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Greenwood Man Arrested on Rape Charges

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

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

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

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

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.

Obituary- Jimmy Neal Mize (1948-2020)

Jimmy Neal Mize of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Jimmy was born August 22, 1948, in Monette, Arkansas to Arthur and Edith Mize. He was 71 years old.

Jimmy enjoyed fishing and working in his garden. Jimmy was very happy when he had the opportunity to cook for his kids. His greatest love was spending time with his family. He looked forward to making precious memories to last forever.

Jimmy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his chldren: Cindy Lash of Fordyce, Arkansas, Beverly Byford of Waldron, Arkansas, Christina Fairless of Mena, Arkansas, Lisa Buckingham of Plainville, Connecticut and Kenneth Wesley Mize of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Jimmy is also survived by two sisters, Jean Starr and Mildred Hopper both of Mena, Arkansas and one brother Johnny Mize of Waldron, Arkansas. Jimmy will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a large extended family of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Edith Mize, and nine siblings.

Jimmy’s memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

You may leave words of remembrance for Jimmy’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

United Way of Fort Smith Area Announces Recipients Of Blue and You Grant Funds

Recently United Way of Fort Smith Area was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas as part of their Rapid-Response Covid Relief Grants program. The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is a charitable foundation established and funded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote better health in Arkansas. Today United Way announced the recipients of those grant dollars.

“We are so thankful to Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Blue and You Foundation for teaming up with United Ways of Arkansas to help fund the fight against hunger during this unique and unprecedented time,” said Eddie Lee Herndon, President and CEO at United Way of Fort Smith Area. United Way, through the second phase of their COVID-19 Community Response Fund, used this grant funding to establish ten $2,500 micro-grants. Funds were available to area non-profits and faith based organizations working with individuals and families combating food insecurity.  Herndon added, “Our COVID-19 Community Response Committee reviewed the requests and made the decision on the agencies that would receive funding.”

Agencies recipients are, Children’s Emergency Shelter, Boys & Girls Club of South Logan County, Community Services Clearinghouse, Boys & Girls Club of Diamond Hills, Salvation Army, Girls, Inc., Next Step Homeless Services, Antioch Consolidated Association for Youth and Families, Fort Smith Interfaith Community Center, and Sebastian Retired Citizens Association.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold in the coming weeks, United Way and the COVID-19 Community Response Committee will continue to work to get dollars into our area quickly, funding nonprofit partners and service providers working directly with those impacted during this challenging time. To date, in all phases of COVID-19 funding, grants totaling $37,000 have been awarded.  United Way of Fort Smith Area has been connecting individuals and families in the River Valley with needed resources since 1928.

EMS Week Proclaimed in Arkansas

Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed May 17-23 as Emergency Services week.

In his proclamation, Hutchinson stated “WHEREAS: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital public service an members of emergency services medical teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and WHEREAS: Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and WHEREAS: The emergency medical services team consists of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, first responders, educators, administrators, and others; and WHEREAS: The members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and WHEREAS: It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services week; and WHEREAS: This year’s theme “EMS Strong: Stronger Together,” is a reminder of the deep commitment of emergency medical services team members to answer the call of a career that demands passion, purpose, and heart, and honors those who wear the uniform day in and day out; NOW THEREFORE, I, ASA HUTCHINSON, Governor of the State of Arkansas by virtue and authority vested in my by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 17th May 23rd 2020 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Arkansas across the state and I urge all citizens to observe this month and week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities…”

It is to these special and unique individual professionals that we celebrate and thank for their time and service to us when the greatest need arises.

Obituary- Marilyn J. Pinney (1935-2020)

Marilyn McDaniel Pinney of Pensacola, Florida (formerly of Mansfield, Arkansas) went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Marilyn was born October 12, 1935, to Orby and Ruth Carson McDaniel in Auburn, Arkansas which is now Fort Chaffee. She was 84 years of age.

Marilyn was a member of the Warrington Church of Christ in Pensacola, Florida for the past 55 years. She graduated from Mansfield High School in 1953. Marilyn retired from International Paper Company in Pensacola, Florida.

Marilyn leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons: Jim Pinney, Greg and wife Michelle Pinney, Jerry and wife Naomi Pinney and Chris and wife Debbie all of Pensacola, Florida. She is also survived by two sisters: Carolyn McDaniel and Janelle Graves of Mansfield, Arkansas and one brother, Glenn McDaniel and wife Beth of Greenwood, Arkansas. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She has many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Orby and Ruth McDaniel, husband James Pinney II and brother Randy McDaniel.

