Law enforcement officers across Arkansas are set to begin a week-long concerted speed enforcement plan next week. The operation will be publicized across the state using a public message headline, “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine”.
The intensified enforcement plan involving both state and local departments will begin Monday, July 13th and continue through the following Sunday, July 19th. Additionally throughout the month of July, the Arkansas State Police will contribute patrol resources in a Regional Speed Enforcement Plan that targets speeding violators on particular selected days of the week. The participating states include Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
“Speeding is synonymous with tragedy and death on our roadways,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “It’s a proven fact, higher speeds significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to steer safely around other vehicles, roadway hazards, and unexpected highway exits or detours in highway construction zones.”
Drivers who ignore the speed limit put themselves, their passengers, and others at tremendous risk. During calendar year 2018, speeding was a contributing factor in 26 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. and 9,378 people lost their lives in the crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Arkansas 131 deaths were attributed to speed related crashes during 2018.
Already this year, Arkansas traffic fatalities are on the rise. According to preliminary NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting data, fatalities in speeding related crashes are increasing at an alarming rate. Through the end of June (2020) 84 people have died in speed related crashes, compared to 63 at the same time last year which equates to a 33 percent increase.
“Driving above the posted speed limit or speeding during inclement weather conditions dramatically increases the probability that a motorist will be involved in a crash,” Colonel Bryant said. “State troopers want to be sure the highways are safe and stopping speeding drivers is a top priority.”
The goal of these enforcement efforts is to save lives and make drivers aware that no excuses for speeding are acceptable. When it comes to speeding; Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine.
More information on the “Obey the Sign, or Pay the Fine” mobilization can be found at www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Additional information about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths initiative to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities can be found at www.TZDarkansas.org
Crack Down on Speeders Part of Statewide Traffic Safety Blitz
Considerations for Picking a Fence
For privacy, security, or improved curb appeal, a fence is a worthy investment. Since a fence is a firmly situated structure on your property, you want to be sure that you are completely satisfied with your final decisions on its specifications. There are quite a few considerations for picking a fence that are worth taking into account. Those listed here are some of the most important.
The Fence’s Purpose
Fences come in quite a few varieties. You can narrow down your options by solidifying the purpose that your fence will play. Is it more important for it to look nice than to provide security? If so, you can ground your selection almost entirely on style. Some people even forgo gates and use their fences as visual decorations that make their yard more visually pleasing. Additionally, you should decide how much privacy you’re hoping to gain from the fence. Certain fences have virtually no space between their boards or pickets, while others have enough that people can look through them.
How It Will Fit
As you look at the possible heights and fence types, image how your choice will fit in with the rest of your yard. An open lawn with minimal landscaping on it will make it easy to install a fence of any kind. On the other hand, if you have a collection of shrubs, trees, garden plants, and outdoor fixtures, you may need to think about how the fence can be built around them. The same goes for a yard that is uneven. You might also want your plants or other decorations not to be obscured completely by the fence, in which case you would choose one that is shorter and more see-through.
Fencing Materials
Materials are chief features of a fence, so a consideration you should make for picking a fence is to look at what it will be made of. The material will define the fence’s look and feel since its texture and color will be affected. You can decide on the best fencing materials for your home by researching what is offered by fencing companies. Some materials you could expect to see are wood, metal, and plastic.
Don’t just go on looks alone, though. You should also take into account the material’s sturdiness. Arkansas is known for being humid and hot during the summer and relatively wet for much of the year. If you aren’t keen on carrying out a lot of maintenance on your fence, you might avoid wood since it is damaged by moisture.
Local Business Owner Petitions City Hall for Increased Parking
Driving down Main Street, one thing you are sure to notice is the fresh and updated look to many stores. There are also several new offices relocating in the area. Businesses are seeing more customers again now that shopping restrictions are being lifted.
With the rise in customers, businesses are finding the need for more parking. Specifically, parking for the elderly or handicapped.
Local Business owner Joanna Brandt of Rags and Roses, located at 100 N. Main St., petitioned City Hall for increased parking. Brandt is asking for more parking spaces along the side of the building, where an empty lot now stands.
The suggestion was made to put in a roundabout type of parking lot with day use and a small parking area on the side.
Brandt described instances of lost business due to the lack of parking in front of her store, particularly by those who need to park at sidewalk level due to physical restrictions.
The suggestion was favorable with surrounding business owners. The Greenwood City Council took no action, but will review Brandt’s proposal.
The owner of Rags and Roses petitioned City Hall for increased parking.
UAFS Partners with Chartwells for Dining Services
Following a comprehensive review of its foodservice strategy and an extensive search process, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has chosen Chartwells Higher Education as its new dining service provider beginning July 1.
Chartwells plans to transform the on-campus dining experience at UAFS to create a premier food service program that emphasizes quality, made-to-order food, menu customization, variety, ethically-sourced foods, and excellent value, to foster student success and education. Chartwells will operate under the “UAFS Eats” name to align with the university’s mission and brand.
“The UAFS community is very excited about the changes that are coming with our new dining partner,” said Beth Eppinger, director of Housing and Residential Life at UAFS. “Their student focus through hiring, marketing internships, and student catering is just the beginning. They have established @UAFSeats on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and they will launch a Text2Chat platform this fall so customers can provide immediate dining feedback.”
As part of its student-centric program approach, several enhancements are planned across campus, including an all-new C-Store Market in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Food Court featuring fresh-and-ready sandwiches, wraps, salads, and protein plates and a variety of snacks.
The Campus Center locations of Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Subway will stay intact for the 2021 academic year. The location formerly held by Oath Pizza will transition to a yearly student choice venue beginning with Two12, which will serve a rotating menu of craft pasta and flatbreads. Students and other guests will then be able to vote for a new concept to fill the space for the fall 2021 semester.
The Lion’s Den will transition to a “Dine & Connect” experience with a heavy emphasis on offering more healthy foods made from scratch and an extensive allergen program that clearly labels all foods with appropriate information. BalancedU communication will be found throughout the dining hall, identifying vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and balanced menu items.
Chartwells also plans to introduce the “Carved & Crafted” catering experience to campus with a hyper-local focus to support area farms and farmers. The catering menus introduced on campus will offer different tiers of service from high-end events, everyday buffets, and a student-focused guide, along with a contactless and disposable catering program to choose from.
With priority placed on the care and concern of its people, Chartwells committed to interview and hire all existing associates in the UAFS community pending a successful background check. Open positions with Chartwells are posted at http://dineoncampus.com/uafs.
Following a spring semester that was far from normal, Chartwells is working to put student health and safety at the forefront. UAFS and Chartwells are involved in various ongoing conversations regarding COVID-19 and bringing students back to the safest environment possible. Those plans include creative solutions to provide meals to individuals who may be on campus during the month of July through catering and pickup retail solutions.
“The Chartwells team is working diligently to create safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eppinger. “Currently our plans include full-service stations in the Lion’s Den Dining Hall, reduced seating with increased to-go options, and a plan for students living on campus who may need to self-quarantine.”
The dining team, led by Director of Dining Services, David Flannery, Executive Chef Jennifer Paul, and Assistant Director, Holly Dintelmann, will be ready to serve Cub Camp participants and students moving in early when the Lion’s Den Dining Hall opens August 15. The Campus Center Food Court will follow in operation for the first day of classes, August 17.
A new and dynamic team management team will be introduced to the campus community this fall as well. They’re currently working diligently to ensure a safe return for all students this fall semester.
About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality, and award-winning guest service within 280 college and university dining environments throughout academic institutions across the United States. Chartwells’ brand mantra, “Where Hungry Minds Gather,” signifies its commitment to reinventing the dining experience for the next generation of students and beyond. Our nutritious cuisine not only satisfies the unique appetites, lifestyles, and dietary needs of every guest dining on campus, but it also brings people together to promote the high-intensity relationships that will prepare students for the future. For more information go to ChartwellsHigherEd.com.
Tyson Foods Donates to River Valley Regional Food Bank
FORT SMITH, Ark. (July 9, 2020) — Tyson Foods, headquartered in Springdale, Ark., donated more than 20,000 pounds of chicken products to the River Valley Regional Food Bank (RVRFB). This donation is tied to the company’s strategic long-term partnership with the Fort Smith River Valley Regional Food Bank (RVRFB).
Tyson Foods made the donation to the food bank in an effort to help the RVRFB help fight hunger in west central Arkansas during the COVID-19 crisis. The donation includes a variety of frozen chicken products and was distributed to the food bank’s pantry partners this week.
“This means a lot to us because this means we can get proteins in bulk to serve our clients,” said Ann Burgess, director of the Church on the Streets outreach ministry at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith.
Burgess estimates her ministry serves 100 meals a month and thanked the food bank and Tyson Foods for offering the gift to the community.
Other pantry directors, like Joey Potts from the Crisis Stabilization Unit, also praised the efforts from the River Valley Regional Food Bank and Tyson Foods. She estimates her agency serves 500 meals a week and said the additional proteins would be a big help and provide some much needed nourishment to her clients.
“We serve a vulnerable population and have a tight budget, so this was a really great gift,” Potts said.
The contribution from Tyson Foods to the River Valley River Valley Regional Food Bank further solidifies the partnership between the two entities. In addition to donations of frozen protein products, the grants from Tyson Foods over the years have allowed the food bank to expand freezer capacity, which allows the agency to house more food.
Tracy Engel, director of the River Valley Regional Food Bank, thanked Tyson Foods for its continued support and for helping support the food bank’s mission during the pandemic.
The River Valley Regional Food Bank is an equal opportunity provider.
Scam Artists Pose as Contact Tracers to Steal Identities
Scam artists have found an opportunity by using the important task of contact tracing to steal money and the identity of Arkansans. In trying to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Arkansas Department of Health is using contact tracing to identify people who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. One way bad actors are impersonating contact tracers is by sending text messages containing a link and claiming that by clicking on the link, the recipient will be contacted about a positive test, but in actuality, the link gives the scam artist direct access to the phone holder’s personal information.
“Con artists are impersonating contact tracers in order to steal your money and your identity,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “The Arkansas Department of Health will not ask for your social security information or demand a payment when reaching out about contact with positive cases of COVID-19.”
When a patient is confirmed to have COVID-19, the Arkansas Health Department provides staff to assist the patient with identifying all individuals with whom they made close contact during the 48-hours preceding the positive COVID-19 test. Those identified by the patient through the contact tracing process are then notified by public health staff of the positive case, are asked to enroll in the Department of Health’s Situational Awareness Response Assistance (SARA) system for email updates, and they are asked to quarantine.
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to avoid falling victim to the contact tracing scam:
- Contact tracing will not cost money. Avoid giving personal bank account information over the phone or buying gift cards to pay scam artists for fake contact tracing attempts;
- Avoid clicking on links in emails and text messages unless you signed up to receive the messages;
- If you receive an unsolicited email or text message from a potential contact tracer, verify its authenticity by contacting the Arkansas Department of Health at ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov or call (800) 803-7847.
To file a complaint about potential contact tracing scams reach out to the Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982, email oag@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov. Consumers are encouraged to visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s COVID-19 Contact Tracing program website for additional information about contact tracing.
Greenwood Alumna Promoted to WHS Band Director
Waldron High School has recently hired a new band director. Usually, that means getting to know a new director, but not this time. Waldron School District promoted Shanice McFerran to be their new High School Band Director. McFerran previously served as the Middle School Director.
Shanice grew up in Greenwood, Arkansas, and graduated in 2011. She then went on to attend the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
After graduating college, Shanice spent her first two years of teaching at Hartford. In 2018, she moved to the Mulberry School District for a year. Then in 2019, she became the Middle School Director at Waldron. Her main instrument is the clarinet. McFerran said she also enjoys playing and teaching all the woodwind instruments.
Shanice credits her Band Directors at Greenwood as her motivation for becoming a band director. When she entered Junior High Band, she saw how much fun they were having and she wanted to be just like them.
Shanice looks forward to getting back to school and seeing her students following the coronavirus hiatus. She’s excited to get back and start making music. McFerran said that many of the students have been asking, “When are we going to start summer band? They are ready to get going.” A goal she has for this upcoming year is to grow the band community in the school and to work on musicianship within the band.
An interesting fact about Waldron, it is the only school in Scott County. So the students are pulled in a lot of different ways and involved in many activities. McFerran said, “The school makes it a priority to allow students to be involved in as many things as they want.”
A fun fact about Shanice is that she has a dog named Lola.
While interviewing Shanice, I asked a series of questions in a Q & A segment called, “ARVBands’ Quick 5”. For this segment, we ask five questions that are funny and allow the readers to get to know the individual being interviewed.
What is your favorite Marching Show ever?
Greenwood High School Marching Band “Shrek”
What is the best meal that you have ever eaten?
Marketplace – Pineapple Grilled Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Flamin Queso
What is your biggest pet peeve in teaching?
When students say, “What if… followed by a question” because nothing good ever comes out after a “what if question”.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be?
News Anchor
What is your favorite memory from your music career?
The bucket percussion ensemble at Hartford
Shanice is excited for the opportunity to be teaching at Waldron School District and to be the new Band Director at Waldron High School. She is looking forward to the upcoming school year and cannot wait to see her students this fall.
Former Razorbacks & Breaking High School News Highlight Yesterday’s Sports Brew Show
On a show that included great memories of great times in Razorback football history, the Sports Brew Show covered a mix of topics that included the ever-changing high school and college sports landscape that is a reflection of the post-COVID sports world. On the day of this show, the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) issued a statement that it was moving forward with plans to play fall high school sports as scheduled, pending further guidance and direction from the governor’s office and the Arkansas Department of Health. And today, the Ivy League became the first Division 1 athletic conference to make a decision on the fate of fall sports. In a decision announced today, the Ivy League suspended all sports operations until January 2021 when it will review and consider the resumption of sports in the spring of 2021. Inclusive of those sports, is Ivy League football that is being considered for play in the spring.
It remains to be seen if the “Power Five” conferences, such as the Southeastern Conference, will follow suit. According to who you read, no league commissioner wanted to be the first to announce such a move as the Ivy did today. Now that the Ivy League has made the first move, fans and media are anxiously awaiting to see if other FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) schools and / or conferences will make a similar move. According to Brett McMurphy in the tweet above, he believes, for example, that Ivy League schools are less-dependent financially on sports, especially football, than their other Division 1 conferences counterparts and may not make the same move as the Ivy League did today.
So in this time of uncertainty in both Arkansas high school sports, and collegiate sports both in Arkansas and across the nation, yesterday’s sports brew show entertained it’s record number of listeners to three former Razorback football greats, as well as a special appearance by former Charleston basketball great and Parade High School All-American, John Stewart.
Show hosts Tim Johns, Marvin Wiggins, and myself kicked off the day with the news release from the AAA. Paris head football coach Tyler Clark stopped by to give his reaction to the news. As has been the theme all summer, the Eagles coach was “cautiously optimistic” but was very much taking a “wait and see” approach to the AAA’s announcement. A lot of things still have to happen, such as the governor’s reinstatement of contact sports, for the fall seasons to resume. Coach Clark commented, “The AAA sent something out saying that right now we are planning on playing in the fall, but as with everything, so many things can change.”
So, to the music of the Arkansas fight song and to recorded hog calls, the show moved on to its first Razorback guest, Brad Taylor.
Brad Taylor played his high school football at Danville High School. He was named to the state’s super team his senior year, being the very first small school player to be named to that prestigious team. Taylor played for Razorbacks head coaches Lou Holtz and Ken Hatfield.
