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Arrest Reports 12/1

Tammy Teague
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Arrest Reports 12/1

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Armando Ivan Bahena of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention on December 1 at 3:40 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on December 2 at 8:31 p.m. Bahena was charged with two counts of Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Janice F. Cooper of Cameron, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 10 at 4:26 p.m. and released on December 11 at 12:26 a.m. Cooper was charged with Theft of Property <$1k, and Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Terri Graham of Cameron, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 10 at 4:24 p.m. and released on bond December 11 at 12:30 a.m. Graham was charged with Theft of Property <$1k, and Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Amanda Loraine Gregory from Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 10 at 4:27 p.m. and released on bond December 11 at 12:28 a.m. Gregory was charged with Theft of Property <$1k, Criminal Trespass – Premises, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

George Henkel of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 8:15 p.m. and released on December 5 at 3:17 p.m. Henkel was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Andrew Micheal Miller of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 9 at 7:55 p.m. and released on signature bond December 12 at 3:51 p.m. Miller was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police, Troop H:
Adam Britt Bailey of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 2 at 2:52 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Bailey was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine <2g, Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, Fugitive from Justice Out of State, and Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Tyler Kent Burlison of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 5 at 9:46 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Burlison was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Kyle Helms of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 1 at 9:07 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 1 at 11:40 p.m. Helms was charged with Driving when vehicle License or Registration Suspended or Revoked, Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Elijah Lawson of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 9 at 7:52 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on December 12 at 9:07 a.m. Lawson was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Laurie Lynn Denham of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 5 at 10:39 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 5 at 2:08 p.m. Denham was charged with Theft of Property >$25k.

Tommy Lee Freeman of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 9:38 p.m. and released on cash bond December 5 at 6:35 p.m. Freeman was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Chad Ray Harrold of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 1 at 6:40 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 1 at 9:59 p.m. Harrold was charged with theft by receiving.

Kevin Doyle Horne of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 11:05 a.m. and released on bond December 4 at 3:44 p.m. Horne was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Petition to Revoke – Felony, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Brandon Douglas Stites of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 5 at 9:22 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 5 at 12:28 p.m. Stites was charged with domestic battering in the third degree – purposely.

Bruce Wheeler of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 7 at 1:30 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 9 at 11:46 a.m. Wheeler was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz., and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Dillon Joe Yandell of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 7 at 3:16 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Yandall was charged with two counts of Violation Of A Protection Order Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Wesley David Elmore of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 1 at 6:36 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Elmore was charged with petition to revoke – felony, ADC commitment hold, possession drug paraphernalia – felony, parole violation, absconding, fugitive from justice out of state, assist outside agency 0 felony, contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine), and petition to revoke – misd.

Timothy Loyd Luther of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 10:40 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Luther was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member – Choke.

Pamela Jo Presock of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 3 at 3:39 a.m. and released on bond December 5 at 2:21 p.m. Presock was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID, Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, Loitering – General, Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Alden Wayne Simmons of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 1 at 12:11 a.m. and released on signature bond December 1 at 4:39 a.m. Simmons was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Dauviante Marion Wise of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 8:05 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 4 at 7:54 p.m. Wise was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Richard Taylor McClernon of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 5 at 9:29 p.m. and released on December 8 at 10:58 p.m. McClernon was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Lowes Rebecca McElhenny of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 5 at 11:50 p.m. and released on signature bond December 12 at 5:15 p.m. McElhenny was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the First Degree -Conduct, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Ethan Allen Struble of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 3 at 10:58 a.m. and released on December 6 at 8:53 a.m. Struble was charged with drug court sanctions.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Phillip Jones of Van Buren was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 2 at 1:15 p.m. Jones was charged with hold for U.S. Marshall.

Bobby Gray of Batesville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 2 at 1:20 p.m. Gray was charged with hold for U.S. Marshall.

Scott Thurlow, 55 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 6 at 4:21 a.m. Thurlow was charged with two counts of terroristic threatening in the first degree, and assault on a household or family member in the third degree.

