Resident News Network

Municipal Candidates to be on November Ballot

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6:49 pm

Municipal Candidates to be on November Ballot

This is a list of municipal candidates who have filed to be on the ballot for November’s General Election.

Early voting begins between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the election.

Election day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

SEBASTIAN COUNTY

CITY OF BONANZA
Mayor:
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:

CENTRAL CITY
Mayor:
Terry Wallace
Tonya Fagan

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Vera A. Combs

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Roy Knotts
Charlie Carpenter

Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Deric Rogers

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Teresa Bowden-Harris
James Greg McMahan

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Elwanda McAlister

CITY OF GREENWOOD
Mayor:
John Bailey
Doug Kinslow

City Clerk/Treasurer:
Sharla Derry

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Daniel McDaniel

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Roger Rainwater
Lance Terry

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Paul R. Loyd “Buddy”
A.C. Brown

City Attorney:
Alex Gustafson
Travis Plummer

CITY OF HACKETT
Mayor:
Louis Kirkendall
Trini Harper

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Kevin Stiles

City Recorder:
Patricia A. Black

CITY OF HARTFORD
Mayor:
Richard Hartsfield

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
John R. Morgan
Stephen Tisdale

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
William Woodard
Arianna H. Clinton

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Matt Disch
Mary Radley

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Albert L. Woodhull

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:

CITY OF HUNTINGTON
Mayor:
Gary D. Lawrence
Brenton Townsend

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Michael Kinsey

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Sylvia Holstein

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Steve Ramming
Steven Stokes

CITY OF LAVACA
Mayor:
Christopher Rambo
Hugh Hardgrave

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Lorie L. Robertson

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Gerald Schaefer

Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Mike Ray

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Rick L. Edgerton III

CITY OF MANSFIELD
Mayor:
William “Buddy” Black

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
David Johnson
Julie Thomas

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Maurice Petrose
Levin Boyd Farmer, Jr.

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Glen Hurt

MIDLAND
Mayor:
Michael Sweeten

Recorder/Treasurer:
Judy Thompson

Alderman Position 1:
Loyd Morris

Alderman Position 2:
Joseph A. Cepeda

Alderman Position 3:
Doris Hearron

Alderman Position 4:
Barry Morrison

Alderman Position 5:
Milton R. Pittman

SCOTT COUNTY

CITY OF WALDRON
Mayor:
David Millard
Dave Tull

City Clerk:
Brad Dick

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Joshua Lovett

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Dawna Young

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
June Haas
Doyle Dickens

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Trey Plummer

LOGAN COUNTY

CITY OF PARIS
Mayor:
Daniel Rogers

City Clerk:
Mary L. Sullivan

City Attorney:
John Cory Wells

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Raymond J Sharum
Jan Faulkner

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Pam Baumgartner

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Kenneth Stovall
Robert Colby Wells

CITY OF BOONEVILLE
Mayor:
Aaron L. Brewer
Jerry G. Wilkens
Edgar Baker

City Clerk:
Gayleene R. West

City Attorney:
open

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Alton Shackleford
Guy A Robson

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Eddie Gossett

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Stacy Holbert

Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
David Hogan
Tina Siddons Hunt

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Derrick Dennis Wagner

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Bobby Halford

CITY OF MAGAZINE

Mayor:
Joshua Scott
Donald West

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Mychaela Bennett

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Johnny Ray Mills

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Open

Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Charles W. Corbitt

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Dave Hill

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Open

CITY OF CAULKSVILLE

Mayor:
Scott Lee

Alderman Position 1:
Johnny Culver

Alderman Position 2:
Bobby Lux

Alderman Position 3:
Larry Lux

Alderman Position 4:

Alderman Position 5:
Kendric Paschal

CITY OF RATCLIFF

Mayor:
Roger Hughey

Clerk:
Oleda J. Bennett

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
Shirley Wood

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
Larry Hice

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Steve Gattis

Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Rose Greb

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Suzanne Kellogg

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
John E Corley

CITY OF SCRANTON

Mayor:
David Corbitt

Alderman Ward 1 Position 1:
William A Ahne
Laura Murry

Alderman Ward 1 Position 2:
James R. Schwartz

Alderman Ward 2 Position 1:
Leslie Fleming

Alderman Ward 2 Position 2:
Ernest Mellon

Alderman Ward 3 Position 1:
Cody Alexander

Alderman Ward 3 Position 2:
Cheryl Kremer

BLUE MOUNTAIN

Mayor:
Juanita Granier

Alderman Position 1:
Bradley V. Keahey

Alderman Position 2:
Larry Dickens

Alderman Position 3:
Jason Collier

Alderman Position 4:
Debra L. Dickens

Alderman Position 5:
Dale Dickens

CITY OF SUBIACO

Mayor:
Bobby Sewell

Position 1:
Open

Position 2:
Brian Johnson

Position 3:
Open

Position 4:
Open

Position 5:
Open

MORRISON BLUFF

Mayor:
Charlotte K. Siebenmorgan

Position 1:
Randy J. Siebenmorgan

Position 2:
Gary M. Lensing

Position 3:
John Geels

Position 4:
Francis J. Raible

Position 5:
Dennis Siebenmorgan

SPECIAL ELECTIONS:
City of Paris annexation
Morrison Bluff – Sunday alcohol sales

Grocery Price Comparisons

Networks

Madison VanRavensway

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2:03 pm

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Grocery prices have been skyrocketing, and I was curious if Aldi is still giving me the best price. This is a less thorough analysis than I wanted to do, but even just knowing a few prices seemed like it would be helpful so I decided to push forward. I compared prices from Aldi on Phoenix Ave in Fort Smith, Walmart on Rogers Ave in Fort Smith, Target in Fort Smith, and Harps in Waldron.

All prices are for store brand items. Waldron Harps is my local store, prices may differ if shopping at the Fort Smith Harps or others. Due to me living in Waldron, it was the best price comparison. After all, I wanted to see how much, if anything, driving for groceries saves my family. Prices were noted on 8/13 and 8/14.

One dozen medium eggs

Aldi $2.56

Walmart $2.08

Target $1.99

Harps $2.98

Loaf of white Bread

Aldi $.98

Walmart $1.00

Target $1.89

Harps $1.68

Gallon of Whole Milk

Aldi $3.56

Walmart $3.56

Target $3.59

Harps $4.80

Butter 16 oz salted

Aldi $3.86

Walmart $3.98

Target $3.99

Harps $4.28

80/20 Ground beef, 1lb

Aldi $3.99

Walmart $5.23

Target ?- unable to find for drive up order

Harps $4.48

Frozen chicken breasts

Aldi $2.98/lb

Walmart $2.99/lb

Target $3.07

Harps $5.19/lb

Mini muffins 8.25oz

Aldi $2.99

Walmart $3.94

Target $2.79

Harps $4.59

Total cost

Aldi $20.92

Walmart $22.78

Target $17.32 (less because does not include ground beef)

Harps $28.00

This list is far from exhaustive. There were many things I didn’t have the chance to note the cost of at Aldi. Produce is often a very good deal depending on sales at Aldi. Grapes were $.99/lb at Aldi compared to $1.58/lb at Walmart. However, if you are closer to a Walmart or interested in grocery pickup the convenience that pickup offers without a spike in prices outweighs the small savings from Aldi.

Aldi does have good prices on things I didn’t compare, especially diapers and pet foods. The diapers alone almost make it worth it. They have 100 packs for under $11, and the absorbency is quite good.

In comparison I was surprised at Target being more comparable. Despite not having ground beef and their chicken being more expensive, they had the best price on eggs and mini muffins. Depending on your shopping desires, it might not be a bad idea to go to Target. A very interesting find to me!

Waldron, like many towns we have readers from, is extremely limited on its grocery shopping options. I don’t have a solution, and highlighting the problem is not likely to create one. It does help inform about the difference in prices and allow readers to make informed decisions about the savings on groceries that can then be compared to each individual’s lifestyles and gas mileage. Maybe the convenience of hometown shopping, or using less gas is better. Informed decisions are always the best decisions.

Mansfield Athletic Passes Soon Ready for 2022-2023

Sports

Tammy Teague

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12:42 am

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Mansfield Athletic Passes Soon Ready for 2022-2023

Adult Athletic passes, Student Discount cards, and Senior Citizen passes for the 2022-2023 school year for Mansfield Athletics will be available beginning August 16, 2022.

There will be a slight increase over last season’s fee due to the rising cost of game day officials. According to reports from the Mansfield Athletic Department, football officials have increased 36.4% per person. It’s also reported volleyball officials have increased their fees by more than 10%, and it’s anticipated basketball, baseball, and softball will do something similar.

