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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!

Arrest Reports 4/1

Tammy Teague
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Arrest Reports 4/1

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Christopher Lee Carter of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 9 at 9:31 p.m. and released on signature bond April 10 at 1:14 a.m. Carter was charged with two counts of failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

David Lee Tuck of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County County Detention on April 6 at 2:43 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Tuck was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal Writ, absconding, parole violation, failure to appear – class B misdemeanor, failure to appear – class C felony, and failure to appear – class C felony, fleeing – vehicle (serious injury).

Ashley Webb of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 9 at 7:46 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 9 at 9 p.m. Webb was charged with aggravated assault.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Randi Leigh Harris of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 5 at 12:08 p.m. and released on time served April 10 at 5:10 p.m. Harris was charged with drug court sanctions.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Dezaray Hartman of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 3 at 1:52 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond on April 4 at 9:47 p.m. Hartman was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree -conduct.

Jonathan Paul Keys of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 3:11 p.m. and released on cash bond April 8 at 8:51 p.m. Keys was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Ashley Nichole Murphy of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 3 at 10:04 p.m. and released on signature bond April 4 at 4:04 p.m. Murphy was charged with possession of [schedule I/II controlled substance] <2g-inmate.

Jordon Blake Ratliff of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 7 at 1:23 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Ratliff was charged with contempt of court – disorderly, contemptuous or insulant behavior committed during court.

Johnnie Lee Witt of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 12:30 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Witt was charged with burglary – residential felony.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Jackie E Horton of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 3:04 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Horton was charged with assist outside agency – misd., possession of drug paraphernalia – store or conceal – meth/cocaine, possession of controlled substance – schedule VI misdemeanor <4 oz., two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest meth/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia – misdemeanor, obstructing governmental operations – ID, parole violation, absconding, appear to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Adam Christian Norrid of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 3:35 p.m. and released on bond April 13 at 5:02 p.m. Norrid was charged with contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine), possession of drug paraphernalia – store or conceal – meth/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest meth/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia – misdemeanor, possession of controlled substance schedule VI misdemeanor, <4oz., and failure to appear – class C misdemeanor.

Amanda Lynn Ojeda of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 2:39 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Ojeda was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – store or conceal – meth/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest meth/cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest, and possession of controlled substance – schedule VI misdemeanor <4oz.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Charles Jason Lewis of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 4 at 9:12 p.m. and released to an outside agency on April 4 at 11:50 p.m. Lewis was charged with assist outside agency – felony.

Debra Gayle Lewis of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 4 at 9:10 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on April 4 at 11:46 p.m. Lewis was charged with assist outside agency – felony.

Juan Matamoros-Duran of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 7 at 3:43 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 7 at 8:53 p.m. Duran was charged with driving while intoxicated – first offense.

Joseph Scott May of Greenwood, Indiana was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 1:05 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 6 at 3:45 a.m. May was charged with possession of firearms by certain persons – nonviolent, and possession of controlled substance – schedule IV/V misdemeanor <28g.

Jeremy Scott Smith of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 7 at 11:48 p.m. and released on signature bond April 8 at 2:55 p.m. Smith was charged with public intoxication – danger to self or others, disorderly conduct – fighting, drinking in public highway or street, refusal to submit to a chemical test – adult, and driving while intoxicated 1st offense.

Jeffrey Stephens of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 8:45 p.m. and released to an outside agency on April 9 at 1:23 a.m. Stephens was charged with assist outside agency – felony.

Courtney Jeanette Williams of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 2:34 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Williams was charged with petition to revoke felony, possession of schedule I/II controlled substance with the purpose to deliver <2g, possession of drug paraphernalia – misdemeanor, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms – firearm, possession of firearm by certain persons felony and parole violation.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Pedro Romero of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 6 at 5:53 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on April 8 at 4:36 p.m. Romero was charged with fugitive from justice out of state, and two counts failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

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

Hackett Sweeps Paris in Home Baseball / Softball Doubleheader

Resident News Network
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Hackett Sweeps Paris in Home Baseball / Softball Doubleheader

After a bout of severe weather in the River Valley on Monday, high school baseball and softball were able to continue their schedules on Tuesday. The Paris Eagles and Lady Eagles traveled to Hackett to play important conference games on a day that featured dark, gray skies with a constant surface wind throughout both games. For the Lady Eagles softball team, Paris was focused on defeating the Lady Hornets at Hackett after being shutout at home earlier in the season. For the baseball Eagles, Paris was hoping to win its second game over the Hornets after a 13-0 win over Hackett earlier at home. But, it was not to be. Hackett swept both games on Tuesday.

For the Lady Eagles, Paris came out early and took a two-run lead. Hackett tied the game and eventually moved ahead by a score of 3-2 in the contest. But the wheels came off again for Paris, and the Lady Eagles went on to give up 10 unanswered runs to the Lady Hornets. Hackett won the game by a score of 13-2 and in doing so swept the regular season series with Paris. The loss puts Paris two games behind Hackett, two games behind Charleston, and one game behind Boonevill in head-to-head competition with the three leaders in the conference.

The baseball Eagles, after beating Hackett earlier in the year behind a good pitching effort from Konnor Edwards and Mason Bradley, struggled throughout the entire game at Hackett. Paris took a two run lead in the first inning, but was shut down for most of the remaining portion of the game. The Eagles were able to piece together runs that included stealing home base for a run by Duke Walker. Paris clawed back and tied the game in the seventh inning and was able to pitch out of trouble when Hackett had bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh. After holding Paris scoreless in the top of the eighth, Hackett scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning to walk off with the win. The Hackett win evened the regular season series with Paris, with the Eagles holding the tiebreak advantage over Hackett on run differential.

Next up for Paris softball and baseball is a trip to Cedarville to play the Lady Pirates and Pirates in needed conference victories for both teams. Weather will continue to be a factor, so check with players, coaches, administrators, and / or information that is posted online for game schedule information.

Stay with Resident News Network Sports for the latest in River Valley baseball and softball action!

CASA Sebastian County Executive Director Finds Life’s Calling

Tammy Teague
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CASA Sebastian County Executive Director Finds Life’s Calling

Ten years ago, Mary Ann Craig, the Executive Director of CASA of Sebastian County, had no idea that a book would change her life and lead her to her life’s calling.

“I read ‘A Child Called It’ and knew I had to do something to advocate for abused children,” shared Craig. “I had heard of CASA before I read the book.  I found CASA of Sebastian County and signed up for Volunteer training.  I wanted to make a difference for at least one child.  Ten years later, when I look back it was definitely a calling.  Now, I can’t even imagine doing anything else! I did it to change one child’s life and I cannot tell you much my own life has been impacted and changed by CASA children.”

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a volunteer who is trained on how experiencing abuse, neglect and other forms of trauma can impact children’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and more.  The support of a CASA Volunteer/Advocate can help children build resilience to counter those impacts.  

“Having a caring adult advocate for their best interest can make a lasting difference for a child who’s been neglected or abused,” added Craig. “For many of the children that we serve, their CASA Advocate will be the ONE constant in an otherwise chaotic life.  CASA Advocates work to help each child reach a safe and forever home, whether that is reunification with their family of origin or through adoption.”

Sebastian County CASA is comprised of volunteers from ages 21 to 80 plus. Staff members include Advocate Supervisors, Denise Basham, Shannon Kelleher, and Shannon Gordon, all of whom started out as CASA volunteers.

“Sebastian County has had, at most times this year, over 450 children in foster care,” Craig shared. “Four hundred and fifty children, who have been neglected or abused, in our own neighborhoods!  Four hundred and fifty children who need someone to advocate for their best interest. Sebastian County CASA has typically only been able to serve less than half of these precious children due to not having enough CASA volunteers! Right now, we have 65 CASA Volunteers and honestly, we need at least double that to serve all the children in our county. The thing I hate most about this is that we have to say ‘no’ to waiting children due to the need for more volunteers.  Every child in foster care deserves an advocate!”

​April is Child Abuse Awareness month, a time to highlight child abuse/neglect, raise awareness and bring attention to the need for CASA volunteers.  

If you are interested in learning more about becoming involved in CASA, you can contact the county office at 479-785-4171.  Someone will be happy to answer any questions you may have about becoming a CASA Volunteer/Advocate. Craig concluded that the only requirements for being an advocate are being over the age of 21, having a clean background, and being committed to your CASA case until it closes.   

Gardening Hacks

Madison VanRavensway
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Gardening Hacks

10 Gardening Hacks

1 Hang red ornaments on your tomatoes while they are still green to trick birds into pecking them rather than eating your tomatoes.

2 Toilet paper tubes make great seed starters that can go straight in the dirt when transplanting. 

3 Place a coffee filter over the holes in flower pots to save the soil from leaking out but still allow drainage.

4 Use zip ties to train your runners to their supports. 

5 Post hole diggers make quick work of digging holes to plant in. 

6 Coffee grounds deter pests that may try to eat your plants. Sprinkle some around the roots to keep ants and slugs away.

7 Use honey to propagate roots- the enzymes in honey act as rooting hormone and speed up your cutting taking roots

8 Use newspaper to choke out weeds- wet newspaper and place around plants before laying mulch to stop new growth.

9 Take an old muffin pan and mash straight into the dirt when direct sewing seeds. Perfectly spaced holes have never been easier!

10 Have a problem with aphids? Orange peels are an excellent, natural deterrent. 

Happy gardening!

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