Resident News Network

Obituary – Richie Dee Piles (1975-2022)

Obituaries

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7:59 pm

Richie Dee Piles of Waldron, Arkansas passed away on Saturday June 11, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas. Richie was born July 21, 1975 to Leamon Piles Jr. and Judy Carol Piles in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was 46 years old.

Richie grew up in and around Parks and Waldron, Arkansas. He was a Waldron High School graduate. Richie loved watching football, enjoyed listening to music, and also liked to play video games.

Richie leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother Judy Piles of Waldron, Arkansas, his father and step mother: Leamon and Edna Piles of Parks, Arkansas, one brother: Jason Piles and wife Terri of Greenwood, and two step sisters: Karla Scott and husband Buster of Cedar Creek, Arkansas and Keri Davis and husband Jason of Greenwood, Arkansas. Richie will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends he loved dearly.

Richie was preceded in death by his step brother Kris McCullah and his grandparents Holland and Inez Piles and Nova and Elva Houston.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Bees need watering too

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:16 pm

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When temperatures rise, so does the need for honey bee hydration, said Jon Zawislak, an extension expert in bees and urban entomology for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“Bees may be able to get sufficient water from the nectar they drink to get by, but they are often found drinking water from other sources in the summer,” he said. “Honey bees particularly need extra water because they use it to cool their hives in the summertime.”

Despite their small size, the thousands of honey bees in a colony can generate a lot of heat.

“Honey bees maintain a fairly constant temperature of 93 degrees inside their nest, which is the perfect temperature to incubate baby bees,” Zawislak said.

The bees moderate hive temperature in a couple of ways. The first is by fanning outside air into the hive.

“Many bees will line up together, facing one direction, and actively fan their wings, creating air currents into and out of a bee hive,” he said. “They bring in fresh, cool, oxygen-rich air while blowing out the stale, humid air filled with carbon dioxide.”

The tactics change when the temperatures rise and just bringing in outside air doesn’t help as much.

“The bees then rely on evaporative cooling,” Zawislak said. Bees have a nectar crop — an extra stomach-like organ used to haul nectar back to the hive. During hot weather, bees fill the crops with water.

“Back at the hive, the busy bees will deposit tiny droplets of water all around the hive,” he said. “As the bees fan their wings, the moving air evaporates the water and carries some of the heat away with it. They use the same activity to evaporate water from nectar to help turn it into honey.”

Help hydrate your bees

It’s easy to provide a water source for pollinators.

“You can leave a dish out for them or keep your bird bath full if you don’t mind them buzzing around your garden,” Zawislak said. “Bees can’t swim, though, and they can’t sip while on the wing like a hummingbird.”

Bees must land to take a drink, so they need a “platform” to reach the water.

“You can fill a container with clean gravel they can sit on while they sip or provide them with pieces of wood floating in the water for them to land on,” he said. “Bees will also visit swimming pools and hot tubs if they can’t find any other water sources. They will usually be found sipping from puddles splashed around the pool and won’t try to get to climb down the ladder. So be mindful of them as you walk around in your bare feet.”

Learn more about bees at the UABeeBlog.

Waldron School Board Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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4:11 pm

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MINUTES

WALDRON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

JUNE 13, 2022

6:30 P.M.

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, June 13, 2022,at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay and Mac Davis. Board member Tammye Sherrill was not present. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Ryan Walker, Chris Lipham, Kim Solomon, Darla Jeffery, Ken Landon, Tonya Cluck, Cheyenne Smith, Zack Taylor, Ethan Millard and Kristi Sigman.

Vice-President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:33p.m.

Mr. Woodall welcomed everyone.

Mr. McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Mrs. Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the May 9^th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve SHI Purchase Order for Annual Microsoft EES Agreement; D) Approve Nearpod Purchase Order for Yearly Renewal for HS/MS; E) Approve zSpacePurchase Order for Yearly Renewal for High School; F) Approve Renaissance Purchase Order for High School; G) Approve Solomon Steel Corporation Inc. Purchase Order for Central Office. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the 4 School Choice Transfers. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the resolution to comply with ACT 1105 of the 2017 regular legislative session regarding 20% carryover balance. The Board authorizes the Superintendent and district treasurer to move any amount over the 20% ending balance to the building fund. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the Stipend Schedule Change. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the Contract Disclosure Form and Resolution for Solomon Steel Corporation. Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Walker wanted to acknowledge Cheyenne Smith for being awarded a $25,000.00 scholarship to seek her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Summer School is coming to a finish this week. Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham spoke about the process that will be put in place as the court liaison. He also stated that the peewee football program will be utilizing the school’s football field for their games.

Superintendent Daniel Fielding reported on the Work Keys testing results. He also addressed the safety of students while at school and what is being done and what can be done different to increase the security.

Adjourned to executive session. Time dismissed: 7:22 Time returned: 8:34

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the resignations of:

Steve Lunsford, Bus Driver; Breanna Price, HS Paraprofessional; Tiffany Watkins, HS Secretary; Lori Hamilton, HS Business and Computer Science Teacher; Lauren Hearron, MS Science Teacher; Bryce Langley, MS Band Director; LorrelPassmore Thompson, Kindergarten Teacher; Aleceia Wise, HS English Teacher; Judy Napier, MS Special Education Teacher; and

Karri Owens, Special Education Secretary, all as of the end of the 2021/22 School Year. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to accept the resignation of Karley Thompson as MS Special Education Paraprofessional as of 05-31-2022. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to accept the resignation of Michael Cody Parks as Technology Director as of 06-16-2022. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Hunter Wilson as ½ Level 1 Bus Driver with 0 years’ experience for the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Erica Dozier as a Level 2 Bus Driver with 3 years’ experience and Dillon Ward as a Level 1 Bus Driver with 3 years’ experience for the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Anna Hudson as MS Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Jessica Neely as MS Special Education Teacher for the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Sierra Johnson and Erin Ewing as Elementary Teachers as of the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Randi Hickman as Middle School Assistant Principal as of the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Grace McPherson as a Level II Computer Technician at an hourly rate of $16.22/hour starting 06-14-2022. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Laramie Thompson from June 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022, at an hourly rate of $15.16. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Jeremy Hall as Elementary night shift Custodian for the 2022-23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Carwin Hackworth as Elementary Custodian for the 2022/23 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

How To Have a Fun Summer Staycation With the Family

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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3:23 pm

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How To Have a Fun Summer Staycation With the Family

Summer doesn’t have to mean having a lavish getaway somewhere tropical. Instead, it could mean days spent having a fun board game tournament that lasts the entire summer or renovating a section of your home. No matter what the experience is, try and do it at home. Spend this summer with your family by having a staycation.

Renovate a Space in Your Home

While your kids are off doing their thing for part of the day, you can start dabbling in the house reno projects you’ve been dying to do since the new year. Instead of doing anything too time-consuming, try painting.

There are still ways to apply Pantone’s color of the year to your walls, especially to liven up a bedroom or an office space. Start by finding the room you want to revamp, and then find things that help balance the color, like a neutral-colored desk or a new comforter set.

Check Out Local Donut and Coffeeshops

You don’t need to travel far to check out the hottest donut and coffee shops. Instead, open your favorite review app or website and scour the lists of top donuts and coffee shops near you. Some might be a bit further away, but it can also mean a fun mini road trip with the family.

Make a list of five places to visit each week, and make the excursion early in the morning. Additionally, check if the menus have alternatives, such as dairy products, gluten, vegan, etc. This information will make the adventure more fun for everyone.

Hold Board Game Tournaments

Sitting indoors with nothing to do can be a bummer. Mix things up a little with a board game tournament—from Monopoly to Risk, board games make each day fun. Create fun prizes, too, such as the winner choosing dessert or getting to pick a restaurant.

Camp Outside

Venturing outdoors can seem scary to many, especially kids. If your children aren’t ready for summer camp, try camping in your backyard. Pitch a tent, grab bug spray, a sleeping bag, and your favorite chocolate for s’mores.

Make camping a few feet away more fun with a campfire, ghost stories, night games, and songs. These activities will make camping outside fun and get the kids ready to attend sleep-away camp next year.

Explore Fun Tourist Sites

Find out your state’s most fun places that tourists love to venture to! You can’t say you’re from a place without acting like a tourist in your town.

Do what the tourists do and explore your neighborhood, city, or state. Better yet, go one state over and spend the day exploring the town’s culture and history.

Summer can be more fun when no one’s sitting around all day. Summer staycations are fun for the entire family. Gather your favorites from this list and create a stay-at-home itinerary to make this summer vacation the most fun ever.

Arrest Reports 6/5

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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3:33 am

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Benjamin Levi Black of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 13 at 3:06 p.m. and released on signature bond June 13 at 10:18 p.m. Black was charged with Theft of Property <$1k.

Caleb Ryan Brasher of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 7 at 11 a.m. and released on signature bond June 7 at 3:50 p.m. Brasher was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the third degree, and domestic battering in the third Degree – purposely.

Brandon A Crabtree of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 5 at 8:50 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond June 5 at 10:45 p.m. Crabtree was charged with terroristic threatening in the first degree.

Carol Lynn Gibbs of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 9 at 10:04 a.m. and remains at the SCADC as an Arkansas Department of Corrections hold.

Mark Dewayne Langwell of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 11 at 10:12 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Langwell was charged with fugitive from justice out of state.

Nathan Wayne Mackey of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 6 at 10:59 p.m. and released on signature bond June 8 at 9:24 a.m. Mackey was charged with failure to appear class B misdemeanor.

Andrew Micheal Miller of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 11 at 8:59 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Miller was charged with fugitive from justice from out of state.

Jenna M Reandeau of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 10 at 2 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Reandeau was charged with driving while intoxicated – third offense.

James Matthew Studie of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 9 at 10:17 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond as an Arkansas Department of Corrections commitment hold.

Brandon Neal Reeves of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 7 at 5:08 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Reeves is an Arkansas Department of Corrections hold and returned to testify.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Melissa Kay Bowman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 6 at 10:06 p.m. and released on signature bond June 6 at 11:19 p.m. Bowman was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Ronald Roy Boyles of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 6 at 1:26 p.m. and released on signature bond June 13 at 4:49 p.m. Boyles was charged with obstructing governmental operations-ID, and theft by receiving.

Jason Allen Palmer of Van Buren was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 9 at 9:50 p.m. and released on signature bond June 10 at 3:28 a.m. Palmer was charged with criminal trespass.

Sebastian Kyle Phakdy of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 9 at 7:29 p.m. and released on signature bone June 10 at 1:57 a.m. Phakdy was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Richard Aarron Schafer of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 11 at 2:36 p.m. and released on bond June 11 at 8:22 p.m. Schafer was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Meagan Nicole Waymire of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 6 at 7:58 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Waymire was charged with assist outside agency – misd.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Lindsey August Wilcox of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 7 at 2:34 a.m. and released to an outside agency on June 7 at 10:06 a.m. Wilcox was charged with assist outside agency – misd.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Timmy Pettigrew of Paris was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 6 at 1:16 p.m. Pettigrew was charged with theft by receiving, parole violation, and failure to appear.

Zachary Farnham of Subiaco was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 6 at 4:27 p.m. and was charged as a parole hold.

Shannon Wilkerson of Paris was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 9 at 5:03 p.m. Wilkerson was charged with warrant served, criminal mischief in the first degree, and theft of property.

David Kizer of New Blaine was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 10 at 11:29 a.m. Kizer was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Shannon Armstrong of Scranton was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 10 at 2:40 p.m. and was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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

An Open Letter from Jason Baggett

Jason Baggett

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12:51 am

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In an ever-changing social environment, Resident News Network has, and will be undergoing changes to further the delivering of local news+sports content in effective manners for our growing readership.

Earlier this year, both Resident Press, and The Greenwood Resident websites were combined into one website, ResidentNewsNetwork.com. This was required due to, not only our online growth, but the individual growth in coverage areas. This move also helped with timely, and seamless content delivery. Our Instagram and Twitter accounts were also merged to coincide with one single goal.

While these changes were needed, it was the first major step towards focusing our daily content throughout social media, and interactions across all networks, with a prominent brand initiative.

More recently, the Resident Press and Resident News Network Facebook pages switched identities in a second phase of revising our online presence. The final step which will occur during the month of June, is to absorb The Greenwood Resident content into the Resident News Network Facebook page.

With these changes, and more to come, we’re excited about a promising future of further closing the gap of providing authentic local news+sports you depend on, and deserve.

Our newsprint and subscriptions will remain the same, with the only change being that of extending print distribution into multiple areas within Logan County. Individual branding, specialized coverage, locally focused content delivered weekly, is exactly what a hometown newspaper should and that is our exact design. No national headlines, no sensationlism.

Change in itself is sometimes hard, and yet always needed at some point. Each of these steps have been carefully thought out, and planned to ensure that our readership receives the very best, in the best way possible.

As always, we take great pride in being tangible, listening to our readership and making changes that reflect the best case scenario possible. Should you have any questions, or concerns, please reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

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Mays to Serve as Victory Director for Republican Gubernatorial Nominee

Tammy Teague

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7:46 pm

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Mays to Serve as Victory Director for Republican Gubernatorial Nominee

On Thursday, June 9, the Republican Party of Arkansas announced three new staff members.

Seth Mays – Victory Director
Born in a Fort Smith hospital following a tornado, Seth Mays knows how to make an entrance. A graduate of Mansfield High School he attended Arkansas Tech University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and an Associate of Science in criminal justice. While in his senior year of college Seth was named Political Director for Governor Asa Hutchinson’s 2018 campaign for re-election, which resulted in the largest win percentage for a 4-year governor and the most counties won by a Republican nominee. Following the 2018 cycle, Seth moved to Washington, DC to work for the Republican National Committee in local and national communications, where he interacted with media outlets across the nation. He moved back to Arkansas to be Senior Political Director for the Republican Party of Arkansas during the 2020 election, where Arkansas Republicans won a record number of state house and senate races, and finally controlled more than 50% of county-wide offices. It was from there that he joined the team at JCD Consulting, before ultimately being asked by Republican gubernatorial nominee Sarah Huckabee Sanders to be Victory Director for the 2022 cycle. Seth is a former two-time State Chairman of the Arkansas Federation of College Republicans. He currently lives in Little Rock, and is a native of Mansfield, AR.

“It’s an incredible honor to be asked to lead the grassroots effort of the Republican Party of Arkansas and our next Governor: Sarah Huckabee Sanders,” stated Mays. “From Mansfield to West Memphis, and Mountain Home to El Dorado, we will compete everywhere there is a chance to defend our majorities, flip Democrat-held legislative seats, and make sure we send back statewide Republican executives to Little Rock in 2023. I am excited about the enthusiasm Sarah brings to the top of our ticket and she will be leading the red wave in November.”

Other new staff appointments include: Greenbrier native Amber Crawford as Communications Director, and Hot Springs native Gabrielle Harvey as Administrative Assistant.

Identify, avoid Arkansas’ six venomous snake species this summer

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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3:13 am

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Identify, avoid Arkansas’ six venomous snake species this summer

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

As summer approaches in the Natural State, many Arkansans will take to hiking trails, campgrounds, lakes, rivers and favorite swimming holes to enjoy time outdoors. While doing so, it’s important to be aware of Arkansas’ native snakes – including six venomous species – and how to avoid them.

Arkansas has 39 native snake species. Six of these are venomous: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Western Pygmy Rattlesnake and Texas Gulf-coast Coral snake. Of these, only the Cottonmouth can be found in wetland habitats such as swamps, streams and drainage ditches. For a guide on identifying these venomous species and more information on native snakes, check out the Cooperative Extension Service’s Snakes of Arkansas fact sheet.

While many people fear snakes, deaths from venomous snakebites are rare. From 1983 to 2018, 68 deaths caused by venomous snakes were reported to Poison Control Centers.

Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that while seeing a snake in one’s yard can be frightening at first, non-venomous snakes can be an asset to homeowners. They help control other wildlife on the property, preying on rodents, insects, toads, frogs, crayfish, minnows, and even other snakes.

“If you have a non-venomous snake in your yard, you should probably keep it instead of killing it because it could actually be defending its territory against the snakes you don’t want to be there,” McPeake said. “And it’s not going to harm you. As a matter of fact, it’ll be eating mice and other pests that might get into your home.”

McPeake said it’s important to remember that snakes are “more afraid of us than we are of them” and to treat them with respect. To be “snake aware,” follow these guidelines:

Walk on paths with clear visibility and little ground cover. If walking at night, be sure to use a light source to brighten the path.
Never step over logs or other obstacles unless one can see the other side. McPeake suggests carefully stepping on top of a log – after checking that there is not a snake resting atop it – and looking on the other side. “Snakes can hide underneath the log, right alongside where it meets the ground, waiting for prey,” she said.
“Watch where you put your hands,” McPeake said. “Don’t put fingers under debris you intend to move. Flip with a wooden pole to make sure a snake isn’t hidden underneath.”
Make noise and be watchful, particularly of where you are about to step.
Carry a walking stick to clear away leaves, make noise, flip objects and keep balance when peeking over logs or other obstacles before crossing.
Wear close-toed shoes or boots, as many snakebites result when walking barefoot or wearing sandals around the yard.
If you encounter a snake, step back and allow it to pass. Snakes usually don’t move fast, and one can retreat from the snake’s path.

Snakes are ectothermic, or “cold-blooded,” which means their body temperature is similar to their surroundings, so they seek particular locations to regulate their temperature. Most snakes prefer to maintain body heat at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, though they are active in temperatures ranging from 50 to 104 degrees F.

During the hot summer months, snakes are more active at night and seek cooler shelter during the day.

Keep an eye out for snakes while swimming or boating. Cottonmouths are the only venomous snake found in water in Arkansas, and they’re more likely to swim in brackish water such as streams or swamps. McPeake said it’s important to stay alert for snakes in overhanging trees while canoeing or kayaking.

“Look up. If I’m in a canoe, I’m always mentally ready for a snake to drop down, then to pick up the paddle and scoop it out,” she said. “Don’t panic. It seems to me that right when a snake drops, it’s stunned. It will sit there for a second, and that’s your chance to get it out.”

If one does get bit by a venomous snake, McPeake’s advice is simple: go straight to the hospital without delay. For those venturing into more remote wilderness, it’s important to prepare for such an emergency.

“If you’re in a wilderness situation without reasonably close access to a hospital, I would say you need to educate yourself and learn what you need to have in case of a snake bite,” she said.

If you’re sure the bite is from a non-venomous snake, then treat it “just like any other bite or wound,” McPeake said. Clean it, keep it bandaged, and watch it for signs of infection.

McPeake emphasized that though snakes can cause a fright, they will usually avoid a confrontation with people.

“We all may get a shock or surprise when you first see the snake, but you need to realize that the snake is not going to harm you,” she said. “It’s that old saying: it’s as scared as we are. You’re the smarter being. Stay in control, get out of its path, and move on.”

Mansfield School Board Holds Special Meeting

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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3:06 am

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Mansfield School Board Holds Special Meeting

RECORDS AND PROCEEDINGS

A special meeting of the Board of Education of Mansfield School District No. 76

At the special meeting of the Board of Education of the School District aforesaid, at the Administration Building, on June 2, 2022,there being present Rick Nicodemus, Lesli Baggett, Michael Gipson, Jan Carlton and Steve Hattabaugh; Absent: none.

All members of the board, the following business were transacted to wit:

(Minutes were recorded by Carol Reano)

STAFF PRESENT: Joe Staton, Carol Reano, Magan Elmore, Tommy Brewer, Becky Vanelli, Rhonda Bullard, Dimity Beran, Lori Lamb, Tina Smith

The meeting was called to order by Rick Nicodemus, School Board President, at 6:00 p.m.

IN THE MATTER OF:Resignations

Executive session was requested at 6:00 p.m. by Staton for personnel matters.

The meeting was called back to order at 7:36 p.m.

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Baggett, to approve Staton’s recommendation to accept the resignations of Floyd Fisher, Donovan Jones, Talana Nelson, Oslin Michael Parker, John Reid, and Cathy Otto.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Carlton, Hattabaugh

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 5-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:Hires

A motion was made by Hattabaugh, seconded by Gipson, to accept Staton’s recommendation to approve to hire Bryce Langley for the band position.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Carlton, Hattabaugh

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Carlton, to accept Staton’s recommendation to approve to hire Joshua Brown for the middle school principal’s position and to continue to remain head senior high boys basketball coach effective the 2022-2023 contract year.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Carlton, Hattabaugh

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 5-0.

OTHER BOARD COMMUNICATION:

Nicodemus opened the floor for comments:

Tawni Stover addresses her concerns at the high school.

Dimity Beran and Rhonda Bullard thanked the board for the opportunity to serve on the principal’s committee, hiring Joshua Brown, and serving the school.

Lori Lamb spoke on the TAG program presenting at the State School Board meeting and gave an update on the TAG program for the summer programs.

IN THE MATTER OF:Adjournment

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Gipson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Baggett, Gipson, Carlton, Hattabaugh

Voting against the motion:

Motion passed 5-0.

How to Handle Catfish

Madison VanRavensway

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5:16 pm

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It’s a commonly accepted myth that catfish are able to sting. Fortunately for those fishing for them it’s not true. For inexperience fishers catching a large cat may raise questions of how do you hold it to unhook it?

To better understand this its important to take a look at a catfish’s anatomy. The most iconic characteristic of these ray-finned fish are their whiskers. Just like a cat, rabbit, or dogs whiskers, a catfish’s are harmless. Touching them will not result in any pain to humans, but could cause discomfort to the fish.

Even though catfish can’t sting, much like perch, they can do damage with the fins on their backs. Depending on what type of catfish you are looking at there are variations in the number of rays and anal fins. But the dorsal and pectoral fins are the same, and they are what can hurt us.

The pectoral fins are on the fish’s side and low, while the dorsal fin is behind the head and up on it’s back. Inside the fins are spines that can prick up, while it’s possible to touch this and not be injured if a puncture to the skin occurs venom can be injected causing edema and hemolytic. Larger catfish are less likely to do any damage due to their duller spines, small catfish are the general culprits for injuries as their spines are more needle-like.

Catfish that are under two pounds or less than approximately 16 inches are the ones to be really careful when handling. Place your hand behind the dorsal and pectoral fins, the skin between your thumb and pointer finger should be resting behind the dorsal fin.

When handling a larger cat the standard lip grip is easiest for maneuvering the hook out of their mouth. Since they are also less likely to break the skin, this is a safe method for fish and human.

When you catch a 44lb one, you just do the best you can. Thank you to Steve and Shelly Hunt and Matthew Branum for allowing me to share.

Say you have been finned- it is best to treat with hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptic as quickly as possible , and cover with a bandage to keep clean.

Alternatively in my research of this article I read rubbing the injured area on the belly of the catfish for ten to fifteen seconds will the sting. Then follow up with an antiseptic and bandage. To each his own, I am just the messenger on that one, I would personally recommend skipping the belly slime and the increased risk of infection.

R

Renovate a Space in Your Home

Check Out Local Donut and Coffeeshops

Hold Board Game Tournaments

Camp Outside

Explore Fun Tourist Sites

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