Brad Taylor 
Former Razorbacks QB Brad Taylor Avoids the Rush of Texas A&M’s Ray Childress in 1983 Game at College Station, Texas (Photo Credit: Pinterest)
Sitting next to fellow teammate and offensive lineman Ronnie Trusty, Taylor mentioned several times that Ronnie and other members of the Razorbacks’ offensive line made it possible for him to have the career he enjoyed at Arkansas.
Ronnie Trusty 
Former Razorbacks Offensive Lineman Ronnie Trusty (Photo Credit: Ronnie Trusty)
Both Trusty and Taylor played their high school football in the River Valley schools of Paris and Danville, respectively. The “trip” to becoming a Hog was a great tribute to both players who later went on and had a significant impact on the Division 1 college football level. Trusty described his journey from Paris to the University of Arkansas. Trusty, having been recruited by Notre Dame and the University of Southern California, recalled, “I can remember meeting Coach Holtz. Being at a small school, I needed to stand out and show them something. He told me I had “quick feet”. He said you are 6’5″ and have quick feet, so we will take a chance on you. And I can remember actually asking Coach Turner, who was our offensive line coach at the time, about what attracted you to Brad? He said, “He is not the kind of quarterback that has to read (read defenses and pass coverages). He can raise his head up and see the whole field.”
Taylor and Trusty were teammates for the 1981 season. Taylor said, “I was just glad that I had Ron on my offensive line when I was at Arkansas. I knew I could turn my back (to the defensive rush) and not have to worry about someone hitting me in the back of the head with Ron taking care of me.”
Neither Trusty or Taylor wavered on their commitments to Arkansas during their recruitment. Both Arkansas high school football players dreamed and wanted to play for the Razorbacks.
Former Razorbacks offensive lineman, Grant Freeman, played for the Razorbacks under coach Bobby Petrino. Freeman, another product of Paris High School, was recruited by former head coach Houston Nutt as a tight end. And then, in just a matter of days, Freeman was asked to move to offensive tackle and the Razorbacks made a coaching change to Bobby Petrino. Freeman had the opportunity to follow Coach Nutt to Ole Miss where the former Arkansas coach had been named as the new Ole Miss coach. But Freeman wanted to play at Arkansas and thus began his development and transformation into a SEC offensive lineman that would later play against some of the top NFL draft talented players from opposing SEC schools.
Grant Freeman 
Grant Freeman (Photo Credit: Wesley Hill/Arkansasrazorbacks.com)
Freeman developed his 6’7 frame into a muscular 305 lb lineman for the Hogs. Due to an in-game injury to one of the Hogs’ offensive linemen his red shirt freshman year, Freeman was forced into action against the Florida Gators’ defensive end Carlos Dunlap ,now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. And speaking of the Bengals, Freeman was invited to Cincinnati’s NFL training camp and was eventually one of the last players cut at the end of training camp. Quite an accomplishment for a small school player who went to Arkansas and worked hard to develop his body and playing skills into a starting SEC lineman. “I was sitting about 270 lbs, which was pretty light for an offensive lineman. I was still on this program (strength training) and was working my way up, and the day before, I felt that there was no way I was going to play in this game because it was the Gators, and they (the Arkansas strength coaches) put me through a torture workout (as part of his developmental training); it actually turned my legs into “jello”.” But as fate would have it, “jello” legs and all, Grant Freeman was forced to play against a Florida team that entered the game ranked number one in the nation that day. Quite a story for the former Paris Eagle.
It was an exciting afternoon visiting with the former Razorbacks yesterday. As a student trainer at the University of Arkansas from 1977-81, I had the privilege of watching Ronnie Trusty and later, Brad Taylor who was a freshman in 1981. In every program, there are talented players, and some of those players know it. They may not be the easiest to work with. But both Ronnie and Brad, along with others during that time, such as All-American Razorbacks kicker Steve Cox (from another River Valley school in Charleston) are among those players who were classy individuals then and remain so today. They were not only great athletes, but great men, and it was my honor to get to work with them many years ago, and yesterday, it was my pleasure to visit with them on the show. The fans of the River Valley high schools that they represent can be very proud of their contributions to their communities and the University of Arkansas.
For an encore, the Sports Brew Show was privileged to have a special guest from Charleston High School; former basketball player John Stewart.
Stewart was named by Parade Magazine in 1976 as a “Parade High School All-American”. To put this in perspective, the Parade list was one of, if not the highest honor a high school basketball player could receive. The list of players named to the teams are a list of “Who’s Who” among high school basketball across the nation. Stewart’s 1976 class of Parade All-Americans included such players as Darrell Griffith who was an All-American at the University of Louisville, James Wilkes and Kiki Vandeweigh who starred at UCLA, and Albert King who later played at the University of Maryland and was the 10th overall pick by the New Jersey Nets in the 1981 NBA draft.
Stewart was recruited by many college basketball programs, but chose the University of Arkansas and new first year head coach, Eddie Sutton. Earlier in his high school career, then Arkansas basketball coach, Lanny Van Eman, entered Charleston’s locker room after a win and asked Stewart if he was going to play that well after he gets to Arkansas. Coach Van Eman was replaced by Eddie Sutton who was moving from Creighton University where he had success as the Blue Jays’ coach. Stewart recalled how nice and encouraging Coach Sutton was and the impression it made on him. “About half way through my senior year of high school, I called Coach Sutton and he was in touch with me pretty regularly, as well as the assistant coaches. Coach Sutton came to a few of my games. But along that line, I went through a period of time where I was very displeased with myself. I was making some bad choices.”
Stewart gave a testimony that was a story of “rocky times” that he experienced after leaving high school. “There for a while, I went through a rough time. Things just weren’t going the way that I thought they should, and I was made to think that way from being pretty good at a sport and and you tend to lose sight of what is really important in life. I got to the point that I was putting myself above everything else. God gave me the ability to play the game, and it was selfish of me to think that I could play ball and just go through life because I was at that point where I really didn’t have to do anything. Things were given to me, didn’t really go to class.”
Stewart’s testimony was something every young person, and especially every young aspiring athlete should hear. It was a very honest and revealing account of Stewart, the man, who had achieved great notoriety in high school sports, but did not have his life in proper perspective. It is also a story of a man who overcame his own displeasure of the person he had become, to go on and play college basketball, but more importantly, hand his problems over to God and set out himself on a path to living the life that God wants all of us to follow. It was a great testimony, and I hope many young people were listening.
Stewart never played a minute for the Razorbacks. He instead transferred and played under the great Westark College basketball coach, Gayle Kaundart. Kaundart coached several players who went on to play both college and professional basketball in the NBA such as Ron Brewer and Darrell Walker,two Razorback greats. “It was right after the All-Star game and I talked to some other players, and I knew what Coach Sutton was building at Arkansas, but I didn’t like the idea of going to Arkansas and having to sit. Again, that was selfish on my part. So, I got it in my mind that I wanted to go somewhere where I could play. When I made the decision to go to Westark, that’s when it started to kick in about the realization that I was making bad choices. Coach Kaundart was one of the best experiences that I have had. It was Coach Kaundart that told me I had too much ability (when Stewart contemplated giving up basketball) and needed to play somewhere.” That somewhere became Arkansas Tech University where Stewart finished his playing career.
So, on that great, emotional testimony, the Sports Brew Show concluded its July 7 show with a record number of listeners. Next week’s show (July 14) will feature members of the Paris High School Class of 2020 that will walk in their high school graduation ceremony later that week on Saturday, July 18.
And as I have said before, and I will say it again, if you have not listened to this show, you need to! The Sports Brew Show is streamed live on the internet every Tuesday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Just click on thesportsbrew.net at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to catch the latest on Paris and River Valley high school sports!
And as always, Resident Press will be there to give our readers a recap of each week’s show…see you next Tuesday from the Grapevine Restaurant in Paris!
AAA And DragonFly Athletics Announce Partnership
The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) and DragonFly Athletics have announced a statewide technology partnership to streamline the administration of school sports and activities. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, association and school staff will use DragonFly’s comprehensive management software for registration, medical records, communications, scheduling, and credentialing for all interscholastic activities.
One of the core objectives of the partnership is to eliminate excessive paperwork and processes, as DragonFly is a single, centralized platform to handle all of the AAA’s administrative needs. “We are excited to bring this technology to Arkansas High Schools,” said Lance Taylor, executive director of the AAA. “This will create a one-stop portal for our member schools. We believe DragonFly is the perfect fit for the AAA and look forward to getting DragonFly up and running for our member schools.”
Another goal of the partnership is to develop custom technologies that allow the AAA to have more data for strategic decision-making. “DragonFly is much more than a technology company; we’re invested in youth sports and want to help the AAA improve the game,” said Kirk Miller, chief executive officer of DragonFly. “Our software will give administrators the data they need in a timely fashion so they may improve the safety and experience of students.”
The new partnership is expected to be beneficial for everyone connected to sports and activities in Arkansas. “There are key people who make sports and activities possible, including administrators, healthcare providers, officials, and parents,” said Miller. “Our software provides tools for all of them – while creating a simplified, positive experience around previously mundane processes like paperwork. We’re especially proud that our technologies give athletic directors and coaches more of their time back to invest in students.”
For more information on the AAA, visit ahsaa.org. To learn more about DragonFly Athletics, visit dragonflymax.com or download the DragonFly MAX app from the App Store or Google Play. Since DragonFly will now be the new home for all AAA requirements, schools will be fined for not entering their data into DragonFly. Because of this, sports parents and/or players are highly encouraged to get their athletic information into DragonFly before the end of July.
Mansfield School Board Meets in Special Session
Members of the Mansfield School Board met in a special meeting on Tuesday evening, July 7. All members were present including Michael Gipson, Dewayne Ward, Trent Hayslip, Lesli Baggett and, via Zoom, Rick Nicodemus. Also present, staff members Kim Arnold, Joe Staton and Carol Reano.
The first matter of business, consent agenda items. A motion was made by Ward and seconded by Hayslip to approve the consent agenda items as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
In the matter of resignations, a motion was made by Hayslip and seconded by Baggett, to approve Superintendent Staton’s recommendation to accept the resignation of Keith Dake. The motion passed unanimously.
Next, the motion was made by Hayslip and seconded by Baggett, to approve Staton’s recommendation to accept the resignation of Allie Dake. The motion passed unanimously.
In the matter of hiring, a motion was made by Ward and seconded by Gipson to accept Staton’s recommendation to approve the hiring of Cynthia Darneal for the art position for the 20-21 school year. The motion passed unanimously
A motion was made by Hayslip and seconded by Baggett, to accept Staton’s recommendation to approve the hiring of Sheila Carlton as the elementary ALE teacher for the 20-21 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Ward and seconded by Haylsip, to accept Staton’s recommendation to approve the hiring of Darla Walker as counselor for the 20-21 school year. Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Ward and Gipson. Voting against the motion: Baggett. The motion passed 4-1.
A motion was made by Hayslip and seconded by Baggett, to accept Staton’s recommendation to approve to the hiring of Sara Taylor as high school counselor for the 20-21 school year. Voting for the motion: Nicodemus, Hayslip, Gipson and Baggett. Voting against the motion: Ward. The motion passed 4-1.
The next item on the agenda, the Superintendent’s Report and other board communication. Staton gave an update on the graduation scheduled for July 18, 2020.
Internal moves within the district include:
- Jessica Cunningham who will be moving from kindergarten to 4th grade.
- Katie Polk from 1st grade to 3rd grade.
- Laura Holland, Tommy Brewer, and Dimity Beran from 4th grade to the middle school.
Next, Staton gave an update on CDL requirements along with the progress of hiring of a custodian and bus driver.
The back to school plan was discussed along with an athletic update from AAA that sports will proceed as normal following the governor’s and CDC guidelines.
Lastly, with no other items of business, a motion was made by Ward and seconded by Baggett, to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.