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Clean Cookin’ Partners with Greenwood Police Department

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Clean Cookin’ Partners with Greenwood Police Department

On Thursday, January 21 Stu’s Clean Cookin’ franchise owner Keith Dake paired up with the Greenwood Police Department to distribute healthy meals to residents for the food patrol program.

Stu’s Clean Cooking, which opened opened in Greenwood last year, has distributed hundreds of meals to help feed the community. Additionally, the company takes part in healthy food giveaways throughout the River Valley.

The Fort Smith Police Department started the program with food donated by Clean Cookin’. On Thursday the Greenwood and Elkins Police Departments joined the program. “We can actually put food in people’s hands,” shared Clean Cookin’ owner Stuart Rowland. “We are here to help…We are excited that the program has spread this quickly.
The food patrol program has taken off.” According to Rowland, it has expanded from one department to three in just a couple of weeks. “We want to be a part of helping to rebuild our communities in 2021,” Rowland added.

“Stu’s Clean Cookin’ reached out to us to see if we’d be interested in helping them with a food giveaway in Greenwood,” shared Assistant Police Chief, Captain Richie Wolford. “By the nature of the job, our officers are aware of folks who would be appreciative of assistance so it was a mutually beneficial partnership. These are some tough times right now for a lot of people so we were glad to be able to help them.” Police Chief Will Dawson also expressed his appreciation stating, “it was very generous of the business to give to the needy in the community. It was a privilege for us to participate.”

For Dake, he is proud to continue in the humanitarian path of the company’s founder. “Taking on a small business during a pandemic is not always an easy task, but as we slowly began getting our feet underneath us, we wanted to begin following in the footsteps of Stu’s Clean Cookin Founder/Owner, Stuart Rowland. He has set an example that we admire and inspired us to simply do more. Especially right now, when so many Americans are hurting. We, as a brand, want to be a bright spot and hopefully start a trend and get more people actively involved in just helping one another and showing acts of kindness.“

How To Remodel Your Home Stress-Free

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How To Remodel Your Home Stress-Free

When renovating the home, it is always necessary to go in with a game plan and be aware of what can go wrong. Failing to create a plan or acknowledge the risks and inconveniences will make for a long and painful renovating process. Learn how to remodel your home stress-free before committing to the redesigns.

Know What Work Needs To Be Done

Going in with a clear plan and visible end goal is the first step in successful renovations. Having this plan and keeping it realistic and attainable ensures you will maintain a definite timeline of construction. Playing it by ear or changing plans as the remodel is underway will extend the period of construction and balloon your budget.

Keep your vision clear and stick to it; deviating from the initial plan will derail the entire endeavor. Forcing yourself and the contractors to adapt to ever-changing factors will leave everyone dissatisfied.

Make a Budget and Stick To It

Know what you are going to remodel and make sure it is realistically affordable for you. Make a list of roughly how much material you will need, the costs of such material, and the estimated cost of time and labor for the contractors.

Take all these things into consideration and consider allotting some extra funds for anything that may go wrong. Coming in a little under budget is far preferable to coming in way over budget.

Take Precautionary Actions

Be aware of what may happen during the remodeling process. Depending on what work you are doing, living in the house may be out of the question. Know what the living arrangements will be and plan accordingly, whether that means you must stay at a hotel or another house.

Also, take proactive action to protect the things you are not remodeling. Invest in shoe covers that you can provide the contractors in case they run out; shoe covers can protect your flooring and prevent unnecessary damage.

These types of projects are time-consuming and demanding enough. Make the process easier on everyone involved, and do not skip the steps to remodel your home stress-free.

Sr Lady Pirates Pull A Mutiny On Booneville

Megan Hecox
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Sr Lady Pirates Pull A Mutiny On Booneville

The Cedarville Sr Lady Pirates have decided that the days of smooth sailing is too cliché. It’s 2021 for petes sake, time to upgrade. So the Lady Pirates folded and put away their sails in exchange for 3.4 liters Evinrude motors and have flown past their competition ever since. On Thursday, January 21st, Cedarville fired up their motors against the Booneville Lady Bearcats and left Booneville in their wake in a 68-55 win.

Cedarville didn’t just go into the game with cannons firing, they brought out the snipers too as the Lady Pirates sank a total of twelve 3 point shots against Booneville. Katie McBroom swept the floor with the Lady Bearcats defense hitting sic 3 pointers and scoring a total of 22 points in the game. Makayla Pearcy also pierced Booneville for six 3 points to put up a mathematical perfect 18 points on the scoreboard. If Booneville tried to get wise and shut down the two sharpshooters, the Lady Pirates would merely take the ball low to score. Chloe Morrow destroyed the scoreboard with 10 points while Emily Wood hooped up 8 points in the game. McKenzie Marion rode a wave of 6 points against the Lady Bearcats and Katelynn Oden rounded out the scoring with 4 points.

With a 13-2 overall record and 5-1 conference record, the Lady Pirates aren’t a team anyone wants to face right now. It’s doesn’t matter if you believe the world is flat or round, no one can deny that Cedarville has been making the rounds by flattening their opponents. Their next opponent though is no pushover and have put holes in the Lady Pirates hull in the past. On Saturday, January 23rd  Cedarville will host (dum dum dum) the Lady Tigers of Charleston.

Head Coach Andrew Tencleve stated, “We play Charleston for a makeup game this Saturday. Our job is to play to the best of our ability and win as many games as we can. The game will make it to where we play Charleston twice in only a four-day span. They’re definitely going to be a tough opponent because they are playing really well right now. But just like them, we’re on fire plus we have home-court advantage Saturday. I think our girls have it in them to get the job done.” After Saturday’s play, the Sr Lady Pirates will take on the Lady Tigers again at Charleston on Tuesday, January 26.

Photo courtesy of Malinda Mizell

Jr Lady Rattlers Take Easy Street Past UCA

Megan Hecox
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Jr Lady Rattlers Take Easy Street Past UCA

Pictured is #10 Kinzie Robinson

In nearly every sport, the concept of pitting offense and defense is the thrill of the game. Forget that offense wins games and defense wins championships rubbish. Why not do both? On January 19, 2021, the Magazine Jr Lady Rattlers signed papers to own the right of the term “Stats” as they screamed past the Union Christian Eagles 41-10.  

Ainslee Chappell

To score 41 points in a Jr High game is quite a statement. To do that by playing as a team rather than a one-woman show is a stack of statements big enough to impress WNBA teams. The Lady Rattlers played generously with each other sharing the rock for a total of 11 assists in their game against the Eagles. Jailynn Sims led the team in points as she netted 9 points in the game with Gracee Franklin hot on her heels hanging up 8 points.

Jailynn Sims

Joslyn Corley and Carissa Webster combined for a dozen as they sank 6 points apiece. Callie Nichols hooped up 4 hard-fought points. Ainslee Chappell scored 2 points but also led the team in assists with 6. The Lady Rattler’s offense was so potent, they jumped to a 33-8 lead quicker than a snake bite on a bare leg in the middle of August.

Gracee Franklin

Magazine’s defense created so much turbulence for the Eagles that Union Christian never gained enough speed for lift-off. Even though everyone has to wear a mask these days, Destiny Corley and Kinzie Robinson should have to wear a thief’s mask too as the two combined for 11 steals on the night. If that wasn’t enough, the Lady Rattlers also gathered a staggering 32 combined rebounds against the Lady Eagles.

Destiny Corley

Next week the Magazine Jr Lady Rattlers have a super busy and super important week planned as they first take on non-conference Pleasant View on January 25 on the road. Then they refocus and jump right back in it for two huge home conference games. One against Mountainburg on Tuesday, January 26, and another on Friday, January 29 against Acorn. But the Jr Lady Rattlers aren’t worried one bit. Because as Nelson Mandela pointed out, “It always seems impossible until it’s done!”

Squirrels Still Available for Arkansas Hunters

Tammy Teague
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Squirrels Still Available for Arkansas Hunters

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK – What is a hunter to do? January is running out. Deer season is over except for a handful of bowhunters looking for a last-chance tag. Duck season also is beginning its swan song for the year, and turkey season is still months away.

Here’s a tip that a good many Arkansans already know. Squirrel and rabbit hunters have the woods virtually to themselves from now through the end of February. Squirrel and rabbit seasons are open, and there is some good hunting to be found across the state. The daily bag limit for squirrels is 12, so getting your limit is an all-day affair, even on the best of days.

Populations of both rabbits and squirrels are good in most parts of Arkansas, and this year should be a banner year for bushytail hunters. The mild winter has prevented many natural die-offs, and last year’s explosive acorn crop throughout much of the state should ensure a healthy number of squirrels jumping in the treetops this season. Combine this with the relatively low numbers of squirrel hunters visiting the woods as chasing bushytails has lost favor to deer and duck hunting and you have the makings for excellent hunting on public land with little chance of crowding.
Nearly every wildlife management area managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is open throughout the statewide season dates. A quick check with the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook or visit to the “Where to Hunt” section of AGFC.com will guide you.

Many squirrel seekers like late January-February hunting for another reason. Snakes, which can cause some concerns for hunters in September and October, generally are not present during winter, so hunters don’t have to keep one eye on the ground in front of them and another eye looking toward treetops.

Long shots often are required for late-season squirrel hunting, as most of the trees in the woods have long-since shed their leaves. A keen-eyed hunter can spot squirrels bouncing in the treetops at 100 yards or more. That open view also makes it easier for the squirrel to notice a hunter trying to stalk within shotgun range, so the rimfire rifle is the preferred tool for most hunters this time of year. Many rimfire cartridges have been introduced through the years, and while some have definitely seen favor with some hunters, the .22 Long Rifle still remains the standard. It’s often the first firearm a young hunter receives, and it fits the bill perfectly for late winter hunts. 

If a hunter does elect to go it with a shotgun, a 12- or 20-gauge with high-brass shells loaded with lead no. 4 shot will give a little extra distance to get to the treetops in mature hardwoods. Lead shot is allowed for squirrel hunting on most WMAs, but hunters should be mindful to double-check the regulations for the specific area they will be hunting. Many national wildlife refuges require the use of non-toxic shot regardless of the game species being pursued.

Task Force Mapping Feral Hog Removal Through Online Survey

Tammy Teague
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Task Force Mapping Feral Hog Removal Through Online Survey

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force is unveiling a new tool to help coordinate the fight against invasive pests in The Natural State. A new mobile-friendly survey will enable any private landowner or hunter to upload information about feral hog sightings and removal efforts in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Feral Hog Control Survey, built on a mobile platform called ArcGIS Survey 123, is available for download at www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/feral-hog. It was developed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to track the agency’s efforts in feral hog trapping during the last year. After successful field tests, biologists and staff within the task force modified the tool to provide a public interface to help track any feral hog removal efforts throughout the state. 

Take the Survey

Landowners who remove feral hogs on private property by trapping or shooting are asked to help the task force by uploading removal information on the Arkansas Feral Hog Control Survey. 

Information uploaded to the survey will help the task force better understand how many feral hogs are being removed monthly by private individuals, state agencies, and federal agencies. This will guide future management decisions to continue the fight against feral hogs in Arkansas. 

Feral hogs are not native to the United States. They are an invasive species that poses significant risks to human and livestock health. In Arkansas, feral hogs cause an estimated $19 million in damages to agriculture and natural resources. They compete for food resources, destroy habitat by rooting and wallowing and will eat ground-nesting birds, eggs, fawns and young domestic livestock. They also carry up to 45 bacteria, diseases and parasites, including Trichinellosis, Brucellosis and swine herpes virus.

In Arkansas feral hogs may be killed or trapped day or night by any means year-round on private property by a landowner or anyone who has the landowner’s permission. A license is not required to kill feral hogs, but anyone who has had their license revoked may not hunt them. On public land feral hogs may not be taken on many wildlife management areas and National Wildlife Refuges. There are a few WMAs where feral hogs may be taken opportunistically, but only during open firearms deer, bear or elk seasons or with archery tackle from Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

The AGFC conducts extensive trapping efforts on public and private lands and encourages the use of large-scale trapping efforts as opposed to hunting or shooting single animals as it educates the pigs remaining in the group and scatters them to new properties. Anyone convicted of releasing hogs in Arkansas in an attempt to stock them for recreational purposes faces fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per hog or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both  Possession or release of live feral hogs on an AGFC-managed WMA is a Class 4 offense, which carries a fine of $750 to $7,500 and a jail sentence of up to 180 days upon conviction. 

Visit www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/feral-hog for more information about the Feral Hog Eradication Task Force and tools to help control feral hogs in Arkansas.

Obituary – James Dulice Keck (1953 – 2021)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – James Dulice Keck (1953 – 2021)

Memorial service for James Dulice Keck, 67 of Pocola, Oklahoma will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Cross Community Church in Pocola, Oklahoma with Tommy Carlton officiating. Cremation is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro, Oklahoma.

“Thumper”, as most people knew him, was born on July 24, 1953 in Montgomery, Maryland to Doris Inez (Garrett) Keck and Charles Leslie Keck and passed away on January 20, 2021 in Pocola, Oklahoma. James was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Keck. He owned Pocola Salvage and Town and County Motors and served as City Inspector for numerous years in the towns of Spiro, Hackett, Bonanza, Arkoma, Okmulgee, and Mansfield. James enjoyed Cushman Motorcycles and anything dealing with cars.  He filled in as “Santa Claus” for many, many years at local parades all over the area. 

Survivors include his companion, Pamela Rose; children, Charlene Keck Blackman, Amanda Keck, Victoria Keck, James McCutcheon, Eddie McCutcheon, Terry McCutcheon, Amity Rodriguez, LaDawna Dillman, Ryan Rose, MaKhalee Mortimore, Raven Gregston, Rachel Roof; grandchildren, Garrett, Madison, Samantha, Cortney, Gage, Anthony, Jannie, Jonathon, Christopher, Antonio, Alex, Adrianna, Katherine, Charlie, Adam, Easton; great grandchildren, Lance, Eli, Ava Kate, Xander, Gracelynn; brother Douglas Keck and wife Bess; sister, Melinda Bates and husband Allen, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and loved ones.

To sign James D. Keck’s online guest book, please visit www.mallorymartinfuneralhome.com.

Mansfield’s City Attorney Retires

Tammy Teague
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Mansfield’s City Attorney Retires

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, January 21 at 6 p.m. Council members present were Julie Thomas, James Steele, Sheri Hopkins, Rick McDaniel, and Beverly Lyons. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Stephanie Morgan. City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker and Councilwoman Jan Carlton were absent.

After the reading and approval of the December meeting minutes and financial statements, the council heard the city services reports.

Public Works Director Joe Manes presented his departmental report, stating the need for a new dual axle trash truck and another department vehicle. The public works department has performed 59 work orders for the month.

Next, Chief Michael Smith gave the fire report. Smith presented a fee proposal of charges for land/home owners who do not pay their fire dues. Under the proposal, the department could bill the property/home owner $250 – $500 for being dispatched to grass and structure fires. Smith reported a total of 48 calls for the month, eight fire and 44 EMS. Smith also informed the council of issues with some of the trucks, and the lack of gear for firefighters. “We need some way to come up with the funds to start upgrading our trucks and equipment,” stated Smith. “…We are working on grants for new turn outs and tornado sires. We have several people wanting to get on the department, but at this time we cannot put anyone on due to the lack of turnout gear.” Smith went on to add that the condition of the department could prove costly to the city and surrounding communities. Smith reported working over 200 hours for the month.

Police Chief Wayne Robb gave his departmental report which included 19 citations and four misdemeanor warrants served in Scott County, and 14 citations, four felony and five misdemeanor warrants served in Sebastian County. There were a total of 33 calls for the month, along with 22 agency assists, seven for Scott and 15 for Sebastian. Robb also reported three school calls, 17 incident/arrest reports, four accident reports, 159 total traffic stops, one DWI arrest, and 19 animal calls. The department had a total of 14 training hours.

City Attorney Matt Ketcham presented the city council with his proposed contract to be on file for audit purposes. After reviewing that proposal, the council voted to go into executive session at 6:51 p.m. Upon reconvening at 7:01 p.m., Mayor Black stated the reason for the executive session was to go over Ketcham’s proposal and to discuss a personnel matter. Ketcham then addressed the council stating “It has been an honor and a privilege for over two decades to serve the City of Mansfield as the city attorney. I think we have come a long way in that time…I think it is probably time for me to retire and let somebody take over. So, I would like to resign and retire as of the 31st of this month.“

In matters of unfinished business, the council voted to pass resolution 2021-1, amending the 2020 budget. The council also approved a policy on reading rural water meters for the elderly or disabled. That service for current customers will continue, and they will be “grandfathered in.” Any customers going forward will be charged a $25 service fee for the city to read their meters.

In matters of new business, the council decided to change the amount of money transfered into the retirement account, decreasing it from $3,000 to $2,000. Council members discussed allotting the $1,000 difference to the fire department. Subsequently, the council voted to adopt the 2021 budget with Resolution 2021-2 in a vote of 4-1, with Steele voting against. Lastly, the council voted to accept Resolution 2021-3, establishing and adopting procedural rules.

The council voted to amend the agenda to include a discussion regarding a proxy for the mayor. Mayor Black recommended Councilman McDaniel be appointed to preside over the council meetings in the event of his absence. Additionally, Black proposed McDaniel be authorized to provide a second signature on checks in the event that either the recorder/treasurer or mayor were not available. The council consented to Black’s proposal.

Mayor Black addressed Fire Chief Michael Smith. “We hear your cry, and we are going to get something done for the fire department…We need to find out where the tax money is going and we will try to make progress.” The council echoed Black’s sentiment, commending Smith for his work and dedication to the city.

Before adjourning, Mayor Black updated the council on the new city sign, stating that he had six commitments to help with the purchase. Black projects work to begin soon on the pillars. “We will have a sign by the end of the first quarter,” concluded Black.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council adjourned.

Sr Lady Tigers Outnumbered And Outscored By Acorn

Megan Hecox
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Sr Lady Tigers Outnumbered And Outscored By Acorn

Pictured is Chloe Creekmore

There’s no rest for the weary.  Unfortunately, that’s exactly what cost Mansfield a perfect conference record. The Sr Lady Tigers started the season with 15 players on a super talented roster. Ill-fatedly, the Lady Tigers loaded the bus on Tuesday, January 19th to travel to hostile territory to face Acorn with 7 players in a #1 vs #2 brawl for it all. Mansfield beat Acorn earlier in the season, but on that fateful night, it was the Blue Tigers who got even with a 59-42 victory over the Lady Tigers.

Danielle Lillie

The Lady Tigers came out of the gate with the looks of an untouchable team. Acorn focused on shutting down Mansfield superstars Makayla Strutton and Danielle Lillie, which makes sense, but that focus backfired. Acorn was left dangling from a limb as Chloe Creekmore put out her best performance of the season in the 1st quarter. Creekmore snatched rebounds, deflected passes, and scored off the board like a wild banshee. That pulled the pressure off of Strutton and Lillie who then went to work as the Lady Tigers closed out the first quarter with a 21-15 lead.

Makayla Strutton

Mansfield started off the 2nd quarter with the same ferocity as they started the game with, but their fire began to run out of oxygen. Playing shorthanded and unable to sub in players as they usually do, fatigue began to set in. Acorn noticed the Lady Tigers were sucking wind and began to put their foot on the pedal. At the 4:48 mark of the second quarter, Acorn took the lead for the first time in the game and it was all downhill from there for the Lady Tigers. Mansfield’s fatigue mixed with Acorns’ ever-growing lead was a recipe for disaster. The Lady Tigers began making costly mistakes like poor passing, getting beat on rebounds, and making frustration fouls.

Brooke Wright

The fatigue was evident to all as the Lady Tigers only scored 21 points total in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters combined which matched their points in the 1st quarter alone. The Blue Tigers held Mansfield to one of their lowest statistical games this season. Although Acorn didn’t completely stop them, they held stars Danielle Lillie to 12 points and Makayla Strutton to 11 points in the game. Chloe Creekmore’s explosive first quarter brought her some solid stats with 10 points, but most of those were at the beginning of the match. Starters Natalie Allison and Brooke Wright combined for 9 points in the game to round out the scoring.

Natalie Allison

The loss drops Mansfield in 2nd place in the 2A-4 leaving Acorn sitting on top at #1. Although both teams have the same conference record now, Acorn beat Mansfield by 17 while Mansfield’s win over the blue Tigers earlier in the season was only 13 points giving Acorn the points lead for a tiebreaker. The Lady Tigers must continue to win and pray another conference team pulls off an upset of Acorn if they are to regain their top spot. Mansfield must lick their wounds and rebound quickly as they will be traveling to County Line to face the Indians on Friday, January 22nd. It’s not how the Lady Tigers fell that matters though. It’s how quickly they get back up that will determine the fate of this team.

3 Essential Steps To Prepare Your Hives for Spring

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3 Essential Steps To Prepare Your Hives for Spring

Prime beekeeping season runs from spring until fall, but the work of a beekeeper is never done. Even before spring arrives and your bees poke their little heads out of the hive, there will be plenty of tasks on your beekeeping to-do list. If you want your honeybees to have a great spring—and a bountiful honey harvest later in the year—you need to make sure your hives are ready to go. Prepare your equipment, make the trek out to your apiary, and set yourself up for success with these essential steps to prepare your hives for spring.

Pay Attention to the Weather

A lot of your bees’ behavior and success relies on the environment around them. Make sure you know what to expect this year. Are you going to have a long winter, keeping your bees inside their hives for a few more weeks? Will there be a dry start to spring, making flowers scarce during those first few warm days? Keep tabs on the radar and predictions so that you know how to best provide for your hives. If cold temperatures are keeping your bees inside for a while, make sure you supplement the colony with a homemade candy board and other solid food substitutes. Other supplementary feeds such as sugar syrup and pollen patties are great ways to boost a weak hive during those initial weeks of spring growth.

Check for Mites and Other Pests

Varroa mites are major threats to honeybees. Their peak season is in the fall, but you should get a head start on treatment and prevention by inspecting your hives early. Once a warm day comes along and you can take a peek inside the hive, be on the lookout for signs of mites and other predators. This is one of the most essential steps to preparing your hive for spring. Many critters like to take refuge in a warm, food-filled beehive throughout the winter. A strong colony will be able to get rid of most threats on its own, but you can still help your bees by handling these issues early. This will allow your bees to focus on building up brood, comb, and honey when spring arrives.

Pay Attention to the Queen and Her Brood

When you inspect your beehive, look for the queen and her brood—two major indicators of success or failure within the quality. If your brood pattern is spotty and inconsistent, it’s usually a sign of an unproductive queen. A lot can happen during the winter when you’re not able to monitor your bees as closely. You might open the hive in the spring and find there’s no longer a queen at all. Be prepared to handle any issues with the queen and brood as quickly as possible. If you act fast, you can requeen the hive and help your bees get back on track before any irreparable problems occur.

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