Resident News Network

Mansfield City Council Votes to Nix Annual Pension Increases

Headlines

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5:40 pm

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

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11:08 am

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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

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5:16 am

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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

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1:49 pm

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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

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11:02 am

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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

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10:26 am

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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

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6:03 pm

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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.

Virtual Vet Science Camp Gives Youth a Peek Into the Profession

News

Tammy Teague

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5:32 pm

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Virtual Vet Science Camp Gives Youth a Peek Into the Profession

The Arkansas 4-H Veterinary Science Camp is going virtual this summer, offering a free half-day online camp for youth ages 11-19 to learn about animal science and the veterinary science profession.

The virtual camp is scheduled for June 26 from 9 a.m.-noon via Zoom video conferencing.

Participation is free, and membership in Arkansas 4-H is not required. Registration is available at www.uaex.edu/4hvetscience.

“It’s a great way for youth interested in animals to learn about the field of animal science and to explore career options in veterinary medicine,” said Heidi Ward, assistant professor and veterinarian for the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

During the one-day camp, youth will hear from a panel of veterinarians, including a public health veterinarian, wildlife veterinarian, zoo veterinarian and mixed animal practicing veterinarian.

Participants will learn about animal mating behaviors, aquaculture and chicken embryology, and see demonstrations in embryo transfer and castration. A virtual tour of a tiger sanctuary also is planned.

The 4-H Vet Science Camp is usually a three-day summer program at the Arkansas 4-H Center but has moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The camp is an outreach effort of the Arkansas 4-H Veterinary Science program, which provides youth with hands-on opportunities to learn skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

All camp participants will also have chances to win prizes through an online trivia quiz, a t-shirt design contest and by submitting pre-recorded demonstrations. All youth who complete the quiz will receive a 4-H Vet Science t-shirt.

For more information, visit uaex.edu/4hvetscience, or follow the program on Facebook at facebook.com/4hvetscience.

For more information about the camp, contact Dr. Ward at hward@uaex.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

Phil Hicks Shelter Insurance Makes Donation to Local Senior Center

Networks

Tammy Teague

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5:17 pm

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Phil Hicks Shelter Insurance Makes Donation to Local Senior Center

Shelter Insurance recently offered each agent within the company $1,000 to donate to a group or individual who were assisting people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phil Hicks was among those agents, and stated, “I have been an agent with Shelter Insurance for over 30 years now. Over those years the company has done several things that have made me proud to represent them, but this one took the cake!”

Hicks chose to donate to the Betty Wilkinson Senior Activitiy Center. “I could not think of a group more deserving,” Hicks added. “They are still providing for our seniors in a drive thru and also delivering to their doors. Wow, what a blessed community we live in!”

Site Director Lisa Moore expressed her gratitude for the award, “It was very appreciated. It will be used to help purchase new equipment for the center or new tires for our meals-on-wheels vehicles.”

Police Reports – Week of May 3

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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2:09 pm

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5/2

Bobbi Martinez of Fort Smith, AR was arrested on May 2, 2020 and charged with DWI 1st-drugs, refusal to submit to chemical test, careless driving and possession of schedule VI less than four grams. The officer noticed a vehicle swerving out of its lane eastbound on Center Street, near the intersection of Highway 96. Eventually, the car turned on Forrest Park Drive, and that is where the traffic stop was made. Martinez had no outstanding warrants, but appeared lethargic with slow and sleepy eyes. The officer reported the strong smell of marijuana. When asked if she had drugs in the vehicle, Martinez stated she did not. She did report taking prescription medications, but that it did not affect her driving. Martinez gave a consent to search her vehicle and the officer found a clear plastic baggy containing a leafy substance. When asked if she used marijuana, she confirmed she did, but had not used any that day. Martinez was transported to the Greenwood Police Department for a breath test. Martinez signed and stated she understood her DWI rights, and agreed to take the tests. After a few minutes, Martinez advised she would not take the breath or urine test because it would show things in her system. Martinez was then transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center without incident.

5/3

On May 3, 2020, officers were dispatched to a home on Cherrybark Bend in reference to a delayed domestic disturbance. The victim reported that Korey Ray Skinner had gabbed her face, started to shake her head violently, and grabbed her throat. The report stated the officer observed visible red marks on the victim’s face and neck. The report also stated that Skinner grabbed the victim’s dog, who was trying to protect her, and “threw it.” The victim also stated that Skinner had grabbed a wooden cane and threatened to crush her skull if she said anything about this, and blocked the bedroom door so she could not leave. The victim then jumped through the bedroom window to escape. It was noted in the report that Skinner had several warrants out of different agencies with the State of Arkansas, and charges in the past for assault 1st degree, domestic battery, criminal impersonation and possession of firearms by certain persons. On May 13, an affidavit for an arrest warrant for Korey Skinner was issued.

5/4

The Greenwood Police Department assisted the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office in the pursuit of a stolen truck. The pursuing deputy broadcasted that the female driver was waving a handgun at him and also reversed direction and rammed his vehicle which disabled it. At 11:35 a.m., the Greenwood officer arrived at the intersection of State Highway 253 and 10 West. At approximately 11:54 a.m., the suspect vehicle approached the intersection of State Highway 253 and 10 West from the south, traveling north on Highway 253. Spike strips were set up, so the suspect made a right turn onto Comer Lane, a dead end road, to avoid those strips. The female suspect, Jennifer Porter, 26, drove through fields, and re-emerged on Highway 10, traveling eastbound. Porter was later spotted traveling east on Highway 10 Spur, and turned around in the parking lot of Westwood Baptist Church. The Greenwood officer observed the passing vehicle and took lead pursuit, following Porter to Stallings Trail near the intersection of Highway 10 Spur and Highway 71. The suspect’s vehicle, a red, late model Ram 2500, traveled through a dirt excavating pit area, and the officer continued his pursuit. The vehicle then exited the pit area on the northwest corner, back onto Highway 71, where law enforcement units were blocking northbound traffic and waiting. The vehicle briefly got back on to Highway 71 before making a right turn onto Cedar Valley Drive. A SCSO deputy ran off a curve in the road and became immobilized. The suspect then slammed her brakes on, resulting in the Arkansas State Police unit H-7 slamming into the rear of the truck, which immobilized that unit. The Greenwood officer continued his pursuit until the suspect reached Highway 71 and Shadow Lake Drive. Porter made a right turn at that intersection and continued northbound on US Hwy 71 with multiple law enforcement agencies pursuing. ASP performed a P.I.T. maneuver, and disabled the suspect’s vehicle and held Porter at gun point. She was then taken into custody. The responding GPD officer reported no damage to their vehicle. Porter has been charged with eight counts of aggravated assault, felon in possession of a firearm, vehicle theft, and felony fleeing.

5/7

At approximately 12:10 a.m., on May 7, 2020, an officer was sitting stationary at the 1400 block of West Center, when he observed a white SUV traveling eastbound at 54 m.p.h. in a 40 m.p.h. zone. Once the officer caught up to the vehicle, the driver was paced at 60 m.p.h. in a 35 m.p.h. zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop, and gathered the driver’s information. As he spoke with the driver, he noticed the passenger acting nervous. The officer asked the passenger for his information, but the passenger refused. The officer was able to identify the passenger through e-site. After returning to the vehicle, the officer asked to speak with the driver outside of the car. The driver confirmed the passenger’s identity as Jacorey Curry. Curry showed to have a warrant for his arrest out of Sebastian County. Dispatch confirmed that warrant. Curry was removed from the vehicle and placed into custody, and transported to the jail without incident.

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK