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Turkey Season Outlook

Madison VanRavensway
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Turkey Season Outlook

With the state of the world it’s possible to get feeling down. Instead of getting down, think about turkey season. It will be here before we know it!

The harvest numbers for turkeys for the state of Arkansas in 2021 was 7.013. In the entire state there are an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 turkeys heading into the 2022 year.

2020 saw fantastic reproductive seasons for gobblers, putting many jakes to mature just in time for season. Predictions are favoring a great turkey season for 2022.

Surveys show turkey hunters are dedicated individuals. However there many hours don’t yield a bountiful yield. Years past have shown a success rate of 2.8%.

Those willing to put those odds to the test can do so coming up in April. The youth hunt for zone 1 and 2 is April 9-10, and regular season for zone 1 is April 18-26 and zone 2 April 18-May 8.

The AGFC outlines the following bag limits “Zone 1: One legal turkey, no jakes (see Statewide Turkey Bag Limit for exceptions). Hunters who kill a turkey in this zone must travel to Zone 2 to attempt to harvest a second turkey.

Zone 2: Two legal turkeys, no jakes (see Statewide Turkey Bag Limit for exceptions).” For more information on turkey season and harvest laws visit agfc.com. 

A little tidbit about the cover photo- I draft articles often and leave them until I have a photo. I felt a time crunch with this particular article since I wanted to hit publish before the start of turkey season. I happened across a photo of my late uncle holding a turkey he had harvested and decided it was the ideal photo to pair with this article.

Timepiece: Service with a Smile

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: Service with a Smile

By Dr. Curtis Varnell
The elderly lady stood with a puzzled look on her face.  I could read from her expression she didn’t quite know what to do next.  Her groceries were sacked, placed in the basket, and the stock clerk had just walked away.  The store and its chain had recently enacted a new policy which assumed that the customer could deliver their own groceries to their car and she was clearly not accustomed to it.

From bringing your own sacks to checking out your own purchases, services offered by businesses has greatly changed in the past several years.  A flash-back to my childhood clearly indicated that we live in a different era.  My first job was sacking groceries, delivering them to the car, packing them inside carefully, and remembering to thank the customer.  To have neglected any facet of that expectation and Mrs. Douglas would have had me searching for a new occupation.

A trip to the A and W Root Beer drive-inn was a weekly treat.  Dad would pull in and order two frosty mugs and the car hop would bring out the large mugs plus three free small mugs; one for each of the kids.  From there, we might travel to the local DX station.  The attendant would appear immediately with a big smile on his face.  “Filler up Sir,” he would ask.  “Pop the hood on your car and I will check that oil for you.” If you filled up, he would mark your small card and, after five fill-ups, you would get a set of plates, a wall hanger, or similar gift. At twenty-nine cents a gallon, a fill-up might cost as much as five dollars.

Walk into any department store and you were meet immediately by a salesperson who would assist you in finding the exact matching shirt, tie, pants, and shoes.  During holidays, they offered free gift wrapping and, if you didn’t have enough cash, they would place it on lay-away and you could pay it out as money came in.  Our local stores at Midway would allow you to purchase on credit.  Mr. Mosley simply wrote what your purchased down on a pad and kept track of what you owed.  My dad was working steady at the rock quarry and made $1.25 cents per hour.  When he got the weekly check of fifty dollars, the first thing we done was to go by the stores and square up any debts that were owed.  When I was born at the Paris hospital, the same system was used and my parents paid off the $115-dollar debt to the Smith doctors in installments.  I hope I was worth it!!

Cars were cheap.  A Volkswagen beetle cost a whole $1,600 plus you got free oil and lube for the first two years.  When new products came out, the companies would send sales reps around the community handing out free samples.  I can still remember the Mr. Clean salesman leaving that first bottle with the bald headed man label on our doorstep in England, Arkansas.  

Stores gave away S and H green stamps to encourage you to purchase goods.  Stamps were allotted according to your amount of purchases.  You could then turn the complete books in for prizes.  I still remember placing a wad of them in the offering plate and blaming Jean Turner for offering her stamps as tithe.  I don’t think she found it as funny as did the pastor who found time to refer to it during his sermon. 

