It is that time of season where our severe weather chances begin to ramp up quite a bit. Today is no different, as severe weather is expected by this afternoon into the evening. Thunderstorms capable of producing very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes will be possible.
The Storm Prediction Center has encompassed much of our region in an enhanced/slight risk area. This will fluctuate through the day.
I would suspect thunderstorm activity to be highest in our region by mid-afternoon into the evening hours.
Simulated Radar (7 PM)
Some of these thunderstorms could be isolated, this is a bit concerning to me. Any isolated thunderstorm that approaches our region will need to be monitored, as they will have a potential to rotate. The tornado threat is not exceptionally high, but a bit higher than our usual severe weather setups.
By late tonight, storms will have exited the region and will be moving east toward central/eastern Arkansas. Have a way to receive warning information today. I’ll have updates on Facebook/Twitter by this afternoon.
Arkansas State Troopers and Fayetteville police are continuing their negotiations with a man who is threatening to jump from an Interstate 49 overpass near the 51 mile marker. Troopers first encountered the individual shortly after 9 AM today. Currently traffic along I-49 is being diverted off the interstate highway (northbound) at Mountainburg and (southbound) at West Fork.
A team of specially trained state troopers and Fayetteville police department negotiators have been talking to the individual and brought his family to the area in hopes of resolving the threat the man has made on his life.
The Arkansas State Police is committed to stay with the individual as long as necessary in an effort to protect his life and asks for the continued patience of motorists traveling through the immediate area.
In honor of our 27th Annual Day of Caring, we ask you to join us in celebrating our volunteers! Because Day of Caring which was scheduled for April 23rd was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are going to have Day of Caring – Social Distance Style. We are asking that each of you share to your social media a photo of you volunteering, your favorite Day of Caring t-shirt, or even your favorite memory from a past Day of Caring event. We would love to flood social media with joyful memories of Day of Caring and shed some much-needed light during this stressful time. Please invite your friends and co-workers to join you in this fun day. We are asking that you tag us in these social media posts. On Facebook, tag United Way of Fort Smith and on Instagram and Twitter @unitedwayfsa. For social media platforms where hashtags are used, the hashtags will be #unitedwayfsa #SocialDistanceStyle.
Day of Caring is a vital event for our local non-profit agencies. Over the past 26 years, the value of our volunteer hours has reached well over one million dollars. These volunteers provided the work force for our agencies to complete much-needed projects. We hope to reschedule to a time when it is safe for our volunteers and agencies. If time does not allow for rescheduling this year, we may be in contact with some of you about completing the projects through our Day of Caring 365 program. This will depend on social distancing guidelines.
The design for the t-shirt was complete so we changed it up a bit and we are offering the option to purchase a Day of Caring 2020 – Social Distance Style t-shirt. We will have details on pricing and payment options on the 23rd. Proceeds from the purchase of the t-shirt will benefit the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. This fund will assist agencies and organizations in providing individuals and families who have been impacted by this pandemic, the assistance needed to stay in their homes and keep food on the table. United Way and the Community Response Committee will work to get these dollars into our area quickly. These micro-grants (up to $1000) are for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can also donate to this fund by texting “response” to 91999, online at unitedwayfortsmith.org or by mailing a check to us at 120 North 13th St. Fort Smith, AR 72901.
Southern Ann Brown of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Little Rock, Arkansas with her family by her side. Southern was born July 3, 2000, in Glendale, Arizona to Gregory Hayes Brown and Tonya Boyd. She was 19 years old.
Southern was the girliest tomboy you could have ever met. She could wear the prettiest dress and still be able to punch someone in the mouth. Southern enjoyed aggravating anyone and everyone, the more mad you became, the more she laughed. Southern was a strong-willed fighter but was very caring, head-strong and stubborn but also brought so much joy to those she loved. Southern loved the outdoors and fishing, once she even caught a fish with her bare hands! She was also an animal lover and her favorite animals were cows and zebras. Three and a half years ago her life changed-she was diagnosed with brain cancer. It did not change her personality, she was still as stubborn as she could be! She even taught the doctors and nurses a different outlook on patient care while also kicking their butts. The journey she was on was unbelievable. Southern overcame and conquered every obstacle that was in her way-even proving many doctors wrong. Her joy for life and perseverance was a beacon of light to those around her. She will always be the light to guide her family and friends.
Southern leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother Tonya Blevins of the home, one sister, Cheyenne Brown of Waldron, Arkansas, and brothers: Jesse Stinson and David Blevins IV both of Waldron, Arkansas and Christopher Baham of Louisiana. Southern is also survived by her grandparents, Denece Hunt of Waldron, Arkansas, Ronald Boyd of Arizona, Linda Brown of Louisiana and great grandmother, Royce Claunts of Waldron, Arkansas. Southern will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as friends that were dear to her heart.
Southern was preceded in death by her grandfather, Bruce Brown and great grandfather, Bobby Jo Claunts.
Southern’s graveside life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at the Pilot Prairie Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings, to do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but must remain in their vehicles. Therefore, the graveside service can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at radio station 87.9 FM. The graveside service will be available for viewing online the following day on Southern’s obituary page at www.heritagememorialfh.com.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jesse Stinson, David Blevins IV, Gary Clepper, Clinton Corbin, Shane Bayless, William Allred, and Waylon Brewer Jr.
Family and friends you may use the link below to sign Southern’s guest register and it will be printed and placed in her guest register the family will receive.
Effective June 1, homeowners in the City of Greenwood should see the benefit of the fire departments recent drop in ISO.
Greenwood Fire Chief Stewart Bryan stated that the department was notified in March that their ISO rating had gone from a three to a two. Most homeowners will reap that benefit in savings with their insurance policy.
Bryan credits several measures for the improved rating. Fire prevention education, which he implemented after becoming chief 14 years ago, is among those measures. Bryan designed an educational program geared towards each school age group. “We do a lot,” shared Bryan. “We are out at the Freedom Festival, Halloween, car show and we host the kids down here at the station. We also go to the schools.” Bryan estimates that the department reaches around 3,000 children each year with fire prevention education.
Fire prevention education is tailored for preschoolers through sixth grade.
Fire prevention and educating youth is at the heart of the department’s operation. One of the films Bryan shows to students demonstrates the importance of not going back into the house when there is a fire. “It really struck home with me,” shared Bryan. “I believe it was in 2005, we had a little girl die in a fire. We believe she went back in after the dog, and when mom and brother left out the back door and got to the neighbor’s house, they turned around and she was gone…so that touches home”
Bryan went on to add that the education program isn’t the main reason for the ISO 2 rating. “50% of it is fire department, 40% is your water distribution and 10% is dispatch.” With ISO, departments are scored on each of these. The Greenwood Fire Department received a total combined score of 82. “We scored four points more than last time,” Bryan added.
The City of Greenwood is also a Firewise community. The program provides a framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community.
Another contributing factor, according to Bryan, was the department’s training. “We changed our training program…We went from having one meeting a month, to three.” Those meetings provide opportunities for the 33 man volunteer department to train in things such as hazmat and live burns. “We train like we fight, and I make sure they have the best gear we can.”
Lastly, Bryan stated that improvements with the city’s water system also contributed to the rating. Those improvements include more water hydrants and larger capacity water lines.
This aerial map indicates the location of fire hydrants within the city.
Approximately six years ago, the department began doing hydrant maintenance. It gets the guys acquainted with where the hydrants are located, and it’s a PR opportunity too,” added Bryan. “If kids see our guys out there, we give them a hat.”
Equipment upgrades and “forward thinking” are also elements of the department’s successful rating. Bryan has worked to initiate a 15 year plan, and according to him, “we’re almost there.”
The Greenwood Fire Department’s equipment includes a swift water rescue boat, and a mobile base station.
When Bryan first began his career with the department in the late 1980’s, the ISO rating was a 7. With his leadership, the cooperation of the City Council and Mayor Doug Kinslow, the Greenwood Fire Department holds the second highest rating with the Insurance Services Office.
This spring, the Shelter Insurance® Foundation awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Harley Terry a graduate of Greenwood High School. Shelter Agent Phil Hicks sponsors and partially funded this scholarship.
Beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation, Harley can direct the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees or campus housing for any course of study leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university.
A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipient. The committee considered each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants. The name of the recipient will be announced at the close of the school year.
The scholarship is paid directly to the school the recipient selects. Harley received a certificate from Phil on behalf of the Shelter Insurance® Foundation.
In February 2020, the Chairman and CEO of Youth Opportunity Investments, Ronald Hunter, notified the Department of Human Services of their intent to sever ties with the state. On April 15, the Department of Human Services released a statement naming Rite of Passage as the new contractor.
YOI cited financial woes as its reason for discontinuing their services. In Hunter’s letter he stated, “it is evident to those who understand that all businesses are sustained by generating at least as much money as they spend to provide their goods/services. Youth Opportunity Investments is not in a position to continue its relationship with the State of Arkansas.” Hunter added that YOI will complete its obligations under the terms of the one-year agreement. (view complete transcript)
ROP will immediately begin working with YOI to transition the centers to new management, with the official takeover date of July 1. Rite of Passage, the same company who was initially awarded the contract for youth services, will assume operations at all state juvenile treatment centers in Arkansas, including Mansfield.
Amy Webb, Chief of Communications, stated “ROP has had a contract to handle the day-to-day management of the state’s Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center in Saline County since August 2016. The other four facilities in Lewisville, Mansfield, Dermott, and Harrisburg are overseen by Youth Opportunities Investments (YOI). In mid-February, YOI notified DYS that it would not continue with its oversight of those facilities after June 30 due to financial concerns. As a result, DHS presented an amendment to ROP’s contract to the State Legislature today.”
The amendment allows ROP to take on the day-to-day management of the treatment centers in Dermott, Mansfield, and Harrisburg. With the center in Saline County, there are 230 residential beds and 20 assessment beds available across all these centers. According to Webb, ROP may use the Lewisville campus to operate a substance abuse treatment program, if funding is available.
With five games in the bag before their softball season was canceled, the Mansfield Lady Tigers were just starting to gain momentum. The girls had just earned an 11-1 conference win over Greenland when news broke that the AAA was going to suspend the remainder of the season. “I was looking forward to this year’s group of girls,” stated coach, Erica McKay, who although having experience on the field as the assistant softball coach, was excited to launch her first season as head coach. “Not only did we play some really great teams but each time that we stepped on the field, we were showing growth in areas that had been lacking.”
Chloe Creekmore
The Lady Tigers closed shop with a 1-0 conference record and a 2-3 overall record with their second win coming from shutting down Lavaca 11-0. “I just had this feeling that this group of Lady Tigers was going to go far this season. They had the talent, drive, and hard work to be successful. That is definitely the hardest part of the situation we are in. It’s obviously a hard time for this group of girls and especially the seniors. But all we can do as coaches is to be there and support them.” This year’s softball team will be losing three seniors.
Amber Elmore
Playing varsity ball since freshman year, Maggie Strunk has seen great success as a starting pitcher striking out a total of 58 batters during 67.1 innings. “She has really stepped up in her pitching role while also being a leader for this team.” Maggie concludes her high school softball career with 55 games played, 72 hits, 24 RBI, 42 runs, a .426 batting average, 18 stolen bases, 116 putouts, and 63 assists.
Maggie Strunk
Kyli Davidson “has developed into a very consistent outfielder for us over the last four years.” With a fielding percentage of .862 from 50 games played, Kyli also finishes with 22 putouts, three assists, four stolen bases, 15 RBI, 26 hits, and 12 runs. And during her three-season ride, Abby Morgan “has contributed many hits at the plate for the Lady Tigers” acquiring a .315 batting average. Abby competed in a total of 22 games earning her 17 hits, 14 runs, 10 RBI, one home run, nine putouts, one stolen base, and 12 assists.
Kyli Davidson
“I know it’s hard for my girls to stay positive when it comes to coping with the loss of a season, but keep taking it day by day. We have to focus on why we are having to take these precautions and it’s all for the safety of our loved ones. Stay active and enjoy the time you have with your family.”
Abby Morgan
“The softball program at Mansfield is looking very bright for the upcoming seasons. We will be gaining quite a few athletes here in the next couple of years that will contribute greatly to the success of this program. Coming back from this pandemic, I believe these girls will really cherish the moments they have left with any sport they love. Playing every game like it’s your last is a cliche phrase, but this pandemic just shows the real truth behind that and I believe the next group of Lady Tigers will take that to heart. The future is bright for the Mansfield Softball Program!”
Want to make a difference in your community, and earn extra income by doing it? Now is your chance! The U.S. Census is hiring 132 more census takers for Sebastian County.
Most 2020 Census positions will last several weeks. They feature:
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Weekly paychecks
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Why Apply?
Competitive Wages
Could you use extra income? Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive wages that are paid weekly. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work.
Support Your Community
Census results are used to determine your representation in Congress, and they help inform how billions of dollars are distributed for hospitals, schools, roads, and more. Help ensure that everyone in your community is counted in the 2020 Census.
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Temporary positions for the 2020 Census feature flexible hours—a perfect fit if you are looking to earn extra money, even if you already have other commitments.
Be a Part of History
Every 10 years since 1790, the United States has undertaken the momentous task of counting its population. This is your chance to play a role.
Job Qualifications
To be eligible for a 2020 Census job, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a valid Social Security number.
Be a U.S. citizen.*
Have a valid email address.
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Be able to speak, read, and write in English, if applying in the 50 states or Washington, D.C. (Bilingual applicants are needed and are encouraged to apply.)
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Most jobs require employees to:
Have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle, unless public transportation is readily available.
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While today was gorgeous across the area, Sunday will be a completely different story. Scattered rain showers/storms will be possible through much of the day. By Sunday afternoon, we could notice an uptick in thunderstorm intensity. While the greatest threat of severe weather will exist south and east of our coverage area, I won’t rule out the possibility for a severe thunderstorm.
The Storm Prediction Center (graphic below) has included regions of the Resident News Network viewing area in their latest categorical outlook.
SPC Outlook for 4-19-20
Places like Waldron, Mena and surrounding areas may have a better chances at seeing severe weather tomorrow. Essentially the further south you travel, your chances will increases.
I would suspect that by noon into the evening hours a few of us will see a stronger storm or two. These storms could contain gusty winds and larger hail. There is a tornado threat, but it’s very low and for now I’m not over-concerned regarding it.
By Sunday evening the severe weather threat will diminish as thunderstorms move east out of the area. Once this system exits, cooler air will wrap around into the region and settle in by Monday morning.
Statewide Temperatures (Monday AM)
While temperatures won’t cool into the 30’s and 20’s like last Monday, we will be fairly cool to start off the day. Temperatures should range from the low to mid 40’s, with maybe a few 30 degree readings in higher elevations. We will eventually warm back up on Monday afternoon into the mid-70’s.
Thanks for reading! Remember you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter for continued Arkansas weather related information.
