102 F
Fort Smith
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 480

Mansfield Board of Education Meets

Resident News Network
-
0
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

Resident News Network
-
0
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

Resident News Network
-
0
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.

Powerful Blazes: Interesting Facts About Wildland Fires

Resident News Network
-
0
Powerful Blazes: Interesting Facts About Wildland Fires

In this list of interesting facts about wildland fires, you will find new reasons to respect and fear the mighty powers of a forest fire. Wildland fires can devastate entire towns and uproot lives. They are a horrific force. Hopefully, you will never have to face one in person. But, just in case you do, it is good to have some of the background knowledge provided by this article.

Most Animals Escape Fires

Although the public typically believes wildland fires have a devasting effect on animal populations, the truth is very few animals actually die in the flames. Especially large mammals, which can instinctively sense when fires are a threat, leave the area before the fire arrives. The animals that suffer the most are the smaller, less mobile creatures, like tiny rodents and bugs.

Wildland Fires Can Make “Fire Tornadoes”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines a “fire tornado” as “vigorous atmospheric circulation, created when highly unstable, superheated, dry air near the ground breaks through the boundary layer and shoots upward in a swirling motion.” These fire events can be as high as 1,000 feet and maintain a rotational velocity of up to 90 miles per hour.

Humans Are Often Responsible for Wildland Fires

If you study the most common causes of wildfires, you will see that humans often have a big role to play in these natural disasters. Poorly maintained campfires, littered cigarettes, arson, and vehicle crashes are all common reasons why a forest may go up in flames. Just like Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Be smart whenever you go camping; you do not want to be the reason for deaths and millions of dollars lost in property damage.

One Beetle Thrives During Wildland Fires

One of the most interesting facts about wildland fires is that there is a certain kind of beetle that loves forest fires. The beetle of the subgenus Melanophils has infrared sensors it uses to find burning forests. Upon finding its ideal inferno, it lays eggs among the charcoaled trees. These beetles prefer dead, scorched trees because the trees do not have defense mechanisms to stop the insects from burrowing.

Why Is a Tactical Backpack Better Than a Hiking Backpack?

Resident News Network
-
0
Why Is a Tactical Backpack Better Than a Hiking Backpack?

Recently, a surge of outdoor enthusiasts has emerged, and most of the planet is working to become healthier and more active as the days go by. The gear needed to do these activities tend to play a significant role in what people do in their free time. But what most don’t know are the extremely incredible attributes that tactical military backpacks have to offer for these types of activities. So, if you’ve always used hiking gear, you might be wondering, “Why is a tactical backpack better than a hiking backpack?” Again, this is mostly unknown to the public, which is why you deserve to know the differences.

Known for Comfort

Because tactical backpacks are made with the military in mind, they have to be made for the soldier’s comfort. Most soldiers carry roughly 150 lbs. of gear in their rucksacks daily, so these bags must be supportive of that weight capacity. Due to this, they are mostly padded at the neck and down the back and sides for support around the hips and lower back, which is where most of the weight lands. Compared to its hiking counterparts that are mostly made of very light featherweight plastics, these are made with comfort in mind.

Made To Be Durable

Mostly constructed of polymers, elastic nylons, and canvas, tactical backpacks have all the workings of bags that will last an extremely long time. Hiking backpacks are usually constructed of one type of polymer that isn’t made for intense activities and could even break down under long hikes. This means that you can also pack tactical bags as heavily as they will allow without the fear of anything ripping and tearing.

Made for Activity

Because tactical backpacks are made to look and act more like backpacks than hiking bags are, they work with the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Hiking backpacks have only one job—to hold everything in place. So, once you have everything strapped down and tightened, the hiking backpack is made to perch itself into position and not move until unfastened. The tactical backpack is made to maneuver with the body through rough terrain and will continue to travel unfettered time and time again.

So, if you’re an avid outdoors person who loves hiking, you might investigate a tactical backpack. The extra weight isn’t too much of an additional cost to all the pros that come with having a tactical backpack. Maybe this will help you understand why a tactical backpack is better than a hiking backpack for outdoor activities.

Obituary – Paul Waymon Hawkins (1941-2021)

Resident News Network
-
0
Obituary – Paul Waymon Hawkins (1941-2021)

Paul Waymon Hawkins of Parks, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Parks, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born April 24, 1941 in Parks, Arkansas to James William Hawkins and Elsie Bell (Barker) Hawkins. He was 80 years old.

Paul and his wife, Betty moved to the Kansas City area in 1963. He was a General Painting Contractor for over 40 years while in Kansas City. During his career as a painter he made many friends and repeat customers. He went out of his way to show kindness to others. He volunteered as a baseball coach and was involved with many activities with his children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He restored many pieces of wood furniture as well as their house in Waldron. He enjoyed game night with his friends at church, as well as playing dominos and card games with his family.

Paul leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 59 years, Betty Sue (Dillard) Hawkins of the home, one daughter, Paula Whitehead and husband Scott of Lenexa, Kansas and one son, Shannon Hawkins and wife Julie of Olathe, Kansas. He will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Melissa Bradshaw and husband Derek, Grant Whitehead and wife Savanna , Taylor Hawkins, Vanessa Patton and husband Chris; two great-grandsons: Ellis and Ethan Patton. Paul is also survived by two siblings: Bill Hawkins and wife Valva of Little Rock, Arkansas and Elgiva Liles of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; as well as, sister in law Barbara Hawkins, sister in law and brother in law Kathy and Loyd (Hobie) Lewis, brother in law, Clifford Daily, and brother in law Charles Dillard. Paul will be missed by the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, members of his Sunday School class and neighbors he loved dearly.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Hawkins, one brother, James Dillard Hawkins,and two sisters, Doris (Hawkins) Lamon and Genevieve (Hawkins) Daily.

Paul’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Wally Beckman and Rev. Phil Kreiling officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Paul’s pallbearers will be Drake Hawkins, Dane Hawkins, Keith Saveall, Jamie Saveall, Grant Whitehead and Derek Bradshaw.

Honorary pallbearers are Loyd (Hobie) Lewis, Benny Newberry, and Danny Rhyne.

Paul’s visitation will be Friday, October 22, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Waymon Hawkins, please visit our floral store.

Obituary – Howard S. Robinson (1950-2021)

Resident News Network
-
0
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

Madison VanRavensway
-
0
Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist

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

Madison VanRavensway
-
0
Mini Pumpkin Fun

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
-
0
Choosing the Right Treestand

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.

1...479480481...1,059Page 480 of 1,059

© Resident News Network | 2015 - 2026 | All Rights Reserved | Baggett Enterprises LLC | Isaiah 43:18-19