Resident News Network

RNN Test Drive: 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL

Networks

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9:14 pm

RNN Test Drive: 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL

A new series from the mind that brought you a cleverly written April Fools sports article about a Dome

There is a sea of Subcompact Sport Utility Vehicles. From American manufacturers to South Korean manufactures everywhere you turn there seems to be a new crossover SUV based on what is a sedan platform. Just how does Hyundai and KIA keep coming up with different variations for someone to put a Salt Life sticker on is just mind boggling. Originally the Taos was placed in the Volkswagen lineup to be a replacement for the Golf, but how do you replace the little nimble hatchback that set the bar for performance hatchbacks with the Rabbit GTI? Now it is seen as the entry level of the VW SUV lineup that includes the Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, Atlas, and the all-electric iD-4. What makes the Volkswagen Taos different, well until I get behind the wheel of one of the others I will never know. But! I did get the chance to drive the Taos for a bit and this is what I discovered.

The Taos is roomy. While it is based on the same underpinnings of the Volkswagen Jetta the space within the subcompact SUV was plenty. Interior layout on the VW is on par with other VW’s in the lineup. An all digital dash has a great layout with a very readable Speedometer and Tachometer. the center section is customizable to either vehicle information or GPS. The infotainment system is Apple and Android compatible for when you want to listen to your Spotify playlist, which is also controllable from the steering wheel. Did I mention the design? Ahh! When car makers line up the dashboard with the door it is absolute visual magic. Take note, look at the dash to door on the 1971-1974 AMC Javelin to see just some wonderful design. The Taos gets this perfect as well and I am here for it.

Space for groceries. I want these reviews to be something realistic for the consumer so we took the Taos to Sam’s Club for a grocery trip. The back held 6 cases of water, and other groceries quite nicely as you can see in the photo below. The trunk area seems as deep as either of my personal Jettas but the added height of essentially being a cooler looking station wagon definitely helps. Space in the back seat is also improved on this VW when compared to my Jetta as well. While cramped slightly in my personal car, there was more room in the back seat for my son’s 5’11” 245lbs frame.

Performance and Fuel Economy. While VW may never get the chance to bring the hyper-efficient Diesel back to the U.S. The work VW is doing to make their smaller engines reach the 40 mpg range is admirable. While I wish the Taos had the Turbocharged 2.0 liter Inline-4 the Turbocharged 1.5 Liter the whole line comes with averaged 34 mpg during the test. I must disclose my driving style will differ from someone else. I like to try and maximize fuel economy unless it is in my Jetta GLI and then that becomes a different story. Getting on highways is similar to the performance of the last generation Diesels VW offered, you will hit highway speed by the end of the ramp but it is for sure not put you back in the seat fast. Which is perfectly fine for this 5 seat family mover.

Handling wise it is very similar to my non-GLI Jetta, just taller. The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. Let’s discuss the platform sharing that Volkswagen has mastered since the the original Type 1 Beetle, that spurned the the Type 2 Bus and a plethora of other Volkswagens in the 50’s-70’s. Maybe that’s what sets this Taos apart from the others in it’s class. 75 years of innovation in brand and platform sharing amongst it’s stablemates at Audi and Porsche.

What does the Taos come with. Price as tested was $37,730.00. The SEL is the top of the line package for the VW lineup. The 1.5 Turbo is matted to a 7-speed DSG Automatic with 4MOTION. The headlights are LED that are probably the one thing I got overly excited about. They are adaptive and will turn with the steering wheel to provide lighting to the inside of the turn. So why did I get excited? Honestly, getting to see technology Volkswagen Auto Group pioneered through racing Le Mans and rally with the LED headlights, Dual Clutch Automatic, and their all-wheel drive system is something that is just neat.

There is a long list of things included on the Taos for comfort that is becoming more standard. A panoramic sliding and tilting sunroof is very large and great for those clear summer night drives to look at the stars, well maybe not so much the drivers, but the passengers will for sure enjoy it. Dual-Zone climate controls dubbed Climatronic. A heated steering wheel along with heated and ventilated seats. USB charging ports front and rear, with wireless charging just under the climate controls. Ambient lighting inside the Taos is adjustable to a multitude of different colors. The IQ.DRIVE system is very responsive and if you have not driven a vehicle with a similar system it does take a minute to figure out the nuances of it. For example, lane assist will give you force feedback if you do not turn on the turn signal migrating into a center turn lane before you cross the line. Backing out of my driveway that is at a slight slope to the road, the VW came to a complete forced stop to avoid a perceived collision. The adaptive cruise control is a great addition on those trips up I49 to Northwest Arkansas for when you hit the hills at Chester and the Tunnel where trucks slow way down and drivers drop 15 mph to go through the Tunnel.

Would I purchase a Taos? 100% From the drivability and the room it is a slam-dunk for a small family. Stop in at your local Volkswagen dealer, as long as it is Bill White Volkswagen, to test drive the Taos for yourself.

Bulldog Days of Summer

Networks

Ross Fujibayashi

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9:10 pm

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It has been a whirlwind of Team Camps, 7 on 7 Tournaments, and College Camps for the Greenwood Bulldogs

As the Greenwood Bulldog football team is in their AAA Dead Period the action was heating up for the ‘Dogs across several facets.

Team Camps

Earlier in the month Resident News Network detailed the teams that participated in the Greenwood Football team camp. Since that article Greenwood participated in a Team Camp at Northside and Russellville. At the Northside camp they went against nearly all the same teams from the first camp but with the addition of Fort Smith Northside and West Memphis.

Fort Smith Northside is in arguably one of the toughest conferences in the State the 7A Central. With teams like Bryant, Jonesboro, Conway, North Little Rock, Cabot, and the talented upstart Little Rock Southwest. While the Grizzlies start the season with the Battle of Rogers Avenue again Southside, from there it is the gamut facing off against Greenwood and Fayetteville in non-conference and then… their conference run starts. Last year Northside finished 4-7 on the season with a 3-4 conference season.

West Memphis finished 6-5 last season with a close playoff loss to Russellville in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

I was not present to give an overview of the Russellville Team Camp

7 on 7

In the late 90’s then Greenwood Head Coach Ronnie Peacock brought a new type of competition to the state of Arkansas with 7 on 7 tournaments. Since then it has taken on a life of it’s own with several schools holding their own 7 on 7 tournaments during the summer. University of Arkansas holds a tournament in conjunction with their Lineman Camp. Last year it brought in teams from neighboring states including the occasionally Nationally ranked East St. Louis Flyers. This year Greenwood competed in three different tournaments in Alma, Russellville, and Siloam Springs.

Greenwood would go 6-0 making it to the Championship game against Fayetteville. A late afternoon storm rolling in cancelled the Championship game with both teams becoming Co-Champions of the Lumber One 7on7 Showcase. The following week it was off to Russellville for the Cyclone 7on7. Greenwood would once again repeat the feat of the week before and go on to the Championship game and win the Championship going 7-0 on the day. Three days later the Bulldogs would take the trip to NWA to Siloam Springs to play in the Stateline Shootout. Greenwood would drop one game in pool play to 2020 season opening opponent Muskogee. In bracket play the Bulldogs man handled Gentry in the first round. Then taking care of 7A West teams Springdale and Bentonville West to make it to the Championship. Siloam would stun the 7on7 participants beating Number 1 seed and defending Stateline Shootout Champion Muskogee. In the championship game it saw Greenwood vs the Bruins of Bartlesville. Touchdown passes to L.J. Robins and Isaiah Arrington and great defensive play from Arrington, Grant Karnes, Kaylor Jasna, and Junior DeLeon was to much for Bartlesville to overcome. Bulldogs win 30-6 winning their 3rd 7on7 of the summer and finishing 22-1 in all tournaments.

College Camps

Several Bulldogs hit the road this summer when the schedule of other sports and football allowed. The coaches took several players to the TCU Mega Camp. Camping from coast to coast the Bulldogs made an impression where ever they landed. Seniors L.J. Robins, Eli Whitaker, Jack Edwards, Riley White, Josh Allen, and Kaleb Garner. With Juniors and Sophomores Cash Archer, Isaiah Arrington, Ashton Stein, Kane Archer, Cody Taylor, Akira Fujibayashi, Landon Billy, Sullivan Shoppach, and Wesley Raggio visited or took part in camps at the following universities:

Arkansas
TCU – Mega Camp with several other universities in attendance
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Kansas State
Missouri
Southern California
Tennessee
Georgia
Florida State
Ole Miss
West Virginia – Cody Taylor won the OL Blue Collar Award
Virginia Tech – Cody Taylor earned an offer
Vanderbilt – Cody Taylor earned an offer
Arkansas State
Navy
Central Arkansas
Henderson State – LJ Robins would get fastest 40 time, Wesley Raggio fastest Pro-Shuttle
Lyon

(Author note, if I missed a student athlete or camp let me know on Facebook @ Ross Fujibayashi)

With the dead period to end July 9th and FasDogs to start on July 10th the Bulldogs will be back in full swing with just two more 7on7 and Lineman camps left on the schedule before Fall Practice starts.

I would like to also take this section and send our condolences to the communities of White Hall and Mountain Home after the untimely passing of Coach and Razorback great Ryan Mallett.

Truth in the Crosshairs

Featured

Tammy Teague

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2:54 am

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It’s like one of those dreams, you’re in a panic, late for the school bus–yet it’s Sunday and you’re 48. You waken to a feeling of confusion, what does this mean? I had that happen to me this week, except it wasn’t the school bus I was missing. It was truth.

Sounds strange doesn’t it? Let me explain.

I was visiting with one of our advertisers in the Waldron area, who was sharing that the “corporate daily,” had notified them they would no longer service subscribers. My response without really thinking was, “wow, they abandoned Waldron?” His response, “no, we abandoned them.” We finished our business, but the conversation was something I kept replaying in my head.

We all know the day is coming. It’s inevitable, a shift to digital delivery. I get it. The generation of folks who like a newspaper in their hand is shrinking. But, what happens next is what concerns me.

Legitimate. News Sources. Truth…it’s in the crosshairs. What does that mean? It means, if you aren’t concerned, you should be. No, this isn’t a doomsday speech. But, little by little you are seeing the journalists, the fact finders, the bridges between government and the people, abandoned for social media, community groups and blogs.

What’s the big deal you say? That’s what is convenient. I agree 110%. It is convenient. That is why it is imperative for news organizations to provide online and web-based news options. Here’s the caveat, however, who supports that free news you read online? Merchants? Maybe a few here and there. So then, how do paid employees, using costly web services, continue to provide a viable resource–truth in reporting?

I can’t answer that. I think that’s the “I’m late for the bus feeling.” Will the people be “abandoned?” That’s a real possibility.

When I say this, I mean it with the utmost respect. Community groups, blogs, etc., they are fun to engage in. But when it comes down to it, moderators and admins aren’t most likely taking the time to ensure that information that is published is factual. They are not going to send FOIA requests when a government official is in question. They are not going to read through a fatality report and decide what’s need to know and what will further harm an already devastated family. You cannot be assured that what you read is anything more than opinion.

Furthermore, with the closure of reputable newspapers, meeting notices, legal notices, notices that inform you, the public, are now just appearing haphazardly in your newsfeed.

We are NOT corporate media, we aren’t driven or influenced by politics. We take personally the responsibility of bridging the informational gap.

The APA’s motto states “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” The financial snuffing out of news agencies is a step into a giant black hole. I want to pause here a moment and say how much I appreciate the Arkansas Press Association’s support in fighting for publications like ours.

Ultimately, it’s up to the public to decide. I respect that, too.

But for the ones this may have struck a chord with, I ask that you support/continue supporting us:
1.) Subscribe to our newspaper
2.) Tell others about us (FREE)
3.) Like/subscribe to our social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (FREE)
4.) Share our content (FREE)
5.) Support/shop local businesses who support what we do

It is my hope that we are able to continue to find new and improved ways to provide the locally focused, accurate news you’ve come to expect from us.

I would also like to add, that if you have questions, concerns or suggestions, we would LOVE to hear from you! – EMAIL –

For now, we renew our commitment and pledge to deliver unbiased, factual news+sports to our coverage area, and to YOU, our readership.

Obituary –Charles Lindsey Whedbee (1929-2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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2:04 am

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Obituary –Charles Lindsey Whedbee (1929-2023)

Charles Whedbee, a devoted husband, loving father, respected Southern Baptist pastor, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home in Dayton, AR, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 94. He departed from this world leaving behind an abundance of memories and a profound legacy of faith.

On January 11, 1929, God blessed his parents Samuel Leroy Whedbee and Elouise Whedbee with his birth in Midland, AR. As a young man Charles felt called by the Lord to full time church ministry. While pastoring, he graduated from Southwestern Seminary and dedicated his life to nurturing the spiritual well-being of his congregation and inspiring them with his heartfelt sermons. He pastored and helped grow nine different churches including Fellowship Baptist in Witcherville. He also served many other churches as interim after his retirement.

Charles had a love for missions, preaching the word in Africa, the Philippines, and across the United States. Throughout his ministry, Charles touched countless lives. His words of wisdom provided solace and guidance to many during times of joy and hardship.

Charles was a devoted family man. For 77 years he shared a deep and abiding love for his wife Ivalee and together they created a warm and loving home. Charles is survived by two sons, Tom and wife Betty of Dayton, AR and Barry and wife Terry of Gilmer, TX; and one daughter Pamela Williams and husband Tom of Advance, North Carolina. Charles was not only a beloved father but also a proud grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his 6 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Charles also has one great great grandchild due this month.

He was known for his storytelling and his captivating tales of bygone eras. Charles will forever be remembered for his warm smile, his unwavering faith, and his love for ice cream and Black Angus cows.

Arrangements and cremations are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Charles’ family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

All those who were touched by his kindness, inspired by his faith, and charmed by his stories are invited to join in remembering him at a memorial service to be held at Fellowship Baptist Church, in Witcherville, AR on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm with visitation after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Fellowship Baptist Church Mission Trip Fund (111 College Road, Huntington, AR 72940) or Gideon Bibles to continue his legacy of sharing Jesus throughout the world.

Help Trout Keep Their Cool This Summer

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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11:29 pm

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Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

The heat wave that held Arkansas in its grip during the last two weeks had many Arkansans heading for the shade and comfort of air-conditioned buildings. The heat can also cause some major changes in the behavior of Arkansas’s fish populations, particularly the trout that inhabit cold-water streams and tailwaters from dams with cold-water discharge. Arkansas’s famous trout tailwaters provide year-round action for anglers and are some of the best opportunities for trout fishing in the entire Southeast. As summer sun continues to bake the land, it also has raised water temperatures enough in some locations to cause concern with avid trout anglers.

Christy Graham, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Trout Management Program supervisor based in Mountain Home, has worked with the state’s trophy-class trout fisheries for nearly 14 years. During that time, temperature monitoring throughout Arkansas’s famous tailwater fisheries always takes top priority in summer.

“We conduct daily checks of water quality conditions and work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Southwestern Power Administration to address any concerns we have about the amount of water being released,” Graham said.

According to the American Fisheries Society’s “Trout and Char of the World,” most trout species grow best at temperatures between about 53 and 66 degrees. Once water warms too much (78 to 86 degrees, depending upon species) trout can perish from the hostile environment. But it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, as many variables come into play that can drop that critical temperature a bit lower.

Graham says it’s not just the heat but, more importantly, the amount of oxygen in the water that plays a critical role in fish health during summer.

“Fish size, the length of time the fish has endured the hot water and any sudden rise that can shock the system all come into play as well, and that’s not even counting the added stress that comes from a long fight on an angler’s line,” Graham said.

According to Graham a key surface water temperature anglers should keep in mind is 68 degrees. At that mark, added stress from long fights can increase mortality substantially.

“At that point, if you’re still wanting to fish the same waters, you should consider keeping what you catch if it’s legal to do so,” Graham said. “I know there’s a very strong catch-and-release ethic with our avid trout anglers, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping a few fish occasionally for a meal. Survival rates from fish that came from 68-degree and warmer water are pretty low, and we do need some harvest of trout to keep the system in balance and increase growth rates of the fish left.”

Graham says the best way to keep an eye on the water temperature is to carry a small pocket thermometer and make periodic checks where you are fishing.

“If you come across that 68-degree threshold, you may want to move upstream to cooler water,” Graham said. “The fishing is likely to be better where the trout are more comfortable and in a feeding mood anyway.”

Even at water temperature ranging 65 to 67 degrees, anglers may consider only fishing during the morning and using heavier gear to get fish in quickly instead of adding undue stress from long fights.

“Avoid fighting fish to the point of exhaustion and keep the fish in the water as much as possible if you plan to release it,” Graham said. “Even pulling it from the water for pictures can add enough stress to tip the scales and increase the chance of mortality after release.”

Angling is still one of the best ways to beat the summer heat, and the cold water of Arkansas’s trout streams make an ideal setting to enjoy a relaxing day on the water away from the noise of boats and beachgoers. With a few precautions, anglers can enjoy this resource and save the experience for the next generation to enjoy as well.

Financial Focus: Retired? Consider Benefits of Part-Time Work

Business

Tammy Teague

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4:23 pm

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Financial Focus: Retired? Consider Benefits of Part-Time Work

After spending decades in the workforce, you might look forward to the day you retire. But if you decide, for one reason or another, that you’d like to redefine “retirement” to include part-time work or consulting, you could enjoy exercising your skills and meeting new people. But you can also receive some key financial benefits.
Specifically, bringing in some paychecks in your retirement can help you in these areas:
• You could contribute more to your IRA. During your working years, you may have contributed regularly to an IRA, but once you retired, you might have thought those days were over. But there’s no age limit – if you have any earned income, you can contribute to an IRA and boost the financial resources you have available for retirement.
• You could potentially lower your withdrawal rate. Once you’re retired, you will likely need to rely on your investment portfolio to provide you with some – or maybe most – of your income. Consequently, you’ll need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate – a percentage of your portfolio that you can take out each year without running the risk of potentially outliving your money. Income from part-time work or consulting may lower your dependency on investment income, thereby reducing your annual withdrawal rate and extending the overall longevity of your investment portfolio.
• You could add to your grandchildren’s 529 plans. When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, the earnings and withdrawals are federally tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. As a grandparent, you can contribute to a 529 plan with your grandchildren as beneficiaries. And a 529 plan can be used for more than college – it can fund some programs at trade schools and K-12 expenses in some states. So, by putting some of your earned income to work in a 529 plan, you can help improve your grandchildren’s prospects.
• You could reduce your debts. By the time you reach retirement, you may or may not have retired your mortgage, but you might have other debts on your books. If you can apply some of your earned income to these debts, you can improve your cash flow and possibly avoid dipping into your retirement accounts for short-term needs.
Of course, you’ll also have to consider some issues if you end up working in retirement, particularly if you bring in a sizable amount of money. For example, if you’re earning income and collecting Social Security before you reach your “full” retirement age – which is likely between 66 and 67 – your monthly benefits will be reduced. (However, these “lost” benefits will be restored once you do reach your full retirement age.) Also, the added income could push you into a higher tax bracket or even cause you to pay the Medicare premium surcharge or the 3.8%
surtax on net investment income if your income reaches certain levels. So, before embarking on any employment that may yield a large additional income, consult with your tax advisor.
Overall, though, the financial benefits of part-time employment income during your retirement years may be worth it – so give some thought to “unretiring.”
This article is provided by
Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855
479-963-1321
jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com
edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Lavaca City Council Meets in Regular Session

News

Tammy Teague

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2:05 am

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Lavaca City Council Meets in Regular Session

The City Council of the City of Lavaca met for a regular monthly meeting Monday June 12, 2023, at City Hall in Lavaca. Board members present were Mayor Hugh Hardgrave; Aldermen Mike Ray, Gerald Schaefer, Rick Edgerton, Lorie Robertson, and Benny Hunter; City Attorney John Verkamp; and Recorder Shelly Hockaday. Gerald Schaefer was absent. Visitors present were Toby Beavers, Dwayne Wallace, Randy Toon, Chris White, Barry McCormick, Brandon Fillinger, and Michael Plaster.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P. M. Mike Ray led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor Hardgrave said the prayer.
The Council approved the minutes of the May regular meeting. Rick Edgerton made a motion to approve the minutes and Mike Ray seconded the motion. Al present voted in favor except Dale Teague. Teague abstained from the vote. Motion passed.
Council members reviewed the report from the Police Dept. The Department answered 582 calls in May. LPD issued 3tickets and 24 warnings. There were 4 arrests made in the month of May.
Council members reviewed the report from the Fire Dept. They responded to 17 first responder calls, 1 tree down across power line, and 1 structure fire.
Barry McCormick with Hawkins Weir Engineers presented the bid tabulation on the pump station backup generator project. There were 3 plan holders but the only bid received was from Associated Building & Development Corp. Total Bid schedule 1 for 7 sites was $408,531.00 with deductive alternative 1for $105,385.00, deductive alternative 2 for $48,743.00, deductive alternative 3 for $41,250.00. Mike Ray made a motion to award the bid to Associated Building a n d Development Corp. for the amount oft h e total lump sum bid less the first deductive alternative which would reduce the contract amount to be awarded to $303,146.00. Lorie Robertson seconded the motion and all others voted in favor. Motion passed.
Council members reviewed a request for variance from sewer connection for a new construction at 412 Hwy 253 NE. This property si not road frontage property and only has an access from the Highway for a driveway to the property. The sewer line from the main to the house would be about 330 feet. Rick Edgerton made a motion to approve the variance for this property and Mike Ray seconded the motion. Al voted in favor. Motion passed. Council members considered a recommendation on a rezoning request for property in the 100 block of W. Houston Street from the Planning Commission. After much discussion about the Voluntary Fire Tax Mike Ray made a motion to reject the recommendation and send ti back to the planning commission for further review. Dale Teague seconded the motion and all voted in agreement. Motion passed and will go back to the planning commission for review.
Council members heard from Brandon Fillinger with Cards Recycling about a proposed 5% increase. This would increase the contract per household from $10.93 to $11.48 per month. The council requested more specific information as to why this increase was necessary specific to Lavaca. Dale Teague made a motion to table this until the requested information was received. Rick Edgerton seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Motion passed.
Council members reviewed proposed resolution 2023-04 endorsing the continuation of the Sebastian County 1% Sales Tax. This will be voted on August 8, 2023 in a special election. This si a vital revenue source for the City of Lavaca and the council urged everyone to vote for this continuation in August. Lorie Robertson made a motion to approve the resolution. Dale Teague seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Motion Passed.
Rick Edgerton made a motion to pay the bills for the month of June. Dale Teague seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Motion Passed.
Dale Teague made a motion to adjourn. Mike Ray seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

They Will Come: Solar Eclipse Expected to Bring Influx of Travelers to Paris & Surrounding Areas

Resident News Network

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10:27 pm

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They Will Come: Solar Eclipse Expected to Bring Influx of Travelers to Paris & Surrounding Areas

PARIS- Get ready. It’s coming.

People from across the United States will travel to Arkansas next spring to get a good view of the solar eclipse that is predicted to occur on April 8, 2024. Arkansas, specifically, Western Arkansas will be a prime location to view the eclipse. Businesses, residents, and other organizations are planning now for a significant influx of travelers to Logan County and the surrounding areas.

According to the website, eclipse2024.org, “The total solar eclipse visits Arkansas on April 8, 2024 beginning at 1:45 pm CDT with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 2:00 pm CDT. Through Arkansas, the speed of the Moon’s shadow will accelerate from about 1700 miles per hour to about 1850 miles per hour.”

For a computer simulation on what we can expect to see on the day of the eclipse, click on this link to see the path and phases of the eclipse that is expected on April 8, 2024 in Paris: Paris, AR – 2023 eclipse simulator | eclipse2024.org

Referred to by some as “The Great North American Eclipse”, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun and will briefly block the light of the Sun. The maximum eclipse, or total blockage of the Sun’s light, is expected to occur over Mexico. When it occurs, it will be the first total eclipse over the country of Mexico since 1979. It will also be the only total solar eclipse over North America in this century and will be the last until 2045.

The unknown variable will be cloud cover during the spring month of April. Unpredictable cloud cover and rain could be a factor. In Canada and the Northern United States, snow fall is still a possibility in April, so, weather will certainly be the wild card leading up to this big astrophysical event.

A migration of viewers is expected to the local area and will create a need for lodging, parking areas for cars and recreational vehicles, as well as a possible boost to the local economies as travelers will frequent stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc. Certainly, more will become clearer in the expected impact on the towns of Western Arkansas as time draws nearer.

RNN will bring you updated stories on this once in a lifetime event throughout the next several months leading up to the big day. In the meantime, you may want to brush up on your science and your music, i.e., Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”…just saying!

Fort Smith’s Nicole Franklin Among Those Named as Regional Finalists for Arkansas Teacher of the Year

News

Resident News Network

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4:48 pm

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Fort Smith’s Nicole Franklin Among Those Named as Regional Finalists for Arkansas Teacher of the Year

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Education congratulates the 14 educators named 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists. These educators will be recognized July 27 at an event at the Governor’s Mansion. “Congratulations to these teachers for achieving this honor,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “We are proud to recognize excellence in teaching and honor those selected for this recognition.” The regional finalists listed below will each receive a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation.

Jacquelyn Briggs
Pre-Kindergarten
Walker Pre-K
Magnolia School District
South Central Service Cooperative

Jazmin Carranza
Algebra I, Grades 8-9
Southwest Junior High School
Springdale School District
Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative

Nicole Franklin
English Language Arts and Social Studies, Grades 4-5
Orr Elementary School
Fort Smith School District
Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative

Candice Groves
French I-IV and Journalism, Grades 9-12
Blytheville High School
Blytheville School District
Crowley’s Ridge Educational Service Cooperative

Elizabeth Hill
Biology and AP Biology, Grades 10-12
DeWitt High School
DeWitt School District
Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative

Kyler Hybeck
English, Grade 10
Academies of West Memphis
West Memphis School District
Great Rivers Education Service Cooperative

Jeremy Kennedy
AP English Language and Composition, Grade 11
Greenbrier High School
Greenbrier School District
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

Julie Landrum
Math and Science, Grades 9-12
Stuttgart High School
Stuttgart School District
Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative

Ben Light
Music, Grades 6-12
Joe T. Robinson High School
Pulaski County Special School District
Pulaski County

Beau McCastlain
Career and Technical Education – Television Production, Grades 10-12
De Queen High School
De Queen School District
De Queen-Mena Education Service Cooperative

Kashandra Murphy
Literacy, Grade 5
Harmony Leadership Academy
Texarkana Arkansas School District
Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperative

Kassadi Seidenschnur
Library Media, Grades K-5
Hurricane Creek Elementary School
Bryant School District
Dawson Education Service Cooperative

David Ward
Alternative Education, Grades 2-5
Cedar Ridge Elementary School
Cedar Ridge School District
Northcentral Arkansas Education Service Cooperative

Mandy Wolff
Family and Consumer Sciences, Grades 10-12
Beebe High School
Beebe School District
Wilbur D. Mills Education Service Cooperative

The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program participates in the National Teacher of the Year program and recognizes teachers for their outstanding teaching and leadership skills. During the recognition event later this month, the department will announce the four state semi-finalists, and one will be named the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year this fall.

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the Arkansas Department of Education, Kimberly Mundell.

Mansfield School Board Meets in Special Session; Gipson Announces Resignation

Tammy Teague

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9:25 pm

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Mansfield School Board Meets in Special Session; Gipson Announces Resignation

RECORDS AND PROCEEDINGS

A special meeting of the Board of Education of Mansfield School District No. 76

At the special meeting of the Board of Education of the School District aforesaid, at the Administration Building, on June 27, 2023, 7:00pm., there being present Rick Nicodemus, Lesli Baggett, Michael Gipson, Steve Hattabaugh; Absent: Owen Edwards

All members of the board, the following business were transacted to wit:

(Minutes were recorded by Joe Staton)

STAFF PRESENT: Joe Staton

The meeting was called to order by Rick Nicodemus, School Board President, at 7:00 p.m.

IN THE MATTER OF: Consent Agenda Items

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Baggett, to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Gipson, Baggett, Hattabaugh

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 4-0 at 7:02 pm.

IN THE MATTER OF: Personnel

Executive session was requested at 7:03 p.m. for personnel matters.

The meeting was called back to order at 9:17 p.m.

Mr. Staton notified the board that Amber Williams declined her contract offer.

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Hattabaugh , to approve Mr. Staton’s recommendation to accept Madeline Rose’s resignation effective June 30, 2023.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Gipson, Baggett, Hattabaugh,

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 4-0 at 9:18 pm.

A motion was made by Hattabaugh, seconded by Gipson, to approve Mr. Staton’s recommendation to hire Tara King for High School Teacher pending certification.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Gipson, Baggett, Hattabaugh,

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 4-0 at 9:18 pm.

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Gipson, to approve Mr. Staton’s recommendation to give a one time non-recurring recruitment and retention bonus to all regular employees based on their FTE on August 1st, 2023 in the amount of $1,500.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Gipson, Baggett, Hattabaugh,

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 4-0 at 9:18 pm.

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Hattabaugh, to amend Mr. Staton’s contract as Superintendent to give a 4% increase and a $750 per month vehicle allowance effective July 1, 2022.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Gipson, Baggett, Hattabaugh,

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 4-0 at 9:19 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:

Student and coach participation in the High School All-Star games .

Other Board Communication:

Mr. Hattabaugh thanked the district for having a representative of the school attend Dr. Austin’s funeral. Mr. Hattabaugh also expressed he had been in communication for Legislators to push for Arkansas’ participation in enticing National Student organizations to bring their National Conventions to our state. Beta was noted specifically.

Mike Gipson announced his resignation from the board effective immediately.

IN THE MATTER OF: Adjournment

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Hattabaugh, to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Hattabaugh

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 4-0 at 9:28 pm.

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