Resident News Network

Perez Closes Out Career Chapter at Mansfield

News

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7:56 am

Perez Closes Out Career Chapter at Mansfield

As last week drew to a close, so did the career at Mansfield for Officer Kelly Perez. Perez has accepted a new position as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Perez was hired at Mansfield in September 2017. Later, in July of 2019, she graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.

A community-minded officer, Perez was a highly valued member of the police department. She befriended the youth, the elderly and gave comfort to those who needed it most. She was truly an asset to the town and community.

On Monday, April 12, Perez will take on a new role with the FCSO, working drug interdiction.

“I will miss serving the citizens of Mansfield, and the school,” Perez stated. “I am thankful for the friends I have made in this journey at Mansfield. I would like to thank Officers Chelcie Fletcher, Sean White, Chief Stacy Wieburg, Mark Harris, and Chief Boyd Farmer for their support and friendship. Working for Mansfield has given me the opportunity to really grow and learn in my career. Mansfield is an amazing community and I will always call this little town, home!”

Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb honored Perez on her last day with the department with a Certificate of Service and a cake. “Thank you Kelly for your time here at the Mansfield Police Department,” shared Robb. “Franklin County is getting a great officer. You will be missed!”

Driver Strikes Motorcyclist, Leaves One Dead, Another Injured

Tammy Teague

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7:32 am

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A Greenwood man died on Wednesday night after crashing his motorcycle. The driver was lying in the road when he was struck by another vehicle.

According to the report from the Arkansas State Police, John L. Hayes, 51, and his passenger Kristina Strozier, 37, were traveling south on the outside lane of U.S. Highway 71, near the Gate Nine Cut Off Road. Hayes reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and fell in the inside lane of Hwy 71.

Another vehicle, also traveling southbound on Hwy. 71, struck Hayes. The driver of that vehicle failed to stop and continued traveling south.

Hayes died as a result of the accident. The passenger was transported to Mercy Hospital to be treated for injuries.

Rabbit Disease Spotted in Arkansas

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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6:58 pm

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Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has identified The Natural State’s first positive case of a fatal rabbit disease in a domestic rabbit in northeast Arkansas.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus is a highly contagious virus that is nearly always fatal and is capable of causing high mortality in both domestic and wild rabbit species. The virus has been recognized since the 1980s as a disease of domestic rabbits, but a new strain (RHDV-2) emerged in 2010, which also affects wild rabbit and hare species native to North America, including Arkansas’s two native rabbit species, the eastern cottontail and swamp rabbit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s RHDV-tracking map, Arkansas is the 10th state where the disease has been confirmed. This is the easternmost detection of the disease in the U.S. so far.

The ADA has protocols requiring domestic rabbits to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian before being brought into Arkansas. Wild rabbit species kept as pets must have an up-to-date CVI along with an importation permit issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Dr. Jenn Ballard, state wildlife veterinarian for the AGFC, says the detection has only been documented in a single domestic rabbit so far, and there have been no reports of wild rabbits with signs of the disease in Arkansas yet.

“Once a disease is found in wild populations, it may become established with little hope of eradication,” Ballard said. “Our best way to protect the resource is to prevent the introduction of the disease. After that, rapid response is paramount. It is extremely important to report any rabbits, domestic or wild that exhibit signs of infection as soon as possible so we can respond and determine the extent of the disease’s spread.”

Ballard says outdoors enthusiasts should be on the lookout for any concentrations of dead rabbits in the wild or rabbits that appear bewildered, weak or lethargic.

Signs of the disease in domestic rabbits include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, seizures, bleeding from the mouth or nose and difficulty breathing.

Ballard stresses that RHDV-2 is not the same thing as tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” a well-known bacterial disease that can be passed to humans.

“RHDV is not known to infect humans, other pets or livestock outside of the rabbit and hare family,” Ballard said. “But this virus has the potential to be very destructive in rabbit populations where it occurs, so we must stay vigilant.”

Ballard stresses that any person who finds a concentration of dead rabbits while in the outdoors should contact the AGFC’s wildlife health program immediately with coordinates of the location. Details may be emailed to agfc.health@agfc.ar.gov.

A brochure about RHDV is available at www.agfc.com/en/hunting/small-game/rabbit.

Local Pageant to Benefit Shoebox Gifts for Underserved Children

Networks

Tammy Teague

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6:41 pm

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Local Pageant to Benefit Shoebox Gifts for Underserved Children

On Saturday, April 17th, River Valley Spring Queen pageant will take place. This is a locally conducted fundraiser to benefit Shoebox Gifts for underserved children both locally and abroad.

With seven age divisions, there will be two crowns awarded per age division—one of which will be the Spirit of Community crown. All contestants have the option to learn a mini dance taught by Chance2Dance studios. Perfect for beginners and novel contestants alike. It’s designed to be a fun time while also raising funds for those in need.

Miss UAFS, Jayson Toney, will be crowning the new queens while Spirit of UAFS, Abby Cagle, will be performing during intermission as well as acting as intermittent Master of Ceremonies with pageant director and project fundraising chair, Ursula Carter. “I want to put a spotlight on those that are actively involved in community service,” says Carter, “so I have a very special award and crown to give away.” Carter also states the contestants that wish to enter this optional may do so by submitting a one-page essay outlining the ways they give back to their community. Collection boxes will be set up for contestants and patrons to donate items such as bar soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, small toys, etc.

There will also be a bin set up to collect new and gently worn athletic shoes of all kinds, sizes, and styles. All information may be found on the pageant’s registration link: https://form.jotform.com/210626455228151 Contact: Ursula Carter 479.252.5809 ucarter08@gmail.com

4 Bedroom Upgrades for a Better Night’s Sleep

Networks

Resident News Network

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9:44 am

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4 Bedroom Upgrades for a Better Night’s Sleep

Sleep plays an essential role in preserving our everyday health. Not only does it reenergize us after a long day, but it also allows us to heal from our injuries and maintain control of our stress. Unfortunately, there are several factors that can hinder a person’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night—many of them even involving the bedroom itself. As such, if you want to improve the quality of your rest, you must first make some changes to your environment itself. These are some bedroom upgrades for a better night’s sleep and why they’re effective.

Blackout Curtains

One of the best things you can do to get more restful sleep each night is to block out any light that could come into your room from the outdoors. This is because natural light tends to energize the body and keep us awake—even when we shouldn’t be. Made with thicker materials than standard curtains, blackout curtains help block any light from outside and ensure your bedroom remains as dark as you need. This way, you won’t be randomly awakened by street lights or a car driving past your home.

Get a New Mattress

Purchasing a new mattress for yourself is also a worthwhile bedroom upgrade for a better night’s sleep. This is because different models may be able to provide you with the additional support you need to be comfortable. After several years, it’s common for bedroom mattresses to lose their firmness, affecting your ability to relax more than you might think. But by getting a new one, you’re reestablishing the right conditions for a peaceful slumber.

Change up the Lighting

Updating your bedroom’s lighting plan can help as well. This is because, while darkness is needed to sleep, some light is needed in order to wind down for the day and get ready for bedtime. In fact, some brightness is needed to help fill the space after hours and make it a fully functioning area of your home. So, don’t be afraid to implement a few ideas to brighten up the space and make it the perfect sanctuary.

Repaint With a Calming Color

Switching up your color scheme is another effective strategy to use. Color can help influence our state of mind, just like the amount of lighting in the room can. It’s actually one of the most effective ways to create a calming atmosphere that makes it easier to get into sleep mode. Some examples of these colors include darker blues, greens, gray, and lighter pinks.

Paris Football Coach Tyler Clark Accepts Position as Offensive Coordinator at Russellville

Resident News Network

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8:55 am

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Paris Football Coach Tyler Clark Accepts Position as Offensive Coordinator at Russellville

As previously reported by Resident Press, Paris head football coach Tyler Clark has announced that he has accepted a position on the Russellville Cyclone’s football staff as their offensive coordinator. Clark, who led the rebuilding of the Paris football program that resulted in its most successful season in program history last year, will return to his home town of Russellville where he played for the Cyclones. Before arriving at Paris, Clark served as an assistant coach in the Marion school district in eastern Arkansas.

The Paris school district released a letter from Clark today that is addressed to the Paris community and school district. The letter, in its entirety, is shown below.

Letter from coach Tyler Clark to the Paris community as released by the Paris school district today (Special to the Resident Press from Paris School District)

In an earlier conversation with Clark, the Paris coach said, “It was a very hard decision for my wife and I to make, but it is home for both of us. It’s an opportunity for my family and my career that I can’t pass up. I informed our players this morning (Wednesday morning), which was very hard and emotional. I really enjoyed Paris, which is why it was such a tough decision, but I do think it’s the right one.”

The announcement of Clark’s departure comes at a point where the program faces another rebuilding process ahead of it for the 2021 season. Several seniors from the 2020 team are graduating next month and will leave a void in the team that will have to replaced moving forward. The team returns good talent in the skill positions but will not have the depth or the offensive and defensive line presence that it had last season. Now, with spring practice just around the corner, the Paris administration must find Clark’s replacement as player development continues with the remaining assistant coaches. The new coach will have a short time to get organized and into the critical spring and summer months leading up to the start of the season in August.

It remains to be seen if the district will focus on an outside candidate, or, possibly promote one of the assistant coaches and hire a replacement assistant. Time is critical, and the retention of players in the program is even more critical. A new leader for the football program has to be secured in the fastest possible time frame to avoid ongoing uncertainty both inside and outside the program.

Resident Press will continue to follow this development and will bring you the latest as information is available. But in the meantime, I would like to wish Coach Clark the best of success in his new position in Russellville. And on a personal note, I would like to publicly add that Coach Clark was a pleasure to work with from a writer’s perspective. He was always accessible and very open with his time with me. It was always very important to him that his players had the opportunity to be given exposure and credit for the work he had asked them to invest in his program. Coach Clark approached the media professionally, and to that, I want to thank him. He will be sorely missed, but to those who know him, you have to be happy for him to have the opportunity to move into his new position. So, Coach Clark, thank you for everything you did for Paris, and best of luck with your new job and career at Russellville High School.

Sources: Eagles Football Coach Tyler Clark Named as Offensive Coordinator at Russellville

Resident News Network

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1:06 am

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Sources: Eagles Football Coach Tyler Clark Named as Offensive Coordinator at Russellville

Resident Press has learned through unofficial sources that Paris head football coach, Tyler Clark, has been chosen as offensive coordinator at Russellville. Clark played his high school football for the Cyclones and will be returning home to coach after leading Paris high school to its best season in program history. The loss of Clark as head coach for the Eagles is a huge loss for the Paris football program and will undoubtedly set the wheels in motion very quickly to begin a search of candidates to succeed Clark at Paris as head football coach.

According to sources, the Russellville school board was scheduled to consider a recommendation to hire Clark at last evening’s school board meeting. Resident Press will have more on this story as information is available.

WMS Participates in Poetry Contest

Networks

Tammy Teague

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2:18 pm

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The Waldron Middle School library partnered with the language arts teachers to participate in a poetry contest sponsored by Expressive Education.

Schools around the nation participate in this contest. A panel of educators review the poetry submissions and select poems to be published in the book, “The Young American Poetry Digest.” There are 104 students in grades 5-7 whose poems were chosen to be published in the 2021 edition of the “Young American Poetry Digest”.

Students whose poems were chosen to be published: Tomi Barnett, Hailey Bass, Ethan Beaty, Yana Bharat, Landon Blackmon, Kole Boggess, Erika Brothers, Morgan Brown, Jaxson Brown, Seandraia Brown, Shalee Byford, Christopher Canada, Ivori Carter, Mary Corbin, Elijah Cossey, Kimberly Defoor, Yadhira Delgado, Bryce Deshazo, Harlow Dickens, Kyleigh Dickens, Ashadan Poor, Destiny Dotson, Allison Eaves, Rilee Edwards, Gage Evans, Layklnn Falconer, Lane Fowler, Carson Freeman, Michael, Gonzalez, Annaly Gonzalez, Haylie Gray, Brayden Green, Camden Harris, Tasha Hart, Sierra Helms, Natalia Hernandez, Melany, Hernandez, Kai Holt, Ashlyn Kearney, William Kelley, Peyton Kerr, Keylynn King, Trystin Lane, Kelly Ledesma, Samual Lee, Ragean Long, Logan Long, Katie Lopez, Esmeralda Lopez, Nayely Lopez, Logan Marcellus, Colton Martin, Cesar Martinez, Colton Mayberry, Alyxas McAmis, Pantera McJunkin, Marley McMellon, Aiden Miller Forrest, Hailey Mitts, Lukas Moad, Sawyer Moore, Lydia Moore, Trenton Morris, Jose Olivares, Sofia Orozco, Guadalupe Ortela, Addison Parsons, Junior Piersall, Sean Ping, Karis Pritchard, Joseph Rhodes, Chloe Richmond, Jake Roberson, Carlos Rubio, Angela Rucobo, Kira Salmon, Donovan Sandoval, Adysen Self, Avery Self, Zechariah Sherman, Trooper Shrum, Yaileen Silva, Jasper Smith, Brayden Stafford, Malachi Stark, Randall Stidman, Khloe Summit, Charity Titsworth, Kenneth Titsworth, Bethzi Uribe, Hailey Valdez, Lakayla Valdez, Nayely Vatsana, Yavin Villarreal, Lyla Waddle, Arianna Walton, Raven Warren, Evan Watkins, Pete Williams, Frankie Yang, Isaac Zmudka, Jamie Zmudka, Emily Zmudka, AnaBella White.

Congratulations to these WMS students!

Easy Homemade Play Dough

Lifestyle

Madison VanRavensway

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2:02 pm

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Play dough is inexpensive to buy, but even more inexpensive to make. If you are needing your kids to be entertained involving them in the process will give you quality time with them, and the end result is excellent for playing together or independently.

Something to note is gel food coloring will produce much more vibrant colors than liquid food coloring. However, liquid will work just fine and is what I used.

Ingredients-

-2 cups flour

-3/4 cup salt

-4 teaspoons cream of tartar

-2 cups water

-2 tablespoons of vegetable oul

-Food coloring (optional)

-Spices/scents for scenting

Directions

Stir together dry ingredients in a large pot on the stove. Add in water and oil, set to medium/high heat. Stir continuously, scraping bottom each time. Dough will begin thinking into a ball, continue stirring. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Once able to handle safely add any food coloring and scents, knead throughout dough. We often use cinnamon and vanilla flavoring, but any extract or spice could be added!

It is ready for play! If you notice the dough is still sticky add a bit more flour and knead into mixture.

Remembering Megan Marie Ewing Whitson

Obituaries

Resident News Network

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10:18 am

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Megan Marie Ewing Whitson, 42, of Fort Smith, took her first walk with our Lord and Savior on April 2, 2021.

Megan grew up in Charleston, Arkansas with her parents Gwen and Betty Ewing, and her two sisters Mindy and Marla. She went to school in Charleston and she and her family were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She attended Westark Community College and Arkansas Tech University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Education.

She taught at Greenwood Public Schools for 21 years. During that time, she was a third-grade teacher at both North Main Elementary and East Pointe Elementary and after receiving her Library Media and Information Specialist Certification through Southern Arkansas University’s Graduate Program, she became the Media Specialist/Librarian at East Pointe Elementary.

In a huge ceremony before family and friends, she married the love of her life, Josh Whitson in 2007 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Josh and Megan had the most beautiful life together. Their home was always filled with laughter and good music. Their door was always open to welcome friends and family. They were later blessed with two beautiful boys, Hayes and Theo. Her two boys will forever be her greatest joy in life and being their Mommy was her most cherished achievement.

Josh and Megan were members of Christ the King in Fort Smith.

Megan lived her life to the fullest. She was once awarded a trophy and the title of ‘Dancing Queen of the Summer’ by the band Ultra Suede, after dancing her heart out at one of their concerts with her sisters. She always had an entry in the family’s cartwheel and coloring contests and she was always good for a base hit in wiffle ball tournaments with her nieces and nephews. You could catch her with her entire family at her mom and dad’s on Sunday afternoons and couldn’t miss her next to her little red wagon full of sunscreen and snacks at a baseball game. Her life on this earth was a happy one and all you had to do was look at her to know it.

Her huge smile, a fixture upon her face, was as transparent and genuine as the love she had for her family and friends. Her excitement for life was infectious. She loved sharing her enthusiasm for reading with her students, and fittingly, her life read like that of a good book. Megan’s life was charming and highly entertaining and it was always full of genuine dialogue. Everything she did, she did with a purpose and a smile. She was kind, she was beautiful, she was charitable and she was always sincere. And even though we were praying for the last chapter of her life to be different as we read through the pages, we know that her final chapter had already been written by God Almighty.

She was so excited to meet Jesus. She had a list of things she wanted to do when she got to Heaven before she even left this world. She was an angel on this earth and we can be sure that she will be watching over us now as she lives on in her new home in the kingdom of Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ray and Marie Miesner, paternal grandparents Roy and Dora Ewing; niece, Campbell Smith, and father-in-law, Donnie Whitson. She is survived by her husband, Josh Whitson, and her two sons Hayes and Theo Whitson of the home; her mother and father Betty and Gwen Ewing of Charleston; her sisters Mindy Smith and husband Stephen of Fort Smith and Marla Kendrick and husband Greg of Alma; cousins that were like sisters, Keitha Holland and husband Wes of Conway and Halie Schaffer and husband Jonas of Charleston; mother-in-law, Carol Whitson of Greenwood, sister-in-law, Sarah Brownfield and husband Brody of Greenwood; grandfather-in-law, Don Whitson of Charleston; nine nieces and nephews, Ewing and Sullivan Smith, Miles, Norah, Burke, and Willa Kendrick, Chloe McGuyer and Lettie and Ella Beth Brownfield; along with many loving aunts, uncle, cousins, and countless cherished friends.

Megan’s funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fort Smith on Friday, April 9th at 10:00 am. A rosary will be held prior to the funeral service, on Thursday night at 6:30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Megan’s name to Antioch for Youth and Family at 1420 N 42nd St, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or to the Greenwood PTO c/o Greenwood Public Schools at 700 Mount Harmony Rd. Greenwood, AR 72936.

R

Blackout Curtains

Get a New Mattress

Change up the Lighting

Repaint With a Calming Color

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK