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New Report Outlines Economic Trajectory for Arkansas’ Timber

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6:10 pm

New Report Outlines Economic Trajectory for Arkansas’ Timber

By Lon Tegels
College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources

If you are a building supplier, the economic outlook for 2021 is looking better than expected following the COVID-19 pandemic. If you operate a family-owned tree farm and want to harvest stumpage, 2021 is looking financially flat, with an overabundance of trees in Arkansas and the South.

Those are the conclusions of University of Arkansas-Monticello Assistant Professor of Economics, Nana Tian, and Matthew Pelkki, professor and George Clippert Chair of Forestry. Both professors teach forest economics at UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and conduct research with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. They are the co-authors of the 2021 Timber Outlook for Arkansas. According to the 2021 Timber Outlook for Arkansas report, 2021 is expected to be an economic mixed bag for various forest sectors.

Before looking ahead, it’s worth looking back at the economic situation facing the United States in 2020. Tian’s and Pelkki’s report points out some challenging base indicators as we start 2021.

Important economic indicators

“U.S. gross domestic product, known as the GDP, showed a V-shaped decline and recovery in 2020,” according to the report. “In actual dollars, it currently stands at 2017 levels.”

The authors said that, “we expect, with additional economic stimulus and widespread distribution of effective vaccines that the economy should recover to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2021, with GDP growth of 5-6 percent in 2021 and 2022. The consumer price index, or CPI, shows a steady but slow rate of inflation at 1.5 percent per year over the last five years. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates in 2020 to stimulate the economy. There is no indication of increased inflation of more than 2-3 percent in 2021, and as such, the Federal Reserve has shown no desire to raise rates.

“Unemployment has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but the projected stimulus and vaccinations should continue to open the economy by summer and fall of 2021. Unemployment should continue to fall in 2021, and by the end of year, we expect unemployment levels to reach 4-5 percent. Despite the pandemic, housing starts showed continued strong growth in 2020, fueled by years of pent-up demand and stimulated by lowered interest rates. We expect lumber prices to ease somewhat and supply increase, which should sustain a strong housing market with 1.5-1.6 million new starts in 2021.

Single-family housing starts will continue to grow

Despite the pandemic, construction on single-family houses showed strong growth towards the end of 2020 and continues in early 2021. Pelkki says 60 percent of all softwood lumber in the United States is used in new residential construction and renovations. In March and April, the aggregate U.S. housing construction markets were negative due to the economy lockdown and COVID-19.

Based on the U.S. Census Bureau report, privately-owned housing starts at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in April of 1.07 million down 20.8 percent from the March rate of1.36 million. Housing starts rebounded in the summertime and surged in December because of the historically low mortgage rates and pent-up demand. According to the latest statistics, in December, housing starts at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.669 million, which is 5.8 percent above the November rate.

“We know that the lower interest rates certainly spark interests, but you wouldn’t think in a pandemic that people would be wanting to move to new homes or relocate,” said Pelkki.

New housing starts are a reflection of demand and anticipated demand by home builders.

“So much of economics is a social science; is really trying to predict how people will behave and that is really hard to quantify,” Pelkki said. “Things went differently than I would have predicted for the wood product industry and people’s demand for wood.”

Housing starts showed continued strong growth in 2020, fueled by years of pent-up demand and stimulated by lowered interest rates.

“We expect lumber prices to ease somewhat and supply increase, which should sustain a strong housing market with 1.5-1.6 million new starts in 2021,” said Pelkki.

Softwood lumber prices had historic increases as remodeling and housing demand outpaced production in 2020. These record price levels were driven by better-than-expected lumber demand, as homeowners increased repair and remodeling expenditures and were aggressive in building new homes. Specifically, remodeling and improvement expenditures had a total estimation of $220 billion in 2020, which is 20 percent above — $37 billion — 2019 levels.

Wood products markets

“The framing lumber composite prices have increased by nearly 100 percent since 2010 and 2020 ended the year with a 50 percent year-to-date increase in softwood lumber prices,” Tian said, adding that the composite lumber price increased by nearly 100 percent and the major contributing factor is the increasing demand because of the increased house starts and the limited supply due to COVID-19. She said that since the U.S. Commerce Department recently announced to lower countervailing/anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber from 20.23 percent to 8.99 percent; this should increase the supply and lower the cost of framing lumber available to builders in 2021.

“We expect southern lumber production to recover in 2021 in response to sustained housing demand and strong softwood lumber markets,” Tian said.

2020 Forest ebb and flow

Much of the 18-page Timber Outlook for Arkansas report looks back at 2020 manufacturing movement. Some businesses announced expansions, while others announced both closures of existing plants.

Highland Pellets LLC, a Pine Bluff-based wood pellet producer, declared an expansion and upgrade for its plant together with Orion Energy Partners L.P. This is a long-term contract with a capital investment from Orion Energy is $135 million. Once the upgrade is completed, it will have the capacity of producing 675,000 metric tons of sustainably sourced wood pellets per year.
Georgia-Pacific closed parts of its plant at Crossett, including the bleached board operations and the extrusion plant, woodyard, pulp mill, and a significant portion of the energy complex. Additionally, the G-P company shut down a particleboard plant in Hope, and the Sparkle paper towel line. In total, those closed operations affected about 655 workers in this region.
In 2016, a Chinese company proposed a $1.5 billion paper mill project in Clark County. The mill would have created hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. However, this proposal was terminated in 2020 because of the trade war between China and the United States.
Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation, located at Conway will spend $90 million to purchase, retrofit, and equip a former steel plant. This investment will create 130 new jobs and will source softwood lumber from Arkansas-grown Southern Pine trees.
The Magnolia cross-laminated timber, Texas CLT, has been certified by Timber Products in 2020. Having this certification, Texas CLT products are now available to the commercial building market. This facility has been producing CLT panels since 2019 but is limited to crane mats, bridge panels, and shoring wall markets without this Timber Products certification.

Forest product indicators

Hardwood lumber production in the South and Arkansas fell to exceptionally low levels in 2020 with low demand for lumber due to the pandemic. However, it did show growth in late 2020, reflecting demand from the surprising end-of-year strength in the U.S. housing market. Supply of most species and grades are adequate to current demand; however, yard inventories are low, especially in red and white oak. Oak demand is rising faster than other species and fueled by low inventories. Prices are likely to move upward in 2021.

“Now might be a good time for landowners to invest in long term hardwood stands as oppose to growing more pine which there is a surplus,” said Tian.

Stumpage prices in Arkansas and the South

In 2020, stumpage, which is price paid for standing trees, in general, faced weaker markets and continue to reflect the abundance of wood resources in the South and Arkansas.

Pelkki said he doesn’t expect prices to go down much and the rise in price will be very slow because of an oversupply of product.

“We have so many more standing trees than we had 40 years ago,” he said. “We are growing faster than we are cutting. We will not see significant changes in 2021 and even 2022, considering the healthy supply of wood resources in Arkansas and the South.

“In most categories, prices received by landowners have continued to decline over the last five years,” Pelkki said. “Only mixed hardwood markets seem to show some steady increases as high oak prices are initiating some substitution in flooring, millwork, and furniture markets.”

Meanwhile, oak and hardwood stumpage prices in both Arkansas and the South continued to be higher than pine stumpage prices. Given the abundance of timber supply, stumpage prices in 2021 and the near future will keep flat as in previous years, especially for pine pulpwood.

The report indicates paper markets and pulpwood demand by paper mills will remain relatively stable in 2021. With Green Bay Packaging increasing the use of virgin fiber in its Morrilton mill, there will be some increased demand on logging and trucking in the region, but most of this increased supply is expected to come from company-owned woodlands. Demand for packaging and shipping materials will reflect the recovering economy. An increase in the use of paper in shipping, restaurants, groceries, and health care will keep this industry sector stable in 2021.

Growth outlook for 2021 and 2022

There will be a continued increase in the wood pellet market, and the global market size is predicted to reach U.S. $23.604 billion in 2025.

“Wood pellets are a renewable energy source, and they are produced from sawdust and ground woody materials,” said Tian. Standardized wood pellets provide a promising production potential, which brings a significant rise in trade across the globe. Wood pellets have numerous applications, which could boost worldwide demand. One common application of wood pellets is being used as solid biofuel in automatic stoves and boilers. Industrial wood pellets could be used as a substitute for coal in power plants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation of the European Union Renewable Energy Directive is a promising indicator of the global wood pellet market. As reported, around 6 million tons of wood pellets were traded between U.S. and E.U. member countries in 2018.

“Woody biomass is a potential raw material to produce green energy in the forms of heat and electricity,” said Pelkki. A significant volume of wood biomass is removed every year through thinning or by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. “Those woody materials and biomass is a huge source for green energy production,” said Pelkki. There is an increased awareness and acceptance of green energy among the public. The electricity generated from wood biomass was 12 billion kilowatt-hours in 2020, and this number will increase to 14.4 billion in 2021.

There will be a growth in the demanding of engineered timber with increasing investment and improvement of production facilities. One example is the Magnolia Arkansas Cross Laminated Timber facility will be qualified to produce commercial building products with the recently acquired Timber Products Certification.

For the Timber Outlook for Arkansas report complete with graphs, readers can go to the Arkansas Forest Resources Center webpage at https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/pdfs/EconOutlook2021.pdf

VFW Hosts 5k Run/Walk for Warriors

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5:44 pm

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6527 in Greenwood, Arkansas, hosted a chipped-timed 5K Run/Walk for Warriors on Saturday, February 27, 2021.

Over $12,000 of the monies raised will help or assist destitute veterans in Arkansas through the Veterans Villages of America, Inc.

The day kicked off with a 5K check-in at the VFW Post. The starting place on the route took over 200 registered runners up Bell Road, behind the high school and back down Main Street. Runners finished the race finish at Town Square.

Volunteers manned various stations along the route. Medals for the different age groups and door prizes concluded the day.

The overwhelmingly successful event was fun for all who attended. “It was definitely evident that everyone truly enjoyed being out, being social, and doing something good for themselves,” shared event coordinator and Arkansas State VFW Chaplain Tanya Taylor. “Most importantly, doing something so wonderful to help our veterans that are struggling right now.”

Obituary – Davell “Dee Dee” Denise (Drozdowski) Fuss (1970 – 2021)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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9:02 pm

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Obituary – Davell “Dee Dee” Denise (Drozdowski) Fuss (1970 – 2021)

Davell “Dee Dee” Fuss of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Monday, February 22, 2021, in Waldron, Arkansas. Dee Dee was born October 2, 1970, in Hot Springs, Arkansas to David Drozdowski and Margo Parish. She was 50 years old.

Dee Dee enjoyed being a homemaker and a mom. She loved her boys and doing for them. When she had time she enjoyed drawing and working on puzzles. Dee Dee took great pleasure in enjoying that 1980’s rock music but nothing could outdo some Metallica.

Dee Dee leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sons: Andrew Drozdowski and wife Kaela of San Diego, California, Jared Fuss of Bangor, Washington, and Ryan Fuss of Muldrow, Oklahoma as well as her parents, Margo Parish and husband Paul of Waldron, Arkansas and David Drozdowski of Lake Hinkle, Arkansas. Dee Dee is also survived by her siblings: Andrea Reynolds of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and David Drozdowski Jr. of Lake Hinkle, Arkansas. Dee Dee will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones dear to her heart.

Dee Dee is preceded in death by one sister, Chrissy Drozdowski.

Dee Dee’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Dee Dee’s visitation will be Sunday, February 28, 2021 from 12:00 p.m, until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Davell “Dee Dee” Denise (Drozdowski) Fuss, please visit our floral store.

Obituary – Ronald James Sutton (1930 – 2021)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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8:26 pm

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Obituary – Ronald James Sutton (1930 – 2021)

Ronald James Sutton, 90, of Mansfield, Arkansas passed away on February 25, 2021 in Waldron. He was born April 11, 1930, in Gladstone, Michigan to the late William and Nellie (Love) Sutton. Ron was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the Army Air Force for seven years. He enjoyed carpentry work and attending auctions. He loved spending time with his family and will be missed by many.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonnie (Peterson) Sutton of Mansfield, three children; Lonnie and wife Sheila of Mansfield, Connie and husband Les Hottel of Superior, Wyoming, John and Laverne of Rock Island, Arkansas, 15 grandchildren; Angie, Melissa, Erin, Christina, Sonjia, Alicia, Ammon, Lehi, Stevie, Ephraim, Jarom, Ian, Erica, Josiah, Garrett and by a host of great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and numerous brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 28, 2021, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Freedom Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield, Arkansas.

Online condolences may be sent at http://www.martinfuneralhomes.com

Mansfield City Council to Make Alderman Appointment

Tammy Teague

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6:13 pm

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Mansfield City Council to Make Alderman Appointment

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, February 26 at 6 p.m. Members present included Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins, Jan Carlton, James Steele, and Julie Thomas. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After calling the meeting to order, Mayor Black held a moment of silence in honor of Rick McDaniel, a long-time councilman who recently passed away.

After approving the minutes and financials of the regular and special January meetings, the council heard the city services report.

Public Works Director Joe Manes reported that it had been an exciting month. His report to the council included a request for a new pump. Steele made the motion to purchase the Franklin motor for the out-of-town water tank. Hopkins seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Manes also presented the council with information on purchasing two new trucks for the public works department at the cost of $19,000. The council had previously approved the purchase of one of those trucks. The council unanimously approved an additional $11,000 from the CARES Act monies to make the purchase. Black thanked Manes for his efforts in plowing and clearing the snow on the city’s streets.

Next, Fire Chief Michael Smith gave his report, noting 52 medical and five fire calls for the month. Smith stated that an EVS representative will be sizing the firemen for their new gear. “It’s pretty much like it was last month. During the snow and stuff the water was coming in on the north side of the wall and light fixtures again.” Smith added that the trucks were up and running, but that each had issues they were trying to work with. Smith has worked over 200 hours throughout the month. Councilwoman Thomas expressed her appreciation for the fire department and first responders. “It’s sad that you had so many calls. But, there are so many people that are very grateful that you were able to be there for all of them.” Mayor Black added that the first responders had to make a call to his home and “they did a tremendous job and were very professional. Thank you, Michael.”

Police Chief Wayne Robb presented his departmental report, reporting that there were 46 citations issued in Scott County and two in Sebastian County. He added that there were a total of four warrants served, one misdemeanor, and three felonies in both Scott and Sebastian Counties. There were 55 total calls, 22 agency assists, one in Scott and 15 in Sebastian. Additionally, nine school calls, 20 reports, two accidents, 170 traffic stops with 123 warnings, three drug arrests, and eight animal calls. The department participated in nine and a half training hours for the month.

Robb commented that there are several impounded animals at the shelter. “We are working several vicious animal cases that will be going to court next month,” stated Robb. “I would also like to give attaboys to my officers and myself…We stayed at the PD from Sunday to Thursday so we could be readily available. I want to thank Julie for the deer chili…and I wanna thank CVs for providing us a meal one night…I bought a meal for the guys one night. Coach Cothran came down to eat with us, it was good fellowship at the PD. All my officers stepped up and did a good job, not only for me but the community.” Thomas thanked Robb for their efforts and dedication.

Next, the city’s new attorney, Travis Plummer addressed the council. “I wanted to give a formal thank you for allowing me this opportunity. I am honored. I feel like it is a privilege to be serving the city of Mansfield. If any of you have any questions or concerns, you know how to reach me…”

Plummer reported on the Carlton de-annexation case, stating that he has not been able to locate the original petition that was filed. He added that if he is not able to locate the petition, he will start it over. Plummer stated that his goal was to have the hearing scheduled by next month. In other business, Plummer addressed a question from the study session regarding the sales tax designated for police and fire. “I am trying to get an understanding of how the money comes in and goes out. This time next month, I hope to have answers on that. On the surface, I feel like how we are doing it is fine. I will have a definite answer next time.” Plummer concluded with a report on his first case in Greenwood District Court and will head to Scott County for cases next week.

In the next item of unfinished business, the council reviewed information on a refuse truck. Ultimately, the council decided to wait until the current trash truck is paid off. “We want the one loan paid off before we do this,” stated Lyons. The motion was tabled.

In the last item of unfinished business, Black informed the council that they are not putting enough money into the elected official’s pension fund. “Right now we are putting in $2,000 a month,” Black stated. Currently, the city is paying out $3,068. The council voted unanimously to pay $1,500 from each fund, the general and waste, in order to sustain the pensions for both former Mayor Glen Hurt, and former City Attorney Matt Ketcham.

In new items of business, the council discussed the open position due to the passing of Alderman McDaniel. “The last time this happened was when Roger Ball passed away and it took three months (to fill the position.) According to the Arkansas Municipal League Codebook and Attorney Lanny Richmond, the council should “announce the opening for the vacancy at tonight’s meeting, and then fill the vacancy at the next meeting in March.” Black added that they should also accept letters of interest for the council to review before making the appointment. The position is for Ward 3, Position 1. The candidate must live within that district.

The next item of new business, the council voted to hire Ken Swilling for the position of City Building Inspector. Lastly, the council voted unanimously to approve two new appointments to the fire department, Levi Thomas and Steven Lowe.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council adjourned at 7:07 p.m.

Waldron Clinches Spot In District Tournament Championship

Sports

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4:54 pm

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Waldron Clinches Spot In District Tournament Championship

Pictured is Camdon Holcomb

The Waldron Bulldogs moved to 22-5 on the year, after a stellar win against the Booneville Bearcats in the Semi-Finals of the 3A-4 District Tournament Thursday night. The Bulldogs wasted little time getting on the board with a three-pointer from Jaden Hutchens on their first possession. Although the Bearcats responded by getting on the board with a Blake Jones lay-up, Waldron’s Gada Wagner was unrelentless as he went on to score the next 8 points jumping the Bulldogs to an early 11-2 lead. But Booneville’s Blake Jones stopped the run by delivering a three-point basket.

Isaac “The Real” Villarreal was the next Bulldog showstopper to get in the scoring column with a basket inside the paint while then turning around and making two free throws. Waldron took control with a 15-5 lead before Blake Jones scored his sixth and seventh points of the night for the Bearcats. While the Bulldog’s defense was staying busy by keeping Booneville’s offense in their clutches, Waldron’s Braden Williams scored a putback basket to extend the Bulldog’s lead to 17-7. Gada Wagner added another bucket to make the score 19-7 but the Bearcats used a 6-0 run to end the first quarter and cut the lead in half, trailing 19-13.

Braden Williams pulled the trigger and opened the second quarter with a made free throw but the Bearcats, Austin Hill, knocked down a three to make the score 20-16 early in the second quarter. Bryson Bailey shot out of the shadows dispensing a steal and score for the Bulldogs to extend their lead back to six, but Booneville’s Jacob Herrera and Mason Goers had other plans. Herrera knocked down a three while Goers scored a lay-up to get the Bearcats within one, 22-21. The Bulldogs then turned up the pressure, ignited the pilot, and blasted up and down the court using a 21-5 run to extend their lead to 16 at the end of the first half, 43-27.

Herrera got the show on the road to open the second half with a three-pointer for the Bearcats cutting the lead to 13 but the Bulldogs remained in control using a 19-5 run to extend the lead to 62-32. Blake Jones hit his second 3 of the game while Herrera also added a two-point basket for the Bearcats. Waldron’s Jaden Hutchens and Camdon Holcomb turned around and ate up the free-throw line combining for three giving the Bulldogs the 65-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Holcomb got right down to business opening the fourth quarter with a two-point basket but Blake Jones responded by hitting his third triple of the night. The Bulldogs finished the game on a 9-4 run earning a final score of 76-44 sending them on to the championship round of Districts.

Gada Wagner led all scorers with 26 points for the Bulldogs. Blake Jones led Bearcat scorers with 14. Jacob Herrera also scored in double figures for the Bearcats with 13. The Bulldogs will move on to face the Charleston Tigers in the District Tournament Finals at the Waldron Activity Center at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021. The Tigers defeated the Cedarville Pirates to advance to the Championship game. Booneville will play in the Regional Tournament on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. against the winner of Bergman and Valley Springs.

Box Score:

	1^st Quarter	2^nd Quarter	3^rd Quarter	4^th Quarter	FINAL
Waldron	19	24	22	11	76
Booneville	13	14	10	7	44

Waldron—Gada Wagner (26), Braden Williams (9), Jaden Hutchens (8), Caden Fuller (8), Camdon Holcomb (7), Bryson Bailey (4), Isaac Villarreal (4), Lidge Stinson (3) Jayden McConnell (3), Trenton Hunt (2), Peyton Lipham (2)- 76

Booneville—Blake Jones (14), Jacob Herrera (13), Austin Hill (5), CJ Johnson (5), Brooks Herrera (2), Mason Goers (2), Evan Escobedo (2), Raiden Ferguson (1)- 44

Photos courtesy of Sandy Tull

Sustainable Practices That Can Save Commercial Farms Money

Food

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3:26 pm

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Sustainable Practices That Can Save Commercial Farms Money

When it comes to sustainability on the farm, some of the most important details focus on maintaining soil quality and fending off weeds and vermin. There are many sustainable practices that can save commercial farms money just by changing the details of an operation. Many practices are fairly simple, and some can save work as well as money. The bottom line is the goal of agricultural practices that work cooperatively with nature rather than averse to it.

Rotating Crops

This should be no surprise to anyone in the farming industry, as it is not a new concept. When the same crop is grown in the same soil, the plants constantly draw out the same nutritional soil year after year. Over time, this results in empty soil which can even become useless for growing any type of crop. Fertilizing helps artificially refresh the soil, but it’s an expensive bandage over a big problem.

By rotating crops, each season of plants takes different combinations of nutrients out of the soil. The right assortment of crops can greatly boost the overall health of the soil by complementing each other’s needs. Additionally, in off-seasons, you can grow cover plants than leaving fields barren. This is better for the environment and helps ward off weeds naturally. Lastly, the life cycles of plants such as clover and hairy vetch contribute to the nutrients and health of the soil as well.

Cut Out the Middleman

One thing that always slices into profits is coming up with funds for outsourced supplies. Most important are the fertilizers used to refresh and tend the soil quality. Every year, acreage needs to be brought up to the right nutrient values, which can differ dramatically depending on the crop being planted. Composting is an effective way for a commercial farm to turn waste into a steady supply of homegrown soil nutrients.

Furthermore, the process of composting can be transformed into rapid mass production. The compost can be carefully tailored to each plant using specific types of bacterial colonies and supplemental teas. Extra material that hasn’t been turned into the land can also be sold, turning what was once a cost into a regular profit.

Integrate Biodiversity

Mixing in animals and wildlife is an amazing sustainable practice that can save farms money. Besides changing up what grows on the fields, you can add other profitable trees and shrubs around the farm. These shade and food-bearing plants support the wildlife and farm animals. Cultivating beneficial plants along prairie and riparian buffers can boost the population of local pollinators and help build a healthy and sustainable farm.

Reducing tillage can also have a profound effect on biodiversity. The earth is naturally threaded with animal and insect burrows that are harmless to farms and can even fend off other more problematic animals. Additionally, a complex matrix of plant and fungi roots provides even more nutrients through their life cycle and by adding structure to the soil. Tilling destroys these benefits and contributes to erosion on top of lifeless soil.

Police Warn of New Trend Among Thieves

Tammy Teague

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2:38 pm

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Greenwood Police Chief Will Dawson took to social media on Thursday, February 25, warning residents of a new trend among thieves.

On Wednesday, February 24, a local daycare, Little Blessings Preschool and Childcare, reportedly had their catalytic converters cut off their vehicles. Apparently, the act is becoming increasingly widespread, and even in broad daylight.

For example, CINTAS recently had 10 vehicles get their converters cut off, and they were forced to rent trucks to replace their fleet. “I feel if the public was more aware maybe some of this could be prevented,” shared one concerned resident.

Chief Dawson cautioned residents to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to contact the police department at 479-996-4119.

Sr Lady Tigers Send Mountainburg Crumbling Into The Sea

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:37 pm

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Sr Lady Tigers Send Mountainburg Crumbling Into The Sea

Go back to your childhood for a second and think of Sesame Streets Count. Now say it along with everyone else “One, ah ah ah. Two, ah ah ah. Thhhhrrreeee, ah ah ah ahhhhhh”. The Mansfield Lady Tigers helped show fans on Thursday, February 25 that counting was easy. Mansfield sang “1, 2, skip a few……66, 67” as the Lady Tigers put the Mountainburg Lady Dragons down for the last time with a 67-51 win in the semi-final round of Districts.

The Lady Tigers stepped up to the plate with newfound confidence and aggressive defense. They immediately shut down Mountainburg’s 3 point shooting game by covering the Dragon’s shots so close that they could smell what the Lady Tigers had for lunch. The heavy pressure worked well, but Mansfield’s offense struggled to put up the points to close the game early as Mansfield closed the first quarter with a 15-14 narrow lead. The Lady Tigers’ offense continued to struggle which put more pressure on their defense. Both teams had problems gaining momentum in the game leading to desperation and foul trouble. Having the shooters on their side, Mountainburg took advantage of the fouls and crept up on the scoreboard with free throws. Shot by shot, point by point the Lady Dragons pulled ahead of Mansfield as the Lady Tigers walked into the half down 31-27.

Before the District Tournament was reinstated, the Lady Tigers were going to walk into Regionals as a #2 seed due to their regular-season finish. Mountainburg was definitely doing their best to move up in the rankings as they continued to pour it on Mansfield. The Lady Tigers couldn’t buy a basket at the beginning of the third quarter and Mountainburg was able to open their game up. Down by 10 points midway through the third, the Lady Tigers had had enough. Their offense lit up as they roared back into contention. Mansfield closed the gap but was still down 46-42 going into the final quarter.

Although down by 4 when the fourth quarter started, the Lady Tigers weren’t phased. In fact, that could have been the plan. Wear Mountainburg down and then set them ablaze at the end. Planned or not, Mansfield began to get their offense going. But it wasn’t the offense that was the technical pacesetter. It was the defense that set things in motion with rebounds, steals, blocks, and deflections. With Mountainburg slowly crumbling, the Lady Tigers got some easy points and ran the game out with some free throws of their own. In their previous two meetings, the games were decided by 5 points each with the Lady Dragons being the fourth-quarter comebacks. The roles swapped this time though as Mansfield rolled up a 16 point score gap in a 67-51 victory.

Senior Makayla Strutton has now tied the school record for steals in a season with 115. One more steal will earn her the top of that list. She also brought in 21 points. Danielle Lillie earned 13 points followed by freshman, Alyson Edwards, who in her senior high debut earned herself a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Chloe Creekmore netted 7 points, Natalie Allison ended with 6, Kynslee Ward made 5, Brooke Wright picked up 3, and Skylynn Harris made 2.

The Lady Tigers are now headed to Acorn on Saturday, February 27 to take on the other Lady Tigers in the championship round of Districts. If you plan on attending the game, you must have a voucher. If you have a voucher, that will gain you access to both the girls’ and boys’ games. All players will receive 3 vouchers. If there are leftover vouchers, please contact either Coach Bryan or Coach Stovall to get one. If you plan on leaving after the girls’ game, please notify either Coach Bryan or Coach Stovall so that they can use your ticket for someone who shows up for the boys’ game and vise versa.

Concerned Citizens Speak Out at Hackett City Council Meeting

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1:22 pm

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Concerned Citizens Speak Out at Hackett City Council Meeting

The Hackett City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, February 25 at 6 p.m. Several residents were in attendance at the city’s fire center.

Council members present were Louis Kirkendall, Allison Null, Mike Opolka, Michelle Stayton, and Kevin Stiles. Also present Mayor Trini Harper, Recorder Pat Black, and City Attorney Mike Hamby.

After calling the meeting to order, a guest speaker from the group “Make Hackett Great Again” addressed the council.

“Mayor, council members, and citizens we will present our case for ‘Make Hackett Great Again’ and would appreciate your indulgence…,” stated spokesman Dane Goodwin. “We are not here to remove council members…we have no vendettas, we only wish to move Hackett forward with the proper leadership…” Goodwin expressed the group’s concerns, which included “a hostile work environment created by the mayor,” and strained relationships with the county elected. “She has not only alienated the community but put them at great risk by her determination to rule with an iron hand…She hired an inept chief of police, who not only failed to do his job, but succeeded in running off the only good officers we had…Actions only went downhill from there.” Goodwin referred to the actions of the former chief as “a derelict of his duties by refusing to respond to an emergency call from the school, which could have resulted in devastating circumstances.“

The mayor and council listened, some with their heads lowered, as Goodwin continued to outline the group’s concerns. “He (the former chief) was in the position way too long…She would not listen to anyone in regards to his inability...We found a more than qualified replacement, who would have made the Hackett Police Department one of the best around. But during his interview, she (the mayor) had to exert herself once again…He walked out and resigned before he even started.” He added that because of her actions “the town is suffering…with no police force, drug deals are happening right under our noses…Property is being vandalized and crime is everywhere. Even a recent murder in our town may have been prevented by a police presence. If it were not for our great sheriff and his department, no telling what we would be dealing with.”

Goodwin levied claims that the mayor used her authority to target residents with whom she had personal vendettas. “She is hardly ever at work,” Goodwin continued, alleging that while at work, “she is under the influence of prescription drugs…She cannot get out into the community without a town employee driving her back and forth to work…We are sensitive to her medical issues, but it is hindering her ability to perform her mayoral duties.”

The recent water crisis was also brought up. “…We may have had water sooner had the water department checked vacant houses that had water pipes busted and water flowing out the doors. A citizen caught the problem and shut the water off on two residences. No telling how much water was wasted.”

Goodwin went on, claiming the mayor has not delivered on her campaign promises, particularly in regards to the culverts and drainage system. “The sewer system is in shambles, causing excrement, personal hygiene, and other products to float into people’s yards during a hard rain.”

The spokesman then turned to the council for answers. “This mayor will not return phone calls, listen to her constituents, and blocks them from contacting her. The city council is not taking control of the situation. I might add that…they must…make themselves available to their constituents during normal hours with their personal contact information, including phone numbers.” He added that the lack of communication and correspondence is problematic, and transparency is needed.

Goodwin concluded by asking for the resignation of the mayor, or alternatively, that the council remove her and appoint a temporary mayor until the next election. “These actions have weighed heavy on all of us, but we cannot allow this town to suffer…”

Following his speech, the mayor asked for any further comments before moving on. Neither the council nor mayor issued an immediate response.

In the next items of business, the council heard city services reports from Fire Chief Jeffery Reaves, Street Superintendent Billy Garner, and Water Superintendent Darren Edwards. Edwards and Alderman Stiles discussed issues and protocols followed during the recent water crisis.

In items of new business, a record in the minutes that Ricci Pyle was terminated from his position as police chief on Monday, February 1. The position of chief and part-time officer is currently being advertised. The council then voted unanimously to approve the building permit issued to JMATT, Ronny Blake for 813 Black Creek Lane/Lot 27.

Next, the council discussed the playground equipment for the park. The equipment bid totaled $14,966.00 which included installation with a Northwest Arkansas-based company. Stiles made the motion to approve the purchase of the playground equipment pending it’s the correct color.

In the last item of new business, the approval of Resolution 2021-01. The council voted unanimously to apply for a grant that would provide the fire department with new SCBA’s.

The city attorney then addressed the council and recommended they consider the adoption of a new ordinance that would increase the 3/4″ and 5/8″ hookup fees. “We talked about increasing that because our costs are increasing,” stated Kirkendall. Kirkendall made the motion to put the ordinance off first reading by title only. An ordinance repealing ordinance 2008-07 and amending ordinance 2002-4 will be brought up again at the next meeting.

Lastly, Mayor Harper advised the council of a $300,000 grant approval from the State Aid Street Committee for an overlay project for streets Plum, Greenwood, Church, and overlay and rehab Timothy Circle.

“I would like to make the motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel…,” stated Stiles. “I guess before we do that…Is there anything you want to say before we move forward?”

“I want to thank the council or whoever is responsible for putting things on the marquee,” shared Bettye Goodwin. “…I did make some calls (to the council.) I just wanted to speak to you about the city. So, do we call council members or do we not call council members? Bettye Goodwin reminded the members of the council that their numbers are public record and that she had contacted the courthouse in an attempt to reach out to them. “It would be nice to know which district you represent…,” stated Dane Goodwin. “There are some real issues in their (constituents) minds. Now, would a lot of that be alleviated if they knew more with the transparency of what was going on within the town? My personal opinion, yes. I know you do the best job you can, you may not know everything, but you do need to be more transparent.” The spokesman referred to a petition of signatures circulating to remove the mayor by special election but claimed it to be null and void as it is outside of the regular election cycle. “If at that point and time…if someone wants to run against her, if she doesn’t want to resign or you don’t want to take her out, that’s your privilege. We had enough signatures, which goes to tell me that there’s a lot of animosity within the town…Make Hackett Great Again wants to make the town a better place. We appreciate the job you are doing, there are just things that need to change…”

Harper responded that she would like to see those in attendance come back to meetings. Todd Johnson inquired of an opening on the council, and how long it had been vacated. “How long do you have to fill that position?” Hamby responded, “until somebody comes up and wants to do it.” Kirkendall added that he had talked to several people in that ward. Johnson asked if they would mind if he posted the vacancy. Opolka stated that he had just found someone who may be interested. “We don’t have to post that,” Opolka added. “But we are talking about communication, and a lot of people didn’t know there was a seat open,” Johnson replied. Stiles interjected stating that “when I ran, no one told me. I just went to the courthouse and did it…”

“Honestly, we could all communicate better, I agree. But, we do need you guys at the meetings. We need to hear from you,” added Opolka. “We encourage this kind of interaction.” Kirkendall concluded by stating “we represent the City of Hackett, not just our district.”

Bettye Goodwin inquired about the status of the proposed annex. Mayor Harper responded that she had sent out 50-60 letters and had received five of those back. “That annexation, and this is just me personally talking, is going to be a hard thing to pass,” stated Kirkendall. “What could the city of Hackett offer you more than what you got now?” Johnson, an area resident responded, nothing. “The only time we’re going to really be able to push it is when Greenwood comes this way,” Kirkendall surmised. “Then you are going to say take me in Hackett.”

Stiles asked if anyone else had anything to say. With no further response, those in attendance exited the meeting.

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