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How To Choose the Right Fence Style for Your Home

Resident News Network
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How To Choose the Right Fence Style for Your Home

We all have different living spaces, and how we choose to navigate those spaces are important to how we live our lives. You might be someone who relishes their privacy, so then there is a fence designed specifically for your needs. Or you may have children and pets, which would lean into other options.

Whatever the case, there are styles out there for whatever your needs may be. Depending on those needs will determine how to choose the right fence style for your home, so make the right decision and do yourself a favor with the right fence when you’re shopping around.

Privacy

If you enjoy your time alone when you’re not at work or you live a solitary lifestyle, you might discover that a privacy fence is right for you. You will have to adhere to certain guidelines that rely on your local and state government’s laws on your fence height, but you can even get a permit if you apply for one in certain states.

This would allow you an excess height advantage, but your cause would have to be substantial enough to carry weight with the law. For these fences, you can go with wood, stone, or vinyl, and most of them have a large multitude of options to choose from with materials.

Your Occupation

You may find that your job requires that you have a fence put in place, much like a farmer or business owner. In either case, you’re trying to protect something, whether that be your cattle or your collateral.

These fences range from barbed wire, gated, and chain links. You’ll find that they are all great options for either occupation or any that apply otherwise.

Wind Shield

Some instances only require that you need something to help with the climate where you live. If you’re trying to potentially dam up a flood zone, then having a sturdy fence might be a viable option for you.

If high winds are something that you’re used to, having something that can take the beating of a windstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado might be something you find yourself looking.

Protection

Most people want some level of security and protection for their home, and they view a fence as that initial layer of protection from unwanted intruders. This can mean any type of fence you want to go with as they are all applicable. Although most would state a wood fence should do the trick, this might be out of your budget.

If this is the case, you can try other options like chain link or vinyl. The chain link can be substituted with barbed wire, and both can be equipped with cameras for additional protection.           

Your home is your castle, and it should never feel any other way. So, make sure that you do your homework and make the right decision before installing a new fence. Make the fence equipped for your needs. This is how to choose the right fence style for your home that should be based upon your needs.

Obituary – Georgie Madison Brewer (1934-2022)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Georgie Madison Brewer (1934-2022)

Georgie Madison Brewer of Needmore, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, April 12, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with loved ones by his side. Georgie was born April 7, 1934 in Boles, Arkansas to Vernie and Lela (Anderson) Brewer. He was 88 years old. 

Born and raised in Boles, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1951 to work. In 1952, Georgie saw Billie boarding the school bus and told his grandfather that was the girl he was going to marry and he did just that less than a year later on August 4, 1953! Even after the loss of his left arm in a car accident, Georgie worked as a highly skilled automotive painter. While working for Yellow Cab Company he was selected to paint their 50 year Golden anniversary edition Yellow Cab. They spent 16 years in KC before returning to Arkansas with their sons, Bill and Jeff. Georgie and Billie made their home on his father’s land, where they helped farm and feed their family and many others in the Needmore/Boles area. Georgie was well known in the area for his love of and skill with horses. He loved attending the Scott County Rodeo and riding in the rodeo parade. To have known him was to know his smile and laugh, his love for his family and his devotion to Billie. The Needmore Assembly of God was his church home for his entire life. 

Georgie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Billie, of the home, two sons: Bill Brewer and wife Rani of Chicota, Texas and Jeff Brewer and wife Melissa of Needmore, Arkansas as well as his brother, Vernon, of Joplin, Missouri, sisters in law: Mary Brewer, Dorothy Lynton, Roberta Luppens, Lavina Johnson, and brother in law Joe Luppens. Pops will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Mishayla Brewer, Josh Brewer (Tashia), Caleb Brewer (Chelsea), Daniel Brewer, Braden Taff, Kaleigh McAdams (Austin), Justin Kelley (Heather), and James Kelley as well as his great grandchildren: Madison, Josiah, Harrison, Noah, Emily, Gabe, Addilynn, Talyn and Brooklyn. Georgie will be missed by all who knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Georgie was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Lela, one sister Flossie Boren and one brother Lonnie Brewer.

Georgie’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. David Holt and Vernon Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Georgie’s pallbearers will be Bill Brewer, Jeff Brewer, Daniel Brewer, Josh Brewer, Caleb Brewer and Braden Taff.

Georgie’s visitation will be Friday, April 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Zackery Quell Blake Jennings (2021-2022)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Zackery Quell Blake Jennings (2021-2022)

Zackery Quell Blake Jennings of Waldron, Arkansas gained his angel wings, April 10, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas. Zackery was born December 24, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Zackery Jennings and Julia Taylor. He was 3 months old.

Zackery had the sweetest spirit and touched the hearts of many and was incredibly loved.  

Zackery leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents, Zackery and Julia, his grandparents, David and Nancy Taylor of Tennessee and Terri Jennings of Waldron, Arkansas and one aunt Nikki Taylor of Tennessee. Zackery will be missed by many friends and loved ones.

Zackery was preceded in death by one uncle, Anthony Blake Jennings Freeze.

Zackery’s celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Zackery’s visitation will be Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

The Origin of S’mores

Madison VanRavensway
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The Origin of S’mores

S’more origins

S’mores are a summer classic, a staple, a sweet treat enjoyed around campfires enjoyed during warm summer nights. Just like Cindy Lou wondered of the Grinch “Where did he come from?” I had to know.

The Grinch is always welcome on our TVs just like a roasted marshmallow always sounds like a good idea to me. Turns out marshmallows have been around for a looong time. The first discovery of marshmallows was by the Ancient Greeks and Romans from a plant called Althaea officinalis. Rather than stuffed between two crackers, they used their findings to cure ailments from inflammation to constipation.

The French were the first to make a marshmallow as a treat. Combining the root juice from the plant with eggs and sugar. The paste was then made into a lozenge called pâté de guimauve which translates to marshmallow creme. The lozenges were used both as a sweet and for soothing sore throats.  That went on for a time until the 19th century. See, it was a lot of work to get the root juice, which made these tasty things expensive. Gelatin replaced the marshmallow root to make marshmallows more affordable while keeping about the same taste.

Before the s’mores of present day, there were some variations. The Victorian-era funnel cakes were often prepared for funerals, and sometimes included chocolate and marshmallows. During the 1890s the northeast states had a marshmallow roasting fad, newspapers back then called marshmallow roasting events. Following that in 1913 the cookie version of s’mores- Mallomars, hit stores. A few years later Moonpies made their debut, which are like a family member to a s’more. 

Despite how similar all of this was to modern day s’mores, the first ones we know of came around in 1927. A Girl Scouts guidebook titled “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts contained the first recipe for s’mores. The original recipe was called Some More and is credited to troop leader Loretta Scott Crew. The shortened name of s‘ more came along later, although the exact time of the shortening is unknown. Girl Scout books continued to refer to these delectable treats as Some More at least until 1971.

Whatever the case is on the name shortening, the result is a delicious gooey snack, best enjoyed around a campfire with loved ones. Maybe you can share your new found knowledge around the next campfire the next time you find yourself with a s’more in hand. 

Moore Makes Four Next Level Runners

Tammy Teague
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Moore Makes Four Next Level Runners

Mansfield cross country runner Katlynn Moore is flanked by her parents as she signs to run next school year at the University of the Ozarks.

Every few weeks it seems like members of the Mansfield cross country team gather together for another signing. Such was the case on April 14 when the group made their way to the Tiger Trophy lobby. There before teammates, parents, and administration; Katlynn Moore became the latest Lady Tiger to commit to college.

Moore, a senior member of Mansfield’s most accomplished cross country team, signed to join the University of the Ozarks distance team.

“This was our fourth player off this year’s team to commit to run in college next year,” said Mansfield coach John Mackey. “Katlynn’s decision to run with the Eagles meant Mansfield had 80 percent of it’s senior distance runners move on to college.”

Moore will join Mansfield teammate McKenzie Griffin who committed on March 2 to also run cross country at the University of the Ozarks.

In consecutive order, Mansfield class of 2022 seniors signing to participate in college next year were Faith Rainwater, Darby Jones, Griffin, and Moore.

Rainwater took the first step by signing with UA Rich Mountain in Mena. Jones followed by accepting an offer from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. Griffin then put her signature on the University of the Ozarks paperwork followed by Moore’s signing on Thursday.

Moore was a contributing member of Mansfield’s two time class 2A state runner-up teams. Having joined the squad as a sophomore, she instantly fit into the team plans.

“Katlynn came to us two and a half years ago out of the offseason program,” noted Mackey. “Our cross country team was pretty good but we couldn’t score as a team because of the lack of numbers. Kat filled the void. From there, she just got better and better. Her commitment to the Tigers completed our team. Now, she’ll be soaring with the Eagles.”

Moore has earned All-District, All-Region, and River Valley All-Star credentials during her time with the Lady Tiger distance team. Her personal record for a 5K race according to ar.milesplit.com was 24:56.

In February, Moore added depth to the Mansfield indoor track team. That group went on to win the 2022 ATCA class 1A-2A state title. 

Currently, Moore runs a varied slate of distance events for the Mansfield outdoor track team.

Events Taking Shape At Mansfield Quad City

Tammy Teague
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Events Taking Shape At Mansfield Quad City

Mansfield track athletes Darby Jones and Jadelynn Wood receive specilaty awards at the Mansfield hosted Quad City Meet.

On April 12, Mansfield hosted an intimate track and field event for a core group of eight schools. The mission was to allow attending schools access to a state qualifying meet while also offering the ability to enter four athletes per event.

Count it mission accomplished, at least for the host Mansfield Lady Tigers. 

The Mansfield senior high squad got to enter a full lineup for only the second time this outdoor season, and earned two more state qualifiers in the process.

MHS participants Jadelynn Wood and Seven Sanderson each met pre-qualifying standards to earn early entry into next month’s state championship. Wood did so by running a career best in the 300m hurdles. Sanderson did equally as well with a personal record in the discus.

“This meet has become a cozy little meet designed for individual success,” said Mansfield coach John Mackey on the format of the Quad City Meet. “There were no team awards or total points accumulated. This gives players a chance to concentrate on their individual games and go for some qualifying marks.”

Sanderson was the first Lady Tiger to reach standards on the night. Already qualified in the shot put as a result of the previous week’s Gaile Hainley Relays, the junior home-school athlete surpassed the minimum mark in the discus. Her 96’ 1” measure easily overtook the 89’ 6” standard for class 2A.

Wood was next in line as the junior hurdler pulled away from a small heat to run the 300m intermediates in 51.33 seconds. That mark squeaked by the AAA distinction by a narrow eight-hundredths of a second.

“Jadelynn was determined to get this done,” confessed her coach. “She has been getting more confident. She’s been attacking the hurdles with a real purpose each consecutive week.”

For their efforts the two Lady Tigers did receive a pair of specialty awards distributed by the Quad City games committee. Sanderson received an individual plaque for Outstanding Female Thrower. Wood received the prize for Outstanding Female Sprinter.

Four specially designed awards went out for individual achievement in four different disciplines at the conclusion of the meet. Along with the previously mentioned plaques, there were also awards for Outstanding Jumper and Outstanding Distance Racer.

Mansfield also took the Outstanding Female Distance Racer award. Senior Darby Jones, a Ouachita Baptist signee, stole the show by winning both the 1600m and 3200m runs.

Waldron’s Hannah Jeffries took the Outstanding Jumper montra with wins in the long jump, triple jump, and 100m hurdles.

Four identical awards were also handed out in the men’s rankings. 

Acorn’s Caden Tarkenton won the Outstanding Distance Racer award for his first place mark in the 800m run. Tyler Wright of Waldron took home the Outstanding Sprinter plaque with wins in the 100m and 200m dashes. Brevyn Ketter of Charleston was named Outstanding Jumper with a six foot high jump. Charleston teammate Dale Smith was the Outstanding Thrower by displacing all shot putters by over a six foot margin.

Mansfield’s Brooklyn Adams neared the discus qualifying mark in her second meet of the year. The full time softball player came over to the track meet in hopes of a significant heave in the discus. 

The junior did throw well taking second in the event. Her measured toss was just shy of the state standard at 88’ 6”.

Lady Tiger Sadie Roberts was a highlight in the high jump event. The senior, who has already pre-qualified to state at two different meets, cleared 5’ 0” for the first time this season to win that event.

Natallie Allison, another full time softball player among other sports, did well in the triple jump. The junior All-State volleyball player went 29’ 9” in the triple jump for second place.

Tyler Escalante and Peyton Martin showed out for the Tiger men in the sprints. Escalante peeled back an 11.97 finish in the 100m dash. Martin crossed at 12.20 in the same race. The pair ranked third and sixth among 21 sprinters in attendance.

Tiger men finished second in two separate relays to boost their team credentials as they prepare for districts on April 26. In the 4x100m relay, MHS went 49.26. In the 4x200m relay, the Tigers went 1:43.40.

Ryan Hayslip won the men’s pole vault for Mansfield. The senior cleared 10’ 6”. Martin also jumped in the pole vault making the top four at 10’ 0”.

Seniors Faith Rainwater, Hope Rainwater, McKenzie Griffin, Shelby Cole, and Katlynn Moore all tallied points for Mansfield.

Summer Swimming Safety

Madison VanRavensway
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Summer Swimming Safety

Summer is a time for fun in and around water- swimming, floating, boating, and just hanging out near the lake or pool. As much fun as water is, it also can be extremely dangerous. Even though it is only April, hot weather will be here soon, and besides it’s always a good time to talk about safety!

So many of us have watched the movies where someone is “drowning”, and to show it they are splashing wildly and screaming for help. That’s not what anyone should expect from someone who is truly drowning. When a person is drowning there will likely be no noise at all, and they will have disappeared from the surface of the water making splashing impossible. If anyone goes down and does not resurface they could be actively drowning.

Never swim alone, no matter how good of a swimmer you are it’s not a good idea to go alone. Having a swim buddy allows both parties to be safer.

Keep a close watch on any kids, even when a lifeguard is around. If you take a child to swim avoid any distraction and provide as constant as possible attention to that child. 

If not in an are with a life guard assign someone the task of watching the entire group, adults can drown too. 

Do not rely on any sort of floaty device to replace the need for adult supervision. An adult should never be further than arms reach from an inexperienced swimmer, even one in a floatation device.

Swim lessons can save lives. If you frequent swimming pools, have ponds or other bodies of water close to your home, or own your own swimming pool especially consider enrolling your children in swim lessons. Even those who aren’t often around water can have more peace of mind in regards to their children if they have had proper swim lessons.

Additionally, choosing the right swim suit color is important. Even the best swimmer can have tragedy strike. Aquatic Safety Connection did a test on what color swim wear is most visible in pools and lakes. 

Alive Solutions swimsuit color test.

The colors most visible in pools were neon pink and neon orange. In lakes and the like the murky water made any color almost impossible to see at 2 feet deep, but colors tested in 18 inches of water showed neon yellow, neon green, and neon orange were the most visible. Looking for the neon colors that reflect where your swimmers are most often when shopping for swim suits could result in a much better outcome should the unthinkable happen and your child need help. For more great swimming safety tips check out Aquatic Safety Connection at alive-solutions.com and on Facebook. Special thanks to them for allowing us to share their photos!

