Resident News Network

Couple Faces Livestock and Identity Theft Charges

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4:58 am

Couple Faces Livestock and Identity Theft Charges

A team of law enforcement officers, including Arkansas Department of Agriculture investigator Billy Black, have been working collaboratively to charge a Texas couple with livestock theft, forgery and fraud.

Aaron Todd Davis, 35, and Lindsay Davis, 38, are facing multiple charges following an investigation by Black, and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

The couple purchased six calves in late March for the amount of $3,012.13. They are alleged to have used false identification and a fraudulent check to make the purchase. According to a statement from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, an investigation was underway, but before it was complete, the suspects paid the victim and the case was closed.

Then, in April, a Ranger with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association received a phone call about a returned check at an auction market in East Texas. The market’s office manager told Ranger Brent Mast that the first-time buyers wrote a check for $5,151.55 to purchase three heifer yearlings and two bulls. Mast determined the check was a forgery and that Aaron Davis had used a fake identification card.

Simultaneously, in Calvert, Texas, the couple was alleged to have been involved in a similar crime, but paid restitution to the victim and the case was closed.

The Davises were also identified in a buying and selling scheme in Arkansas, again, allegedly using fraudulent identification and checks. According to a probable cause affidavit by the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, the Nacogdoches, Texas couple had purchased 13 head of cattle from an Ash Flat Livestock Barn. According to that affidavit, the personal check was from the Texarkana area. Investigators later discovered that the Davises had allegedly sold those cattle in Morrilton on April 11, along with 14 other head of cattle.

Jara Settles, General Counsel and Vice President of Risk Mitigation of the Livestock Marketing Association, stated “by working with several markets in Arkansas as well as our Region Executive Officer, Terry Chapman, we were able to put together a timeline of events and some security footage to assist Chief Billy Black with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture in working his investigation. I was referred to Chief Black by Cody Burkham with the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association.”

Billy Black, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, reached out to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association for assistance in identifying the two suspects. After Black described the couple, along with the vehicle and trailer, Mast confirmed that the suspects matched the description of Aaron and Jessica Davis.

Aaron Davis was arrested on May 4 on suspicion of engaging in continuing gang organization or enterprise, forgery II and theft of property greater than $5,000 but less than $25,000. Davis posted a $10,000 cash only bond on May 4. His next court date is scheduled for June 23 in a Sharp County Circuit Court.

According to a statement issued by the Texas Cattle Raisers Association, the couple were interviewed and confessed to the crimes. The two are charged with theft of livestock, forgery and theft of identity in Houston County, Texas, and theft of livestock in Arkansas.

Mast and Special Ranger Larry Hand extended their gratitude towards assisting agencies, including, Chief Billy Black; Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers Hal Dumas and Jimmy Belt; Officer Nathan Jessup and other members of the Nacogdoches Police Department; Captain Rusty Allen of the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; and Captain Heath Bragg, Game Warden, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“This was truly a team effort,” Mast said. “Due to our large network of law enforcement agencies and multiple officers pulling together, we were able to solve these cases and help protect livestock producers and marketers from future loss.”

Settles agreed, stating, “We cannot thank them enough for their cooperation and quick work to identify, apprehend, and successfully interview these suspects.”

Car Problems That Everyone Has

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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7:16 pm

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For over a century, we’ve all depended on transportation via a vehicle—whether that vehicle had an engine or was pulled by horses. However, vehicles became especially important for those of us living in rural areas, especially when we have a long commute to get to a major grocery store. That said, we’re all guaranteed to run into some car problems at some point. Luckily, we’re all in this together; check out these common car problems that everyone has.

Warning lights

It seems like there’s a warning light for just about anything on our car nowadays. Think about it: there are even lights and sensors to let you know your tires need a little more air. However, without these lights, we may drive around and cause harm to our vehicles. That said, every vehicle is different—some models arguably have too many warning lights, while others have very few. Either way, you should have your vehicle’s manual so that you can know what’s wrong. If you don’t have the manual, many manufacturers have online versions available on their website.

Low or dead battery

If your car is having a hard time starting, or it doesn’t want to start at all, you probably need a new battery. Luckily, a bad battery is relatively easy to notice. Your engine may stutter when trying to start, and most vehicles have a warning light to let you know your car isn’t starting. Helpful, isn’t it? The common culprit for a dead battery is leaving your lights on when the car isn’t running. However, it’s possible that your battery merely ran through its life and needs a replacement.

Failed emissions

Everybody knows that driving is bad for the environment for several reasons. However, the government does regulate emissions and that’s why some states require an emissions test. Arkansas doesn’t require residents to have tests, but they do encourage us to maintain our vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. If your car sounds weird and smells bad, you may have an emissions issue. In that case, you should reach out to a mechanic for a repair.

Flat tires

Unfortunately, everyone will get a flat tire at some point in their life. Of course, you should know how to change a tire when that does happen, but you also should do your best to avoid a flat in the first place. There are some common reasons for a flat tire and most of these are easily avoidable. Nonetheless, if your tire treads are nearly bald, you need new tires as soon as possible.

Whether people are driving in rural areas like us or in a major city, there are certain car problems that everyone has to faceeventually. Even if we take care of our cars, they’re prone to breaking down at some point. However, if you know how to react and do your best to avoid the problems, you’ll know what to do when the problem does arrive.

UAFS Launches $1,000 Scholarship for New Transfer Students

News

Tammy Teague

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5:50 am

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A new scholarship program launched Wednesday by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will provide $1,000 in financial aid for all eligible incoming transfer students.

Students eligible for the new Helping Hand Transfer Scholarship must have completed 12 credit hours and have at least a combined 2.5 grade point average at their previous institution(s).

“UAFS’s quality, affordability and in-demand degrees have always made it an attractive choice for transfer students,” said Dr. Lee Krehbiel, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “The uncertainty of the past few months has many students considering their university options. This scholarship will help relieve the financial pressure that can result from changing institutions and allow students more flexibility.”

The new scholarship will automatically be awarded to all first-time transfer students who meet the credit hour and GPA criteria and is renewable for up to three years, offering these students a total of $3,000.

Transfer students also have the opportunity to apply for the Transfer Achievement and Phi Theta Kappa Transfer scholarships. These merit scholarships provide a higher level of financial support.

The Transfer Achievement Scholarship provides $3,000 a year for tuition and fees and is renewable for up to three years for a total of $9,000. The Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship provides $4,000 a year for tuition and fees and is renewable for two years for a total of $8,000.

These merit scholarships require at least 48 credit hours prior to transferring and a GPA of at least 3.0 and are not stackable with the Helping Hand scholarship. The deadline for applying for the merit scholarships is July 1, 2020.

UAFS enrolled more than 300 transfer students this academic year, a number it hopes to raise for the 2020 Fall semester with the help of these new awards.

Additional criteria details on these and other transfer scholarships are available at admissions.uafs.edu/financial-aid/transfer or by contacting the UAFS Office of Financial Aid by email at finaid@uafs.edu

Drive-By for GHS 2020 Softball Seniors

News

Tammy Teague

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1:23 pm

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On Friday evening, May 22, from 6-7 p.m. the Greenwood High School 2020 Softball Seniors will be at the big parking lot of Geno’s Pizza.

Everyone is encouraged to drive by and bid the seniors a fond farewell!

Those GHS softball seniors are: Katelynn Youngwolfe, Emma McCorkle, Scotlyn Wells, Angela Price, Kya Schmidt, Paxtyn Hayes, Rheding Wagoner, and Harley Terry.

May 15, National Peace Officers Memorial Day

News

Tammy Teague

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5:34 pm

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Governor Asa Hutchinson made a proclamation in observance of May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The sobering day is designated to honor the sacrifice and service of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy.

“…Since the first recorded death in 1786, more than 24,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been killed in the line of duty, including 301 in Arkansas.”

On October 1, 1962, the President of the United States authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day.”

On this day, we pause and remember those who selflessly and sacrificially gave all to protect and serve.

Arkansas Squirrel Season Opens May 15

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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5:03 pm

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By Randy Zellers, Assistant Chief of AGFC Communications

With turkey hunting season wrapped up, deer and waterfowl hunting season may look like a million years away, but there’s another spring season that gives Arkansas hunters plenty of reasons to be excited. Arkansas’s squirrel season opens May 15, and for those who enjoy chasing these treetop targets, it’s a great excuse to be in the woods.

Spring squirrel hunting has been an Arkansas tradition for decades, and typically was available from mid-May through mid-June. In 2013 the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission voted to extend the season for those who wanted to continue pursuing squirrels from May 15 to the end of February, making it one of Arkansas’s longest hunting seasons.

Squirrel populations are largely dependent upon the previous year’s mast crop. When the acorns and hickory nuts are plentiful, squirrel populations will rise; but when hard mast is scarce, hunters may see declines in overall squirrel production. Following last fall’s explosion of hard mast throughout much of the state, squirrel populations should be seeing a healthy response and many young bushytails should be prowling the woods this spring. Add in the latest cooldown from Mother Nature, and this spring is shaping up to be one of the best prospects in recent years to break out a .22 rife or shotgun to chase these plentiful targets.

Fall season hunters have a few options when it comes to hunting styles: they can find a patch of hardwoods that are producing particularly well and sit a spell, or they can stay mobile and keep a sharp eye for the small animals as they make their way from tree to tree. Some hunters also opt to follow a trusty fiest or cur, dog breeds developed to watch and sniff out squirrels and lock them down to one tree until the hunter can catch up to take a shot. All of these tactics are excellent options, but in spring one outshines them all.

“Mulberries,” said Mark Hooks, regional wildlife supervisor for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Monticello Office. “Find mulberries in spring and you will find the squirrels.”

Just as a veteran squirrel hunter knows to focus on areas with abundant hickories and oaks during fall, a smart hunter will learn to identify the red mulberry tree as it is one of the best magnets for gray squirrels and fox squirrels this time of year.

“In fall, you’ll know when a squirrel has really been cutting hickories by the yellow stain on their chin,” Hooks said. “But if you can find a ripe red mulberry tree, you’ll see a bunch of squirrels with purple stains on their mouths and chest from the fruits of this tree.”

Former AGFC biologist and spring squirrel hunter Mike Widener used to joke about his recipe for spring squirrel success.

“Find a big mulberry tree with ripening fruit and camp out. Go no farther. Collect eight squirrels. Come back tomorrow,” Widner would say.

The only thing that has changed to that formula in the last decade is that squirrel hunters can now collect 12 bushytails as their daily limit.

Hooks says the key to identifying these magical mulberries is to focus on the leaves. Mulberry trees will have broad, pointed leaves that resemble a heart shape with a flat base. But the leaf also may have a depression in its margin that creates multiple lobes.

“The red mulberry leaf can be unlobed, have two lobes or multiple lobes all on the same tree,” Hooks said. “It’s one of our only trees that will have that. Another good giveaway is to break the leaf at its stem. Mulberry trees will have a white, milky sap at the stem you can see easily. That and the mulberries themselves that look similar to small blackberry fruits will help you find these trees when they are available.”

The main precautions for hunters looking to explore the spring squirrel woods are the same as those for turkey hunters. Ticks, gnats, mosquitoes and other biting insects can be waiting to hop aboard anyone who isn’t prepared. A good bug suit combined with insect repellent is the best route to take. If a bug suit seems too expensive or cumbersome, hunters may want to substitute for it by spraying their clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that will help deter some insects. But a good bug spray using the chemical compound DEET is almost a requirement to keep the bugs at bay.

With the exception of the bugs, the only real thing to worry about is caring for your squirrels once they’re harvested. Keeping the carcass cool is more of a factor than in cooler weather. Wearing a vest with a mesh game pouch like those used during dove season works well to offer air circulation around your squirrel. If that isn’t available, carrying your squirrels by hand or hanging them from a game tote like duck hunters use is a good alternative to keeping the meat fresh and ready for a pot of squirrel and dumplings when you get home.

Could High School Team Sports Resume June 1?

Sports

Resident News Network

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3:51 pm

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Could High School Team Sports Resume June 1?

A burning question that has been roaring inside every high school sports fan may soon be answered. Will the Arkansas Activities Association’s dead period for all high school athletics be lifted after it’s expiration on May 30? Well, according to internet and local media, the big announcement on the fate of summer athletic camps and team sports may be coming as soon as May 20.

According to the internet site “Arkansas Money & Politics”, a decision from Governor Hutchinson should be announced next week. The publication is quoted as saying, “Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that he intends to announce several “decision points” on bars and summer camps next week. The bar decision is scheduled for May 18, and the summer camp decision will be announced May 20. Hutchinson also stated that a decision point on summer camps and team sports will be announced. This has been a frequently asked question during Hutchinson’s daily press conferences in recent weeks.”

Today, Little Rock’s KATV sports director, Steve Sullivan, tweeted, “Decision on team sports coming May 20th. Can’t wait to hear the words “play ball”. Sullivan’s tweet makes high school sports fans wonder if the decision has already been made to lift the dead period on May 30.

Decision on team sports is coming on May 20th. Can't wait to hear the words " play ball "
— Steve Sullivan (@sully7777) May 12, 2020

Resident Press has reported in recent weeks how the dead period is affecting coaches and players in their preparation and routines leading into the fall high school sports seasons. Coaches have indicated that a return date of approximately July 6 would be adequate to prepare players for a safe return to the fall sports schedule. The coaches also indicated that the high school football and volleyball schedules could be played as scheduled if teams return by July 6. Certainly, a lifting of the dead period that would enable coaches to begin meeting in person with their athletes as early as June 1 would be very welcomed by all concerned.

