Resident News Network

Hackett Schools Announce Plan for Upcoming Year

News

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8:56 am

Hackett Schools Announce Plan for Upcoming Year

On Wednesday, July 1, Hackett School District Superintendent Edward Ray released the following regarding the upcoming school year:

Dear Hackett School District,

Current information coming to schools are we will start school in August as planned. Any decisions regarding closure of facilities, methods of delivering instruction through “blended learning” or “remote learning” will be local decisions. Policies regarding the use of masks that are stronger than what is specified by the Arkansas Department of Health will also be local decisions. Many districts have surveyed their parents about decisions for this coming school year. We are intentionally waiting until later in the month to survey our parents, but we will do so later in July. Our decision to wait is because guidance is fluid and people’s intentions change frequently. Any survey results we get today could likely be much different as we get closer to school starting in August and we want our data to be more accurate.

As I stated in the previous letter, we take the quality of education and the safety of our students and staff very seriously. I provided more details about this fall in the previous letter, but I wanted to review some important items regarding current or upcoming events and a few things we are doing to help keep our students safe when we return to school.

REVIEW OF IMPORTANT ITEMS
Announcements
If you haven’t done the 2020 census yet, please do so at “https://2020census.gov”
Our summer food program stopped June 26th, but our school is helping with a food bank service on Wednesdays. We are providing this as a public service but, it is NOT affiliated with the school.
Per survey results, we have planned our 2020 graduation on August 8th. Details coming soon.
If and how sports will occur this fall, if they occur, is still filled with questions. We do not know anything we can tell you at this time other than we are preparing to have fall sports. Any decisions regarding cancellation or restrictions will be made above the school’s level.
Safety
We will be placing hand sanitizer in practical areas of campus.
We have placed at least one water bottle filling stations in most buildings around our campus.
When possible, we will be disinfecting areas after groups of students leave an area.
We will follow guidelines by the Department of Health for schools regarding the use of masks.
It is unlikely that 7th through 12th grade students will use lockers this year based on guidance.
We know you have many questions. Rest assured we are planning and preparing to offer each student a quality education and lower the risk of exposure to Covid-19 for students and staff. Feel free to contact your principals or my office with questions. Whatever school looks like this August, I know Hackett School District will be providing a great education opportunity to our students.

Sincerely,
Edward E. Ray, Superintendent

Three Greenwood Students Named UAFS Academic Excellence Award Winners

Networks

Tammy Teague

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10:25 am

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Top students from 42 academic programs at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith were given accolades for their work this fall, earning Academic Excellence Awards from the university.

Each year the Academic Excellence Awards honor students who have shown exceptional dedication in the classroom as nominated by UAFS faculty members.

Recipients of the 2019-2020 awards and their fields of study are:

Alma:
Michael J Dahlem II, computer graphic technology
Kallie Dean, elementary education K-6

Arkadelphia
Christopher L. Brown, applied science

Barling
Karman Biggs, biology

Booneville
Alyssa Michelle Adair, nursing (BSN)
Bailie Murphy, business administration.
Alexa Taylor, marketing
Riley Nicole Taylor, psychology

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Rebecca D. Greer, criminal justice

Eureka Springs
Corinna Campbell-Green, social work

Fort Smith
Tristan Makalah Harris, rhetoric and writing
Daniella Andrea Infante, Spanish
Stephanie Jurczyk, international business
Jennie Vansana Keohacksa, electrical engineering technology
Zabdiel Montes Natividad, music education – instrumental
Golden Mulkey, English with teacher licensure 7-12
Patricia Hurtado Perez, mathematics with teacher licensure 7-12.
Chris Willhite, office management technology
Courtney Yandell, imaging sciences

Greenwood
Sheldon Vargas, finance
Taylor Daggett, graphic design
Rachel Wilbanks, history with social studies teacher licensure 7-12

Judsonia
Letty Perez, surgical technology

Lees Summit
Anna Demmer, media communication

Mena
Kole A. Birtcher, electrical engineering
Michael Aaron Smith, chemistry

Muldrow
Jordan M. Hardwick, history

O’Fallon, Missouri
Mason Elise Patterson, English

Paris
Shirley Jones, organizational leadership

Pea Ridge
Kristin Middleton, biology with teacher licensure

Pearcy
Meghan McDaniel, mathematics

Pocola, Oklahoma
Paige Lokey, theatre

Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Jacen Williams, information technology

Siloam Springs
Jonathan Richard Haggard, studio art

Spring Hill
Connie Worbington, workforce leadership

Van Buren
Jake D. Ball, electronics technology
Joshua Coombes, political science
Kelly R. Hardy, radiography
Brandon L. Loukota, mechanical engineering
Dalton Gage Norris, accounting
Gabriel Priddy, animation technology

West Fork
Mary Elizabeth Andrews, dental hygiene

Smoked Chicken With Garlic Spiced Buttered Noodles

Food

Tammy Teague

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9:57 am

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Smoked Chicken With Garlic Spiced Buttered Noodles

It’s been said that most people in the quarantine will gain an approximate 15 pounds due to boredom and snacking. Some have been searching for new recipes and have gotten busy in the kitchen that had once been retired. At least with gaining a few extra pounds, happiness is being found back at the kitchen table as families have time to gather once again.
Have you been searching for a new dish to try for dinner? With the extra time on our hands and beef being hard to find, why not try this Smoked Chicken with Garlic Spiced Buttered Noodles recipe? It’s a simple recipe that will spark your taste buds.

Ingredients
1 ½ pounds of Smoked cooked Chicken
16 oz box of Penne Pasta
2 Sticks of Margarine
Seasonings to Dash:
Garlic Salt
Lawry’s Season Salt
Slap Yo Momma Seasoning
Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
Italian Seasoning

Directions
This recipe calls for smoke chicken, however you can use a rotisserie chicken from Wal-Mart to make things a lot simpler! Just debone and set aside. If you decide so smoke the chicken, use hickory chips for wood smoking. Next, place 3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast in a disposable metal shallow pan, and add ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Smoke chicken at 200 degrees for two hours or until chicken is completely cooked. Shred chicken and set aside.
Boil noodles according to directions on the box. When draining water from the noodles, leave about ¼ cup of water in pot and add two sticks of margarine. Stir lightly while it melts. Next, add a dash of each seasoning. You want an even amount of each seasoning except the Italian Seasoning. Add three dashes of Italian seasoning. I tend to add a little extra garlic salt as well since it’s my favorite seasoning. Stir seasonings to mix well with your butter sauce. Next, fold in the smoked chicken.
Pair with a slice of garlic bread and a salad, and you’ve got yourself an easy dinner that taste like it’s straight out of a magazine!
Enjoy!

Smoked Chicken With Garlic Spiced Buttered Noodles

Food

Resident News Network

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9:43 am

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It’s been said that most people in the quarantine will gain an approximate 15 pounds due to boredom and snacking. Some have been searching for new recipes and have gotten busy in the kitchen that had once been retired. At least with gaining a few extra pounds, happiness is being found back at the kitchen table as families have time to gather once again.
Have you been searching for a new dish to try for dinner? With the extra time on our hands and beef being hard to find, why not try this Smoked Chicken with Garlic Spiced Buttered Noodles recipe? It’s a simple recipe that will spark your taste buds.

Ingredients
1 ½ pounds of Smoked cooked Chicken
16 oz box of Penne Pasta
2 Sticks of Margarine
Seasonings to Dash:
Garlic Salt
Lawry’s Season Salt
Slap Yo Momma Seasoning
Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
Italian Seasoning

Directions
This recipe calls for smoke chicken, however you can use a rotisserie chicken from Wal-Mart to make things a lot simpler! Just debone and set aside. If you decide so smoke the chicken, use hickory chips for wood smoking. Next, place 3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast in a disposable metal shallow pan, and add ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Smoke chicken at 200 degrees for two hours or until chicken is completely cooked. Shred chicken and set aside.
Boil noodles according to directions on the box. When draining water from the noodles, leave about ¼ cup of water in pot and add two sticks of margarine. Stir lightly while it melts. Next, add a dash of each seasoning. You want an even amount of each seasoning except the Italian Seasoning. Add three dashes of Italian seasoning. I tend to add a little extra garlic salt as well since it’s my favorite seasoning. Stir seasonings to mix well with your butter sauce. Next, fold in the smoked chicken.
Pair with a slice of garlic bread and a salad, and you’ve got yourself an easy dinner that taste like it’s straight out of a magazine!
Enjoy!

Not-So-Obvious Things Every Household Should Have

Networks

Resident News Network

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5:08 am

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In every house, you can expect to find certain things: stove, couches, toilets, refrigerators, etc. They are necessary and practical for living, and they’re at the forefront of the mind for most people when they move into a new house. But there are some not-so-obvious things every household should have. They tend to be things that are needed in an emergency but are good to have around all the time.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Every house comes equipped with smoke alarms, but most don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, especially old ones. A good CO2 monitor will plug into any outlet and warn you and your family of an odorless and colorless killer in your home.

An Evacuation Plan

When an emergency hits, there won’t be time to think about how to get out of the house. Fires in the home will cause panic and lead to poor decisions. Devise and implement an evacuation plan for every room in your house. Map out the best ways to get out of the house and practice doing it. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s a necessary plan to have.

Toilet Plunger

This is without a doubt an emergency-type situation in a list of not-so-obvious things every household should have. Go ahead and giggle—it’s funny. People never think about a toilet plunger until the worst has happened. A toilet plunger is cheaper than calling a plumber to come over and having to explain what’s in there and why the water won’t go down. Anyone who didn’t have a plunger when needed will never be without one again.

Pocket Lighters

Even if you don’t smoke, it’s good to have a few lighters in the house. When the power goes out, they are great for lighting candles. You also need them for lighting the fireplace in the winter and the grill in the summer. Lighting a fire is our most basic of survival instincts, yet we ignore that instinct in the modern world.

Portable Charger

Cell phones are as important a survival tool as fire these days. If the power goes out or some other calamity befalls you in your house, you will need your phone to stay in communication and call for help. With the phone, you can search for information and find answers in an emergency. You can take advantage of the flashlight app on a phone too if you are without a real one.

Fire Extinguishers

Grease fires in the kitchen are at the top of the house fire causation list. Keep a few fire extinguishers in the house in areas likely to have a fire. Places like the kitchen, garage, and utility room are more likely to have a fire in them. Hang them in a spot they are easy to access in an emergency.

Arkansas Governor’s Decision on Contact Sports Still Up in the Air

Sports

Resident News Network

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1:30 pm

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Arkansas Governor’s Decision on Contact Sports Still Up in the Air

Today was the day..June 30…the day that high school sports fans in Arkansas had been hoping to hear the long-awaited words from governor Asa Hutchinson that contact sports in Arkansas would be allowed to resume.

In today’s daily press briefing, Governor Hutchinson was asked for an update on the status of the resumption of contact sports practices in Arkansas by a member of the state media. Governor Hutchinson prefaced his response with what sounded like concern for players and teams going out of state to Oklahoma and Texas to play summer sports where the standards were not as strict as Arkansas’s. Governor Hutchinson said, “Let me just add to that, it appears to me that there are some of our athletes that are in summer sports that are going to Oklahoma and Texas, and I don’t know how they are doing that, but it seems that they’re playing where the guidelines may be a little looser than some of the other states.” Governor Hutchinson went on to say, with reference to the possible resumption of contact sports full practices and games, “But, I am anxious to play. We are continuing to look at that, but, we have it on “pause” right now until we get these cases (statewide positivity numbers) down I don’t expect movement to take place to a Phase 3 or opening it up for those additional contact sports. I am anxious for that to change and hopefully we will get there if we all do our duty…do our responsibility. I do get messages from people that say “whatever it takes, let’s do it so that we can have sports next year” and we want to do that, but we have to be smart and we have to get this (state’s infection rate) under control.”

So, in short, the governor did not make the announcement that everyone had hoped for. It appears from today’s statement that the full resumption of contact sports may be linked to the state moving to a Phase 3 reopening. Governor Hutchinson did not announce a target date for all of this to happen, so, the message may be, if everyone helps get the state to Phase 3, the sooner this happens the sooner contact sports may be allowed to resume.

Silver linings to today’s press conference were the announcement of COVID rates beginning to decrease, especially in northwest Arkansas. Secondly, the state will end the fiscal year in better shape than anticipated. Public schools will be fully funded next year. So, the stage is set for the next school year; now, we just have to work together to get the infection rate down over the next 30 days.

Resident Press will continue to report on this story as events dictate. In the meantime, enjoy your Independence Day holiday, and stay safe out there!

City Clerk and Treasurer Celebrated for Years of Service

Tammy Teague

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12:41 pm

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City Clerk and Treasurer Celebrated for Years of Service

On Tuesday, June 30, friends, family and co-workers at Waldron City Hall celebrated City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston. Johnston is retiring after two decades of service to the city.

-See related story

Congratulations Sherry Johnston, thank you for your dedication throughout the years! We hope you have many years of happiness following your retirement!

The employees at Waldron City Hall worked hard to surprise Johnston!

City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston with her beloved family.

City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston with Mayor Dave Millard

City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston

Administrative Secretary Regina Oliver and Director of Public Works Brandon Nelson

The employees at Waldron City Hall catered the Mexican meal!

Waldron Mayor David Millard presents City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston with the Key to the City.

City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston (center) with City Employees Brandon Nelson, Regina Oliver, Carleva Jones and LaVada Allen.

City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston with son Michael.

This Week’s Sports Brew Show Will Be Streamed July 21

Sports

Resident News Network

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8:23 am

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This Week’s Sports Brew Show Will Be Streamed July 21

Listeners can hear the Sports Brew Show that was originally scheduled to be streamed live today on Tuesday, July 21. The show will begin at 4 p.m.

Razorbacks fans will not want to miss next week’s show on July 7 that will be a Razorbacks special that will include former Razorbacks players Grant Freeman, Ron Trusty, and Brad Taylor, The show will be streamed live on July 7 at 4 p.m. Go to thesportsbrew.net to hear hosts Tim Johns, Marvin Wiggins, and myself each Tuesday.

And Resident Press will be there to bring a recap of each week’s shows to our readers! Stay with Resident Press for the best coverage of River Valley sports!

Emerging From the Backwoods

Networks

Tammy Teague

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5:59 pm

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For many of us born before the turn of the century, our earliest memories center on the old school buildings that dominated the surrounding small communities. Often the buildings were two and three stories tall with basements, fire escapes, and imposing brick exteriors. Inside, the halls were dark hardwood with large doors leading to classrooms crowded with wooden desks.

Thinking back, we remember how hot it was on summer days. We remember the smell of layers of wax, chalk, and right before lunch, the wonderful odor of cooking yeast rolls.

Outside in the playground, we found swings mounted on great iron shafts, teeter totters that we constantly bounced each other from, and merry-go-rounds that constantly left us with skinned legs and bruised knees. I remember David Rhineheart trying to jump to many rungs on the monkey bars and breaking an arm. Wonderful fun equipment that would end teachers and administrators in courts being sued today.

In the sixties, boys still played marbles and tops (often for keeps), and girls played hop-scotch in the required dresses which were the code of the day. Each room had a library of books and teachers like Mrs. Looney encouraged us to read by starting a book, stopping at an exciting point, and telling us if we wanted the remainder of the story, we could read it ourselves.

At one point, the state had 1589 school districts, one in about every populated section. There were 424 in the state in 1948, the year that the state began enforcing consolidation. Seventy-one of those districts contained less than 100 students. Prior to that date, we had schools at Shoal Creek, Ione, Sugar Groove, Branch, and Mount Salem. Older citizens still recall stories of those times and the teachers who educated them. Many of the old buildings still stand as testament to that time. Today, districts are required 350 total students or consolidation.

Many of the early schools educated only grades one through eight; kindergarten was a thought way in the future. Older students wanting more education went to Academies. Two of the top academies in the state were found in Booneville and Paris. Students attended those and paid $1.50 to $3 per month to attend. Room and board was about $8 a month and students could work that off by cutting wood or trade it off in farm goods.

Schools progressed, became larger, and converted to the modern air conditioning. Books have become computers, football fields covered in astro-turf and girls can wear pants and even shorts to school.

Memories of those days linger, each of us with our own special memories of classes, laughter, and friends.

Obituary- Kelly Marie (Linderman) Shaddon (1973-2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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5:31 pm

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Obituary- Kelly Marie (Linderman) Shaddon (1973-2020)

Kelly Marie (Linderman) Shaddon of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, June 26, 2020 with her loving family by her side. Kelly was born February 25, 1973 in San Jose, California to Edward J. Linderman and Lorie Marie (Wilson) Linderman. Kelly was 47 years old.

Kelly was a beautiful, energetic, happy person. She loved vacationing, discovering the beautiful natural parks with her soulmate and love of her life Wade. Some of her favorite things were helping others, dolphins, purple pansies and spending time in her pool. She believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Kelly was loving and kind, she touched everyone she knew and more. She would light up the room with her beautiful smile and presence. Kelly was a force of nature that wouldn’t let anyone or thing slow her down. She was funny and smart and made people happy. She lived every day to the fullest. We can hear her say “…it is what it is man.” Some of her most memorable times were the day she met Wade (her soulmate) and married him, and each day her children were born. If Kelly could tell all those she loved one thing; it would be that, she will be with each one of you in your hearts and will be waiting to greet you at the gates of heaven”. She will be waiting for her husband Wade to spend eternity with him. Kelly cherished time she spent surrounded by family and friends that loved her dearly.

Kelly leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Wade Shaddon of the home, her children: Michael Burger of Alabama, Edward Thornburg, Charlea Watkins, Tyler Shaddon and Allie Shaddon all of Waldron, Arkansas. Her love will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Millie Shaddon, Bhody Shaddon and Maleiah Trager. Kelly is also survived by her parents, Edward Sr and Lorie Linderman of Rogers, Arkansas, her father and mother in law, Frank and Charlean Shaddon and siblings: Edward Linderman Jr. and wife Candace of Rogers, Arkansas, Heather Linderman and Teresa Libera and husband Christopher “Bernie” all of California, brothers in law and sisters in law, Josh and Becky Shaddon and Reggie and Angie McNaughton. Kelly will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces and nephews, friends, her work gals and many dear loved ones.

Kelly’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the Sodie Davidson Park Pavillion with Rev. Konnor McKay and Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Kelly’s pallbearers will be Juanita Cox Atchley, Erin Curtis, Laurie Scantling, Amber Harris Craig, Amber Lane Richmond, Amy Carpenter, April Nelson and Sarah Garrison.

Kelly’s visitation will be Monday, June 29, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

During these trying and difficult times, we must follow the guidelines we have been given to do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but everyone must wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet apart. For those who want to attend the service but wish to remain in your vehicles, the graveside service can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at 87.9 FM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kelly Marie (Linderman) Shaddon, please visit our floral store.

R

Carbon Monoxide Detector

An Evacuation Plan

Toilet Plunger

Pocket Lighters

Portable Charger

Fire Extinguishers

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK