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Mansfield School Board Holds Special Meeting

Lifestyle

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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.

Obituary – Lonnie Dean Himes (1955-2022)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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12:51 am

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Obituary – Lonnie Dean Himes (1955-2022)

Lonnie Dean Himes of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Thursday, June 9, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas. Lonnie was born April 24, 1955 to James William Himes and Evelyn (Cheesman) Himes. He was 67 years old.

Lonnie leaves behind to cherish his memory, one daughter, Trisha Adkins of Waldron, Arkansas and a son John Himes of Van Buren, Arkansas. He will forever remain in the hearts of his granddaughters: Britney, Stephanie, Jaden, and grandsons: Joshua and Jace as well as 5 great-grandchildren. Lonnie is also survived by his siblings: Earline Brown, Dub Himes both of Waldron, Arkansas, Verney Himes of Durant, Oklahoma, and Howard Himes of Waldron, Arkansas.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, James and Evelyn, one brother Tom Himes and one sister, Wanda Hitchcock.

Lonnie’s life celebration will be Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Lonnie’s visitation will be Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Katheryn Ellen Schaefer (1929-2022)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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12:49 am

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Obituary – Katheryn Ellen Schaefer (1929-2022)

Katheryn Ellen Schaefer, 92, of Fort Smith, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022. She was born on November 28, 1929 in Brookfield, Missouri to the late John and Roberta Baskin. Katheryn was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and worked as a teacher at Immaculate Conception School. She loved to garden and be outdoors and tend to her flower beds. Katheryn loved her children and grandkids. All four of her children were with her when she passed away. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald M. Schaefer; a sister, Dorothy Shoaf and a grandson, Eric Morrison.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

She is survived by three daughters, Terri Hewitt (Bill) of Charleston, Becky Baird (Pete) of Little Rock and Patti Sharum (Mark) of Barling; a son, Gerald Schaefer, II (Tammy) of Lavaca; a sister, Pat Baskin of Fort Smith; ten grandchildren, Bryan Hewitt (Laura Lea) of Charleston, Jason Sharum (Angie) of Fort Smith, Tricia May (Rob) of Lavaca, Amy Sharum-Morrison of Fort Smith, John Baird (Ann) of Glendale, CA, Michael Baird (Lauren) of Bryant, AR, Michael Schaefer (Justine) of Stuttgart, AR and Zackary Schaefer, Emerson Schaefer and Kynlee Schaefer, all of Lavaca, along with seven great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jason Sharum, Austin Sharum, Eli Sharum, Michael Baird, Michael Schaefer and Rob May.

Family will greet friends Monday, June 13, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The National Pancreas Foundation, in name of Eric Morrison, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 or go to www.pancreas.org or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 22 North 13^th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or go to www.icchurch.com

To view the online guestbook, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com

Scott County Rodeo in the Books

Madison VanRavensway

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10:23 pm

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Scott County hosted its 61st annual rodeo on June 3-4. The stands were filled both nights with fans eager to watch the show.

The 44 Rodeo Company provided the stock for the event and funny man Dennis Lester out of Fayettville provided ample entertainment. Dallie Mathews carried the flag.

Prior to the rodeo, the Scott County Rodeo Club hosted a pageant.

Sr Queen – Gracie Potter – Waldron

Queen – Katelyn Bullard – Waldron

Sweetheart – Montana Lowe – Waldron

Little Miss – Konley Lowrie – Heavener

Princess – Klancey Lowrie – Heavener

The Scott County Rodeo Club would like to thank all the participants, sponsors, and contestants for their support of the Scott County Rodeo! Both nights, and the parade saw great turnouts, with no rain! That’s almost unheard of with the Scott Co. Rodeo.

Special thank you to Kimberlee Dedmon for sharing her photo with us.

Financial Focus: New Limits Expand 401(k), IRA Opportunities

Tammy Teague

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11:37 pm

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Financial Focus: New Limits Expand 401(k), IRA Opportunities

By Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor

You could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement. So, to pay for all those years, you’ll probably need to take full advantage of your retirement accounts. And in 2022, you may have expanded opportunities to deduct retirement plan contributions on your tax return.

Before looking at what’s changed this year, let’s review the key benefits of these accounts:

• Traditional IRA – You typically contribute pretax (deductible) dollars to a traditional IRA, and your earnings can grow tax-deferred.

• Roth IRA – You invest after-tax dollars in a Roth IRA, so your contributions won’t lower your taxable income, but your earnings can grow tax free, provided you’ve had your account at least five years and you’re 59½ or older when you begin taking withdrawals.

• 401(k) – A 401(k) or similar plan (such as a 457(b) for state and local government employees or a 403(b) for employees of public schools or nonprofit groups) is generally funded with pretax dollars and provides tax-deferred earnings. Some employers offer a Roth 401(k), in which employees contribute after tax-dollars and can take tax-free withdrawals if they meet the same age and length-of-ownership requirements as the Roth IRA.

So, what’s different about these plans in 2022? First, consider the traditional IRA. If you – and your spouse, if you’re married – don’t have a 401(k) or similar plan, you can always deduct the full amount of your contribution on your tax return, no matter what you earn. But if one or both of you are covered by an employer-sponsored plan, then your deductions could be reduced or eliminated based on your income.

Single taxpayers can claim the full deduction if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $68,000 or less ($109,000 for married filing jointly), with deductibility decreasing at higher income levels and phasing out entirely at $78,000 ($129,000 for married filing jointly). But here’s the key point: Compared to 2021, these ranges are $2,000 higher for single filers and $4,000 higher for those who are married and filing jointly – which means that this year, you might have more opportunities to make deductible contributions.

And a similar type of increase applies to Roth IRA eligibility. In 2022, if you’re a single filer, you can put in up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you are 50 or older) in a Roth IRA if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $129,000 – up from $125,000 in 2021. Allowable contributions are reduced at higher income levels and phased out if your MAGI is $144,000 or more, up from $140,000 in 2021. If you’re married and file jointly, the respective ranges are $204,000–$214,000, up from $198,000–$208,000 in 2021. Again, higher ranges may mean more opportunities for you. (Consult your tax advisor to determine your eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA or make deductible contributions to a traditional IRA.)

And finally, the annual contribution limit for 401(k), 457(b) and 403(b) plans is $20,500 – up $1,000 from 2021. If you’re 50 or older, you can put in an extra $6,500 this year, for a total of $27,000.

These changes may not seem monumental, but when you’re saving for retirement, any opportunities to invest and potentially reduce taxes, of whatever size, can be valuable. So, review your options to determine how you can help yourself move closer to your retirement goals.

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

Eagles Basketball Hires Cedarville’s Tencleve to Take Reins of Boys Program

Networks

Resident News Network

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10:37 pm

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Eagles Basketball Hires Cedarville’s Tencleve to Take Reins of Boys Program

After a highly successful season that ended in the state playoffs last year under Eagles first year coach, Josh Ferrell, the Paris boys basketball program will adjust to yet another head coaching change. Ferrell, who has accepted a coaching position in Northwest Arkansas, is leaving the program. In a special meeting held in late May, the Paris Board of Education approved a recommendation to hire Cedarville girls coach, Andrew Tencleve, to succeed Ferrell as the new boys basketball coach at Paris.

RNN Sports will publish a complete story on the coaching change in the June 15 Logan County Edition that is available by subscription. Don’t miss this insight story on the new Eagles basketball coach!

RNN would like to congratulate coach Josh Ferrell on an outstanding year in 2021-22, and we wish him much success in his new position at Lincoln High School.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Featured

Tammy Teague

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10:20 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins
Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! It has rained cats and dogs today. I know we will be begging for it in July and August.

My brother Larry has three children, Jason, Michael and Kelly. I have so many fond memories of them growing up. If there is a Wagoner in a crowd there are going to be laughs.

One of those boys married a sweet, precious girl named Tonya Stephens. Face the facts Micheal was a nerd and married one of the prettiest girls I know. We all love her but she couldn’t cook. It’s a fact, she couldn’t cook.

Now they got by somehow. One time I was at their house and supper was on the stove. It was a can of green beans heated up and some mac and cheese. She was pretty so she could get away with it. You know you’re not a cook when you are always asked to bring the paper plates and cups to a family function. Did I mention she was pretty?

They managed to survive and she would call me with her cooking questions. I always enjoyed telling her a recipe or how to cook something. The one question that she would ask quite often and finally I had to raise my voice. She would ask “how do I cook pinto beans?” When I raised my voice, I said, “beans and water, Tonya! Beans and water!!” She hasn’t asked me since, I guess she finally figured out how to cook a pot of beans.

I’m proud to announce there are several things that Tonya can cook now. She has an awesome Frito Salad that she takes to every church potluck and to my house on Christmas because we do Mexican. She has even made a pie or two. As the old saying goes, “she’s come a long way baby.”

Michael on the other hand is still a nerd and even has a t-shirt that says bird nerd on it. He wears it quite proudly. If you know Michael, he doesn’t like any clutter or anything extra anywhere. When they lived in Fort Smith, he always wanted to take stuff to the dump, of course on the first Saturday of the month because that was free dump day. One Saturday they were going somewhere and he had on his slacks. They were all ready to go and he tells Tonya he needs to run by the dump. She didn’t win the battle that day so they go to the dump. They are inside the vehicle and Michael gets in the back of the truck to dump stuff out. They turn around to look at him and he’s gone. Nowhere to be found. I’m sure it wasn’t real upsetting since Tonya didn’t want to go anyways. But, where could he be? Low and behold he had fallen off the back of the truck into the dump. We still laugh when Tonya tells this story. I only wish I could have been there to see it.

This week’s recipe is Tonya’s famous Mexican Frito Salad. It is really good and everyone loves it.
TONYA WAGONER’S FAMOUS FRITO SALAD
1 head of lettuce, chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
2 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 regular bag of shredded cheese
1 bag of Fritos
1 bottle of Catalina dressing
Get your lettuce, tomato, beans and cheese all mixed up. Right before serving add the Fritos and Catalina dressing and mix well. Don’t make ahead, because your Fritos will be soggy.
Enjoy and have a great week!

The Most Amazing Weekend Getaway Spots in Arkansas

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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4:05 pm

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The Most Amazing Weekend Getaway Spots in Arkansas

When you have a few days off or a lovely three-day holiday weekend coming, it’s great to take a little trip and explore your state to see what it offers. Today, we’re looking at some of the most amazing weekend getaway spots in Arkansas and what wonderful activities they have to offer. So put together a few nice weekend outfits and get ready to have the fantastic vacation you deserve.

Jasper

The quaint little town of Jasper is one of the ideal vacation spots for those who love to be near the water. With beautiful campgrounds around the Buffalo National River, getting back to nature for a weekend is easy in Jasper.

In addition to seeing the beautiful river, those visiting Jasper may want to check out the underground Mystic Caverns or the equally breathtaking aboveground Arkansas Grand Canyon. When stocking up on supplies for your trip to the great outdoors, Jasper has terrific shopping options, and make sure you swing by the famous Low Gap Café for lunch.

Van Buren

For a much more historical and architectural getaway, the town of Van Buren is full of culture, art, and history. You can take in a show at the famous King Opera House or soak in a bit of town history at the Drennen-Scott House Museum.

Van Buren’s downtown area is a veritable walking tour of art, antiquities, and local restaurants sure to entice any visitor. For those looking to get into the spirit of the Wild West, the famous Fort Smith is just a few miles out of town.

Little Rock

What list of the most amazing weekend getaway spots in Arkansas is complete without visiting the largest city and the state’s capital, Little Rock? Aside from the history and culture on offer in the big city, excellent natural sites surround Little Rock, like the Maumelle Park. For more of a cottagecore scenic getaway, the Old Mill is just 15 miles away.

Diamond Sport Tigers Populate Award Roster

Sports

Tammy Teague

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2:56 am

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Diamond Sport Tigers Populate Award Roster

School has been out for a few weeks but the accolades for Manfield spring athletes keep coming across the wire. Tiger players from the school’s baseball and softball teams filled many postseason awards lists.

Headlining the recently released All-State and All-Star rosters are a multitude of Tiger players accustomed to the diamond shaped fields of play. Kiara Thomas, Brooklyn Adams, Alyson Edwards, Drew Elmore, Trey Vaughan, and Fisher Willsey made such lists in their respective sports.

Thomas, a senior softball player, made the 2022 Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star game. The 2A-4 All-Conference middle infielder will play in the AHSCA summer classic on June 24 in Conway on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

Thomas batted .267 and had a 86% fielding average for the conference champions. She was the only senior on the 2022 Lady Tiger roster who were undefeated in district play, and were regional runner-ups as well as state qualifiers.

State softball awards also found Lady Tigers Edwards and Adams. Both earned class 2A All-State honors as determined by voting membership of the 2A-4 Conference.

Edwards, just a sophomore, also had All Region recognition added to her long list of recent success. The battle tested pitcher and power hitter accumulated a 16-7 won loss record with 110.2 innings pitched. She served up 169 strikeouts from the circle and posted a 2.02 ERA.

Defensively, Edwards was perfect in fielding opportunities with 62 out of 62 putouts. On offense, she parked 4 homeruns, and 32 hits with a .479 batting average.

Adams sat behind the plate and occasionally manned third base. Her fielding percentage was 99% produced by a whopping 193 putouts in 195 attempts.

The junior all-around athlete was second in hits with 32. She knocked out 2 homeruns with a .508 batting average.

Both Edwards and Adams were invited to attend the Sophomore/Junior Classic this summer.

For the boys of summer, Elmore, Vaughan, and Willsey were all named Class 2A All-State baseball honorees. Each was nominated and subsequently selected by the voting members of the 2A-4 conference baseball coaches association.

Elmore, a junior on the 2002 Mansfield baseball team, was also the 2A West Region MVP. Listed as a pitcher and outfielder, Elmore pitched 40 innings for 76 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.20. Offensively, the All-State selection finished with a .310 batting average.

Vaughan, a sophomore on last spring’s Tiger baseball team, led the squad with a .523 batting average. Defensively he manned the pitcher’s mound throwing 42.2 innings for a 2.7 ERA. He chalked up 67 strikeouts as the team’s primary closer.

Willsey, another junior baseball player, had a .519 on base percentage with a .446 batting average. Listed as a utility player, the versatile fielder caught behind home plate for much of the season. His fielding percentage was a notable 99.6%.

Other Mansfield players earning recognition for their performances on the diamond fields this past season are listed in the following paragraphs.

The 2A-4 All-Conference softball lists Mansfield products Ambria Whittaker, Trinity Triska, Cole Smith, Harlie Fuller, and Serenity Brunson.

All-Conference and All-Region recognition went to Natalie Allison. All-Conference and All-State Tournament Team rosters display Kynslee Ward.

The 2A-4 All-Conference baseball roster lists Nate Brewer, Zayne Dugan, Braxton Byers, Tyler Turnipseed, Peyton Martin, Trey Vaughan, Winston Allison, and Jaxon Heydenreich. Seniors Dugan and Brewer were nominated for All-Star voting. Dugan made the Class 2A All-State Tournament Team.

Brewer, Byers, Martin, Elmore, and Fisher also populated the 2A West All-Region Team. Mansfield’s senior high baseball teams were the regional champs in 2022 and 2021.

This year’s MHS baseball team finished the season with a 23-5 overall record. They won back to back titles the last two years for the conference round robin schedule and district tournaments. They also qualified for the 2A state tournament for the second consecutive season.

The Lady Tiger softball team finished the season with a 19-8 overall record. They went two rounds deep into this year’s class 2A state tournament. The year before they were the class 2A state runner-ups.

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Jasper

Van Buren

Little Rock

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