Resident Press will continue to follow this story and will bring the latest updates to our readers as events develop. Stay with Resident Press for coverage of your favorite high school teams!

4 Summer Tips for Hobby Farmers to Help Beat the Heat

Networks

Resident News Network

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10:19 am

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4 Summer Tips for Hobby Farmers to Help Beat the Heat

There’s a lot to love about summer. The warm weather and sunny days make the season vibrant and full of life. Despite this, summer can also bring unsafe conditions for you and your livestock. All living creatures must avoid dehydration, heatstroke, and other complications that come from hot temperatures. From keeping your beehives cool to running fans in your barn, it’s important that you take good care of your animals throughout every season. To keep summer fun for everyone, here are four summer tips for hobby farmers to help beat the heat.

Stay Cool in the Shade

Just as you like to lounge under the shade during the summer, so do your animals. Make sure everyone has a place to get out of the direct sunlight. If you can, place your beehives or coops beneath trees to give them partial shade. Make sure any grazing animals have access to shade as well. If there are no trees in the run or pasture, build a lean-to or shed so that they can escape the heat when necessary.

Let the Water Flow

Your animals need water to stay hydrated and cool this summer. One of the simplest summer tips for hobby farmers to help beat the heat is to make sure all of your animals have access to safe water sources. Keep a careful eye on your troughs and waterers to make sure they stay clean and full throughout the summer. You can also provide your animals with shallow pools or sprinklers, so they can cool off and relax.

Enjoy a Cool Breeze

If your animals spend too much time inside, they’re going to need a little extra breeze. Make sure your barn or stable gets plenty of cool air by running fans and throwing open the doors and windows. In addition to feeling good, a cool breeze also helps get rid of stagnant air and deter annoying insects. It also helps lower humidity within your barn, keeping your livestock comfortable in the heat.

Keep the Days Stress-Free

When temperatures reach their peak and the sun is high in the sky, it’s tempting to just laze around and enjoy a relaxing summer day. In fact, this might be the best thing you can do for yourself and your animals. Leave your harder, more strenuous jobs for cooler days—or at least cooler times of day like early morning and evening. Avoid transporting your animals or putting them through unnecessary work or care in the extreme heat. This will help keep your animals’ stress levels low, so they can spend their days relaxing and staying healthy.

Waldron Bulldogs: Male and Female Athlete of the Year

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:34 am

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Waldron Bulldogs: Male and Female Athlete of the Year

With an abundance of talent and so many qualifying seniors, the decision to determine which two athletes will receive the Waldron Male and Female Athlete of the Year award is not taken lightly. With the spring sports season cut short and the school year being continued from home, it came to no surprise that the end of the year sports banquet would be halted as well. But that doesn’t mean that the two recipients of this award should be left to celebrate quietly. So without further ado, the Waldron Bulldog Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards, go to seniors Bayleigh Lipham and Payton Brown.

Bayleigh Lipham has never understood the meaning of the word can’t. For Bayleigh, its never been a question of who’s going to let her. It’s a question of who’s going to stop her. She has never been one to shy away from a task too big or a problem too hard. During her high school career, Bayleigh participated in track, cheer, softball, and volleyball. And for the next step on the path of life, Bayleigh plans to attend UAFS where she will study Imaging Science and eventually open her own 4D clinic.

Track Coach, Angie Bailey, had this to say about her departing senior who has been doing track since the seventh grade. “This young lady is such a class act! Bayleigh gives so much of herself in all that she does. She’s all in, all the time. Not only did Bayleigh run hurdles, but she also threw discus. Since I always had to share her with softball, discus kind of went by the wayside. When Bayleigh runs hurdles she’s so technical. Of course, that’s thanks to her dad Chris Lipham. The sky’s the limit with this one! I am so proud to say I got to coach her. I’m sure going to miss her!”

Over the last four years, Bayleighs love and passion for softball has shone brightly on and off the field. She finishes her softball career with 43 games played, 39 hits, 24 runs, and 147 putouts. “We will be sadly losing her leadership and level-headedness,” stated Softball Coach, Bailey Moore. “She was always calm (at least on the outside) in a tough situation. She always had encouraging words for her teammates and a pick me up when the team needed it. Not to mention, her effectiveness behind the plate! She came in as a catcher and adopted the first base position. This was her first year as a full-time catcher and what a year to finally get back to it!”

“Bayleigh, you have given me and your team so much over the past four years. More than I could have asked for. I have watched you grow so much as a player and as a young lady. Your determination on and off of the field has been an inspiration to all of those around you. I hope every coach has the opportunity that I had in getting to coach a player with the respect, drive, and attitude that you have shown. I know that all of these characteristics are going to take you far in life and I cannot wait to watch you on your journey! I know you will achieve all of your goals in life and I will forever be proud of you!”

In her final goodbye, Bayleigh leaves her Bulldog family with this. “High school went by way too fast, just like everyone said it would. I truly hope that you all cherish the memories we have made in the past seasons and the couple of softball games we got to play this season. Because no matter how bad we want to, you don’t get a second chance. My team was and will always be my family, every single one of them, old and new. I hope I left an impression on them and taught them a couple of lessons along the way through how I acted in and out of athletics. Our team lived and breathed softball and the competitiveness of it. The game in a way shaped us to be who we are. With all my love, #12 out!”

Waldron Bulldog Female Athlete of the Year

In the world of high school sports, the name Payton Brown is known far and wide especially on the basketball court. From day one, Payton has had sports talent coursing through his veins. His father, Jason Brown, was also a basketball genus so it comes to no surprise that Payton would follow in his father’s footsteps. Payton has spent his high school career participating in track, where he ran hurdles and threw shot and even got a ticket to State for the 300 hurdles his freshman year, baseball, and basketball.

Playing a total of 48 baseball games, Payton also acquired 66 strikeouts as pitcher and earned one home-run. Baseball Coach, Mark Brigance, delivers his thoughts on this Bulldog senior. “Payton is a terrific baseball player. His best attribute to the team was playing catcher. Once he threw out a runner in the first game of the season and that was the end of people trying to run on us. Coaches are gonna talk and they knew before we played them not to run on him. Payton really helped at the pitcher position too. He’s a great kid who’s going to go far in life.”

Payton has committed to being a Lion at UAFS where he is excited to further his academic and basketball careers. And recently, Payton was also selected to be part of the 2020 AAA Basketball All-Star West team along with his basketball coach, Joshua Brown. Although the games were canceled due to Covid-19, the AAA still wanted to honor the players and coaches selected. Payton has been All-State and All-Conference in basketball for three seasons along with leading the state in scoring for three years as well.

Basketball career averages for Payton include: 6.6 rebounds per game, 3.2 assists per game, 2.4 steals per game, 50% FG%, 87% FT%, scored 2775 career total points, averaged 31.2 points per game for his career, ArBCA top 5 teams in 3A Basketball, Arkansas High School record book, will be #5 on Arkansas High School All-Time scoring list, scored 60 points in a game which will be #10 in most points scored in a game, #7 for most points scored in a season his junior year, and #4 for points per game for a season. “Payton has been the definition of hard work,” expressed Coach Brown. “He has put in countless hours in the gym and his hard work has paid off. We are going to miss him in orange and black but look forward to what the future holds for him!”

Payton leaves his friends, family, and Bulldog community with this final farewell. “Ever since I was a little kid, I couldn’t wait to put on an orange and black jersey after watching my older brother play. I’ve had a blessed career here and I wouldn’t want it any other way. It went by almost too fast and I still can’t believe I will never put on a uniform for this town ever again. But I dreamed of bringing a basketball reputation to this town along with bringing huge crowds to our gym to watch us and be proud, and that’s exactly what happened. From my sophomore year to my last game as a senior, every home game the community had our backs from massive crowds turning out and a student section bringing that extra energy. So for that, I thank you. I say to future Bulldogs coming in, carry the tradition and the winning ways. Don’t let anyone stop you from believing or achieving your goals and dreams because anything is possible. This was a great ride with many memories made that won’t be forgotten and many life long friends made. It’s an honor and a blessing to receive this award. God gets all the glory for blessing me throughout my life. Now it’s on to the next chapter. #PB10 out!”

Waldron Bulldog Male Athlete of the Year

Sports photos courtesy of Sandy Tull

White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD Delivers Special Surprise to Birthday Boy

News

Tammy Teague

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10:03 am

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White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD Delivers Special Surprise to Birthday Boy

On Monday evening, May 11, the White Bluff-Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department delivered a special surprise to birthday boy, Brecken Pugh.

The youngster was all smiles as the parade of emergency vehicles made their way down his street. Pugh’s parents, Alex and Crystal Pugh, watched as their son sounded the sirens, manned the fire hose, and suited up in turnout gear.

The department was elated to help the Pughs celebrate Brecken’s third birthday and judging from the smiles, it will certainly be a memorable one!