Resident News Network

Obituary – Howard S. Robinson (1950-2021)

Obituaries

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6:40 am

Obituary – Howard S. Robinson (1950-2021)

Howard Scott Robinson of Boothe, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, October 16, 2021 in El Dorado, Arkansas doing what he loved; hunting. Howard was born February 1, 1950 to John S. Robinson and Minnie Jane (Parish) Robinson in Crockett, Texas.

Howard loved the great outdoors. It was a running joke that he should have had sons, but he was up to the challenge of teaching his three girls how to hunt, trap, shoot, fish and raise bees! When his grandkids showed an interest in anything outdoor related he was so excited to teach them, too. Sharing his knowledge of hunting and fishing was a great passion of his. He taught Hunter Education for over 40 years, coached youth shooting sports with the Old Fort Gun Club, and was a State Field Director for the Sportsmen’s Alliance where he managed many events for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and additional youth programs. He played an integral role in the planning and development of the Janet Huckabee Nature Center and held important roles with many committees over the years; such as Friends of the NRA, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Arkansas Trappers Association (and was even responsible for getting the local chapter in Scott County founded).

Howard was a dedicated Whirlpool employee for 42 years and a proud member of their ERT team. He was chosen to tour their factories in Japan and Korea, along with a small group of Whirlpool employees. He enjoyed keeping in touch with many of his co-workers after he retired, and considered many of them to be good friends. He was a devout member of the Waldron Church of Christ. A dear friend and brother in Christ, Adam Evans, observed the mark Howard’s suspenders left on the wood of the church pew; Adam referred to it as “a mark of his dedication”.

Howard leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Paula of the home, and daughters, Laura Holland and boyfriend, Daniel Pockrus, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Leshia Fox and husband, David Lister, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Lacey Atchley and husband, Jacob Atchley, of Van Buren, Arkansas. Pawpaw will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Rylie Fox, Brayden Atchley, Cadence Atchley, and Barrett Atchley. Howard is also survived by his siblings: Kathryn Kosta of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bobby Robinson of Mansfield, Arkansas and Raymond Robinson of Grayslake, Illinois. Howard will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends and neighbors he loved dearly.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, John Scott and Minnie Jane (Parish) Robinson, and his sister, Sharon Bebee.

Howard’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Lee Peters officiating. Interment will follow in the Buggy Hill Cemetery near Mansfield, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Howard’s pallbearers will be Bobby Robinson, Raymond Robinson, Kevin Robinson, Jacob Atchley, David Lister, and Daniel Pockrus.

Howard’s visitation will be Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

For those who would like to attend the service but can not be in attendance, the funeral service will be live streamed on our website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Howard S. Robinson, please visit our floral store.

Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist

Lifestyle

Madison VanRavensway

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6:09 am

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When it comes to packing a hospital bag, I like to get it done early. Currently I am 34 weeks pregnant with my third baby. I always try to be minimal with what I take to the hospital, but by this go around I feel like I know what extras we could need.

For myself

-toothbrush

– deodorant

-robe

– pajamas x2

-flip flops (for the shower)

– day outfits x2 (I may stay in my pajamas, but I want an extra outfit besides my going home outfit just in case)

– undergarments x3 (yes, they will give you mesh undies, but I will take some of my own as well as bras)

-socks x4

-my own pillow

-coat (I’m due mid-November, and I am concerned I will forget when I go into labor because I will be hot, so I’ve put an extra with our bag)

-disposable breast pads

For my husband

-2 night outfits

-2 day ourfirs

-socks x4

-undies x4

-blanket (the hospital will provide one once we move to our room; I’m likely to nap after an epidural while in labor and I want him comfortable as he can be)

-his pillow

-deodorant

-toothbrush

-flip flops

-coat

Miscellaneous

-charger

-change for vending machines (the debit card readers can be so finicky I want to have change this time)

-camera

-camera charger

-shampoo

-conditioner

-body wash

-migraine meds

-ibuprofen

-toothpaste

-chapstick

-going home outfit

For the baby

-swaddle x2

-warm blanket

-socks

-hat

-bow x2

-car seat

The hospital provides most everything the baby will need, they can also give you shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. However, that first shower after labor just feels much better if you have good stuff- or it does to me.

What we can’t pack now I have a note of so I can grab when we leave for the hospital. Each pregnancy I have had to Google a checklist, and each time after I have finished I have thought I should write this down. I plan for this to be our last baby, so this time I am writing it down in hopes it helps someone else.

Mini Pumpkin Fun

Lifestyle

Madison VanRavensway

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12:15 pm

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Those little bags of tiny pumpkins are so darling, aren’t they? Of course just grabbing a sack and using them as decorations is one way to go, but I wanted to allow my big kid to do some fall activities with them.

First we gave the pumpkins a bath. He likes playing car wash, and spraying things in the tub with a water gun. When our baby wash pump bottles get low, we refill with water and this is what he uses to wash his toys. Armed with a nail scrubbing brush he went to work getting all the dirt off his pumpkins he could. It entertained him for a good while.

Once the pumpkins were squeaky clean and dry, we painted them with Tempera paint. A word about tempera paint- it will wash off. We set ours outside and the recent rains completely washed them off. But that allowed us the opportunity to do it all over again! Acrylic paint is a more permanent option.

There is a reason we use Tempera paints at our house. We are MESSY.

A bag of pumpkins is roughly $4 at Walmart, and we got five pumpkins in our bag. For anyone looking to do a fun fall activity without spending much money this is perfect! Large pumpkins can add up quickly, and are cumbersome for little people. These are perfect for little hands to play with.

Choosing the Right Treestand

Madison VanRavensway

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9:02 am

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Bow season is already in full swing, but there is still time to gear up for muzzleloader and modern gun. With the preparation comes the need to choose a stand that fits each hunters’ needs.

Ladder Stand

Hunters who frequent the same area, whether on private or public land, may choose the most permanent of stands. Ladder stands are the easiest to set up before season begins and take down once it’s over. Those who are uneasy about heights can take some comfort knowing there is a ladder below them that is touching the ground. Ladder stands are the most sturdy stand option when installed properly.

The downsides to this stand type are the size and weight of it. Those who want to be able to be mobile; or easily change trees throughout the season or even throughout the day will find the installation processes to be a pain. Ladder stands are the heaviest and bulkiest option. If you are wanting to move around or have the option to be mobile without waking up the whole forest moving a stand, ladder stands may not be the right fit.

Climbing Stands

Climbing stands are lighter, and designed to be much more mobile. Any hunters looking for ease of movement between places will appreciate the ability to take this stand with you. Strap it to your back, and you’re ready to walk in to your spot.

The downside of this stand type is the limitations the design makes. Because you are scaling up a tree and attached to the tree from the bottom, trees with limbs will pose a danger. One solution would be carrying a small saw to remove limbs as you climb, or detach and reattach your stand. Both of which have dangers attached to them.

Depending on the amount of gear you take with you, adding a stand to your person that will then need to be worked up the tree may max out a person’s abilities. If you are a light packer, move around often, and hunting in an area without low lying limbs the climber stand may be the perfect fit.

Hang-On Stand

There is a third option- easy to leave all season like a ladder stand, but without the hassle and worry of leaving the ladder accessible to just anyone. A hang on stand is attached to the tree, and accessed by use of climbing sticks. Hang-on stands are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry in.

Hang-on stands are also designed for easy movement and comfort. But it is a lot of work to hang one if in an area that’s not a top priority for hunting it may not be worth the effort to hang it.

Each tree stand has benefits, but all may not suit every hunger. Knowing where and how you hunt will provide clarity when it comes to choosing a stand.

Air Force Veteran’s Reunion Decades in the Making

Networks

Resident News Network

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1:43 pm

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Air Force Veteran’s Reunion Decades in the Making

It’s the kind of friendship with a bond that endures the miles and generations. Three friends who came to know one another throughout their time in the Air Force recently reunited after 50 years.

Beverly Boatright Lyons was stationed at Brooks Air Force Base/School of Aerospace medicine during the late 1960s. It is there she met now friends, Leslie Brocato and Judy Seldow. Brocato was assigned to the same Dental Research facility and served as Lyon’s trainee. Seldow was assigned to the same base, but served at a different facility.

“My time was split between the Dental Clinic and the School of Aerospace Medicine,” shared Lyons. “Judy and I worked on research readiness projects for the astronauts.”

The bond of friendship and those memories have endured the test of time. The trio has stayed in touch through the mail and by phone.

“I had not seen either one since 1971.” stated Lyons. “I just got the urge earlier this year that I needed to get together with them. So I just started researching vacation packages. My husband didn’t want to go so I talked my daughters into going with me. We flew into Baltimore, which is close to my friend’s house. My friend Judy drove down from her home in Massachusetts.”

The three-day reunion was sweet. They toured several sights, including Washington D.C., the Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, and Hampton Mansion. Lyons noted that everyone should make time to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

“Both of these girls are special to me,” concluded Lyons. “Leslie was the Bridesmaid at my wedding. Judy made my wedding dress, which I still have.”

Here’s to many more beautiful memories ahead for these three Air Force Veterans!

Rice Announces Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector Campaign

Resident News Network

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12:35 pm

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Rice Announces Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector Campaign

FORT SMITH, Ark. (October 18, 2021) – Longtime Sebastian County resident and career accountant Lora Rice has announced her intent to seek election for Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector. The election is scheduled for November 8, 2022.

Rice currently serves as Controller for SPF America, a precision metal fabrication and finishing facility, having held that position since 2020. She also served for 13 years as Controller at Umarex USA and Walther Arms, 14 years as a Public
Accountant with Landmark (formerly Beall & Company) and as a staff accountant with The Merit Group, Dallas, Texas, for seven years. She routinely performs financial functions related to the collection, accuracy, recording, analysis, and presentation of the company’s financial operations, dealing with multiple high-level entities requiring account reconciliations, budgets, and financial decisions.

Rice studied at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, John Brown University, and Dallas County Community College. She has volunteered extensively throughout the community, including serving on the Sebastian County Republican Committee as Secretary, Board Member of the Fort Smith Little Theatre and Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church in Greenwood.

“Serving as the Treasurer/Collector for the county requires well-rounded experience, a strong work ethic, and a philosophy to work with community members from all walks of life,” said Rice. “I’ll use my proven ability to streamline
processes, advocating best practices for the most effective and economical use of resources. I care about this county and the people who live here and want to see good things for all our communities. I’m excited for the opportunity to serve.”

Arkansas Blood Institute Has Treats In Store This October

News

Resident News Network

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12:26 pm

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Arkansas Blood Institute Has Treats In Store This October

Arkansas Blood Institute is bringing the fun Halloween spirit to blood donation this October with its “Vein Drain” campaign.

Join Waldron High School at a blood drive with Arkansas Blood Institute from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 26 on the bloodmobile.

Successful blood donors will receive a free limited-edition, glow-in-in-the-dark, “Vein Drain” t-shirt, displaying a skeleton bone theme and one free admission to the award-winning Little Rock Zoo.

In addition, for a limited time only, all donors will receive free COVID-19 antibody testing and Hemoglobin A1c blood sugar testing, which can help monitor diabetes risk.*

“Vein Drain is all about having fun with Halloween, but the reality is, every two seconds someone needs blood to survive,” said John Armitage, President, and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “With an hour of your time, you can save the lives of up to three patients facing trauma or ongoing treatment at our local hospitals. You’ll not only help others, but also can find out more about your health through COVID antibody screening and blood sugar testing.”

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. Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Appointments to donate can be made online at arkbi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. COVID-19 vaccination does not affect your eligibility to donate blood.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. While supplies last. Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the antibody IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Test results will be made available post-donation on the donor portal.

Top Things Parents Worry About Involving Their Kids

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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10:01 am

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Top Things Parents Worry About Involving Their Kids

When it comes to parenting, it doesn’t matter if you just started or have been at it for years; there will be many things that keep you up at night. We’re here to tell you that there’s nothing wrong with that, and you’re not alone. If you’re curious about whether you stress out about the same things as everyone else, here’s a list of the top things parents worry about involving their kids that will help you.

Health and Safety

When it comes to potential worries, the fear of how healthy and safe your children are is easily the most common. It’s a primal instinct hardwired into all of us. As a result, it’s almost impossible not to worry about how your child is feeling or if they’re in a safe environment.

Problems at School

Another classic fear is if they’re having problems at school. Many things could go wrong in this category, whether it’s bullying, struggling in class, not making any friends, or getting taken on their way to school. Fortunately, with that last example, there are certain things you can do to make their trip to school safer, but the other ones are up to the school’s staff and your child.

The Friends They Have

If your kid successfully makes friends at school, the next worry that usually comes up is if they will be a good influence on them or not. Sure, you can do everything you can to raise your child correctly, but friends leave a massive impact on each other, and if they’re a group of bad kids, all your hard work can come tumbling to the ground.

How You’re Raising Them

All of this hinges on the fact that you are raising them correctly in the first place. While it’s easy to tell people that you’re proud of how you’re doing with your son or daughter, deep down, you might wonder if there’s more that you could do.

Dangers of the Internet

In the modern age, there are cases where the things you teach them or what they learn from their friends get washed away by the things they see on the internet. While the freedom of the internet is great in most cases, it has its downsides, especially when considering children. Social media can be horrible for young children, and it’s difficult to stop them from accessing it.

Their Future

All of these things parents worry about involving their kids come together to culminate into one last fear: how it will all affect their future. Any choice you make could be the turning point for your kid to head down the wrong road in life.

However, that’s not a healthy way to think about any of this. It’s OK to worry about your children and their futures, but don’t let it be the thing that drives you. Instead, focus on the good things in both of your lives and focus on those. You’ll never get rid of all the bad, but you can strengthen and better develop the good if you take the time and effort to do so.

For Lady Eagles Seniors, NOW is the Time to Bring a State Championship to Paris

Sports

Resident News Network

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12:31 pm

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For Lady Eagles Seniors, NOW is the Time to Bring a State Championship to Paris

There is no doubt that there is pressure playing for a program such as Paris that has a championship tradition and expects to be in the state title hunt every year. That’s just the way it is, and in programs that are successful most years, it is a factor that is embraced by championship teams. Championship teams do not shy away from the expectations. In fact, they welcome the expectations and know that is why they like to play in programs that have a chance to be special every year. And for perhaps one of the most talented senior classes in program history, NOW is the time for the Lady Eagles to bring a state title to Paris.

The Lady Eagles have a very high win percentage both statewide and within the 3A West over the past five years or so. But none of that matters this time of year. Starting next week with conference tournament play, each game could be a player’s last, and for this Paris senior class, they do not want that day to come until October 30 in Hot Springs for the Class 3A state championship.

Two seasons ago, Paris entered the quarterfinals on their home court in the state tournament and were upset by the eventual tournament champion, Little Rock Episcopal. In 2020, after a roller coaster year that saw a young team win big games and fight their way through a long COVID quarantine, the Lady Eagles played magnificently in the first three rounds of the state tournament, only to have a bad day against the eventual 2020 Class 3A Hackett Lady Hornets in the state finals. This year, Paris has dropped both regular season matches to Hackett, and has had a little bit of an up and down year that has seen Paris play lights out at times, and only to struggle in losses at others. So for this year’s senior class that has been looked to over the past three years as being a class that could bring home a title, it is time to bring home the title NOW.

Paris is one of the few programs in the state that can feel like it failed by bringing home a state runner-up trophy in the state tournament. To most programs, a second place finish at state is something that would be revered for years at most schools. But not Paris; not for a program that has higher expectations, and not for a fan base that expects titles every year.

The 2021 Lady Eagles senior class is full of outstanding student-athletes who are very personable and are just great kids. But they have high expectations for themselves, as well as what the fans expect and hope for them as Paris athletes. And now, the second season begins with the district tournament that will take place next week in Booneville. Both Paris and Hackett have byes to the semifinals, and a semifinal win by both will guarantee them of no lower than a #2 seed going into the state tournament, and with the winner being a top seed and the district tournament champion. Additionally, the first three rounds of the state tournament will be at Paris, and the Lady Eagles will be playing to erase the memories of the devastating quarterfinals loss at Paris in 2019.

So any way you slice it, the time is NOW for Paris and their senior class. No more time for experimentation; no more time for any distractions. The time is NOW to play six games at the best of their abilities. NOW is the time to leave everything on the floor, and NOW is the time that will determine the legacy of this year’s Lady Eagles seniors.

We wish Paris and all teams the best of luck during post-season play, and Resident Press will be there to bring you all of the action!

Mansfield Players Run On Muddy Pointer Trail

Sports

Resident News Network

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10:10 am

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Mansfield Players Run On Muddy Pointer Trail

Within seconds past the start of the Van Buren Classic, a sarcastic “Thanks sister” could be heard from Mansfield cross country runner Hope Rainwater. The senior runner was given the business end of her twin sister’s fast start off the muddy line, and she was motivated to respond out loud.

The quicker of the two siblings, Faith Rainwater, flung mud from her feet like the tire spray of a 4-wheeler stuck in muck. Within seconds of the senior girls’ 5K race on Mansfield’s most recent road trip, Hope felt the unwelcome splatter of water and mud on her face, arms, and legs. It hardly mattered though as the Mansfield sisters along with everyone else that ran the soggy bottoms along Van Buren’s Pointer Trail found a free mud bath.

The Rainwater girls and Tiger teammates entered the two-day meet located just below the Van Buren High School campus at the Freshman Academy. On Friday, October 15, the opening rounds began with the junior high divisions running just after the afternoon rains stopped. The next morning on Saturday, the meet continued with the senior high pairings privileged with ripened puddles from the previous day.

Three of Mansfield’s seniors and one junior all made the awards announcements on day two. A freshman and an eighth-grader made the medal roll call on day one.

Darby Jones, as she has done all season, was the Lady Tiger’s top finisher for the senior high. Faith Rainwater and McKenzie Griffin were also among the top in the small school rankings. Junior Jadelynn Wood was the group’s fourth medal recipient.

Jones climbed into contention versus all participants early in the race. She worked the pack passing players from both big and small school divisions. The senior peaked at number three in the 1A-4A grouping and fifth place overall.

Only Ella Gray of Episcopal Collegiate and Julia Whorton of Gravette crossed the small school finish before Mansfield’s Jones. Gray was listed as the state’s second-ranked runner among all class 3A runners. Whorton sported the number one ranking among the state’s class 4A participants.

Jones earned her tenth consecutive medal of the season. Her mark of 21:45.97 for the bronze medallion at Van Buren wrapped up Mansfield’s regular-season schedule.

Faith Rainwater finished ninth for the Lady Tigers. It was her eighth award winner in ten tries this season. The senior closed fast posting a time of 23:34.06 for the soupy sludge 5K course.

Wood bounced back with a 13th place finish after missing some training time in recent weeks. Her 3 loop measurement was 24:02.50.

Griffin took the last of the Top 15 medals. The senior forged ahead of most with a mark just five seconds behind Wood.

Hope Rainwater made it past in 23rd place to secure the team score. Together the Mansfield top five posted a combined score of 50. That put the Lady Tigers into third place among scoring teams.

Episcopal won the small school title with 46 points. Gravette came in second with 49 points as the top three teams were within a four-point range.

Mansfield freshman Laney Wood was third at Friday’s junior high 2-mile race. The prep team’s top performer was eighth overall. Her time was 13:57.57.

Wood will join the older high school team at the Southwest Regional next on October 20 in preparation for the state meet on November 4.

Laney Wood wraps up the regular season with her tenth medal.

Tiger eighth-grader Joey Fildes was fourth in the junior boys’ race. The Mansfield marquee runner has medaled in every meet this season. His Van Buren time was 12:15.77.

Mansfield’s top five junior boys were Fildes, Rylan Nichols, Jonah Martin, Braxton Bartlett, and Joseph Carter. Collectively the group placed fourth as a team behind Waldron, West Fork, and Pottsville.

The top five for the Mansfield junior girls were Laney Wood, Aidan Fildes, Addie Bowman, Ashley Martin, and Danielle Lowery. They were third as a team behind Pottsville and West Fork.

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Health and Safety

Problems at School

The Friends They Have

How You’re Raising Them

Dangers of the Internet

Their Future

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