Resident News Network

Razorbacks Football National Signing Day 2 Summary

Resident News Network

-

11:13 pm

Razorbacks Football National Signing Day 2 Summary

Today is the second date for national signings for college football, and the University of Arkansas has just released a summary of the combined signings for national signing day one and two.

Attached is information, including bios on each of 30 signees over both signing periods.

KEY NOTES

• The Razorbacks’ 2023 signing class consists of 20 high school athletes and 10 college transfers.

• Late signing class features five transfers and one high school signee. Each side of the ball is represented equally with three offensive players (2 WR, 1 TE) and three defenders (2 DB, 1 DL). The early signing class featured 14 defenders (6 DB, 4 DL, 4 LB) and 10 offensive players (4 OL, 2 QB, 2 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE).

•30 signees hailing from 13 different states – Texas (7), Alabama (3), Arkansas (4), Georgia (4), Florida (2), Michigan (2), Oklahoma (2), Illinois (1), Maryland (1), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (1), South Carolina (1) and Tennessee (1).

• Four in-state signees, including transfer quarterback Jacolby Criswell (Morrilton), defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. (North Little Rock), offensive lineman Joey Su’a (Bentonville) and Shamar Easter (Ashdown).

• 16 of the 23 December signees enrolled early and are already participating in offseason workouts. All five transfers in the late signing period have enrolled and are participating in offseason workouts for a total of 21 new Razorbacks this spring.

• No. 21 class nationally and No. 9 class in the SEC by Rivals. According to Rivals rankings, marks the first time with consecutive Top 25 recruiting classes since 2004-2005.

• No. 22 class nationally and the No. 9 class in the SEC by 247Sports, as of now best ranked overall class by 247Sports since 2015. According to 247Sports recruiting rankings, marks the first time since 2015-16 with consecutive Top 25 classes.

• No. 19 transfer class nationally and No. 6 transfer class in the SEC by 247Sports.

FEBRUARY SIGNING PERIOD

Player Pos. HT WT Hometown High School / Previous School

Tyrone Broden ^ WR 6-7 210 Detroit, Mich. West Bloomfield HS/Bowling Green State

Shamar Easter TE 6-5 230 Ashdown, Ark. Ashdown HS

Trajan Jeffcoat ^ DL 6-4 269 Columbia, S.C. Irmo HS/Missouri

Lorando Johnson ^ DB 6-0 193 Lancaster, Texas Lancaster HS/Baylor

Isaac TeSlaa ^ WR 6-4 215 Hudsonville, Mich. Unity Christian HS/Hillsdale College

Alfahiym Walcott ^ DB 6-2 211 Wilmington, N.C. Laney HS/Baylor

DECEMBER SIGNING PERIOD

Player Pos. HT WT Hometown High School / Previous School

Andrew Armstrong ^ WR 6-4 189 Dallas, Texas Bishop Dunne HS / Texas A&M-Commerce

Isaiah Augustave RB 6-2 205 Naples, Fla. Naples HS

Joshua Braun ^ OL 6-6 335 Live Oak, Fla. Suwannee HS / Florida

Jaylon Braxton ^ DB 6-0 180 Frisco, Texas Lone Star HS

Luke Brown ^ OL 6-6 320 Paris, Tenn. Henry County HS

Jacolby Criswell ^ QB 6-1 225 Morrilton, Ark. Morrilton HS / North Carolina

Carson Dean ^ LB 6-4 230 Frisco, Texas Hebron HS

Davion Dozier WR 6-4 195 Moody, Ala. Moody HS

Christian Ford DB 6-0 185 McKinney, Texas McKinney HS

Ian Geffrard DL 6-5 370 Mableton, Ga. Whitefield Academy

Antonio Grier ^ LB 6-1 220 Atlanta, Ga. Mays HS / USF

Dylan Hasz ^ DB 5-11 175 Bixby, Okla. Bixby HS

Luke Hasz ^ TE 6-3 245 Bixby, Okla. Bixby HS

Kaleb James DL 6-4 260 Mansfield, Texas Mansfield HS

RJ Johnson ^ DB 6-2 182 Locust Grove, Ga. Eagles Landing Christian Academy

TJ Metcalf ^ DB 6-1 185 Birmingham, Ala. Pinson Valley HS

John Morgan ^ DL 6-2 265 Upper Marlboro, Md. DeMatha Catholic HS / Pitt

Paris Patterson ^ OL 6-6 340 East St. Louis, Ill. East St. Louis HS

Quincy Rhodes Jr. DL 6-6 250 North Little Rock, Ark. North Little Rock HS

Alex Sanford LB 6-1 230 Oxford, Miss. Oxford HS

Malachi Singleton ^ QB 6-1 220 Kennesaw, Ga. North Cobb HS

Brad Spence ^ LB 6-2 225 Houston, Texas Klein Forest HS

Joey Su’a ^ OL 6-4 331 Bentonville, Ark. Bentonville HS

Dallas Young ^ DB 6-0 185 Gardendale, Ala. Gardendale HS

Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.

Cold comfort: Ensuring a newborn calf’s survival during a sleet storm

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

-

11:07 pm

0

Cold comfort: Ensuring a newborn calf’s survival during a sleet storm

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Making sure cattle have enough food and water during an ice storm is hard enough, but being a midwife too adds a whole new layer of challenge.

That’s just what Dana Stewart wound up doing Tuesday morning, when one of the cows beat her due date. Stewart’s family helps manage the Martin Cattle Company of Judsonia. She’s part of the sixth generation working this White County farm, which raises Gelbveih, Balancer and Hereford cattle.

Two rounds of wintry weather Monday through Wednesday closed school districts and offices across Arkansas.

“When we talk about managing cattle in this kind of weather, the first thing that comes to mind is just knowing your cattle,” she said Wednesday. “This cow wasn’t quite due, but she was definitely on our radar. I had gone to check on her the night before when the sleet was really coming down.”

In the midst of the sleet shower, she found the cow, sheltered with the herd in a thicket of trees. She had given birth to a set of twins, but only one, a heifer, survived.

“The reality of ranching is that despite our best efforts, nature sometimes takes a different course,” Stewart said.

Into recovery mode
At that point, “you jump into recovery mode,” she said. “The calf we brought in — she was chilled, but she had a brightness in her eye.”

After a ride in the back of a side-by-side, they brought her into a shop with a kerosene heater.

“We warmed her up slowly and she perked up,” Stewart said. “We fed her some colostrum with a bottle, and after that, she was ready to go back to the cow.”

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth. It is of special importance because it is full of antibodies, ready to protect the youngster.

Rescuing calves this way does carry some risk that the cow may not accept a calf from which it has been separated.

“You want to get the calf back to the cow as quick as you can, so the cow is willing to take her back,” Stewart said.

With a third round of icy precipitation expected on Wednesday, the calf was spending one more night inside.

“I hated to turn the calf and cow out of the barn knowing we were going to get another round,” Stewart said. “Another night in the barn and she will go out in the pasture with the rest of the herd.”

Keeping a farm going for as long as Stewart’s has, takes a lot of planning.

“Knowing the cattle and knowing you have a good management plan in place means if there are issues, you know how to react and you’re prepared,” she said.

No snow days
“There are no snow or ice days for livestock producers,” said Brian Haller, White County extension staff chair for the Division of Agriculture.

“When cold temperatures in combination with wet and icy precipitation, it is important to provide the needed energy in the form of feed to livestock,” he said. “A cow’s energy requirement increases 1.5 times when cold and wet and feed consumption increases 1.3 percent for every 5 degrees Fahrenheit decrease in temperature.”

One more round
Icy weather prompted the Cooperative Extension Service to postpone Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council’s Winter Forage Conference scheduled for Thursday. The meeting will be rescheduled, according to John Jennings, professor and extension forage specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The National Weather Service at Little Rock said a third round of icy precipitation was expected to mean ice accumulations of .25 to .5 inches for central and southern Arkansas and an ice storm warning was in effect through noon on Thursday. Temperatures were expected to rise into the 40s on Friday and Saturday.

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 and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hope Center Committed to Making Positive Impact in Community

Tammy Teague

-

10:57 pm

0

Hope Center Committed to Making Positive Impact in Community

In a follow-up to a story we brought you last week – Hope Center to Provide Services in Scott County –

Plans for the Reverand Mike Jordan Scott County Hope Center continue as owners Konnor McKay and Kurtis Bell meet with local officials to discuss their goals for the ministry.

McKay issued the following statement regarding plans for the center:

“The Scott County Hope Center, A multi-denominational faith-based ministry designed to minister to people in all walks of life. Anyone suffering with any type of addiction, difficulties in personal relationships, and any of life’s obstacles that have created hardships. This is an Outreach centered around Jesus and his biblical approach to every aspect of the human condition. The Scott County Hope Center is about Hope through Jesus.”

PLAN: – provide a place for spiritual encouragement; and recovery meetings. – provide a place for people to find a hot meal. (Short term; weekly) (long-term, multiple times weekly.) – provide transportation to AND from meetings/functions. – a place to share testimonials that there IS HOPE in addiction, depression, anxiety etc. – provide a place where people can feel supported, and loved. ⁃ Biblical teaching to give hope to all participants.

RESOURCES: – support/volunteer help from community members. This includes volunteers to transport people to and from meetings, cook, serve, renovate, and upkeep facilities. – transportation: (15-passenger van) Transportation for those who cannot drive to meetings. – funds. (This would be acquired through community giving, and fundraisers.) – people with knowledge and connections to find placement for those who need it. (This would mean helping people find placement, outside of our county that serves as rehabs like Teen Challenge, harbor house, changing hope.)

Timeframe: – we will NOT open the Hope Center until we have ALL resources, volunteers, and requirements needed to run an organized, successful ministry. – renovations are taking place right now to the hope center that will need to be completed prior to opening.

McKay added, “Our vision and heart for the Hope Center is to unite as a community, to provide support where it is desperately needed. Without the support of our wonderful community, Waldron Arkansas, this won’t be possible. We are more than willing to work with civic leaders and community members to alleviate any concerns, or obstacles that there may be. We are being diligent, dedicated, and transparent to do whatever it takes to ensure the hope center is organized, facilitated properly, and in conjunction with the values of our community. We believe The Hope Center will make a positive impact to the community. Furthermore; we believe to see a decrease in crime, and substance abuse; while empowering people to become effective and productive members of society. We believe we have the KEY to what people need, and what people are searching for. His name is Jesus, and he has a 100% success rate. Let’s do this together, a united community, working TODAY, for a better TOMORROW!”

Arrest Reports 1/22

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

-

8:29 pm

0

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Deven Chappell of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 29 at 1:41 a.m. and released on signature bond January 29 at 10:09 a.m. Chappell was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Colby J Cole of Central City was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Cole was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

James Christopher Cook of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 28 at 11:07 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Cook was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Christopher Lee Fitzgerald of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 24 at 7:16 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 27 at 7:54 p.m. Fitzgerald was charged with Communicating a False Alarm – Causing Action of Emergency Agency.

Amber Lynn Flattinger of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 26 at 8:06 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Flattinger was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine (10-200 g).

Randall Wayne Fletcher of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 31 at 11:05 a.m. and remains at the SCADC.

Stacy Diane Howard of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 23 at 6:24 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 23 at 8:33 p.m. Howard was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Jeremy Scott Jeffress of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 30 at 5 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Jeffress was charged with in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000, and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Jessica Rose Oliver of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 23 at 10:22 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 23 at 4:22 p.m. Oliver was charged with Breaking or Entering- – Building, Structure or Vehicle, and Theft of Property – >$1k.

Letha Peterson of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 30 at 8:12 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 31 at 12:13 p.m. Peterson was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree.

Robert Prater of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 30 at 8:21 p.m. remains at the SCADC. Prater was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree.

Jessie Lee Reed of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 26 at 8 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 27 at 4:26 p.m. Reed was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine (10-200 g).

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Robert Deer of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 29 at 9:29 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Deer was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Cristian Alfredo Garcia of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 26 at 12:59 a.m. and released on signature bond January 26 at 3:35 a.m. Garcia was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Samuel James Ewin Helton of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 30 at 11:10 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Helton was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense, Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, DUI – Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-Underage, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Aden Tyler Hess of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 23 at 10:01 a.m. and released with electronic monitoring January 27 at 2:22 p.m. Hess was charged with DWI Court Sanction.

Donald William Irelan of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 30 at 9:48 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Irelan was charged with Battery in the Second Degree – Reckless, and Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Jeffery Scott Edwards of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 25 at 2:12 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on January 25 at 8:53 p.m. Edwards was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Willard Isaac Taylor of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 22 at 1:57 a.m. and released on bond January 22 at 1:58 p.m. Taylor was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Lindsey Thomas Fox of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 24 at 11:16 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 25 at 9:52 a.m. Fox was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Amanda Grimes of Pocola, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 23 at 11:08 p.m. and released on bond January 24 at 11:46 a.m. Grimes was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Furnishing a Prohibited Article-Correctional Facility, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Michael Tyrel Kincannon of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 26 at 8:04 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Kincannon was charged with Parole Violation, Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine (10-200 g), and petition to revoke – misd.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Emily Tippit, 31 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on Janaury 22 at 3:27 p.m. Tippit was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with the purpose to deliver.

Gaylon Furr, 41 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 24 at 10:59 a.m. Furr was charged with three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Susan Bradford, 42 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 24 at 12:01 p.m. Bradford was charged with two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, parole hold, and possession of a controlled substance.

Eric Langston, 40 of Dardanelle, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 25 at 2:54 p.m. Langston was charged with failure to appear.

Tyra Thompson, 50 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 27 at 12:54 p.m. Thompson was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Tatiana Wyatt, 27 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 27 at 4:08 p.m. Wyatt was charged with two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tommy Robinson, 40 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 27 at 9:22 p.m. Robinson was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance with the purpose to deliver.

Amber Popejoy, 48 of Coal Hill, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 28 at 12:50 a.m. Popejoy was charged with failure to appear.

Michael Ignacio Gonzales, 27 of Altus, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 31 at 8:15 a.m. Gonzales was charged with failure to appear.

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

Obituary – James Allen Hattabaugh (1965-2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

5:44 pm

0

Obituary – James Allen Hattabaugh (1965-2023)

REVISED SERVICE TIMES:

James Allen Hattabaugh of Booth, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday January 29, 2023 in Booth, Arkansas surrounded by his wife and loving family. James was born May 29, 1965 to Jerry Lee and Zelia Marie (Dickens) Hattabaugh in Fort Smith, Arkansas. James was 57 years old.

As a Hattabaugh boy growing up in Elm Park, James knew the meaning of hard work from the time he could walk. He drove dump trucks and worked on vehicles as a teenager to help the family business and was born with a “can do” attitude that inspired others throughout his life.

James was a talented athlete and excelled in basketball, baseball, and football, graduating from Mansfield High in 1983.

His early experiences in the workforce, his athletic discipline, and his natural affinity for mechanics led him to found two successful businesses:
James Hattabaugh Logging and the Boothe Hill Saw Mill.

These businesses, the people they employed, and their impact on the region resulted from a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice alongside his number one best partner in life, his beloved wife, Carrie.

James and Carrie married in 1990, starting their life in a home with a tiny carport that often had a rig parked under it with the motor pulled out. They started their journey to success with a dump truck, a log truck, and a lot of love and determination.

James cared deeply for the men he worked with. He was a true mentor and friend to everyone he worked with, and his generosity was legendary. James was happy whenever he could invest in people and gave to others with exceptional kindness, expecting nothing in return. He was a giver, not a taker, and he gave everything from truck parts to gasoline, money to second chances to the people he believed in.

For decades, James’ shop was filled with people who adored him and couldn’t get enough of his stories and company.

But as much as he loved time with “the guys,” the true joy of his life was his family. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He prided himself on being the “Best Papa” and loved spoiling his granddaughters and his little great-grandson. It was a family fact that all you had to do to get your biggest wish was tell Papa. And any time he gave his grands their hearts’ desires, he’d jokingly ask, “Who’s the Best Papa in the world?” They all knew the answer.

He loved to take his granddaughters “boodden boodden,” and they all knew that meant a buggy ride with Papa to check the cows and cross the creek.

When James got his cancer diagnosis, Carrie suggested they travel and vacation together, but James sweetly replied, “Can’t, Mom, there’s work to do around the place.” He wanted to be home, to improve his land, and to take care of business, even then – An admirable response from a man who worked hard all his life.

His cancer inspired everyone around him to cherish every moment with their favorite man. This summer, the Hattabaugh family took an epic trip to the beach, deep sea fishing, and building sandcastles and precious memories with each other. This year he welcomed new grandbabies into the family and loved getting to know them. He held hands with his girls, now mommas themselves, just like he loved to do when they were little. And he made sure his Carrie knew how much he truly loved her.

This year too, James gave his heart to the Lord and gave his testimony every chance he got. In hospitals and with friends, he shared the glory of salvation with anyone who would listen. His family saw him shine, and his hope in Jesus overshadowed the fear and pain he surely felt. James never complained. He took on every challenge, test, and treatment like the “I can do it” man he’s always been.

In the final days, he told his daughter Jasmine, “I’m not scared, baby, and I don’t want you to be scared either.” He squeezed her hand and said, “I’m going to heaven.”

James’ strong and faithful legacy will be remembered and carried on by his loved ones here on earth, all of whom know the moment he got to heaven; God put him straight to work. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.

James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Carrie (Graham) Hattabaugh, two daughters: Jasmine Smith and husband Phillip, of Greenwood, Arkansas and Misty Horn and husband Brian, of Waldron, Arkansas. His siblings: Paula Hattabaugh of Elm Park, Arkansas, Jerald Hattabaugh and wife Diana, of Mansfield, Arkansas and Jerry Don Hattabaugh of Mansfield, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his five grandchildren: Kayla McCutcheon and husband Ryan, of Greenwood, Arkansas, Brittnee Horn of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Taylor Horn of Waldron, Arkansas, Hattie Smith and Olivia Smith both of Greenwood, Arkansas and one great grandchild: Raiden McCutcheon of Greenwood, Arkansas.

James was preceded in death by his father Jerry Lee Hattabaugh.

James’ life celebration will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

James’ visitation will be on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

4 Important Tips for Maximizing Storm Shelter Storage

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

2:46 pm

0

4 Important Tips for Maximizing Storm Shelter Storage

When you and your family find yourselves in a crisis, having everything you need at your fingertips could be vital to survival. Storm shelters provide protection from even the strongest weather events while keeping essential tools and supplies accessible when you need them. However, even the largest of these bunkers are limited in space, so finding ways to increase your usable storage space is key. These are important tips for maximizing storm shelter storage and ensuring you always have core necessities within reach.

Keep Your Shelter Clean

If you’re committed to making more space in your home’s storm shelter, the first thing to do is clean the room out. Decluttering is one of the top maintenance and cleaning tips for storm shelters. After all, allowing clutter and dust to build up is simply unsafe. It also reduces the amount of surface area you have for storage on the floor. So by taking the time to remove any trash and unnecessary items, you’re already well on your way to creating a more effective bunker.

Use Hollowed Seating

Once you preserve some much-needed space by clearing the clutter, you can start incorporating multipurpose, storage-friendly solutions. Hollowed seating is a popular option because all you need to use for comfort is the topmost layer of the item. This leaves room inside for blankets, water, food, and pillows. Storing these things here leaves space for other things along your walls and in your storage compartments.

Install Shelving Along the Walls

Another tip for maximizing storm shelter storage is to install shelves along your bunker walls. Wall space often goes underutilized because it’s more common to place things in cabinets or along the floor. However, this form of organization leaves you with several feet worth of wall that you aren’t doing anything with. By installing a few shelves, you’re increasing storage, lifting major items off the ground, and making it easier to maneuver throughout the room.

Incorporate Overhead Storage

Overhead storage can also be a great solution to save space along the floor. Highly hung baskets can be good for light objects, such as first aid kits and cloth materials. Tools you need to access quickly—such as radios, flashlights, and water bottles—also make good fits for this type of storage. Just ensure you take everyone’s height into account, positioning them high enough that no one hits their head.

Once you increase the amount of storage space available to you, you’ll never need to worry about not having your essentials when you need them most. Give these techniques a try the next time you’re maintaining your shelter.

Preparing for Power Outages

Madison VanRavensway

-

10:09 pm

0

After our first winter weather event of 2023 we probably all have a better idea of each of our own preparedness levels for power outages. If you find you were unprepared (or were spared and kept power the entire time) hopefully this will help!

The time to prepare for being without electricity is while you still have it. Take inventory now to know what you need to pick up.

Things to have on hand include-

Gas in vehicle(s) in case of emergency and gas for generators.

Flash lights and extra batteries to go in them.

Easy access to extra blankets

Shelf stable foods that don’t require heat to eat

Water in case something happens to water

Propane if applicable

Hot hands can be very beneficial for keeping warm

Candles

Lighter/matches

Kindling for fires

Hygiene products- dry shampoo, baby wipes,etc.

A few tips if you find yourself without power-

If it’s cold and there is no source of heat, or even if there is, using a small camping tent in the house to sleep in and be in can provide more warmth than just being in a room with blankets.

Don’t open your fridge or freezer unless absolutely necessary. A fridge will get warmer significantly faster than a freezer, though. If it’s below freezing (or below 40* F) outside consider placing your refrigerator contents in coolers and setting them in a shady spot outside. Food should stay at a safe temperature in a fridge for 4 hours and a freezer full of food should remain safe for 48 hours. If power is not on and snow is available outside consider bringing some in in a container to pack freezers with.

Unplug appliances to avoid damage to them from power surges.

In preparation start your generator and allow it to run.

Charge your phone and devices when the weather forecast leans towards power outages possible.

Power outages are unpredictable, even when the forecast looks like power outages are inevitable sometimes you may be fortunate and retain electricity, then on a random day with blue skies the power can go out. It’s important to prepare ahead of time. Having a bin with supplies ready to go is the best way to be prepared!

Sheriffs’ Association Takes Stand Against ATF

News

Tammy Teague

-

3:25 am

0

Sheriffs’ Association Takes Stand Against ATF

A new federal rule states that those who use a “brace stabilizer” attachment will have to register their weapons with the government or risk a felony.

On January 13, 2023, the Attorney General signed the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives final rule 2021R-08F, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces,’” amending ATF’s regulations to clarify when a rifle is designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder.

While some may celebrate the ATF’s rule as a gun control measure, others are challenging it.

Following the announcement by the ATF, the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association issued the following statement:

On January 13, 2023 the ATF published their final rule on pistol stabilizing braces. It’s estimated that between 3 and 40 million of these braces are currently in use all over the United States. Pistol stabilizing braces have existed in several forms for decades, and have been at the forefront of popularity since 2012. Citizens all over this country have legally purchased and used these items, and done so in compliance with state and federal law. The new ATF rule would make these braces illegal, and require current owners to take further steps to avoid becoming a criminal.
In 2021, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 1012, which prohibits state and local employees, including law enforcement officials, from assisting the federal government in the enforcement of firearms regulations enacted after January 1, 2021. This law helps to place a safeguard between the citizens of our great state, and a federal government that would seek to trample on our most basic rights, including the right to self-defense.
As an association, we believe that the 2nd Amendment was not put in place to protect deer hunting or sport shooting, but to protect freedom, personal safety, and all those we love and hold dear.
Arkansas Code 21-1-904 says, “(a) All acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations of the United States Government that were enacted on or after January 1, 2021, that infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, are invalid in this state, shall not be recognized by this state, are specifically rejected by this state, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state. (b) Such a federal ban that is null and void in this state under subsection (a) of this section includes without limitation: (4) Any act forbidding the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of any type of firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by law-abiding citizens; (1) The following persons shall not enforce or assist federal agencies or officers in the enforcement of any federal statute, executive order, or federal agency directive that conflicts with Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, or any Arkansas law: (A) A public officer or employee of this state.”
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association, having the full weight and backing of the State of Arkansas, and in accordance with that statute, is making the public statement that we do not support assisting the federal government in any way in the enforcing of this offensive affront to the rights of law-abiding citizens of the State of Arkansas. Criminals don’t obey the law, and when rules like this are put in place, they seek only to criminalize otherwise law-abiding citizens. Our government needs to focus on keeping violent repeat offenders off the street, and not on how to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens.
Respectfully,
Scott Bradley, Director
Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association

As of press time, we had reached out to the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police for their response to the ATF rule but have not received a response.

For more information on the ATF factoring criteria for firearms with attached “stabilizing braces”, visit –HERE-.

Sebastian County Parks Partner with Engage Arkansas, Full Circle FarmCorps to Implement Mini Pantry at Buckner Park

Tammy Teague

-

10:46 pm

0

Sebastian County Parks Partner with Engage Arkansas, Full Circle FarmCorps to Implement Mini Pantry at Buckner Park

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, dozens of Fort Smith residents stepped up to serve as
volunteers on the annual holiday. Local community members, businesses, and Sebastian
County Parks helped stock and place a mini food pantry with non-perishable food items in
Buckner Park. This project is a partnership between Engage Arkansas, Full Circle FarmCorps,
and Sebastian County Parks.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service
to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Engage Arkansas is the
state commission responsible for planning and implementing service days statewide. “It is our
honor to answer Dr. King’s call to serve and make a difference in the lives of Arkansas
residents,” said Starr Crow, Civic Engagement Manager for Engage Arkansas. “Service has the
power to bring communities together, help others stand together against hate, build bridges, and
heal divides. Service unites people regardless of race, religion, or zip code. We invite our
community members to act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity; and recommit by
volunteering with us on MLK Day and throughout the year.”

Arkansas currently ranks one of the highest states in the country for food insecurity rates. Full
Circle FarmCorps is an AmeriCorps program focusing on combating food insecurity through
community gardening and farming, outreach, and education and is a project of the Arkansas
Resource Conservation and Development Council. Full Circle partnered with Sebastian County
Parks to place the free mini pantry in Buckner Park. This pantry is a give what you can, take
what you need pantry. For more information on Full Circle FarmCorps or the free little pantry,
contact logan@fullcirclefarmcorps.com or follow their Facebook, @FullCircleFarmCorps.

Lady Bulldogs Continue Conference Dominance

Networks

Ross Fujibayashi

-

9:41 pm

0

Lady Bulldogs Continue Conference Dominance

The Lady Bulldogs defeat conference foe Greenbrier 65-25 on homecoming night.

It was a Homecoming night to remember as the Lady Bulldogs continued their march through the 5A West Conference

Greenwood would get the opening tip nearly effortlessly from Greenbriar. Anna Trusty would open up the game with a quick 2 points from there it was all Lady Bulldogs. A 22-12 opening quarter would be the closest margin for the Lady Panthers. Brooklyn Woolsey had a quick steal and took it in for 2. Izzy Smith nearly had an incredible steal and pass but it was picked by Greenbriar. Anna Trusty led the scoring in Period 1 with 8 points. Followed by a 6 point effort from Carly Sexton. Brooklyn Woolsey would add 5 and Mady Cartwright with 3.

Period 2 the Lady Bulldogs continued to build on the lead with a 21-5 run to put the score at 43-17 at the half. Mady Cartwright had a great steal on a Greenbriar pass than passed to Anna Trusty for two. The Lady Bulldogs would go on an unanswered 15 point run to end the 2nd period. Cartwright and Trusty carried the weight of the scoring with 10 points and 7 points respectively. Ella Williams and Jenna Honkala would both add two.

The second half was all Lady Bulldogs as they held Greenbriar just to 8 points, with none of the points coming in the 4th period. Mady Cartwright, a University of Tulsa signee, put the Lady Bulldogs at the 50 point mark. A minute later Brooklyn Woolsey would get a three pointer to keep pushing the Lady Bulldogs lead even further.

In the 4th period the smothering Lady Bulldog defense would hold the Panthers to zero points while Sophomore’s Izzy Smith and Piper Pitts, and Freshman Kylah Pearcy each added two.

Anna Trusty had 21 points, Mady Cartwright with 18, and Brooklyn Woolsey with 8. Junior Carly Sexton added 6 with a strong first half.

“Our kids played hard, we practice hard. That’s what we stress first. Hustling all the time, getting to the ball. Sometimes the offense you can’t control, but if you play defense amd rebound and take care of the ball you’re always going to have a chance.” Head Coach Clay Reeves said after the Lady Bulldogs held Greenbrier to just 8 points in the second half.

Greenwood is on the road in a make-up game against Alma on Monday. The game was postponed due to the snow we saw across the Arkansas River Valley. They will be off on Tuesday then it is back against Russellville on Friday in Russellville. Greenwood Sports Center with Tim Terry on the call, will have live coverage as the Lady Bulldogs start their trek into the 2nd half of the Conference slate. A big Valentine’s Day night match up looms as Siloam Springs travels to Greenwood, in the last meeting on January 17th a last second shot propelled the Lady Bulldogs past the Lady Panthers. Circle that on your calendar and fill up H.B. Stewart Bulldog Arena.

R

Keep Your Shelter Clean

Use Hollowed Seating

Install Shelving Along the Walls

Incorporate Overhead Storage

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK