Resident News Network

James Fork Water System Update

-

6:10 pm

As of Wednesday evening, September 30, James Fork water users remain under a boil order. That order includes the City of Greenwood.

The boil order has been in effect since Friday, September 25. The Arkansas Department of Health notified area water users on Monday, September 28 that James Fork’s water samples were “bacteriological absent and established chlorine residuals were found.”

James Fork submitted a second set of tests on Tuesday, and are awaiting those results.

According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water should be brought to a “rolling boil for one minute”.

James Fork Water System Update

Tammy Teague

-

6:05 pm

0

As of Wednesday evening, September 30, James Fork water users remain under a boil order. That order includes the cities of Hartford, Hackett, Mansfield and Greenwood.

The boil order has been in effect since Friday, September 25. The Arkansas Department of Health notified area water users on Monday, September 28 that James Fork’s water samples were “bacteriological absent and established chlorine residuals were found.”

James Fork submitted a second set of tests on Tuesday, and are awaiting those results. Once James Fork receives a confirmation on their results, cities can submit their own samples.

According to Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black, it will be late next week, at the earliest, before the order can be lifted. Samples are not couriered to Little Rock on Thursday or Friday, and they must be taken within two consecutive days.

According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water should be brought to a “rolling boil for one minute”.

Sheriff Responds to Discussion on Regionalized Police Force

Tammy Teague

-

11:40 am

0

Sheriff Responds to Discussion on Regionalized Police Force

The City of Hackett held a study session on Monday, September 21 and discussed the implementation of a regionalized police force which would encompass the Cities of Bonanza, Midland, Hartford and Huntington.

In an email addressed to those mayors, Hackett Police Chief Ricci Pyle stated: “…at the request of Mayor Harper in reference to a study session we attended yesterday (09/21/20) with our city council. I had asked for this study session to discuss the future of law enforcement in our city and how we can improve. During the discussion, regionalizing with local cities was brought to the forefront. By doing this the cities can consolidate their resources in an attempt to create more police officers to protect our residents on a 24/7 basis. As I’m sure you are all well aware, crime has been on the rise in our area for some time now. As our cities grow, so does the criminal element with it. We need to start planning now on how to deter crimes from continuing. I have been conducting research on regionalizing a police force since I started here, which is when I realized this area of the county has been neglected of proper police protection for decades. If this is something any of you would like to discuss further, please let me know…I believe that if we all come together, we can make our cities a safer place for its residents…”

No action was taken by the Hackett City Council on the issue. Mayor Harper stated on social media, “please let me clarify that this session was to explore our options for expanding our department and the possibility of asking other towns to think about it.”

As of Tuesday, September 29, several of the mayors addressed in Pyle’s email had not been notified of the discussion. “I don’t see how this would benefit us, and don’t see us participating,” stated Hartford Mayor Richard Hartsfield. “I spoke with my Chief of Police Mike Barber about this,” shared Bonanza Mayor Elmer Nelson. “We don’t have enough man power. If we start spreading it around, we would have less police protection. I just don’t see how it would benefit us…We have always backed up other departments, including Hackett and as far away as Mansfield, and will continue to do that. However, we also depend on the county.” Huntington Mayor Gary Lawrence concurred stating, “I don’t think it will be feasible for us to pursue that.” At the time of publication, Midland Mayor Michael Sweeten could not be reached for comment.

According to call records with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, the Hackett Police Department has made three arrests so far in 2020, one by Chief Pyle and two by former part time police officer Todd Johnson. The SCSO has handled the remainder of those calls, over 95%.

“If it came in through Hackett City Hall we wouldn’t have it,” shared Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion. “However, 99% of everything comes through our office. We’ve had several cases where citizens have stopped our deputies and asked them where the Hackett Police are. We (the SCSO) value all citizens, and want to provide the best service we can. The citizens of Hackett should expect and demand more…You have a police officer, who is not from Arkansas and doesn’t understand our laws and what the city’s responsibilities are versus the county’s…If he says the citizens have been neglected, then that’s on him. He is not taking care of the city, and that’s his responsibility.”

City	Calls to the SCSO (for 2020)	Calls Answered by the Police Department
Huntington	223	87
Hartford	139	32
Bonanza	264	124
Hackett	200	5

*Information provided by the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office

Although there are questions regarding the idea of a regionalized police force, one thing remains certain–the mutual aid among these cities and assistance by the county will continue.

Jr Lady Tigers Gung Ho At 10-n-0

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

11:34 am

0

The Mansfield Jr Lady Tigers are made up of a host of girls who can pass, set, spike, and serve to perfection. But it’s not just the physical aspect that wins the games. It’s mental too. With a drive better than the Fast and Furious and determination that can be seen for days, the Jr Lady Tigers find themselves basking in the afterglow of victory as they sit 10-0 on their season. Recently, Mansfield came face-to-face with conference foes, the Lavaca Lady Arrows. Usually touted as THE game to watch, the Jr Lady Tigers didn’t disappoint. After two fast-paced heated sets, Mansfield landed on top with final scores of 25-14 and 25-18.

Logging stats from the match was freshman, Cole Smith, who earned 3 kills, 15 assists, and 1 dig. Cole might come off as quiet off the court. But watch out because when she enters a match, a dominating top-tier athlete is what opponents are faced with. Freshman, Harlie Fuller left the game with 1 ace, 1 kill, and 15 assists. When Harlie hits a game running, it’s her ability to play under pressure that allows her to meticulously deliver every move with pristine detail.

7th-grader and baby of the group, Kaylee Ward, obtained 1 ace, 6 kills, and 2 digs. Kaylee is the younger sister of freshman, Kynslee Ward who snagged 2 aces, 7 kills, and 6 digs. When these two siblings team up, prepare for double trouble. They each bring to the court the perfect blend of sugar and spice and everything nice. Kaylee has a heart of gold and is a huge asset to her team as she is always willing to jump in at any sign of trouble. Wild-child Kynslee is outgoing, adventurous, and full of life. Always having a smile on her face, you will never find another athlete more willing to slam, dive, or plow towards any ball or opponent.

Freshman, Alyson Edwards is the leader of the pack earning 3 aces, 14 kills, and 6 digs. Alyson holds herself to high standards never willing to settle for o.k. She consistently pushes herself to go big or go home on and off the court. Poised with the maturity of an oak, Aly takes great pride in assuring her entire team is on the same page and up to par in any situation. Freshman, Rachel Johnson who obtained 1 ace, 7 kills, and 1 dig, plays with a compassionate and even-tempered mentality. She has excellent quickness and is the motivation that keeps her team rolling.

8th grader, Trinity Triska walked away with 7 digs. Her timidness and tiny build could leave some competitors thinking that she would be a walk-over. But they forget that big things come in small packages. Trinity’s size makes her the perfect lethal weapon of agility and endurance. One word that this all-around athlete doesn’t have in her vocabulary is quit. When the cards aren’t falling into place, Trinity pushes her teammates to keep going until someone calls out Bingo!!

Next up for the Jr Lady Tigers are the Thaden Lady Barnstormers at home on Wednesday, September 30 starting at 4:30 pm.

Mansfield Lady “T”-Birds Swing Their Way Through State

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

10:09 am

0

Mansfield Lady “T”-Birds Swing Their Way Through State

Pictured is Skylynn Harris, Alyssa James, and Brooklyn Adams

On Monday, September, 28, the Mansfield Lady Tiger three amigos, Skylynn Harris, Alyssa James, and Brooklyn Adams, hopped on the State golf train and zoomed off to Salem Arkansas. Led by coach, Layton Robinson, the trio competed against many other talented teams at Turkey Mountain Golf Course. By the end of the day, Harris earned her best ever score of 102 which also paved the way for her to make All-State. As a whole, the Lady Tigers wrapped up the State Tournament with a 7th place team finishing.

