exposes her and other constitutional officers to security risks.

The proposed amendment comes after attorney and blogger Matt Campbell filed a request seeking records Arkansas State Police on how much state police spent protecting Sanders.

The Arkansas Press Association issued a response following Sander’s announcement stating:

“The Arkansas Press Association agrees that the security of our elected officials, their spouses and their children should be taken seriously and, where appropriate, sensitive information as it pertains to security should be protected. If that was the only focus of this bill, we would certainly understand the governor’s reasoning for calling a special session. But it’s not. This bill goes far beyond the goal of protecting our public officials and their families. If this bill passes, it will drastically weaken Arkansas FOIA laws and the public’s access to information. For all intents and purposes, this bill will eliminate the ability to hold our government accountable by shielding processes that provide essential context for decisions that affect millions of Arkansans. There must be transparency in government processes and accountability as to how taxpayer dollars are spent. Furthermore, the APA adamantly disagrees with the notion that this bill, in its entirety, constitutes an emergency. Security is just a small slice of an otherwise larger, transparency-killing piece of legislation. The APA has agreed to participate in a working group that has been tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to FOIA for the 2025 general session. This group met for the very first time today. It’s disheartening this group has had no time to review or give recommendations on these momentous changes being proposed. Our association’s participation in this group demonstrates our willingness to be reasonable and to seek common ground. However, to fundamentally change these laws in a three-day special session with a bill that was drafted just this week is imprudent. This bill is far-reaching, applying to all state offices – not only in the present but for future administrations as well. Do we really want a blackout of information about how decisions are arrived upon in state government? We hope that the members of the General Assembly will choose to stand not with the APA or the Governor but with their constituents who have a right to know how their government operates.“

Attorney and counsel for the Arkansas Press Association, John Tull, was appointed to the Arkansas FOIA Review Working Group (referenced above) by Attorney General Tim Griffin in July. Tull stated the proposed changes would “put a large hole in the Freedom of Information Act.”

John Tull, attorney for the Arkansas Press Association.

Republican State Representative Marcus Richmond responded to the call for change with the FOIA stating:

“I intend to listen to all of the debate before final determination of how I will vote. I have voted in the past to stop any proposed change in our FOIA laws, but I am concerned about the weaponization of FOIA. I learned very quickly while serving in the Middle East you do not get second chances. We have asked these key board warriors and lawyers to police themselves from abusing this system and they have refused. I fell it is wrong for lawyers to shake down the public even when their cases are dismissed by a judge with prejudice. They still try to collect lawyer fee for up to one thousand dollars an hour. This is happening in Pulaski County with a lawyer suing for twenty thousand dollars. Taxpayers should not have to pay for a failed lawsuit. The taxpayers are paying thousands upon thousands of dollars for frivolous lawsuits. It has become a cash cow for these unscrupulous lawyers. So instead of me being an automatic no those who abuse FOIA are going to have to show me they intend to be responsible in the futures. Too many lawyers had their talking points ready before a bill was written.”

In section 5 of the bill’s draft, a proposed attorney-client privilege exemption under FOIA. It would also change the standard for courts awarding attorneys’ fees to plaintiffs in FOIA lawsuits, which critics said would deter citizens from filing lawsuits to seek records being withheld.

Attorney Whitfield Hyman responded to the proposed changes, stating, “Under the new changes literally every document created by the state government will arguably not be releasable under FOIA. This allows the bureaucrats to create rules, regulations, and influence our elected representatives in complete secret. Government will grow and the rights of man will decrease.”

The special session, set for Monday, September 11 – Wednesday, September 13, will also include tax cuts and COVID-19 regulation changes.

Draft of FOIA Amendment Bill

Watch the special session LIVE

Our Children and Grandchildren Must Never Forget, Too

Jim Best

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5:09 am

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Our Children and Grandchildren Must Never Forget, Too

NEW YORK CITY- Each year on the anniversary of the attacks on New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, I find myself at a loss of words to describe the horror and the shock of the September 11 attacks that still haunt our nation today. Those of us who remember the attacks will never forget the disbelief and the shock that our nation suffered on that horrible day in our country’s history. And every year since that fateful day, I find myself looking back, still in the disbelief that it really happened. Still hurting like so many people who were around when it happened, and still wanting life to return to the way it was before the attacks.

So, every year, I write this story. And every year, I struggle with the thoughts that I want to share with our readers. What can I say that hasn’t already been said a million times? Or, perhaps, what needs to be said again and again to make sure that we never forget what was done to our nation on this terrible day. Or even more importantly, what can we say that will educate our children and young people today who perhaps were not around when this happened, but need to know and pass the lessons on to their children?

On the day of September 11, 2001, I remember getting to my office that morning, and the office staff were talking about something that was happening in the news that day. The more they talked, they decided to turn on the television to see what was happening. A short time later, the newscast was announcing a plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers in New York City. And from that point on, the rest of the day came to a standstill. As more information was made available, it became increasing clear that the United States was under attack. Strangely enough, outside of the immediate area of the attacks in New York City, there wasn’t panic, but instead a deep sense of shock and disbelief that this was actually happening. It was like a state of paralysis, followed by a deep sense of grief, had descended down upon all of us.

Looking back, we all know that the loss of life was extensive on that terrible day. Our nation was devastated by the large numbers of innocent people and their families who lost loved ones at the hands of terrorists. Terrorists who hijacked commercial jet liners to use them as weapons in a kamikaze style attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. A third plane was intended to be a second attack on our nation’s capital, but it was forced to the ground in Pennsylvania after brave passengers aboard the jet attempted to stop the hijackers. Everyone on board all three airplanes were killed, and thousands of others lost their lives due to the explosions, the ensuing fires, the collapse of the towers, and, horrifically, falling to their deaths from high atop the Trade Center towers.

Many were killed in the collapse of the towers. And many brave men and women first responders were killed, rushing into the burning towers to rescue trapped people, and who later died when the towers came crashing down. Words cannot adequately express the horror of that day, certainly not mine.

We say it every year: we must never forget. And that is true. But sadly, most of us have forgotten. One thing that has surely been forgotten is that for a short time immediately after the attacks, our nation was united. Politics aside, all of us were under attack, and we all stood together out of respect for those who had lost their lives, and as a symbol of defiance to those who had perpetrated this horrible attack. For a brief time, we were united. We were the United States of America.

And with the divided state of our nation today, oh how I wish we were united once again. It is my hope and prayer that it does not take another tragedy like what happened on September 11 to bring us back together again. In fact, I wonder, even in the face of tragedy, if our nation would come together as it did 22 years ago. And while I hope we never have to do so in such dire and tragic circumstances, I pray that we would come together if tragedy ever struck our nation again.

In fact, I pray that we will come together today, not waiting for another tragedy like the one of September 11. And for me, one of the first things we must do to come together is not to forget the past. We must never forget to honor those who lost their lives, and we must not forget the lessons learned from that terrible day.

To our young readers, I would ask you to educate yourselves and your children on the events of September 11. Make sure they know that our nation was attacked on U.S. soil, and that thousands of innocent people lost their lives. Let them know that it hurts, and it is a wound that may never heal. It won’t for the families who lost their loved ones. Every year at this time, they are reminded of their losses. Those families may never heal, and we owe all of them to not forget them and the brave men and women who died trying to save them all on that day. So many first responders lost their lives too. All of them deserve the respect of never being forgotten.

Our children and grandchildren need to learn this, and they too, must never forget.

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