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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

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. 

Arrest Reports 5/29

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Joshua Lee Abbott of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 30 at 1:33 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Abbott was charged with absconding, parole violation, two counts of contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine) possession of drug paraphernalia – pack, repack and others, possession (schedule I/II controlled substance) with the purpose to deliver >28g, refusal to submit to arrest – misdemeanor, and failure to appear – class A misdemeanor.

Vernon J Buckley of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 29 at 4:44 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Buckley was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Randi Leigh Harris of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 1 at 8:21 p.m. and released on signature bond June 2 at 1:58 a.m. Harris was charged with criminal trespass – premises.

Ryan Josiah Thacker of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 4 at 5:40 a.m. and released on signature bond June 4 at 10:58 a.m. Thacker was charged with possession of open container, and driving while intoxicated – 1st offense.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Brett Allen Bodine of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 1 at 11:58 a.m. and released on June 1 at 4:20 p.m. Bodine was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd, and Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Tiffany Marie Johnson of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 30 at 4:45 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Johnson was charged with fugitive from justice out of state, possession drug paraphernalia – felony, and two counts of possession of controlled substance – schedule I/II felony <2g.

Kelly Wayne Malloy of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 3 at 5:10 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Malloy was charged with absconding and parole violation.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Kurt Douglas Gammill of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 2 at 11:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Gammill was charged with five counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

John Jeffery Gipson of Van Buren was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 31 at 11:59 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Gipson was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd., and theft by receiving.

 Aaron James Johnson of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 2 at 6:40 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on June 2 at 9:10 p.m. Johnson was charged with assist outside agency – misd., and failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

John Luther Thomason of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 31 at 1:29 p.m. and released on bond June 1 at 11:02 p.m. Thomason was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and petition to revoke – felony.

Bonnie Lee Traylor of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 3 at 10:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Traylor was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and failure to appear – class C felony.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Dustin Lee Williams of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 30 at 6:17 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 31 at 1:03 a.m. Williams was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Johnnie Lee Witt of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 3 at 11:45 p.m. and released on signature bond June 4 at 4:37 a.m. Witt was charged with criminal trespass – premises.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Danny Farrior of Van Buren was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 30 at 1:48 p.m. Farrior was charged with domestic battering in the 2nd and 3rd degree.

Jessica Ritchie of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 31 at 6:05 p.m. Ritchie was charged with body attachment.

Brenda Drum of Hartman was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 1 at 11:31 a.m., and charged with failure to pay.

Richard Silverman of Mena was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on June 3 at 6:16 p.m., and charged with failure to pay.

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

Reflections of my Father

We are coming upon a day of celebration of the fathers in our lives. As most of you know, this is the very first Father’s Day for me without mine. I’ve spent a great deal of time trying to figure out life without him, everything this year is a first. Ultimately, I’ve decided to celebrate him this Father’s Day, go eat at his favorite place, churn the ice cream maker, gather with family, laugh…cry…remember.

I will rejoice that our great God chose the man that would father me with great purpose and anticipation.

As Father’s Day approaches, I am reminded of the special relationship that fatherhood encompasses, both of my earthly and Heavenly Father.

God is the only perfect Father. He never ceases to love, and His love is expressed by his constant care, patience, and mercy toward us.

His love for me was most clearly expressed in His invitation to be adopted into his family. Simple faith in Christ was the only requirement for this eternal adoption, and even that faith was a gift from Him.

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” Ephesians 1:5.

Ultimately, I find the greatest solace knowing that although my earthly father has gone to be with our Heavenly Father, I will one day be reunited in the greatest family reunion of all eternity! 

Financial Focus: What investors can – and can’t – control

By Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor

As an investor, you can easily feel frustrated to see short-term drops in your investment statements. But while you cannot control the market, you may find it helpful to review the factors you can control.

Many forces affect the financial markets, including geopolitical events, corporate profits and interest rate movements – forces beyond the control of most individual investors.
In any case, it’s important to focus on the things you can control, such as these:

• Your ability to define your goals – One area in which you have total control is your ability to define your goals. Like most people, you probably have short-term goals – such as saving for a new car or a dream vacation – and long-term ones, such as a comfortable retirement. Once you identify your goals and estimate how much they will cost, you can create an investment strategy to help achieve them. Over time, some of your personal circumstances will likely change, so you’ll want to review your time horizon and risk tolerance on a regular basis, adjusting your strategy when appropriate. And the same is true for your goals – they may evolve over time, requiring new responses from you in how you invest.
• Your response to market downturns – When the market drops and the value of your investments declines, you might be tempted to take immediate action in an effort to stop the losses. This is understandable – after all, your investment results can have a big impact on your future. However, acting hastily could work against you – for example, you could sell investments that still have solid fundamentals and are still appropriate for your needs. If you can avoid decisions based on short-term events, you may help yourself in the long run.
• Your commitment to investing – The financial markets are almost always in flux, and their movements are hard to predict. If you can continue investing in all markets – good, bad or sideways – you will likely make much better progress toward your goals than if you periodically were to take a “time out.” Many people head to the investment sidelines when the market tumbles, only to miss out on the beginnings of the next rally. And by steadily investing, you will increase the number of shares you own in your investments – and the larger your ownership stake, the greater your opportunities for building wealth.
• Your portfolio’s level of diversification – While diversification itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help greatly reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. Just how you diversify your investments depends on several factors, but the general principle of maintaining a diversified portfolio should govern your approach to investing. It’s a good idea to periodically review your portfolio to ensure it’s still properly diversified.

The world will always be filled with unpredictable, uncontrollable events, and many of them will affect the financial markets to one degree or another. But within your own investment world, you always have a great deal of control – and with it, you have the power to keep moving toward all your important financial objectives.

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

Paris Athletic Banquet Honors Athletes for 2021-22 School Year

It was a great evening on Thursday, May 26, as athletes from all sports, with the exception of football and volleyball who had previously held their programs, were honored at the 2021-22 Paris Athletic Banquet. The event was held at the Paris Assembly of God Church. A meal was served to the capacity crowd, and the many in attendance showed their appreciation for the athletes and coaches for another highly-successful year of Paris athletics.

Prior to the recognition of the athletes, Paris softball coach, and host of the presentation, Donald Hart, made a special presentation to long time Paris athlete and supporter of all Paris sports programs, Marvin Wiggins. Wiggins, who is known in the community as perhaps its biggest supporter, has been battling health issues recently. The crowd gave him a big ovation as he came to the stage to accept a special memento from the school for his long time support of Paris athletics. Wiggins was obviously moved by the presentation, and the timing of his recognition was good medicine for him as he continues to recover and improve.

Athletes in both boys and girls athletics were honored. Team awards for different statistical categories, special awards for effort and hard work, as well as external awards that athletes received for all-district, region, and state honors were given to the players.

Photos from this event are available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports for athletes and families who would like to obtain copies.

Although most are looking forward to the summer vacation, many athletes will now turn their attentions to travel ball, summer camps, and preseason preparation for fall sports. Youth sports have become a year-round proposition now, and most athletes will have a very short break, if any, now that the school year has come to a close.

RNN Sports will be there for our readers this summer as we bring you coverage of summer football and volleyball camps. And, before you know it, August will be here, and we will start the sports year all over again! A

And at RNN Sports, it is our passion to bring you all of the action!

Paris School District Honors Retirees and Employees for Service in Education

As the 2021-22 school year came to an end, the Paris School District honored their employees in a luncheon held on the Paris High School campus. Retiring employees as well as others who were recognized for their years of service to the district were recognized. The luncheon was held with faculty and staff, administrators, and school board members in attendance. Superintendent of schools, Dr. Wayne Fawcett, led the presentation by recognizing the district employees.

Those recognized for retiring from the district included Pam Binz, 30 years, Karen Trusty, 32 years, Lou Cox, 16 years, ReeNita Johnson, 11.5 years, Vicki Churchman, 31 years, Joy Canada, 8 years, and Debbie Eckles, 37 years.

Paris also honored groups of employees who had served one year, five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, and 35 years.

Recognized for 35 years in education were Paula Barnhill and Debbie Thomas. For 30 years, Pam Binz was recognized. Five employees were recognized for 25 years: Susan Hofmann, Teresa Inman, Cheryl Ivey, Andrea Robertson, and Shawn Vickers. Vicki Furstenburg and Ellen Phillips were each honored for 20 years of service.

For 15 years of service, Jessie Henderson, Billie Kamplain, Teresa Oiver-McClure, Trey Prieur, and Jamanda Rogers were recognized. Brenda Cale, Jo Devine, Katie Harrison, Cody Hoopes, Tonya Johnson, William Jones, Jessica McGarrah, Jennifer Owen, Ashley Phillips, Josh Rhinehart, Matthew Shewmaker, and Katrina Snow were all honored for ten years of service.

Eleven employees were honored for five years of service. Those recognized wee Gary Binz, Marla Blaschke, Kendra Canada, Susan Cope, Jennifer Fields, Donald Hart, Joshua Ferrell, Evelyn Jones, Hannah Schluterman, Elizabeth Seaton, and Jonathan Vire.

Rounding out the group of those recognized were several employees who completed their first year of service. This group included Todd Alexander, Megan Ash, Madilyn Bazyk, Allison Clayton, Keri Coffey, Elizabeth Conway, Jennifer Cozens, Jeremy Cripps, Stacy Cruzate, Joshua Ferrell, Brooklyn Fondren, Kelsey Forrest, Jessica Gray, Darrica Haney, Sarah Lassiter, Cecil Lemons, Roy Ludgood, Hannah Needham, Nathan Parsons, Morgan Redding, Jamanda Rogers, Krysten Seigrist, Miranda Sewell, Debra Snowden, Joshua Stark, Heather Stringer, Jonathan Vire, Allison Weaver, Jacob Weaver, and Jeffrey Weaver.

RNN would like to thank all of the Paris school district employees, as well as all school employees across our state and nation for their service to the children of our communities.

Paris Holds Kindergarten Graduation

For the first time in a few years since the COVID-19 pandemic prohibited public gatherings, Paris Elementary School hosted a graduation ceremony for the 2022 kindergarten class. In a packed Paris High School gymnasium, 76 students from this year’s kindergarten class received their diplomas and looked forward to starting the first grade next fall.

Students entered the gymnasium in a processional that led the students into the gymnasium by classes with their teachers. Upbeat, age-appropriate music played in the gym, proudly proclaiming the dreams of all young children and the lives they have looking forward. Each child was presented with their diplomas, and as a finale, the entire class sang a song of thanks for their families.

RNN Photo / Jim Best

Paris Elementary School principal, Lakaen Schluterman, said after the ceremony, “I want to say thanks to all of our students for a wonderful school year. I am so proud of them all for their hard work throughout the year. I can’t wait to watch them grow at Paris Elementary School.”

The ceremony lasted approximately 30 minutes and was well-presented by several members of the PES faculty and staff. Principal Schluterman said of them, “I am so blessed to work with such hard working and caring people. Thank you (faculty and staff) for making it another great year at Paris Elementary School!”

The kindergarten students will now move on to enjoy their summer vacations. Students will return in August for the start of the 2022-23 school year.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Hello everyone! Just a gorgeous day in the river valley today. I went on vacation last week to Kansas City and Nebraska. We had the best time. Chuck’s cousins treated us like royalty and fed us so good. We had a great time and I have a wonderful apple dumpling recipe coming your way soon.

I have gone to the Mansfield Assembly of God for years. During that time there have been lots of funny things happen. If you want a story told good, talk to Bill or Justin Weaver. They have a lot in their archives.

This particular service, I was sitting with Ida Niblett and the preacher we had at the time must have been a little long-winded because he had lost us during that sermon. During his sermon, he yells we need to stand, and paused, for Jesus. Guess what we did? We stood, and we were the only ones, because when he said “stand” we thought the sermon was over.
I got so tickled I could not control it.

We also had a little lady that stood up to testify and she says “the Lord works in mischievous ways.” I’m pretty sure she meant mysterious, but maybe not, who knows.
The same lady that said that is the one that Bill and Sidney Weaver used to pick up and give a ride to church. Bill Weaver had to get out to get everyone loaded and he thought it was his wife, Sidney, that was leaned over getting in the car, so he swats her on the behind. Turns out, it was the lady they had picked up.

Picturing this in my mind always makes me laugh. He always says she gave a little giggle when that happened. So funny!

We also had a couple of others who got rides to church. Bill and Helen Brewer, they would hitch a ride with anyone if you stopped. If you stopped at a stop sign, and they were walking, they would hop in the back of the truck or get in the back seat. You didn’t have a choice, you had to take them where they were going. Oh, the good ole days. So many fond memories.

I have had a request for some food-food, and not dessert. This week, we are making Mexican Chicken. One of the favorites at the Hops House.

No, I am giving you an easy version. When people hear Mexican Chicken, they get scared and think they are going to have to boil chicken and pick it off the bone. Make this for your family, they will love it.

MEXICAN CHICKEN
You can use a rotisserie chicken, or I use boneless skinless tenderloin, about five or six pieces, boiled around 7-8 minutes. Just check it. When cooled, crumble the chicken up.
1 can chicken broth
1 bag of nacho cheese Doritos (off-brand works fine)
1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can of Rotel tomatoes
In a 9×13 pan, spray with cooking spray. Crush your Doritos in the bag, and put inthe pan. Pour half the can of broth over the top and half of the package of cheese. Then add the shredded chicken. Mix the Rotel (I put mine in the mini chopper so the kids won’t see the chunks of tomatoes), can of Cream of Mushroom, can of Cream of Chicken and the rest of the chicken broth. Mix well with a whisk and pour over the chicken and add the rest of the cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. I like to have refried beans and rice as a side, but my kids won’t eat those. Enjoy your week!

Tips for Creating a Calm and Peaceful Home

After a long day, your home is supposed to be your sanctuary. But what if your home does the opposite and makes you even more stressed? If your home feels more like an energy drain than an energy giver, here are five tips for creating a calm and peaceful home so that you can finally kick back and relax.

Fill It With What You Love

Different people will find various things calming. What makes you feel relaxed? Maybe it’s chilling on the couch watching your favorite shows. Investing in new pillows and throws for your couch and blackout curtains to tune out the outside world may be beneficial in this case. Maybe it’s taking a long soak in the bathtub. Picking up new towels, candles, and a bathtub tray will take your soak to the next level. Think of what you love, and then think of how you can make what you love even better.

Plants Galore

Nature draws humans in because spending time in Mother Nature can reduce stress levels and improve your mood. But you don’t have to spend all your time outdoors to reap these benefits; just bring a touch of nature inside your home! Plants can instantly make a room feel cozier. Try out easy to care for indoor plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, dracaena, pothos, and aloe vera. Even notorious brown thumbs have the skills to keep these plants healthy and thriving.

A Fragrant Aroma

Scent, emotion, and memory are solidly intertwined. Familiar smells remind us of old memories and stir up old feelings. If there’s a particular scent that reminds you of happy times, then having that scent in your home can immediately boost your mood. Use candles, incense, or air fresheners to make your home smell, quite literally, like happiness.

Soft Lighting

Does the light in your home feel too harsh? Softening it is one way to make your home feel more peaceful. Soft blue lighting is ideal for relaxation. You can also use colored bulbs or a pattern projector to give a room a unique ambience—a royal blue with a wavy pattern can make you feel like you’re a mermaid in the ocean, while a dark, starry purple will make your room feel like a galaxy.

Don’t Neglect the Outdoors

If you have a yard or a patio, make sure to give it some love along with your interior. Your outdoor space is a great place to go if you’re feeling stressed. The fresh air and abundant nature can calm you. Make your outdoor space extra relaxing by choosing comfy seating and accessories that make you smile.

Those are our top five tips for creating a calm and peaceful home. With a few minor tweaks, you can turn your home into a personal haven.