Katrina Fronterhouse, 36 of Waldron, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 6 at 10:32 a.m. Fronterhouse was charged with hold for drug court.

Zachary Farnam, 35 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 6 at 11:42 p.m. Farnam was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver, speeding, fleeing, reckless driving, passing on double yellow lines, and driving while license suspended or revoked for DWI.

Destini Koch, 29 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 9 at 9:46 p.m. Koch was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

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

Special treats hidden in AGFC’s holiday stockings

Tammy Teague
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Special treats hidden in AGFC’s holiday stockings

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

Last week, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hatcheries burned the midnight oil to transport 15,500 keeper-sized rainbow trout to Family and Community Fishing Program locations throughout the state as part of its annual winter fish stockings. Not only will these trout offer a great experience and tasty meal to those who frequent these ponds, but many have been marked with special tags to give a few lucky anglers an early gift for the holiday season.  

Hatchery staff from the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery tagged 335 tagged fish with special markers just behind their dorsal fin and distributed them evenly across the state for the promotion. Each angler who catches a tagged trout can mail the tag back to the AGFC for a special prize.

“Keep the fish or release it to be caught by another angler if you wish, but keep the tag so you can send it in,” Maurice Jackson, Family and Community Fishing Program Coordinator for the AGFC, said.

In addition to their first prize, all anglers who send in a tag by Feb. 28, 2023, will be entered into a drawing for one of four guided fishing experiences. Three will win guided fishing trips for themselves and three friends on the Little Red, courtesy of Sore Lip ’em All Guide Services. One lucky angler will win the grand prize, a half-day guided fishing trip on the White River for up to six anglers, including a fish fry dinner on the river, and a one-night stay at a lodge courtesy of White River Family Fishing of Arkansas and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.

“We really want to thank Sore Lip ’ em All Guide Service, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and White River Family Fishing of Arkansas,” Jackson said. “They’ve really stepped up to make the tagged trout promotion an exciting event.”

The drawings will be held live on the AGFC’s Facebook page at 10 a.m., March 15. 

To find a stocked fishing location near you, visit www.agfc.com/familyfishing or call the stocking hotline at 833-345-0349.

Hatchery staff from the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery tagged 335 tagged fish with special markers just behind their dorsal fin and distributed them evenly across the state for the promotion. Each angler who catches a tagged trout can mail the tag back to the AGFC for a special prize.

Stop Before Driving Impaired; Holiday Law Enforcement Push to Protect Motorists

Tammy Teague
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Stop Before Driving Impaired; Holiday Law Enforcement Push to Protect Motorists

The festivities of Christmas and New Year holidays is often mixed with good cheer leading to tragedies on Arkansas roadways.  This year the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

Beginning this weekend (December 16th – January 1st), Arkansas State Troopers and law enforcement officers from local departments will be working together to get impaired drivers off the road.  The Arkansas Highway Safety Office asks everyone to remember, “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over”.

According to NHTSA officials, 11,654 people were killed during 2020 in motor vehicle crashes that involved alcohol impaired drivers.  Averages from that year show one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes.  Between 2016 – 2020, on average, more than 10,000 people died each year because of drunk driving crashes.

To reduce the chances of future drunk driving crashes, Arkansas law enforcement officers are working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal but also a matter of life and death.

  “It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and refrain from driving if they’ve consumed a beverage containing alcohol,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “The holidays are a special time of year for everyone and it’s our job in state and local law enforcement to keep the highways and local streets safe for everyone by arresting anyone who is driving while impaired.”

  Federal law, as well as laws in most states around the country, make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher and the penalties for impaired driving can be severe.  If a driver is convicted of driving while intoxicated, the person could face jail time, lose their driver’s license and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, court fines, higher insurance premiums, and experience lost wages.

  Designated drivers are a valuable tool for reducing impaired driving.  If you are a designated driver, be sure to stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages and actively support other designated drivers.  Being a designated driver can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that many people are counting on you, particularly other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets.  A designated driver should remain sober and drive safe while on the road.

  “We need a commitment from drivers to stay off the roads if they’ve been drinking alcohol,” said Colonel Bryant.  “This will help ensure everyone can safely enjoy their holiday celebrations when traveling across the state.”

  The stepped-up holiday enforcement period allows law enforcement to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and deadly.  The Arkansas State Police and its Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

•  It’s never okay to drink and drive.  Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely.  Plan a safe way home before you leave.

•  If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, ride-share service, or a designated driver to drive you home. 

•  If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

•  If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

•  Always buckle up.  A properly secured seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver. 

  For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org .

Charleston’s Brandon Scott Named 3A Offensive Player of the Year

Resident News Network
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Charleston’s Brandon Scott Named 3A Offensive Player of the Year

After winning the 3A state football championship, the honors kept rolling in for the Charleston football program. The Tigers’ Brandon Scott was named as the Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year by Hooten’s Arkansas Football publication.

For Scott, the honor follows being named as the Most Valuable Player in the Tigers’ championship game win over Booneville. Scott is also expected to be named as an All-State quarterback capping his third year of the honor and a stellar high school career that now includes three conference championships and a state championship.

Earlier in the week, RNN Sports spoke with his coach, Ricky May, about what Scott’s play and leadership has meant to the Charleston football program over the past four years. In an interview with the coach, the newly named Coach of the Year began by saying, “Passing on the year, Brandon was 270 completions out of 274 attempts, for a 74% completion average. He threw for 2627 yards.”

From a leadership standpoint, Coach May said, “Well, man, he was definitely the leader. Not only did he lead in the classroom (Brandon has a 4.00 grade point average) but he also did on the field. He was the first guy here and last one to leave everyday, and did all of the little things that were needed and just went above and beyond to lead by example. He is just a winner.”

But in the playoffs, Brandon also contributed on defense with his play in the secondary. Coach May explained, “We practiced him in the secondary all season, but we did not play him there until the Newport game in the third round of the playoffs. Newport had the guy (wide receiver) who had committed to play at Jackson State. And he was really good; tall and athletic, so, Brandon was the best athlete that we had, so, we put him on that receiver. And while Brandon was covering him, the guy had one catch for five yards.”

Moving forward, Coach May said several colleges are interested in Brandon. Coach said, “I don’t know what his plan is. I talked with Brandon back in the summer before the season and told him that if he were interested in playing college ball that he needed to go visit some schools, and go to some game days. But he hasn’t really said a lot about it (playing in college). With his grades and his ACT score he can get most of it paid for. There are some smaller schools that say he could start for us right now. And today (Tuesday, December 13) he is at basketball practice. That is just the kind of kid that he is.” Brandon played in the championship football game on Saturday, December 10, and just two days later, he reported to basketball practice.

I pressed Coach May a little further to ask his opinion as to if he thought Brandon would eventually choose to play college sports. Coach May said, “I think eventually he will play. I think he is going to miss it really bad, and, I know he loves basketball, too. Brandon is just that way; whatever sport it is, he loves it. He is committed to it; if he is going to play, he is going to be the best he can be at it. So, I am sure he is concentrating a lot on that (playing basketball for the Tigers.) But at the same time, it has to be at the back of his mind. I think a big part of his decision may lye in where the college is located and who it is. I also know his family is very supportive of whatever he does, so I don’t know for sure.”

In 2019 I started covering Charleston athletics for RNN Sports. That year was Brandon’s freshman year. Early in basketball season, there was a story that surfaced that his older brother, Geoffrey, who was a senior starter for the Tigers, allegedly went to the coaching staff and voluntarily gave up his starting sport to the freshman brother, Brandon. The reason was that Geoffrey thought that Brandon was a better player who could help Charleston win. I asked Coach May if he could confirm the story, and he did. What an unselfish thing to do…this story, to me, epitomizes the Scott family and the tremendous people they have raised that have contributed in so many ways to both Charleston academics and athletics. And by the way, shortly after being named as a starter on the basketball team, I covered the Tigers that year against the Elkins Elks in a conference game of the 2019-20 season. And in true Brandon Scott fashion, the freshman took the inbound pass with Charleston trailing by two and less than five seconds to go in the game, drove the length of the floor, and hit a three-point jumper that hit nothing but net and won the game for Charleston by one point. The story reminds me of the old saying that Texas Longhorns football coach Darrell Royal once said. Coach Royal would say, “If a dog is going to bite, he will do it as a puppy.” Yes, Brandon Scott is a winner, and he “started biting as a puppy.”

January 21, 2020…Freshman Brandon Scott pulls up for a buzzer-beating three-point shot to defeat Elkins, 51-50 (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)

But to this writer who has watched Brandon play since 2019, one of the many things I have admired the most about his play is the class and sportsmanship that he has always shown. If you have watched him play, you will notice that, with all of his success and domination of his opponents, he does not talk trash, point at the players, taunt the opponent, etc. Brandon plays with confidence and does what he has to do to win a game, but that is it. He plays with class and dignity and is a winner in every aspect. Coach May reinforced this by saying, “Brandon is modest and probably doesn’t realize what he can do. He has worked hard for his success, but, he is just a winner. Everything he does he does 100%, and I can’t say enough about that. When he scored touchdowns, he would hand the ball to the official. He’s not going to score or get a first down and jump up and give a first down sign, he’s not going to point at somebody, he’s just going to play.”

The selection of Brandon Scott by Hooten’s is well-deserved, and on behalf of RNN Sports and all of the fans who had the pleasure of watching him play, we would like to give our hearty congratulations to this outstanding student-athlete. He has brought both pride and honor to his team, coaches, school, and community. It was great watching him play, and we all look forward to getting to see him play basketball. Congratulations, Brandon…you ARE the Offensive Player of the Year!

Arkansas 15th Judicial Drug Task Force Ranked Number One

Tammy Teague
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Arkansas 15th Judicial Drug Task Force Ranked Number One

From the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Tatum II

We are happy to announce the first quarter results of the Arkansas 15th Judicial Drug Task Force.

There is a total of eighteen Drug Task Forces in the State of Arkansas. As of this date, the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force has reached the honored status of being the number one Drug Task Force in Arkansas for the first quarter.

The 15th DTF is made up of two Agents, one Director and one Fiscal Officer and is responsible for working a four-county area under the supervision of Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Tatum I1. This includes Conway, Logan, Scott, and Yell counties.

The following is a list of some of the things this task force has done in the first quarter to serve and protect the citizens in our Judicial District.

The number of collaborations we have had with other agencies is 262; Confiscation reports were 27; Estimated value of Drugs confiscated was 48,112,797.00; Total number of Drug Grams seized was 911,484g; This total includes the following; Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl, Commercial Grade Marijuana, Marijuana Plants, Hydroponic Marijuana, Edible Marijuana, Methamphetamine Ice, Opioid Pills, and Vape Pens and Cartridges. Also, the total value of money, firearms, vehicles and Physical Property (residences) seized amounted to $419,154.00.

We at the Arkansas 15th Judicial Drug Task Force are doing our very best to eliminate the drug traffic in our four-county area. Thanks to all the agencies in our district for their much-needed assistance. The Conway County Sheriff’s Office, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Yell County Sheriff’s Office, Booneville Police, Danville Police, Dardanelle Police, Mansfield Police, Morrilton Police, Ola Police, Paris Police, Plumerville Police, Waldron Police, Arkansas State Police, and the Arkansas Game and Fish.

A WARNING to the individuals selling drugs in our district. You may not have met us yet, but you will. We are coming.

Waldron Schools to Purchase Two New Buses

Tammy Teague
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Waldron Schools to Purchase Two New Buses

A special board meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building, Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.  Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker and TammyeSherrill.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding.

​President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

​A motion was made by Tammye Sherrill and seconded by Angela Hunscuker to approve the purchase of two buses that we are currently leasing at $65,000 each.  Motion carried 3-0. 

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Tammye Sherrill to adjourn.  Motion carried 3-0.

​Meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

​​​​​​​​​​​​

Clay Woodall, President​​​​Angela Hunsucker, Secretary

Planning Stocking Stuffers

Madison VanRavensway
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Planning Stocking Stuffers

Christmas can bring an overwhelming amount of clutter in your home. From presents and stockings from Santa, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera! So. Many. Gifts. And it’s so fun to give your children gifts and watch their delight at what they receive! However, one place that’s resulted in more junk than any other for us has been stockings. So this year I’m changing how I do stockings!

Gift consumables! We have a bunch of glow sticks going in that were on clearance after Halloween, they will be used for a glow bath and tossed! Candy is always a must. Play dough dries up and goes away. Bubble bath is always a hit!

Think useful! Our one year old is getting pajamas in her stocking. The brothers don’t need any, so wrapping them would offset our gifts numbers. Gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hat, socks, think of something you will buy them anyway and have Santa bring it.

Break it up. There is nothing wrong with buying one thing and gifting it to multiple children. I got a doctor set to add a little of each to the three children’s stockings. The same works for candy, or those gift sets. Break up a bath and body gift set across teens or adults. Candy with multiple pieces can be opened and placed in several stockings.

Challenge your thoughts. Okay  I’m gonna explain with our situation- this year my oldest is getting a Nintendo switch game in his stocking. It was something we thought of after I was done shopping, so similar to the pajamas offsetting gift numbers which I’m trying to keep even I didn’t want to wrap this. Normally I feel like if it’s over $10 it deserves wrapping paper, but this year I’m going against my feelings and letting Santa have credit for a little more.

(Disclaimer on Santa bringing the game, it’s the most expensive thing he will bring. We homeschool, and the cousin’s likely won’t mind at all Santa brought him a game. I understand Santa shouldn’t bring expensive gifts, but this year it worked out that way.)

Stockings can be so much fun to fill! Planning ahead on them and not leaving them until the last minute can make them even more enjoyable for everyone. It’s easier to keep clutter out than declutter after the excitement in our home! 

First Year Doubled as Festival reaches over 500 Million

Tammy Teague
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First Year Doubled as Festival reaches over 500 Million

The numbers are in, and the Fort Smith International Festival is growing. The second annual doubled the attendance of the first year with approximately 800 in-person and online guests. The festival attracts filmmakers from around the globe. In the first year, the festival received 396 submissions from 43 different countries, and in the second that number grew to over 50 countries, nations, and tribes producing an overall total of more than 60 across two years. The Fort Smith International Film Festival brings the world to the River Valley showcasing our region’s talent and innovation. With a global media reach of 254 million in 2021 and 265 million in 2022 our marketing has touched over 500 million people around world (Meltwater). We are truly an international film festival.  

In January, we will be announcing our third annual dates and theme along with the continuation of the Borderlands Film Series, which features movies screened at the previous festivals. “We currently have over 270 films in our catalogue from more than 40 countries,” says executive director Brandon Chase Goldsmith. “Our year-long programming is aimed at building an independent and foreign film audience in our region and encouraging young filmmakers. Our goal is to cultivate an arts community, which will be the foundation for the next three years as we plan towards our 5th annual festival.” 

The River Valley Film Society works with area high schools and organizations to increase youth involvement offering awards and cash prizes to student moviemakers. Future School graduate Gabe Hobbs won a $2000 University of Arkansas Fort Smith Scholarship for his short documentary “A Chat with Tony C” at the 2022 festival. Additionally, the film society donates equipment to assist media courses and student film clubs. Secondary education programs represent a reservoir of talent from which the pipeline feeding our region’s creative economy flows through high school to college to careers. Students are our future.  

Festival Numbers 

2022  

265 million media reach*  

135 hours of film submissions  

56 Countries, Nations, & Tribes  

~800 Attendance   

2021  

254 million media reach*  

124 hours of film submissions  

43 Countries, Nations, & Tribes 

~400 Attendance   

*Meltwater  

Waldron School Board Meets

Tammy Teague
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Waldron School Board Meets

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, December 12, 2022; at 7:00 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Mac Davis, Tammye Sherrill and Konnor McKay.  Board member Angela Hunsucker was not present for the meeting. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Ryan Walker, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Tonya Cluck, Zack Taylor and Toni Dozier.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 7:04p.m. 

Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

​Mac Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​ A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Tammye Sherrill to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the November 14th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Tammye Sherrill and seconded by Konnor McKay to set May 9th as the School Board member election date.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Tammye Sherrill and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the Petition for Transfer of Student from Lavaca to Waldron.  Motion carried 4-0.

​Each of the principals reported on what is happening at their school.  Mr. Walker reported that there were 100 people in attendance at ABC’s family night.  He also informed the board that Gerri Biggs will be retiring after 7 years at First Step and there will be a reception Friday at 11:00 celebrating her retirement.  Mrs. Jeffery was excited to say how awesome the 4thgraders and Ms. Hobbs did at their Christmas program, there was a great turnout for it.  She also bragged on Tina Pickens for putting in the hard work and becoming a National Board Certified teacher.  Mrs. Jeffery gave a shout-out to Mrs. Shrum’sAP English class for writing books and coming to Elementary School and reading them to the classrooms.  The books were on display for the board members to look at and read.  Mr. Taylorreported that Chelsea Ridenhour is also now a National Board Certified teacher.  He also informed the board of the upcoming Spelling Bee on January 6th at 1:30.  Mrs. Solomon reported to the board members that three students received All Conference in Cross Country; Landon Defoor, Emily Defoor and Eli Connelly.  One student received All Conference in Volleyball; Alize Lee. WorkKeys certifications increased from last year with 91 seniors getting certified and 3 scoring perfectly.  Waldron Sr. High Boys Basketball team is 12-0 this season and have gone 704 days since a loss in the WAC!

FFA had a great turn out and a great time at the HO HO HODown. 

​Superintendent Fielding took his time to express his gratitude to the board members for their hard work and the time they give, always keeping the school’s best interest in mind.

​A motion was made by Tammye Sherrill and seconded by Mac Davis to adjourn.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Ideal Chemical Levels for Your Pool in the Winter

Resident News Network
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Ideal Chemical Levels for Your Pool in the Winter

Many homeowners with pools hear about winterization and all the steps they need to take to protect their pools from extensive damage in the colder months. However, some people perform all the necessary steps except properly balancing the water. Here are some of the ideal chemical levels for a pool in the winter to keep things fresh and healthy for springtime.

Why Balance Is Important in Winter

Failing to balance the chemicals in your pool during the winter makes it easier for those imbalances to lead to larger problems when spring rolls around. If your pool’s pH balance is too low in the winter, it may lead to corrosion on the pool liner. If the alkalinity is too high, you may notice murky, cloudy water that requires a lot of additional effort to clear. Failure to prepare your pool water for the winter is one of the most common maintenance mistakes pool owners make, especially if you live in a region with a colder climate.

Alkalinity, pH, and Calcium Levels

Fortunately, you don’t need any special substances when trying to get the ideal chemical levels for your pool in the winter. You may want to do a water test so you have a better idea of where to start, but most of the chemicals you should add are things you already have.

The alkalinity, pH balance, and calcium levels in your pool drop naturally over time, so you should raise them all before closing things up for the winter. Alkalinity is best at around 165 ppm in the winter, while the pH balance should be at 7.8. While calcium doesn’t naturally decline in the winter, raising the hardness levels to around 200 ppm keeps the physical foundation of your pool from eroding.

Winterizing Agents

One of the most common threats from leaving your pool stagnant throughout the winter is algae, which causes green water, stains, and unpleasant odors. If you live in an area with colder weather and snow, adding a winterizing algaecide to the pool water can reduce these problems. We recommend adding this agent after the chlorine and other chemicals are balanced. Adding the agent later may cause issues with your pool’s chemical balance.

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