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4-Hers focus on leadership, service at National 4-H Congress

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4-Hers focus on leadership, service at National 4-H Congress

DELEGATES — Thirty Arkansas 4-Hers represented the state at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. (UADA photo)

Thirty Arkansas 4-H members had much to be grateful for over the Thanksgiving break: the opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, the premier leadership event for senior 4-H members.

The event, held Nov. 28 – Dec. 2, brought together more than 900 4-H members from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Arkansas’ delegation included 4-H members, 4-H staff, extension agents, and volunteers from 15 counties.

“Congress provides opportunities for skill development, service learning, and exploring how 4-H works in other states,” said Debbie Nistler, head of Arkansas 4-H and Youth Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Italso provides opportunities to explore careers within their project passions and beyond.”

Benton County 4-H member Brooklyn Luedecke said 4-H Congress inspired her to not only better herself as a leader, but also to help others become leaders.

“It was a very meaningful trip because I got to see how much other leaders from across the nation care about 4-H and how they also want to better the program in their communities,” said Luedecke, whose main 4-H project is leadership. “My favorite memory from Congress was getting to meet people from other states and find out what things were different while also realizing that many things were the same, because 4-H was our common ground.”

The group left the morning after Thanksgiving from Little Rock National Airport and Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Fayetteville. Once in Atlanta, they heard from several keynote speakers, including New York Times best-selling author Dan Clark and John Beede, an Everest mountaineer who shared his success strategies.

“My most enjoyable experience was the talented comedian and juggler who cheers up children at a local hospital in Atlanta,” Pulaski County 4-H member Isaiah Breshears, 18, said. “He reminded us that we are loved by our friends, valued by our clubs, and that suicide is never the answer.”

The Arkansas 4-H members also worked on variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area — from landscaping Piedmont Park and the Atlanta History Center, to reading to elementary students, to sorting and packing books for Children in Africa, for which Breshears volunteered.

The teens also did some sightseeing in Atlanta with stops at the Atlanta Zoo, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.

Breshears, who has 4-H projects in Workforce and Career Development and Environmental Science, said his favorite stop was Truist Park.

“We got to visit the press box, dugout, and the field,” he said. “I learned a lot about the important role sports management and mass communications play in nationally broadcast sporting events.”

All of the Arkansas delegation earned their trip to 4-H Congress by winning advanced record book contests in their respective projects.

“This trip is a culmination of years of work on their projects, building skills, and preparing for life after 4-H,” Nistler said. “These are some of the hardest working, strongest young people you’ll meet.”

The Arkansas 4-H Foundation paid for their trip.

“Arkansas 4-H stands out as one of the few states that fully funds every delegate’s trip to National 4-H Congress,” foundation Managing Director John Thomas said. “That tradition is made possible by donors who believe in our young people and want to celebrate the dedication, service, and leadership it takes to earn this honor.”

Attendees include the following:

• Benton County — Lydia Brown, Kolby Campbell, Krystal Edith Estrada, Zachariah Hinojosa, Zoey Hinojosa, Emily Jackson, Brooklyn Luedecke, Bailey Malone, Emma Millsap, Gracelyn Moore, Ramsey Puryear, Addison Robins and Lillian Swarengin

• Carroll County — Andrew Rexwinkle

• Clark County — Blakley Thompson

• Columbia County — Dawson Dooly

• Howard County — Anna Kate McKinnon

• Independence County —Annaleigh Mead and Logan Wiltrout

• Lonoke County — Kaitlyn Caswell Mogish

• Madison County — Andrew Hendricks and Vallie Yancey

• Montgomery County — Opal Samons

• Pulaski County — Isaiah Breshears

• Sebastian County — Mary Dunn and Royston Drake Slate

• Washington County — Joshua Bailey and Alyosha Wood

• White County — Sadie Lillard and Delyia Sanderlin

The group was accompanied by 4-H staff member Breanna Wade; Howard County staff chair Samantha Horn; Garland County 4-H agent Sara Jackson; Madison County volunteerJeneal Yancy and Benton County volunteer Nicole Swarengin.

For more information about 4-H, visit https://4h.uada.edu/ or contact your local county extension agent at uaex.uadca.edu/counties.

Follow us on Facebook at arkansas.extension and on X 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 X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 12/10/25 Vol. 7 No. 50

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 12/10/25 Vol. 7 No. 50

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins

Hello everyone! It sure has been cold. I went to Greenwood yesterday and it sleeted on me almost the whole way there. I am a hot-weather girl! It is December, though—we have to expect the cold weather.

I have to tell y’all a funny story before I get to the other one. I went to Cato in Fort Smith and bought a skirt, and as I was checking out, I asked the girl, “Did I get a size 18?” (Yes, I’m plus size.) She said, “Yes, you did. Would you like a gift receipt?” I said, “Nope, it’s for me.” I guess she was implying that I was too fat for a size 18. She never said another word—guess she thought better of it!

This time of year is always hard, because my husband passed away in November, twelve years ago. My son and I were talking about him the other day, how much we miss him, and all the great memories we have. He worked out of town a lot during our married life. He would always come home on Christmas Eve and meet us at LongHorn Steakhouse in Fort Smith for dinner. We haven’t missed a Christmas Eve meal there since he passed.

He worked in the Conway area a lot, and one year he couldn’t come home, so Jacob and I headed to Conway for Christmas. We got up on Christmas morning, had our Christmas together, and decided to go eat in Conway. Now, if you haven’t seen the movie A Christmas Story, you need to—because this was our day.

In a city the size of Conway, you’d think there would be a restaurant open for a nice Christmas meal. I assure you, there was not. We drove all over town and finally found this Japanese Fuji place. It was the only thing open. So we went in, and let me tell you—I do not like that kind of food. I’m a southern-food kinda gal. That’s why I wear a size 18! I think we were the only ones there, maybe one other couple. We laughed and talked and had a great time. I just really wanted them to come out to our table and sing us a Christmas song like in the movie.

Y’all hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them and cherish every moment together.

Until next week, y’all stay warm and be safe out shopping.

MARASCHINO CHERRY CAKE
For the cake:
3 large eggs
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
1 box of vanilla cake mix (I am going to try the almond cake mix next time)
16 maraschino cherries cut into quarters (I just put in my chopper)
Bake in a 9×13 pan sprayed with cooking spray according to the box directions. It may take a little longer, you will know when it is done.
Icing:
1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Mix this till smooth and creamy. You can add more powdered sugar or cherry juice to get it to the consistency you prefer. Enjoy and have a blessed week.

Two Logan County Families Named 2025 Farm Families of the Year

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Two Logan County Families Named 2025 Farm Families of the Year

The Arkansas Century Farm Program recognizes Arkansas’s rich agricultural heritage and honors families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

Two Logan County families have been recognized:

Ferguson Family Farm
Logan County, Est. 1847

Starling Wingford Farm
Logan County, Est. 1917

The Arkansas Century Farm Program is a cost-free voluntary program. The program places no restrictions on the farm and offers no legal protection. Approved applicants receive an Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign for their property that will list the farm name and year established.

Congratulations to the Ferguson and Wingford families on being recognized as the 2025 Farm Families of the Year — an honor well-earned.

Scott County Holds Ballot Draw

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Cassie Coben

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12:50 pm

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Scott County candidates learned their official ballot positions Wednesday as the Board of Election Commissioners conducted the random drawing for the March preferential primary.

A ballot draw is used to assign placement without relying on alphabetical order or incumbency.

Clerk Brianna Freeman, Deputy Clerk Dawn Austin-Richmond, SCBEC Chairwoman Barbara Templeman and Commissioner Ken Stricker performed the draw as several candidates looked on.

Local candidates attending the drawing, include County Treasurer Teresa Scantling;
clerk candidates Taylor Carpenter-Steele and Jeanette Byford; Assessor candidate Sheri Thompson; County Judge candidate Brian K. Jones; JP Position 2 candidate Melvin “Dee” Parker; and JP Position 9 candidate Roger G. Rice.

County Races

Treasurer
(Republican Primary) 1. Bridget Herr
2. Teresa A. Scantling (Incumbent)

Sheriff / Collector (Republican Primary)
1. Mark Chapman
2. Jason Daggs

County / Circuit Clerk (Republican Primary)
1. Taylor Carpenter-Steele
2. Jeanetta Elmore Byford

Assessor (Republican Primary)
1. Sheri Thompson
2. Kim Lane

County Judge (Republican Primary)
1. David Lee Taff
2. Brian K. Jones (Incumbent)

Justice of the Peace – Position 1
(Republican Primary)
1. Roger D. Rich
2. Bobby J. Hattabaugh (Incumbent)

Justice of the Peace – Position 2
(Republican Primary)
1. William Bates
2. Melvin “Dee” Parker (Incumbent)
3. Peter Herr

Justice of the Peace – Position 9
(Republican Primary)
1. Roger G. Rice
2. Tara L. Brackett (Incumbent)

State & Federal Races
U.S. Senate
Democratic Primary

1. Mayor Ethan N. Dunbar
2. Hallie Shoffner

Republican Primary
1. Micah Ashby
2. Jeb Little
3. Senator Tom Cotton

— U.S. Congress – District 04
Democratic Primary
1. James “Rus” Russell III
2. Steven Layne O’Donnell

Republican Primary
Congressman Bruce Westerman — unopposed

— Governor
Democratic Primary
1. Supha Xayprasith- Mays
2. State Senator Fred Love

Republican Primary
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders — unopposed

— Secretary of State Republican Primary
1. Judge Cathy Hardin Harrison
2. Senator Kim Hammer
3. Bryan Norris

Democratic Primary
Kelly Grappe — unopposed —

Commissioner of State Lands
Republican Primary
1. Christian Olson
2. Secretary of State Cole Jester

(No Democratic candidates filed.)

—
State Representative – District 52
Republican Primary
1. Justice Brent Montgomery
2. Mike Jones
3. Councilwoman Crystal Malloy
4. Kristain Thompson

(No Democratic candidates filed.)

— State Supreme Court – Associate Justice Position 3
Nonpartisan Judicial Election
1. John Adams
2. Justice Nick Bronni

There are also several local positions that are either uncontested or have no candidates filed.

Oregon-California Trail Association visit area to film historical documentaries

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Oregon-California Trail Association visit area to film historical documentaries

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Recently, Travis Boley and Chip Ashby of the Oregon-California Trails association visited the Fort Smith area to film a series of documentaries on the importance of the region during the California Gold rush days as a departure point to the many westward trails. In 1849-50, Senator Borland of Arkansas promoted Fort Smith as the natural jumping off point for people heading to the gold field. Using his political clout, he was able to get wagon trains a military guard that would protect the migrants as they crossed the dangerous Indian territory. Eventually, 3,000 immigrants and over 900 wagons left from various sites in western Arkansas.

Boley and Ashby are a part of the Oregon-California Trails Association, an organization that seeks to preserve and protect the history and heritage of the various trails west. Working out of Independence, Missouri, they partner with the National Park service to achieve the goal of, not only preserving the sites, but promoting an understanding of the historical significance of the trails and the movement westward. Nationally, the Independence group serve as a hub for more than a dozen sister groups across the U.S.

A big part of their efforts has been creating documentaries that tell the history and significance of the people and events surrounding the movement westward, one of the biggest being the Gold Rush. Over the past few years, they have created a series of documentaries ranging from simply following the trail westward to telling the individual stories of people that suffered the hardships and trials of crossing what was then known as the Great American Desert. Ranging from titles of The Mountain Man to the Curious Case of Sarah Thomas’ Tombstone, they describe the life and times of one of the most exciting periods in American history.

Local historians, Bob Crossman, Dr. Curtis Varnell, and UAFS professor Tom Wing were area consultants for the project.

During November, the crew visited and filmed the Old Fort, the Fort Smith Museum, and the debarkation points along the river. During visits with Dr. Varnell, the crew decided to do one of the first documentary programs on the life of local pioneer James Garner. Garner was a colorful character and much involved in local and state history. He left Arkansas for California during the gold rush and was successful in finding a wealth of the shiny mineral. Bringing the gold dust home in a teapot, he was able to buy a large homestead and a grist mill on the side of Magazine Mountain. He was a Union captain during the Civil War, a state representative for Logan County, and the first sheriff of the county. That segment is expected out in March of 2026 followed by other segments documenting the importance of this region to the western movement.

Individuals interested in the trail’s organization can access the website at www.octa-trails.org and www.octa-journals.org. The best was to see some of the prior work is to simply go to Youtube at www.youtube.com/@octatrails . The series has been made available on-site free for public use. They are also available on Youtube TV.

Interviews with local historians and others with appear in several clips as the documentaries are made but the program on Garner and some of the other stories will air as complete programs. The first of these should be available in March of 2026.

Honoring a Legacy of Service: David Millard Recognized for 25 Years with the Waldron Fire Department

Cassie Coben

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6:43 pm

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Honoring a Legacy of Service: David Millard Recognized for 25 Years with the Waldron Fire Department

The City of Waldron recently paused to celebrate a man whose life’s work has been defined by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his community. David Millard—former police chief and current mayor—was honored on Thursday night, December 4, for an impressive 25 years of dedicated service to the Waldron Fire Department.

The recognition came in the form of a beautifully crafted plaque, presented as a token of gratitude from the Waldron City Fire Department. Its inscription reflected the depth of Millard’s contributions, commending his “selfless and sacrificial service” and calling his steadfast dedication “a testament to courage, duty and community.

Waldron Firefighter Mark Lystad presents Millard with his golden ax. (RNN photo / Cassie Coben)

For Millard, public service has never been a title—it has been a calling. Long before being elected mayor, he served the community through law enforcement, eventually becoming Waldron’s police chief. Yet even while wearing the badge, he continued to don the helmet of a firefighter, answering calls at all hours and placing the safety of others at the forefront of his life.

Colleagues describe him as calm under pressure and deeply devoted to the people he serves. That dedication carried him through countless emergencies, fires, rescues, and moments when the community needed steady hands and strong leadership. Whether responding to a blaze in the middle of the night or helping guide the city through its day-to-day challenges, Millard has been a steadfast figure in Waldron’s public safety landscape.

A surprised and emotional David Millard reacts as his 25 years of service to the Waldron Fire Department are recognized. (RNN photo / Cassie Coben)

Now, as mayor, he continues that tradition—working to support first responders, strengthen city services, and ensure that the next generation inherits a community built on trust, integrity, and resilience.

The Waldron City Fire Department’s recognition serves as a reminder of the often-unseen sacrifices made by volunteer and career firefighters alike, and of the extraordinary individuals who stand ready when crisis calls. For 25 years, David Millard has been one of those individuals.

As the plaque states, the honor represents the department’s “grateful acknowledgement of [his] outstanding service.” For the citizens of Waldron, it represents even more—a heartfelt appreciation for a man who has consistently embodied the very best of public service.

Congratulations to Mayor David Millard on this milestone achievement and thank you for your continued dedication to the City of Waldron.

‘A Flag’s Journey, A Nation’s Promise’: Stars and Stripes Sojourn 250 Inspires at Fort Smith National Cemetery

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‘A Flag’s Journey, A Nation’s Promise’: Stars and Stripes Sojourn 250 Inspires at Fort Smith National Cemetery

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Greenwood Athletics News and Notes

Ross Fujibayashi

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12:14 am

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National Signing Day

Seven kids have now signed letters of intent to further their athletic careers with several more on the horizon. Lady Bulldog Basketball Senior Kylah Pearcy started off the cycle by signing with University of Arkansas Fort Smith. She will join class of ’22 Lady Bulldog Abby Summit with the Lady Lions. Former Greenwood Bulldog and Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year Anna Trusty, played for the Lady Lions last season, but has since transferred to Oral Roberts in Tulsa, OK. Trusty played against another former Lady Bulldog Mady Cartwright on November 17^th. Cartwright and the Golden Hurricanes defeated Oral Roberts 78-69 in Overtime.

Six players signed on the December signing day with Daisy Parker and Lakyn Dawson going to Henderson State for Softball. Alyssa Lovell will also be furthering her softball career at Lyon College, in the Christmas Capital of Arkansas, Batesville. Piper Ames will be a two-sport athlete for John Brown University, signing to run cross-country and track. Kane Archer made his decision by selecting Utah and Cody Taylor taking his talents to Charlotte.

“A special day for Greenwood community and Greenwood Athletic department. To see athletes from three different sports is such a huge deal.” Athletic Director Chris Young said. “It just shows that our school district and our community supports everybody, not just kids from one particular sport, but kids that are chasing their dream and want to play at the next level.”

“I think we’re trying to do that school wide, just combined, we’re all in this together as they’ve said for a long time here. And when you can do that, when other sports and other athletes support each other, I think it makes everybody stronger.” Athletic Director Chris Young said.

Moving on to Head Coach Chris Young, an additional signing is scheduled for February. Defensive end Cody Johnson is committed to the University of Central Oklahoma. At this time Wyatt Edwards, Akira Fujibayashi, Champ Davis, and others have not made their intentions known.

State Championship

Get your tickets for the Class 6A State Championship on Saturday night at 6:30 in War Memorial. Tickets can be purchased through the GoFan website by searching for Greenwood Bulldogs. There is a clear bag policy for the Stadium. Weather for the game looks to be clear with a high in 50’s but will definitely drop once that sun goes down. Due to Greenwood being the higher seed, the Bulldogs will be on the “home” side of War Memorial.

If you need a Friday night football fix, because you cannot make it to Little Rock the next day. Travel down to Mansfield, where our neighbors to the south will be taking on the Salem Greyhounds. This is for a trip to the Class 3A State Championship and is a battle of the unbeatens in that class. Or if you are the stay at home no matter what type, Booneville is playing Fordyce in the other Class 3A Semi-Final the game will be live streamed.

MORE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cheer is gearing up for their State Championship on December 19^th in Hot Springs at the tongue-in-cheek “Reeves’ House”. Cheer is going for a 3-peat this year, on the heels of the Blue Dazzlers going Back-to-Back. Greenwood Bands is also gearing up for their State Championship in Winter Wind Ensemble, this will also be a Back-to-Back for the Devin West led squad. Fill the stands and take trophies.

Hooping In The Wood

Tournament Basketball returns to H.B. Stewart Arena next week! Fayetteville, Springdale Har-Ber, Tulsa Union, Searcy, Charleston, Paris, and Hugo, OK, will be at the Arena the 12^th and 13^th. Wash the end of the football season woes away with a cold beverage and some Nachos from the Concession Stand.

Greenwood Football Has Two On Signing Day

Ross Fujibayashi

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11:23 pm

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Greenwood Football Has Two On Signing Day

One was steadfast on his decision while the other had social media in a stranglehold for 48 hours. The Greenwood Bulldog Football team had their first set of players to sign letters of intent for college football. Quarterback Kane Archer ultimately went with Utah and Offensive Lineman Cody Taylor with Charlotte.

“The expectations that were put on both of those were completely unrealistic and not only have they met them, they’re exceeding them.” Head Coach Chris Young said after the signing. “Start with Cody, starting his fourth consecutive State Championship, starting his 52^nd game in a row is unbelievable. Not only has he been a great player on the field but seeing his leadership off the field.”

Kane Archer

Since November 30^th, there was the headline of Arkansas hiring Ryan Silverfield and then there was the constant barrage of comments “GET KANE ARCHER!” Alas, at noon on Tuesday it was made official via post from his father Adam, that Kane was signing with the Utah Utes.

Kane Archer is a player that needs no introduction, the stats and accolades are well published. And if you were a high school or college football fan in the state of Arkansas, you would have had to be in a coma the last few weeks not to know the name Kane Archer. 10,000 yards passing, 2,500 yards rushing, 100 touchdowns passing, 50 touchdowns rushing, a National Record on completion percentage, 2024 Gatorade and MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year. Utah in the Big 12 conference will be the future home for the Greenwood Bulldog. Coincidentally, forty minutes south of the University of Utah, longtime travel ball teammate and Rogers Mountineer Braxton Lindsey will be at BYU.

“I would say it was more of the culture than anything. I went up there with an open mind, obviously and it just felt a lot like home.” Kane Archer talked about the choice to go to Utah. “The culture, I watched them play Kansas State. They were down like 11 with three minutes, and I looked around and everybody just had hope. It was like, man usually when you go places, it doesn’t feel like this and to watch them come back and win. Told me everything I needed to know about the program.”

“I got the feeling they’re going to play their best player, so all I have to do is go in there, and prove myself. And that may not be year one, that may not be year two, that may not be year 3. But I’m eventually going to prove myself and that’s why I’m taking a chance.” Archer said.

“I think Kane’s probably had the most remarkable career in the history of Arkansas High School football. What he’s done has never been done before.” Head Coach Chris Young said regarding his quarterback. “The cool thing is, there is no telling what you’re going to see Saturday, he’s just a special talent.”

“It’s going to be sad when he walks off the field Saturday, knowing that we’re not going to have the opportunity number one, to witness what he does on the field at Greenwood. But, number two, to coach him.” Coach Young said.

Cody Taylor

The Senior Offensive Lineman transferred into Greenwood during his 8^th grade year. The 6’3” 310lbs Tackle, was moved up to Varsity his freshman year alongside his travel ball teammate Kane Archer. Taylor has played three different positions on the line but mainly spent his time at Guard for forty of the fifty-one games. There was a stint at Center his junior year, where injuries moved him back to Guard. This year was a change to left tackle to replace the graduated Christian Fleming.

Taylor has been a force on the line racking up 237 knockdowns in his four-year career. While Cody may be headed a short drive of fourteen hours away, it will be familiar as the offensive line coach for the Charlotte 49ers, also coached Greenwood’s offensive line coach Austin Moreton.

“The culture and how I felt wanted.” Cody Taylor said about what took him to Charlotte. “I can really go there and succeed is something I’ve really held on to. Being able to have faith in Coach [Allen] Rudolph and [Head] Coach Tim Albin, and what he’s doing is an absolutely amazing thing.”

“I think that’s actually really really cool. Because, you know, Coach Moreton’s way of coaching, I’m able to really pick up on and really do well.” Cody Taylor said regarding being coached at the next level by the same coach that coached Austin Moreton. “So, knowing he picked some stuff up from Coach Rudolph and he’s the originator. It’s really cool to be coached by him as well.”

“Seeing him get more comfortable talking with coaches and talking to kids, because he started off really shy. And it’s been awesome to see that.” Head Coach Chris Young said. “He’s worked extremely hard for what he’s gotten.”

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