Running for a Cause: Community Honors Chase Hale at Sixth Annual Memorial 5K
The spirit of community, remembrance, and giving was on full display as friends, family, and supporters gathered for the sixth annual Chase Hale Memorial 5K in Scott County. What began as a way to honor the memory of a beloved young man has grown into a heartfelt tradition—one that continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of local students. “We just want to thank everyone for coming out today!” shared the Hale family. “This is the sixth 5K we have had, and it still amazes us how many people come out to support and honor Chase.” The annual event serves not only as a time of reflection but also as a means to invest in the future. All proceeds go directly toward the Chase Hale Memorial Scholarship, awarded each year to a deserving senior involved in 4-H or FFA—two organizations that reflect Chase’s own love for agriculture, leadership, and community service. Thanks to the generosity and continued participation of runners, sponsors, and volunteers, the scholarship fund has now distributed $13,500 to local students. “With your help, we’ve been able to pay out $13,500 to honor Chase!” the family said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all!” As runners crossed the finish line, smiles and tears mingled freely—a powerful reminder that Chase’s legacy is not measured in miles but in moments of kindness, encouragement, and community spirit that continue to ripple outward year after year. The Hale family hopes that through each step taken and every scholarship awarded, Chase’s name will continue to inspire others to live fully, give freely, and love deeply.
Establish good breast health habits during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, more than 315,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer. During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, extension health experts say it’s critical to establish good breast health habits, which include regular self-checks and annual mammograms.
“Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early,” said Nina Roofe, assistant vice president of family and consumer sciences for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Awareness campaigns by the American Cancer Society highlight the importance of regular screenings, such as mammograms and monthly self-breast exams, and the importance of seeking medical attention if they notice symptoms.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. This is why regular self-checks “improve a woman’s breast awareness, so she knows what is normal for her body,” Roofe said.
“This awareness helps inform her if there is a change in the look and feel of her breasts, such as lumps, nipple discharge, redness, dimpling, or nipple changes that could indicate a health concern,” Roofe said. “Combining regular self-checks with annual mammograms is a proven strategy to practice good breast health.”
Mammogram information
“A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts using low dose radiation to make an image of the breast tissue,” Roofe said. “A radiologist reviews the images for calcifications, masses and other changes in breast tissue or density. Since the results are digitized and stored as part of a woman’s medical record, the radiologist can compare each year’s mammogram results to previous years to see if anything has changed.”
According to the American Cancer Society, women at average risk of breast cancer — meaning she has no personal or family history of breast cancer or the genetic mutation associated with breast cancer — should get a screening mammogram between the ages of 40 and 44. Women aged 45-54 should get a yearly mammogram.
Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every two years, or they can continue yearly screening. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years, according to the American Cancer Society.
Decades of research have shown that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, are less likely to need aggressive treatments — such as surgery to remove the entire breast and chemotherapy — and are more likely to be cured.
Lifestyle habits
A healthy diet is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, according to a 2022 article published in the Frontiers in Public Health Journal
“Saturated fats, red meat and processed meat increase levels of ingested estrogens and inflammatory compounds, which support the development of breast cancer,” Roofe said. “Polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and fresh fruits and vegetables have antioxidant and phytochemical compounds that protect against breast cancer. Alcohol is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society, other lifestyle-related risks for breast cancer include excess body weight, especially after menopause; not being physically active; getting hormone therapy after menopause with estrogen and progesterone therapy; never having children or having a first child after age 30; and certain types of birth control.
“Regular physical activity plays a role in breast cancer prevention and recurrence,” Roofe said. “The American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity each week.”
Along with cardiovascular physical activity, a 2021 article in Breast Care reported resistance training in breast cancer patients showed decreased loss of muscle strength, fatigue, negative chemotherapy symptoms and loss of quality of life.
A 2022 article in the Cancer Medicine Journal also reported that the risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3 percent for every 12 months of breastfeeding.
BRCA genetic mutations
For those with a family history of cancer, taking a genetic test to look for abnormal changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can help determine cancer risk.
“A BRCA mutation is associated with an increased risk of reproductive cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostrate, as well as pancreatic cancer,” Roofe said. “Think of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes as tumor suppressors. We all have these genes, which produce proteins that repair damaged DNA and control cell growth.
“When these genes are mutated, the genes can’t do their intended jobs, and cancer cells are free to grow and divide,” Roofe said. “When the tumor suppressor doesn’t work, cells can grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer.”
Roofe recommended talking with your physician about your individual health and risk factors, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. “A genetic counselor can guide you through your family history and genetic testing if needed,” Roofe said.
Breast cancer in males
Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of all breast cancer. But a 2021 article in theOfficial Journal of the European Society of Pathology states that incidence of male breast cancer has increased worldwide, and that men generally present with breast cancer at an older age compared with women.
Roofe said that because of its rare occurrence, it is easier for male breast cancer to be overlooked and go undetected.
“Because it is not as common, detection and diagnosis of male breast cancer may be later, leading to less positive outcomes,” Roofe said. “There is also a social stigma around male breast health, which leads to men not always recognizing there is an issue and seeking medical support promptly.
“Increasing public awareness about male breast cancer, open and honest conversation about male breast health, and training for healthcare providers to recognize the signs can help change this situation,” Roofe said.
Supporting someone with breast cancer
Bryce Daniels, extension assistant professor of health for the Division of Agriculture, shared seven practical steps to help support someone with breast cancer.
- Practice active listening. “Be present and allow your loved ones to express their emotions,” Daniels said. “Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Just listening can be incredibly healing.”
- Respect their coping style. While some people may want company, others will want solitude. “Let them set the tone,” Daniels said. “Avoid ‘toxic positivity’ and instead, validate their feelings and offer gentle encouragement.”
- Offer practical help. Look for ways to help patients with their day-to-day responsibilities, such as chores, work or errands. “Organize a meal train with peers and offer to accompany the person to appointments if they’re comfortable with it,” he said.
- Be mindful of communication. “Avoid overwhelming them with constant check-ins,” Daniels said. “Strategically coordinate with other people in their life to space out messages or use group chats to share updates respectfully.”
- Give thoughtful gifts. Daniels said gifts like cozy blankets, journals or care packages can show love and support. “Always consider their preferences and sensitivities,” he said.
- Use supportive language. It’s important to repeat words or phrases that they have used to describe their experience, whether it’s “survivor,” “fighter” or something else. “Avoid labels they haven’t chosen themselves,” Daniels said.
- Wear pink and participate online. Daniels said wearing pink, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, is a “simple yet powerful gesture of supporting those with breast cancer.” Share survivor stories or tributes on social media using hashtags such as #ThinkPink and #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth2025.
For more information about healthy living, visit theExtension Health Programs webpage on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visithttps://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – In 2019 the legislature passed Act 789, directing the Arkansas Department of Transportation to collect information on the most congested highways in the state, as well as the stretches of road with the highest frequency of crashes.
The purpose is to provide legislators with the data they need to make informed decisions on funding of highway construction and maintenance.
To comply with Act 789 of 2019 the Department collects traffic data at approximately 9,200 locations across the state. The 10 most congested roads in urban areas are all within Pulaski County. The most congested road in a rural area is also in Pulaski County. However, it is the only rural road in Pulaski County to make the list.
Benton County had five congested rural roads on the list of the most congested roads. Three were stretches along Highway 59; the other two were along Highways and 72 and 62.
Baxter County had two highways on the list, both were short stretches on Highway 62. Washington County also had two rural roads on the list, both on Highway 16.
The Department also analyzed data from accident reports to identify the five locations in every county that had the highest number of crashes.
During an eight-year period from 2015 through 2022 the average expenditure of highway funds, per Arkansas resident, was $303 a year. The average varies widely depending on the Congressional District, from a high of $363 in the First District of east and north Arkansas to $215 in the Third District in the northwest corner of the state.
The average expenditure per person in the Fourth District, in southern and western Arkansas, was $365 a year. In the Second District of central Arkansas, state and federal highway funding averaged $269 per person.
The First District had more than 6,600 miles in the state highway system. The Fourth District had more than 6,400 miles. The Second District had 1,700 miles and the Third District had 1,900 miles of highway maintained by the state.
In state Fiscal Year 2024 the total of federal and state spending on highway maintenance and preservation was almost $800 million. Highways in the First District had the most funding – $298 million. In the Fourth District the funding amount was $261 million. In the Third District highway funding totaled $247 million and in the Second District it was $97 million.
Calculations constantly change for a variety of reasons, such as adding lanes to a busy highway. For the same reasons, the cost of maintenance and construction varies on a per mile basis, depending on the type of highway. In 2024 the Transportation Department spent $405,000 per centerline mile in the Third District, compared to $70,000 per mile in the First District, $84,000 per mile in the Second District and $53,000 per mile in the Fourth District.
The state maintains 16,392 miles of roads while the 75 counties maintain 65,540 miles. There are 17,234 miles of city streets. It’s important to remember that 94 percent of all heavy truck traffic is on state highways.
Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Week 6
It is week six of the 2025 season, and there have already been several exciting games. Charleston and Mansfield made a compelling case for an instant classic. The highlights on Hooten’s Arkansas Football of the plays and the hits are worth a watch. There are four weeks left in the regular season with some big games on the horizon in the 3A-1 and more in the 6A West. 7A West is heating up with Bentonville West traveling to Rogers. Dardanelle continues to roll in 4A, while in 5A there is going to be a large collision course for the top 10 teams.
Before the picks and snark, the use of specific kids’ names to spread vitriol and distain towards a team is absolutely disgusting as adults. Life is too short and too precious to care where a kid went to school before putting on a show and beating a fan’s favorite High School team. Hate a team because they have been the town’s rival, by all means go for it. Dislike a coach because of his style of play, weird, but okay. Do not be the person to hit send on a comment on social media or a forum thinking your cute or funny. Several area schools have benefited from transfers from one particular school, and it is great. Each week our team captures these student athletes and we can all be proud of them for making a difference. From Spiro, OK to Booneville to Elkins to Mansfield, be proud, be excited and cheer on your favorite team on Friday nights.
Stone Cold Lock Of The Week
Bentonville West vs Rogers
Okay, before you start sending comments, hear me out. This week the matchups in the 3A-1 and 6A West locally are uncharacteristically kind of bland. But! This matchup decides who will challenge for a conference championship against Bentonville. Both teams knocked off Fayetteville, and their college bound roster. West just did it more convincingly than Rogers’ 1-point win. This is a remarkably similar situation to the 3A-1 in that three teams could be conference champion with the seasons they are having. I would like to think as football fans we want to see great games like Charleston vs Mansfield. West’s only blemish on their record is an early loss to Greenwood, but they have rolled over every team since. This is on the heels of the 4-8 season last year. The Mounties of Rogers High School sit undefeated on the season.
The Rest (In absolutely no order)
Mansfield vs Lavaca
This is the start of back-to-back games for Lavaca against the top teams in the 3A-1. Next week there is a trip down Hwy 22 to Charleston. While the Golden Arrows sit at 4-1 on the season, is that enough mojo going in, to upset the undefeated Mansfield Tigers. Simiarly to Greenwood last week against Russellville, this could be a trap game after a big win over Charleston. Mansfield will shake off the doubt quickly and get back to what they know.
Waldron vs Pottsville
Waldron gets to play last week’s opponent Dardanelle’s neighbor Pottsville. Over the last four games the Bulldog defense has given up an average of 51 points. While the Apaches did lose a talented Senior class, they sit 4-2 on the season with a loss to Charleston and Clinton.
Greenland vs Booneville
The buzz on social media is the return of Brock May to his Alma Mater Booneville. Greenland got Senior QB Cooper Ridenoure back to beat Cedarville 35-0 last week. Booneville is Booneville though and handled Hackett 42-12. The question is, when do the Bearcats grab another gear and pull away from the Pirates.
Siloam Springs vs Greenwood
It is Homecoming night in Greenwood as the Bulldogs go for the 73rd consecutive home win and their 32nd consecutive win since 2023. The Bulldogs are 37-9-1 against the Panthers, with Siloam’s last win being in 2010. Against Russellville, the defense started fast getting a Safety and held the Cyclones to thirteen points. Last year QB Kane Archer tied a school record of seven passing touchdowns against Siloam Springs. Chasing Coatney: Archer is 1,837 yards away from breaking the career yards total with five games left in the regular season and a playoff run on the horizon.
Shiloh Christian vs Fort Smith Southside
Shiloh survived a scare from the Mountain Home Bombers to stamp their status as the #2 team in the 6A West. Fort Smith Southside sent Lake Hamilton back to Pearcy, AR with a 49-44 loss. In last year’s meeting, the Mavericks got out early on the Saints, but mistakes plagued the squad, allowing the powerful Shiloh team to win 38-20. That was the only previous meeting between the teams. While Southside is much improved this year, a strong running game for the Mavericks will keep them close to Shiloh.
Charleston vs Hackett
If there was a team to feel for, it would have either been Lavaca or Hackett depending on the result of the Charleston – Mansfield game. Either team was going to get the full brunt of being a rebound game, unfortunately for Hackett they host Charleston. The Tigers will get bounce back in this one.
Mt. Ida vs Magazine
The most intriguing story line in the 2025 season must be the Magazine Rattlers. They are 4-1 rolling into this home game against Mt Ida. Last week the Rattlers beat Mountainburg 16-14, but they also lost to a 1-4 Bigelow in the first week of conference play. Mt. Ida put up forty-two points over the defending Class 2A State Champion Conway Christian last week. This will be a true test for Magazine.
West Fork vs Cedarville
0-5 West Fork travels 1-4 Cedarville. No snark. No silly comment. Just an intriguing matchup between 3A-1 teams.
Paris vs Perryville
Glen Rose and Paris are the only teams in conference without a loss that continues into next week with Paris making the trip to Perryville. Paris took on Cutter Morning Star in last week’s action and beat those Eagles 38-7 with Senior Jayden Carter returning a punt 83 yards and 9 tackles on the night.
| Games | Ross’ Picks | Adam’s Picks |
| LOTW Bentonville West vs Rogers | Bentonville West | Rogers |
| Mansfield vs Lavaca | Mansfield | Mansfield |
| Waldron vs Pottsville | Pottsville | Pottsville |
| Greenland vs Booneville | Booneville | Booneville |
| Siloam Springs vs Greenwood | Greenwood | Greenwood |
| Shiloh Christian vs FS Southside | Shiloh Christian | Shiloh Christian |
| Charleston vs Hackett | Charleston | Charleston |
| Mt. Ida vs Magazine | Mt. Ida | Mt. Ida |
| West Fork vs Cedarville | Cedarville | Cedarville |
| Paris vs Perryville | Paris | Paris |
Mansfield City Council Holds Special Meeting to Address Wastewater Emergency
The Mansfield City Council convened a special meeting Thursday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. at City Hall to address an urgent infrastructure issue at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Members present included Aldermen Julie Thomas, James Steele, Glen Hurt, Sheri Hopkins, and Beverly Lyons, along with Mayor Buddy Black, Recorder/Treasurer Joy Maly, and City Attorney Travis Plummer. Alderman Boyd Farmer was absent with cause.
The council discussed a serious problem with the cyclone grit chamber—a component that removes debris such as sand and rocks before wastewater treatment. The chamber, currently made of fiberglass, has deteriorated from years of wear and exposure to grit and debris.
Mayor Black emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that raw sewage had begun surfacing before reaching the treatment process. “We have to act now,” he stated, noting the potential for EPA violations if immediate repairs are not made.
Civil Engineer James Dreher of OWN Engineering (Dardanelle, AR) addressed the council, explaining that the replacement unit will be constructed from stainless steel for greater durability. He estimated a lead time of 18–24 weeks for parts and installation, with project costs projected between $165,000 and $275,000.
The project will be financed initially through emergency funding from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, including a $100,000 emergency loan, followed by additional funding mechanisms to cover the remaining balance.
If approved, OWN Engineering will move forward with equipment ordering, NRC representation, and required paperwork.
City Attorney Travis Plummer read the resolutions, which were passed unanimously:
- Emergency Declaration Resolution – Motion by Beverly Lyons, second by Sheri Hopkins. Approved unanimously.
- Signatory Resolution – Motion by Glen Hurt, second by James Steele. Approved unanimously.
- Opening of New Checking Account – Motion by James Steele, second by Julie Thomas. Approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned following the approvals.
