High school sports teams across the state have enjoyed a welcomed time away from the hard work and summer workouts that began in the late spring and into the month of July. The Arkansas Activities Association’s mandatory “dead period”, scheduled to end on July 9, will mark the return of players and coaches on July 10 and the resumption of preseason preparations. The sports of volleyball and football will highlight the upcoming fall seasons. Both sports will begin regular season play in August.
RNN Sports has brought you summer updates for volleyball, girls basketball, and football. Watch for upcoming coverage of boys basketball that will include highlighted coverage of new Paris coach Andrew Tencleve and the Paris boys basketball team.
In just a few short weeks, watch for preseason coverage of high school volleyball and football as the start of their seasons approach in late July. RNN will bring you profiles on key players as well as schedules and updates on team preseason practices that lead up to the start of what promises to be another exciting year of Arkansas high school sports!
Stay with RNN Sports for the latest in Logan County and surrounding area high school sports!
Robert Eugene Slater of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Sunday, June 26, 2022 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas with his loved ones by his side. Robert was born May 2, 1973 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Lee Roe “Goat” Slater and Nova (Wright) Slater. He was 49 years old.
Robert grew up in and around the Waldron area. He drove a log truck for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and snagging. He was a member of the Scott County Fox, Wolf and Deer Hunters Association. Robert especially looked forward to time spent with his kids, grandkids and family.
Robert leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Katy of the home, one daughter, Kelley Slater and fiance’ Thomas Wagner, one son Robert Ethan Slater and fiance’ Tiffany Gwin, one sister Sandy Norris and one brother David Slater. Popa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Reed Slater, Coltyn Parker, Dakoda Parker, Hunter Wagner, Roy Wagner and Kimberly Wagner. Robert will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, extended family and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Roe and Nova Slater, his father and mother in law John and Georgia Baker, one sister, Patricia Maxell and nephews Wesley Wagner and Josh Slater.
Robert’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Lamb Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Robert’s pallbearers will be Ethan Slater, Brian McCullah (Gordy), Andrew Parsons, Jared Wagner, Tucker Holder, Mike Jones, Dusty Lovett, Bruce Isham, Mark Isham and Coleman Manning. Honorary pallbearers will be David Slater, Bill Lovett, Jim Lovett, Thomas Wagner, Ken Cicherski Jr. and Todd Pennington.
Robert’s visitation will be Friday, July 1, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
The family would like to thank everyone for the love and support during this time of loss.
As we celebrate our national independence and remember the value and price of our freedom, we justifiably immortalize George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other national figures and the price that they paid. Too often we fail to remember the price paid in blood, sweat and tears by the common man, many of whom were raised in our own communities. The court houses of the Arkansas River Valley often have memorials to these men; sometimes even a list of the names of those who gave all for our country.
I remember him as a baby-faced kid in school, always running around with a big friendly smile on his face. Immediately after high school, he was sent to Vietnam. Working on a medical evacuation helicopter, he was up for the medal of valor. Ten days before his deployment was complete, he lost his life trying to evacuate solders that were ambushed and under fire. Nineteen years old with a world of promise and a head full of plans for himself, he gave his life for others.
On Memorial Day, my friend Bill Vanmeter called and asked for detail on a local man’s military history. Looking up the information, I was astounded. Wayne J. Sanders was born in 1948 and went to school, first in Charleston and then graduatedfrom County Line High. He entered the service in 1965 and was sent to Vietnam. He volunteered for four more tours and was on patrol in Binh Long province when his group came under fire. Following is the exact wording from his record.
“Staff Sergeant Sanders distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 September 1969 while serving as a vehicle commander with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance mission when they were suddenly engaged by an unknown sized North Vietnamese Army force. Sergeant Sanders immediately maneuvered his vehicle to protect an exposed flank as the intense barrages of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades continued to sweep the entire area. Sergeant Sanders placed a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions and scattered several groups of soldiers attempting to flank the troop. As the assault continued, Sergeant Sanders continuously exposed himself to the hostile volleys and he fired his machine gun and direct his men who repeatedly repulsed attacks by the enemy. Suddenly he noticed an enemy rocket propelled grenade team preparing to fire on a vehicle, so he swung his machine gun around and started to fire. Unexpectedly the gun malfunctioned, so Sergeant Sanders grabbed his personal weapon and continued to engage the enemy, resulting in several enemy killed in action. He continued to engage the enemy when suddenly a rocket propelled grenade slammed into his vehicle, very critically wounding him. Despite his painful injuries, he jumped from the track, assaulting another group of North Vietnamese who were mounting an attack on his position. While engaging the enemy he lapsed into unconsciousness and died later from his wounds. Staff Sergeant Sanders’ gallant actions, total devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”
Sergeant Sanders was presented nine commendations for his service, the last, the Silver Star, is the third highest commendation given in America.
Just two of many that I have encountered in life. The hero may have gone on, he or she maybe your next door neighbor, or the old gentleman in your church, but we have many heroes among us; the common hard-working men and women that make up our communities and sacrificed for our independence.
If you drive through the city of Magazine often, chances are you have become accustomed to seeing the red and black Rattler wrapped police truck. It was a bold choice to deck out a law enforcement vehicle with red snakeskin print and Rattler logo. It certainly caught the eye of anyone who passed by. But residents will no longer see the “Rattler Truck” around town.
Sgt. Brett Chappell
Recently, the Magazine Police Department has undergone a change in command. The City of Magazine entered into an inter-local agreement with the Logan County Sheriff’s office and is now a department of the Sheriff’s Office. The city will benefit from this partnership as the officers will have access to a larger agency with established policies, procedures, training, and supervision. City Council member Wayne Corbitt is happy with the partnership. “It has been great so far,” stated Corbitt. He expressed one of the main benefits will be the resources available to the city in terms of manpower and equipment that a small community might not be able to afford without such an agreement.
Brett Chappell was hired this spring as a sergeant with the Sheriff’s office and will serve as the Magazine Police Chief. He will continue to work out of the office at City Hall, attend council meetings, and work with the mayor. As a sergeant, he will also have supervision authority within the Sheriff’s Office. Sgt Chappell says the inter-local agreement is “a real game changer. In Law Enforcement there is nothing more important than communication and unity. We have that now, along with many other benefits,” says Sgt. Chappell. “It is very difficult for one person to serve a city/school and do it justice alone. With the Sheriff’s office, I now have the backing if Investigators, Narcotics Officer, and all full-time and part-time officers. We are all on one team and that is what it takes to be successful.”
Sgt. Chappell is a Magazine native and a Magazine High School Graduate. He started his career in Law Enforcement with the Logan County Sheriff’s office in 2015 where he served five years as a Patrol Deputy and then two years with the Booneville Police Department where he rose to the rank of sergeant. Sgt. Chappell continues to live in Magazine and his daughter attends school at Magazine Elementary. “Having the opportunity to serve the City of Magazine is truly a dream come true for me,” says Sgt. Chappell. “My family and I have deep roots in Magazine, and I truly care about the community.” He is also looking forward to working closely with the Magazine School District. “Since serving in Law Enforcement, one of my favorite things has always been working with the Magazine School District. Now I have the chance to do that on a daily basis and work with our kids.”
Jim Elkins, who has been serving as the city’s part-time deputy, has also been hired on by the Sherriff’s Office. He will continue to be assigned to Magazine and provide excellent service to the citizens and community.
It was important to the Sherriff’s Office to give the city police truck a new look to reflect the change in leadership. It now is emblazoned with the Logan County Sherriff’s Office logo but includes the Magazine Police Department badge as well. It will also include the school Rattler on both sides of the bed soon. There are some who prefer the bold rattler design, but the Sherriff’s Office wanted to show continuity with all its patrol vehicles. The new graphics are also now more reflective at night, which will add to the safety of the officers and community.
While the outside has changed, you will see the same familiar faces on the inside, ready to serve where they are needed.
Nothing changes the landscaping of your property overnight like hay cutting your fields. Within a few days or a weekend, the landscape has changed drastically for wildlife that used those grasslands. Here are some common sense haying ideas to benefit wildlife and minimize the effects on young animals or smaller species that depend upon the cover the grasses provide.
Timing is everything
Time your hay-cutting with nesting season in mind. For increased wildlife nesting, delay haying until July 15 or later. This will allow ground-nesting birds time to hatch their broods. The nesting period for quail, turkey, and songbirds using pastures begins in early to mid-April and can continue through August.
Aim high
Set your mower as high as possible to avoid ground-dwelling wildlife. Raising a mower as little as 4 inches off ground level can save terrapins and small mammals. Install Plexiglass around the leading edge and sides of a mower to prevent wildlife from being drawn into mower blades.
Mow inside out
Cut hay starting in the middle of the field and mow towards the outer borders which will allow young and adult wildlife to stay in existing cover during the haying operation period. Animals also will be able to move to the borders as you cut instead of being trapped inside an ever-decreasing circle. This method also decreases predation of rabbits and young quail trying to cross open, recently hayed ground.
Protect field borders
Leave uncut field borders for wildlife cover. During hay cutting operations, leave a 30-foot or wider strip of hay around the outside of a field uncut to provide food, nesting, escape, and brood cover for wildlife. Predators can find nests easier in narrow strips than in wider borders. Irregularly shaped field borders provide even more cover for wildlife. Border width can vary, but a minimum width of 30 feet is optimal. This amounts to a little over an acre of habitat for wildlife in a field having a 30-foot-wide strip that is a mile in length.
Flush them out
Flushing bars can be mounted on the front of a tractor to move wildlife from the path of dangerous wheels and cutter. You can make a flushing bar by hanging 28 inch lengths of inch chain about 2 feet apart from a piece of angle iron. The bar should be at least 10 feet in length and mounted offset on the front of the tractor. The 28-inch hanging chains should be long enough to ride just above the surface of the ground. The first chain should be located 36 inches from the tractor frame. This method has been shown to effectively scare wildlife such as rabbits, turkeys, and some fawns away before they are hit by the hay cutter.
There is no doubt that hay cutting operations change the landscape of your property for a short period of time, these steps will minimize the negative impact for wildlife. Hay cutting has some long term effects for the landscape, however, it’s the short term effects, primarily during nesting season, that can be detrimental to wildlife. For more information on managing haylands and pastures for wildlife visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/FSA-9083.pdf
Independence Day is an opportunity to celebrate all the liberties we enjoy in this country. Of course, there are different types of freedoms – such as financial freedom, which can open the doors to many other opportunities. What steps can you take to gain your financial independence? Here are a few suggestions: • Save, invest … and repeat. There’s really no shortcut to achieving financial freedom – you do have to save and invest for many years. And that means you should take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. If you have a 401(k) or similar retirement plan at work, try to put in as much as you can afford each year, and when your salary goes up, increase your contributions. Even if you have a 401(k), you may also be eligible to fund an IRA. Both a 401(k) and an IRA offer tax benefits and an array of investment options, so they are powerful retirement savings vehicles. • Invest for growth. How much you invest is obviously a key factor in reaching your financial freedom. But how you invest is also important. If you’re going to accumulate the resources you need to retire comfortably and meet your other financial goals, you will need to devote a reasonable percentage of your investment dollars to growth-oriented vehicles, including stocks and stock-based mutual funds. Of course, these investments will fluctuate in value, so you’ll need to be prepared to accept a certain level of risk. Your individual risk tolerance will help determine how much of your portfolio should be devoted to growth investments. • Put financial windfalls to work. Whenever you receive a financial windfall, such as a bonus from your employer, a tax refund or even an inheritance, consider putting some of it to work in your investment portfolio. Over time, these windfalls can add up. • Reduce your debts. It may be easier said than done, but try to reduce, or eliminate, as many debts as you can. The less money you have to pay each month on your debts, the more you’ll have available to save and invest. Of course, some debts, such as your mortgage, can’t be easily erased, but if you can find ways to cut down on spending, you may be surprised at how much progress you can make toward debt reduction. • Prepare for the unexpected. Life is unpredictable – and some unforeseen events could threaten your ability to achieve, and maintain your financial independence. For example, if you were unable to work for a while due to illness or injury, you might be forced to dip into your savings and long-term investments just to help meet your cost of living. You can help protect yourself from this risk by building an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. And you may want to consult with a financial professional to learn about other protection strategies. It will take a concerted effort to reach your financial independence – but, like all freedoms, it offers immense benefits. 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
It was a big day for The Field Nutrition, its owner, the community, and the City of Mansfield. The grand opening of the specialty beverage shop was held on Thursday, June 30 at 9 a.m.
Owner Alta Smith has worked tirelessly over the past year, scrapping, painting, and repairing. With a great deal of hard work and sweat equity, opening day was one of celebration.
Family, friends, city leaders, members of the community, and the Chamber of Commerce were among those in attendance for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Just inside, an elongated building full of nostalgia and beautifully restored pieces of its history classically blended in. Behind the unique counter space, the staff eager to greet customers. Constructed from crates dating from the 1950s and manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, the space boasts its history derived from Fort Chaffee.
It was important to Smith that the pieces of the building’s history remain a part of the future. Customers have noticed too. “Look how nice it is in here,” exclaimed Chamber of Commerce President Sheri Hopkins.
“I want to thank everyone who has been with me throughout this entire process,” shared an emotional Smith. “It’s been a long journey…We have done a lot to improve the downtown area of Mansfield, and want to encourage others to do so as well.” Smith went on to thank her family for their support throughout the remodel and opening. “…From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.”
Mayor Black responded stating, “we wish you the best of luck.”
The Field Nutrition is located at 106 E. Howard Street in Mansfield. You can view their menu and hours of operation on their Facebook page, The Field Nutrition.
A special prosecutor has been named in the investigation involving a Waldron Police officer. Emily White has been appointed in the case, and on Wednesday, June 29, she released the following statement:
At this time, I can confirm an appointment as Special Prosecuting Attorney for the 15th Judicial District, which includes Scott County, Arkansas. My appointment is for purposes of an investigation and prosecution, if necessary, of an incident involving the Waldron Police Department and a vehicle pursuit, which started in Huntington and ended in Scott County on February 16, 2022. The investigation into these events of February 16, 2022, remains in progress. Arkansas State Police continues to assist me with this investigation, and I anticipate making a file decision within the next sixty (60) days. Because the investigation remains open, I will refrain from further comment.
This is an update to a story first published in February 2022 after the Huntington Police Department released an incident report as the arresting agency in the case of Robert Lee Deer, Jr.
The investigation has reportedly been ongoing since the arrest of Deer, 49, of Van Buren. Deer was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on February 17, 2022, at 1:36 a.m. and charged with assault on a certified law enforcement officer and fleeing.
Deer was traveling through Huntington when Officer Mark Harris attempted to make a traffic stop. Deer failed to stop and the Mansfield Police Department joined in pursuing Deer. That chase continued into Scott County. Officer Harris alerted Scott County of the chase and was informed that the Scott County Sheriff’s Office had set up spike strips in the area near Packsaddle Church. “As we passed the position of the spike strip, a Waldron Police unit driven by Officer Omar Gonzalez got behind the van, taking over the pursuit…I was advised that the van missed the spike strip as we continued to head south coming into the Waldron City Limits.”
According to Harris’ report, Deer made several turns in the city limits but eventually returned to Highway 71. A Scott County Deputy joined in the pursuit. Deputy Spearman attempted to pass and slow Deer, who was driving a 1999 Ford F350 van. As the pursuit neared Echo Road, Stearman again attempted to get ahead of, and slow Deer. The chase would end after Deer collided with a dirt embankment.
“I exited my unit and approached the rear driver’s side of the van and pulled a less than lethal pepper ball gun. The driver had opened the door and I ordered him to get out of the vehicle and go onto his stomach down on the ground. The driver came out of the driver’s side door and laid on his back not listening to my commands. As I instructed the driver to turn to his stomach and show me his hands, he reached for his waistband, in what seemed like an attempt to get something out of his waistband. I concentrated on his hands as he rolled to his stomach and put his hands underneath him. The driver continued to disobey orders to show us his hands and I deployed my JPX Pepperball to the subject’s face, also striking Officer Gonzales with some of the pepper. The driver then placed his hands to his back as all officers were affected by the pepper deployed. At this time, other officers had arrived on scene. I had observed that the driver had placed his hands behind his back after the pepper had been deployed. So, I placed my one free hand on his back to ensure that he did not attempt to get up and escalate the situation and was waiting for another officer to produce handcuffs and place on the subject. At that time, I was still under the effects of the pepper off-spray and when other officers moved in to place handcuffs on the subject, I moved from the area to clear my airway. I turned back to the subject and saw three officers trying to place handcuffs on the driver as he once again refused to place his hands to his back. Once the subject had handcuffs placed on him…Officer Fletcher and I walked the male to my unit and checked him for weapons and placed him in the backseat of my unit. I identified the driver as Mr. Robert Deer by his ID that was located on his person during the weapons search. I then asked Mr. Deer if he knew why I was attempting to stop him, he stated ‘no’. I told Mr. Deer that he had a tailpipe dragging casing sparks and he replied yes, he knew that because it was broken. When asked why he did not stop in Mansfield, Mr. Deer replied that he had broken up with his girlfriend and when I turned on my lights he got depressed and didn’t want to stop. I then assisted Officer Fletcher in searching the van and did not find anything that seemed to cause Mr. Deer not to want to stop. Once the vehicle search was completed, I then transported Mr. Deer to the Sebastian County Detention Center where he was decontaminated from the pepper ball. As I was doing my booking paperwork, I noticed Mr. Deer’s right eye was swollen and there was blood around the area of his face. The following day, Officer Fletcher contacted me and advised that she and her chief had reviewed her video footage of the pursuit and found what appeared to be misconduct that could have led to the injuries sustained by Mr. Deer. I was asked by Chief Robb of the Mansfield Police Department to burn him a copy of my camera footage of the incident so that he could see a different perspective of his officer’s conduct in the event that occurred. A copy of the incident was given to the Mansfield Police Department as well as my City Attorney.”
Freedom of Information Act requests were made to all of the departments involved. Both the Mansfield Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office stated that because their department was not the arresting agency, no incident reports were made. The City Attorney for Waldron, Mark Johnson, responded and denied the FOIA request on the basis that the information requested was part of an ongoing investigation.
Resident News is monitoring this story and will continue to follow it and bring you updates.
As summer begins, Arkansas is likely to experience heat waves causing energy bill increases for many. Arkansans have already seen a tremendous rise in energy prices due to previous severe weather, inflation, supply chain issues, the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, and the halting of domestic oil and gas drilling. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging all Arkansans to take precautions to prepare their home and finances with the squelching summer months to come.
“Arkansans should expect skyrocketing price increases this summer, and that includes everything from energy prices to survive the sweltering southern heat to materials that better equip your house to reduce those energy costs,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “President Biden has stopped our nation’s ability to be self-sufficient in energy and Arkansans will feel the impact this summer with high energy bills.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to keep energy costs low throughout the summer months:
Use a programmable thermostat to automatically raise the temperature when no one is home. Some newer models can connect to smartphones, providing access regardless of location.
Seal cracks or holes around the home by weather-stripping doors and windows and adding insulation to walls, attic and crawlspace to prevent loss of air conditioning.
Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise to recirculate cold air.
Make sure air vents are unobstructed.
Close the vents and doors to rooms that are not being used.
Keep air filters clean and replace regularly.
Other tips and resources are available at EnergyEfficiencyArkansas.org, a partnership between Arkansas utility companies and the Arkansas Energy Office.
There are resources available for Arkansans needing assistance with energy bills. Visit the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment website for more information about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Arkansans may apply for LIHEAP’s help beginning July 11, 2022.
For more information about other consumer-related issues, please visit ArkansasAG.gov or contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or (800) 482-8982.
By Mary Hightower U of A System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas cattle producers are being urged to check their herds for unusual ticks and take measures to prevent transmission of theileriosis or other tick-related diseases.
The warnings follow the recent finding of additional Asian longhorned ticks in northwest Arkansas by scientists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The invasive tick can transmit the Theileria orientalis parasite, which attacks blood cells. The Ikeda genotype of this organism can be fatal to cattle.
COLLECTING — Extension program tech Elizabeth Smith holds a vial of ticks collected from cattle at Savoy, Arkansas. (UofA System Division of Agriculture photo by Kelly Loftin)
There is no treatment for the theileriosis this organism causes and survivors of the initial infection carry the Theileria parasite for life. Asian longhorned ticks are very small. The adult female is only about the size of a pea when it is full of blood. Their size and quick movement make them very hard to detect.
“If they find a tick that doesn’t look familiar, they should take it to the county agent and bring all the information they can about when they found it, what animals it’s from and what pastures the animal has been in,” said Kelly Loftin, extension entomologist for the Division of Agriculture.
“We would want to know if the host animal was a cow or calf, or a recent introduction to the herd, or whether it’s been there a month or so,” he said, and “We want to know where the cow came from, if they just brought it home.”
Jeremy Powell, veterinarian and animal science professor who conducts research for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, said that without effective treatments, prevention is the best medicine.
“The best thing a cattle producer can do is minimize the risk by really focusing on parasite control,” he said. Powell recommended using insecticidal ear tags or using insecticide-infused back rubbers cattle can walk under. He said ear tags are in use at the Division of Agriculture’s Savoy Unit with classes of acaricides being rotated to prevent resistance.
“Keep pastures clipped,” he said. “Wooded areas are a great place for ticks to ambush a potential host. Fence those off.”
Both Loftin and Powell said awareness by those in agriculture of these ticks and the diseases they could transmit is key “so people can be looking out for it.”
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.
Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 25 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
