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Hackett Defeats Paris 3-0 to Win the 3A West Conference Tournament Title

It was a match that was not reflected by the final score. All three sets in the Hackett victory over Paris were tightly contested, but, at the end of the night, it was the Hackett Lady Hornets adding a conference tournament title to their regular season title for 2022. The large crowd at Tiger Center in Charleston was treated to two great games with the host school Charleston defeating Booneville in five sets to win the third place game earlier in the evening.

As a result of Thursday’s conference tournament games, Hackett will now go to next week’s state tournament as the top seed from the 3A West. Paris will go as the two seed, Charleston as the three, and Booneville will complete the 3A West playoff delegation as the four seed.

The first three rounds of the 3A state playoffs will be held in Searcy at Harding Academy. The final championship games in all classifications will be held on Saturday, October 29 at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.

3A State Volleyball Tournament to be Held at Harding Academy Next Week (Image: Twitter / Arkansas Activities Association)

The tournament will begin on Tuesday, October 25 at 12 p.m. when the Booneville Lady Bearcats play the Atkins Lady Red Devils in first round action. Paris will then play at 2 p.m. versus the Rose Bud Lady Ramblers. The Hackett Lady Hornets will take the floor at approximately 4 p.m. to play the Salem Lady Greyhounds. The final game of the session will feature the Charleston Lady Tigers and the Harding Academy Wildcats at 6 p.m.

Looking ahead in the tournament at possible match-ups and pairings, the Hackett Lady Hornets, by merit of being the one seed from the 3A West, have a more favorable path to the finals. If seedings play out as paired, Hackett would likely play Salem, Hoxie, and Little Rock Episcopal to reach the finals. For the Lady Eagles to reach the finals, Paris would have to defeat Rose Bud and most likely Little Rock Baptist Prep in the quarterfinals and Harding Academy in the semifinals. The potential Paris match with Harding Academy would be in front of the Lady Wildcats’ home crowd on Thursday.

Overall, the brackets are set for a potential Hackett vs. Little Rock Baptist Prep championship final, again, if seedings hold true in the tournament. If that match-up materializes, it would feature a 3A championship final with the two teams that most observers statewide have said are the two best teams in 2022.

But all of this assumes that things play out the way they appear on paper. Each year, Cinderella usually makes an appearance at the big dance, and someone will almost guaranteed pull an upset. Who knows if and who that may be this year. But it is a game played by teenagers and a lot of emotion will be in play, so, who knows? Either way, it will be an exciting week of great, high-level volleyball. You will not want to miss it! Get your tickets early!

Financial Focus: Should you consolidate retirement accounts?

By Jeffery O’Neal, Financial Advisor

One of the rewards for working over several decades is the ability to contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, which can help provide needed income for you when you do retire. As the years went by, you may well have accumulated several retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s or similar employer-sponsored plans. But you might find it advantageous to consolidate these accounts with a single provider.

Consolidating them can provide you with several potential benefits, including these:

• Less confusion and clutter – If you have multiple accounts in different locations, it may be difficult to keep track of tax documents, statements, fees, disclosures and other important information. Consolidating accounts could help provide clear, simplified account maintenance.

• Less likelihood of “lost accounts” – It may be hard to believe, but many people abandon their retirement accounts, leaving thousands of dollars behind and unclaimed.

In fact, at the end of 2021, there were nearly 25 million forgotten 401(k) accounts, worth about 20% of all 401(k) assets, according to an estimate by Capitalize, a financial services company that helps individuals roll over retirement plan assets into new accounts. It’s possible that employers can even move small, old accounts out of their 401(k) plans and into an IRA on behalf of their former employees, thus increasing the chances that savers will lose track of their money. By consolidating your retirement plans with one provider, you can ensure you don’t lose track of your hard-earned money.

• Ability to follow a unified strategy – With multiple retirement accounts, and different investment portfolios, you might find it difficult to maintain a unified financial strategy that’s appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. But once you’ve consolidated accounts with a single provider, you’ll find it easier to manage your investment mix and to rebalance your portfolio as needed. The need to rebalance may become more important as you near retirement because you may want to shift some of your assets into investments that aren’t as susceptible to swings in the financial markets.

• Possible improvement in investment options – Often, 401(k)s may have limited investment selection, so consolidating accounts with a full-service firm may allow for a

wider array of products and strategies. This broader exposure can potentially help you improve your overall retirement income strategies.

• Greater ease in calculating RMDs – Once you turn 72, you will need to start taking withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan. If you don’t take out at least the minimal amount, which is based on your age and account balance, you could face a penalty. If you have several accounts, with different providers, it could be cumbersome and difficult to calculate your RMDs — it will be much easier with all accounts under one roof.

So, if you do have multiple retirement accounts, give some thought to consolidating them. The consolidation process is not difficult, and the end result may save you time and hassles, while also helping you manage your retirement income more effectively.

This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855
479-963-1321
jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com
edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Mayor Black Vows Fiscal Responsibility with Tax Payer Money

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, October 20. All members of the council were present including Julie Thomas, James Steele, Jan Carlton, Beverly Lyons, Bobby Musgrove, and Sheri Hopkins. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After calling the meeting to order, prayer, and Pledge of allegiance, the council approved unanimously the September minutes and financials. Next, the council heard the city services reports.

Scott County Judge candidate Brad Evans
Scott County Judge candidate Brad Evans and Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb

Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 53 calls, 13 fire, and 30 EMS. Smith also stated that the 1999 Freightliner had sold, and sought the council’s approval to purchase a 2000-gallon polypropene tank to replace the existing rusty metal tank. Lastly, Smith stated that he had put in for a 2017 Dodge Durango and that it will be at no cost to the city.

Next Police Chief Wayne Robb reported 66 total calls, 26 agency assists – seven in Scott County and 19 in Sebastian County, 15 school calls, five medical calls, 12 incident/arrest reports, five total accident reports, 105 total traffic stops, 82 warnings, one DWI arrest, one drug arrest, five adult arrests, and three animal calls.

Public Works Director Joe Manes was not present for the meeting, and Mayor Black read his report. The public works department performed 133 work orders, four water leaks, two main leaks, two service line leaks, relocated the playground equipment at City Lake Park, installed a water tap for a new water customer, and removed a large pecan tree that fell on the middle small gazebo at City Lake.

Mansfield City Attorney Travis Plummer was present and briefed the council on cases he had handled on the city’s behalf.

In matters of unfinished business, the council voted unanimously to approve additional pay for a submersible pump, and reviewed repairs made to the water department’s drive-thru window.

In the last item of unfinished business, Mayor Black informed the council of another option in regard to the mold issue at City Hall. At a previous meeting, the council was presented with options to repair or replace the current building. “I hate to waste taxpayer money,” stated Mayor Black. “We have the money to make these repairs, and the cost is so much cheaper to redo this building.” Ultimately, the council discussed getting more inclusive bids from the company Home Services Foundation Repair.

In matters of new business, the council voted to approve a letter to be submitted to Sebastian County to continue the millage levy and adopted Ordinance 2022-3 to continue the Scott County Millage levy.

In the last item of new business, the council discussed changes to council pay. However, no action was taken in regards to pay for those council members who are present at meetings or not. “We work all month long,” shared Jan Carlton. “Our jobs don’t begin when we walk into a meeting, and they don’t end when we leave.”

Before adjourning, Mayor Black introduced Brad Evans, a candidate for Scott County Judge. “I hear a lot of folks up this way who feel like they aren’t represented. My goal is to be of service to the entire county, from one end to the other.”

Current city employee, Michael Martin addressed the council and stated he would be more than willing to work more hours in the Public Works Department.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

Arrest Reports 10/9

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Brett Marshall Barnes of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 11 at 2:44 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Barnes was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Jeremy Allen Brown of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 4:54 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Brown was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Matthew Carl Guess of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 8:37 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Guess was charged with Battery in the Second Degree – Officer, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000, and Disorderly Conduct – Fighting.