I find myself remembering my past with fondness; accentuating the good and forgetting the bad.  I guess that is just a product of getting older.  I pushed the cart out for the lady, stored her good, smiled and thanked her for shopping. A good day for both of us!

Help AGFC monitor turkey hunting effort in Arkansas

Tammy Teague
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Help AGFC monitor turkey hunting effort in Arkansas

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — Hunters can help the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by simply reporting their hunting effort and success throughout turkey season this spring. The annual Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey is a great way to help shape future wild turkey management in Arkansas without giving up any specifics about your favorite hunting grounds. 

The spring turkey hunting survey has been in place since 2007 to gather information on hunter activity, gobbling activity, turkey observations and hunting success throughout turkey season. Volunteers record data from each hunt and send the results to be analyzed at the end of the hunting season. Biologists then compile all the data to identify trends in hunter participation and satisfaction and provide a report for all hunters to compare notes. 

Historically hunters recorded their information on paper survey forms and mailed the forms in at the conclusion of hunting season. With advances in mobile technology, the AGFC has transitioned to a new system using a smartphone app called Survey123. The new app makes it easier than ever before to record and submit your information at the conclusion of each hunt.

Some hunters already have begun scouting, particularly on public land where competition for gobblers can be fierce. Jeremy Wood, AGFC Turkey Program Coordinator, said scouting data is just as important to the survey as data recorded during hunting season. 

“Monitoring hunter reports from throughout the state before and during the season really helps complete the picture of how turkeys respond to certain changes in temperature, weather and hunting pressure,” Wood said. “We can track trends in gobbling activity, flock breakup and other factors that influence turkey hunting and turkey reproduction.” 

“We conduct other surveys, such as brood surveys and telemetry studies that look more in-depth into population characteristics, but this survey is designed around hunter participation, expectations and satisfaction,” Wood said. 

Hunters who still want a paper hunting log to use as their survey can contact Wood at jeremy.wood@agfc.ar.gov or call 800-364-4263 to have one mailed to them. But the survey app offers the added convenience of keeping track of your efforts right on your phone. Visit www.agfc.com/turkeysurvey to participate in the Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey.

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

Tammy Teague
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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – The state Education Department has partnered with a non-profit organization called Forward Arkansas to address a growing teacher shortage in Arkansas.

They have launched a new website – TeachArkansas.org – to recruit new teachers. It also helps current teachers improve their skills by getting certified in new fields, which allows them to advance professionally and earn more in salary.

The website emphasizes pathways to getting a certificate that will not burden the teacher with debt. Also, it outlines virtual courses for students who may not be able to attend in person.

The campaign outlines how school staff can take advantage of debt-free tuition to become teachers. This opportunity benefits long-term substitutes, classroom aides and para-professionals.

Statewide surveys indicate that four percent of teachers are uncertified and another three percent are not certified in the subject they teach.

According to the research, a school district with a shortage of certified teachers doesn’t sit unsupervised students in an empty room. However, those students may be in a classroom that is filled to the brim because two classes have been combined under the one teacher who is certified.

It may mean that they have class with a teacher who is not certified in the subject area. It may mean that certain advanced and specialized courses are not available.

The lack of certified teachers is more severe in some areas of southern and eastern Arkansas, where districts reported that up to a third of teachers are not certified in the subject they are expected to teacher.

African-American students are more likely to attend classes taught by a teacher who is not certified in the subject.

Salary disparities are one cause of teacher shortages in some areas of Arkansas. The average starting salary for teachers with a bachelor’s degree can vary by as much as $15,000 a year, depending on where in Arkansas the teacher is hired.

The state offers alternatives certification programs for people who want a teaching certificate, but a college degree is necessary. Some communities have fewer adults with the academic credentials required for alternative certification. Those areas tend to experience more severe teacher shortages.

The non-profit organization interviewed paraprofessionals and in some districts, up to 40 percent said that they did not have enough time or money to complete the process of getting a certificate.

The researchers also found that many potential teachers did not know about the opportunities available through the state Education Department. Many assumed, incorrectly, that they would not qualify for financial help.

The partnership between Forward Arkansas and the Education Department is working to recruit more teachers through four basic pathways. One is for high school students, and it guides them through higher education programs that won’t amass a lot of student debt. Another is for college students at two-year colleges and four-year universities, and it also guides students along a debt-free path toward certification.

A third path is for professionals who want to change careers. They have academic credentials but not a teaching certificate. The fourth is for school staff who are not certified, and who want to teach and increase their pay at the same time.

Obituary – Kathleen Johnston Higgins (1932-2022)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Kathleen Johnston Higgins (1932-2022)

Kathleen Johnston Higgins of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, March 15, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with her family by her side. Kathleen was born April 23, 1932 in Fouke, Arkansas to McKell and Mamie Adams. She was 89 years old. She was a member of Bates Assembly of God Church in Bates, Arkansas.

Kathleen enjoyed fishing and sewing. She loved her dogs and taking care of them. The highlight of her day was when her family would come and she could scoop up one of the little grandchildren or great grands and have a lap full of hugs, loves and big smiles.

Kathleen leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children: Ted Johnston and wife Janie of Shady Point, Oklahoma, Carl Johnston and wife Sheila of Waldron, Arkansas, Kenny Johnston and wife Kathy of Waldron, Arkansas, Terry (T.J.) Johnston of Waldron, Arkansas, Diana Hattabaugh and husband Jerald of Elm Park, Arkansas and John Higgins. Mamaw will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Todd Johnston, LaShae Lee, Jared Hattabaugh, Julie Biggs, Shawn Hattabaugh, Clint Ray Johnston, Lyndy Woodard and Jay Jay Mays as well as 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. She is also survived by one sister, Geniva Partain of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Kathleen will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews and extended family she loved dearly.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, McKell and Mamie Adams, husbands, Bud Johnston and John Higgins, one daughter, Debbie Johnston, one granddaughter, Ginger Johnston and one sister Florence Stuart.

Kathleen’s life celebrations will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Larry Free officiating. Interment will follow in the Weeks Cemetery in Weeks, Arkansas.

Kathleen’s pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons: Todd Johnston, Shawn Hattabaugh, Clint Ray Johnston, Jakob Johnston, Caleb Short and Lane Tallmadge.

Kathleen’s visitation will be Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Blevins Conquer Trader Bill’s Team Trail at Lake DeGray

Jason Baggett
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Blevins Conquer Trader Bill’s Team Trail at Lake DeGray

Taking the safety, and best interest of the angler’s competing at last weekends Trader Bill Team Trail on Lake DeGray, the event originally scheduled for Saturday was postponed to Sunday.

Weather typically plays a major role in all tournaments this time of year. Some are postponed, or delayed to wind, and in some cases, even in March, snow and ice can be a tricky culprit to work around.

That’s the case with this event. Most of Arkansas witnessed snow with freezing temps late in the week causing the potential for dangerous conditions at the boat ramp. Regardless of which side you take, safety is always the right decision.

Eric and Dustin Blevins topped the 126 boat field with 24.70#’s which was 8 pounds heavier than second place team, Kevin Brown and Tom Brown with 16.81. Matt Baker and Paul Baker rounded up third place with 16.61.

The Blevins stated that their pattern was throwing a custom painted 3/4oz & 1/2oz Booyah One Knocker around grass. Originally from Bulls Shoals Lake area, the Blevins has found success on Lake DeGray, and “likes what they have found.”

Full results, and more information on Trader Bill’s Team Trail can be found HERE

📸 Courtesy of Trader Bill’s Team Trail

“Be Proud Be Pro” Comes to Waldron Schools

Tammy Teague
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“Be Proud Be Pro” Comes to Waldron Schools

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, March 14, 2022; at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Mac David and Konnor McKay.  Board member Tammye Sherrill was not present.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Chris Lipham, Darla Jeffery, Ryan Walker, Keith Brigance, Kristi Sigman, Josh Atchley, Kristen Atchley, Tonya Cluck, Zack Taylor, Toni Dozier, Brittany Maine, Alex Maine, Tamara Haten, Keith Haten and Michael Galinato.

Vice-President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the February 21st Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders to ITSAVVY; D) Approve Purchase Order to White River Services; E) Approve Jana Pschier, SLP Contract for 2022-23 SY.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to approve the Administrators Salary Schedule for 2022-23 SY.  Motion carried 4-0.

​Each of the principals reported on the happenings at their buildings. Mr. Walker stated that Literacy Week was a success. Walker also informed the board that the Body Walk starts March 15th.  He also stated that the GT program just completed their Living Wax Museum. Mr. Lipham stated that 5th and 6thgrade Quiz Bowl competes March 15th.  Middle School Cap Conferences for the upcoming 9th graders will be this week. Lipham also informed the board that they are doing a “March Madness” to promote attendance for ACT preparation.  The Middle School socials will be starting back next week as well. Coach Atchley praised the Sr. High Basketball boys on their back-to-back State appearances.  Basketball will be assigned a new conference in the days to come.  He also stated that baseball and track is starting in full force.  Once again, Coach Atchley wanted to announce that “Be Proud Be Pro” will be here on April 5th for 9th thru 12th graders.  April 14th will be CAP conferences for High School students.  FFA is now selling Blue and Gold bacon, sausage and chicken.  Sr. High Girls won State Indoor and the Sr. High Boys got runner-up.  He also informed the board members that the 11th graders just finished taking the ACT test.  March 31st and April 1st will be testing days for the new Work Keys program.

Superintendent Fielding reported that the track is near completion within a week or two.  Mr. Fielding also informed the school board members and others present that the School Calendar may be revised due to the State approving for school to start a week earlier than originally set.

​Adjourned to executive session.  Time dismissed:  7:10   Time returned:  8:10

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to accept the resignation of Amber Craig from Food Service, effective as of February 22, 2022. Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to accept the resignations of the following:  

Larry Underwood – Retire from MS Custodian as of the end of 2021-22 SY.

Gina Brown – Resigning from MS Special Education Paraprofessional as of the end of 2021-22 SY.

Gina Brown – Resigned from Bus Driver as of the end of 2021-22 SY

Marvin Gillean – Retire from Head Transportation Mechanic as of the end of 2021-22 SY.

Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Davis and seconded by McKay to accept the resignation of Sue Williams as High School Nurse effective March 25, 2022.  Motion carried 4-0.​

A motion was made by McKay and seconded by Davis to accept the resignations of Josh Clemmer, Media Specialist at ES; Connie Crotts, ES Teacher; and Shelley Hunt, ES ALA Teacher as of the end of the 2021-22 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by McKay to re-hire the licensed staff.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by McKay to hire Michael Wilmott as a part time Level 1 Bus Mechanic with 0 years of experience as of 03-28-2022.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to accept the recommendation that Ryan Walker by assigned to Principal for the Adventure Online Academy, effective July 1, 2022, as well as Pre-K Principal.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to accept the recommendation that Darla Jeffery be named Waldron Elementary Principal as of July 1, 2022.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to adjourn.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

Franklin Leads Booneville Over Paris, 8-2

Resident News Network
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Franklin Leads Booneville Over Paris, 8-2

On a gray, overcast, and late winter day, the Booneville Lady Bearcats traveled to Paris for an anticipated high school softball match-up with the Paris Lady Eagles. And for five innings, the game was a good as many thought it would be, but then Booneville exploded in the top half of the fifth inning to eventually go on to win 8-2 over Paris.

Booneville was led by their sensational sophomore pitcher, Lexi Franklin, who dominated Paris hitters all day. Franklin went the distance in the circle, giving up just two runs to a Paris offense that had been scoring in large numbers in their previous, early-season victories. Franklin was simply overwhelming to the Paris hitters. The Lady Eagles were able to scatter a few hits, including a deep fly ball to left center by Jayden Wells, but were unable to get key hits with runners on base to close the gap.

Lady Eagles senior Karsyn Tencleve went the distance in the loss for Paris. Tencleve pitched well and battled every hitter, but did not have the benefit of run support from the Paris hitters against Franklin’s pitching. Tencleve has pitched well this season and will be counted on heavily as the Lady Eagles play for the opportunity to make another post-season drive to the state tournament.

The Lady Eagles will travel to Cossatot River on Thursday for another conference match-up with the Lady Eagles. Booneville will take a break from conference play on Thursday when they go to Pottsville to play the Class 4A Lady Apaches.

The 2022 season is young, and both Paris and Booneville figure to be in the mix late in the season when post-season play begins with district, regional, and state tournaments. Both Paris, behind the pitching of senior Karsyn Tencleve, and Booneville, behind Lexi Franklin, have more opportunities ahead of them for what promises to be another great year of Class 3A-4 softball.

You can follow all of the action here at Resident News Network Sports!

Obituary – Daniel S. Allen (1938-2022)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Daniel S. Allen (1938-2022)

Daniel Stuart Allen of Harvey, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, March 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born September 15, 1938 in Harvey, Arkansas to Stewart Wayne and Myrtle (Lewis) Allen. He was 83 years old.

As a young man Dan loved to play baseball and was good enough to pitch a no hitter against Mena. He went to St Louis to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals but found out he wasn’t quite that good. He joined the National Guard and then married the love of his life, Margie Slater in 1961. Together they made their life in Harvey, Arkansas. “Boone” was very outgoing and made many life long friends while working at the Waldron Furniture Factory and then as an ironworker. He loved being up on the high beams towering above everything. Together, he and Margie raised two children and became grandparents and great grandparents and enjoyed spending time with family. Dan was a Christian and a strong leader of his family. Dan was a big story teller and prankster as his friends and family can tell you. There was no bigger Razorback fan and many weekends were spent watching the games with family. He loved to hunt and fish and passed that love along to his son, grandsons and great-grandsons.

Dan leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Margie of the home, two children: Tammy Slagle and husband Robert of Y-City, Arkansas and Lenny Allen of Harvey, Arkansas. “Pa” will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Chance Slagle, Chelsea Ridenhour and Gunner Allen as well as his great grandchildren: Evan, Carson, Hadlee, Dorian, Chloe, Reed and Madi. Dan will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends he considered family.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents: Stewart and Myrtle Allen and siblings: Madge Blair, Norman Allen, Dean Allen, Kenneth Allen and Frank Allen.

Dan’s celebration of life service will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Ralph Peery officiating. Interment will follow in the Lamb Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Dan’s pallbearers will be Chance Slagle, Robert Slagle, Gunner Allen, Sean Allen, Ronald Blair and Wade Ridenhour.

Dan’s visitation will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

If You’re Going to Drink to St. Paddy; Plan a Safe Ride Home

Tammy Teague
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If You’re Going to Drink to St. Paddy; Plan a Safe Ride Home

The boisterous celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day are expected to return this year. Regardless to what extent the celebrations may trend toward in local communities, drivers who may participate are encouraged to make plans for a safe return home.

The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office is offering advice to the celebratory crowd, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

A sober driver is one who hasn’t consumed any alcohol, and to help keep local communities safe, Arkansas law enforcement officers are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. Even one drink can be one too many.

According to NHTSA officials, 10,142 people were killed in drunk driving related crashes during 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people died annually between 2015 through 2019 in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver who was drunk. That’s one person killed in drunk driving crashes every 52 minutes.

“Everyone has their own particular reason to celebrate at one time or another, but when they do, we want Arkansans to realize the importance of safe driving,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police, and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “If you’ve been drinking, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

During the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day period (March 16th, 6 PM to March 18th, 5:59 AM), almost half (46%) of crash fatalities involved a drunk driver. Additionally, from 2015 to 2019, a total of 280 lives were lost in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day period. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

If you’re the designated driver, make sure you don’t drink so you can keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets. Take the role of designated driver seriously — people are relying on you.

Before heading out for a celebration, it’s vital to plan before anyone drives. Be honest with yourself; acknowledge whether you’ll be drinking or not. Don’t depend on the luck of the Irish, follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers live another day.

• It’s never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
• Do you have a friend who has been drinking and is about to drive? Take away their keys, then make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
• Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against the drunk driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to www.TZDArkansas.org to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.

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