Alive Solutions Swimsuit color test in lake water.

A Home Maintenance Checklist To Tackle This Spring

Resident News Network
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A Home Maintenance Checklist To Tackle This Spring

Every spring, homeowners begin the process of deep cleaning their homes after the long winter months. This home maintenance checklist to tackle is for you to use to ensure nothing gets forgotten. Let’s get to cleaning!

Check Your Air Conditioner

Once winter is over, it’s the air conditioner’s turn to keep your home comfortable. You can do some easy tasks yourself, such as clearing debris away from the condenser and cleaning the air filter, but call a local professional to conduct an annual inspection. This checkup can ensure that the system is in peak condition and save you money on your energy bills throughout the summer.

Make an appointment to have professionals clean your air ducts after checking your air conditioner.

Prepare Your Lawn

Remove any fallen branches, dead flowers, and leaves that accumulated over the fall and winter. Turn the outside faucets back on and run some water to check for leaks or damage. You may want to check the sprinklers while you’re at it.

Lay down fertilizer and reseed areas of your yard that need it. Lay fresh mulch in the flower beds to fight against weeds. The last step is to check over your lawnmower to ensure it’s ready for the season.

Check Your Walkways

Walkways, sidewalks, and driveways typically take a beating during the winter. The salt and elements can create holes, crevices, cracks, and sinking that can cause accidents. Inspect the areas and fix any surfaces that have issues. Some problems can be minor, while some can become more extensive.

Look at Your Roof

Winter isn’t only damaging to walkways and driveways but your roof, too, especially if you didn’t clean out your gutters during the fall. Backed-up gutters can cause overflow, and excess water can contribute to roof rot.

Look for signs of warping, peeling, and missing shingles. Also, pay attention to any leaking you may see inside your home, leading you to believe the issue is with the roof. If you have spray foam insulation in your attic, you’re better protected against leakage issues.

Test Home Emergency Equipment

You’ve heard it time and time again. When we switch to daylight savings time, check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure the fire extinguishers in your home are in working order, not damaged, that the locking pin is in place, and that you have enough extinguishers.

As many homeowners understand, there is quite a lot of maintenance that goes into owning a home. This home maintenance checklist to tackle this spring will ensure your home is maintained every year.

Timepiece: Medal of Honor

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: Medal of Honor

Memorial Day is much more than a vacation day away from work, a day to spend with family, and a day to cook out.  Created as a day to honor our veterans, it is a time to reflect on the sacrifices men and women made to preserve our freedom.  Nothing reminds us more of that than to hear actual stories and remembrances of people who served, especially those who we regard as heroes and examples of patriotism.  In the U.S., the highest example of this patriotism is shared by those who have received America’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Arkansas has a total of twenty-five recipients, all of whose name and likeness is etched into a monument at the state capitol.  One of those recipients received his medal from a battle fought in Dardanelle, Arkansas and later lived at Frog Bayou near Alma.

Sargent William Ellis was from Wisconsin and came from humble beginnings as a wool carder.   He enlisted in the service at the beginning of the war and participated in several battles and skirmishes in Oklahoma and Arkansas.  By early 1865, it looked like the war was almost over.  Union forces held most of Arkansas but there were still significant Confederate forces in the south-eastern part of the state to put up resistance.  Colonel William Brooks decided to make a last attempt to gain control of the Arkansas River.  Organizing over 1,500 troops, he traveled up what is probably today’s Highway 7 and prepared to attack Dardanelle. 

By 1865, Dardanelle was a town ravaged by previous skirmishes and battles.  After a major skirmish there in 1863, much of the town was in shambles with a population divided in support of the war.  An earthen stockade stood near the old high school site and was occupied by Ellis, his commanding officer J.D. Jenks, and about 274 other men.  In their possession was also two cannon and the crews to man them.

On the afternoon of January 14, 1865, Brooks and his men poured through the woods south of town, following the paths along the old military road and a road running approximately where highway 22 is located.   For four hours the battle raged with thousands of bullets flying through the air. Cannons fire roared from both sides as the Confederates attempted to flank the small contingent of Union troops.  During the fight, Ellis was wounded but continued fighting, receiving two more wounds in the process.  His commanding officer ordered him to the rear but the fighting was too intense and Ellis was needed.  Exposing himself to more danger, he continued to fight, receiving his fourth wound in the process. The Union suffered 29 causalities, nearly one in five of their men.  The Confederates lost eighty-one men.  Eventually, Brooks realized the futility of his efforts and withdrew his forces.  He later moved up the river and attacked Roseville but that is another story. 

Ellis was severely injured and took months to recover.  For his bravery, he became the first Arkansan to receive the Army Medal of Honor and Congressional medal. 

Today, one can travel through the quite peaceful streets of the town, little realizing the bravery and sacrifice made by both sides.  A small number of men, an insignificant battle in the scheme of things, but a group of dedicated men that offered the most valuable thing they possessed, their lives, for a country they believed in.  On a larger scale, thousands of white crosses mark the countryside of France, the plains of Germany, and the beaches of the Pacific.  All of these are testament to the men who fought and died so that we can celebrate with our families.

Let us never forget!!!

“Just Roll with It” Serving Up Recipes and Humor

Tammy Teague
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“Just Roll with It” Serving Up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins
Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! I have had the air conditioner on even though every year my nephew, Michael Wagoner, and I have a contest to see who can wait till May to turn it on. FYI, he lost. I waited till he turned his on before I turned mine on. Tonight I will have the heat back on. It’s supposed to be cold. Good ole Arkansas weather. But, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Do y’all remember Billy Bass the singing fish? I know y’all are reading my mind. Yes, Chuck Hopkins brought one of those dumb things home. I think ours sang “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He really thought he had him a prize with that singing fish. I mean you knew he would bring one home, the man always bought crazy stuff. Don’t forget Christmas gifts. One year he bought me a Shiatsu neck massager. I will admit I loved that thing. It had massage and heat, it was the bomb. The next year at Christmas, as I was opening up my gifts, there was another Shiatsu neck massager. By this time, I was over the hurt feelings. I said, “I already have one of these.” His reply, “well, now you have two of them.” Really? That was just one of the many crazy things he did. The list is endless. As much weight as I’ve gained since COVID, I sure wish I had that Moo Moo back he bought me that time. I can blame COVID because everything gets blamed on COVID, even my feet are bigger. Enough about weight. Let’s move on.

This week’s recipe is from Tymber Moreton. It’s Butterfinger Poke Cake. I’m sure not many calories, just kidding. It’s so good, who cares.

By the way, I am also a matchmaker. I am the reason that Tymber and Anthony Moreton are together. Gina can thank me for those granddaughters. We were at a ballgame and I kept texting each of them trying to get them to talk. They were hard-headed at first but after they dated a while. I told Gina “he’s gonna be your son-in-law.” She was doubting me about it, but look at them now, two little precious girls later.

I also fixed up Dustin and April (Rozell) Clark. They have two precious children, a boy and a girl. I’m telling you, I am pretty good at it.

This cake is delicious and easy. Enjoy it one evening.
BUTTERFINGER POKE CAKE
1 Devil’s food or chocolate cake mix (made according to box directions). I like to use Devil’s food.
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel topping
1 regular tub of Cool Whip
Couple of Butterfinger candy bars (crushed up). You can use more if you like.
Bake cake according to the box directions. Poke holes in it with a wooden spoon or skewer. Mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping together and pour on top of the cake. Cool in the fridge. When cake is cooled, top with Cool Whip and crushed up Butterfingers. Keep in the fridge.
Have a blessed week everyone!

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