John Garrett Newman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 14 at 11 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 15 at 2:27 a.m. Newman was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
James Daugherty of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 13 at 7:08 p.m. and released on cash bond October 17 at 5:07 p.m. Daugherty was charged with Nonsupport – Legitimate $10k to $25k.

Terri Irene Godwin of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 11 at 3:09 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 12 at 4:58 p.m. Godwin was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Samuel James Ewin Helton of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 11:37 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Helton was charged with parole violation, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Tyler James Jachera of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 13 at 12:47 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Jachera was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Jo Beth Kossman of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 4:25 p.m. and released on October 18 at 10:05 p.m. Kossman was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Randy Shane Mathis of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 5:32 p.m. and released on signature bond October 9 at 11:51 p.m. Mathis was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Charles Michael Patton of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 11 at 3:07 p.m. and released on October 17 at 8:26 p.m. Patton was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

 Jordon Blake Ratliff of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 14 at 10:18 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Ratliff was charged with drug court sanctions.

Ryan Joe Smothers of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 10 at 11:03 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on October 10 at 9:23 p.m. Smothers was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Jessica Nicole James of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 3:30 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. James was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g., Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Furnishing a Prohibited Article-Correctional Facility, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Keith Henry Junior Morris of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 4:45 a.m. and released on October 19 at 4:31 p.m. Morris was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Christopher Lynn Pinto of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 6:50 p.m. and released on bond October 16 at 3:33 p.m. Pinto was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree.

Lewis Asia Pittman of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 4:59 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Pittman was charged with two counts of Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Elton E Rambin of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 10 at 6:40 p.m. and released on October 13 at 3:40 p.m. Rambin was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Bruce Olen Wheeler, Third of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 14 at 10:28 p.m. and released on signature bond October 15 at 12:32 a.m. Wheeler was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – U.S. Marshal Service:
Robert Bradley Yarberry of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 11 at 5:31 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on October 17 at 9:56 a.m. Yarberry was charged with Hold for U.S. Marshal Writ, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Edward Standring, 53 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 10 at 11:28 a.m. Standring was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Shannon Wilkerson, 36 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 11 at 6:07 p.m. Wilkerson was charged with failure to appear.

Tabetha Emberson, 43 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 14 at 6:27 p.m. Emberson was charged with disorderly conduct, and refusal to submit to arrest.

Dave Townsend, 43 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 15 at 12:05 a.m. Townsend was charged with residential burglary and theft of property.

Alisha Rasdon, 24 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 15 at 12:34 a.m. Rasdon was charged with residential burglary and theft of property.

Johnny Reams, 34 of Clarksville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 15 at 5:52 p.m. Reams was charged with failure to appear.

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

Just Roll With it “Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins
Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! It sure is cold today, the temp on the bank thermostat says 50 degrees. Haven’t turned my heat on yet, my nephew Michael and me have a contest every year to see who can hold out the longest without the heat on. We act like kids, but we are adults.

My friend Curtis Feimster will turn 60 this Friday, October 21st. He’s officially over the hill. So big happy birthday to him.

This week I’m going to talk about men and all you women know how they can get on our nerves. I loved my husband, Chuck, but he could get on my last nerve quicker than anybody. Have you ever noticed how happy they are when they do something for you or help you out around the house? I mean even when you drive down the highway and the road crew is out there is a big sign that says “men working” I guess they want a medal. I came home from work one day and Chuck was so proud, he said, “I ran the dishwasher for you.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him the dishes in the dishwasher were already clean. I just hadn’t put them up. When he got a wild hair and decided to mop the floor, he would put so much bleach in the mop bucket that it left a thick film on the floor. I didn’t have the heart to tell him about that either. You would think my eyes watering and burning from all the bleach he would have gotten the hint. Sure miss the big guy. We had a lot of fun together. I’m going somewhere with this story.

A couple of weeks ago on a Sunday night, Justin Weaver announced after church that he is praying for me a good husband. I told him not to be doing that, I don’t need a husband. The next Sunday, here comes Ronnie Black wanting to know if I have gotten any calls since Justin was praying for me a man. Well, his prayers have sure been working on all the Facebook men hackers. They have been messaging me and telling me how beautiful I am and if would I please be their friend. The funny thing is they are almost all military according to their pictures. I have to tell Justin Weaver to please be more specific when he prays.

This week’s recipe is blueberry delight. I love anything blueberry. Have a great week and enjoy the weather!

BLUEBERRY DELIGHT
2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 14 large graham crackers)
1/3 cup sugar
10 tablespoons butter, melted
1 8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (16 oz.) Cool Whip
2 (21 oz.) cans blueberry pie filling
A few additional graham crackers crushed for the top
In a medium bowl, stir well to combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Place in a refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1/2 tub of Cool Whip. Spread over the graham cracker crust. Spread the blueberry pie filling over the top. You can also do half blueberry on one side and half cherry on the other side for two flavors. Top with the remaining Cool Whip and then the crushed graham crackers for garnish. Keep in the refrigerator and enjoy.


Hackett and Paris to Play Again Tonight for the 3A West Conference Tournament Championship

The Hackett Lady Hornets, who many are predicting to win this year’s Class 3A state volleyball championship, defeated the Charleston Lady Tigers last night by the set score of 3-0 in the semifinals of the 3A West conference tournament. Hackett defeated the tournament host Charleston Lady Tigers to advance to tonight’s conference tournament championship final.

In the second game of last evening’s session, the Paris Lady Eagles swept the Booneville Lady Bearcats, also by the set score of 3-0 to advance to tonight’s final with the Lady Hornets. The rematch with Hackett will be the third meeting of the season between the two schools. Hackett has swept six sets from Paris in the two previous meetings and wins for the Lady Hornets. The six set losses represent the only set losses for Paris in conference play this year.

As a result of last night’s semifinals games, Hackett and Paris will play for a #1 seed in next week’s state tournament. The loser of tonight’s match will go to the state tournament as the #2 seed. Last night’s semifinals losers, Charleston and Booneville, will play today at 4 p.m. with the winner going to the state tournament as the #3 seed.

Tonight’s championship final will start at approximately 6:30 p.m. following the completion of the 4 p.m. consolation game.

The four seeds from the 3A West, Hackett, Paris, Charleston, and Booneville, will face opponents from the 3A Northwest next week in the state tournament that will be held on the campus of Harding Academy in Searcy. In the 3A Northwest tournament that will play its championship final tonight, the Atkins Lady Red Devils will play the Harding Academy Lady Wildcats for the top seed coming out of the 3A Northwest. The loser will go as a #2 seed. In the third place game, the Rose Bud Lady Ramblers will play the Salem Lady Greyhounds for a three seed in next week’ state tournament.

The schedule in Searcy for Tuesday’s first round state tournament games is as follows:

West #4 vs. Northwest #1 12 p.m.

West #2 vs Northwest #3 2 p.m.

West #1 vs Northwest #4 4 p.m.

West #3 vs Northwest #2 6 p.m.

Looking ahead, if Hackett wins the 3A West tournament tonight, they will play the loser of tonight’s consolation game between Rose Bud and Salem. In this scenario, Paris would play the winner of the Rose Bud vs Salem match at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

If Booneville defeats Charleston in tonight’s 3A West consolation match, the Lady Bearcats will play the loser of the Harding Academy vs Atkins match on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Additionally, the loser of the 3A West consolation game tonight will play the top seed from the Nortwest (either Atkins or Harding Academy) at 12 noon on Tuesday.

For 3A West teams, if it is possible to avoid playing Harding Academy on their home floor in front of a sellout crowd, teams will want to do so by taking care of business tonight.

It is a great time of year; championships are on the line. It is what players and coaches have been working for all year, and at RNN Sports, we wish all of the area teams in the River Valley the best of luck both tonight and in next week’s state tournament! Stay with RNN Sports for updates and photos from next week’s big event at Harding Academy!

Timepiece: Rolling on the River

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

As a child, Maverick was one of my favorite T.V. programs. With a sense of humor and a laconic demeanor, the three brothers plied the Mississippi riverboats and ports making a living by gambling. The riverboats always looked so romantic with the paddlewheels churning, music playing, and the wealthy enjoying life.

Our views of history are not always accurate. The original steamboats were far from luxurious and were more workhorses than showboats. Most were built to convey farm supplies, food, and to transport cotton; more the modern-day barge than a cruise line. Fueled by wood or coal, the boilers heated water to extreme temperatures and used the steam produced to power the pistons driving the paddle wheels. The boats were built to float high in the water so that they could avoid the many snags, fallen trees, and sandbars found in the rivers. Running aground could be bad-news. When that occurred, passengers and goods would be offloaded until the boat could once again be floated. In some instances, passengers might have to walk miles upstream until the water became deep enough to again board the boat. During dry season, the boats on the Arkansas river could not travel past Dardanelle so goods were offloaded and carried west on the military roads. At other times, the river flow was so great the steamboat would be furiously carried downstream but could not make headway upstream.

Steamboats arrived in Arkansas by 1820 and by 1822 the Eagle delivered supplies as far west as Dwight Mission near Russellville. Soon, they were found stopping along every little village and hamlet that had access to a stream of water. Photos show the early steamboats loaded down with bales of cotton and goods, far from the romantic boats I envisioned.

Steamboats were used to transport natives involved in the Trail of Tears and used even more extensively to deliver men and arms during the Civil War. One of the more intriguing stories from that time period involved the gun battle at Ivey Ford near Roseville. On Jan. 14, 1865, Col. William Brooks lead a group of 1,500 men north to assess the strength of Union garrisons on the Arkansas River. At about the same time, a flotilla of four steamboats consisting of the Ad. Hine, the Lotus, the Annie Jacobs, and the New Chippewa were in Fort Smith picking up a load of refugees to deliver to Little Rock.

Brooks attacked Dardanelle but was repulsed. Turning west, they moved west 18 miles above Clarksville and established an ambush on the south side of the river at Ivey Ford (Roseville). The four boats loaded with refugees and about 270 Union soldiers arrived in the same area at about one o’clock in the afternoon on Jan. 17. The New Chippewa was in the lead as they rounded the bend and immediately were attacked by the Confederate forces and artillery. The New Chippewa grounded on the south bank and its men and cargo were captured. The boat was left to burn. Following, the Annie Jacobs was hit and grounded on the north bank followed by the Lotus. The Union commander on the Ad. Hine gathered his forces and sent for help from a nearby Union garrison. Brooks broke off the engagement and retreated with his load of hastily gathered supplies and prisoners from the New Chippewa. Union forces abandoned the Annie Jacobs and the burning New Chippewa and continued to Little Rock, accompanied by Union troops following on both banks. Rumors of abandoned payroll chests and tons of artifacts abound to this day but no one has ever completely explained what happened to the remains of these two paddleboats.

After the war, railroads replaced steamboats as the major means of travel and transportation. Sitting under the arch at St. Louis, my family finally received that romantic ride on the steamboat. With jazz playing and a Diet Coke in my hand, I searched in vain for one of those Maverick brothers to join me in a game of spades!!!

Lady Bulldogs Hosts Volleyball Senior Night

All photos courtesy of Peggy Barger

Seniors and Coach Goldman
Ashlyn Butler escorted by Lance Butler and Misty Butler

Madelynn Cassat escorted by Brent and Amanda Cassat and brother Alex Cassat
Sara Dungan escorted by Wendi Dungan and Sister Ashlyn and Brother Seth Dungan
Lillyanna Gigerich escorted by Craig and Lacy Gigerich and brother Jake and her Nana
Riley Golden escorted by Tim and Jennifer Golden and Sister Harper and her Mamaw
Rylie Holland escorted by Todd and Jennifer Holland and her sister Carsyn Holland
Meredith Wesley Johnson escorted by Lee and Jennifer Johnson
Landis Luke escorted by Miranda Luke, her brother and Nana and Papa
Lane Presley escorted by Ryan and Carey Presley
Lilly Williams escorted by Scott and Tammy Williams and her brother Jack

Waldron School Board Meets

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, October 17, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Tammye Sherrill, Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Mac Davis and Angela Hunsucker.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kristi Sigman, Randi Hickman, Cheyenne Smith, Kim Solomon, Julie Woodral, Natalie Cadena, Ryan Walker, Darla Jeffery, Toni Dozier, Tonya Cluck, Josh Atchley and Zack Taylor.

President Sherrill called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​A motion was made by McKay and seconded by Davis to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the September 12th and September 27th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders for ITSavvy LLC; D) Approve Purchase Orders for Curriculum Associates (iReady); E) Approve Purchase Order for Pearson Virtual School.  Motion carried 5-0.

​The principals reported on the events happening at their buildings.  Walker reported that ABC is at capacity with 107 students.  Elementary School has implemented several reading events to help encourage reading. Jeffery wants to inform the community of the Fall Festival that will be held on Main Street on October 29th from 10:00 – 1:00.  Taylor announced that “Socials” would be kicking back up at the Middle School next week along with Red Ribbon Week activities.  He also let the board know that there is a Pep Rally on October 27th and a paint party on November 15th.  Coach Atchley excitedly announced that “Be Proud Be Pro” will finally be here on Monday, October 24th.  The Sr. High Band received Superior ratings at competition and will be heading to State on November 1st.  Marvin Velazquez, Marshall Salmon and Korie Underwood received national recognition for their PSAT’s.

​Superintendent Fielding wanted to make sure the board and community are informed of the celebration for Fritz Morales at half-time Friday night at Homecoming.  Festivities will begin at 6:20 p.m. with the Homecoming coronation.  He also let the board members know the number of training hours they have obtained and what they lack for the year.

​A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Hunsucker to accept the resignation of Audrey Underwood as of 10-7-2022 from Middle School Attendance Clerk.  Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to accept the resignation of Tashina Helton as ABC Paraprofessional as of October 17, 2022.  Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by McKay to transfer Andrea Ward to Middle School Attendance Clerk, 218-day salary schedule, retroactive back to October 11, 2022.  Motion carried 5-0.

​A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by McKay to adjourn.  Motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:16p.m.

Smoked Baked Potato Soup

The cool temps had me wanting to make soup, but I always want to cook on the smoker too. To combine the two I poked around on Google for a little while looking to see what soups I could start on the smoker. Potato soup is my favorite, so when I came across a Smoked Baked Potato soup I was in!

This recipe is so simple, and delicious! My husband remarked it was the best potato soup I’ve ever made- and I make a good potato soup if I do say so myself. 

Ingredients

-6 Russet potatoes

-12 ounces bacon

-4 Tbsp butter

-1 small onion, diced

-1 Tbsp minced garlic

-1/4 cup flour

-4 cup milk

-1 cup chicken broth

-1 tsp onion powder

-Salt and pepper to taste

-1 cup sour cream

Directions

  1. 1. Preheat smoker to 375*. 
  2. 2. Wash potatoes and poke holes all around with a fork. Place potatoes directly on the grill grates. Lay bacon strips on a baking pan and place on the grill. The bacon will be cooked in about 20-25 minutes, remove pan and chop bacon into 1/2” or so pieces. Let sit while the potatoes finish.
  3. 3. After about an hour the potatoes should be done. Remove from grill and peel, or if a more rustic potato soup is your goal, leave peeling on and mash. This is how I did mine, and just removed the largest pieces of peeling.
  4. 4.In a Dutch oven melt butter, add onions and garlic. Cook until onions are tender, 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add flour and sauté together with the onion mixture, when combined slowly add in milk, then chicken broth. Put in potatoes and most of the bacon, saving some for garnish if desired. Stir in sour cream.
  6. 5. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper .
  1. Enjoy!