Magazine, AR, July 15, 2020 – A fresh coat of paint brightens any room, and this summer Magazine High School will refresh its learning environment with 20 gallons of donated paint. Magazine High School was selected as the winner of a paint grant through Magazine Hardware & Farm’s partnership with True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program. A True Value Foundation paint grant helps improve learning environments and can have an impact on youth attitudes and performance. Over 1,600 schools and youth-development focused organizations across the country have been awarded paint since the program’s inception in 2009, covering nearly 20 million square feet of learning space.
Partnering with True Value Foundation, Magazine Hardware & Farm nominated Magazine High School for a 20 gallon paint grant to help refresh youth learning spaces. Frank Hart of Magazine Hardware & Farm is delivering the asthma and allergy friendly paint, located at 9 N State HWY 109 in Magazine.
True Value’s EasyCare Ultra Premium Acrylic Latex paint has earned the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark via an independent certification program established in the United States, which helps consumers identify products more suitable for people with asthma and allergies. The program performs physical and chemical testing on products to ensure they minimize irritants and pollutants in the air and reduce potential exposure to allergens. The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark is awarded only to products that are scientifically proven to reduce potential exposure to asthma and allergy triggers.
Magazine High School is using the paint to give their gym a much-needed makeover. The more than 200 youth will enjoy playing/learning in the newly painted facility.
“Through True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program, we’re able to help Magazine High School and give back to the community we love to serve,” said Magazine True Value & Farm’s General Manager Matt Scantling. “The donation will not only save the organization money, but more importantly will create an environment that fosters learning, inspires creativity and instills community pride.”
True Value Foundation unites retailers in helping improve the lives of children in the communities True Value serves. The foundation advocates for youth and serves as a catalyst to provide tools and resources to help youth realize their dreams and achieve their potential. We encourage our partners to get involved and give back through volunteerism, mentorship, community improvements, and raising funds.
While students are home enjoying or enduring the summer vacation, area teachers are busy getting ready for the new school year. Staff are busy preparing the grounds and buses for the start-up of what appears to be the most usual year of education ever offered in the U.S. Masks, regulations, and social distancing will be the new norm in schools and teachers are preparing new and unique ways to provide them instruction.
Teachers are required from thirty-six to sixty hours of professional training each year. Most area teachers receive the bulk of that instruction from the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative (GFESC) at Branch. Daily, dozens of teachers attend classes held at the center or at one of the twenty plus districts serviced by the cooperative.
This summer, many teachers are participating in the RISE reading program which provides reading instructional skills to all teachers; k-12. RISE teaches reading skill and development across the curriculum and assists in raising the ability of kids to read with understanding. Additional instruction for teachers is offered in every subject area as well as computer skills and technology needed to teach in the new world of digital learning.
With the covid virus, many of the classes as GFESC are offered digitally to teachers using Zoom and other programs that allow teachers and instructors to conduct classes from their home.
There is still room for the face to face instruction and even field trips. On July 14, twenty-three area social studies and science teachers meet at Coleman Crystal mine in Jessieville and searched for quartz crystals and other minerals. Visiting the rock shop allowed teachers to investigate rock and mineral samples from around the world. Most of the teachers came back dirty from the red clay but with bags of crystals to share with their students.
After lunch, the teachers visited the Hot Springs national park and toured the area with geologist and historian Dr. Curtis Varnell of GFESC. A unique area, teachers discovered what caused the hot springs as they hiked the promenade area. Later, they visited the Arlington hotel, site of escapades from people as diverse as Babe Ruth and Al Capone. A few of the many historical bath houses were open. Franklin Roosevelt and others once bathed in the hot waters seeking relief from various ailments.
On July 21, several teachers will be visiting Paris for an historical tour of the coal miner’s museum, old 2522, and even the Eifel Tower Park. They will later meet at Varnell Media downtown and develop and exchange lessons that involve the students in interactive hands-on study of local and state history.
As the summer winds down, most of the workshops will center on the nuts and bolts of teaching students in the age of the pandemic. How to maintain social distance, how to clean and disinfect buses and classrooms, how to keep kids apart in the hallways, and what to do if a student or teacher becomes sick. Teachers are always learning, always busy, and always adapting to a changing educational world. This year is even busier!
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship Endowment awarded four $1,000 scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. This is the first year the endowment has been large enough to make four awards.
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship Endowment was established in 2015 to encourage the children, siblings, spouses, and parents of UAFS alumni to attend the University. This year’s awardees are Mary Roberts-Elam, Jillian Cochran, Hannah Deaver, and Hannah Green.
“We believe that alumni who attended UAFS – or Westark College, Westark Community College, Fort Smith Community College, or Fort Smith Junior College – had their lives changed for the better by that experience,” said Alumni Director Rick Goins. “So we ask them to encourage their immediate family members to consider an education here as well.”
The Alumni Association’s annual fundraiser for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Endowment is the Roarin’ on the River Low Country Shrimp Boil. In addition to the hearty feast in its name, the shrimp boil is known for fellowship and heated competition to be named bean bag champion of the year.
Usually, the event is in June, but it was postponed this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 10.
This year’s awardees are from a variety of places in the greater Fort Smith region.
Mary Roberts
Mary Roberts-Elam of Barling is seeking a business administration degree and expects to graduate in December 2021. As a child, Mary watched her father balance a full-time third-shift job and family responsibilities while earning an associate degree in electronics from Westark College. Now he is her model as she raises her 6-year-old daughter, works full time at Experian, and pursues her degree.
Jillian Cochran
Jillian Cochran of Spiro began her college career while she was still in high school, taking classes for concurrent credit in the biomedical program at Kiamichi Technology Center. Now she is ready to work on a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the same college her parents and sister attended. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical school to become a doctor serving in a rural community so she can give back to all the people who helped her with her education.
Hannah Deaver
Hannah Deaver of Fort Smith is following three older siblings – and, she says, leading two younger ones – to study at UAFS. She wants to earn a 4.0 grade point average as a nursing student. The scholarship will allow her to reduce the number of hours she works weekly, giving her more time to study. She said she and her siblings are eager to support the Fort Smith community when their degrees are all completed.
Hannah Green
Hannah Green of Magazine is not just a legacy; she is a scholarship legacy. Her mother, Alisa Green, ’19, was awarded the Alumni Legacy Scholarship in her final two years at UAFS. Hannah’s father, Lyndol Green, ’81, was a first-generation college student who paved the way for his family. Hannah was named valedictorian of her high school class. She wants to be a nurse to offer compassion and service to people who are sick or hurt.
“We ask alumni and others to support this endowment because the need continues to exist,” Goins said. “We are so grateful that the generosity of our donors allowed us to give four scholarships this year, but that meant saying no to 30 other students who were qualified. I want to reach a place where we can make this offer to every eligible student.”
The Board of Election Commissioners of Sebastian County, Arkansas, pursuant to Arkansas election law 7-5-202, does hereby proclaim that the City of Barling Municipal Primary Election will be held in Sebastian County, Arkansas, on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
Only registered voters residing in the City of Barling Ward 1 are eligible to vote in this election. To check your voter registration status and view a sample ballot go to www.voterview.org. Voters with address changes or questions related to voting eligibility, please call the County Clerk’s office at 782-5065 prior to Election Day.
ABSENTEE VOTING: County Clerk’s office, Sebastian County Courthouses (Fort Smith and Greenwood) June 26, 2020 – August 10, 2020. Absentee ballot processing will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Election Day (August 11) at the Sacred Heart of Mary Vote Center, 1301 Frank St, Barling, Arkansas.
EARLY VOTING
Locations Listed Below – Tuesday, August 4 – Friday, August 7, 2020, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Monday, August 10, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ALL Early voting closes at 5 p.m. August 10, 2020.
Sebastian County Courthouse Room G8 35 South 6th Street Fort Smith, AR
ELECTION DAY VOTE CENTERS The Vote Center listed below will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. All eligible voters in Sebastian County will be able to cast their vote at any Vote Center listed below on Election Day.
Vote Center
Address
Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church
1301 Frank St, Barling 72923
CITY OF BARLING MUNICIPAL PRIMARY Greg Murray Kevin Strobel DeeWayne Norbury
In the event of Emergency on Election Day, August 11, 2020, please see the Sebastian County website to view the Sebastian County Elections Emergency and Inclement Weather Policy for Election Day.
Former Mansfield Coach Keith Dake and his business partner Caleb Bauer recently signed a lease making it official, Stu’s Clean Cookin’ is coming to Greenwood!
Work has already begun on the interior of the new store, located at 1435 W. Center Street, Suite C, beside H&R Block. “Our goal is to try and open late August or early September of 2020,” shared Dake. “But we have a lot of work to do to meet that timeline, so I can’t name a firm date as of yet.”
Clean Cookin’ has become increasingly popular for those seeking nutritious meals that are effortless to prepare. “We will be providing the exact same menu that is offered at the other five Stu’s Clean Cookin’ stores located in Arkansas,” added Dake.
Although the brand continues to expand, the owner Stuart Rowland has continued to keep community and charity at the heart of the operation. “Elisa Smiles,” a suicide prevention campaign, is part of that outreach. Others include donations to emergency services and food for those in need.
The Greenwood location is a long-awaited addition to southern Sebastian County. The new store will provide further convenience to those customers in Mansfield, Waldron, and surrounding communities. Territory that Dake is well acquainted with.
Additionally, the location will include 24-hour ordering service for curbside pickup through their website. You can also find more information and stay up to date on the store’s opening date on their Facebook page.
Stu’s Clean Cookin’ Frozen Meal Prep is set to open in Greenwood.
Former Mansfield Coach Keith Dake and his business partner Caleb Bauer recently signed a lease making it official, Stu’s Clean Cookin’ is coming to Greenwood!
Work has already begun on the interior of the new store, located at 1435 W. Center Street, Suite C, beside H&R Block. “Our goal is to try and open late August or early September of 2020,” shared Dake. “But we have a lot of work to do to meet that timeline, so I can’t name a firm date as of yet.”
Clean Cookin’ has become increasingly popular for those seeking nutritious meals that are effortless to prepare. “We will be providing the exact same menu that is offered at the other five Stu’s Clean Cookin’ stores located in Arkansas,” added Dake.
Although the brand continues to expand, the owner Stuart Rowland has continued to keep community and charity at the heart of the operation. “Elisa Smiles,” a suicide prevention campaign, is part of that outreach. Others include donations to emergency services and food for those in need.
The Greenwood location is a long-awaited addition to southern Sebastian County. The new store will provide further convenience to those customers in Mansfield, Waldron, and surrounding communities. Territory that Dake is well acquainted with.
Additionally, the location will include 24-hour ordering service for curbside pickup through their website. You can also find more information and stay up to date on the store’s opening date on their Facebook page.
Stu’s Clean Cookin’ Frozen Meal Prep is set to open in Greenwood.
Tuesday’s Sports Brew Show was dedicated to the seniors and soon-to-be graduates of the Paris High School Class of 2020. The seniors will walk in their graduation commencement exercises on Saturday, and the Sports Brew Show honored those seniors in a special Class of 2020 edition of the show.
The show began with an opening discussion of the latest news in Arkansas high school sports as well as collegiate news both locally and nationwide. And as has been the theme all summer, the decision for a possible resumption of sports in the fall continues to be a wait-and-see game. The biggest news of the past few days has been the announcement from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) that it has postponed the start of the fall sports of cross country, volleyball, and soccer “through at least August 31.”
NEWS | @SEC Volleyball, Soccer, Cross-Country competition postponed through at least August 31.https://t.co/JSkaKUzqoq
As time moves on with each passing week of the summer, the fear of not having fall sports increases. And as July moves into its second half of the month, it is hoped by many that decisions on the fate of fall sports will finally be announced.
After the brief opening discussion, the show moved to its first guest interview. Show hosts Tim Johns, Marvin Wiggins, and myself interviewed Paris administrators Mike Nichols and Trey Prieur.
Sports Brew Show Host Tim Johns
Sports Brew Show Co-Host Marvin Wiggins
Principal Mike Nichols talked about preparations that are being made at Paris High School for Saturday’s graduation ceremony as well as the upcoming school year. Nichols announced specific information for family members who plan to attend Saturday’s ceremony. A summary of that information can be found in the conclusion of this story.
Nichols began his interview with the pride he has for this year’s graduating class. “Very proud of this group. These guys (graduating seniors) were in the eighth grade in my first year as principal at the middle school. I’ve had the chance to see them grow up.” Nichols was asked if he feared this day would never come due to the COVID quarantine. “Oh yes, absolutely. There was a time when we thought this (graduation ceremony) would never come. But we did continue to plan with the idea that as long as it takes we were going to have a traditional graduation ceremony. It just worked out that the state has allowed us to go ahead and do that, so I am excited about that.”
Nichols talked a few minutes about what school may look like if it resumes in the fall. “What does class look like when we get back in the fall? How are we going to maintain the six feet distance? How do we get students to keep masks on and stay six feet apart? It is going to be challenging because kids are going to be kids. We are looking forward to getting kids back and we are going to be ready.”
While talking about the resumption of fall sports, Nichols said, “Absolutely, we need sports. Just being out there together (players and coaches) is very good for our students.” Numerous measures, such as disinfecting surfaces, installation of plexiglass, etc., are being taken to protect students and staff. But health is the number one concern with respect to the resumption of both classes and sports in August. “Some people don’t understand why we are driving so hard to open school in the fall. It’s not just about math, science, and English. It’s the fact that a lot of students in this district who live in environments where they are not getting their needs met are at risk, whereas in school the best adult they see all day may be a teacher in school. We are looking at a mental health crisis for some of our students who will return to school. We have to be prepared for that. So, you run the risk between contracting the COVID virus and leaving students in environments that may jeopardize their safety and well-being in other respects.”
Paris Assistant Athletic Director Trey Prieur
The next guest on the show was Paris assistant athletic director / assistant middle school principal Trey Prieur. Prieur wears many hats within the district as both a building level administrator and assisting Casey Mainer with the district’s athletic department.
Prieur was asked about his thoughts regarding the resumption of sports in the fall. He responded by saying, “Unfortunately, the AAA (Arkansas Activities Association) has not told us a lot, publicly, or privately. So we are still waiting. NCAA and JUCO levels came out today saying they were going to push fall sports back to the spring. Mississippi (high school sports) came out today and said they are pushing their fall sports back two or three weeks. School is supposed to start August 24 and volleyball (Lady Eagles) is supposed to start that week. We are waiting on a directive from the AAA. We know that Lance Taylor (executive director of the AAA) is on the governor’s task force so we know that he is in direct communication with the governor. So we are hoping that we will have some guidance in the next couple of weeks. I am glad to know that they are not rushing to a decision to cancel everything. I definitely would not want to cancel this far out. But, we are still waiting for guidance.”
Prieur concluded by saying that the postponement or elimination of non-conference games in football, or the delaying of the start of volleyball season across Arkansas for up to three weeks may be “the best case scenario.” High school football schedules are flexible in that most schools play non-conference games for the first three weeks of the regular season. It would be relatively easy to cancel the first three weeks and play a conference-only season starting in September. Volleyball, however, especially in the case of Paris’s conference, would be more difficult. The Lady Eagles conference expanded to nine teams this year, and Paris will play Charleston in a week one conference match the week school is scheduled to open. Due to the fewer number of non-conference matches, it would not be as easy as football to simply cancel the first non-conference matches of the year. However, there is one plausible option to postpone the start of the season for up to two weeks. If that were done, the state final that is usually scheduled the first weekend in November at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs, could then be played later in November just prior to the start of basketball season. Of course, facility availability and other factors would be involved in making such a decision. Other options mentioned by Prieur included limiting the volleyball round-robin (playing each team twice, one game at home and one game away) to just one match per school, similar to football, and in effect reducing the schedule to half of the scheduled conference matches. But, as Prieur stated, we just don’t know anything at this point.