Marilyn’s life celebration will be at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020, at the Dayton Church of Christ with Larry Bridges officiating. A memorial will also be held in Pensacola, Florida at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Passmore and Rendon Recognized by ATU as 2020 Who’s Who Honorees

Thirty-one students have been selected for inclusion in the 2020 edition of Who’s Who at Arkansas Tech University.

Who’s Who selection is based upon academic achievement, service to the community while enrolled at Tech, leadership and involvement in co-curricular activities and the potential for continued success.

Students were required to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible:

*Be full-time students; undergraduate students must be currently enrolled in at least 12 hours, graduate students must be currently enrolled in nine hours, graduate assistants in at least 6 hours

*Have completed at least 90 hours by the end of the fall 2019 term; graduate students must have completed at least 12 hours by the end of the fall 2019 semester

*Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75; graduate students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.25

*Have not previously received this honor (both undergraduates and graduates)

Each applicant completed an online application, provided his or her involvement record, submitted a resume and authored an essay about how attending ATU has positively impacted his or her future.

Listed below are the 2020 Who’s Who at ATU honorees:

Sydney Blackwell
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Alma
Major: Middle Level Education
Parents: Shilo and Kelly Blackwell

Cateon Burnside
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Harrison
Major: Biomedical Biology
Parents: Rana and Jon Burnside

Jacqueline Charette
Classification: Graduate Student
Hometown: Newaygo, Mich.
Major: College Student Personnel
Parents: Mary Anne and Peter Charette

Onyinye Chime
Classification: Graduate Student
Hometown: Asaba, Nigeria
Major: English (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Option)
Parent: Veronica Chime

Kristen Davis
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Russellville
Major: Nursing
Parents: Dana and Kirk Warren; Tracy and Clay Davis (father)
Fiance: Jacob White

MaKenzie Douglas
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Clarksville
Major: Sociology and Criminal Justice
Parents: Kim and Neal Douglas

Danielle Duggan
Classification: Senior
Hometown: De Queen
Major: Management and Marketing
Parents: Donna and Gregory Duggan

Shelby Fitts
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Conway
Major: Hospitality Administration
Parents: Laura and Joe Fitts

Bailey Fowler
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Farmington
Major: Management and Marketing
Parents: Joyce and Steven Fowler

Bailey Greenwood
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Des Arc
Major: Speech Communication and Broadcast Journalism
Parents: Amy and Jerry Greenwood

Alida Gutierrez
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Dardanelle
Major: Health Information Management
Parents: Rosa and Ignacio Gutierrez

Rebecca Hatcher
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Subiaco
Major: Business Data Analytics
Parents: Evelyn and Mark Hatcher

Holly Haynes
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Clarksville
Major: Psychology
Parents: Stephanie and Ralph Haynes

Katherine Hefley
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Russellville
Major: Economics and Finance
Parents: Rhonda and Randy Hefley; Regina and Steve Lawson

Michael Ikwuyum
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Makurdi, Nigeria
Major: Electrical Engineering
Parent: Obande Francis Ikwuyum

Makayla Jones
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Van Buren
Major: Rehabilitation Science
Parents: Erin and Cort Williams

Grishma Khatri
Classification: Graduate Student
Hometown: Takoradi, Ghana
Major: Applied Sociology

Rebekah Love
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Farmington
Major: History
Parents: Brenda and Brad Love

Jacob Colton McChristian
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Ozark
Major: Political Science
Parents: Carmie and James McChristian

Brayden Meador
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Russellville
Major: English and Creative Writing
Parents: Marsha and Tony Meador

Lorrel Passmore
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Huntington
Major: Political Science
Parents: Stephanie and Gary Passmore

Summer Pauley
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Hope
Major: Psychology and Sociology
Parents: Mandy Hermenitt and Jason Pauley

Jessie Reed
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Greenwood
Major: Psychology and Early Childhood Education
Parents: Tammy and Stephen Reed

Samantha Rendon
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Charleston
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Parent: Peggy Jones

Abbygayle Riff
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Valley Springs
Major: History and Cultural and Geospatial Studies
Parents: Shari and Roger Riff

Betsie Rodriguez
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Russellville
Major: English Education
Parents: Fredy Rodriguez and Nelida Guzman

Abiola Sasore
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Dunleer, Ireland
Major: Rehabilitation Science
Parent: Dorcas Sasore

Madeline Spanel
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Heber Springs
Major: Biomedical Biology
Parent: Christa Chambers

Hattie Standridge
Classification: Graduate Student
Hometown: Sulphur, Okla.
Major: College Student Personnel
Parents: Kathy and Kirk Standridge

Trey Starks
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Bigelow
Major: Journalism
Parents: Kristi and Jeff Starks

Payton Youngblood
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Green Forest
Major: Elementary Education
Parents: Kristy and Brannon Youngblood