This is what Skylynn had to say about her State play and what it was that started her passion for the sport. “It feels really great to be an All-State golfer because it’s something that my grandpa and I had enjoyed doing together when I was younger. I love getting to make new friends at every match and also getting to practice with my friends and Coach Robby! Last year, Maggie Strunk got me to play for Mansfield and since I had already played golf in the past, I decided to give it another shot and ended up just sticking with it!”

The 2020 Mansfield Lady Tigers Golf Team

Waldron Golf Driving On To State Tournament

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

8:52 am

0

Waldron Golf Driving On To State Tournament

Three years ago, the Waldron boys’ golf team made school history by going down as the first team to qualify for State. Fast forward to 2020 and the Bulldogs are still making waves as they prepare to make their third consecutive appearance at State. Although I’m not a professional golfer, (I’m just happy making a 214 in mini-golf) I do know that this is a great fete for these Waldron Bulldogs. On September 21, with a team total of 263, the Bulldogs were able to keep a firm grip on their First Place conference title.

On October, 5, after months of hard work, lone senior, Jaden Hutchens and juniors, Drew Owens, Lane Metcalf, and Lane (Tater) Tallmadge, will shoot off to Glenwood Country Club in Amity, Arkansas as only one of eight boys’ teams left in the state to compete in the State Golf Tournament. “I am so proud of these kids,” expressed coach, Josh Atchley. “Hopefully, we will have a good showing at Glenwood in the State Tournament. A huge shout out not only goes to these guys but to their parents and grandparents as well. As most people know, golf is different than other sports because they have to travel out to the course and supply their own equipment and these guys have been incredibly supported. Mrs. Jeanetta Byford, Kenny Johnson, Reggie Owens, and Punky Lee at the country club have always gone above and beyond to support this golf program and these guys. So thankful to coach in a place that supports our athletes! Take State!”

Photos courtesy of Quienton Tallmadge and Josh Atchley

Sweet 16 in Quarantine

Lifestyle

Jason Baggett

-

8:01 pm

0

Birthdays are always special. Especially when it’s your 16th birthday. Celebrating a year closer to being an adult, the ability to drive, and the freedom that accompanies the privilege.

Wait. Freedom? Not in this case….

Natalie Allison who has been quarantined for two weeks celebrated her birthday in a not so typical, but typical way this evening. With many families resulting to moving parades, sending their loved ones well wishes from a safe distance, Allison’s party on wheels was one that could not be missed.

15 vehicles adorned with balloons, and streamers lined up and proceeded towards the surprise, and impromptu visit. Honking horns, with voices screaming, “We love you, Nat!” being yelled from the vehicles as they passed.

It was fitting for the now 16 year old to be celebrated in such a glamorous fashion.

Confetti explodes from the bed of a parade participants truck.

Nothing but smiles from friends and family.

Mom, Miranda Allison couldn’t wait to see her daughter and was overcome with tears of joy for the first hug in two weeks.

Chaffee Crossing Dog Park Ribbon Cutting

News

Tammy Teague

-

6:59 pm

0

Chaffee Crossing Dog Park Ribbon Cutting

FORT SMITH, Ark. (September 29, 2020) – ERC Holdings of Fort Smith, Ark., has constructed a new dog park that will be conveyed to the City of Fort Smith for a public park facility in Chaffee Crossing. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and a blessing to celebrate the completion of park construction will take place at 12:00 p.m. noon, Thursday, October 1, 2020. The dog park is located at 8204 Veterans Ave., Fort Smith, AR. The public is invited to attend.

ERC Holdings, City of Fort Smith Parks & Recreation Department, and Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority will co-host the ribbon cutting. A local chaplain will offer a blessing for the park.

Mars Petcare associates will be there to make a special announcement.

Kitties & Kanines will attend along with a few of their friendly dogs available for adoption.

Fort Smith Police K-9 Officers and Fort Smith Fire Department will be in attendance.

The new dog park features:
– An exercise yard with a ramp, spiral tubes, a slalom, and tractor tires
– A 100′ x 250′ running yard contains a spiral exercise mound
– A separate small breed yard
– A gravel walking trail around the perimeter of the fenced area
– Bench seating
– A drinking fountain for pets and people
– Parking lot to accommodate visitors

The park is located near the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center and Wells Lake.

Obituary- Kyla RaeLene Owens (1990 – 2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

6:03 pm

0

Obituary- Kyla RaeLene Owens (1990 – 2020)

Kyla RaeLene Owens, 30, of Paris, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on January 10, 1990 in Fort Smith to her parents, Danny Owens and Stephanie Lowery.
She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Lloyd McCullah and her paternal grandfather, Donny Owens.

She is survived by her mother, Stephanie Lowery and husband Ron of Paris; her father, Danny Owens and wife Michelle of Paris; three brothers, Jerad Owens and wife Hannah of Hindsville, Jace Owens of Springdale and Zeke Owens and wife Libby of Waldron; her maternal grandmother, Chris McCullah of Waldron; her paternal grandmother, Kay Owens of Mansfield; two nieces, Ashlynn Owens, Fallon Harless and two nephews, Finn Owens and Lane Owens.

A private family memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris officiated by James Atchison. Burial of cremated remains will be private at Baxley Cemetery in Paris under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook is available –HERE-.

We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 100 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.

Obituary- Betty Jo Frost (1927 – 2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

5:51 pm

0

Betty Jo Muroney Frost, age 92, of Parks, Arkansas passed from this life on her way to glory on September 28, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born in Arcadia, Oklahoma, on October 27, 1927, to Joseph and Bessie Mae Lewis Muroney. She was a faithful and loving servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to His church at Parks Baptist in Parks, Arkansas for more than 60 years.

She enjoyed playing dominoes and cards with her family, gardening and cooking all those delicious meals and special treats for her family of which they all remember so well. She enjoyed her many, many days at the Parks Senior Citizens Center with all of her dear friends.

She looked forward every Lord’s day to attending her church and worshiping her Savior and Lord, spending time with her church family and singing all of her favorite hymns which she knew word for word.

Betty looked so forward every Christmas and Thanksgiving to spending time with all of her loving family at her home, preparing those delicious meals and just enjoying all the love that was shown by her family to her, but more than that of giving of her love and her kindness for the ones that she had been blessed to call family.

Betty will truly be missed by all who knew her. Those that were blessed to call her Mother, Granny and friend are all the better for the positive impact that she made in all of our lives. More than anything though, she loved her Savior Jesus Christ and shared that love openly with all that knew her.

Betty is survived by her daughter Kay and husband Danny Morran of Parks, AR, daughter Pat and husband Harvey Combs of Parks, AR, and son Bill and wife Barbara Frost of Traskwood, AR. Granny also is survived by her 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren of which she was the light of all of their lives. Betty also leaves to cherish her memory a whole host of dear friends who are all better for having the blessing of calling her friend. Betty enjoyed every moment she had with all of her grandchildren, they all were the gleam and sparkle in her eye.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Harlon, three brothers and five sisters.

Betty’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Parks Baptist Church, in Parks, Arkansas with Rev. John Elmore and Rev. Bill Harwell officiating. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be her two grandsons; Tim Combs and Bryan Frost and her great-grandsons: Jeremy McCutcheon, Daniel Taff, Philip Elmore, and Kyle Combs. Honorary Pallbearers will be her granddaughters: Gay Lawson, Angie Elmore, Casey Wilder, and Shannon McCutcheon.

Bettys’ visitation will be Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings and do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jo Frost, please visit our floral store.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK