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Council Approves PD New Hire

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Council Approves PD New Hire

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, October 21 at 6 p.m. Members of the council present were Sheri Hopkins, Bobby Musgrove, Beverly Lyons, Julie Thomas, and James Steele. Member Jan Carlton was absent. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

Following the reading and approval of the September 16, 2021 minutes and financials, the members of the council reviewed the city services reports.

In the Fire Chief’s report, Michael Smith noted that calls had picked back up, and that their department had participated in the fire prevention day at Mansfield Elementary and ABC Daycare. Smith added that the department has worked all football games and cross country meets. Smith thanked Dave and Craig at Dave’s Small Engines for donating their services to repair the pump motor on one of the brush trucks. Lastly, Smith reported that the first responder vests had come in and that they were paid for.

In public works, Director Joe Manes reported performing 104 work orders, repairing three water leaks, installing a new pump at the wastewater plant, and refreshing parking stripes. Lastly, Manes reported that the city-wide cleanup yielded 25 loads, filling 2-30 yard roll-offs.

In the police report, Chief Wayne Robb stated the department issued 19 citations and reported 28 violations in Scott County. In Sebastian County, four citations were issued and seven violations were reported. There were a total of 28 calls, 15 agency assists, five in Scott and 10 in Sebastian, four school calls, seven incident/arrest reports, four total accident reports, 86 traffic stops, 64 warnings were issued, three animal calls and four adult arrests.

In matters of unfinished business, the council voted to amend the elected officials’ pension ordinance. Additionally, the council discussed and voted to give pension recipients no increase for the 2022 year.

In matters of new business, the council voted unanimously to hire a new police officer, Nick Ronzzo. The council also passed Resolution No. 2021-8, to accept ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money, and Ordinance 2021-8, to levy taxes for Scott County.

The lone announcement, that the city would be observing Halloween on Saturday, October 30. With no further items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

2021 Rural Fire Show

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2021 Rural Fire Show

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association (ARVFA) hosted the 2021 Rural Fire Show on October 2 at the Conway Expo and Event Center.  

Attending the event were 479 firefighters and their families representing 167 Arkansas Fire Departments. The event also included 42 vendors.

The Rural Fire Show is a free event held in appreciation for Arkansas firefighters and their families to honor the service and protection they provide. The event included wildland fire discussions, equipment demonstrations, resources and information from fire industry programs, networking opportunities, and a catered lunch with door prizes.  

“All of us in Arkansas are indebted to firefighters,” said State Forester Joe Fox. “We have more than 850 rural fire departments that are partners with our Rangers when we fight wildland fires. The Forestry Division and ARVFA enjoy hosting the firefighters and their families annually just to say THANK YOU!”  

For more information about the Forestry Division’s Rural Fire Protection Program visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website at agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/rural-fire-protection-program/. A photo album from the event is available here: flic.kr/s/aHsmWR38nC.

Southeast Law Enforcement Task Force Training

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Southeast Law Enforcement Task Force Training

Two investigators with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture recently attended the Southeast Law Enforcement Task Force training in Murphy, North Carolina. Billy Black, Chief of Law Enforcement at Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and Arkansas Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Officer Keith Dedmon attended the training.

The Task Force is comprised of Agriculture Investigators from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. This training provides an opportunity for Agriculture Investigators to learn about legislative changes and interact with their counterparts in other states.

This training provides an opportunity for Agriculture Investigators to learn about legislative changes and interact with their counterparts in other states.

Eagles Hosts Perryville Tonight in Battle of Undefeateds on Senior Night

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Eagles Hosts Perryville Tonight in Battle of Undefeateds on Senior Night

With just three weeks remaining in the high school regular season, the Paris Eagles (7-0, 4-0) will host the Perryville Mustangs tonight at Eagles Stadium, Perryville (6-1, 4-0) will come to Paris to not only seek revenge for last year’s loss at Perryville, but to remain in at least a tie for first place in the 3A-4. Currently, setting at the top of the conference standings are Booneville, Paris, and Perryville. Fourth place Atkins is now 2-2 on the conference season. A win by either team tonight potentially sets-up a showdown with Booneville for the conference championship. It is a three team race with Paris traveling to Booneville next week, and Perryville hosting the Bearcats on November 8 in Week 10.

Add all of this up, and it is obviously a huge game tonight for both schools. But for the Paris Eagles, it will be also be a special night that will see the program honor an outstanding senior class that has brought Paris back to prominence in 3A football. The class highlighted by such standouts as Duke Walker, Chase Watts, and Mequell Ellingberg, to name a few, endured their first two years with winless seasons. The class perservered through the tough years, and now, a casual observer would have a hard time believing the program had been down four years ago. They are the example of how hard work and sticking to a goal, even when you are not immediately having success, ultimately pays off. This is a team that could go a long way this year in the state playoffs, but this year’s senior class has kept the Eagles focused each week, and that will be tested once again tonight when they play a very good Perryville Mustangs team.

Perryville’s only loss on the season was a home non-conference loss to Bigelow. The Mustangs are led on offense by junior quarterback Tyler Givens. Givens, according to Max Preps, has passed 76 times for 1034 yards and averages 147 yards per game. Givens per pass completion averages a little more than 13 yards per pass. He will face a face Paris secondary that will attempt to limit his success in the air tonight for the Mustangs.

For Paris fans, I would recommend that you arrive at the stadium early to watch the Senior Night ceremony. In fact, I would arrive around 6 p.m. to be in place to watch the ceremony that should begin at approximately 6:20 p.m. This class of Paris seniors deserve a big crowd to come out and pay tribute to their accomplishments and for being perhaps the most successful class of players in Paris football history.

Photos from tonight’s game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports no later than Monday. Watch for a recap on this game next week in Resident Press!

So, grab your jacket and head out to Eagles Stadium early tonight to honor Paris seniors and to get ready to watch what should be a great football game between two good teams!

See you at the stadium!

Charleston Defeats Hackett to Move to 7-0 on the Season; Hosts Lincoln Tonight

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Charleston Defeats Hackett to Move to 7-0 on the Season; Hosts Lincoln Tonight

The Charleston Tigers juggernaut rolled into Hackett last Friday, and just as had been for the previous six weeks of the high school football season, the Tigers rolled to a big victory over the Hornets. The win solidified the Tigers’ lead in the 3A-1 conference, putting them firmly in control for the conference championship. Charleston now has a two game lead over second place Hackett with just three games to be played. The Tigers have games remaining with Lincoln, West Fork, and Lavaca. Barring an upset or extraordinary event, Charleston should finish the season undefeated and advancing to the state playoffs as a number one seed.

Charleston (7-0, 4-0) have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 298 – 93. A Charleston defense that was a little of a concern to head coach Ricky May just before the start of the season has allowed just 93 points in seven games and has two shutouts on the season. The explosive Tigers offense has scored an average of 42.57 points per game while their defensive teammates have allowed just 13.29 points per game. And perhaps most impressive is that the point totals and averages include three non-conference games against potential playoff teams from the tough 4A-4 conference (Ozark, Dardanelle, and Pottsville). Charleston is now one of ten remaining Class 3A teams with an undefeated record. Two of those teams will play tonight in Paris when the Eagles host Perryville.

Junior quarterback Brandon Scott (12) leads a young and talented Tigers team (Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young)

Game time tonight at Alumni Field is 7 p.m. and it should be another great week weather-wise for high school football team. This Charleston team is special, and perhaps one of the more exciting aspects of this team is their youth. The Tigers will return many of this year’s players, including their outstanding quarterback, Brandon Scott, next year. The Charleston football program is deep with talented players and Tigers fans have a lot to be excited about!

So, bring a jacket and head out to the stadium tonight! Root your Tigers on to 8-0!

Things To Consider Before Hiring a Painting Contractor

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Things To Consider Before Hiring a Painting Contractor

Like any other extensive work you have done on your home, repainting can come with its challenges. However, selecting the best person for the job will simplify the process. So read about some things to consider before hiring a painting contractor and see the benefits of employing a top-quality professional.

How Established Are They?

When you start looking for a painting contractor, one of the first things you need to consider is how established they are in the community they serve. Check if they have an official website that clearly defines their company mission and the cost of different services. Do a little investigating to see if your chosen contractor has registered with the Better Business Bureau. Better yet, check if there are any client testimonials posted online. You can also ask about whether they rent space for their work. Hiring a painter with their own workshop usually indicates that the quality of their work will be high.

Do They Have the Proper Licenses?

Just like any other type of contractor, painting contractors need licenses to perform work. So, when you’re looking into which one might be best for the job, it’s wise to ask about the licensing they have and how it aligns with the size of your home and the scope of the tasks you’re requesting them to complete. Once they tell you they have the necessary permits to perform work on your home, you should also ask to see their most up-to-date licensing documents. Doing this can help you circumvent more significant issues down the line and ensure that the people painting your home are qualified to do so.

Can They Provide References?

Another thing to consider before hiring a painting contractor is whether they’ll be able to provide you with client references. Because professional painting can be expensive, it’s worthwhile to try and get a glimpse into the quality of their work. So talk to your prospective contractor about past clients and their overall satisfaction with completed jobs. Most reputable contractors will be happy to divulge this sort of information to you, as they’ll want to prove their work is as top-notch as they claim.

Do They Offer Warranties or Guarantees?

You’ll also want to ask your contractors if they offer warranties or guarantees with each job. It’s not uncommon for top-quality companies that use quality products, prep for their contracts, and avoid cutting corners to offer clients a one- to three-year warranty or money-back guarantee. Not only does providing a warranty build more long-term trust with their customers, but it also indicates how confident they are about their work quality. So don’t forget to ask about warranties during the hiring process.

Hopefully, this quick overview has provided some valuable tips that’ll help you make the best selection for your painting contractor.

Timepiece: Frontier Politics in the River Valley

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Timepiece: Frontier Politics in the River Valley

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Politics has always been viewed as kind of a rough and tumble affair and nowhere was it more evident than in the formation of the counties that make up Arkansas.  When the Territory of Arkansas was formed, there were an original five counties.  As the population grew, these large geographical counties were divided into smaller and smaller units until we ended with the seventy-five counties we have today.

Johnson county was formed in 1833 with about one-third of its territory lying south of the Arkansas river.  A temporary county seat was established at the river port of Spadra with a group of three commissioners appointed to establish a permanent site.  Those three were Abraham Laster who lived north of present day Clarksville, Bettis Alston of Spadra, and Lorenzo Clarke, a prominent businessman of Morrison Bluff.  Each of the three wanted the courthouse as close as possible to their home, thus the first stalemate in the negotiations.  After a great amount of maneuvering, Clarke realized that Morrison Bluff held the least amount of cards.  Negotiating with the opposition, he agreed to allow the county seat to be placed on land donated by Josiah Cravens as long as it was named Clarksville. Out-voted, Spadra was left out in the cold.

After the Civil War, politics changed in Arkansas.  Radical Republicans, many of them deemed carpetbaggers by the locals, controlled the state government.  Sixteen new counties were formed in Arkansas from 1868-1875.  Spadra had stewed over being excluded as the site for the county seat and began an appeal to have the courthouse moved to their more central location on the riverfront.  Fearing the people on the south side of the river would side with Spadra, a group of ex-confederates put together $1,000 and approached the state senator John Sarber.  Sarber was an enigma, a former union soldier turned carpetbagger who had married Susan Rose, a daughter of prominent former confederates. After the war, he quickly moved up the political ladder and was a favorite of Arkansas governor Powell Clayton.

Sarber was well aware of the divisions and interests that existed in the area he represented.  Working with ex-union soldiers from south of the river, he introduced legislation to create a new county.  Pieces of Scott, Yell, and Franklin County would also be required to establish a large enough territory and population to entitle the area a county.  Knowing local politics, he enticed Franklin County to agree with him by offering up the port-city of Roseville, a rival of Ozark, to be included in the new county.  By hook or crook, the other counties were brought into agreement.  The Booneville area was once the county seat of Scott County.  During the Civil War, many of the local farmers had joined the confederacy and were solidly democrats.  As former Confederates, they were not allowed to vote. Punishment by the legislature was to separate them from Scott County and allow the three appointed county commissioners, all radical republicans, to select the new county seat. 

The new county, named Sarber, was established exactly 150 years ago.  The county seat was first at Revilee, a site described by the Gazette as “ten miles from nowhere.”  It was later moved to Ellsworth, a site so aggravating to the former Confederates from Booneville that they organized a posse estimated at two hundred men to “investigate” the site. During the investigation, the newly established courthouse was burned.  To avoid further trouble, a new town, Paris was established and became the county seat.

Establishment of the new county brought about charges of corruption, deception, and even murder when James Bethel, opposed to the establishment of the new county, was supposedly murdered while traveling to Little Rock carrying petitions opposed to the county’s creation.

In 1874, former Confederates once again were able to vote. Immediately, the county moved to change the name of the county from Sarber to Logan; named for a prominent pioneer and former slave-owner of Sugar Grove.  And now, as Paul Harvey always said, we know the rest of the story!!

Mansfield Board of Education Meets

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Mansfield Board of Education Meets

RECORDS AND PROCEEDINGS

A meeting of the Board of Education of Mansfield School District No. 76

At the regular meeting of the Board of Education of the School District aforesaid, at the Administration Building, on October 18, 2021, there being present Michael Gipson, Lesli Baggett, and Dewayne Ward; Absent: Rick Nicodemus and Jan Carlton.

All members of the board, the following business were transacted to wit:

(Minutes were recorded by Carol Reano)

STAFF PRESENT:  Joe Staton, Donnie Eveld, Floyd Fisher, Kim Arnold, Tina Smith, Bob Cochenour and Carol Reano

The meeting was called to order by Michael Gipson, School Board Vice-President, at 6:00 p.m.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Consent Agenda Items

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the consent agenda items as presented.

Voting for the motion:   Gipson, Baggett, Ward

Voting against the motion: 

Motion passed 3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Report to the Public

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to approve the Report to the Public.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Student Transfers

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the transfer of Tamera Pitts from Greenwood to Mansfield School District.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the transfer of Kinley Vanmeter, Chandley Vanmeter, Kasen Eyerman, and Korben Eyerman from Hackett to Mansfield School District.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

A motion was by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the transfer of Aspen Seajack from Mansfield to Hackett School District.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    5% Salary – Act 1120

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the 5% Salary – Act 1120 reports as presented.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    2022 Election Resolution

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Gipson, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the election resolution for the 2022 election.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Overnight Trip Request


A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Gipson, to table the overnight trip request for the senior trip until more details are available.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Annual Equity Compliance Report

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the Equity Compliance report.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Personnel

Executive session was requested by the superintendent at 6:28 p.m. for personnel matters.

The meeting was called back to order at 6:56 p.m.

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Natalie Parsons as part-time dishwasher at the middle school.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Susan Martin as special education teacher.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

Superintendent’s Report:

Basketball is doing a t-shirt fundraiser.

Volleyball district are this week (Oct 18-23) in Eureka Springs.

Volleyball state tournament is next week (Oct 24-30) in Quitman.

Ms. Arnold updated the flu clinic had 140-150 participants (staff & students).

Parent-teacher conferences are this week (Oct 21s).

Mr. Fisher spoke on the $154,000 Esser III grant that the district received that will offer areas to students that they might not have access to for grades K-12.  Bus transportation will be provided.  The grant is renewable for 3 years as long as the goals are met each year.

Mr. Eveld talked about the 3D logo painting donated to the school that will be displayed in the high school cafeteria.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Adjournment

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Baggett, to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

Witcherville Church Break-In Under Investigation

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Witcherville Church Break-In Under Investigation

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into a break-in at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville.

The report came into the SCSO on Tuesday, October 19. Upon arrival on scene, the deputy discovered a broken window in the breezeway. According to the report, approximately 10 boxes of donated items were missing. Also missing, a 2018 Ford Transit van.

“The damage to the building is two windows,” stated Church Pastor Gary Martin. “The donated items that were stolen was the candy for Trunk or Treat, and Shoebox Christmas gifts.”

Martin added that several saw the van going down the road at approximately 9 p.m. “I was likely in the church building when they were there,” added Martin. “I brought the van back from cleaning it at 8:45 p.m.”

According to SCSO Captain Philip Pevehouse, the church break-in is currently under investigation. “Pray for the thieves to be caught,” Martin concluded.

Wildlife Officers Need Details to Catch Game Violators

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Wildlife Officers Need Details to Catch Game Violators

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

It happens every fall. Someone sees a blatant game law violation and they wonder where the wildlife officers are.

Or the observer may phone the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission but not have any information on the culprit or their vehicle. Help AGFC wildlife officers stop night hunting, out of season poaching and other violations with these helpful tips. Quick, accurate information is the biggest boost the average citizen can give them.

  • Do not confront or try to apprehend a violator and hold him or her for an officer to arrive. These bad actors are almost always carrying weapons, and confronting them could escalate matters.
  • Gather your information from a hidden position or from a distance. No wildlife violation, no matter how serious, is worth getting hurt or killed for.
  • Keep the AGFC’s poaching hotline number handy in your phone or written on a card in your wallet — (800) 482-9262. AT&T cell phone users can just dial #TIP (#847). You can also text a tip to TIP411 (847411). Just type “AGFC” followed by the tip. You will receive a thank you text acknowledging your tip has been received. Tips sent via text are completely anonymous. Names of informants reporting violations through other methods are kept confidential by the AGFC.
  • Time is of the essence. The quicker a violation is reported to AGFC, the more likely the outlaw is likely to be caught.
  • Snap a pic. With nearly everyone carrying smartphones, video or photo evidence can go a long way in catching up to a poacher.
  • Keep a pen and paper handy. Don’t rely just on your memory. Details can get fuzzy after only a few minutes.
  • Get a vehicle license number. This is the quickest means for an officer to trace a suspect. Binoculars in the woods are handy for checking game, and they are extremely helpful for reading a license plate.
  • Notice and jot down details of the vehicle – make, color, type (two doors, four doors), anything unusual about it.
  • Provide an accurate location. “About a half mile off that gravel road east of town” doesn’t do it. Write down the name of the road. Make a note of any landmarks that are in the vicinity such as a church or grain silo. Make sure you know what type of violation has occurred. If you see a person shooting out of a vehicle from a road, make note of what occurred.
  • Describe the person or persons. Their physical description is more vital than what clothing they are wearing. The type of clothing and headwear being worn can help with the description. Names are very good, if you know the person or persons.
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