Following the Prieur interview, the remainder of the show focused on a series of interviews with graduating Paris seniors.
Emma Snow
Patrick Richardson
The first pair of seniors interviewed were Emma Snow and Patrick Richardson. Hosts Tim Johns and Marvin Wiggins interviewed the seniors to get their thoughts on Saturday’s upcoming graduation ceremony.
Senior Patrick Richardson played both football and baseball for the Eagles. When asked if he was going to miss playing for Paris, he replied, “Yes sir, 100%.” Over the past few months, Patrick has been working and preparing to go to college. I am going to miss the friends I made out there (on the football and baseball teams.) Emma Snow said, “I plan to go to Arkansas Tech. I was very involved in agriculture, so that will be one of the things I miss the most.” Emma could be a Paris graduate who later returns to Paris high school to teach agriculture!
Karli Haller
Olivia Henderson
Senior softball teammates Karli Haller and Olivia Henderson were the next graduating seniors interviewed on the show. Karli was asked about the abrupt end to the 2020 softball season. “It really hurt. I put my whole entire life into playing one sport. Worked so hard to get to this point, and it was just hard to have it stripped away.” Olivia was asked the same question and she responded, “It sucked.”
The two girls anchored the corners of the softball infield and were a dynamic pair defensively for the Lady Eagles. Olivia said she would miss “the bus rides, dancing before the games, and eating after the games.” Karli said, “I am definitely going to miss the people and my friends at Paris.”
The program took a break from the 2020 graduates-to-be with interviews with Paris head volleyball coach Jordan Devine and Paris head cheer coach Jennifer Owen.
Owen was asked what thoughts she has as she thinks about her senior cheerleaders participating in Saturday’s commencement ceremony. “It’s a lot going on (a lot to think about). There is a lot to know and these kids that are graduating I have known since the seventh and eighth grades. It is a special group of kids, and I am sad to see them leave as a teacher.” Coach Jordan Devine commented on her kids graduating by saying, “It’s always special on graduation day. Especially now that they are getting to graduate. So glad they are getting to experience that because they lost so much of their senior years. But, it’s always fun to see them get to live their lives and see what they figure out.”
Coach Owen remained to be on the show with three of her graduating senior cheerleaders, Saylor Hampton, Anna Claire Richey, and Mattie Jarrard.
Paris Volleyball Coach Jordan Devine
Paris Cheer Coach Jennifer Owen
Anna Claire shared that she plans to attend the University of Arkansas in the fall. Both Mattie and Saylor will attend Arkansas Tech. All three are outstanding students and have bright futures ahead of them.
Saylor Hampton
Mattie Jarrard
Anna Claire Richey
The girls exchanged stories of their times in the cheer program dating back to the eighth grade. Each will be missed both at Paris high school and in the cheer program, and we wish all of them the best of success in their post-secondary studies.
The last segment of the show included graduating senior volleyball players and their coach, Jordan Devine. Host Tim Johns purposely asked Faith Mainer and Robyn Gossard to be the last guests on the senior segment of the show. Robyn, Faith, and Faith’s dog, Ava, were the day’s final guests.
Robyn Gossard
Faith Mainer
Tim Johns shared with the listening audience that he had asked Faith about a month ago to be a final senior guest on yesterday’s show. He asked her who she wanted to be on the show with her, and Faith replied, “my trusty sidekick” (Robyn Gossard). Both were teammates on some of the most successful volleyball teams in Paris history.
Faith Mainer’s Dog, Ava
Faith was asked about her times at Paris high school. Faith shared, “Most of my favorite moments have to do with volleyball. During that time, it was 24/7 everyday trying to get more work in. Being part of that team…it’s just your second family. You spend more time with them than you do your family.”
Robyn Gossard commented on how she and others on the team would “run through a brick wall” for their coach, Jordan Devine. “Pretty much! A lot of hard work has gone into the program and I know that Paris volleyball has become a big name in the state and I hope they have continued success this season…I wish I could play.”
As the program concluded, each was asked for their highest and lowest points of their high school careers.
Robyn told a story about her worst moment in the volleyball program. She described an off-season drill in which the players had to chase loose balls all over the court to the point of physical exhaustion.
Faith described her low point as starting her senior season without her dad. “That was my worst. Number two (next lowest point) was losing state.” Both Robyn and Faith listed the quarterfinal state loss as one of the lowest points they have ever experienced.
Robyn, Faith, and all of the members of the Paris high school class of 2020 will be missed, but, we wish all of them the best as they start the next phase of their lives. Eagles for life, they will always be connected to the community and to the school district, and all will always be welcomed home.
For those family members who will be attending Saturday’s graduation ceremony, the gates will open at 8:30 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Administrators encourage everyone to arrive early to secure their seats, as state-mandated social distancing requirements between family groups will be enforced.
Next week’s show will include the remainder of the June 30 interview with Paris athletic director Casey Mainer. The show will update listeners on any breaking news on fall high school and / or college sports. Just click on thesportsbrew.net next Tuesday at 4 p.m.
As the great former Paris football stadium public address announcer, Winford McClure, would say, “See ya!” next Tuesday at 4 p.m. on The Sports Brew Show!
And as always, watch for Resident Press next Wednesday for a recap of next week’s show!
Faith Mainer Blocks a Shot vs Charleston in 2019 Senior District Tournament (Resident Press File Photo)
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, is currently accepting applications for the innovative employment program Future Fit, which aims to meet the region’s urgent employment needs while preparing unemployed and underemployed citizens for high-skill, high-paying careers.
The Future Fit program is free to participants, and applications are open until July 20. The first cohort of Future Fit launched in the fall of 2019 at UAFS and was initially designed with 12 weeks of courses offered 3 hours a night, three days a week. The COVID-19 pandemic hit Arkansas just as the second cohort of Future Fit students were nearing completion of the program. “We quickly moved our program online, and students were able to complete the program virtually,” explained Kendall Ross, director of the UAFS Center for Business and Professional Development (CBPD).
“A significant portion of our students are in crisis for a variety of reasons, and the pandemic has only added to our region’s employment needs,” continued Ross. “So many Arkansans are now out of work due to COVID-19, and the ability to prepare them for well-paying, stable, ‘recession-proof’ jobs is incredibly important. The combination of technical and safety training, along with the soft skills of workplace behavior and ethics, proves invaluable to both students and their future employers.”
In addition to moving much of the program online, the Future Fit program is also being offered on a shorter timeline, getting participants into their new careers more quickly. The first three weeks of training will be conducted online, with a learning coach from the university helping students and ensuring their progress. The online portion of the training includes Math, Safety, Critical Thinking, Blueprint Reading, Collaboration, Work Ethic, and Interpersonal Skills. Likewise, some Machine Operations simulation work will be done online.
After the online portion of the class, students will enter the laboratory for hands-on learning with more than $60,000 of training equipment contributed by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD). “The support from the OSD and AEDC has been monumental in helping our students and the manufacturers who have critical employment needs.”
According to the AEDC, a recent study by the Manufacturing Institute showed that nationally 80 percent of manufacturers report a moderate or severe shortage of qualified applicants for skilled and highly skilled production positions.
“The Future Fit program is a direct effort to help Arkansas manufacturers continue to grow and employ a skilled workforce. A job in the manufacturing industry is one of the most stable and secure jobs,” reads the AEDC’s Future Fit website.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average tenure of workers in manufacturing jobs is 9.1 years – the highest of all private-sector industries. Further, the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the average manufacturing worker in the United States earns $81,289.
The first class of Future Fit at UAFS consisted of nine students ranging in age from 19-63, six of whom had already secured jobs before completing the program.
“It was standing room only at their graduation,” shared Dr. Kim Gordon, professor of leadership and management in the CBPD. “We’re restoring hope. We’re giving people second chances. That’s what the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is about.”
To enroll for the next class, which will begin August 3, interested applicants may contact Linda Blair at linda.blair@uafs.edu or 479-788-7743. All applicants should have a high school diploma or a GED, computer, reliable internet and have earned a bronze level ACT National Career Readiness Certificate to enroll.
The Waldron School Board met in regular session on Monday evening, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Tammye Sherrill, Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Christi Johnston and Mac Davis. Also present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Ryan Walker, Darla Jeffery, Chris Lipham, Josh Atchley, Josh Brown, Kristi Sigman, Keith Brigance and Toni Dozier.
After the meeting was called to order, and the consent agenda items approved, Woodall made the motion to approve the Petition for Transfer of Students. Hunsucker seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The Waldron School District received two School Choice applications to attend Waldron Schools.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to approve transferring $500,000.00 from an Arvest Bank account to the Money Market account at Arvest Bank. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to remove Gary Wayman and add Daniel Fielding to the Safety Deposit Box at Chambers Bank. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to approve the Emergency Declaration. The motion carried 5-0.
The principals reported on what is happening at each of their buildings to get ready for the upcoming school year. Walker reported that the Elementary School teachers are working in their rooms to meet social distancing requirements. Walker also reported that they would be starting a new literacy program this year. Lipham, Middle School Principal, reported that all positions are filled and that they are working on a solution for lunch schedules. Lipham also answered questions that the board members had about bus routes and the requirements that are going to be in place due to Covid-19. Coach Brown reported that graduation was successful. He also stated that there is a lot of new technology being installed at the high school in preparation for the upcoming school year.
Superintendent Daniel Fielding informed the board members that he has posted the Ready for Learning Plan 2020-2021 on the school’s website. However, information is ever changing and the plan will be updated as new guidance is given. Fielding reported that each classroom in the district will have a camera installed and teachers will be recording their lessons daily to share with those that choose to learn remotely. Enrollment forms are on the school website and Facebook page. This is where families can choose the onsite or remote learning option. He then opened the floor for questions.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to accept the resignations of:
Carol Owens – Bus Driver as of 06-30-2020
Amber Scott – Food Service as of 06-30-2020
Jessica Fisher – ABC Para as of 06-30-2020
Shirley Johnson – HS Para as of 06-30-2020
The board voted unanimously to accept those resignations. Next, a motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Woodall to accept the retirement of Brenda Kaye Taylor as bus driver, effective June 30, 2020. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Johnston to hire James Rincker as level four bus driver with two years experience. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to hire Erica McKay as middle school math teacher with two years experience. The motion passed unanimously.
At 8:06 p.m., and with no other business before the board, the meeting was adjourned.
Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their business, new or existing, and win cash prizes on Aug. 14, 2020, when Communities Unlimited, Inc., presents “Entrepreneurs Unlimited: A Pitch Contest.”
The competition aims to find and assist people in starting their own business or expanding their business in one of eight communities: Crossett, Dermott, DeWitt, Hermitage, Mulberry, Waldron and Warren in Arkansas and Bogata in Texas.
The winner of the pitch contest will receive $2,500 in cash for their business. The runner up will receive $1,500. There will also be a People’s Choice award of $1,000.
All participants of the competition will receive 10 hours of free technical assistance for their business and consideration for a small business loan from Communities Unlimited. The first 50 participants will receive one domain name and website for one year from GoDaddy.
“Entrepreneurs Unlimited” contest will take place online as a virtual competition. Contestants will register online at www.communitiesu.org/pitchcontest and will submit a two-minute video pitching their business.
Then, on Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m., contestants will pitch their videos to a panel of judges. The judges will decide the top two winners, and audience members will be able to vote on their favorite for the People’s Choice award winner.
Small businesses are the crux of the economy, and Communities Unlimited’s Entrepreneurship and Lending teams goal is to work to facilitate the opening and growth of small businesses in rural communities.
Communities Unlimited, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations founded in 1975 that works side-by-side with small businesses, communities and families in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas to create fair access to resources to sustain healthy businesses, healthy communities and healthy families. CU takes a community-based, regional approach to solving the challenges that threaten a communities’ survival. Our diverse technical know-how and geographic expertise makes CU uniquely qualified to partner with Southern communities. Find more information visit http://www.CommunitiesU.org/. Communities Unlimited, Inc. is an EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran employer, lender and provider.
