Resident News Network

How To Make Your Home Feel More Spacious

Lifestyle

-

6:12 pm

How To Make Your Home Feel More Spacious

With all this available time at home, you notice some parts of your home that could use a few improvements. Though it’s not always easy, starting with broader goals and getting more specific as you proceed is a great way to get things started. These are some tips on how to make your home feel more spacious overall.

Brighten Up the Room

If you have darker tones in your room, they likely make the space feel cramped, especially when paired with shadows from your lights at night. By using lighter colors on your walls, like white or beige, you evenly reflect light throughout the room and help balance out any dark corners that would normally show.

Let More Light In

Having easy-to-adjust curtains or unique french door entrances to add more light and style to your home plays a big role. Think of a bright spring evening with light shining into your home. As you look around the lightly colored walls, they almost seem to blend in with the cool sky outside your windows.

With an open plan like this, your room feels free and naturally welcomes those who walk into the sun-kissed area. Of course, no one wants that kind of openness at night, and making sure your curtains and blinds are easy to adjust is an important aspect to keep in mind when designing your home areas.

Declutter the Area

The most important aspect of creating a spacious home is making it easy to maneuver around things. The less clutter that you need to meander through on a daily basis, the better. This doesn’t mean that you have to remove the things that you love, but a little bit of reorganization tends to go a long way.

Implementing some shelves or hidden storage areas helps keep any trinkets or necessities away from the center of the room. Furniture can become a part of the clutter as well. Assuming you have a little space to spare, don’t be afraid to move your furniture more toward the center of your room. This creates additional avenues to walk by while making the communal space a cozy nook.

As you think about how to make your home feel more spacious, a lot of it comes from your preference and the location of objects. By implementing a few of these methods, your home will feel like a more open place where you can stretch and relax without feeling cramped.

AGFC: Around the Boathouse

Outdoors

-

9:37 pm

0

* The AGFC recently partnered with members of the Lakeside Fishing Team (photo, right) to place fish habitat structures into Lake Hamilton at Hot Springs. The Lakeside Fishing Team had previously constructed the fish habitat structures with PVC and other donated materials. The structures were assembled and concrete weights allowed to cure before they made the drops. Team members chose locations to place the habitats, and club members were making plans to return to these sites for a later evaluation with rod and reel.

* AGFC Fisheries staff in western Arkansas recently completed a spring black bass electrofishing sample on Lake Hinkle near Waldron in Scott County. The staffers report that catch rates were good and the size structure of the largemouth bass population was excellent. Quite a few of the threadfin shad that were stocked last fall were observed. These shad will not only benefit black bass, but will also make great forage for the lake’s crappie population.
Anglers should consider Lake Hinkle for a fishing destination this May. In addition to largemouth bass, you’ll find good populations of spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish. The AGFC maintains three boat ramps for access to Lake Hinkle, and the U.S. Forest Service has a recreation area on the lake. Little Pines Recreation Area offers camping, a boat ramp and a fish cleaning station. Whether it’s a day trip or a long weekend, you’ll find all the amenities you need for a great visit.* Thousands of channel catfish from AGFC hatcheries are being stocked at several locations around the state, and a select few carry a “bonus prize” if you catch them.
Each of the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program stocking locations have catfish wearing a brightly colored tag just behind the dorsal fin. Anyone who catches a tagged fish can send in the tag, regardless of whether they keep the fish or not, for a chance at Bass Pro Shops gift cards ranging from $200 to $800 as well as one of two grand-prize guided fishing trips on Beaver Lake, courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
The annual tagged fish promotion began in 2012 and has been a huge success. Originally used to gauge the angling effort and success on these locally stocked fishing ponds, the tagged fish promotion has grown into a useful tool to promote additional anglers at some locations.
Should you catch a tagged catfish, send the tag to the AGFC Family and Community Fishing Program, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Include your name, address, phone number, location and date of catch. Only one entry per person. Tag returns must be postmarked by June 30. The drawing will be held live on the AGFC’s Facebook page at 10 a.m., July 14.Click the red button below to learn more about locations where these special stockings have been conducted.

Make it Home to Mom Safely: ASP Reminds Drivers to Slow Down and Move Over

News

Tammy Teague

-

7:23 pm

0

Make it Home to Mom Safely: ASP Reminds Drivers to Slow Down and Move Over

The Arkansas State Police is joining with four other state highway patrol agencies that comprise Region 7 of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to make highway travel safer for the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend (May 6th – 8th).

State troopers in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Arkansas will intensify their patrols as part of a regional Slow Down, Move Over combined enforcement campaign. The mission is intended to encourage drivers to obey the speed limits and remind them of the danger that occurs when driving too fast. Additionally, the troopers will be strictly enforcing laws requiring drivers to move over for emergency vehicles.

Across the nation during 2020, 30% of all crash fatalities were related to speeding. According to NHTSA, a crash on a road with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or greater is more than twice as likely to be fatal than a crash on a road with a speed limit of 45 or 50 MPH and nearly five times as likely on a road with a speed limit of 40 MPH or below.

“It’s the responsibility of law enforcement officers everywhere to keep motorists safe on the highways and one way of doing this is to encourage drivers to obey the speed limit and move over laws,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “There were 787 lives lost during 2020 in our five state region due to speeding. We want to make sure everyone can celebrate together for Mother’s Day this year and many more to come.

In 2020, more than 11,200 lives were lost across the United States in speeding-related traffic crashes – a 17% increase from 2019. Any time drivers speed, they put themselves, their passengers, and other drivers and pedestrians at risk.

Move Over laws help primary first responders and tow trucks by requiring all drivers to safely move to a parallel traffic lane when approaching a vehicle with activated emergency lighting equipment.

A recent study of highway traffic in the Kansas City metropolitan area found that sixty-six percent (66%) of motorist move over for emergency responders and tow providers.

“Making traffic stops, investigating crashes, and assisting motorists on the side of the road is dangerous. In fact, since 2017, 149 law enforcement officers alone have been killed in traffic related incidents,” said Colonel Bryant.

This Mother’s Day, every driver on the highway is asked to remember, Slow Down, Move Over. For more information on speeding prevention, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.

Obituary – Joyce Dart

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

7:07 pm

0

Joyce Dart, 79, of Mansfield, Arkansas passed away Friday, April 29, 2022 in Van Buren, Arkansas. She was retired from AT&T and was a member of the Mansfield First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lonny Dart; two sons, Brian Dart and wife, Laura of Tulsa and David Dart and wife, Lori of Davison, Michigan; one daughter, Lonnetta Cooper of Springdale; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

There will be a family led memorial service 2 p.m., Saturday, May 7 at Mansfield First Baptist Church with inurnment at Coop Prairie Cemetery. Cremation is under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.

Paris Softball Honors Five Seniors on Senior Night

Resident News Network

-

1:58 pm

0

Paris Softball Honors Five Seniors on Senior Night

Perhaps Paris softball coach Donald Hart said it best when he described the unusually scheduled Senior Night ceremony that was not held on the field during a pregame ceremony but on a rainy night in Paris Gymnasium after the conclusion of the Lady Eagles’ season. Coach Hart referred to the ceremony being indicative of the obstacles that this senior class has had to overcome, such as scheduling challenges that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. But nevertheless, five Paris seniors who had a very successful run in the program were honored in front of parents and fans Monday at Paris Gymnasium.

Seniors Ryleigh Oates, Karsyn Tencleve, Celsi Haller, Kasse Appleton, and Kaidence Powers were honored for their contributions to the Paris softball program. In a very touching ceremony, the players were escorted by their families through a “bat salute” that was formed from the rest of the team, and were given gifts and momentos of their time in the program. Coach Donald Hart said a few words about the seniors and how much they meant to him and the program.

After the event, I asked Coach Hart for his comments regarding this class that was very successful on and off the field, including a run last year to the state semi-finals. Coach responded by saying, “I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to be a small part of this great group of seniors. They’ve had a tremendously positive impact on our program over the past four years (five for the three that were managers as eighth graders.) I look forward to seeing them do great things as they head out into the real world, and I hope we will always hold a special place in their hearts. I know they will in mine. It’s been a great ride and they will be truly missed. Once and Eagle…always an Eagle!”

Yes, Coach, they will be sorely missed by everyone, and they will be highly successful in anything they attempt in life. Good luck to this year’s senior class of Paris softball players, and we look forward to following your future successes in life!

Saving Money on Parties

Madison VanRavensway

-

1:26 pm

0

With three children it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the cost of birthday parties. Especially with my children who love a good Birthday theme! But there is always cutbacks, and money to be saved with any party. I have some great money saving tips to share to get you ready for you next birthday party, or a party of any kind!

Choose a color theme, not a character. Both my boys will likely have a Spiderman/superhero birthday. When you think about it I can cover Spiderman and Iron Man with red, black, and yellow. Add some blue and I’ve covered Captain America, and with some green and purple I have Hulk. Even though I will likely just do Iron Man & Spiderman for them, you get the idea. A pinata or cake is enough to drive home the theme and then the plates and table cloth can be generic to cut costs. Same idea for holidays, you can get by with 4th of July theme and plain plates.
Have a party somewhere free; think your own house, or a park! Bonus on a park, there is often free entertainment for little (and big) kids.
Virtual invitations over paper- Facebook makes events pretty easy, and there are apps that allow you to text personalized invites!
Only serve cake! Pick a time that this is appropriate, such as 10:30 or 2:00. It is expected for their to be cake at a birthday party, and it is perfectly fine to ONLY have cake (or your dessert of choice). For a summer party maybe you only have watermelon or sno cones. As long as that’s appropriately shared so people aren’t starving and angry at you, I think a sno cone party would be a blast!
Serve bulk drinks- lemonade, sweet tea, water from a pitcher. Individual drinks are far more expensive than a pitcher of it made at home!

Summer is a great time for entertaining, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune! Pick a budget, and stick to it- and enjoy the fun of your invitees!

Timepiece: a Meaningful Life

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

2:45 am

0

Who the heck was Guy Fenter? I hear it often when I tell people where I work. It’s really easy to explain why the educational cooperative is named for him; he was the cofounder of the educational cooperatives in Arkansas but, as an educator, an administrator, and especially as a friend, he was so very much more.

Guy was born near Billstown, Arkansas in 1933. A product of the depression and abject poverty, he once told me the only people poorer than his family were the Campbell family who lived down the dirt road from them. Years later, while at a Glen Campbell concert, I saw Mr. Fenter talking on stage with the famous country music star. They were reliving old days of growing up together and Glen was checking on Mr. Fenter’s sister, a lady for whom he held a life-time crush.

Mr. Fenter was able to get together enough money to attend what is now UCA for a semester. He said he quickly decided attending college was a lot easier than working in the hot cotton fields. Finishing his degree, he taught and coached first at Paris. He was an assistant there during Paris undefeated 1956 season and had some outstanding basketball teams but he always told me his biggest accomplishment was marrying one of his former students, the beautiful Shelby Gray. In 1960, he was hired as principal at Charleston High school and later moved up to the superintendent position. Today, Charleston attributes much of its educational reputation to reforms implemented by Mr. Fenter.

One of his school board members was Mr. Dale Bumpers. They became close friends, so much so that Mr. Fenter served as one of the campaign for Mr. Bumpers who was first governor, later Senator, and a prime candidate for President. After Mr. Bumpers first election, someone from the state department called Mr. Fenter questioning him about the position he wanted in the new administration. With characteristic modesty, Mr. Fenter replied, “I am just an old school teacher and the only job I need is right here in Charleston.’

Mr. Fenter continued in the education field, and was instrumental is setting up the unique system of educational cooperatives in the state. He became the first director of the coop, later named for him, and set up office in the inconspicuous old superintendent house vacated on the County Line School campus. That institution has now grown to include some 50 employees who assist 22 school districts and dozens of schools in the River Valley. In 1998, he helped start the Western Arkansas Technical center at U/AFS. Coming from his background, he realized that all kids are not college bound but all kids need skills and training to help them through life. He retired in 2015 and passed away soon afterward but he left a legacy for educators to follow.

He was a leader, a man that shot from the hip and stood up for things he thought right. With all his success and achievements, he was accessible, likeable, and modest. After visiting in Charleston, I remarked to him he was a famous enough to have a street named for him. He smiled and replied, “Curtis, on one end of that street is the dog pound, on the other end is the sewer plant!

The coop’s mascot is the starfish and it came from Mr. Fenter’s favorite story about a young man walking down the beach throwing grounded starfish back into the ocean. A cynical older man remarked to the boy, “Son, you’re wasting your time, you can’t save all those starfish.” The young man replied as he threw another starfish back into the sea, “I may not save them all, but I can surely make a difference in this one life.”

When you pass by the cooperative and see the name Guy Fenter, know that he didn’t save them all but he sure made a difference in many lives he touched during a career that extended nearly sixty years.

Spring bear sightings don’t have to mean ‘trouble bruin’

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

-

2:38 am

0

Spring bear sightings don’t have to mean ‘trouble bruin’

By Randy Zellers

Each spring, young male black bears emerge from their dens and strike out to find new territories. While sightings of these misguided youths certainly grab the attention of people living in neighborhoods bordering bear country, they often move on as long as people don’t give them a reason to stay.

Bears are part of Arkansas and have been since before the state was settled. In fact, Arkansas once was so rich with black bears that its official nickname was “The Bear State.” Unrestricted hunting for their fur and fat led to the bear’s rapid decline by the early 1900s. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists and biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas again has bears throughout much of the state in the areas they once roamed. But living with bears requires a brief mention about bear biology.

Female bears will spend two winters with their cubs: the first when they are newborns, and the second as adolescents. In their second year, female cubs will be allowed to stay in a portion of their mother’s territory, but male bears are forced away to find a new home on their own.

“It’s nature’s way of ensuring genetic diversity,” said Myron Means, bear program coordinator for the AGFC. “The young males will wander for a while until they find a new home with good food resources.”

Unfortunately, that search may land young bears in some sticky situations. Open trash cans, bowls filled with pet food and areas where people have dumped cooking grease or table scraps often attract these wayward bears. Wildlife feeders also act as magnets to these young bruins, who will take advantage of the free meal.

“The first thing we tell anyone to do when they have a nuisance bear in the area is to put away any possible foods, including deer feeders, bird feeders and dog food, and to keep trash cans locked or put away where they are inaccessible for a couple of days,” Means says. “That’s usually all it takes for the bear to move on.”

Just like grandpa told you about snakes and other scary critters, bears are much more scared of people than we are of them. But if a bear is allowed to stick around, it can begin to associate people with a free meal, and that’s when trouble starts. Means suggests people who see bears where they don’t want them, make it clear they need to move on.

“Making noise, yelling and throwing a rock or two at the bear will give it the message that it’s not welcome,” Means said. “Bears aren’t aggressive animals and they don’t have a desire for revenge or anything. They just realize the area isn’t comfortable to stay in and will go away.”

More information about bear awareness and bear safety can be found on the cooperative website www.Bearwise.org. This site was developed by bear biologists throughout the Southeast and includes information specific to Arkansas.

Bradley Kremers Seeks Seat on School Board

News

Tammy Teague

-

11:52 pm

0

Bradley Kremers Seeks Seat on School Board

Although you might know me from my involvement with the baseball team and Greenwood athletics, do you really know who I am and what I stand for? This involvement over the past several years has inspired me to want to do more—beyond athletics—to include what’s best for all Greenwood students, staff, teachers, administrators, and even the parents… all of these people make up who we are in Greenwood.

Throughout my life, I have had a deep conviction to serve and be a part of impacting the next generation. I want to serve on the Greenwood School Board to help be a catalyst in the vision, growth, and development of the Greenwood School District. My children are all elementary-aged and I feel it is time for me to be able to step in and serve my family and our community in this capacity. I will stand on the shoulders of those who have served before me that have created an outstanding foundation to build upon.

Regarding the attributes that I can contribute to the community of Greenwood and the School Board that represents it are: proven leadership, loyalty to the community, service, un-matched work ethic, and a voice for teachers, staff and families. Throughout my 21-years of military experience as both an officer and enlisted Airman, I have had the privilege of serving alongside hundreds of the Nation’s best Service men and women. Many of those individuals reside in the Greenwood School District, and through that I have managed millions of dollars in assets and fiscal budgets. That experience enables me to understand how to lead in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment which mirrors the realm of education in terms of personnel, pace, and change. I am a self-starter who is able to cast vision and manage the details. I am blessed to have young children who are currently coming up through Greenwood School District, so I am vested in the future and will be around to see projects through to completion. By being a young parent who is heavily involved in the community, I have a unique perspective on the interests of the next generation of students, parents, and leaders within the Greenwood community and I look forward to demonstrating that for years to come.

If elected, I will truly be humbled and honored. Accountability, transparency, honesty, and continuous process improvement will be the keys to success as a board member. First, I will listen to the needs of those who elected me to this position by developing a clear line of communication so that they know and understand that I truly am available to them so that when needs arise, I will be there to answer. Secondly, I will focus on what’s best for all students as a whole in the district, not just those in a select group. It is crucial that the school district remains balanced in its focus on the future in academics, athletics, and the arts. It is widely known that Greenwood is an athletic town and our student-athletes are challenged on the playing field day in and day out, and we are extremely proud of that. However, we have to continue to build upon that excellence in the classroom and in the arts as well. We want to ensure that we develop well-rounded students who are having rich and engaging experiences across multiple educational disciplines. This type of preparation will ensure they have diverse experiences they need to have the foundation required to launch into the world our students currently face.

The path to success for our children is a “full-spectrum” approach. Parents, Teachers, Coaches, Administrators, and School Board members must be on the same page, which includes the students to ensure we are providing elements necessary for their success in the classroom, on the field or wherever life leads them. To ensure we provide a world-class education for our students and parents, I will ask the hard questions when needed, make sure that we are fiscally responsible in how our community’s money is dispersed, drive our school toward reaching key milestones in the realization of our District Strategic Plan, ensure that our teachers, staff, and administrators are supported and appropriately funded, and help be an asset to the future growth of our community. One of the most important aspects of hiring high-quality and new talent to local businesses is the quality of the school system in the community, and I will ensure that it is the best and a place to be proud of. We are all a part of what makes Greenwood such an incredible place to live. Let me be the spark and the voice that creates new change and growth within our schools.

Arrest Reports 4/24

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

-

7:00 pm

0

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Ty Daniel Allen of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 29 at 10:51 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 30 at 1:28 a.m. Allen was charged with driving while intoxicated 1st offense.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Lauren Carrol Nicole Briley of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 29 at 8:02 a.m. and released on May 2 at 9:03 a.m. Briley was charged with contempt-failure to comply w/ court a misd.

Phillip James Orick of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 26 at 11:52 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 26 at 6:35 p.m. Orick was charged with theft of property <$1k.

Ron Allen Peerson of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 29 at 4:24 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Peerson was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – felony.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Billy Joe Duncan of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 28 and remains at the SCADC without bond. Duncan was charged with fugitive from justice out of state, and obstructing governmental operations – ID.

John Michael Mashburn of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 25 at 2:54 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Mashburn was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor, and failure to appear – class C felony.

Brian James Mathisen of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 29 at 8:14 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Mathisen was charged with failure to appear – class A misdemeanor.

Bobby Lee Rhyne of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 25 at 1:42 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 26 at 11:01 p.m. Rhyne was charged with delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine >10g.

Calvin K Ward of Hot Springs was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 30 at 2:06 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Ward was charged with possession of controlled substance – schedule IV / V misdemeanor <28grams.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Gary Edward Knotts of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 30 and remains at the SCADC without bond. Knotts was charged with parole violation, possession of controlled substance – schedule I/II felony <2g, and contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine).

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

R

Brighten Up the Room

Let More Light In

Declutter the Area

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK