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Tips for Improving Internet Connection in Rural Communities

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Tips for Improving Internet Connection in Rural Communities

So many people dream of living off the beaten path. However, as with most things, there’s more to rural living than meets the eye. For example, it’s common for those living in the area to experience poor internet speeds due to the remote location.

No matter what you use it for, everyone needs access to the world wide web. The good news is that there are ways to enhance your speeds for better streaming, gaming, and web surfing. Whether you work from home or use it for fun, here are some tips for improving internet connection in rural communities.

Troubleshoot Your Connection

Before you switch providers or purchase new equipment, try troubleshooting your connection. There might be an easy fix to your problems that doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Contact your internet company and have someone run tests on your connection, cables, and equipment. It could be as simple as physically adding an ethernet cable to connect you to the router.

Reposition Your Equipment

Many times, troubleshooting will recommend moving your equipment around for a better connection. Many homeowners try and hide their routers and technical tools for better aesthetics, but this often causes problems. Routers work best in high, open, and unobstructed areas. If you consistently experience slow speeds, try repositioning your equipment or working closer to your router.

Use Internet-Boosting Devices

If you can’t fix your problems with troubleshooting and repositioning, try using something like a hot spot to boost your connection. These devices act like wireless access points and allow you to get on the internet no matter where you are. If you have a smartphone, you likely already have this capability. If not, you can purchase inexpensive hot spots from almost any electronic store.

Look Into Different Providers

Sometimes you can try everything to boost your speeds and still have zero luck. If that’s the case, consider looking into different providers and see what they can offer you. Many smaller companies offer reliable internet for rural areas that big-name companies might overshadow. Do some investigative work, talk to your neighbors, and use your resources to find the best plan to meet your specific needs.

It’s almost impossible to navigate life without some sort of internet access, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice it to live outside of the city. These tips for improving internet connection in rural communities should make accessing the web a breeze. Now, you can enjoy all of the incredible things about country living without any of the technical hassles.

Tips for Operating a Log Splitter Safely This Summer

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Tips for Operating a Log Splitter Safely This Summer

Whether you’re getting rid of extra materials from your landscaping efforts or chopping up wood for a bonfire, log splitters are great machines to have during the summer months. High-powered and durable, these pieces of equipment can take hundreds of pounds of wood and quickly cut it down to manageable loads. However, log splitters can be dangerous, so if you’re going to use one of these devices in the coming months, it’s vital to know how to do it in a low-risk way. These are our top tips for operating a log splitter safely.

Understand How Your Machine Works

Before operating any type of heavy machinery this summer, including your log splitter, it’s vital that you first know how it works. These machines may look simple to use at first glance, but there are many fine mechanics to understand if you want to avoid injury. Familiarizing yourself with log splitter hydraulic systems will be especially important because they help generate the force necessary to split thick logs. Hydraulic log splitters are also better for preserving your long-term health because they don’t require much manual labor.

Find the Perfect Work Location

Once you know how your machine operates, make sure you find the right location for woodcutting. Log splitters should never run on uneven ground with their wheels engaged. Not only can this cause your machine to get away from you, but it also increases the risk of slippage while you’re cutting wood. Stability is crucial for the best, and safest, results. So, only work in areas with flat, dry, and solid ground. Additionally, you should always immobilize your log splitter with wheel locks or wedges to ensure it stays firmly in place during operation.

Never Operate Your Splitter at Night

Lighting is another factor to consider when using your log splitter this summer. While we have more daily sunlight during this time of year, you should discontinue using these machines in the evening. Constantly moving parts require your full attention to avoid injury, and you need as much light as possible to see what’s happening in front of you. Make sure that you’re only operating these pieces of equipment in the morning or afternoon when the sun is at its highest.

Wear the Proper Protective Gear

The most important tip for operating a log splitter safely is to always wear the necessary protective gear during the spitting process. Whether you’ve used a log splitter once or several times over the years, you should never forget to wear gloves, goggles, and specialized work boots. This gear keeps certain areas of your body protected from the machine and the potential debris from the splitting wood.

When you’re cutting wood on your property, there’s a high risk of injury—no matter the type of equipment you’re using. So, use these tips to help keep you safe and sound as you go about your project.

Paris Football to Play in First Summer Camp at Charleston June 13

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Paris Football to Play in First Summer Camp at Charleston June 13

It’s hard to believe; it was not long ago that we wrapped up the 2022 high school sports season with state playoffs in softball and baseball. But now that the school year has come to an end, football programs across Arkansas are beginning summer workouts and camps to continue their preparation for the upcoming Fall season that will begin in August. For the Paris Eagles and other area teams, the first summer camp where teams will play against other schools will begin on June 13. The Eagles will travel down Highway 22 to play at Charleston in a camp that will feature ten teams.

Playing at Charleston will be the host Charleston Tigers along with Paris, Booneville, Danville, Two Rivers, Lincoln, Ozark, Lavaca, Muldrow, and Lamar. Quite a diverse field of teams that will include two conference schools for the Eagles, Danville and Two Rivers, and will be the first opportunity for a young Paris team to see where they measure up going into the 2022 season. Conference 3A-1 powerhouses Charleston and Booneville will be at the head of the class in the camp, along with Class 4A Lamar.

RNN Sports will have photos and a feature story of this camp in the June 22 issue of the Logan County Edition newspaper that is available to readers by subscription.

Stay with RNN throughout the summer for updates on area high school football as teams move toward the start of another exciting high school football season!

Timepiece: The Waldron War

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: The Waldron War

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Passing through the River Valley today, one little realizes the animosity, hatred, and violence that once erupted into what is known as the Waldron War. An offshoot of the bitterness created by the Civil War, the Waldron War developed as a result of factionalism within the Republican party and the differing opinions on how to rebuild the state.

When federal forces occupied Arkansas in 1863, there was an immediate effort to reenter the Union.  Arkansas went about setting up a government, one not officially recognized by the federal government. Once military forces were removed from the state in 1868, representatives were elected to write a new state Constitution. The new Constitution was opposed by the Democratic party as well as the conservative branch of the Republican, both of whom were opposed to the radical approach of the national Republican party. The Republicans divided into two camps; one representing unionists from the state and called scalawags, the other representing out-of-state unionists and derisively called “carpetbaggers.”   Powell Clayton, a carpetbagger and first governor, was able to manipulate his political base enough to maintain order. Chaos reigned after the 1872 election with both Republican candidates claiming victory. With less than three thousand votes separating them, both sides claimed voter fraud and both were probably correct. Pulaski county alone had more people vote than were on the voting rolls. The two opposing Republican governor candidates; Joseph Brooks and Elisha Baxter, squared off and began organizing militia groups in support of their positions. The result is known as the Brooks-Baxter affair and resulted in open battles between the two sides. Eventually, Baxter was declared the winner by President Grant but animosity continued between the various factions.

The political factionalism, old animosities left over from the Civil War, and discontent with the graft and dishonesty of politicians boiled over in 1870.  The residents of the River Valley, always a well-armed and fractious group, decided to take matters into their own hands.  In Logan County, armed groups burned the court house and groups in Johnson County fought over the site of the county seat. Those were minor to what occurred in Waldron. James Bethel and W.J. Ellington’s race for Scott County state representative ended in accusations and rumors of fraud.  Bethel, declared the winner, failed to show up in Little Rock to begin his term.  His body was eventually located and his death attributed to everything from natural causes to outright murder.  The election of 1872 was even more contentious and editors of several local papers stoked the flames by providing unreliable and inflammatory views. Books of office and election papers disappeared resulting in Governor Baxter requiring a complete new voter registration. Fighting broke out between competing groups and Cerop Malone was shot.  Sheriff Floyd was charged, acquitted, and left the state after sustaining a gunshot himself.  Opposing militia groups were formed and undeclared war erupted across the county.  No one knows the number of injuries or death that resulted from the violence. By 1876, the infighting had resulted in the murder of several citizens and the Waldron business district being burned to ashes. Governor Miller eventually called up seven companies of the Arkansas national guard and stationed the Arkansas Attorney General in Waldron in order to maintain peace. Even then, civil order was not restored until after the election of 1878.

Conversation swirls around me as I sit in the Charbroiler café.  People discussing the weather, local sports, and farming.  One of the most peaceful and friendly towns I know, Waldron serves as a reminder of the positives that people can achieve when they let the evils of their past disappear.

Quorum Court Awards Money to Sodie Davidson Park

Tammy Teague
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Quorum Court Awards Money to Sodie Davidson Park

Sodie Davidson Park recently announced that the Scott County Quorum Court had awarded funds for building and repairs.

Seventy thousand dollars was allocated to rehab the pool. The project will also include new plumbing for all three pools, two new diving boards, and new LED pool lights.

The park has partnered with Burton Pools and Spas for continued construction.

Currently, the pool is closed while under construction. However, you can monitor the park’s Facebook page for an opening date. They tentatively plan to accept pool party reservations in July – August.

City of Mansfield Fireworks Ordinance

Tammy Teague
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City of Mansfield Fireworks Ordinance

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-2 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NOS. 81-3, & 86-4 AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND SHOOTING OF FIREWORKS WITHIN THE CITY
LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MANSFIELD, ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
OF SAID ORDINANCE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 81-3, passed and approved by the City of Mansfield,
Arkansas, on September 14, 1981; and Ordinance No. 86-4, passed and approved by the City of
Mansfield, Arkansas, on August 11, 1986, each address the topic of fireworks and it has been
determined that a new Ordinance is necessary for purposes of clarification; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mansfield, Arkansas, has determined that it
would be in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Mansfield, Arkansas, to authorize the
sale of fireworks within the city limits of the City of Mansfield and to further regulate the usage
of fireworks within the City limits of the City of Mansfield; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF MANSFIELD, ARKANSAS; THAT
Section 1:
Ordinance Nos. 81-3, and 86-4 are hereby expressly repealed.
Section 2:
All persons desiring to sell fireworks within the city limits of the City of Mansfield, Arkansas shall apply with the Mayor and Fire Chief for the issuance of a permit. A permit fee of $250.00 shall be paid at the time of such application and such funds shall be credited to the City’s fire prevention fund within the City of Mansfield Fire Department Fund.
Along with the $250.00 permit fee, such individual or organization shall also provide to the
Mayor and Fire Chief a copy of the State Permit required for the sale of fireworks. Any permit
issued by the City of Mansfield, shall only be valid for the same period of time as authorized by
the Arkansas State Firework Sales Permit provided by such entity. Further, such permit will only authorize the sale of fireworks within commercial zones of the City of Mansfield. The proposed location for the sale of fireworks must be provided to the Mayor and Fire Chief in writing at the time of the application. The Mayor and Fire Chief shall have discretion not to issue the permit, if in his/her opinion, ample parking and road accessibility is not available at such site.
Section 3:
Shooting of fireworks within the city limits of Mansfield, Arkansas is hereby prohibited and declared unlawful, except from 12:00 noon until 11:59 PM on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th and from 12:00 noon December 31st thru 1:00 AM on January 1st of each year, providing a burn ban is not in effect at the time.
Section 4:
Any person or entity that is issued a permit for the sale of fireworks within the City of Mansfield under Section 2 of this Ordinance shall be required to post the language contained in Section 3 of this Ordinance in at least two (2) conspicuous locations where the fireworks are to be sold under such permit.
Section 4:
It shall be unlawful for any person to ignite any fireworks or cause any fireworks to travel closer than three hundred (300) feet from any school, church, or business establishment within the city limits of the City of Mansfield.
Section 5:
This Ordinance shall not apply to the City of Mansfield, Arkansas sponsored events, to include the Mansfield Public School District, that may from time to time sponsor its own fireworks display.
Section 6:
The fee required under Section 2, shall be waived as to any applicant presenting at the time of application, a written form reflecting their 501 (c) (3) status having been issued exempting them from federal income tax. The remaining portions of this Ordinance shall apply to them for the permit fee.
Section 7:
In the event the county Judge issues a burn ban, it shall be a violation of this Ordinance to shoot off any fireworks within the city limits of the City of Mansfield, Arkansas, during such burn ban.
Section 8:
Any person, firm, co-partnership or corporation violating the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $25.00 for the first offense, $100.00 for a second offense, and $500.00 for a third offense. Each offense shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 9:
The City Council of the City of Mansfield finds that the uncontrolled and unregulated sale and use of fueworks creates a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Mansfield, and therefore, an emergency is hereby declared and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication.

PASSED AND APPROVED BY A 6-0 MAJORITY OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MANSFIELD, ARKANSAS ON THIS 19 DAY OF August, 2021.
Clerk / Recorder:
Becky Walker
Mayor:
William “Buddy” Black

This is Arkansas Seminar

Tammy Teague
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This is Arkansas Seminar

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

U/A Fort Smith and GFESC cooperatively hosted the 12th annual This is Arkansas Seminar on June 7 at Echol hall on the Fort Smith campus.  Over forty teachers from area schools attended the all-day session.

The seminar was initially organized to promote the inclusion of Arkansas history, science, and the arts into the school curriculum.  Arkansas, often thought of as a backwater site, has had considerable input into all facets of the above and, by using our local information as a hook, the subject matter becomes of much more importance and interest to students. In many instances teachers can begin the study of a period of history or science by talking about local items and then link them to what was going on at the national or even international level.  This leads to better understanding and retention of information because the lesson is pertinent to the world in which the student lives.

This year’s line-up included several outstanding presentations over a wide-range of topics.  Mr. Cody Faber began the day with an overview of the Fort Smith National Park and the services the park can provide in interpreting Arkansas and national events.  Sweet String, a local group than provided music, entertainment, and the history of mountain music with a dulcimer and stringed instrument presentation.

Aaron Chastain, an instructor from Springdale schools demonstrated the use of technology in the classroom.  Using camera, sound equipment, and a drone, his students created a video of the Smith hospital in Paris.  The overview demonstrated how classrooms can integrate an interdisciplinary approach to teaching literacy, history, science, math, and technology into one unit of study.

Mr. Patrick Millard of Waldron started off the afternoon session with peals of laughter with his home-spun humor in using the telephone and music to demonstrate the different world students of today live in than did their parents.  

The key-note address was my Mr. Tom Wing of U/AFS as he presented a living history of the Mexican War and how it affected Arkansas and the world.  Mr. Wing is a Fort Smith native, a university professor, and a curator at the Drennan House in Van Buren.  A gifted speaker, he held the audience spell bound with real to life stories of Albert Pike, Archibald Yell, and other key figures in Arkansas history.

Teachers are required from 45-60 hours of professional development during the summer session.  GFESC will continue sessions for the next two months, offering teachers the content and methodology to continue to develop their teaching skills.  A typical day for the educational cooperative includes as many as a dozen teaching sessions daily in everything from physics to the arts.  Sessions are held at the cooperative, at area schools and universities, as well as outdoors and at the Huckabee Nature Center.  School is never out for teachers, it’s just all a part of the job to provide the best possible education for our students.

Next-Level Upgrades You Need for Your Outdoor Space

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Next-Level Upgrades You Need for Your Outdoor Space

An outdoor space can be simple, just some grass and dirt, but it can be so much more. If you put some time and effort into your yard, you can turn it into an oasis. Here are a few next-level upgrades you need for your outdoor space.

A Raised Garden Bed

One of the best things you can add to your outdoor space that will bring in new life and simultaneously provide you with lots of fruits and veggies is a garden. However, a standard garden can take up a lot of space and force you to get on your knees. Avoid this by investing in a raised garden bed! This way, you can grow plenty of beautiful plants and harvest them much easier. On top of this, a raised garden bed protects your plants from predators, such as rabbits and deer.

An Above-Ground Pool

When many people think of upgrading their backyards, their minds immediately go to pools. It’s a smart option, and you can get a lot of use out of it, but it’s also incredibly expensive, difficult to maintain, and sits there collecting dirt for over half the year. People have some misconceptions about above-ground pools, but they seem to be the better option because you can tailor them to meet your specific needs. You get the benefits of a pool, but you don’t need to tear up your yard to put it in.

Invest in a Pergola or Awning

You should enjoy your outdoor space all year, but that can be difficult when a big part of that year is underneath snow or in scorching temperatures. Thankfully, you can navigate these two extremes with a pergola or awning. These can provide you with some much-needed shade or keep snow out of a small area. This way, you can enjoy your outdoor space all year from the comfort of your back porch.

A Fire Pit

Whatever time of the year it is, something that can get everyone outside telling stories is a fire pit. They are great for all times of the year, and there are various options to meet your needs. There are smaller DIY ones that you can build yourself, or you can have a permanent fire pit installed professionally. Either way, you create a lovely space outdoors that you and your friends can enjoy year-round.

These are a few next-level upgrades you need for your outdoor space, and once you install any one of them, you can immediately feel the benefits. All of these will encourage you to spend more time outdoors, and all that fresh air and vitamin D from the sun will revitalize you. Get outdoors today and turn your yard into an oasis.

Six Surprising Ways Wildfires Affect Human Health

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Six Surprising Ways Wildfires Affect Human Health

The health effects of wildfires are well known. Most people recognize that inhaling the smoke from fire comes with risks, but there’s more to it. With climate change raising temperatures in many areas, making them more susceptible to wildfires, understanding the surprising ways wildfires affect human health is more important than ever.

The most common causes of wildfires include natural events such as lightning strikes. However, wildfires are much larger and happen more frequently than they did 20 years ago, prompting the world to take a look at our actions and how they may contribute to this detrimental experience.

Respiratory Symptoms

The most common health impact from smoke is a temporary worsening of symptoms in people with lung disease, particularly asthma and other chronic lung conditions. Even if you don’t have a pre-existing lung condition, you may also experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness when exposed to smoke. 

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias. These cardiovascular problems are caused by the release of toxic gases that can cause inflammation of the heart and blood vessels.

Burns and Trauma

You might not think of wildfire smoke as something that causes trauma, but this is one of the more direct ways wildfires affect human health. Trauma can result from several scenarios, including being caught in the fire or losing a home to the flames. 

Burns occur when you fight the flames or accidentally get caught in them and need rescuing. Either way, burns can be deadly, and you must take precautions to act quickly.

Mental Health Effects

There are other surprising ways wildfires affect human health on top of problems resulting from inhaling smoke during a wildfire disaster. The damage done to a person’s psyche may last long after the smoke has cleared. The frequency of wildfires is increasing worldwide, and the impact of wildfires on mental health is an area of growing concern.

Reproductive and Immunological Disorders

Inflammation and stress are the two most significant signs that explain why smoke damages our health in so many different ways. You could think of these as a burn on your skin, but instead of affecting the surface, inflammation and stress can affect any organ or system.

Both reproductive hormones and immune responses rely upon delicate biochemical systems to function correctly. By causing these disruptions to those systems, inflammation can contribute to infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, or birth defects.

Social and Financial Disruption

Wildfire disasters are unfolding across the globe, each with its own set of economic and human health effects. The scale of these effects varies and can only be studied after the event. While some areas may soon be habitable again, others will struggle to recover economically or psychologically for years to come.

From burns and cardiovascular issues to mental health effects, wildfires significantly impact our planet and its inhabitants. Though sometimes caused by nature, most wildfires are preventable, and we must work hard to do just that.

Hartford Senior Center Welcomes Brumley Family

Tammy Teague
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Hartford Senior Center Welcomes Brumley Family

The Hartford Senior Center recently welcomed Betsy Brumley Bernier, granddaughter of Albert E. Brumley, and her husband Kevin Bernier, of Powell, Missouri. Patrons of the center enjoyed the singing, reminiscent of the historic and famed songwriter.

Hartford Senior Center

Historian John Redwine recalled the gospel songwriter’s life:

On Saturday, September 13, 1975, internationally known gospel music writer Albert E. Brumley returned to Spiro for a special day of recognition from his hometown. The homecoming was held in the school’s Civic Center Gymnasium, starting at 4 p.m., concluding about 9:30 p.m. The event was organized by Spiro businessman Parks Harlan, a fan of gospel music, and promoted by the Spiro and Fort Smith Chambers of Commerce, gospel music organizations, local radio stations and news media.

In the afternoon the 70-year-year old Brumley and his wife Goldie were taken on a tour of the Tucker Bottoms, four miles northwest of Spiro, to see the area of his birthplace and early childhood home, followed by a stop at the rural Lone Dove School building were young Albert first attended school.

The event kicked off at 4 p.m. in the gym with three hours of gospel music performed by area groups from the two-state area. The afternoon program opened with The Ortlieb Family from Spiro. Other groups performing included the Horton Sisters, The Harmonettes, The King’s Sons, and The Shilohs. At 7:00 p.m. there was a 30-minute intermission. Each group of artists had tables in the lobby to sell their recordings.

After the break, the program resumed at 7:30 p.m. with Albert Brumley and wife Goldie appearing on stage. Senator James Hamilton gave a brief welcome and presented a proclamation from Oklahoma Governor David Boren declaring September 13, 1975, as Albert Brumley Gospel Music Day in Oklahoma. Parks Harland gave Brumley a plaque from the Town of Spiro.

Brumley gave a short talk, followed by a round table discussion along with a Q & A session. Then 87-year-old Flora Ryan Parks, a lifelong Spiro resident who taught Brumley in the first grade at Lone Dove was brought to the stage for the two to be reunited. Closing out the program was an hour of Southern Gospel music, performed by The Lester Family of St. Louis, MO.

Tickets for the event were $2.00 for adults and 50 cents for children.

Albert Brumley is credited with writing 800 songs, of which, 600, were published, including “I’ll Fly Away,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “If We Never Met Again (This Side of Heaven),” “Jesus Hold My Hand,” “The Blood That Stained the Old Rugged Cross,” “Rank Stranger,” and” “He Set Me Free.” “I’ll Fly Away” has been recorded by over 3,000 artist and is considered the most recorded gospel song in history.

He was born October 29, 1905, and passed away November 15, 1977, at the age of 72.

The gospel songbooks are full of songs he wrote and with songs from the Hartford Music Company. A journey through the small of Hartford today shows little of the bustling coal-mining town of the twenties. Many of the stores are closed, the school no longer open but a sign at the edge of town alerts you that it was once the Gospel Capital of the South. 

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