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.
The summertime is a great time to start a new hobby and learn a new skill, like quilting. If you’ve recently decided to take up quilting, you know that there’s a lot to learn. One subject you’ll need to learn about is the different types of prints to use in a quilt. Keep reading to learn more about the four types of prints you should use when quilting.
Large Print
You’ll need to select fabric with a large print to be the focal point of the blanket when making a traditional quilt. Large scale prints feature large prints that can be around five inches big or bigger, with several inches of space between them. They come in any design or direction, from specific scenery that must face a certain way to geometric or natural prints that flow in any direction. Many large prints are also colorful since they’re the focal point of your quilting project.
Medium Print
When making your quilt, you’ll also need medium print fabric. Medium prints feature designs slightly smaller than large prints with more space between them. You should match the colors of your medium print to your large one and use one that goes in any direction. This way, your eye has something to look at as it finishes looking at the focal point.
Small Print
Small prints will help balance your quilt between the large and medium prints and are often geometric or abstract. Some are monochromatic and look like blender fabric, but others use more than one color for a more dynamic look. Their designs can be close together or spaced apart. Either type of small print will allow you to continue the color scheme and add texture without overwhelming the eye.
Blender Fabric
Blender fabric is essentially the same as small print fabric, except that it’s always monochromatic, and the print is normally far apart. Their prints can be anything from abstract or geometric to natural or floral. This makes them appear like solid colors from a distance but adds texture when viewed closely. Know that you can use blender fabrics to transition between various prints in your quilt.
The four types of prints you should use in a quilt are large, medium, small, and blender. When used together, these different prints will make your quilt dynamic and beautiful. As you learn more about quilting, you’ll be able to experiment with other kinds of prints and fabric.
The Arkansas Activities Association held their 2022 All-Star Weekend June 24-25. Magazine is proud to have 2 outstanding athletes representing their school and community.
Kylie Robinson is the granddaughter of Tommy and Donna Robinson of Magazine. Kylie was selected for the All-Star West Softball team. She played short-stop for the Lady Rattlers. The All-Star softball game was held on Friday, June 24. The West defeated the East in the first game 9 to 1 in Game 1. Game 2 ended in a tie at 7 all. Kylie will be attending Arkansas Tech University in Russellville this fall.
Ashton Droemer is the son of Dusty and Amber Droemer of Blue Mountain. Ashton was selected for the All-Star West Football team. He played safety and corner for the Rattlers. The All-Star football game was held on Saturday, June 25. The East had a strong team this year and defeated the West 54 to 9. Ashton will be attending the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith this fall.
Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes.
The Independence Day holiday will be a prolonged celebration this year, as the nation’s birthday occurs on a Monday. Many Arkansas families will start their travel plans Friday with varied destinations over the following three days. With increased traffic volume anticipated, comes the risk of tragedy often attributed to a drunk driver.
Law enforcement officers across the state are aware of these risks and know firsthand what can happen when a driver mixes alcohol with a holiday celebration. All too often the end result is injury or death. This is why Arkansas State Troopers, sheriff’s deputies and local police officers will increase their patrols to be on guard against impaired drivers, getting them off the roadways before anyone can be hurt.
“We want Arkansans to enjoy our nation’s birthday celebration, but not at the expense of making state highways, county roads, and city streets unsafe,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Unfortunately, far too many drivers make the wrong decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming one or two alcoholic drinks, or using drugs, placing other motorists in harm’s way. Our state troopers along with other law enforcement officers will be prepared to stop and arrest these dangerous drivers to ensure the safety of all.”
From 2016 to 2020, there were 1,390 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period. Thirty-nine percent (542) of the drivers killed were alcohol impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and more than half (51%) were between the ages of 21-34.
With many holiday festivities wrapping up late in the evening, nighttime hours are especially dangerous. Over the 2020 Independence Day holiday period, of the 201 people who died in alcohol impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 85% of the crashes were at night (6 PM – 5:59 AM).
This Fourth of July, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and NHTSA are working together to urge drivers to designate a sober driver before drinking any alcohol. If you plan on drinking, do not plan to drive.
The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
• Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
• Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against the drunk driver.
Learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign intended to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit highway safety office web site https://www.tzdarkansas.org/
A special board meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building, Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay and Angela Hunsucker. Board members Mac Davis and Tammye Sherrill were not present. Others present was Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Chris Lipham and Ken Landon.
Vice-President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 5:01p.m.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the purchase order to Wight Office Machines. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the quote to Pickens Flooring and Remodel, pending ESSER approval. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to except the resignations for the following:
Zachary Galinato, resigning from Technology Technician as of the end of 2021/22 SY
Lisa Crenshaw, resigning from Elementary Teacher as of the end of 2021-22 SY
Dusti Cothran, resigning from MS Math Teacher as of the end of 2021-22 SY
Robert Coker, II, resigning from Coach and Civics Teacher as of the end of 2021-22 SY
Cory Chambers, resigning from Coach and PE Teacher as of the end of the 2021-22 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Ralph Peery and Michael Wilmott as full time substitute bus drivers for the 2022-23 SY on a 180-day contract @ $50.00 a day for $9,000.00. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to transfer Tina Watts to the Special Education Administrative Assistant position for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Danielle Barnett as Elementary Teacher for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Charles Barnett as MS Special Education Teacher, pending reciprocity of certification from Texas for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to transfer James Turmanfrom Jr./Sr. High Choir Teacher to MS Band Director for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Ericka Shrum as the 9th Grade Literacy Teacher, providing she meets all requirements for licensure and obtains her permanent teaching license, for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to transfer Misty Waddle from HS Paraprofessional to HS Career Technical Business Teacher, providing she meets all requirements for licensure to obtain her permanent teaching license, for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Alisha Brown for the High School Secretary position with 7 years’ experience for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn. Motion carried 3-0.
Rita Carol Gibson of Ft. Smith, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, June 24, 2022 in Ft. Smith with her loving family by her side. Rita was born February 25, 1949 to Herman L. Atchley and Ivadale (Parsons) Atchley in Waldron, Arkansas. She was 73 years old.
Rita was a dedicated school teacher for 37 years inspiring the lives of many children during this time. She was an avid bridge player and was a Arkansas River Valley Master Gardener in the years following her retirement. She was an accomplished pianist, playing for the Nazarene Church during her youth. She loved her dogs. However, what Rita cherished most were the times she was able to help her nephews grow into the men they are and watching them become dads and leaders of their own families. Family time was treasured memories for Rita.
Rita leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother Ivadale Atchley of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, one sister, Sharon Espinoza of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, two nephews: Todd VanDeWiele and wife Toni and Ramon Espinoza and wife Kandy all of Keener, Arkansas, her precious great nieces, Kadance Espinoza, Tristan VanDeWiele, Taylor VanDeWiele, Sadie Grace Espinoza and Rylie Espinoza all of Keener, Arkansas and her Aunt Peggy of Little Rock, Arkansas. Rita will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her father, Herman L. Atchley.
Rita’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2022at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Keith Holleman and Todd VanDeWiele officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Rita’s pallbearers will be Todd VanDeWiele, Ramon Espinoza, Bruce Simkins, Ed Fryar, Brent Keener, and Billy Harwell.
Rita’s visitation will be Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
The family would like to extend a heart felt Thank You to Covington Court, Mercy Hospice and a special caregiver, Latricia Westberry.
Edna G. Slater of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, June 22, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Edna was born June 10, 1928 in Staph Oklahoma to William L. Yandell and Mary E. (Wagner) Yandell. She was 94 years young.
Edna was a vivacious woman. She loved laughing and having a good time. She enjoyed being surrounded by her family and friends making sweet memories. Edna loved to read, garden, work in her flower beds and do yard work. She could also be found watching old westerns, episodes of Andy Griffith or doing word search puzzles to keep her sharp.
Edna leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children: Bobby Slater and wife Kathy, Ellen Hayden and husband Ernie, Robbie Nelson and husband Gary all of Waldron, Arkansas, Sandy (Slater) Brogdon, Patti (Slater) Jenson, Gail (Slater) Yeoman, and Barbie VanMatre and husband Danny. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Sharla Pennington, Alisha Jimenez, Keith Slater, Billy Ray Zimmer, Sheila Nix, Marcus Zimmer, Brian Zimmer, Pam Archer, Tammy Diaz, Russell Hayden and Samuel Slater as well as a bunch of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren. Edna will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family and friends she loved dearly.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents William and Mary Yandell, the father of her children, Raymond C. Slater, her 2nd husband, Willard Slater and one son, Ralph “Bimbo” Slater, great grandsons Adam Boggs, and Christopher Zimmer and grandson in law Mark Nix, and siblings: Roy Yandell, Alan Yandell, Onis Yandell and Evelyn Hunt.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