As such, adult athletic passes will be $75 each for this coming school year. Upon presentation at the gate, card holders will be admitted free to Mansfield regular season athletic home contests for grades 7-12 for the current sports calendar. Free admission will be limited to regular season football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, and track contests. MHS athletic passes will not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions hosted by Mansfield. This is in accordance with AAA and conference guidelines.

Due to the slight increase an extra benefit has been built into the adult pass. The Tiger Booster Club will open an express line at the football concession stand for paid cardholders of adult passes. Just present your card and move over to the express line to avoid delays. The same policy will hold true for those wishing to move ahead at the volleyball and basketball concession lines.

Current Mansfield Public School students (K-12^th grade) may purchase a Student Discount Card to attend regular season home games for $20. Presentation of this personalized photo ID card at the gate of any regular season contest will allow the cardholder $1 admission. Student discount cards must be ordered with payment by September 2, 2022. Students will be issued a temporary card until a date for producing photo cards is established. Student discount passes will not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions hosted by Mansfield.

Patrons 55 years of age or older may pick up a free senior citizen’s pass. Simply provide proof of age at the high school office during regular business hours to receive your pass. Upon presentation at the gate, senior citizen pass holders will be admitted free to most all MHS sporting events. Restrictions may apply to conference tournaments, regional or state competitions hosted by Mansfield.

Arrangements to purchase adult athletic passes or pickup senior citizen passes must be made with the high school office during regular business hours beginning August 11. Purchases of student discount cards may be made by contacting either the Mansfield Elementary, Middle School, or High School offices. Student discount cards will only be available for purchase from August 16, 2022 to September 2, 2022.

Should unforeseen circumstances cancel all or part of the Mansfield athletic schedule, purchases of adult passes and student discount cards will be non-refundable.

As a courtesy to Mansfield citizens, those that purchased an athletic pass or student discount card last school year will have those 2021-2022 passes honored for any Mansfield home contest up through Labor Day weekend of this year.

An attempt to answer questions or concerns related to athletic pass policies can be had by contacting the high school office at (479)-928-1105.

Champions Celebrate With Ring Reception

Sports

Tammy Teague

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6:51 pm

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On the last weekend before the new school year was set to begin, the 2022 Indoor Track State Champions closed this past school year with a ring celebration.

Members of the Mansfield Lady Tiger track team received their long awaited championship rings on Saturday night in the presence of family and friends. Neatly tucked into the final date before the new school calendar rolled over, the intimate reception offered attendees their first look at the program’s thirteenth overall state ring.

Mansfield upper classmen take their moment on stage as the 2022 state track ring ceremony gets underway last week.

“It was good to see everyone again and compare notes,” said 2022 homeschool graduate and Mansfield distance runner Darby Jones. “This was the first time we’ve all been together since the outdoor state finals. The end of the year was crazy with all the graduation stuff. It was good to get back together and celebrate.”

In February, Mansfield’s senior girls track team scored 183 points at the Arkansas Track Coaches Association Indoor State Finals. The total produced by a roster of 16 players outpointed the nearest competition from classes 1A and 2A by 65 points. The results overwhelmingly pushed the Lady Tigers to the top of the podium at the University of Arkansas hosted event.

The freshmen off the the 2022 state indoor team recieve their first high school state finals ring.

“This group of seniors in particular have been so close to winning the big one,” stated Mansfield head coach John Mackey. “The core group were full time runners moving from cross country to indoor to outdoor year after year. Twice they made it to runner-up status at the cross country finals. In 2021, we had a legit state track contender but the ATCA canceled the indoor finals because of Covid. So, we’re really happy 2022 gave this team its shining moment.”

Kaylie Lowery and Seven Sanderson represent the top two throwers in class 1A-2A indoor shot put.

The players and coaches gathered at the high school cafeteria on August 13 to officially receive their champion’s prize. After a meet and greet gathering that offered free food and drink sponsored by the MHS Track Boosters, the people in attendance viewed a short highlight tape honoring the recipients as part of the buildup to the actual ring distribution.

Coach Tim Cothran provides ring security at the Mansfield HS track reception.

As the video production completed, Mansfield Co-Athletic Director Tim Cothran, who also serves the city as a reserve officer, brought in the rings. Carrying the accolades in a locked black briefcase ala Blues Brothers, Coach Cothran in all black police attire delivered the rings to the stage.

Travis Pettus plays host to the Mansfield Lady Tigers ring reception.

Voice of the Tigers, Travis Pettus, introduced special guests Dave Otto of the Track Boosters and Roger Thompson of Farm Bureau Insurance. Each along with Cothran assisted in the presentation of the state rings to the team members.

“As the Blues Brothers say, it’s always good to get the band back together,” quipped Mackey. “These girls did a lot for Mansfield. They deserved recognition. With production delays and other circumstances we had to push this thing to late summer. We are thankful for the people that came, and for the sponsors that contributed.”

Ring 13 awaits it’s place in the history of Mansfield track and field.

The team wanted to express their appreciation to West Fraser, Today’s Bank, Chambers Bank, Roger Thompson, Dave Otto, Tim Cothran, and Travis Pettus for their support. They also wanted to acknowledge the parent committee that engaged in the decorations, refreshments, and cleanup.

Farm Bureau Insurance agent Roger Thompson and Track Booster Dave Otto join Tim Cothran on stage at the MHS track and field celebration.

Mansfield’s indoor track and field team included Shelby Cole, McKenzie Griffin, Darby Jones, Katlynn Moore, Faith Rainwater, Hope Rainwater, Seven Sanderson, Jadelynn Wood, Summer Frazier, Kaylie Lowery, Ashley Martin, Addie Stover, Azlynn Stover, Trinity Triska, Carter Whiley, and Laney Wood. Coaches included John Mackey, Joshua Brown, and Ethan Bowman.

Lavaca Senior Anna Davis Grateful for Opportunity to Play This Fall After Being Severely Burned this Summer

Networks

Resident News Network

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9:24 pm

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Lavaca Senior Anna Davis Grateful for Opportunity to Play This Fall After Being Severely Burned this Summer

Life has a way of putting things in their proper perspective from time to time for all of us. For athletes, their time and opportunity to play the sports that they love is no different. In the blink of an eye, it can all be over much too soon. And for one River Valley athlete, that almost came to be this summer in a freak accident. Lavaca senior volleyball standout, Anna Davis, faced this terrible reality this summer in a church van incident that almost took her senior year of playing sports away from her.

Anna was burned badly in an accident this summer when lithium batteries from a charging device overheated in the summer temperatures and ignited underneath her seat. The flames quickly grew, burning Anna on the back sides of both legs. In fact, Anna sustained second degree burns, and put her high school playing career in jeopardy. She has been convalescing ever since that fateful day, wondering if she would heal in time to play volleyball in August.

So, this is a story about a tremendous person and athlete who loves to play her sport and almost had it taken away. I am pleased to report that her injuries are healing, and as of approximately two weeks ago, it appeared that Anna will be cleared to play this season. But this story is also about how playing sports is a privilege, and the God-given talent to play is something to always remember and be thankful for. In Anna’s case, this sudden jolt of how quickly it can all come to an end was all too real for the senior Lady Arrow.

I had the pleasure of meeting Anna along with some of her senior teammates at a River Valley Volleyball Special internet broadcast by local broadcaster Tim Johns. We met in Lavaca that day to talk about each team’s prospects for the upcoming Class 2A & 3A high school volleyball seasons. Anna was there along with her coach, Shannon Todaro. As I spoke to Coach Todaro, Anna’s story came to light, and that’s when I knew I had to share it with our readers. So, Anna graciously agreed on the spur of the moment to do a recorded interview. This story brings her interview to you, and I think you will find it both moving and inspiring.

As I placed the recorder on the table, Anna seemed nervous. But she did very well in answering my questions, and even became a little emotional as I think the questioning caused her to reflect a little more on everything she had been through. Her fears, uncertainty, and ultimately, her relief to still have a chance to play her senior year became overwhelming to her. This is as it should be, for someone who cares deeply about her sport, teammates, and the privilege to play.

Anna began telling her story by saying, “I went on a mission trip and we were on our way back when there was a fire on the van. The fire was right under my legs. We had just left Tulsa, and it (the fire) started really quick. Luckily, the driver pulled over on the side of the road quickly and we were able to get out of the van. There was a pretty big fire. I was in the first row of the church van; there were four rows. The fire was in the first row and it was right underneath my legs. We were able to get out of the van in time. There were two other girls sitting next to me, but I got the worse of it (burned).”

Anna was wearing shorts on the van, and the fire burned the backs of both of her upper legs badly. “I was wearing shorts and it’s like all up and down the backs of my thighs (the burns). I didn’t think it was that bad, but I think I was still in shock at the time. But then, when I got back into a car to go home, that is when I think I realized how bad it was. We went to the burn center in Little Rock and they said it was second degree burns and that I would be out (of sports) for about a month.” The accident occurred during a mission trip that was held July 11-14. So, for Anna, one month for her recovery time meant August 14 or 15, just before the scheduled start of the volleyball season.

At the time of our interview, it had been approximately two weeks or a little more since the accident, and Anna was recovering well. “I went to the doctor today (August 3) and he said that they are healing really well, and she was surprised at how fast they were healing. So, she gave me the OK to return to practice. So, tomorrow is my first day back! I am really excited! It has been hard watching practice.”

I know our readers share my relief and joy that Anna will return to her team this fall. But I changed my line of questioning to ask her what all of this has meant to her. Has this given her a new perspective and appreciation for the opportunity to play sports? Becoming emotional, she began by saying, “I didn’t know if I would be able to start the season (volleyball) off on time. Because the burns were blistered, but I just prayed that I knew God had a plan for everything. I was very doubtful and I kept thinking that this is my senior year and is supposed to be my best year. I was super excited for it, and right before season was about to start, this happened.”

A portable charger containing lithium batteries were the source of the fire. It overheated on the van. “You hear a lot about this happening (lithium batteries catching fire).” But since that day in July, Anna has put all of this behind her and has done everything she can do to stay in shape and remain connected to her team as the season approaches.

The emotional part of all of this has been a challenge for Anna. “I have really been focused on healing and getting back (to playing) as soon as possible. But, I had to just sit out and rest a lot. It was really bad the first week. I couldn’t really walk, it hurt to sit down, and there were a lot of times that I doubted if I would ever be able to play again. I would come to practice, and just cry. This year, I really expected a lot. I mean, I was so excited. I am captain of the team and I wanted to do good for my team. Just to watch them practice…” Anna was fighting back the tears at this moment, and my respect and admiration for her grew and grew. She has an obvious love of the game, but her sense of obligation to her team is impressive.

Anna is not unlike any senior player who looks forward to her final year with high hopes. So, I asked her, who helped her get through all of this emotional trauma. Anna said, “My mom, she was there for everything. I could talk to her. But, there was so much support from everyone. A bunch of people, like the coaches and my teammates, checking on me.. it was really awesome for a bunch of people to care.”

My impression of Anna, although I had not known her very long, is that she is a very mature player who loves the game and who is a pillar of strength for everyone who knows her. Reflecting on the accident, Anna shared, “I think it (the accident and the prospect of not being able to play) makes me more eager to get out there and give it everything that I have this year. I am blessed to be able to play the game; not everyone can do that.”

As captain for the Lady Arrows, Anna was already in a leadership role with the team. Others on the team were already looking to Anna for leadership. But with her recent experience with the fire and her return to play, she now has an added element of experience that she can use in her leadership role with Lavaca. When times get tough in games this season, she will be able to look each of her teammates in the eye and tell them honestly that she has been through a lot worse than the situation they find themselves in, and, she was able to come out on top. What a valuable lesson that will be that Anna can share with her team.

On a personal note, I would like to congratulate Anna on her recovery and return to play for her senior season at Lavaca. She is a quality person who represents her school and the fine people of Lavaca in the best possible way. I can’t help but to cheer for her and her teammates this season, and I wish her all of the best this season.

An athlete’s playing career can be over in a flash. In Anna’s case, it was a flash fire that almost ended her playing career. And when you face that possibility, and then are able to overcome it and continue to play, there is a renewed sense of joy and appreciation for the support. I am guessing, that Anna Davis will be an absolute joy to watch play this season.

RNN Sports wishes Anna and the Lady Golden Arrows the best of luck this season!

Paris Golf Team Opens the 2022 Season

Networks

Resident News Network

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8:59 pm

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The Paris boys and girls golf teams have opened match play for the 2022 season. The Eagles have competed against area schools that include Booneville, Mansfield, Charleston, and Waldron. The Eagles are coached by Alivia Neumeier.

The season opened on August 9 at Little Creek. RNN Sports attended the teams’ match at Booneville’s Cherokee Creek Golf Club on August 11 and has brought you photos from that day’s play.

The teams will play at Booneville, Waldron, Little Creek, and at Danville’s Chamberlyn course throughout this season. The practice round for the district tournament that will be held in Booneville will be played on September 16. Booneville will host the district tournament at Cherokee Creek on September 19.

Here are some pictures from match play at Booneville on August 11. We hope you enjoy them, and we wish the Eagles golfers the best of success in 2022!

County Line Faculty & Staff Attend Professional Development Meetings to Prepare for New School Year

Networks

Resident News Network

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8:56 pm

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County Line Faculty & Staff Attend Professional Development Meetings to Prepare for New School Year

Note to Our Readers: The following story was contributed in its entirety by Ms Celia Looney, Yearbook Adviser, County Line High School. Ms. Looney is a RNN contributor, and we thank her for helping bring our readers the latest stories from the County Line School District!

County Line school district teachers and staff returned to work the week of August 5. The staff was kept busy with professional development meetings and training from Heidy LaFleur, meetings with co-workers and administrators, and updates to photos and identification badges.

Employees were also treated to lunch each day from various financial institutions that included Simmons Bank, First National Bank of Paris, and First Western Bank.

Students returned to school in the district on Monday, August 15 for the start of the 2022-23 school year. All of us at RNN wish the County Line students and employees much success for the new school year!

Image Credit: Celia Looney, County Line Schools

Financial Focus: When Can You Choose Retirement?

Business

Tammy Teague

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8:18 pm

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Financial Focus: When Can You Choose Retirement?

By Jeffery O’Neal, Financial Advisor

If you’re like most people, your work has been a central part of your life. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have the flexibility to decide when you no longer want to work?

Many people of retirement age have achieved this type of control. In fact, two-thirds of workers ages 65 and older say they work primarily because they want to, not because they have to, according to a 2021 study by Edward Jones and Age Wave. But that means that one-third of workers in this age group feel financially compelled to work. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the work they do — but it’s probably fair to say they would have liked the option of not working. How can you give yourself this choice?

You can start by asking yourself these questions:
• When do I want to retire? You’ll want to identify the age at which you wish to retire. You may change your mind later and move this date up or back, but it’s a good idea to have a target in mind.
• What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want? When you retire, do you anticipate staying close to home and pursuing your hobbies, or do you hope to travel the world? Would you like to spend your time volunteering? Open your own business or do some consulting? Clearly, some of these choices will require more resources than others, so you’ll want to follow a financial strategy that aligns with the retirement lifestyle you intend to pursue.
• Am I saving and investing enough? As you chart your course toward your retirement journey, you’ll want to assess the sources of income you’ll have available. If you think you may be falling short of achieving your retirement goals, you may need to consider saving more.
• When should I start taking Social Security? You can begin collecting Social Security benefits as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much bigger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. Your decision about when to take Social Security will depend on several factors, including your other sources of income and your family history of longevity. Of course, as you’re probably aware, the Social Security system is facing significant financial stress, so it’s possible that we may see changes to Social Security, based on actions Congress could take. In any case, you might want to be fairly conservative in estimating how much Social Security can contribute to your retirement income.

By addressing the above questions, you can get a clearer sense of when you might reach the point at which work is optional. But you’ll also need to consider other factors, too, such as how much you enjoy working or when your spouse or partner is planning to retire. In any case, the sooner you start planning for this next phase of your life, the better position you’ll be in when it’s time to make the transition.

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

5 Signs the Housing Market Is in a Downturn

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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6:11 pm

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5 Signs the Housing Market Is in a Downturn

When the housing market is at a high, like we’ve seen in the past two years, there will come a time when it takes a downturn because of supply and demand. If you’re a current homeowner, market crashes still affect you by increasing mortgage rates and making it extremely difficult to sell a home, which usually means a loss in money. Be familiar with the signs of the market coming down so you know when to buy or sell a home.

Spike in Interest Rates

To keep inflation to a minimum within the economy, the Federal Reserve will increase borrowing rates between banks, forcing them to include higher interest rates on your mortgage. If you’re a current homeowner and do not have a fixed mortgage, this could be harmful to you because it could move your monthly payments to an unsustainable number you cannot afford. When no one is applying for mortgages anymore, you can assume the market is going through a downturn.

Slower Sales/More Inventory

When sales of homes start to slow down, inventory increases. Demand for home buyers will decrease the sales, effectively dropping the price of the houses. This is a good sign for the housing market because, in a downturn, new buyers have more opportunities to find the right home. If you flip houses during this time, it could be an excellent investment because there is more of a variety of houses to pick from at better prices.

Laying Off Real Estate Agents

You would assume that when inventory is high for homes on the market, you would need more real estate agents—however, when no one is buying houses, there is no need for multiple agents. In order for real estate companies to save money in a downturn, they must do what is necessary and lay off agents.

Little to No Competition

If the price of the home has yet to drop and mortgage rates are still astronomical, then fewer families and individuals will be looking to purchase a house. Once the market officially hits the downturn, sellers will most likely lower the asking price the longer the home is on the market because not enough bids are coming through. The seller has control and power over the price, so they could keep it higher, but they generally won’t if they aren’t seeing anyone have an interest in their home.

Increase in Foreclosures

Previously, we mentioned the increase in mortgage rates, which will also increase the number of foreclosures. This is because when the rate skyrockets, homeowners are most likely paying monthly rates more than what the house is worth, making this unsustainable. If you see a lot of homes on the market that are foreclosed, you can assume there is a downturn happening in the market.

Be aware of a housing market downturn so you can better prepare if you are a current homeowner or plan on buying one soon. Be careful purchasing a home during this time because while prices might be lower, there are still high mortgage rates. With a lack of competition, you have time to decide; ensure you contemplate every variable before making the purchase.

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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3:06 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – The legislature concluded a quick, three-day special session after approving income tax cuts that will save 1.6 million Arkansas taxpayers about $500 million.

The tax savings will come mainly from moving up the effective date of previously adopted tax reductions. Last December the legislature lowered the top income tax rate over four years, so that it would be 4.9 percent in 2025.

Thanks to legislation enacted during the special session, that reduction becomes effective this year.

In similar fashion, the legislature moved up the effective date of previously approved tax reductions that lowered the top rate for corporations over three years, to 5.3 percent in 2025. The top rate will take effect in 2023. For tax year 2022 the top rate will remain at 5.9 percent.
Moving up the effective date will save businesses in Arkansas about $18.6 million this fiscal year. The savings increase the following year to $27.8 million.

Another provision enacted during the special session will save Arkansas businesses $29.4 million this year. The legislature approved a change in how they can claim deductions for depreciation and expensing of property, making the Arkansas tax code similar to depreciation schedules in section 179 of federal tax codes.

This will allow Arkansas businesses to claim deductions for the purchase of new or used equipment, up to about $1 million, in a single year. Previously, state tax law limited the amount that could be deducted and required deductions to be spread out over the life of the equipment.
Individuals with incomes up to $87,000 will get a $150 nonrefundable tax credit. Married taxpayers who file separately may each claim a $150 credit. Married taxpayers filing jointly with net income up to $174,000 will receive a $300 nonrefundable income tax credit.

Those income tax credits will save Arkansas families more than $156 million in Fiscal Year 2023.
Even after passage of the tax cuts, state government is on course to have a budget surplus of about $400 million at the end of the fiscal year, according to the bill’s sponsors.

Also during the special session, the legislature authorized the state Education Department to use $50 million from reserve funds for grants to school districts that need school safety upgrades. If necessary, the legislature will consider additional funding of school safety measures during the 2023 regular session, which begins in January.

The Arkansas School Safety Commission is finalizing a list of recommendations to protect students and staff in the event of a school shooter.

The commission recommends that an armed school resources officer be present in all buildings at all times when there are students.

Another recommendation is that all school doors be locked, with electronic controls. Teachers should be able to lock classroom doors from the inside, the commission recommended. Security cameras, accessible to school staff and law enforcement, as well as two-way radios to connect school personnel with local police officers, are recommended.

Some lawmakers wanted to consider pay raises for teachers. However, the governor did not put that issue on the call for the special session so salary increases for teachers will be an issue during the 2023 regular session.

R

Spike in Interest Rates

Slower Sales/More Inventory

Laying Off Real Estate Agents

Little to No Competition

Increase in Foreclosures

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK