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Lady Tigers Find Solid Foundation in Bowman

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Lady Tigers Find Solid Foundation in Bowman

No one knows what the future may hold. In 2020, the Mansfield Lady Tigers program was on top of the world as they set records and racked up plaques. Under the leadership of former head coach Joshua Bryan, the program seemed to be headed for its golden age with nothing to slow it down.

That was when the future took a sharp turn left. The Lord led Coach Bryan down a different path leaving the Lady Tigers without a coach. After a quick mad scramble, Mansfield quickly found their man in Ethan Bowman. From that point, all talk about the future has been in the past.

Bowman, entering his first year as a head coach in a public school system was dead set on one very simple goal. Win. Every coach deserves a three-year run to be able to set up his/her foundation for their program. Coach Bowman on the other hand began pouring concrete on day one and the Lady Tigers have been hard at work smoothing out their new foundation.

Up to this point, I feel like we have done a good job of laying a strong foundation for the program. The culture we want to build is one of playing hard, playing together, and being the toughest team on the floor. We have a lot of youth in the program and growing pains can be expected with a young group. With that said, I feel like we are really starting to put the pieces together and buy in. I believe that the best part of both the SR High and JR High team’s season is still to come.

Ethan Bowman, Head Coach Mansfield Lady Tiger Basketball

Coming into the 2021-22 season, the talent level of the Lady Tigers program was not in question. Although the talent was there, the program as a whole underwent a big shuffle in placement of that talent from last season to this season. The SR Lady Tigers lost four starters from their record setting 2020-21 season and listed only ten players on their roster with just two seniors while the JR High squad lost an all-star 9th Grade group who moved up to SR High after the 2020-21 season which left quite the void to fill. Many may have felt that with all of the shuffling and changes, the program would have very few positives to lean on. Coach Bowman on the other hand has seen plenty of positives.

Our girls are a versatile group that will usually have a mismatch somewhere on the court. I think both groups have bought into a defensive basketball mindset and that’s big for us. Our ability to switch from man to zone and back again all while still being able to guard very well is impressive. On nights where our shots aren’t falling our way, especially on the road, our defense will always give us a chance. Everyone has stepped up big time in all parts of the game.

Ethan Bowman, Head Coach Mansfield Lady Tiger Basketball

Coach Bowman knew that he landed in a deep pool of talent at Mansfield when he was hired, but what could he do all of it as a new coach? A coach could be overwhelmed if asked who has impressed him the most so far in his first season. But when asked that exact question about his SR High team, his answer was quick and precise. “It’s really hard to pick just one player because they have all stepped up as of late and it has been nothing but a team effort. Our SR High team is really clicking right now with Alyson Edwards being a solid team leader, Kynslee Ward taking pride in being a true point guard, and Sadie Roberts scoring quite well” stated Bowman.

Normally having a few solid players would be enough to make any coach happy, but Bowman said he’s got more where that comes form. “Skylynn Harris and Natalie Allison are both doing a great job at their role as well as Harley Fuller, Seven Sanderson, Raine Hecox, Brooklyn Adams, and Sarah Fisher” added Bowman.

A head coach doesn’t have to list every player on his team, but with a small roster with each bringing their own skills to the table Bowman believes each player is key to the success of this SR High team this season.  

The JR High team has the same kind of talent pool, but with a much deeper roster. Any Mansfield JR High Lady Tiger player at can step on the court and embarrass an opponent at any time. There is one though that has stood out to Bowman though. “The JR High squad is a really talented group. We have plenty of outstanding athletes, but Presley Curry has really stuck out and surprised me this year. She has turned herself into a good ball player, she listens, is coachable, and always gives great effort. With Curry being able to be such a threat on the court it has opened up even more options for Kaylee Ward, Ambira Whittaker, Trinity Triska, Shelby Fuller, and others.“

Coach Bowman has made a smooth transition into the Mansfield Lady Tigers basketball program. The players are beginning to click with the new system and are beginning buy in to the new process that Bowman has installed.

The SR Lady Tigers currently sit with an 11-7 overall record and are 2-2 in conference while the JR Lady Tigers are undefeated at 15-0 overall and 2-0 in conference. These records cannot be taken lightly either as the Lady Tigers program have faced the likes of Southside, Gravette, Cossatot, and other larger non-conference schools so far his season.

With an impressive first half to the season, Lady Tigers plan to finish strong in a mostly conference play second half. No one knows what the future may hold, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Coach Bowman and the Lady Tigers program will face it head on and give it all they have.

School Board Meets, Reports on District Covid Cases

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School Board Meets, Reports on District Covid Cases

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, January 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Mac Davis and Konnor McKay.  TammyeSherrill was not present.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Ryan Walker, Toni Dozier, Chris Lipham, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Josh Atchley, Keith Brigance, Mark Ashford and Zack Taylor.

Vice-President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Mr. Mac Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer.

​Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​Superintendent Fielding informed everyone that January is School Board Member Appreciation month, and he recognized the school board members for their service to our school.

​ A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to add Item F. (Approve Purchase Order for ACME Janitorial) to the Consent Agenda.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the December 13th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Order to Fort Smith Restaurant Supply; D) Approve Purchase Order to Jason Curry – Finish Empty; E) Approve Invoice to BXS Insurance for School Board Legal Liability Insurance; F) Approve Purchase Order to ACME Janitorial.  Motion carried 4-0.

​Superintendent Fielding informed each of the school board members of the number of training hours they received for 2021.  All of the board members have received the required number of training hours.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to adopt the attached Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2023 to and including June 30, 2024 and to approve all related election documents.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to adopt the  School Board Zone Mapping which was unchanged.  Motion carried 4-0.

​

The principals reported on each of their school’s active cases of Covid and the number of students that are out due to quarantine.  Mr. Walker at the Elementary School reported that they have been getting ready for iReady testing.  He also reported that there have been 16 new students enrolled at the Elementary School since Thursday.  Mr. Lipham also informed the board members that there have been 6 new students enrolled at the Middle School. The Middle School Quiz Bowl is competing today. Mrs. Solomon reported that there are 7 new students enrolled at High School.  There are 5 students enrolled in the welding program through UARM this semester.  Sr. High Basketball boys placed 3rd in a basketball tournament over the break. Coach Atchley also informed the board members that 96% for the seniors have taken the ACT this year.  He also wanted to let everyone know that on April 5th “Be Pro Be Proud,” which is a semi-truck that you can perform vocational activities virtually, will be at the school for 8th through 12thgraders to experience.

​ Superintendent Fielding informed the board that there are just over 100 quarantined and positive cases in the district.  Covid protocols will be posted on the schools Facebook page soon.

​Konnor McKay was excused from the motion and left the room.  A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the termination of David Jones as of 01-20-2022.  Motion carried 3-0.

​ A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the resignation of Kimberly Keener from Middle School Secretary (Attendance Clerk) as of 01-21-2022.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to change Shawn Biggs’ bus contract from a Level 3 to a Level 4 as of 01-03-2022.   Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Audrey Underwood as Attendance Clerk for Middle School as of 01-11-2022.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to extend Superintendent Fielding’s contract for one more year starting July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.   Motion carried 4-0.

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Signs You Need To Hire a Plumber Right Away

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Signs You Need To Hire a Plumber Right Away

There are different plumbing issues you should deal with as soon as possible before they escalate into significant problems. Once you’ve identified them, have a professional come in to fix them. Continue reading to discover some of the top signs you need to hire a plumber right away.

There’s Little To No Water Pressure

If you find that it takes way too long to rinse soap and shampoo off in the shower, you could have water pressure issues. An obstruction in your aerator could limit the total concentration of water from being released. A specialist can unclog these systems swiftly and without inflicting any more damage that could result if you attempt to do so yourself.

Clogs Aren’t Going Away

If you discover a jam in one of your pipes, you might assume it’ll turn out okay if you try to remove it yourself. Big clogs require professional help, so if you encounter one, don’t make it worse in an attempt to get rid of it. Call a plumber to help you immediately—otherwise, you could end up with costly damages.

Water Isn’t Draining Properly in the Basement

Many basements include sump pumps, which help prevent significant flooding caused by the environment or extreme weather. If you have one, check for sewage smells in the air or weird noises coming from your sump pump. These could be early indicators that one or more of the mechanisms inside of it has failed.

Faucets Are Dripping Constantly

Constantly leaking faucets may appear to be nothing more than a nuisance, but they might be one of the most telling signs that you need to call a plumber right away. That’s because these small drips can mount up over time, wasting thousands of gallons of water every year. This places a strain on the environment and your budget. If you can’t get the leaks to stop, call a professional so they can diagnose and remedy the problem before your water costs skyrocket.

Hot Water is Nowhere To Be Found

You might have a significant problem with your water heater if it takes a long time to receive hot water from taps or if there’s no hot water at all. Problems in your tank can range from leaks to an overwhelming amount of sediment buildup. There could even be a potential natural gas leak. A technician can identify and treat such potential problems safely and effectively.

You can save a lot of money by learning how to solve many of the common problems that arise in your house. However—in some instances, especially when it comes to plumbing—it’s better to leave it to the professionals. These experts will have the essential experience and tools to fix your problems quickly and efficiently.

Must-Have Equipment That All Cattle Farmers Need

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Must-Have Equipment That All Cattle Farmers Need

Cows have been a large part of our society for hundreds of years. While their utilization on farms hasn’t changed much in that time, the gear we use to work with them has advanced. So, whether you’ve been caring for cattle most of your life or you’re relatively new to it, you should read on. We have a list of the must-have equipment that all cattle farmers need that might be useful to you.

Fire Fighting Gear

Our first suggestion is wise for farmers of all kinds to use. But it’s especially important for cattle farmers. To keep up with demand, you may have times when you place cows together in smaller areas. If a fire were to break out, they would have a tough time trying to escape the flames.

However, if you have some gear to fight this potential disaster, such as sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers, you can stop the blaze before it gets out of hand. Granted, you won’t need a whole arsenal. Only enough to stamp out smaller blazes. You should always leave large fires to the professionals.

First Aid Kits

In the same vein, you should always keep animal first aid kits on hand at your farm. Some injuries might need immediate medical attention, and veterinarians can’t always rush out right away to treat your injured cow. While there will be specific problems you won’t be able to deal with on your own, small-scale injuries will be no sweat with the proper gear stocked up. Plus, not having to call them out will save you lots of money in the long run.

A Livestock Scale

Knowing the weight of your livestock is a vital part of farming, especially if your cattle will one day become food. While you might already have a working scale, you should still consider this piece of equipment. This is because there are so many high-tech options out there that not many farmers know about.

Once you find a new one you like, you’ll want to make sure you do everything necessary to get the most out of your livestock scale. Buying a modern scale won’t do your farm any good if you don’t use it properly.

A Pickup Truck

No one can overstate how helpful a pickup truck is in this line of work. Yet some farmers out there still don’t own one. That’s why we’ve saved it for last in our list of the must-have equipment that all cattle farmers need. Not only will you easily be able to tow your livestock trailer with a truck, but you’ll be able to effortlessly tow other large farming equipment around your property without an issue.

Rainwater Inks with UA Rich Mountain

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Rainwater Inks with UA Rich Mountain

Mansfield senior cross country runner Faith Rainwater, seated center, inks her letter of intent to run collegiately next season for UA Rich Mountain.

Among family and friends, Mansfield senior Faith Rainwater took the next step in her highly recognizable running career. The 2-time All State cross country runner made it official on January 6, 2022. She will now be a University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Buck.

Rainwater officially inked her letter of intent to attend UA Rich Mountain, a comprehensive community college nestled in nearby Mena, Arkansas, in the early first hour of school this past Thursday.

The paperwork was completed in a small but intimate setting along the state championship trophies lining the lobby of Mansfield Tiger Gymnasium. The signature authored by the Lady Tiger senior sealed her commitment to make next level cross country a large part of her college experience.

“It felt right,” Rainwater admitted to her high school coach, John Mackey, a few days earlier. “They have always been in the picture. I was glad I had options, but it kept coming back to them.”

Rainwater’s new coach at the Mena based college had similar sentiments.

“I’ve been watching Faith since we first started this program,” Samantha Shores, the Head Cross Country Coach at UA Rich Mountain, emailed. “I have to say it is almost surreal to be able to have her on my team now.”

Shores and Rainwater crossed paths several times over the years as the Mansfield Lady Tigers typically entered events hosted by the Bucks.

“My favorite moment over the years with Faith was before a race,” Shores continued. “It didn’t matter the event or the season. I would ask her how she was going to do, basically asking what time she thought she would run. She would always answer; ‘I don’t know what time I will run, but I know that I am going to run faster than everyone else.’ That is exactly the kind of fire and commitment that I look for when recruiting a runner to be part of the Bucks XC team.”

Rainwater, by her own admission, wasn’t very good as a seventh grade runner. She was quick to change that perception by pouring on the hard work that summer and offseason training schedules provided.

“You could tell by the first day of summer camp her eighth grade year she was willing to do what it took to be good,” Coach Mackey offered. “Half Pint, that’s what I call her, was a natural and vocal leader. She became the main voice of the team by action and words. She stepped up at a time when we lost some really good runners to graduation. These last two years in particular she has been demonstrating the Tiger Way as a student coach to the younger kids. So, proud that her efforts are paying off with a college scholarship.”

Since moving up to the high school team at the end of her freshman season, Rainwater has earned much attention in the world of long distance racing. She received All-State recognition in both her freshman and junior years. Her sophomore and senior seasons were derailed of similar status by untimely flare ups of plantar fasciitis of the foot. Although she competed in postseason play four consecutive years, two of the four trips were slowed by foot soreness.

“Faith is typically pretty tough for a little girl,” Mackey reflected. “I rely on her quite a bit. She will be tough to replace. I’m glad she gets to move on, but I’m equally glad I have her for indoor and outdoor track season before she goes. She can do much more than just run far. She’s a utility knife in track and field.”

Along with a plethora of individual medals and team plaques, Rainwater also earned the following major individual achievements throughout her high school career. Twice she was named the Mansfield Female Cross Country Runner of the Year. She made the 3A-1 conference or 2A-4 conference All-District team on three occasions. She brought home All-Region plaques four different times, made the Farm Bureau River Valley All-Star squad four times, and was a two time Best of Preps All-Star.

Along with Rainwater, a core group of four additional dedicated seniors allowed Mansfield to reach its highest position in school history at the past two state cross country finals. Twin sister Hope Rainwater along with McKenzie Griffin, Katlynn Moore, and Darby Jones became the sisterhood Faith Rainwater helped galvanize into two consecutive state runner-up team finishes.

Rainwater would readily include junior teammate and close friend Jadelynn Wood, a significant part of that sisterhood. She would also give credit to rising freshmen stars Laney Wood and Trinity Triska who finished 5th and 14th respectively at the 2021 state finals along with fellow freshmen teammates Addison Bowman, Rileigh Parker, Carter Whiley, Aidan Fildes, Azlynn Stover, and Ashley Martin.

Coach Shores raved about the opportunity to have Rainwater join her cast of characters and be a part of a program that has been building since its inception four years ago.

“There is nothing greater for me than being able to provide an opportunity to get an education while continuing in a sport they love,” Shores expressed. “Faith will definitely be an asset to the continuing success of our women’s team.”

The UA Rich Mountain coach continued as she gave an update on her team and the school that joined the University of Arkansas System in 2017. 

“In four seasons, we have won the Regional Championship three times and placed runner-up once,” the Buck’s coach celebrated. “Our women are ranked 11th in the Nation. I believe Faith’s attitude and ability will help us to continue to succeed and reach our goal of being in the top 5 nationally. I am super excited to have her here in the Fall.”

The recently rebranded University of Arkansas Rich Mountain history hails from its humble beginnings as Rich Mountain Vo-Tech in 1973 and Rich Mountain Community College since 1983. With over forty years of educational progress, UA Rich Mountain continues its mission to provide educational opportunities and student success by serving areas such as Polk, Montgomery, and Scott counties.

Mansfield senior cross country runner Faith Rainwater, seated center, inks her letter of intent to run collegiately next season for UA Rich Mountain.
Faith Rainwater picks UA Rich Mountain to extended her cross country career.

City of Huntington Receives $75k Rural Services Block Grant

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City of Huntington Receives $75k Rural Services Block Grant

Huntington Mayor Gary Lawrence announced on Wednesday, January 5 that the city had been awarded a $75k Rural Services Block Grant.

Mayor Lawrence stated that the city will acquire a new fire truck with the funds. He added that it will allow them to sell one from their current fleet.

The customary award ceremony in Little Rock has been canceled due to COVID-19.

The grant funding will be provided in the 2022 fiscal year.

AGFC Partners Stock More Than 12.5 Million Fish in 2021

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AGFC Partners Stock More Than 12.5 Million Fish in 2021

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — Anglers wetting a line in the waters of The Natural State have a lot of fishing, and fish, to look forward to. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trout hatcheries and other partners, delivered more than 12.5 million fish to Arkansas waters during 2021.

“We’re really proud of what the culture section at the AGFC has been able to accomplish in the last year,” Tommy Laird, AGFC assistant chief of fisheries said. “With so much of our work requiring many hands at once, they had to pivot and adapt to social-distancing protocols as well as handle any labor shortages from quarantines to get the job done for Arkansas anglers.”

As typical of recent years, the largest numbers of fish produced revolved around forage species, such as threadfin shad, fathead minnows, and golden shiners. Not only are these species added to lakes to spawn and boost productivity, but they also provide the backbone for a network of nursery ponds that feed directly into popular fishing destinations across the state. Before nursery ponds are stocked with the sport fish they will raise, fisheries biologists fertilize the water and plant these forage species to offer food for the new residents. With the low predation rates and high forage availability, fingerlings in these nursery ponds grow quickly to give a boost to populations in the lakes where they are released.

 Right on the heels of forage species are stockings of largemouth bass. More than 2.2 million Florida largemouth bass and more than 616,000 northern largemouth bass were stocked by AGFC personnel in 2021. An additional 56,000 smallmouth bass were stocked by the AGFC last year, bringing the total black bass stockings to within a stone’s throw of the 3-million mark. 

Vic DiCenzo, AGFC Black Bass Program coordinator, explained that Florida bass stockings are about much more than boosting numbers of fish to catch. 

“AGFC utilizes Florida bass stockings to try to enhance quality fishing by changing the genetics in certain locations,” DiCenzo said. “Through research, we have identified the types of lakes and reservoirs where these stockings can be more successful.”

Most reservoirs in Arkansas actually produce thousands of times the largemouth on their own than what can be stocked each year, but some supplemental stockings have shown beneficial in improving populations where reproductive success is limited. Some pools of the Arkansas River, for instance, have seen extreme siltation that has blocked off backwater habitat critical for spawning. In these extreme cases, stocking can play a role in bolstering bass populations. 

Natural State trout anglers have a lot to be happy for from 2021 as well. Thanks to the USFWS hatcheries at Greers Ferry, Norfork and Mammoth Spring and an additional purchase of trout using Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for flood damage to the AGFC’s Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery, the AGFC and its partners were able to deliver 1.36 million trout to Arkansas’s famous tailwater fisheries and Family and Community Fishing Locations around the state when conditions were favorable. The vast majority of those trout (1.31 million) were rainbow trout, while the rest were made up of brown trout, brook trout and the popular tiger trout, a cross between the two. 

Nearly 613,000 black crappie were stocked in 2021, with most going toward a study to see if stocking larger size crappie will improve survival. Almost every previous study of crappie stocking across the U.S. has shown very little success at increasing numbers. AGFC is able to grow larger crappie than many states, and hatchery staff want to see if it could make a difference. 

Striper anglers will note more than 577,000 of these fish stocked in Beaver, Ouachita and Norfork lakes this year, thanks to the AGFC’s collaboration with many partners, including Keo Fish Farms in England, which is owned by former commissioner Mike Freeze, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Inland Fisheries Division. Both of these organizations donated striped bass fingerlings to Arkansas to help recover from a shortfall of fish produced at the hatchery. 

“In addition to COVID-19 protocols hindering our broodstock collection efforts, we needed to add some different striped bass genetics to these lakes to keep the populations healthy and prevent issues caused from line breeding,” Laird said. “We’re always thankful to have former commissioner Freeze’s help, and the effort to collect the stripers from Carolina was a point of pride in the fish culture section this year.” 

Final 2021 AGFC Fish Stockings by Species
Bass, Florida 2,242,478
Bass, Largemouth616,892
Bass, Smallmouth56,369
Bass, Striped577,299
Bass, Hybrid Striped76,822
Bluegill1,019,436
Carp, Grass6,790
Catfish, Channel476,896
Catfish, Flathead14,200
Crappie, Black612,904
Fathead Minnows1,025,940
Golden Shiners161,332
Shad, Threadfin2,615,431
Sunfish, Redear538,041
Trout, Brook17,320
Trout, Brown29,889
Trout, Rainbow1,315,979
Trout, Tiger1,480
Walleye1,133,820
Total12,539,318

The Timepiece: Battle of the Devils’ Backbone

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The Timepiece: Battle of the Devils’ Backbone

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Driving south from Greenwood into the rolling hills of the Ouachita’s, one little envisions the peaceful countryside once staged one of the larger Civil War battles fought in the Arkansas River Valley.  

The summer of 1863 marked the turning point of the Civil War, not only for the country but also for Arkansas.  July saw the simultaneous defeat of the Confederacy at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and then at the Arkansas port of Helena.  Union troops soon moved up the Arkansas and, in August, entered Little Rock with token resistance.  At virtually the same time, Confederate General William Cabell realized he could not hold Fort Smith with his limited number of troops and supplies and withdrew from the Fort and began retreat to Waldron.

General William Cabell 

Cabell’s forces were decimated by poor morale and untested men and contained only about half of the anticipated 2,500 troops that Union General Blunt expected.  Retreating southward, they passed down the frontier road through Jenny Lind and southward.  Fearing rapid Union pursuit, Cabell devised a trap to slow union advance.

Devil’s Backbone is a unique ridge running nearly directly east and west and has a crest covered with sandstone. Cabell’s forces added to these natural breastworks by stacking up boulders and emplacing the few cannon they had. By 9 A.M. on September 1, 1863, the trap was laid and ready for the Union advance. 

Blunt, sensing a big victory, sent Col. William Cloud and some 1,500 troops in hot pursuit.  As they rode up the steep ridge, Confederates opened fire, killing several Union troops including Captain Edward Lines of the 2nd Kansas Cavalry.  Cloud entrenched his men and both sides artillery went to work.  The battle raged for longer than three hours, bullets and cannon balls flying in every direction.  The sound of the battle carried for miles up and down the river valley as soldiers loaded and fired as rapidly as possible at the entrenched enemy.  

The deciding factor appears to be the eight artillery pieces welded by the Union. The huge guns with their tremendous explosions of solid and grape shot seemingly demoralized many of Cabell’s untested troops who, according to the general himself, “ran in the most shameful way.”

Realizing he couldn’t win, Cabell pulled his troops and retreated to Waldron. A total of 81 men were reported killed or wounded and many Confederates, some of them local, were captured.  One of the most surprising facts is that many of these men then joined the Union and fought bravely against their former general when he attacked Dardanelle.  Veteran pay list shows a significant number of Arkansans fought for both the north and the south during the war!!

As demonstrated by professor Tom Wing of UA Fort Smith, a good soldier could load and fire a civil war rifle from 3 to 5 times per minute.  Thousands of spend shells and many cannon balls litter the countryside as a testament to the battle.

Today, small farms and homes are scattered through the valley, cars rush by on highway 71, and trees have overgrown the sloops where the battle raged.  An insignificant skirmish in the big scheme of things, the men who perished there are just a dead as those killed at Vicksburg and Gettysburg and deserve remembrance of their sacrifice. 

Cooperative Extension Service’s ‘Grow Your Own Groceries’ Series Continues in 2022

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Cooperative Extension Service’s ‘Grow Your Own Groceries’ Series Continues in 2022

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The Cooperative Extension Service’s series of “Grow Your Own Groceries” online presentations will continue in 2022. The virtual classes connect Arkansans with agents’ expertise in growing, preparing, and preserving fruits and vegetables at home.

“We’ve had such a good response,” said Krista Quinn, agriculture agent with the Faulkner County Extension office, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “We get a lot of emails and sometimes even handwritten notes from people saying thank you. All the webinars are free, and I think it’s been filling a need. With the pandemic, we’ve got so many more people who are becoming interested in vegetable gardening or growing some kind of edibles in their home garden, so these programs really provide a lot of information about how to get started.”

During the last program year from October 2020 through September 2021, “Grow Your Own Groceries” hosted 21 live Zoom sessions, with over 8,500 registrants for the classes. Each registrant received an email following the program with a link to watch the recorded program and access to fact sheets and recipes. Many people opted to watch the recorded program rather than the live program.

Quinn added that the program provides information for gardeners of all types, skill levels, and with varying access to resources.

“Everybody has different resources,” Quinn said. “Whether people are growing in-ground, or in containers, or in raised beds, we try to give information on all of those.”

In each one-hour presentation, an agriculture agent or specialist will discuss the crop: how to select the right variety, how to grow it, and how to deal with common pests and problems. Then, a family and consumer science agent will discuss nutrition and food preservation and provide a cooking demonstration.

The first “Grow Your Own Groceries” class of 2022 will take place at noon on Thursday, Jan. 13, and the topic will be microgreens.

“The microgreens topic is fun because it’s an edible crop that people can grow indoors in the winter, or really any time of year,” Quinn said. “There’s not a lot of things that you can harvest in January.”

Last year, classes were offered on the first and third Thursday of each month, but as more in-person programming returns, Quinn said the webinars will now occur monthly.

While all dates and topics for this year’s series have not been finalized, Quinn said the classes will continue to focus primarily on single crops, with occasional presentations on more general topics. Quinn added that this year she hopes to offer a “Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening” session for beginners.

To register for the Grow Your Own Groceries: Microgreens presentation and get information about upcoming classes, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/grow-groceries. You can also view all upcoming gardening events at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/gardening-events-programs/

New COVID-19 Antibody Test For Donors Test Detects Natural or Vaccine Response

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New COVID-19 Antibody Test For Donors Test Detects Natural or Vaccine Response

Arkansas Blood Institute celebrates National Blood Donor Month by offering donors a NEW COVID-19 Antibody test.

January 3 – 31, blood donors will receive a new COVID-19 antibody test, which detects natural or vaccine response, and their choice of holiday movie-themed long sleeve t-shirt.

Donors can take advantage of this new testing by donating blood with Mansfield High School on Wednesday, January 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.on the bloodmobile. 

“We value the generosity of our donors and are committed to providing them important information about their health,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “This new antibody test provides even more clarity to Arkansans regarding their body’s response to either COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine. This information will provide value to vaccinated donors and those who are not yet vaccinated.”

The antibody test was created by Abbott, an American health technology company. Test results will be available on the donor portal, in the same area as other standard testing like cholesterol and blood pressure.

Arkansas Blood Institute is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.   

Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org. More information on Arkansas Blood Institute can be found at arkbi.org. Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives.

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