Resident News Network

Two Charged Following Aggravated Assault Complaint

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1:42 pm

Two Charged Following Aggravated Assault Complaint

On August 11 at around 10 a.m., utility workers in the area of Berry Lane, just north of Hackett, reported a man brandished a handgun at them as they were performing their job duties.

According to the workers of War Eagle Line Service, they were working on utility lines in the area of Berry Lane when they noticed a Ford Mustang drive up and down the road in their vicinity. The vehicle passed by them several times recklessly driving, speeding, and the driver was yelling.

The foreman of the crew was uncomfortable with the situation and decided they would clear from the area. As they gathered their equipment to leave, they saw the driver of the Mustang in a yard in the 9400 block of Berry Lane. The workers stated the male subject saw them and went inside a mobile home. He returned quickly and stood on the porch with what they described as a shiny silver pistol. They left the area and called FSSO.

Deputies responded and arrested Austin Shelly, 21, of the Hackett area for Aggravated Assault. Shelly is currently in SCADC with no bond.

The silver pistol was not readily found. A search warrant was obtained for the mobile home and a subsequent search revealed two more rifles in the home which belonged to Shelly’s grandmother, Margie Shores. Shores, 57, a convicted felon, was charged with two counts of possession of firearms by certain persons. Shores bonded out of SCADC on the same day.

A pistol was recovered during the search. The pistol, as it turned out, was a toy gun.

Golf Dogs Swing Into Another Win

Sports

Resident News Network

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8:19 am

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Pictured is medalist Lane Metcalf

The Waldron Bulldogs traveled to Glenwood Country Club, site of the 2020 3A State Golf Tournament, on Monday for a match against the Centerpoint Pirates and Benton-Harmony Grove Cardinals. The Bulldogs finished on top with a team score of 123, followed by Centerpoint with 127, and Harmony Gove with 138. Earning medalist for the match was junior Lane Metcalf who shot a 39 to earn the top score in the match. “Metcalf is one of those guys who is always working on his game. He spends countless hours at the course not just playing, but on the range hitting buckets of balls. The amount of growth he has had in his game from his freshmen year to now is amazing,” exclaimed Coach Josh Atchley.

Jaden Hutchens and Drew Owens both added a 42, while Lane Tallmadge shot 44, and Noah Patrick finished at 47. “This course was a good test for us and we will play it a few more times this year before the State Tournament. If we take care of business at the district level, these guys need to know the course as well as possible if we are going to make a decent run at dethroning Baptist Prep. I like my guys and their motivation to add value to their games.”

Acts of Kindness

Networks

Resident News Network

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7:53 am

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By Jim Sher

An act of kindness is as important as wealth and higher education. Acts of kindness come from our inner self. Acts of kindness is proof of our good personality. Acts of kindness are priceless and cannot be sold or bought but to act in a natural way.

Acts of kindness can be in many forms such as being nice to others, volunteering to help others, saying wonderful things to people, etc. Acts of kindness can make an impact in human life, believe it or not.

One day I was lining up at the grocery store to pay for my food. I had only three items and the lady in front of me had a full cart of food in her shopping cart. I was in a hurry to go somewhere, so I kindly asked her to see if I could

go first. She said back in an unfriendly voice saying, “NO, you just have to wait for your turn.” I replied back, “Okay, sorry about that.” I felt sad because there are such unkind people in this world.

On the other hand, if I was that lady, I would always look back to see if someone behind me has fewer items than me, despite if I am in a hurry or not. I would let him/her go first. This is how I earn people’s respect and admiration. It

might waste a little bit of my time, but inside, I feel sensationally good because I have shown my Act of Kindness to myself and others.

Acts of kindness happen all the time in our daily life. Sometimes we know it, and sometimes we don’t. But most importantly, other people notice and see it. That’s what matters the most. I feel that the Act of Kindness can definitely bring us joy and happiness. We should set a good example, especially to our children.

Life is too short: If most, but not all, people can show their Acts of kindness to one another, I believe that many of us can live in a happy and peaceful world.

The Old Dirt Road

Networks

Resident News Network

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6:16 am

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Always dusty, the road seemed to stretch forever as my cousins and I walked down the old dirt road to the highway and Midway store. Little did we realize we were walking history every time we traveled on the “Old Military Road?”

Finished in 1836, the road connected Dardanelle to Fort Gibson, Ok. while running through Paris, Charleston, Lavaca, and Fort Smith. Originally it was built to assist the military in moving supplies and men as needed into Indian Territory. General Arbuckle and his men mapped out part of the road, at least as far as Fort Smith, and his men were given the task of constructing that portion of the road. The general felt he had other duties to complete but, after a year’s delay, he began his portion of the road in 1826.

The road from Fort Smith on to Dardanelle and then to Little Rock was let out by contract. The proposal was to let out the contract in five mile segments to private individuals to construct the road. It was interesting to note that the road would be 16 foot wide and cleared of stumps down to the height of one foot, the distance required for a wagon axle to pass without incident. Bridges were to be constructed at Short Mountain Creek, Six mile Creek, and Big Creek at a total cost of $750 total. It is interesting locally to note that Thomas Hixson contracted twenty miles of the road at a total cost of $140 and Henry Stinnett contracted one section at $40; his no doubt that at Stinnett’s station near Delaware.

Over the years, the road became a major thoroughfare for traffic and numerous famous people travelled west crossing the same sand and rock over which I walked. From early summer to late fall, the river was shallow and no steamboats could travel further than Dardanelle. Those exiting at Dardanelle port would catch a stage or wagon over the old road. Famous travelers included Davy Crocket, Sam Houston, George Catlin, and Washington Irving. In 1835, even before the road was completed, Jefferson Davis, the future president of the confederacy, brought a group of Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek up the road on the way to the reservations in the west.

During the 1850’s, the Butterfield stage made stops along its length at Stinnett’s Station, Shoal Creek, Moffet’s Station (Paris), Charleston, and at Lavaca before meeting the north branch of the system on front street in Fort Smith.

On September 27, 1863, General Jo Shelby led a contingent of 800 men along the road from Shoal Creek to near Paris. Four or five abreast with twelve wagons and two cannon, the column would have stretched nearly a mile. Meeting 200 men of the first Arkansas Infantry union, the battle of Haguewood Prairie ensued.

A grand old road, a grand part of the history of western Arkansas, parts of the military road wind along with and just north of today’s highway 22. Who would have dreamed that while walking along the old dirt road???

old-dirt-road — 1850’s drawing by David Dale Owen who was a state geologist with the military. The road is depicted in the foreground and Short Mountain in the distance.

UAFS Students Begin Move-In

News

Tammy Teague

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6:03 am

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Students attending the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will move into campus housing beginning Wednesday, August 12.

Cub Camp participants will move into the Lion’s Den 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. August 12-13, with Lion’s Den residents who are not participating in Cub Camp moving-in from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 15.

Students residing in Sebastian Commons will move in 1–5 p.m. August 13, and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 14-15. Move-in times are extended from previous years to offer residents time to move in while staying appropriately distanced from other residents.

“From the first day of their collegiate career, we want our students to know that UAFS cares about them,” said Beth Eppinger, director of housing and residential life at UAFS. “We also want parents to feel confident that their student is being left in capable hands.”

Members of Numa’s Move-In Crew will wear personal protective equipment and will help coordinate traffic, direct students and parents to resources, and welcome new Lions to the UAFS campus. Unlike in years past, this year’s move-in crew will not physically transport items or enter student rooms.

“We have been preparing for move-in all summer by cleaning all rooms, sanitizing all public spaces, adding signs regarding healthy practices, and more,” explained Eppinger. “Our move-in this year has been spread out over more days to assist with physical distancing, and students have pre-registered for their move-in time.”

According to university tradition, Dr. Terisa Riley, chancellor of UAFS, will also be on hand to welcome students moving into their campus homes. Riley began her career in higher education as a resident assistant during her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“It is so encouraging to see current students and employees from all corners of the university come together to help our students feel welcome in their new homes, even as we navigate a new normal across campus,” said Eppinger.

Students moving into the Lion’s Den will unload in the southern part of university parking lot H. Lot K by the UAFS intramural field will be used for long-term move-in parking.

Additional traffic may be expected along Waldron Avenue, as parents and students use the crosswalk to move between parking lot K to the Lion’s Den to begin unpacking the rooms.

For more information about move-in day or UAFS housing, contact Eppinger at 479-788-7334 or beth.eppinger@uafs.edu.

Fall 2020 classes begin August 17 at UAFS.

Sebastian County Offers Assistance to Elderly Victims of Crime

News

Tammy Teague

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4:38 pm

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Sebastian County Offers Assistance to Elderly Victims of Crime

While government and citizens struggle to deal with the COVID-19 crisis it’s little wonder that the battle against elder abuse cause tends to gets lost in the shuffle. And, with such trying economic and distressing times, the abuse rate is on the rise.

Area Agency on Aging Social Worker Angela Solylo stated that she’s seen an increase in the number of cases of elderly abuse. “Cases where their social security checks are being withheld,” stated Solylo. “This, and other instances of crimes against the elderly are on the rise.”

Elder abuse can be verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. It can also include intentional or unintentional neglect. Every year, an estimated one in 10 Americans 60-years-old and older are victims of elder abuse.

Cases are significantly under-reported, in fact, research suggests as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.

Why? Many elderly victims may be embarrassed or ashamed that they were taken advantage of, they don’t want their family or loved ones to be prosecuted, and/or they are concerned about retaliation and losing their belongings.

Now, elders face contact tracing scams. Those pretending to be health officials ask for social security numbers to help track Coronavirus cases. Elderly people are very trusting, and they want to believe that no one would harm them. Unfortunately, it is just not true.

One of the biggest risk factors for elder abuse is social isolation, which can be especially concerning with physical distancing because of COVID-19. As this pandemic continues, criminals and fraudsters are still hard at work.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime? The Elder Victims of Crime program, or EVOC, can help. They offer:
⦁ Emergency shelter
⦁ Emergency transportation
⦁ Emergency clothing and food
⦁ Window and lock replacement
⦁ Legal aid assistance
⦁ One on One support
⦁ Weekly support group meetings
⦁ Weekly educational meetings on strategies to avoid crime and/or safety planning

To qualify, individuals must meet 3 requirements:
⦁ Be at least 50 years old,
⦁ Live in Franklin or Sebastian County, and
⦁ Self- identify as a victim of crime.

Qualifying crimes include (but are not limited to) theft, scams, and all violent crimes. The victim is not required to file a police report or even name their offender to be eligible for services.

If requested, an EVOC employee can speak to your organization, group, or church on several targeting topics, e.g. Elder Abuse and Neglect, Fraud, Spotting Scams, and Financial Exploitation. Please contact the EVOC Coordinator at (479) 424-2021 or (800) 320-6667.

Four Arkansas Counties Added to VSV Alert

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:31 pm

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Four Arkansas Counties Added to VSV Alert

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has issued movement restrictions for horses in four Arkansas counties in reaction to the detection of the vesicular stomatitis virus, commonly referred to as VSV, in southern Missouri and eastern Oklahoma.

The virus, which is highly contagious among hooved animals and can also be transmitted to humans, was detected in Ozark County in Missouri and Adair County in Oklahoma. Baxter, Fulton and Marion counties are adjacent to Ozark County, Missouri; Crawford County is adjacent to Adair County.

The new restrictions brings the total number of counties under watch to eight — movement restrictions were issued for Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington counties in late July after VSV was identified in three horses at an equine facility in Benton County.

VSV is not a new phenomenon, but state and federal departments of agriculture try to arrest outbreaks as quickly as possible whenever they occur. The current outbreak was first detected in the United States on April 13, 2020, and has since been identified on more than 300 premises in eight states.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, VSV primarily affects horses and cattle, although it may affect other hooved animals such as sheep, goats and swine. Humans can also become infected with the virus when handling the animals and coming into contact with infected saliva or nasal secretions.

It is primarily spread among animals through black flies and other biting insects. The virus outbreak in Benton County appears to be a strain specific to horses.

The largest and most recent outbreak was in 2015, according to the USDA. “Outbreaks usually occur during the warmer months, often along waterways. The time from exposure to the onset of clinical signs is two to eight days,” according to a fact sheet from the department.

Heidi Ward, assistant professor and extension livestock veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said ranchers and other livestock owners in the region are fortunate that the VSV strain recently detected is limited to horses.

“Luckily, this particular VSV serotype is only affecting horses,” Ward said, noting that cattle, which represent a substantially larger portion of the Arkansas agricultural industry, are also susceptible.

VSV symptoms

VSV primarily attacks the superficial vessels of the nose, mouth, lips and tongue, causing ruptures and painful sores. This in turn causes an animal to produce an increased amount of saliva, which may be the strongest indicator of infection to an owner or veterinarian. The painful nature of the sores discourages animals from eating, which can lead to further illness.

In humans, the virus manifests flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches and headaches.

In order to transport any equine, whether horses, donkeys or mules, off the owner’s property in counties now under the Agriculture Department’s movement restriction orders, owners must have a certificate of inspection issued by a veterinarian licensed in Arkansas and accredited by the USDA, not more than five days from the date of travel.

Owners of equine, cattle and other hooved animals in Arkansas preparing to transport their animals to other states should check with veterinary authorities in the destination states regarding what, if any, certifications are required.

Arkansans who have questions about VSV, or suspect animals on their property may be infected with the virus, should contact the state veterinarian’s office at 501-823-1733, or visit https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/livestock-poultry.

To learn more about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

Obituary- Larry Horn (1947-2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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4:29 pm

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Larry Ray Horn of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, August 9, 2020, in Waldron with his loving family by his side. Larry was born, February 27, 1947 in Waldron, Arkansas, to Ule Horn and Gean (Lawson) Horn. He was 73 years old.

Larry enjoyed a simple yet full life. He was a loving family man that treasured time with his beloved wife and children and had a great appreciation for God’s creation. He taught his children the value of an honest days’ work and how to see the beauty in the little things. His life was a testament to strong work ethic and faithfulness. Larry was a true man of his word.

After working for the US Forest Service for 33 years, he then retired to his farm and built a cattle operation, raised chickens and baled hay. Larry was a grateful and responsible steward over anything in his care. He loved the outdoors and wanted to share his passion with his friends and family. As an avid hunter and an impressive marksman, Larry has made many wonderful memories with his loved ones in the woods, deer and turkey hunting all over the country. And some of his very best days were spent hunting with his Kansas Family.

Larry was blessed with six beautiful granddaughters, and they were his true pride and joy. He loved spending time with them and sharing his stories and outdoor adventures. From checking cows with his girls on his side by side, to perched together in a tree-stand at dawn, Larry’s heart was full when his granddaughters were near. His girls will think of him every time they watch an old western movie or see a tractor out in a beautiful hay pasture. They will remember their Papa all of their days.

Larry will be remembered for his generous heart and helping hand. He was always there to help out a neighbor or friend. His mechanical knowledge and equipment have been shared with many people and he never allowed anyone in his presence to go without. His wisdom, protection and good advice will be missed and treasured by all of us that had the honor of receiving it.

Whether he was traveling with Shawna or hunting with Brian, Larry was never happier than when his family was around him. His granddaughters where the sunshine in his world. And his farm home was a beautiful gathering place and refuge for his family to come home and be loved, fed, and comforted.

His legacy will be that of an honored father and grandfather, a true lover of nature and a man that shared this love of the land and livestock. He taught us all to appreciate what God has given us with a thankful heart.

Larry leaves behind to cherish his memory, one daughter, Shawna Davis and husband John of Dardanelle, Arkansas and one son, Brian Horn and wife Misty of Waldron, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his six granddaughters: Kayla Horn, Courtney Gilkey, Brittnee Horn, Taylor Horn, Addison Davis and Harlie Davis. Larry is also survived by his siblings: Denise Nutley and husband Tim, Randy Horn and Paula, Darrell Horn all of Waldron, Arkansas and Carrol Ison and husband Preston of Greenwood, Arkansas. Larry will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends, hunting buddies, and loves ones he held dear to his heart.

Larry was preceded in death by his adoring wife of 50 years, Deloras, and his parents, Ule and Gean.

Larry’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Duncan Cemetery pavilion with Bro. Mark Ward officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Larry’s pallbearers will be David Harrison, Steven Black, Dereck Sehorn, Kyle Metcalf, Brian Jones and Wes English. Honorary pallbearers will be Forest Service coworkers and his hunting buddies.

Larry’s visitation will be Tuesday, August 11, 2020, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

During these trying and difficult times, we must follow the guidelines we have been given to 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 a social distance of 6 feet apart.

Jr Hornets Ready To Put On Masks; Facemasks That Is

Sports

Megan Hecox

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3:47 pm

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Jr Hornets Ready To Put On Masks; Facemasks That Is

When it comes to the game of football, the Hackett Hornets seem to always possess the winning formula. A good case in point would be the 2019/2020 Jr High football squad. After taking on nine other skilled and fearsome teams last year, the Hornets finished their season with an impressive 8-1 record. Head coach for the Jr High Hornets, Jordan Shelby, likes to keep his players encouraged with the simple motto of “One Game At A Time”. “We like to put an emphasis on that saying and we make that “The Game” each week,” explained Coach Shelby. “If we take care of business each week, we will be where we want to be at the end of the season.”

With a roster full of returning top-end players, Hacketts Jr High team is a serious contender to win the conference this year. “We hope to build off what we did last year and have a successful season. We have had several 7th-grade players show up this summer as well so we hope for a promising year” said Coach Shelby. Some of the guys expected to play a big role in the upcoming season are Cole Ketchum, Dawsyn Clay, Eli Slavens, Charlie McNeill, Milus Houts, Danny Robinson, and Wyatt Hester. Slavens, who has been playing football his entire life, will be hitting the field this year as a wide receiver and cornerback. “The game has always had an impact on me personally,” says Slavens. “But the games I’m looking forward to are probably Mansfield or Charleston. Mainly because I know a lot of friends from those towns.”

Also looking forward to facing the Charleston Tigers is offensive running back and defensive linebacker, Dawsyn Clay. “We take on Charleston on October 16. It was a good game last time we played them. We also lost that game last season so this time it’s time to change the outcome. Since we are playing on our home field this season, it should be an exciting atmosphere.” Although the Hornets will be moving up from the 2A to the 3A in football, Dawsyn and his teammates have zero concern. In fact, they’re excited about the challenge. “I think this year will be challenging considering we are changing to the 3A conference,” explains Clay. “Our coaches have worked this summer to get us prepared and ready. I believe we are going to do great. We have a great team and our hard work is going to show out on the field.”

The only thing that these Hornets fear is the inconsistency of the current pandemic situation. But even that fear is overcome by their positivity and passion to suit up in black and gold. “It’s an answered prayer that we even have a season,” adds Slavens. “Otherwise my 9th-grade year would be put away. I could never ask for more trustworthy, hard-working players on our team. We are putting in a lot of work because we want it bad. And I mean bad! Huge shoutout to all of our coaches for the proper motivation and coaching abilities to make us better and better every day. I could never ask for better teammates, coaches, and fans.” Agreeing with his teammate, Clay concludes, “I come from a big football family. My dad, my uncle, and cousins have all played football for the Hornets. I’m inspired to keep the tradition going. I love Hackett football, and the meaning behind it means a lot to me. We have a great fan base and awesome coaches.”

Last seasons Jr Hornets turning up the heat

When it comes to the Hornet football program as a whole, Coach Shelby says “We really try to focus on the fundamentals and put players in the best possible situation to succeed. We have had great numbers for summer workouts so we plan on being where we need to be to start the season.” As for the Jr High level of the program, Coach Shelby added “Our junior high program is very important to us as far as teaching the fundamentals and culture to make them successful for the future. Our kids have bought in and that translates to success on the field. Our junior high program is important because that is where we lay the foundation for them to develop into a successful program.”

Eagles Turn Up the Heat & Intensity in Today’s Practice in Pads

Sports

Resident News Network

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1:05 pm

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Eagles Turn Up the Heat & Intensity in Today’s Practice in Pads

It was week two of fall practice for the Paris Eagles football team. On a sweltering August morning, the Eagles took part in a little more than two hour practice session that included offensive, defensive, and special teams practices. The Eagles practiced in full pads today and added acclimatizing to the heat as part of their preseason conditioning.

As the team moves forward, it is obvious to the casual observer that the team, like all other teams in the state, have not had the opportunity to work as a team. Timing issues with the passing game, blocking, and pass coverage issues on defense were apparent. These are significant issues as the players also continue to condition themselves to both contact and the August heat.

But make no mistake about it, this Paris team is loaded with both talent and experience, and that too showed in today’s practice. In today’s practice, the Eagles skill position players and their enormous talent on both the offensive and defensive lines was impressive. As the Eagles continue their preparation over the next few weeks, the team should continue to come together and begin to gel. Again, this is a factor that all Arkansas high school teams are going through after the cancellation of spring practice and off-season workouts. It may be the end of September before teams begin to reach seasonal playing form with respect to the quality of play.

This morning’s practice began with a spirited drill of one-on-one blocking that set the tone for a physical practice. The Paris coaching staff emphasizes conditioning, teaching, and skill practice in group portions of practices. The team spent approximately one hour on defensive preparation, and the next hour was spent on offense. At the end of hour two, the team moved into special teams practice and finished with conditioning. The Eagles are working hard, and the effort is there. This could be a big season for the Eagles.

The next phase of the Eagles preparation for the 2020 season will be a preseason scrimmage against Magazine High School. Paris will host the Rattlers next Tuesday. In a “normal” year, coaches enter preseason games with fingers crossed that the game can be played without injuries that could impact the season. This year, that factor, along with the threat of the COVID-19 virus will be big concerns. With the short period to prepare for the season, the scrimmages are a chance to prepare against another team before the regular seasons begins. So, the Paris coaching staff will be walking a very fine line between preparing for the season opener and protecting their players.

Resident Press will continue to follow the Eagles as they move forward with their practices and preparations for the upcoming season. RP will cover next week’s scrimmage with Magazine, and will continue its coverage throughout the season. Stay with Resident Press all season as we follow Coach Clark’s Eagles and their march to what hopes to be a state playoff birth in November.

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