Resident News Network

Two of the Best Growing Mediums for Your Hydroponic Garden

Lifestyle

-

12:18 pm

Two of the Best Growing Mediums for Your Hydroponic Garden

Gardening practices, whether on a small or large scale, can always benefit from refinement and improvement. One of the techniques and methods people have used more lately is that of hydroponics. Simply put, it’s the method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. It works both on a small scale and for larger farms. A big part of this method’s success comes from the growing medium.

In traditional gardening, the growing medium for plants is dirt or soil. Hydroponics utilizes different materials to support the plant’s roots and hold it upright. With all the different hydroponic systems, there’s no exact science for which growing medium is best, but there are some that work better than others for the system you have and the plants you’re growing. Learn more about two of the best growing mediums for your hydroponic garden here!

Rockwool

Rockwool is one of the most common growing mediums for hydroponic gardens. It’s a non-degradable medium composed mostly of granite and/or sandstone that is then super-heated and melted. Its end form is like a bunch of small, cotton-candy-like threads formed into blocks, sheets, or slabs.

Pros:

It sucks up nutrient solution well but gives most of the solution to the roots of the plant.
It’s very porous, leaving room for roots to grow.

Cons:

It’s not biodegradable.
It requires sterilization (it has a high pH, affecting plant growth and the nutrient solution) before each use.

Best for:

Rockwool is best for aeroponic systems, which keep it from getting too saturated and overwhelming the plant. These systems work beautifully in greenhouses!

Perlite

Perlite is one of the best growing mediums for your hydroponic garden because it works well for so many systems. The medium is mainly composed of minerals subjected to very high heat—they expand like popcorn, becoming incredibly lightweight and porous. It mixes well with other growing mediums, so you could pair Rockwool and perlite to create an even better environment for your garden.

Pros:

It has a neutral pH, which will help protect your plants from diseases.
It’s very easy to find—it’s available at most garden centers near you.

Cons:

Perlite dust often irritates lungs and eyes, so you’ll want to wash before using and even wear a mask when working with it.
Little grains of perlite can wash away depending on the system you choose, so you may have to replenish more often than usual.

Best for:

Perlite doesn’t hold water that well, so you’ll want to use a system that keeps your plant roots constantly wet. Drip systems work much better than flood and drain systems, since perlite floats!

The world of hydroponics is a vast and interesting one. But once you delve into it, you’ll see how it could thoroughly improve every one of your gardening endeavors!

Huntington Fire Department Rescues Man From Swift Waters

-

10:32 am

0

Heavy rainfall over the holiday weekend caused heavy flooding throughout the area. On Monday evening, May 25, a Huntington man was stranded by floodwaters on Highway 252.

Huntington Police Chief Stacy Wieburg stated Donald Martinez may have gotten near or attempted to enter the flooded creek bed before becoming stranded by swift moving waters.

The Huntington Fire Department was able to pull the man to safety. Martinez did no sustain any injuries from the incident.

The department was assisted by Sebastian County Emergency Management and the Mansfield Police Department.

Obituary- James Kent Scott (1959-2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

1:43 pm

0

James Kent Scott of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, May 22, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. James was born May 18, 1959, in Ridgecrest, California to Charles Waymond Scott Sr. and Vivian Arlene Napier. He was 61 years old. James professed his love for the Lord and was a dedicated member of the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God. He enjoyed hearing the word being preached and soaked up the knowledge shared with him.

When James was young he enjoyed riding motorcycles and playing the guitar was always his favorite hobby. James was a skilled brick mason and took extreme pride in being a perfectionist in his work. He loved being his own boss and making his own schedule. He loved listening to music, riding his 4 wheeler, mowing his lawn and fishing. James cherished the time he got to spend with his family and loved ones. Some of his fondest memories was hanging out with his big brother he loved so dearly. The bond they shared was definitely something special. James’ kids were his pride and joy. He loved them all and enjoyed every chance he had to spend time with them making precious memories. If James could leave you with a couple quotes this is what he would say: “Don’t sweat the small stuff” and “Stay humble and kind”.

James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Vivian Napier of Waldron, Arkansas, three children: James(JJ) Scott and Jacob Scott both of Waldron, Arkansas and Jenise Briley and husband Shawn of Charleston, Arkansas, a very special friend and companion, Misty Aynes of Waldron, Arkansas and one proud big brother, Charles Scott Jr. and wife, Marion of Waldron, Arkansas. PaPa/Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Preston Scott, Jaymz Scott, Brody Scott, Gavin Scott, Gracelyn Scott, Benjamin Scott, Ava Briley and Viviana Briley. James is also survived by two nephews he loved, Justin Scott and Travis Scott. James will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including an extended family of friends and loved ones.

James was preceded in death by his father, Charles Scott Sr.

James’ life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay and Bro. Travis May officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

James’ pallbearers will be JJ Scott, Jacob Scott, Shawn Briley, Ronald Parks, Travis May and Chris Cantrell.

James’ visitation will be Monday, May 25, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 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. We must limit public gatherings to 50 people. 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 to want to attend the service but wish to remain in your vehicles, the funreal service will be live streamed and the graveside service can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at 87.9.

You may sign James’ guest register by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

Mansfield City Council Votes to Nix Annual Pension Increases

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

5:40 pm

0

Mansfield City Council Votes to Nix Annual Pension Increases

The Mansfield City Council met on Thursday evening, May 21. All members of the council were present including Julie Thomas, Dave Johnson, Jan Carlton, Beverly Lyons, Rick McDaniel and Sheri Hopkins. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After the approving the month of April’s meeting minutes and financial statements, the council heard the city services reports.

Public Works Director Joe Manes was not present. The department had performed seventy three work orders. Manes reported that a water pump was replaced on the old trash truck, that workers had completed on sewer repair on Darlene Drive, and cleaned out a ditch on Fairfax Street.

Mayor Black advised that water shut-offs will be in place in the month of June. Anyone who fails to pay their water bill by the 20th of the month will be disconnected.

Next, the fire report was presented. Chief Michael Smith shared that his department had a total of 10 calls, seven fire and three EMS. Chief Smith is attending weekly meetings in Fort Smith, obtaining updates on the coronavirus. He also advised that regularly bi-monthly fire meetings had resumed, and eight members had attended last evening, Thursday, May 14.

Smith also reported issues with the tanker truck’s battery and informed the council that a new one needed to be purchased.

Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb was present and the council reviewed the department reports. For the month of April, the police department issued seven citations in Scott County and two in Sebastian County. There were a total of 28 calls, and 17 agency assists, two in Scott County and 15 in Sebastian. There were two arrest reports, and two accident reports, 35 total traffic stops and 26 warnings were issued. In total, the department had a total of 12 training hours.

Mayor Black asked the council to consider amending the agenda to discuss the disposal of personnel records at the police department. After voting to amend the agenda, Black informed the council that these records were eligible to be destroyed after seven years. A motion was made by Alderman McDaniel to move forward with destroying those records, and it carried unanimously.

Robb presented two candidates for full time officer positions, Chelcie Fletcher and Devan Nichols. The council approved the hiring of the two full time officers. Both Fletcher and Nichols will be attending ALETA in the near future.

City Attorney Matt Ketcham was absent for the meeting, but had presented the council with a proposed dog ordinance. Mayor Black asked the council to review the ordinance and be prepared to discuss any necessary changes at the meeting in June.

The city’s grant writer, Shelby Allen was present and discussed the low participation in the 2020 Census. Allen also provided the council with an update on the active grants and applications.

Lastly, Allen updated the council on the status of the planning commission’s meeting. The meeting, which was held 30 minutes prior to the council assembly, did not have a quorum, and no action was taken on the proposed multi-family housing rezone. There will be another planning commission meeting held Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Black read ordinance 2020-2, an ordinance which would provide for the city’s reimbursement of training expenses if the worker terminates their employment within 12 months. That ordinance, and an emergency clause was passed unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was the proposed annual pension increase change. An ordinance passed in November of 2008 gave retiring city officials such as the mayor, city recorder/treasurer, and city attorney a retirement pension and two of those offices a three percent annual increase. According to Arkansas Code 24-12-120, “Upon approval by the governing body, a city of the first class or city of the second class may provide for the retirement benefits established in this section for a city attorney elected or appointed to office.” Similarly, Arkansas Code 24-12-124, mayors of cities of the second class, states “…On January 1 of each year, if a retiree under this section has been retired for at least 12 full months, up to a three percent cost-of-living increase will be added…The governing body of a city of the second class may prescribe the retirement benefits of a person who has served as mayor of the city of the second class…” Lastly, 24-12-127, recorder-treasurers and city treasurers of the second class, states “…On January 1 of each year, if a retiree under this section has been retired for at least 12 full months, up to a three percent cost-of-living increase will be added…”

Black informed the council that in years to come, at the current rate of increase, the city would run out of funds. Currently, former Mayor Glen Hurt is the only one receiving the pension. However, three others are eligible under the current retirement plan, including the city attorney and former Recorder/Treasurer Anna Sterling.

After a brief discussion, Alderwoman Thomas made the motion to eliminate the annual three percent automatic increase to the pension. Alderwoman Carlton seconded the motion and it passed in a five-to-one vote, with Alderman Johnson voting against.

In one last item of new business, Black shared that both the City of Hartford and the City of Midland had agreed to the proposed waste water rate increase.

Before adjourning, Black urged Mansfield residents to participate in the Census, citing its importance to city funding and future. If anyone needs assistance, contact city hall and someone will be available to help assist with the Census response.

Tiger Football: This Is A Test, This Is Only A Test

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

11:08 am

0

Tiger Football: This Is A Test, This Is Only A Test

Passing the torch is a common practice in high school sports. The inevitability of senior leaders leaving a team is what every coach, player, parent, and fan must face. But sometimes you have a group of players who build the flame of the torch so big and so hot that people question the capabilities of the newest torch recipients and if they can handle it. Mansfield now faces that exact scenario this upcoming 2020 football season. The only difference is, no one is questioning the capabilities of the new incoming torchbearers.

The Tigers lost a lot of talent and experience, to say the least. Not only will they be losing 14 seniors, but they’ll be losing 14 game-changing superstar seniors. Mansfield’s high octane offense will be without All-State and All-Conference QB Ethan Stovall who was arguably one of Mansfield’s best gunslingers ever. And the Wide Receiver core of Layton Howard, Tyler Holmes, Jaicy Griffin, and Clay James will not be returning to suit up. These Four Horsemen of the Touchdown Apocalypse made miracle catches and left defenses scratching their heads after every whistle. The spotlight stayed on the playmakers for most of the season, but EVERY senior on the team helped to reset the standard for Mansfield Tiger Football.

“We are losing blindside tackle, Jacob Brown, who has anchored that position for three years and played defensive line. OFF/DEF Linemen Coby Hearron and Zach Lowe were absolutely fierce in the trenches. Defensive Specialists Blayne Bryant and Cameron Macon redefined the term head hunter as they held nothing back with every tackle. RB Will Meadows did excellent work as a scatback and shut down the edge game as an outside LB. Special Teams guru Brandon Carlton proved to be a great asset who could do it all for us. Ever speedy Luke Ridenhour covering the field like no one we’ve seen. And add on Mr. Do-Everything Isaac Cothran who played LB, RB, TE, Blindside Tackle, Center, Deep Snapper, you name it. All of these guys logged tremendous time on both sides of the football,” expressed head coach, Tim Cothran.

So with that much experience and talent graduating, who can fill their shoes and keep the torch burning? Well, Mansfield isn’t a one and done program anymore. They have developed a deep talent pool over the past few years to create a “reload” system rather than a rebuilt one. Where one player steps out, another is set and ready to equally fill that void. Another plus, is that the days of only a hand full of players to choose from are over. The Tigers have a full dump truck load of players and they’re not just bodies filling a suit either. These players have a winning mentality and the skills to back it up.

“Replacing this much talent is hard but we feel like we have some guys who will step in and continue the success of our program. We’re looking forward to seeing what incoming junior QB, Zayne Dugan, will do. We feel like he has the tools to keep this offense rolling. We will rely heavily on our returning starters to lead the younger guys. Randy Claude will take over Isaac Cothran’s role as Mr. Do-Everything and has many talents that we will depend on. We should have a sizable and solid line this year as well. Bri Sanderson will anchor the line as the most experienced along with Jared Schmidt who will also be adding experience coupled with a great work ethic.”

“We are hoping to get Lorenzo Alarid and Dalton Pettigrew back as well. Christian Cass has a solid chance to stabilize the line and earn a concrete spot. Shawn Brown and Cody Fudge will be returning to strong roles in multiple positions. Austin Carlton certainly has big-play potential and will be heavily relied on as a target for Zayne. Dru Buckner has tremendous strength and drive and will be able to fill a spot as well. Noah Crane has a love for the game and will compete for a spot. We also have a number of freshmen who will be competing for playing time. As Linemen: John Broadaway, Braxton Byers, and Codee Helms. Utility Athletes: Caleb Collier, Kindel Noblitt, and Austin Quinalty. And Receiver/RB athletes: Greyson Baggett, Drew Elmore, Darton Hoopengarner, Tommy Phang, Clint Stovall, Fisher Willsey, and Tyler Woolbright.”

With all of that sounding great, the Tigers still face their newest and most challenging foe for the upcoming season. COVID-19 has put a halt on high school sports and that includes spring/summer practice. With so much newness involved in this group, practice and communication during this downtime are key. The Tigers may be on a break from the field, but at their homes, they haven’t slowed down a bit. They’re doing what exercises they can at home and even being creative and innovative with some of them to stay in top shape. This isn’t a downtime for the coaches either. The Tiger coaching staff is working overtime on playbooks and planning ahead.

“We are trying to stay in touch with our kids the best we can. The coaches have been in communication with each other, running through different plans and adjustments that we can make as time keeps moving forward. We are working on different contingency plans so that when we get the go-ahead, we can hit the ground running. Personally, it is driving me crazy. We should be starting spring practice right now so being out of my routine is quite challenging. But with everything that is going on, we’ll be ready when the time comes. I think this team will be very competitive. Our personality will be different, but that is to be expected when you have to replace so many seniors. This team will have its own identity. They have contributed, watched, and observed the exiting seniors the last two years. They know what it takes to win. They expect it and we expect it.”

When the season starts, the Tigers will have to be on point as they face off teams from one of the state’s top conferences, the 3A-1. Although the conference lost Booneville, Lamar, and Paris, the remaining teams will not be a cakewalk by any means. Charleston, Cedarville, and West Fork will be wanting to avenge their losses against the Tigers last season and Greenland will be looking to take back to back wins vs Mansfield. Then you have the “newbies” to the 3A-1 in Hackett, Lavaca, and Lincoln. Although they may be rookies to the conference, Mansfield has played both Hackett and Lavaca in non-conference games for the past couple of years and those programs have proven that they can hold their own against the Tigers. “It is nice to see some new faces that are old rivals. It doesn’t seem that long ago that Hackett and Lavaca were in conference with Mansfield and it is nice to be playing them again in a conference setting. Lincoln is an interesting addition and could become a great rival in the years ahead.”

Scott County Teen Victim of Hit and Run

Tammy Teague

-

5:16 am

0

Around 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, a 17 year old male was a victim of a hit and run accident.

The teen was riding his dirt bike on Highway 378, near the intersection of Highway 71, when he was reportedly struck by a smaller silver or gray four door SUV.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the occupants of that vehicle stopped and moved the victim off the highway before fleeing the scene on Highway 71.

The boy is said to have sustained serious injuries, including multiple broken bones and a ruptured spleen. The teen was transported to a Fort Smith hospital.

The sheriff’s department advised that the suspect’s vehicle will likely have damage to the front end. The three occupants of that vehicle are described as young adult Caucasians, one male and two females.

If you have any information about the vehicle or the accident, you are asked to call the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 479-637-4155.

Governor Asa Hutchinson Says, “Let’s Play Ball….June 1st”

Sports

Resident News Network

-

1:49 pm

0

Governor Asa Hutchinson Says, “Let’s Play Ball….June 1st”

High school team sports in Arkansas are one step closer to returning after today’s announcement from the governor’s office.

Today, Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson announced his decision that many athletes, coaches, and fans have been waiting for. Coming 24 hours after the initial date to make the announcement, Arkansas high school sports fans did not exactly receive the message that had been hoped for.

The good news is that the announcement clears the way for baseball and softball to resume play on June 1. The clearance will come with many restrictions that will feel unusual to everyone concerned, but, at least there will be the opportunity to resume play.

The not-so-good news in today’s announcement was that contact sports were not cleared for play. Hutchinson stated that those sports would be “revisited on June 30.” Additionally, the announcement today pertained only to K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grades) team sports and did not include intercollegiate sports. So, for Raxorbacks football fans and football fans of all Arkansas colleges and universities, there was no mention of any changes for college team sports.

Included in today’s announcement were modifications and restrictions that will be implemented for summer baseball and softball. Those include: 1) physical distancing will be required except during active sport activity, 2) athletes, coaches, and personnel should be asked and screened for symptoms and exposure, 3) face coverings should be in place for everyone 10 years of age and older, 4) athletes can remove face coverings during active sport play, 5) showers are prohibited, and lockers should only be used for storage, 6) players should avoid high fives, huddles, and any other non-sport contact, and 7) personal equipment should be used whenever possible, and anything shared should be disinfected.

The guidelines also permit other sport athletes to workout with own equipment, and conditioning / training is permitted with limited group size and social distancing.

Team sports that are not permitted to practice or to compete are close-contact sports and activities that include basketball, wrestling, football, volleyball, soccer, and martial arts.

At the publication time of this story, it is unknown to Resident Press what the next steps will be in the process of returning to play. It is, however, anticipated, that the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) will soon release guidelines for schools with respect to the current dead period that is due to expire on May 30 and the path that will be taken after that date.

Stay with Resident Press for more on this story as information is available.

Rattlers Football Ready For A Rebuild

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

11:02 am

0

Last season, the Magazine Rattlers surprised everyone in the 2A-4 football conference. Everyone but themselves that is. The Magazine coaches and players knew they had something special going into the 2019 season. They had a group of young men that provided the perfect mix of talent, power, speed, and size. They had players who were experienced, hungry for victory, and determined to win. But more important than any of that, Magazine had players who were PROUD to wear that Rattler jersey on Friday nights.

Magazine recorded an 8-2 overall season record, won the conference title with a dominant undefeated 5-0 conference record, and pounded their way into the second round of the State Playoffs in 2019. In conference play, the Rattlers thumped every team they played by outscoring their opponents 210-74 in only five games. And their two losses weren’t anything to hang their heads about either. First a close 33-32 loss to Cutter Morning Star early in the season and then their second-round Playoff game to eventual 2019 2A State Champions Fordyce with a final score of 38-14.

New Head Coach, Ryan Chambers, explained, “We had a great season last year. It was our fourth conference championship in school history and our first since 2011. We had one hiccup during the non-conference schedule but took care of business in every conference game after that. Overall it was a very successful year. My personal favorite game of 2019 was the Mountainburg game. We came out and played great from the first whistle. To beat the defending conference champions 36-16 on our home field was a great feeling for the players.”

The 2019 Rattlers defeating Bigelow in their first game of the season

One name noticeably absent from this article is a name that has been notorious with Magazine for over a decade. That’s right! Former head coach, Doug Powell, will not be joining the Rattlers on the field this year as he accepted the head coaching position at Waldron in late spring of 2020. Doug will be joining a talented Bulldog staff which includes Ryan Chambers’s brother, Cory Chambers. Although he will be missed, the Magazine faithful know they have the right man to fill Powell’s absence on the sidelines. Coach Ryan Chambers is so deeply ingrained in Magazine football that he has venom running through his veins. With Chambers at the helm, Magazine will surely be adding a few new “Rattles” to the ol’ trophy case in the upcoming years.

Coach Ryan Chambers with his number one fan, wife Katy

“I’ve been a part of this program since I was in the 7th grade. I was a part of the first turnaround in the program as a player when Josh Jones was coaching and then again after school as a coach with Doug Powell. I believe I know what it takes to win at Magazine and hopefully, I can implement this same attitude with the kids I’ll be coaching. We have made huge strides these last couple of years with high expectations from our players when it comes to summer/offseason workouts and I will be looking to take that next step in the program in that regard. Beau Sikes will be my defensive coordinator this year as well as the Jr High head coach. As of right now, it will be just the two of us on the coaching staff. For now though, I’m just looking forward to our first game of the upcoming season which will be against the Mansfield Tigers.”

Although 2019 was a memorable year for Magazine football, they must now hit the reset button and begin the process of filling holes in the snake pit left by their outgoing seniors. Caleb Hyatt who rushed for over 3,000 yards in only three seasons with his head busting ground and pound attack. Team leader Xeng Yang, who moved on air through defenses. And lineman Bryce McDowell who was a great runner and run stopper. But losing great players to graduation is the nature of the beast. The Rattlers can slay that beast though as they are eyeing to start a winning tradition in Magazine football.

“We have kids who can definitely help us repeat last year’s success. With hard work and determination from these upcoming seniors and underclassmen, I believe we can fill these holes. Last year’s team set everyone’s expectations of Magazine football high. So our players this year have a goal to not only reach those expectations but to beat those expectations as well. To do that though, we can’t have just a handful of players give it their all in practice and games. Our entire team has to step up and bust their tails. By the time fall camp gets here, we will find out who wants to win.”

“Overall, I think we have a great opportunity to do something that Magazine has only done one time. Win back to back conference championships. I know we lost some talent from this past season, but we bring back a great core group. We bring back almost our entire offensive line. We look for senior, Kobe Faughn, to have a breakout season too. He is a great running back and I believe one of the best linebackers in the state.”

The dreaded COVID-19 epidemic that is effecting every football program in the nation isn’t bypassing Magazine either. The Rattler coaching staff has been putting in the overtime to make sure they stay in contact with their players and that everyone is keeping their eye on the prize. “It’s been tough not being able to be at school and making sure the kids are hitting the weights. Every school is in the same shape so I’m not too worried about it hurting our program. Our players are doing whatever they can to get ahead of everyone else during this time. I know the kids are itching to get back to work so they can accomplish their goal of a great Magazine Rattler 2020 football season.”

Greenwood Man Arrested on Rape Charges

Tammy Teague

-

10:26 am

0

The Greenwood Police Department arrested Jacob Ray Bledsoe, also known as Jacob Ray Fulford, on Tuesday, May 19 on two counts of rape of a person under the age of 14.

Bledsoe, 24, of the 1100 block of West Atlanta, was arrested after a two month investigation into alleged contact with a juvenile. The Greenwood Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Arkansas State Police.

Bledsoe, a.k.a. Fulford, was arrested in Crawford County earlier this year and has pled not guilty to two felony counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting child sex. Court documents allege that Fulford’s criminal acts took place from April 17, 2018 to February 25, 2020. Fulford had posted a $10,000 bond.

Bledsoe taken into custody on Tuesday, and booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center. His cash bond is set at $100,000.00.

Sebastian County Recognizes 4-H Teen Star

News

Tammy Teague

-

6:03 pm

0

Sebastian County Recognizes 4-H Teen Star

By U of A System Division of Agriculture

Lindsey Garretson has been named an Arkansas 4-H Teen Star for her outstanding achievement in 4-H projects and activities, leadership and community service.

She is a member of Carnall 4-H Club, Project Fusion 4-H Club and Teen Leaders, where she has been active for 10 years.

Garretson is one of 67 4-H youth selected for the honor this year. This year’s recipients represent 32 counties across the state who were selected from thousands of 4-H members statewide.

“The Teen Stars program recognizes youth who are making a difference in 4-H and in our community, said Araceli Oswald, 4-H Program Assistant at University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture “4-Her names are all go-getters and have been consistently working on developing knowledge and skills in their project areas and have proven themselves to be service-minded and capable leaders. We look forward to seeing how far they will go.”

Arkansas Teen Stars are selected based on their leadership ability, integrity, high moral standards and high goals, outstanding achievement in both project and service activities, their ability to work with others, a positive attitude, interest in the 4-H program and a general interest in organizations and activities for youth development. To be considered, a member must have completed a minimum of two years of 4-H work and be an active member.

Honorees are usually recognized during the Teen Star/Hall of Fame banquet at the statewide Teen Leader Conference, usually held at the Arkansas 4-H Center. “Because of COVID-19, things will be a little different this year,” said Ashley Dingman, a 4-H program associate. “We’ve moved the Teen Leadership Conference online, and we’ll be recognizing each of our outstanding youth with a video specifically for our 2020 Teen Stars.”

The Teen Star recognition paves the way for youth to later apply to be 4-H Ambassadors who then become eligible to run for state officer positions. Any Teen Star who is graduating high school can also apply for the $1,000 Zack O. and Jennie D. Jennings scholarship.4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participation is free to youth in every county.

To learn about 4-H and other extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.About the Division of Agriculture The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

R

Rockwool

Pros:

Cons:

Best for:

Perlite

Pros:

Cons:

Best for:

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK