Two Greenwood graduates are heading to Hendrix College in Conway on football scholarships. Congratulations to both of these young men on this monumental achievement.
Moms: Ashlee Fowlkes – Jakayla Fowlkes
Grandmother: Cheryle Richardson
Parents: Gary and Rhoda Martin
Siblings: Hunter Cabe and Isabella Martin
Grandparents: Gary and Julie Martin Clayton and Bernadette Bailey
By Sarah Cato,
U of A System Division of Agriculture
The COVID-19 pandemic’s dramatic effects on the economy and the subsequent regulatory reactions have hit the agriculture industry hard, making difficult to navigate issues such as agricultural labor, contracts and direct marketing, increasingly confusing.
“Every sector of the agriculture industry has felt the blow of COVID-19,” said Harrison Pittman, Director of the National Agricultural Law Center. “Since early March we have received a steady stream of calls from producers, lawyers, lenders and many more, about a variety of hardships they’re facing as a result of the pandemic.”
To address these concerns, the NALC has created the COVID-19 Resource Library. Set up in a Q-and-A format, the Resource Library is a compilation of resources from various sources, such as state cooperative extension services, federal agencies and more.
According to Pittman, queries regarding various stimulus packages and their application to agriculture have been among the top questions NALC staff have been receiving.
“When the Paycheck Protection Program was first announced, there was considerable confusion regarding whether or not farming operations qualified,” Pittman said. “That, along with questions about H-2A employee qualification and the 500 employee limit, has been one of the most common questions we’ve received.”
These worries, paired with concerns about completing contracts, changes in federal regulations, and numerous H-2A labor questions, make up only a portion of the calls and emails the NALC has received since the start of the pandemic.
“This library is meant to provide answers to some of the questions we’ve been getting on an increasingly frequent basis,” Pittman said. “Because these issues can quickly change, we’ve included dates by very entry in order to ensure our stakeholders stay up to date.”
The Resource Library is divided up into topics such as “Labor & Employment” and “Direct Marketing,” and covers a variety of issues related to agriculture and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 Resource Library can be found here:https://bit.ly/3cd1IHH
For more information on the National Agricultural Law Center, visit https://nationalaglawcenter.org/ or follow@Nataglaw on Twitter.
Last week, Resident Press took a look at the upcoming high school football season amid the current issues of school closures and an extended dead period enacted by the Arkansas Activities Association in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we talk with Paris Lady Eagles head volleyball coach Jordan Devine to discuss the upcoming high school volleyball season and how it may look next fall.
Of course, volleyball is a sport that is played indoors with fans sitting in a smaller, more confined space. Due to the Lady Eagles success over the past several years, Paris home volleyball matches are well-attended; in some cases, the Lady Eagles volleyball attendance has out-drawn some schools’ high school basketball home games. So, there will be several challenges that Paris will have to look at to protect the players, coaches, and fans who attend Lady Eagles home volleyball matches. In my interview with Coach Devine, we discussed these issues and how she and the other coaches are preparing for the unusual season that lies ahead.
Coach Devine indicated that there is not much that can be done with regards to finalizing preseason preparation plans until more is known. “At this point of the year (May) we would be winding it down at the end of the school year, normally. So, we would just be starting open gyms after school a couple of days a week. And then, typically, we would end the school year on a Friday and that next Tuesday we would start our summer schedule for May-June. We haven’t been able to do any of that, so we have just tried to stay in constant communication with the girls, send them workouts each week to complete, and really, that’s about all we can do right now. “
I asked Coach Devine for her thoughts about a timeline of how far the Arkansas Activities Association’s dead period can be extended before the volleyball season is affected. Coach Devine responded by saying, “I haven’t talked to too many coaches in our area. I think we are all in the same boat waiting to hear from AAA for what their guidance is going to be on what next season is going to look like. There are a million different rumors going around on if we are going to have a season, and if we do, this is what it will look like…I can’t really say what is going to happen. I think we (coaches) are in the same boat day by day, and we really don’t know what is going to happen. We’re just kind of waiting to hear from AAA what they think the season is going to look like; if we have one, or, if it is going to be modified at all, or, if it will start on time. I don’t know if we know the answers to any of those questions.” With respect to the starting time for the season, I asked Coach Devine if she thought there is any consideration to starting the season earlier to ensure that the entire season and state playoffs are completed. Coach Devine said, “You know, I have not heard that rumor.” As a point of reference, it was reported in the media several days ago that the State of Oklahoma was considering an earlier start to the 2020-21 school year to provide some additional flex time in their school calendar to compensate for missed school days related to a possible recurrence of the caronavirus.
The all important question of how long can the dead period be extended before the season is endangered, Coach Devine indicated that she needed at least two weeks with her team for conditioning, practice, and some assurance that the risk of injury would be reduced. “Volleyball is a little different beast than football. It’s hot at the start of the year, but most gyms that we use are going to be air conditioned, or somewhat air conditioned. I am concerned with getting them acclimated to the heat, but, we’re going to need a couple of weeks to get the girls back in and in the shape they need to be in to play without risk of injury. They have been off now for months, so, I am hoping for at least a few weeks before it is game time. Realistically, I would think, at least August, to give us a few weeks before the season started, I think would be doable, but not optimal. I think at this point, everyone is just hoping to have a season.”
As with our interviews with the area football coaches, Coach Devine agreed that if the AAA lifted the dead period no later than when the traditional dead period would be lifted each summer, approximately July 6, that would be plenty of time to prepare for the season in a manner that would be similar to how the team would normally prepare each summer. “The product might not be the same as if we had been practicing all summer, but I think that is plenty of time to get us in shape and where we need to be to start the season. It would help us start the season on time.” Coach Devine has heard the rumor that the AAA’s dead period, due to expire May 30, would not be extended and activities would be allowed to resume June 1. That is just a rumor at this point. “With different things happening in June, I don’t know that it will be like full-scale, team practice, but again, who really knows?”
From the feedback Coach Devine is receiving from her players, she believes her players are responsibly doing their individual workouts as directed to prepare for the eventuality of practice resuming in the hopeful near future. Coach Devine has built a winning culture in the Paris program; a culture that is built on hard work and team focus on the goal of competing for and winning state championships. The players know that winning championships does not come easy, and they know themselves what has to be done to be ready to play in August. But Coach Devine made an additional point that I thought was a little humorous, but, perhaps her players may not think it is so funny. The Paris coach indicated to me that the players know how hard it is to compete for a title, and with that, comes a lot of hard work each day. And now, with conditioning being up to each player on the team, Coach Devine suggested that they also know how hard it will be on them if they are not in shape when they report for the season. She confidently stated that she expects her players to be ready, if not only for that reason. It will be hard enough if they are in shape; they do not want to report out of shape!
The Lady Eagles volleyball team will compete in a new 3A West conference in 2020 that has been expanded from eight to nine teams. Gone are the Mansfield Tigers who have dropped to Class 2A, and replacing them will be perennial state playoff team Green Forest. New to the 3A West this year will be last year’s Class 2A state champion, the Hackett Hornets. So for the Lady Eagles, the conference will certainly not be any easier than last year or in years past. The new 3A West conference will include: Booneville, Charleston, Elkins, Green Forest, Hackett, Lincoln, Paris, Waldron, and West Fork.
At the state level, Coach Devine thinks that the contenders for the Class 3A championship will again be comprised of the traditional powers in 3A volleyball. Defending 3A state champion Little Rock Episcopal will be joined by Paris, Fountain Lake, Hoxie, Harding Academy, and Piggott, among others, who are expected to be in contention in late October. And don’t forget the defending Class 2A champion Hackett Hornets. Coach Bridgett Freeman’s team will be ready to compete for a 3A title.
For the Paris Lady Eagles, the terrible memory of a tough defeat on their home court in the state quarterfinals to eventual state champion Episcopal is a memory no one on the team will soon forget. There should be plenty of motivation for the Lady Eagles to erase the bad memory of the 2019 state tournament.
But first thing first. The Hackett Hornetts, fresh off a Class 2A state title, and eager to prove their spot in Class 3A, should be a strong contender for the district and district tournament titles. The Green Forest Tigers, a road trip of more than two hours from Paris, will be a tough out, particularly on their home court. This year’s Paris team will be missing some key seniors, but the Lady Eagles will be a young and talented team that should be very competitive in the district race. As a sport, Arkansas high school volleyball continues to improve across the state, and the 3A West will again be loaded with great teams. Teams such as Waldron, who improved steadily throughout last season to finish third and advance to the state playoff, and win their first round game in the state tournament, should again be a tough opponent in this year’s district race.
All of this boils down to a Paris team that is preparing for what I have dubbed as the “unknown 2020 season.” My level of optimism is improving with respect to the outlook for sports in 2020. My latest feeling is that our new societal standards of social distancing, the use of hand sanitizers, and just a greater self-awareness of our surroundings and proximity to each other, surfaces, and our overall maintenance of health, may reduce the incidence and rate of traditional Type A and Type B flu next year. For every month that we delay the potential recurrence of the caronavirus in the winter months, then hopefully our country will be closer to the development and the availability of a vaccine that will protect us all and allow our children to play the sport they love.
But, one thing is for sure that I believe I can say on all our behalves; we are tired of the entire caronavirus mess, and we are ready to talk about the start of the upcoming volleyball and football seasons.
I believe that moment is not far away. Hang in there Eagles fans!
The first Thursday of May is annually observed as a National Day of Prayer. City and
The worldwide health and economic crisis was all the more reason for some to spend this time in prayer.
Sebastian County participants, who historically has gathered at the courthouse, went live and broadcasted their program. City and county leaders, local pastors and worship leaders took part online. Hundreds watched and participated in the Facebook live event. Sebastian County Judge David Hudson led with a time of scripture reading, and prayer. Scott Bartholomew, worship director at Grand Avenue Baptist Church, performed. Others like Pastor Kevin Thompson with Community Bible Church, Sebastian County Circuit Judge Stephen Tabor, and Prosecutor Daniel Shue all participated in the online event.
The City of Mansfield held their annual event at the traditional meeting place, the gazebo. Local pastors, city leaders, and several in the community turned out to participate in the time of prayer. Some wore masks, and social distancing was observed.
The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.
This year’s scripture and focus of prayer was on Habakkuk 2:14, “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth.”
This year’s National Day of Prayer took on new meaning with the pandemic that has swept the world. If Elijah can pray that it would not rain for three years, we can pray to strengthen our world leaders (James 5:16-18). We can pray to end this pandemic. We can pray to end fear. We can pray our world leaders would be given wisdom, protection, and effective leadership during this time.
Young philanthropist, Abella Lawrence, 10, of Greenwood has not been detoured, even by the current epidemic, in carrying out a mission of love and compassion.
According to Lawrence’s mom, Rachel Shibley, her daughter wanted to reciprocate the love and compassion given to her loved one. “She chose a lemonade stand because she heard it was a good way to raise money,” shared Shibley. “Plus, it’s getting so warm outside, it’s a perfect way to cool down!”
Sadly, Lawrence experienced the feeling of loss and death in 2019 with the passing of her cousin, Katelyn Stephens, of Muldrow Oklahoma. Stephens was a patient at OU Children’s before she passed away in March of 2019. Shibley shared that “Abella wanted to raise money for the hospital since they did such a good job taking care of her.”
The young and determined girl was not about to let anything get in the way of carrying out the benefit. Working around COVID-19 restrictions, Lawrence used water bottles and lemonade packets.
This act of generosity was highly contagious, as Lawrence’s family also caught the philanthropic fever. Those included her sister Addilynn Lawrence, 13, siblings Hunterlyn and Jackson Shibley, ages 7 and 3, her parents, Taylor and Rachel Shibley and Justin and Hillary Lawrence. Also, Kylie Black, 10, and parents Chris and Jessica Black, Kynzleigh Lawrence, 8, and parents Whitney and Robert Cluck and Justin and Hillary Lawrence. Lastly, a big helper, Debbie Condray, Adabella’s grandmother.
“I am so proud she wants to help others,” Lawrence’s mom stated. “Abella has always had a huge heart and always tries to find a way to help others! It is one of her favorite things to do!”
With the total sales, and contributions, Lawrences managed to raise $357.03. According to her mother, there are still more people donating via PayPal. If you would like to donate to Abella Lawrence’s benefit, you can send to Lawrence’s home address: 400 E Nashville Street, Greenwood or via PayPal: rachelshibley@gmail.com
“So many people in the community are willing to help and we are so grateful and proud to be part of such a caring community,” concluded Shibley.
Hackett parent Renee Flesher is the embodiment of school and town pride. Recently, Flesher ran onto a Facebook page that allowed the community to adopt an educator.
Flesher knew that the Hackett School District was well deserving of this type program. “I just wanted them to know how much they are appreciated,” stated Flesher. “More so now, because here we are at home having to try and keep our kids on level with their school work and it’s HARD! …Teaching your own kid requires far more patience than teaching someone else’s…They very much deserve to be appreciated now more than ever!”
She created her own Facebook page, “Hornet Parent Resources.” It’s a group for Hornet families to network together for various events and information, such as plans for teacher appreciation week.
Flesher has implemented an “Adopt a Teacher” program there. She sends out teacher questionnaires to determine their preferences. That survey is then sent to the adoptee.
“In one of my mom groups, we have a running joke about needing a drink or two just to help our own kids with school work,” added Flesher. “I’ve even jokingly posted begging the governor to rescind the order and send them back to school. I just knew that our parents would jump right in with me because we know the size and quality of the diamonds we have for teachers.”
As coronavirus concerns continue, blood donation remains an essential health care activity.
Arkansas Blood Institute will host a blood drive with Waldron Community on Friday, May 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Fellowship Hall. Healthy donors are urged to give blood, and appointments are strongly encouraged to allow for recommended social distancing.
Arkansas Blood Institute supports the inventory needed for patients in more than 40 hospitals and medical facilities statewide.
“We urge healthy adults to donate blood so that the supply can be maintained for our local patients who depend on blood products during treatment for cancer, traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute.
Arkansas Blood Institute’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing. All phlebotomy staff will wear masks. Staff members and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility, to ensure only healthy individuals are present.
Arkansas Blood Institute is following recommendations and guidelines set forth by the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks). Arkansas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports no cases of COVID-19 transmitted through blood transfusion, and respiratory viruses generally are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion.
Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org. More information on Arkansas Blood Institute can be found at arkbi.org.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.
By Hartford Mayor Larry Hall
Here we are in May and week number seven of the shutdown and social distancing. But there may be a glimmer of hope for all of us with cabin fever. I will certainly be happy when this quarantine is over and life can start getting back to something that resembles normal. Hopefully the state is going to start letting some businesses reopen soon.
I don’t know how many of you noticed, but the city has started the demolition on a house at 502 E. 2nd Street. The demolition and clean up of the lot will take at least a couple of weeks but progress is being made.
Also the Assemble of Yashua on Broadway Street has informed the city that they intend to demolish the building next to them in the coming month. In the next few weeks the city will also be back at issuing 10 day warnings for clean p in ward 3. We are hopeful that everyone will go ahead and start without having to be told. Also, there will be no more warnings for clean up issued in ward 1 or 2. So please keep your property clean and mowed so the city won’t have to write tickets.
There is also some great news for the citizens of Hartford about our streets. This summer we will be overlaying asphalt on 1st Street/4th Street/Walnut Street/Hartman Street and the section of Pine Street between McCloud and Spradling Streets that is currently gravel. This street resurfacing is really going to help in making our little city beautiful again!
For the Hackett Hornets, achieving victory in the face of adversity is nothing new. After former head coach, Lonnie Hester, stepped down in 2019, the Hornets faced the unknown. Once Hackett found their man in Michael Meador though, the players quickly re-molded the hive around their newly appointed head coach and never skipped a beat. Even with a new coach and battling the injury bug all season, the Hornets STILL finished with an 8-3 record along with a State Playoff berth.
Head Coach, Michael Meador, explained “In 2019 we had a lot of growth as a team. With a brand new coaching staff and with a lot of new starters it can be difficult to come in and have success. We had several big wins for our program to hopefully gain some momentum for this upcoming season. My favorite game of last year was against Hector. Our defense played a really good game and had a lot of key stops. Our offense struggled at times but was able to drive 82 yards on the final drive for the go-ahead score with less than one minute to go. That game gave us the momentum to win some big games in the following weeks. Our guys continued to fight and that was what I was most proud of.”
Being successful with a new coach and coaching staff should be the last big change for a while right? Wrong! For the 2020 football season, Hackett will be moving up in conference leaving the 2A and entering the 3A-1. Although the 3A-1 is new for the Hornets, their schedule has some very familiar faces. Hackett has plenty of history with 3A-1 teams such as Charleston, Cedarville, and their Sebastian County rivals the Mansfield Tigers. They will also be joined by their fellow former 2A opponents the Lavaca Golden Arrows. And rounding out the 3A-1 conference will be Greenland, West Fork, and Lincoln. Even though this is new territory for Hackett, the tasks and overall goal is the same for the rough and tough Hornets. Win and prove everyone wrong.
Coach Meador backed that up by saying “We are excited for the challenge of going into a new conference. We have played a lot of the teams in this conference so we think we have a pretty good feel for those programs. We’ll have some challenges for sure but I honestly believe our players can hang with the best of the best no matter what conference we’re in. It should be an exciting year and we cannot wait to get back to having fun playing football. Our outlook for the 2020 season is competing for a conference championship. That is our goal every year and moving up to a different classification is no different.“
As with all programs, graduation will cause the Hornets to lose some key talent and leaders on the team in 2020. One thing that Hackett has going for them though is youth. The Hornets played a lot of juniors and sophomores in 2019 which will benefit them in 2020. Having a team full of on-field experience will give the Hornets the edge over some opponents this upcoming season. “We are losing several guys including Briar Goines, a three-year starter, Dylan Kats, and Trevor Woody. All three of them made a lot of plays to help us win games. The loss of those players will hurt but we have several newcomers that can fill those the voids left by our graduates. Our players know nothing will be given to them so we’ll have a lot of guys battling hard for those positions. For Briar’s position, we are looking at Luke Gann to step in. He was injured last year but has been getting stronger in the weight room. At guard, we have Juan Farjado and Tyler Pittman battling for that spot. At receiver, Logan Slavens was banged up during several games but has put on weight and gotten faster this offseason. And Zayden Dennis and Silas Thomas will push for a starting job as well.”
So according to the math, Hackett has faced the adversities of building around a new coach in 2019, losing seniors who were team leaders, and moving up in conference in less than a full year. That’s a lot for any program in America to overcome. Now sneak in the difficulty of the COVID-19 pandemic where team meetings and team practices are cut for the time being as well. But if you’ve ever tried to get rid of a Hornet’s nest, you know that Hornets just keep coming back. Meadors Hackett squad exemplifies that analogy because they just keep on coming back stronger than ever.
“The pandemic has for sure put a bump in the road but everybody is dealing with the same issues. We cannot control what happens but we can control how we respond to the situation. As coaches, we have responded really well and stayed in contact with our players. They’re showing us that none of this will stop them from preparing for the season by doing at-home workouts and conditioning. We’ll be ready. In fact, we’ll probably be more ready than other programs.”
Photos courtesy of Mandy Foster, Dave and Desiree Slavens, and Cory and Jessica Oelke
As a large property owner, there’s no question that there’s a lot of work and maintenance involved when you own acres worth of land. Regardless, you’ve got your work cut out for you, whether you chose to live on a large piece of land or you’re now in charge of the family farm that’s been handed down for generations. Many owners of large property invest in one or two pieces of heavy machinery––most commonly a skid steer––to help you maintain your property. Continue reading to learn more about how a skid steer can benefit your large property.
The main benefit of using a skid steer is its versatility. You can easily use a skid steer while landscaping, with a tree pulling attachment or buckets to move mulch and rock. In addition, farmers have begun using skid steers to make their job easier when it comes to moving large bales, feed, and more. In addition, you can get several other attachments to help you with maintaining your property. A few of these attachments include augers, buckets, forks, levelers, tillers, and more. That said, you’ll be able to handle everything your large property will ever need with a skid steer and a few attachments.
While our ancestors may be shaking their heads at us, using equipment like a skid steer is going to get your job done a lot faster. Even if you had the whole family come and help around the property, chances are you’ll be able to get just as much done—if not more—using equipment. The fact that you’ll be able to get the work done quicker and put your effort elsewhere is just an added benefit to having a skid steer. Not to mention, skid steers are more than capable of operating in different conditions, as long as you have high-quality tires or tracks. Skid steers can easily maneuver over surfaces that are smooth and flat or rough and bumpy. In other words, regardless of the state of your soil and land, a skid steer will work wonders for you.
Whether you’ve been a farmer or lived on a large property your whole life, or this is your first time, there’s always something to do. But why break your back with manual labor and waste precious time with maintaining the land when you could do it much quicker with a skid steer? That’s just one of the many ways a skid steer can benefit your large property.
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