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Around the Boathouse

Tammy Teague
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Around the Boathouse

Along with the improvements going on with the habitat at Upper White Oak Lake near Camden, there’s news out of Lower White Oak Lake, too: AGFC biologist Andy Yung tells us that thanks to a cooperative effort between the agency and Ouachita Electric Cooperative, Lower Jack’s Landing at Lower White Oak Lake recently received some improvements in the access area. A new nightlight was added to the parking lot, with Ouachita Electric donating and installing the light and two new poles. Also, the AGFC added gravel to expand the parking area at the ramp. Fishing has been going great at Lower White Oak Lake since its renovation in recent years. If you missed it last month, Upper White Oak will be drawn down a few feet for work to improve the habitat. *

In the same general vicinity as the White Oak lakes, the AGFC hired contractors to spray nuisance aquatic vegetation at Mike Knoedl Tri-County Lake for the second time this year (above right photo). The efforts were largely focused in and around fishing jetties to address alligatorweed, a non-native invasive plant that grows and spreads aggressively in Arkansas waterways. Alligatorweed is especially difficult to treat in shallow water, according to biologists, and will often return to the shallow areas quickly. Tri-County Lake has 13 fishing jetties that offer great shoreline fishing locations, and the entire shoreline is open to public access thanks to the management buffer zone, which surrounds all AGFC-owned lakes. Tri-County features a good population of bass, bream and catfish, which are routinely seen around the fishing jetties in the AGFC’s routine sampling. *

The AGFC stocked more than 375,000 northern largemouth bass in the Arkansas River this year, with an average of 34,091 stocked in each of 11 pools of the river. The most stocked in any one pool were the 67,000 fingerlings of northern largemouth bass that went into the Dardanelle nursery pond to grow out and eventually be released into the lake; also, 42,000 went into the Ozark pool upriver from Dardanelle, and nearly 40,000 were stocked in the Little Rock pool.

All 11 pools of the river have been stocked with bass fingerlings since 2012. Pool allocations were adjusted in 2019 following the completion of the Arkansas River Task Force Stocking Recommendation, which also modified stocking methods to include a combination of stocking fish by boat and by hatchery truckets at boat ramp accesses.

In an attempt to increase fingerling survival, this effort emphasizes placing fish in more optimal habitats like backwaters with low current velocity, habitat complexity (submerged vegetation or woody structures) and areas of low predator abundance, according to the AGFC Fisheries Division. The goal is more 8-pound-plus trophy bass for anglers on the Arkansas River.

UPDATE: Governor Gives Approval for HS Football to Continue Next Week With Contact Drills

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UPDATE: Governor Gives Approval for HS Football to Continue Next Week With Contact Drills

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced in his daily COVID-19 press conference that he and the athletic advisory committee formed at his direction have approved high school football to continue practice next week with full contact drills available to coaches. Governor Hutchinson indicated that the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) will issue a statement on this later today.

Resident Press will provide another update when the AAA’s statement has been issued.

Charleston Wraps-up First Week of Football Practice

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Charleston Wraps-up First Week of Football Practice

It takes a lot of discipline to play football, especially in August. Your classmates are not on campus, and the days are usually very hot. But in this unusual year for high school football, the Charleston Tigers were demonstrating their discipline by taking part in a pre-dawn practice that started at 6 a.m. The Tigers concluded their final practice in shorts, practice jerseys, shoulder pads, and helmets today at Alumni Field. Charleston will now, along with all other high school programs across the state, stand by and hope for continued authorization from the governor to continue practice next week in full pads.

Tigers Practiced Before Sunrise Today at Alumni Field

Head football coach Ricky May and his staff had the Tigers out early and going through many drills and team work in the early hours of practice that eventually ended just before the rain moved into Charleston. The practice was, from my observation, a spirited and efficient practice that mixed in conditioning for the players along with individual skill practice, as well as team practices.

The Tigers will play in a new Class 3A conference this year and are picked by Hooten’s Magazine to finish second in their 3A district behind Cedarville. Of course, there is a long way to go, and just as with all of the contending teams in their district last year, and especially for the Tigers, injuries can play a determining factor in the eventual order of finish. Coach May’s team has increased numbers and a bevy of young talent mixed with some experienced upperclassmen from last year that will make the Tigers a playoff contender once again this year.

Charleston fans can remember all to well how the Tigers began the season without key players due to injuries or transfer to other schools. As the season began against the Tigers brutal non-conference schedule that included two Class 4A teams, and a Class 3A playoff team from the season before, three more key players were lost in a lopsided loss at Dardanelle. The Tigers are hoping to avoid the injury bug this year before the start of conference play. This season, gone is the Class 3A playoff contender Melbourne Bearcatz, and in their place will be the Class 4A Pottsville Apaches. Charleston will play Dardanelle, Ozark, and Pottsville before they open conference play. It will once again be essential that key personnel are not lost before the start of conference play.

In Coach May’s first season last year as Charleston’s head football coach, he started the season with just 33 players on his senior high roster. Then the injury bug hit Charleston, and Coach May and his staff were left with keeping the team together before the start of conference play so the Tigers would have a chance to compete for the Class 3A state playoffs. The Tigers made the playoffs and lost to Prescott in the first round. Despite the early exit from the playoffs, Coach May and his assistants did a great job keeping the team together and getting last year’s team into the playoffs.

This year, Charleston has 38 players on the senior high roster and return several players who had significant playing time in 2019. If Charleston can stay healthy this year, they can be very much in the running to win their district and enter the state playoffs with a higher seed than last year’s number five seed.

Resident Press will continue to monitor the news from the State Capitol regarding the status of high school football for this season. As news is released on this issue, RP will keep you updated. And as soon as a start date for this season is known, Resident Press will publish a preseason special on the 2020 Charleston Tigers. Stay with RP for the latest in Tigers football.

For all of our readers, I would like to introduce Mrs. Ronni Tate Young who will be a contributing sports photographer this year for Resident Press and will provide you with the pictures of Charleston sports! We are excited to have Ronni as a contributor, and you will love her photos!

I am looking forward to providing you again with Charleston Tigers stories and updates throughout the next school year. I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I do writing them.

Golf Dogs Continue Season Right Where They Left Off

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Golf Dogs Continue Season Right Where They Left Off

Pictured From Left to Right: Jesse Dees, Lane Tallmadge, Scout Stinson, Drew Owens, Jaden Hutchens, Noah Patrick, Kaden Rogers, Lane Metcalf, Will Solomon, Coach Atchley

An odd thing happened Wednesday, August 5th at the Waldron Country Club….high school athletics. In an age when high school sports are nearly a year-round endeavor, due to a global pandemic, they have been dormant since March. But on Wednesday, the Waldron Bulldogs golf team saw a slow re-opening of their competition. “Man, I was just excited all day to finally get back to it and compete. I have several guys on the squad who don’t play any other sports in the fall, so they have been working really hard for this golf season and I’m just pumped for them that they get a chance to compete,” stated Waldron’s Golf Coach, Josh Atchley. “They have been asking me all summer and patiently waiting for directives from the AAA, and finally got the green light and did a good job in their first match.”

The first match of the season featured Booneville, Charleston, Mansfield, and Mena in addition to the Waldron Bulldogs. The Charleston Lady Tigers won the girls’ division with a team score of 133, followed by Booneville at 146, and Mansfield at 168. On the boys’ side of things, Waldron finished first with 114, Booneville with 130, and Charleston with 159. Mena and Mansfield competed individually in the boys’ division, while Waldron and Mena didn’t have any female golfers. 

“This year’s team has a chance to compete for another district championship, and if they keep working, who knows what else.” The Waldron Bulldogs finished the regular season last year with a 12-0 record before earning fourth in the state championship last season at Blytheville Country Club. They returned all their golfers from that squad last year and hope to make another run at a successful season. “Last season was the first district championship on the boys’ side in school history and we hope to add to that number this year. This is the deepest team I have ever had and when that happens those top guys really get pushed to keep working on their games. It’s a good problem to have for sure. 

On Wednesday the Bulldogs featured two seniors in Jaden Hutchens and Jesse Dees who both started playing golf their freshman year and have contributed to the team’s success ever since. Juniors Drew Owens, Lane Metcalf, and Lane Tallmadge who are consistent in their approach to the game. Sophomore Will Solomon and freshmen Noah Patrick, Scout Stinson, and Kaden Rogers all have worked to cut strokes off their game in a short amount of time. 

“All of the guys that competed Wednesday did a good job of not letting one bad shot or one bad hole mess up their whole round. I also really enjoyed seeing some community members come out to the course just to watch these guys, whether it be because of being deprived of sports or wanting to see the start of golf season, I know my guys really appreciated it!”

The Golf Dog’s next match will be Monday, August 10 at Glenwood Country Club.

Huntington Police Department Receives Body Cam Donation

Tammy Teague
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Huntington Police Department Receives Body Cam Donation

The Huntington Police Department recently received a donation of three new body cams.

Donors Jim and Linda Udouj of Mansfield presented the equipment to Huntington Police Chief Stacy Wieburg.

“We are so thankful for the generous gift of the body cams,” stated Chief Wieburg. “They were a much needed upgrade for our department, and will help us to serve the community better.”

Deadline Approaching for CFAP Program for Livestock, Crop and Commodity Producers

Tammy Teague
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Deadline Approaching for CFAP Program for Livestock, Crop and Commodity Producers

Agricultural producers can apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) through August 28, 2020. Producers of all eligible commodities, which includes livestock, dairy production, nonspecialty crop and wool, and specialty crops can apply through their local FSA office. This program provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers’ complete applications.
Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or- greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

The program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply.

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

More information about this program in available online at farmers.gov/cfap. Sebastian, Crawford and Scott County producers can contact your local Farm Service Agency at 479-464-8300 Ex. 2 for more information.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Jr Rattlers Turning The Page In Magazine Football

Megan Hecox
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Jr Rattlers Turning The Page In Magazine Football

The saying “You may be knocked down but you will never be knocked out” couldn’t ring any truer for the Magazine Jr High football program. Although bigger towns are blessed with bigger rosters, it’s the smaller towns, the ones who live and breathe team pride, that prove how important football can be to a community. “These guys are the future of the program,” expresses head coach, Ryan Chambers. “This group is who will make up the Sr High team in just a few short years. Jr High is a time for learning and developing all the while growing into young men.”

With the goal of building up roster numbers in mind, the Jr Rattler team consists of seventh and eighth-graders. But don’t let that fool you into thinking they will be an automatic win in the scorebooks. “We will have around 25 players on the Jr High team. The 7th-grade class is a big one. They are loaded with talent and will be a huge asset to the Sr High team in the future.” While uncertainties continue to surround the upcoming football season, the Jr Rattlers will carry on the only way they know how. “This group has been showing up every day and are willing to work hard. The 8th-graders have done an incredible job at leading by example with their work ethic for their younger counterparts.”

#64 Jaxon Pickartz

With the Jr Rattlers already shaping up to be a wrecking ball crew this season, some of the talent to keep an eye on is Chakong Yang, Kolton McCubbin, Nate Smith, Aiden Carter, and Jaxon Pickartz. Pickartz is an eighth-grader who has been playing football for five years. He is a defensive end and left tackle and not someone you want to come face to face with on the football field. Off the field, Jaxon has a calm, sweet, and inviting disposition. But if you find yourself with the unlucky task of having to man Pickartz in a game, be prepared to witness the unleashing of a ferocious tropical storm.

“This upcoming season means a lot to my class in particular,” explains Pickartz. “We have had the goal to be conference champions since we were all in seventh grade. Although we came close last year, we did not achieve it. With us being the upper-classmen this year in Jr High, we have set the goal to become champions. With new teams in our conference that we have not faced before, we have to be prepared for anything. If it is the ground game or teams taking to the pass, we have the mindset to be winners this year, whatever it takes!”

Coach Ryan Chambers

For Coach Chambers, Bigelow will be the big game to look forward to for the Jr Rattlers. “With us playing a JV schedule, they will be the only conference team we play this season.” Pickartz is looking forward to facing a different team though. “I’m ready for Mansfield because it’s the first game of the season and I’m excited to play against some of my Mansfield friends.”

Mansfield School Board Meets, Discusses Personnel

Tammy Teague
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Mansfield School Board Meets, Discusses Personnel

The Mansfield School Board met in special session on August 5 at 6 p.m. Present were Rick Nicodemus, Michael Gipson, Dewayne Ward, Trent Hayslip (6:05pm), and Lesli Baggett (Zoom). Also present, Superintendent Joe Staton and Carol Reano.

The meeting was called to order by Rick Nicodemus, School Board President, at 6:03 p.m.

IN THE MATTER OF: Consent Agenda Items

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Gipson, to approve the consent agenda items as presented.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 4-0.

IN THE MATTER OF: Ready for Learning Plan

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Ward, to approve the Ready for Learning Plan as presented.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

IN THE MATTER OF: District Support Plan

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Ward, to approve and adopt the District Support Plan as presented.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

IN THE MATTER OF: Emergency Procedures on Wearing a Mask

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Hayslip, to approve and adopt the Emergency Prodecure on Mask Wearing as presented.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

IN THE MATTER OF: Baseball Field and Drainage at High School

Baseball field drainage, approx. 1200 foot of french drain costing approximately $12,000. Additional draining repair at the high school Agri area and others costing approximately $8,000.

No Action Taken

The superintendent requested executive session at 6:39 p.m. for personnel matters. The meeting was called back to order at 7:47 p.m.

IN THE MATTER OF: Student Petition to Transfer

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Hayslip, to approve the petition to transfer for Paizlee Beyard from the Mansfield School District to the Greenwood School District.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

IN THE MATTER OF: Resignations

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Gipson, to approve Mr. Staton’s recommendation to accept the resignations of Karen Mayo, Helene “Sissy” Scroggins, Kelley Selph, Tammy Elmore, and Sheila Carlton (par-professional position).

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

IN THE MATTER OF: Hire Hires – Effective 2020-2021 School Year

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Nicodemus, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Jenay Clay as full time cafeteria.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Nicodemus, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Nora “Lynn” Meyers as middle school part time dishwasher and Lisa Buckley as high school part time dishwasher.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Sonya Wagner as elementary paraprofessional.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Hayslip, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve to hire Misty Morgan as elementary paraprofessional.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve to hire Alana Hattabaugh as middle school paraprofessional.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Nicodemus, seconded by Hayslip, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve to hire Brittney Moser as high school paraprofessional.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Hayslip, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to hire Tracey Barnette as head senior and junior cheer coach.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Hayslip, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to hire Angela Tallmadge as assistant senior and junior high cheer coach.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Nicodemus, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to hire Tim Cothran as head softball coach.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Hayslip, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to hire Darla Walker as assistant senior and junior high volleyball coach.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT / OTHER BOARD COMMUNICATION:

The board members are registered for the Bullying and Discipline Training on August 18th at 5 p.m.

The district received 35 hot spots from the state to add to the 25 the district purchased. These both having different services to better provide service to the students. These will be issued by student status of high poverty, homeless, and student disability.

The district will be installing 2 bottle filling station at each campus to replace the water fountains.

In-service for faculty started this week, Monday, August 3rd and everything is going good.

IN THE MATTER OF: Adjournment

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Nicodemus, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.

Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward, Gipson, Baggett
Voting against the motion:
Motion passed 5-0

Best DIY Storage Ideas for Your Garage

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Best DIY Storage Ideas for Your Garage

Living in a rural community can be great. Scenic roads, isolated communities, and jaw-dropping natural surroundings make it the perfect getaway. Still, it can cause proveniences with certain aspects of home life, such as home repair and maintenance. Finding storage options can be a pain, causing many people to toss or sell items they long to cherish. If you find yourself in this situation, consider any of these great DIY storage ideas for your garage. Whether you need to hang your hardware equipment on a pegboard, bicycles on vertical hangers, or sporting goods on a tiered shelf, these ideas will save you the hassle of routinely going through your belongings and deciding what to keep or lose.

Pegboards

Any handyman knows the importance of pegboards in their garage. They’re the perfect organizing tools for any garage to store tools and supplies. Using just hooks and baskets, you can keep your hammers, saws, levels, drills, and other supplies within arm’s reach. Label these items for even clearer organization. The best part? Pegboards fit large and small garages, meaning you don’t need a built-in workshop to have one.

Vertical Hangers

Whether it’s for bicycles, kayaks, or other large items, vertical hangers are some of the best DIY storage ideas for your garage. Vertical shelving creates some of the most versatile space for large or small items. Create notches in beams or poles to fit whatever you want to hang. Add magnets and clips for further convenience. One way to make full use of this vertical space is store items you use infrequently. That way, you avoid constantly retrieving these items without ditching them altogether.

Plastic Bins

This tried-and-true method still reigns supreme as a viable storage option. Plastic bins are great for keeping smaller items tucked away out of sight and mind. With many sizing options to choose from, you can label and keep each bin in a row for easy accessibility. Everyone in your family can have their own bin to account for. Regardless, your items will be tucked away safe and sound in an easily identifiable location.

Tiered Shelves

Finally, consider tiered shelves. These are customizable shelving units designed to fit in any space. Tuck them in corners or on your garage wall for camping equipment, auto parts, paint, hardware, sporting goods, and other miscellaneous items. Not to mention, tiered shelves are perfect for inside the home, such as in your kitchen, laundry room, living room, or bedroom. Use a tiered shelving unit anywhere you need the extra space. With just some basic tools and support brackets, you can build these units in just a few simple steps, making them an ideal DIY project.

When to Replace Your Appliances

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When to Replace Your Appliances

Appliances are something your house truly couldn’t run without—from the stove to the air conditioning, you need all your appliance to function right for your and your family’s comfort. With the heat and humidity in local communities skyrocketing this time of year, the last thing you need is a major appliance such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator to fail. Check out this helpful guide on when to replace your appliances to avoid a catastrophe.

Refrigerator

If your refrigerator is over 13 years old, it’s time to toss it. Refrigerators are designed to last about a decade, and you should replace—or, at the very least, service—yours when it starts to slow down or when cooling gets more difficult. A refrigerator is an essential part of your home, and it keeps your food safe to eat. If it starts to spoil your food well before the expiration date, makes a lot of noise, or even experiences built-up frost in the freezer section, it’s time for a replacement.

Stove or range

You should replace your stove or range about every 15 years. These can last a pretty long time, especially if you regularly update yours and get it serviced. Most ranges can handle much more than 15 years if you replace parts as needed. An example of this is replacing a burner that no longer works rather than getting a brand-new stove or range. A good rule to follow when it comes to replacing a range or a stove is to determine the value of the repair costs. When the cost of repair is equivalent to half the price of a new stove or range, it’s time to replace it.

Air conditioner

Knowing when it’s time for a replacement air conditioner can be difficult, but there are a few signs to watch for. If you notice you’re sneezing more, you may simply need to service your air conditioner or clean the air filter, but this can also be a sign that it’s time to move on to a newer, cleaner option. Another sign it’s time to replace your air conditioner is if your energy bill continuously increases or is regularly high. Newer appliances often are more energy-efficient than older ones, and they’ll save you money in the long term.

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