Resident News Network

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

-

8:23 pm

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

Little Rock – Arkansas’ lithium fields are not anticipated to produce until 2028. Plans are underway to process bromine deposits found in the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas.

Currently, the United States produces about 1 percent of the world’s lithium, which is used in advanced weapons systems, drones and as energy storage for electric vehicle batteries. Lithium production in the United States will help prevent our reliance on foreign suppliers and ensure we have our own steady supply of lithium for both military and domestic uses. To date, there is only one commercial lithium operation in the United States located in Silver Peak, Nevada.

Act 1012 was signed into law this year by the governor to foster the development of a new industry to produce lithium and its byproducts in south Arkansas. Currently, Standard Lithium plant is set to start operations in 2028 in Lafayette County and is expected to produce 22,500 tons of lithium in Phase One. ExxonMobil has been drilling exploration wells to better understand the resource and claims Arkansas’ supply has the potential to be a “world-class resource”. Also, the rights to 125,000 acres in eastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas are owned by Chevron, but the company has yet to set a royalty rate with Arkansas regulators.

According to industry leaders there is a lot of growth potential in the region. The possibility of more industries expanding is very favorable because it is not just the extraction, but the need to process and manufacture nearby. Arkansas leaders are calling for the state to become a lithium production hub. There is still plenty of infrastructure work that needs to take place to keep pace with foreign competitors and other domestic production in several states.

In October, the second Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit, a two-day conference was held in Little Rock to discuss industry challenges such as building infrastructure and development of the workforce. Standard Lithium, which has partnered with Equinor, is building a $1.5 billion plant in southern Arkansas to include rail lines, roads, and water and sewer improvements. A 2.5 percent payment rate was approved by the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for brine extracted by Standard Lithium.

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) in Magnolia is teaming with lithium producers on joint ventures to train workers. The University was awarded $2.75 million through a workforce grant by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education HIRED program, using funding that was established by the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015. Some of the money will go towards training high school students for technical training on equipment used in the industries and creation of a mobile stem lab. SAU has developed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and there are many education opportunities available through retraining, adult education, or apprenticeships for oil field workers. This will put Arkansas in a good position to create a supply chain centered on lithium.

Texas equine herpes outbreaks puts Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma horse communities on alert

Outdoors

Resident News Network

-

8:17 pm

0

Texas equine herpes outbreaks puts Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma horse communities on alert

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma agriculture departments are putting horse owners in their states on alert following an outbreak of an easily spread, but preventable virus that can be fatal to equines.

As of Thursday, there have been no cases of equine herpes reported in Arkansas.

Mark Russell, professor and extension equine specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, offered some advice: “For the most part, people should keep their horses at home until we know more about the situation.”

On Thursday, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture recommended that all equine events, including shows, competitions, and large gatherings, be postponed for the next two weeks as a precautionary measure to protect the health of horses across the state.

The department also made the following recommendations for horse owners and event organizers:

Postpone or cancel non-essential equine events during this period.
Monitor horses closely for any signs of fever, nasal discharge, or neurological symptoms.
Practice strict biosecurity measures, including limiting horse-to-horse contact, disinfecting equipment, and restricting access to visitors.
Isolate any horse showing signs of illness and contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Some were heeding the warnings. The El Dorado-Union County Chamber said there would be no horsesin the Christmas parade, while a White County barn announced it would be closed through Dec. 1 as a precaution. The UA-Monticello rodeo team’s final competition in Kentucky was postponed as well.

Symptoms, treatment and prevention

“EHV is caused by a herpes virus infection in horses,” said Veterinarian Jeremy Powell, professor of animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“EHV is transmitted easily between horses through direct — nose-to-nose — contact, or infections can spread through aerosolized droplets during coughing or sneezing,” he said. “Indirect transmission can also occur through shared water and feed buckets, tack, clothing or boots.”

Once infected, “typically, we can see a wide variety of clinical signs that may include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy or weakness, neurologic symptoms and abortion in pregnant mares,” he said. “These may be variable with an infection.”

If the virus affects the nervous system, a horse may die due to complications with paralysis and recumbency — extended periods of lying down — which can cause respiratory issues and gastrointestinal damage.

“When horses become infected, veterinarians can provide supportive care and symptomatic therapy, but there is no cure,” Powell said. “Horses that have recovered from the disease can become latent carriers of the infection.”

Infection is preventable, Powell said.

“Horses can routinely be vaccinated for this disease, so owners can check with their veterinarian,” he said.

Advisories in Texas, Oklahoma

On Wednesday, the Texas Department of Agriculture issued an in-state alert of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy — known as EHV-1 or EHM — reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Finals near Waco, Texas, on Nov. 5-9.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged all horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were near the event, or who have recently returned from any large equine gathering in the Waco region in the last 14 days, to act swiftly, monitor their animals carefully, and implement heightened biosecurity measures.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Oklahoma’s Department of Agriculture said, “We have confirmed two cases of EHM in horses that attended the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship at Lazy E Arena this week.” The arena is in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

To learn more about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Obituary: Van Massey (1960-2025)

Obituaries

Resident News Network

-

5:23 pm

0

Van A. Massey Sr., 65, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away on November 18, 2025. He was born on July 17, 1960, in Texas. Van was a man who found his greatest joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life-most especially the time spent with his loving wife and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Aunna.

In his younger years, Van loved being outdoors with a fishing pole in hand or enjoying time with friends at the bowling lanes. More recently, he found comfort and enjoyment in watching classic westerns, a pastime that brought him peace and familiarity.

Van is survived by his son, Van Massey Jr.; his stepdaughter, Krista Clark; and his stepson, Rick Bartlett, all of Waldron. He is also survived by his sister, Kim Gardener of Oregon; and his beloved granddaughter, Aunna of Waldron.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Kathy, and his parents.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date to honor and remember Van. Cremation and arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Waldron, Arkansas.

Frachiseur Honored as VFW Post 4451 Advanced EMT of the Year

Featured

Resident News Network

-

11:12 am

0

Frachiseur Honored as VFW Post 4451 Advanced EMT of the Year

Sherri Frachiseur was presented with the VFW’s Advanced EMT of the Year Award on Monday, November 25, by Southwest EMS Base Manager Christy Hattabaugh. The honor, given on behalf of Mena’s VFW Post 4451, recognizes Frachiseur’s 35 years of service and dedication to emergency medical care.

On hand to congratulate her were her in-laws, Frank and Kathy Frachiseur, along with members of her Southwest EMS family. “She has been with Southwest EMS for 35 years and has never been recognized,” Hattabaugh shared, noting the significance of the long-overdue honor

SWEMS’ Danny Jones also emphasized Frachiseur’s impact on the agency, stating that without her—and fellow EMS professional Monty Davis—the company would not have been able to retain service in Sevier County, Arkansas.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars recognizes outstanding EMS personnel with its Public Servant Awards. Candidates are selected based on recognition by peers or the community, consistent excellence in duty performance, and long-term dedication marked by growing responsibility and continued professional development.

The Public Servant Citation is awarded to individuals who actively provide emergency medical treatment, rescue services, or civil disaster assistance as part of a public or volunteer organization committed to protecting citizens.

Following the presentation, Frachiseur was celebrated with a home-cooked breakfast prepared by her EMS colleagues—an expression of appreciation for her decades of commitment to the profession and the community she serves.

Obituary: Vicky Stinson (1950-2025)

Obituaries

Resident News Network

-

4:33 pm

0

Vicky Sue (Gibson) Stinson, 75, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away on November 17, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on November 13, 1950, in Waldron to Harold Gibson and Imagene Napier.

Vicky was a loving mother, sister, Nannie, and friend. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Christy Baldridge, Tosha Mullinax and Harley, and Keria Stinson; her sons, Chad Stinson and Amber, and Shawn Stinson; and her sisters, Cathy Stevenson and Shirley Moore.

Nannie will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Tyler Aydelott and Jasmine, Jesse Stinson, Kyla Stinson, and Lukus Mullinax; as well as her great-grandchildren: Elsie Lovett, Karmari Stinson, Victoria Stinson, and Livi Stinson.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandchild, Elizabeth Stinson; her husband, Homer Stinson; her parents, Harold and Imagene; and her brother, Buddy Gibson.

Vicky loved spending time with her grandkids more than anything. She also enjoyed the companionship of her friends at the nursing home in Waldron, where she found joy in conversation, caring for others, playing Bingo, and sharing her warm and generous spirit. Because of Vicky’s deep love for people, working as a CNA for 40 years. Caring for others was not just her profession-it was her calling.

Vicky’s kindness, laughter, and devotion to her family will be remembered always.

Vicky’s family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas

Tigers And Bearcats Are More Than Pocket Change In Quarterfinals

Insider

Adam Hecox

-

9:36 am

0

Tigers And Bearcats Are More Than Pocket Change In Quarterfinals

This content is reserved for RESIDENT INSIDER members.

Please login or subscribe to view.

SCSO Internal Investigation Concludes with No Evidence of Misconduct

Jason Baggett

-

9:04 am

0

SCSO Internal Investigation Concludes with No Evidence of Misconduct

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a recent internal investigation into alleged misuse of the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) system has concluded, and no wrongdoing was found.

“Anytime anyone runs someone through ACIC, there is a traceablerecord,” stated Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion. “It tells who ran it, who they are running and when it was ran.”

Because the accusation was determined to be unfounded, Resident News Network is withholding the name of the deputy who alleged misconduct was wagered. The investigation centered on whether the deputy had improperly accessed criminal records through ACIC at the request of a former Mansfield firefighter. The records in question involved the newly appointed Mansfield fire chief.

“I appreciated him acknowledging that he—the current chief—was wrong and was wrongly influenced by city leadership,” the former firefighter said. “However, it is not only untrue, it is reckless to accuse public servants of felony-level misconduct based on personal motives and without any proof.”

Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black has stated that he had no knowledge of the allegation or subsequent CID investigation.

The inquiry has been closed, and the allegations were determined to be unfounded.

We will continue to follow any related news developments—particularly those involving the state of the city—and will disclose, in full, any information that has relevance to our staff.

Kane Archer Commits To Utah

Ross Fujibayashi

-

5:24 pm

0

Just a day after the 2026 Greenwood Quarterback announced on social media that he has decommitted from the University of Central Florida. He has a new home in Salt Lake City, Utah with the Utes of the University of Utah.

Currently Utah is the number 14 team in the country after their come-from-behind victory over Kansas State.

Archer, who is 53 yards away from passing for 10,000 career yards, was on a visit Saturday to his future university according to Pig Trail Nation’s Otis Kirk. Kirk did not say where the visit was to, but we now know that school was the University of Utah. A quick turnaround for the Senior who had just helped the Greenwood Bulldogs to a win over Jonesboro on Friday night.

While the ideal spot was to have been Arkansas, interest wound down from the Razorbacks.

There are currently two quarterbacks committed to Utah in this recruiting cycle. According to 24/7 Sports there are five quarterbacks on the Utah roster, with only one being a Senior. Coincidentally, Utah QB Byrd Ficklin who hails from Muskogee, Oklahoma, got his first start as a High School Freshman against Greenwood in 2021. A then 8^th grader, Kane Archer, was helping the Greenwood Bulldogs on the sidelines.

Arrest Reports 11/16

Insider

Resident News Network

-

2:32 pm

0

This content is reserved for RESIDENT INSIDER members.

Please login or subscribe to view.

Greenwood Football News and Notes

Ross Fujibayashi

-

1:08 pm

0

It is Semi-Final week in Greenwood, and the Bulldogs are thankful to be practicing on Thanksgiving.

Tradition

This will be the Bulldogs 11^th consecutive trip to the Semi-Finals, which also coincides with their home game winning streak which now stands at 76. The Bulldogs have now made it to the semi-finals twenty-five times in the modern play-off era. With eighteen of those resulting in a trip to War Memorial for a State Championship game appearance.

The last time the Bulldogs were not in the Semi-Finals the current junior class was in kindergarten.

The Bulldogs will hold their traditional Thanksgiving practice at 9 A.M. at Smith-Robinson Stadium. The Community is welcome to the practice and enjoy donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate as the Bulldogs prepare for the Benton Panthers. This will be the tenth meeting of the two Class 6A titans, where Greenwood holds a 7-2 record on the Saline County team.

Awards and Records

While conference and state awards will be announced by the school after the Bulldogs last game. The Little Rock Touchdown Club announced that University of Central Oklahoma commit Cody Johnson was their 2025 Dan Hampton Award winner. Given to the top Defensive player in the state. The 6’4” 240lbs Defensive End has fifty-five solo tackles and fifteen tackles for a loss with seven sacks. On a defense that lost several Seniors like current UCA player Cash Archer, Cody Johnson was one of a few returners.

2024 MaxPreps and Gatorade Arkansas player of the year, Kane Archer is in an outstanding position to repeat those feats. The Senior signal caller gained 1000-yards rushing on the season Friday night. Archer is forty-one yards away from gaining 3000-yards passing on the season. Career numbers, he is fifty-three yards away from 10,000. He is 129-yards away from breaking the twenty-seven-year-old record of 10,075 yards career passing set by Brooks Coatney in 1998. It will mark just the second time in school history a quarterback has thrown for 10,000 yards in their career. He has already eclipsed the 100 passing TD’s and 50 rushing TD mark against Southside in Week 9. With a max of two games remaining or a minimum of one, the TD total sits at 125 passing and 54 rushing. Once again, Archer is in range to etch his name in the National Federation of State High School Associations or NFHS record book. Last year, Archer set the single season record with 81.5% completion percentage. The current career record is 76.1%, and Kane sits at 75.4%.

Recruiting

The big news out of Greenwood over the weekend was the decommitment of Kane Archer from University of Central Florida. Senior Offensive Lineman Cody Taylor remains committed to University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Several Bulldogs have taken visits this season as they look to their playing future. Seniors Landon Billy and Akira Fujibayshi took a visit to Henderson State. While the latter also took Official Visits to Hendrix, Southern Nazarene, Lyon, and attended the Battle of the Ravine between Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State. Senior Cornerback D.J. Dobbins took a visit to Arkansas Tech. Sophomore QB Dabin Gaines visited University of Tennessee – Martin and McPherson College in Kansas. National early signing day is December 3-5, while regular signing day is February 4^th, 2026.

R

Symptoms, treatment and prevention

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK