79.6 F
Fort Smith
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Home Blog Page 400

RNN Sports Proudly Announces Expanded Coverage With Addition of County Line High School Athletics

Starting this fall, County Line High School fans, parents, and students will be able to follow their favorite teams as part of the newly-expanded sports coverage provided by the Resident News Network. The new County Line coverage will be published on the RNN website (residentnewsnetwork.com) and in the new weekly Logan County newspaper that is mailed to subscribers. Subscriptions to the RNN Logan County Edition are available at the RNN website; just follow the links for more information.

RNN is a locally-focused publication, and we believe that the proud patrons and followers of the County Line School District will enjoy RNN’s coverage of the Indians, Lady Indians, and other school-related news.

So, Indians fans, we hope you enjoy our new coverage!

Paris High School FBLA Receives National Recognition in Chicago

Paris High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students have just returned home from a very successful competition at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago. The students traveled to Chicago on AMTRAK, adding to the uniqueness and experience of going to a national convention. But once the students arrived in Chicago, they made their mark by achieving a top ten national finish, quite an honor for the students and for Paris High School.

Image Credit: Paris High School FBLA Facebook

The Paris students, along with their sponsor, Molly Bennett, had both a very successful and enjoyable trip. Assisting Bennett was chaperone, Jennifer Fields. Images below are courtesy of the Paris High School FBLA Facebook page.

Paris students who won national recognition were:

Sarah Baumgartner and Katelyn Schluterman, 9th place, Business Financial Plan

Presiee Bownman, Reagan Lowery, and Brooke Zimmerman, American Enterprise Project

Devan Cox, Anna Hart, and Hailey Robinson, Local Chapter Annual Business Report

Chloe Moore and Faith Sanders, Partnership with Business

Caroline Fields, Arkansas State Officer

Image Credit: Paris High School FBLA Facebook

Congratulations to all of the Paris High School FBLA students, and thanks to advisor Molly Bennett and chaperone Caroline Fields for making this memorable trip happen for the Paris students!

The Importance of Having Internet in Rural Areas

At a certain point, the lines of communication stop, and that’s usually where the urban territories meet the rural parts around the globe. If you live in a rural area, internet access and telephone services are a blessing more than a service. This is the importance of having internet in rural areas.

Staying Connected

The most important thing you can do if you’re distanced from the rest of society is keep in communication with the world. If you’re truly rural, this will be important for everything you do, from buying groceries to getting gas.

The small things might not seem like a huge deal for people who live in town. But when you’re miles away, you’ll want to know the status of everything before heading in. Therefore, ensure you’re investing in only the top-level equipment like an ethernet cable you can use outdoors and indoors.

Remote Opportunities

There aren’t many jobs out in the rural areas of the world. But people who live there can build a living by farming their land. This can be a lavish and lucrative lifestyle if you’re genuinely passionate about it. But most people want more than farming and working in the heat and cold for their career choice.

For those who want more, the internet can provide all kinds of opportunities. All you need to do is put yourself out there with your resume, and someone will likely pick you up, then you’ll be working from home before you know it.

Services Need

You can get many items online, whether ordering something or having something arranged for pick up. Before the internet, you would have to call around places to make things happen or have written documentation before making orders. Now, you can do these things instantly through the click of a button.

This is especially important for individuals with medical needs who need continual access to a pharmacy. They can order everything online and schedule the pickup on the same day. This is also extremely helpful in an emergency if your phone line is having trouble or you don’t have a phone line altogether.

There is a great need for internet access even in the most rural areas. This has been an overview of the importance of having internet in rural areas and why we should ensure that the internet works everywhere.

Summer Heat Wave Poses Health & Safety Risks

As local temperatures continue to soar during the hot summer months, special members of our population are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness that could even lead to death. According to the United States National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers. Each year, the media reports on the tragic deaths of children, elderly, and even pets that result from being trapped in cars and in homes without air conditioning.

According to the National Weather Service, “Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Heat can be very taxing on the body; check out the heat related illnesses that can occur with even a short period of exposure. Everyone can be vulnerable to heat, but some more so than others. According to The Impacts Of Climate Change On Human Health In The United States: A Scientific Assessment the following groups are particularly vulnerable to heat; check in with friends and relatives who fall in one of these populations, especially if they don’t have air conditioning.

  • Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults. 
  • Older adults, particularly those with pre-existing diseases, take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility who are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
  • People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave than healthy people.
  • Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.

It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway.  Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes! A reported 25 children died in hot cars in 2020.

Deaths routinely are reported as early as April and tragedies continue into December in southern states. Find out more about how cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun. Information and resources in both English and Spanish from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”

For more information, interested citizens can go to weather.gov/safety. The website provides important safety-related information that is vital for everyone to be aware of during the extreme heat of summer.

Information Source: National Weather Service Website; weather.gov/safety

Financial Focus: What to Expect from a Financial Advisor

If you know how important it is to invest for your future, but you’re unsure of the road to follow, you may want to get some guidance and direction from a financial professional. But if you’ve never worked with one before, what can you expect?

​Here are some things to look for:  

​• Assessment – A financial advisor will assess your current financial situation – assets, income, debts and so on – but that’s just the start. These days, advisors recognize the need to view their clients’ lives holistically. Consequently, you will see questions like this: What are your feelings about investing? How would you judge your risk tolerance? What are your individual financial goals? What hopes and dreams do you have for your family?

​• Recommendations – Only after fully understanding your needs, goals and preferences will a financial advisor recommend any investment moves. There are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions. You may want to steer clear of individuals claiming to be financial advisors who “guarantee” big returns with no risk. In the investment world, there are few guarantees, and every investment carries some type of risk. 

• Communications – Financial professionals communicate with their clients in different ways, but you should always feel free to reach out to an advisor with any questions or concerns. Most financial advisors will want to meet with clients at least once a year, either in person or through an online platform, to review their investment portfolios. During the review, the financial advisor will help you determine if any changes are needed. But financial advisors won’t wait a full year to contact clients to discuss a particular investment move that might need to be made. Also, depending on the firm you choose, you should be able to go online to review your portfolio at your convenience. 

• Technology – A financial advisor can employ a variety of software programs to help clients. For example, a financialadvisor can determine the rate of return you might need to attain specific goals, helping shape your investment strategy. But there are also a lot of “what ifs” in anyone’s life, so an advisor can use hypothetical illustrations to show you where you might end up if you take different paths, such as retiring earlier (or later) than you had planned or putting in more (or less) money toward a specific goal, such as education for your children. Anyone’s plans can change, so the ability to view different potential scenarios can prove valuable.

Above all, a financial advisor can help you feel more confident as you pursue your goals. Among investors who work with a financial advisor, 84% said that doing so gave them a greater sense of comfort about their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey conducted in 2020 by Age Wave and Edward Jones. And during times of market turbulence, such as we’ve experienced this year, a financial advisor can help you avoid overreacting to downturns. When unexpected events crop up, such as a lapse in employment, a financial advisor can suggest moves that may enable you to avoid major disruptions to your financial strategy. Conversely, when a new opportunity emerges, perhaps from an inheritance or some other windfall, your financial advisor can help you take advantage of it. 

Navigating the investment landscape can be challenging – but the journey can be a lot smoother if you’ve got the right guide. 

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

Timepiece: Vacation Time

Schools are out, hot weather has arrived and its time for getting away from it all for a few days of relaxation and fun.

In 1900, the concept of vacation was entirely different from today.  Families did not simply pack up the suitcases and head to amusement parks and distant places.  Those living in the delta regions that had enough cash and a desire to escape the heat and miasma of the flatlands looked to the mountains of the River Valley for relief.  Catching a train, they would arrive at stations located in Dardanelle, Blue Mountain, Danville, or Magazine and then catch a hack which would transport them up Petit Jean, Nebo, or Magazine mountain to various hotels that would house them for a few days of rest.  Often the wagons would have a difficult time transiting the steep slopes and the passengers would have to get out and walk.  This was especially true on Magazine mountain where passengers were expected to exit the wagon, walk up the narrow defile in the cliff face, and proceed to West End Hotel.

Upon arrival at the mountain resorts, guests could play golf, tennis, or simply lounge in the relative coolness of the mountain peaks.  Buckman Inn, located on the north slope of Magazine mountain, dammed a spring to construct a small ice-cold swimming pool.  To use the pool, one would walk several hundred yards downhill to the dressing room, swim, and then have to climb back up the very steep slope to return to the Inn.

Traveling musical and acting groups would provide outdoor entertainment in amphitheaters, accompanied by the flickering lights from kerosene lamps and the sounds of the whip-poor-wills calling in the darkness. Buckman inn costs were $2.50 per day or $8.50 per week, a rate that few local people could afford at that time.

The automobile changed our concept of vacations forever.  Given more freedom and distance to travel, American’s began to venture further and further from home.  By the sixties, Disneyland and other theme parks attracted huge crowds.  In Arkansas, Magic Springs, Dogpatch, and the more distant Silver Dollar City became the go-to places.  By that time, small travel courts that catered to over-night stays, had sprung up across America and the big hotel chains were quickly replacing them. Fast food for the travelers were available at various small cafesand a big hamburger chain was rapidly expanding across America. 

My family, with limited finances and several children, would make day trips to Dogpatch and enjoy a day out.  Rather than expensive fast food, we would pack bologna sandwiches, soda, and chips and stop for a picnic at scenic places along the route.  Overnight trips usually meant staying with relatives and sleeping on pallets on the floor.  A 1968 family trip to California involved taking five kids, my grandmother, and parents to spend time with relatives in California. We pulled out into the desert at one point and spent the night, something unheard of in today’s world.  Meals were purchased at the supermarket and consumed at the various truck stops. I am not sure how we all fit into the car but we definitely had togetherness.

Arriving in California, we stayed a week at my uncle Darrell’s house; moving in with his family and three kids living in a three-bedroom home.  When our vacation ended, Darrell decided he wanted to return to Arkansas as did some other relatives.  We caravanned back to Arkansas with relatives following in two other vehicles.

Times change but it is still good to get away, spend time with family, and enjoy life.  May your vacations be as good as those I remember from my past.

Around the Boathouse

Thanks to the watchful eye of marina operators at Cricket Creek Marina on Table Rock Lake, a boat carrying invasive zebra mussels was prevented from launching and spreading these harmful nonnative mollusks into a new body of water.
   The incident occurred May 24 when a houseboat that had been docked at Bull Shoals Lake was being moved into Table Rock Lake. The marina operator stopped the vessel from launching after observing zebra mussels attached to the boat. The marina operator quickly notified an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enforcement officer, who informed the boat hauler that the vessel transported from Bull Shoals Lake could not be launched into Table Rock Lake until it was cleaned, allowed to dry for 10 days and passed a thorough inspection. The houseboat transporter also was issued a citation for the illegal transport of zebra mussels. On June 3, fisheries biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation and AGFC completed a comprehensive inspection before approving the boat’s launch into Table Rock Lake.
   The first confirmed discovery of zebra mussels in north-central Arkansas occurred in 2007 in Bull Shoals Lake near Lead Hill. Although zebra mussels are now prevalent in Bull Shoals Lake, there has been no official documentation of them in BeaverGreers FerryNorfork or Table Rock lakes. Other locations where zebra mussels have been documented include the Arkansas, Mississippi, St. Francis and lower White River, below Bull Shoals Lake in the White River, Plum Bayou and Bayou Meto. 
   The AGFC has some easy-to-remember recommendations everyone should follow to reduce the risk of transporting zebra mussels from infested waters: Just clean, drain and dry your boat, motor and trailer. First, remove all drain plugs from your vessel at the boat ramp and allow all water to drain from the vessel. This requirement became law in 2020. Second, inspect your boat, livewell, trailer and motor and remove all debris, mud and vegetation. If possible, boat owners should wash their boats and trailers with high-pressure hot water. Finally, clean all livewells, bilge pumps, ballast tanks and other areas that hold or pump water in addition to exterior surfaces. Once completed, allow the boat and trailer to dry. These few steps will help ensure other water bodies don’t become infested with zebra mussels.
   If you discover zebra mussels on your boat or equipment, please contact the AGFC’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Program coordinator at 501-747-9012 before transporting the boat or infested equipment. Transport of zebra mussels in Arkansas is illegal and transporting them across state lines is a federal offense.

Lake Wapanocca, located in Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in Crittenden County, suffered a recent fish kill, according to the AGFC Fisheries Division. Staff visited the lake after receiving a call from the refuge manager. The kill was caused by extremely low dissolved oxygen levels following heavy rain on Sunday, June 26th. By the following Wednesday, the kill did not appear to be ongoing and oxygen levels in the main lake had recovered to normal levels. However, oxygen levels in areas out of the wind and in the timber were still low.
   The crash in oxygen was likely caused by heavy rain that flushed organic material into the lake after an extended dry period. This organic material became suspended and started to decompose, which uses up oxygen. Biological oxygen demand is high during this time of year and it does not take long for problems to occur. 
   Fisheries staff based in Brinkley say they plan to sample the lake this fall to determine whether supplemental stocking will be necessary to help rebuild the population. However, the add, with the windy weather around the time of the fish kill it is very likely that other fish were able to find refuge in the more oxygenated main lake and the lake will repopulate naturally. 

The Most Common Myths of Owning a Metal Roof

If you’re considering metal roofing for your home, you’ve probably read a thing or two about it online. The internet is full of great information, but it’s also filled with myths and misinformation, such as how metal roofing might affect your Wi-Fi signal. We want to help everyone interested in metal roofing to fully understand this option. To that end, we set out to bust some common misconceptions. Here are five of the most common myths about owning a metal roof.

Metal Roofs Make Noise When It Rains

Modern metal roofs are made from heavy-duty materials, not tin. Sound doesn’t pass through them easily, making them ideal for homes in windy and rainy areas.

Metal Roofs Attract Lightning

One of the most common misconceptions about metal roofs is that they’re more likely to attract lightning. In reality, metal roofs are no more likely to attract lightning than other roofing materials; however, unlike traditional shingles, metal roofs are also resistant to fire. 

Metal Roofs Are Bad for the Environment

Many people think metal roofing is bad for the environment. The fact is, when compared to other roofing materials, metal roofs are more environmentally friendly. Metal roofs are 100 percent recyclable, so they won’t contribute to our growing landfill problem. Most types contain a minimum of 35 percent recycled content.

Metal Roofs Are Expensive

A typical steel roof can outlast a wood shingle or tile roof by up to 50 years! The cost of repairs and replacements is also significantly lower, and metal roofs reduce energy costs when installed properly because they reflect heat into your home instead of absorbing it, as asphalt shingles do. Metal roofs reflect sunlight, keeping the home temperature lower, which can save as much as 25 percent on energy bills while reducing the stress on the air conditioner and extending its life span.

Metal Roofs Don’t Last as Long as Other Types

This common myth about owning a metal roof couldn’t be further from the truth. Metal roofs last longer than other types of roofing materials and perform better in various weather conditions. A metal roof will last 60 years or more while maintaining its color and beauty.

Metal roofs are excellent options for many homeowners. They have a lot of benefits that traditional materials don’t offer, such as durability and energy savings. As you consider your options, keep in mind that metal roofs are environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. 

Obituary – L.D. Powell (1944-2022)

Charles Powell, better known as L.D. of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. L.D. was born September 15, 1944, to Edith Powell and Mildred Fern (Walker) in Waldron, Arkansas. He was 77 years old. L.D. was a longtime member of Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas.  

L.D. married the love of his life, Virginia Ray on August 14, 1964. In his younger days, L.D. and Virginia made a great team working on the farm raising cattle and chickens. They enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially after Brad was riding them. They spent many weekends at Lake Ouachita, boating and camping with family and friends. It was always a great time when L.D. and Ginner were together.  L.D. worked at Waldron Furniture Factory and then worked maintenance at Tyson where he made many lifelong friends.

L.D. was fun-loving and adventurous. He always had a smile on his face and could talk to anyone. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking care of his cattle, and tinkering with his tractors. Recently, he and Cheryl would pack a lunch and go driving through the woods searching for wildlife, and animal tracks and just enjoying the outdoors. Together they spent many days finding “treasures” at estate sales and flea markets and took several trips to Branson. 

L.D. loved going to Turkey Track Bluegrass Festivals where he made many great friends and never missed sharing a bowl of homemade ice cream. He was President of the Scott County Coon Hunter’s Association, a member of the Scott County Antique Tractor Club, Scott County Cattleman’s Association, and also served as a member of the Gideon International.

L.D. leaves behind to cherish his memory, one son, Brad Powell of the home, two grandsons, Devin Powell and Dilan Powell both of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, two brothers-in-law, Rabbit Ray and wife Billie, and John Ray and wife Susan all of Waldron, Arkansas and his best friend Cheryl Hunt of Waldron, Arkansas, as well as three aunts, Estelle Ennis of Waldron Arkansas, Margie Lasiter of Olympia, Washington and Dorothy Lovett of Sanger, California. L.D. will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family and friends he dearly loved. 

L.D. was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, infant daughter Shelly Powell, parents, Edith and Fern Powell, one niece, Shannon Ray, and one nephew Russell Ray.

L.D.’s celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. David Williams, Rev. Pat Ray Biggs, and Rev. Donnie Wagner officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

L.D.’s pallbearers will be Bill Lovett, Dusty Lovett, Levi Cooper, Tim Coffey, Butch Sims, and Tink Nix. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Mierding, A.G. Morrison, Eddie Swisher, and Muddy Creek Deer Camp.

L.D.’s visitation will be Thursday, July 7, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. 

Arrest Reports 6/26

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Brett Russell Allen of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 1 at 11:20 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 3 at 1:22 p.m. Allen was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >28g.

Brian Colbey Barker of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 30 at 11:20 p.m. and released on signature bond July 1 at 1:23 a.m. Barker was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Kasey LeAnne Barker of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 30 at 11:20 p.m. and released on signature bond July 1 at 1:08 a.m. Barker was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Stephanie Marie Carter of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 30 at 12:55 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Carter was charged with two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Petition to Revoke – Felony, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Catrina Marie Schwietzer of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention on July 1 at 4:40 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond on July 1 at 7:57 p.m. Schwietzer was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Matthew Jack Booker of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 21 at 8:52 a.m. and released to an outside agency on June 29 at 10:28 p.m. Booker was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd, Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jamorlan Keondre’ Jones of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 29 at 8:50 a.m. and released on cash bond June 29 at 5:06 p.m. Jones was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Felicia Sue Stout of Cedarville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 30 at 11:22 p.m. and released on signature bond July 1 at 12:35 a.m. Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Devon Scott Horton of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 26 at 10:19 a.m. and released on signature bond June 26 at 7:54 p.m. Horton was charged with public intoxication – annoyance.

Arresting agency – Huntington Police Department:
Kelly Wayne Malloy of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 2 at 6:53 p.m. and released on signature bond July 2 at 10:52 p.m. Malloy was charged with Fleeing – By Vehicle-Misd.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Dawn Michelle Saulter of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 29 at 6:03 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Saulter was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Charles Edward White of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 27 at 12:55 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. White was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Johnnie Lee Witt of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 29 at 6 p.m. and released June 29 11:18 p.m. Witt was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Alexander Leon Wyrick of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 1 at 7:50 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 1 at 4:07 p.m. Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Michaela Phillips of Subiaco was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 28 at 10:29 a.m. and was charged with failure to pay.

Elijah Delisle of Paris was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 30 at 10:14 p.m. Delisle was charged with escape in the third degree, criminal mischief in the first and second degree, fleeing, resisting arrest, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of fleeing, three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree and criminal mischief in the first degree.

Jamie Simpson of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 1 at 1:29 p.m. and sentenced to ADC.

Kayla Fox of Ozark was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 1 at 2 p.m. Fox was charged with contempt of court and failure to pay.

Jerry Atkins of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 2 at 4:24 a.m. and sentenced to ADC.

Dakota Gray of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 2 at 4:36 a.m. and was charged with bond revocation.

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