Resident News Network

Tips for Building a Backyard Deck

Lifestyle

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9:21 am

A backyard deck is a great place to recline outside during restful moments of the day and evening. It is also a structure that you can set about designing and creating yourself. You might, therefore, choose to build one on your own as a commendable home-improvement project. If so, follow these tips for building a backyard deck.

Get the Required Permits

Learn if there are any local regulations that stipulate when and how you can build a deck in your backyard. Find out what restrictions apply to decks, and keep them in mind as you lay out the design. You should be clear in your intentions, as you may need to show your local government the design before getting the go-ahead. Apply for the necessary permits, and don’t start work until you’ve acquired them.

Hide Deck Board Ends

A tip for building a backyard deck that looks polished and complete is to find a way to hide the rough board edges. One way to do this is to measure the fascia boards that will attach to the ends of the deck longer so that they not only form the sides of the deck but also cover the ends of the boards laying on the top of the deck. You could also use a perimeter board that lies on top of the vertical fascia board like the deck boards. The perimeter boards create an enclosed top frame around the deck boards to hide their ends.

Pick Lasting Deck Materials

Your deck needs to last through 365 days every year of outdoor wear and tear. Therefore, the materials you select to build it with will make a big difference. Wood is the most popular choice, but you will need to treat it with a sealant periodically so it doesn’t deteriorate from moisture and other elemental forces. For a more carefree option that you can rely on, plastic lumber may work well for you. It has the overall appearance of wood but does not rot, discolor, or warp as easily since it is composed of inorganic compounds. It is also an eco-friendly material since it’s the product of recycled plastic waste and doesn’t require potentially harmful sealing chemicals applied to it.

ATU-Ozark Plans For Return to On-Campus Instruction

News

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4:46 pm

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ATU-Ozark Plans For Return to On-Campus Instruction

OZARK, Ark. (June 8, 2020)–Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus is implementing sanitization and social distancing protocols necessary for a safe return to on-campus operations for its students, faculty and staff.

Lab-intensive instruction will return to campus on a limited basis at the beginning of the second summer term on Monday, July 6.

Faculty, staff and students returning to on-campus instruction will undergo health screening, practice social distancing and be required to wear face coverings in the limited lab environments. Faculty will undergo safety training to support best practices while in the lab environment.

When the potential exists, remote or virtual instruction will continue to be preferred at ATU-Ozark during the second summer term so as to limit the number of individuals on campus at any given moment.

The additional measures are part of Arkansas Tech’s mitigation of and recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We have a dual responsibility to provide a safe learning environment while simultaneously offering the educational programs that help drive economic development and job growth in our communities,” said Bruce Sikes, ATU-Ozark Campus chancellor. “As a regional commuter campus, circumstances can change quickly and we ask students to remain consistent with the guidance provided by the Arkansas Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ATU COVID-19 task force and local authorities. Each of these entities will assist us in our safe return to campus.”

Sikes added that ATU-Ozark is “optimistically planning” to offer on-campus classes during the fall 2020 semester in accordance with the ATU pandemic recovery framework.

ATU-Ozark will make safety supplies and equipment available to faculty, staff and students as part of the return to campus. These measures will include additional hand sanitizer stations, utilization of CDC-approved cleaning techniques and making masks available to members of the campus community who cannot provide their own.

The transition plan for ATU-Ozark also includes provisions for individuals who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and specialized plans for students who are at an increased risk due to occupational training, with a focus on the health professions.

“We are procuring the supplies and equipment necessary to provide a safe environment,” said Dr. Sheila Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chief academic officer. “Our classrooms are also being readied to promote the virtual environment as situations require. We also recognize that the situation can change rapidly. ATU-Ozark is prepared to move to remote and virtual operations if the situation arises.

“Through the planning and support of our campus community, I am confident in our ability to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19,” continued Jacobs. “We look forward to the safe return to campus of our students and the life-changing academic opportunities they will find there.”

Police Reports: Week of June 1

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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4:12 pm

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6/4
On June 4, a Greenwood officer noticed the vehicle in front of him continuously traveling outside its lane. After initiating a traffic stop, dispatch advised that one of the passengers, Larry Bryant, was wanted for being an absconder from the Arkansas State Parole Board. Bryant, 43, was placed under arrest and transported to the Sebastian County Jail without incident.

6/5
On June 5, at 9:26 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Assembly of God Church at 725 Park Drive. Upon arrival, the officer was met by Decoty Cooper, 40. He informed the officer that he had warrants for his arrest, and wanted to go to jail. Dispatch confirmed the two warrants, and the officer obliged his request to be transported to the jail.

6/5
On June 5, at approximately 11:35 p.m., a Greenwood officer observed a white Chevy with no tags and a brake light out, traveling east on Center Street. At Highway 96 the officer initiated a traffic stop, and made contact with the driver. The driver, Nathaniel Stout, 29, presented his driver’s license and paperwork with the VIN of the vehicle. Stout claimed the truck had been in the shop and he did not have the registration or other paperwork in it. While running a check, it was discovered that Stout’s driver’s license had been canceled, and that he had a warrant out of Van Buren. The VIN returned on the vehicle, but it was not registered in his
name and had expired tags. Stout was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrant, and was issued warnings for the other violations.

6/6
On June 6, at 10 a.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle for making an improper turn. Dispatch confirmed that occupant Albert Higman, 42, had a warrant for his arrest out of Washington County. Higman was placed under arrest and transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center.

Greenwood Officer Tests Positive for COVID-19

Tammy Teague

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2:49 pm

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Greenwood Officer Tests Positive for COVID-19

Greenwood Police Chief William Dawson released a statement on Monday afternoon after one of one his officers tested positive for COVID-19.

In that statement Dawson shared, “as of Tuesday of last week, we quarantined three officers due to possible exposure to the virus. One of the three officers has tested positive for the virus. Due to additional contact with the positive officer, three additional officers have been quarantined and are in the process of being tested. We would like to release this information and suggest that anyone that had contact with officers of this department last week, to consider being tested for the virus.”

Greenwood Farmers’ Market Has Successful Opening

Networks

Tammy Teague

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12:38 pm

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Greenwood Farmers’ Market Has Successful Opening

The Greenwood Farmers’ Market kicked off their season on opening day, Saturday, June 6.

The original opening date was in May, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was postponed.

Crafts, baked goods, produce, homemade soaps and a variety of goodies were available. All items for sale at the market are curated by local farmers and vendors.

The next Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday, June 20 beginning at 8 a.m. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, you can contact them through their Facebook page.

Smoked Sausage Hash

Food

Tammy Teague

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5:20 am

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Looking for a one skillet dish so you don’t have tons of dishes to wash after super? Look no further! This is a favorite one-skillet dish for our family that feeds for a crowd.

Ingredients
1 Bell Pepper
1 Small White Onion
1 Heaping Tablespoon of Minced Garlic
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
5 (7 oz.) Packages of Smoked Sausage
1 (32 oz.) Package of Diced Cubed Frozen Hash Browns
2 Additional Tablespoons of Olive Oil

Directions
Dice bell pepper and onion. Place pepper, onion, garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Sautee for approximately 5 minutes on medium heat. Next, add sliced summer sausages. Brown for 3 minutes. Last, add frozen cubed hash browns and another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir all ingredients. Place a lid over the skillet and cook on medium for 10 minutes. Remove lid and stir. Place the lid back on and cook for another 10 minutes until potatoes become soft and light golden brown. Then, this yummy dish is ready to serve with a slice of warm buttered bread on the side! Post Views: 2

Smoked Sausage Hash

Food

Resident News Network

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5:08 am

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Looking for a one skillet dish so you don’t have tons of dishes to wash after super? Look no further! This is a favorite one-skillet dish for our family that feeds for a crowd.

Ingredients
1 Bell Pepper
1 Small White Onion
1 Heaping Tablespoon of Minced Garlic
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
5 (7 oz.) Packages of Smoked Sausage
1 (32 oz.) Package of Diced Cubed Frozen Hash Browns
2 Additional Tablespoons of Olive Oil

Directions
Dice bell pepper and onion. Place pepper, onion, garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Sautee for approximately 5 minutes on medium heat. Next, add sliced summer sausages. Brown for 3 minutes. Last, add frozen cubed hash browns and another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir all ingredients. Place a lid over the skillet and cook on medium for 10 minutes. Remove lid and stir. Place the lid back on and cook for another 10 minutes until potatoes become soft and light golden brown. Then, this yummy dish is ready to serve with a slice of warm buttered bread on the side!

Canceled Hatchery Fishing Derbies Result in Bonus Catfish Stockings Throughout Arkansas

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:52 am

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Canceled Hatchery Fishing Derbies Result in Bonus Catfish Stockings Throughout Arkansas

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — Precautions to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 have forced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to cancel the annual fishing derbies held at its five fish hatcheries in June, but anglers throughout the state will still be able to enjoy some quality time chasing catfish. AGFC hatcheries are delivering thousands of pounds of catchable-sized catfish to small, publicly accessible ponds throughout Arkansas to prepare for Free Fishing Weekend, June 12-14.

“We didn’t want to cancel our hatchery derbies, but we really didn’t see a way to do them without breaking social distancing precautions,” said Tommy Laird, assistant chief of fisheries for the AGFC. “We host thousands of participants each year on that day, and there just isn’t space for people to spread out properly on the ponds we can designate for the derby.”

Laird says all hatchery staff are disappointed with the cancelations but are working hard to make sure everyone has a good time on Free Fishing Weekend.

“This is the one time of year where we get thousands of visitors to show them all the work we do to produce fish for Arkansans,” Laird said. “The events are just as important to us as they are to the people who come to fish. They even compete for bragging rights on what hatchery has the most visitors and best response from surveys taken during the derbies.”

Each of the AGFC’s four warm-water hatcheries has a surplus of catchable-sized catfish that were raised with these derbies in mind. Those catfish now will be delivered to small ponds throughout the state for anglers everywhere to enjoy. Staff worked hard to distribute the 24,000 pounds of catchable catfish evenly throughout the state.

“We are stocking 6,000 pounds of catfish to each of the four quarters of the state,” Laird said. “The amount stocked per pond will be determined by the size of that pond and the number of people who normally fish it, but we worked hard to divide this surplus evenly.”

These stockings are in addition to the normal stockings the AGFC conducts through its Family and Community Fishing Program.

“Those locations all will receive their normal stockings, these are just some additional locations that normally don’t get these extra stockings,” Laird said.

Anglers are advised to continue practicing social distancing while enjoying all fishing locations. Maintain a 6-foot distance (one fishing rod’s length) from your nearest neighbor who is not in your immediate family and wash your hands thoroughly after touching any surfaces that someone else may have touched.

“It’s always a good idea to have some latex gloves, a hand towel and some hand sanitizer or water with you while catfishing anyway,” Laird said. “Most anglers probably already carry some of these items to clean up after they unhook a fish.”

The following list of ponds will receive extra stockings before June 12:

Southeast Arkansas

Crossett — Crossett City Park
Eudora — Eudora City Lake
Forest City — Forest City Sports Complex Pond
Hazen — Mammoth Pond at Wattensaw
Judsonia — Judsonia City Park Pond
Lake Village — Lake Village Community Lake
Marianna — Ranger Pond
McGhee — McGhee City Lake
Star City — Cane Creek State Park
Warren — Bradley County Lake

Southwest Arkansas

Arkadelphia — Youth Sports Complex Pond
Camden — Camden Fairview High School Pond
Columbus — Grandview Prairie Education Pond
Jesseville — Jesseville Work Center Pond
Mena — Rich Mountain Community College Pond
Mt. Ida — Womble-Mt. Ida Work Center
Nashville — Nashville City Park Lake
Sheridan — Sheridan Community Center Pond

Northwest Arkansas

Berryville — George Pond
Booneville — Booneville City Lake (Veteran’s Park)
Centerton — Centerton Pond
Gentry — Flint Creek Nature Pond
Harrison — Harrison Lake
Jasper — Bradley Park
Lowell — Ward Nail Park
Rogers — Camp War Eagle
Siloam Springs — Sager Creek Park
Van Buren — Lake Lou Emma
Waldron — Sodie Davidson Park Pond
West Fork — Devil’s Den Park

Northeast Arkansas

Batesville — Rowe Lake
Blytheville — Walker Park
Burdette — Burdette Lake
Cave City — Cave City Park Pond
Jonesboro — Caraway Lake
Melbourne — Melbourne City Park
Mt. Home — Amons Lake
Mt. Home — McCabe Park
Mt. View — Stinger Lake
Newport — Newport Lake
Piggott — Heritage Park
Pocahontas — Old Davidsonville State Park
Salem — Salem City Park
Walnut Ridge — Walnut Ridge City Park

Central Arkansas

Beebe — Cypress Bayou
Bryant — Bishop Park Pond
Dardanelle — Merritt Park Pond
Greenbrier — Lake Bennett at Wooly Hollow
Guy — Guy City Lake
Hot Springs — Diamondhead Park
Ward — Ward City Lake

Canceled Hatchery Fishing Derbies Result in Bonus Catfish Stockings at Sodie Davidson

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:45 am

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Canceled Hatchery Fishing Derbies Result in Bonus Catfish Stockings at Sodie Davidson

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

Precautions to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 have forced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to cancel the annual fishing derbies held at its five fish hatcheries in June, but anglers throughout the state will still be able to enjoy some quality time chasing catfish. AGFC hatcheries are delivering thousands of pounds of catchable-sized catfish to small, publicly accessible ponds throughout Arkansas to prepare for Free Fishing Weekend, June 12-14.