Matthew Pelkki, George Clippert Endowed Chair of Forest Economics College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources The University of Arkansas at Monticello
With millions of Americans already out of work and continued job losses exceeding that of the Great Recession of 2009, US GDP is projected to decline by 8% in 2020. There are projections that it could take up to three years for the US economy to recover from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. With strong containment procedures, the recovery could happen as early as 2021; recovery is dependent on the development of vaccines for the virus and mild or no reoccurring outbreaks in 2021. The forest products industry is heavily integrated with the greater economy through housing, manufacturing, and consumer goods. Some likely impacts over the next 2-3 years are:
Housing starts will fall off, slowing lumber demand and production in the second half of 2020 and first three quarters of 2021.
Tree planting and other silvicultural operations will be severely curtailed as immigrant (H2B visa) workers are restricted in number and those that are available for work in the USA will be used for critically needed food production.
A likely national and global recession will last at least through 2020, and may last until the third quarter of 2021, which will affect demand for consumer goods and manufacturing of high value products so consumption of pallets and ties will decline.
Home remodeling may actually rise in portions of 2020 and 2021 when stay at home orders are relaxed, thus helping ease the decline in softwood and hardwood consumption.
Pulp demand should be mixed, with sanitary paper markets being exceptionally strong and finished paper, containers, and packaging markets markedly weaker than 2019.
Global trade in wood products will likewise be curtailed until at least mid-2021, with the most severe declines in the second and third quarters of 2020 lasting through the first quarter of 2021, and then possibly a slow recovery that could take as long as 2 years.
The effects will be delayed for the forest products industries, and since demand for wood is derived from manufactured products, the recovery will be slower, particularly for landowners who will likely see very weak stumpage markets in 2021 and 2022. U.S. fiscal policy will likely be to maintain extremely low interest rates to speed the recovery; this will greatly benefit the forest products industry as well. In the very long-term, the additional 2-3 trillion dollars of debt that all Americans have taken on could influence economic growth in the future for decades to come.
Yvonne Dunn, age 95 of Muldrow, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2020. She was born to David and Stella Boyd of Denton community, outside Waldron, Arkansas. She was a member of Denton Baptist Church.
She worked so hard all her life. She was a retired dairy farmer then retired from raising beef cattle. She loved her vegetable garden. She maintained a full pantry of home canned fruits and vegetables. She also filled a freezer with her harvests. She always had plenty of colorful blooming plants around the house. She also loved working with animals. It was really hard for her to give up her chickens a few years ago. She was devoted to her dogs. She had Dobermans since 1980. She loved them and kept them as inside/outside pets. For the last few years, she meticulously worked on her coloring books. She loved to watch the birds at the feeders. She also had many african violets and thoroughly enjoyed them. After a fall in late 2019, she was faithful in working on her rehab exercises and tried to stay active to the end of her life. She was able to stay in her home to the end of her life.
Yvonne is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Potter of Vermont, and Rebecca Dunn of Muldrow, Oklahoma.
Yvonne was predeceased by her husband, Jessie James Dunn and her brother, Perry Boyd.
The personal distancing requirements have, of course, altered the funeral plans. She will have a private burial at Sehorn Cemetery. The memorial will be at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas in the Fall once we are able to gather again. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Many Arkansans disagree with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and his reluctance to announce a shelter in place order. In fact, political consultant Ken Yang recently shared a statewide poll with 47% of Arkansans saying there should be a shelter in place order in effect.
Governor Hutchinson addressed those who feel the targeted measures aren’t enough, “…a true stay at home order would prohibit anyone from leaving their home.” He went on to add that exempting essential employees creates confusion.
States with stay at home or shelter in place orders still allow people still go to grocery stores, doctors’ offices, their pharmacy and parks. In a press conference last week, Hutchinson stated that if he gave an order that day, “700,000 Arkansans would still get up to go to work the next morning—as nurses, doctors, truck drivers, electricians, lawyers, accountants, grocers, shelf-stockers and media types.” Additionally, the order would add 100,000 Arkansans to the unemployment rolls.
Local lawmakers agree. “I believe Gov. Hutchinson’s response has been correct,” stated Senator Terry Rice. “People need to continue practicing safety measures.”
State Representative Marcus Richmond added, “at this point I see no reason to shelter in place. What we are doing now seems to be flattening the curve. Frankly, there is very little difference in what we are doing now in Arkansas when compared to those states who have shelter in place orders. Those states have waivers for this essential service and for that essential service which limits benefits while increasing disruption. Frankly more application of common sense by everyone would limit government intrusion. If you don’t have to be some place don’t go. If you do have to be some place be sure to keep a safe distance from others. Wash your hands and keep your hands away from your face.”
So how would a shelter in place order change our day to day activities? Under the current guidelines, dining in at restaurants, hair, nail and massage parlors are closed, campsites and lodging are restricted, most non-essential businesses have closed or altered their operations, in-classroom instruction has been moved to online, cities, counties and state buildings have all either closed or restricted visitors.
A stay at home or shelter in place order could include travel restrictions or curfews. Those found in violation of the order would be subject to fine or imprisonment.
Huntington resident Shannon Pollard said she wants to see more non-essential businesses close, and for citizens to take social distancing more seriously. “I think it (shelter in place order) would make people take this more seriously…People would have to shut down their non-essential businesses like restaurants, book shops, etc. People are still frequenting these places and this is only continuing the spread.”
Governor Hutchinson maintains that the state has been successful in the targeted response, and as a result, the number of cases is below those predicted. However, he acknowledges that if health experts recommend doing more, he is prepared to do so.
Is it necessary for the state government to impose on citizens a mandatory order for some people to act responsibly? Although opinion is split across the state, one fact remains universal. Each individual is responsible for the spread or containment of this virus.
In uncertain times, we are all faced with uncertain thoughts. But, there are those who are utilizing their time and energy for the greater good of humanity and their community.
AddiBelle Holloway is an example of just that. The 9-year-old heard about the mask shortage and sprung into action to provide her handmade and thoughtful face masks to Doctors and Nurses.
Holloway senses no pressure in doing something for her community.
Holloway makes the masks from her own supplies, and Dad delivers her heartfelt and handmade product as a donation to those who need them.
“The Bible tells us to serve and love others. This is a way I could do that. And I have a lot of free time since we aren’t going to school and can’t play sports right now. We’ll continue providing these masks as long as people need them.”
– AddiBelle holloway
Another Greenwood resident, Teri Hicks decided to put a passion, talent and skill to work to help those in the health profession as well.
Teri Hicks is all smiles knowing her charitable work is being put to good use.
Hicks who recognized a need went to work immediately. “A friend of mine sent me a message with a story and a tutorial on making them. I didn’t think much about it at first and when things really started getting serious and I started seeing all the reports of health care workers not having the PPE, I knew I was about to start doing some serious sewing.”
Hicks models one of the many face masks she has recently made.
As an artist and crafter, Hicks had a stockpile of supplies that needed a purpose. Her product has underwent many revisions to find the perfect fit, form, and function and has made their way from Greenwood, to New York supporting the cause in high risk areas.
I think that this Pandemic is a great opportunity for Americans to shine! Working together to help our community is the greatest feeling! This is my small way of trying to make this difficult situation just a little easier and safer for those who are on the front line, scared, but doing their jobs, just as if they were heading into a real war. They are so strong and willing to do their jobs, knowing that they’re putting their lives at risk. It’s the LEAST I can do!! I won’t take a penny for any of my masks.
– Teri Hicks
The end product which are all donated to health professionals at no cost.
Know someone who is making a difference? CLICK HERE to let us know.
By Randy Zellers, Assistant Chief of Communications
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission nature and education centers may have had to shut their doors to the public because of the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean our educators can’t continue introducing families to the outdoors. Thanks to collaboration between nature centers, regional educators, program coordinators and other AGFC staff, a virtual nature center is open at www.agfcnaturecenter.com to keep the conservation message alive.
“Since the centers were closed to the public, our educators have shown some real creativity with how they can continue teaching people about the outdoors,” said Chris Colclasure, deputy director of the AGFC. “With over half a million students at home, this is a great time to launch an online nature center.”
The virtual nature center combines some previously existing content with new material developed from years of popular education workshops at nature centers. Subjects run the gamut from how to get started crappie fishing, to searching for morel mushrooms, to recipe segments from the Emmy-nominated Arkansas Wildlife Televisionshow.
“Some people may be familiar with the older content, and some of the new content has already seen some excellent response through Facebook,” said Spencer Griffith, marketing director for the AGFC.
The nature center content will continue to evolve, showcasing topics relevant to the current season.
“AGFC staff is hard at work producing new videos and programs for the virtual nature center. Make sure to check back for new content every couple of days or drop us an email at askagfc@agfc.ar.gov if you have a program request,” Griffith said.
In addition to the virtual center work, many staff have been able to make improvements around the physical nature center sites, including the removal of invasive privet on nature center grounds and the continued renovation of the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith.
“Schools have had to close, organized sports are canceled or postponed, but the outdoors is always open,” Colclasure said. “Even when some cities and states have issued stay-at-home orders, getting outside for exercise and fresh air is recommended as long as people are not gathering in large groups while they’re doing it. We want to offer people ideas on what all is possible now and after this period of social distancing is over.”
When the 2019 Mansfield Tiger season began, everyone had questions about how it would go. Would the loss of former Coach Craig Bentley be too much to overcome? Would new head coach Tim Cothran be up to the task? Could the Tigers hang in a conference loaded with some of the states top tier teams? Could the Tigers break the back to back losing streak to Cedarville? Was the 2018 season merely a Cinderella season or was Mansfield Tiger Football back, like really BACK?
Blayne Bryant
Actions speak louder than words and the 2019 Tigers coaching staff answered the questions of every fan not with words, but on the field. Head Coach Tim Cothran was not only up for the task but never skipped a beat from where the 2018 Tigers left off. Cothran led the Tigers to their second consecutive State Playoff appearance, helped them to match their 2018 regular-season record, coached the Tigers past the pesky Pirates of Cedarville, and all the while with style. At the end of the season, it became very apparent that Coach Cothran was the man for the job.
#79 Jacob Brown
As for the Tigers, they were the showstoppers of the gridiron. It didn’t matter who they were facing, fans knew that they were capable of blowing the roof off at any given moment. From shocking Charleston at Charleston with a literal last-second pick-six for the win to a comeback in Paris deeming them Playoff eligible, the Tigers showed everyone they would not lay down for anyone. Even in their Playoff loss to State Runner-Up Camden Harmony Grove, Mansfield gave every ounce of effort and heart into the game.
Clay James
Although the team as a whole is what made the 2019 season a success, there were individual players who seemed to stand out. On offense, the Tigers held arguably the states’ best triple threat at wide receiver, a gunslinger quarterback, and a pair of ground and pound running backs which made it hard for opponents to narrow down how to defend the Tigers. Defensively, Mansfield held headhunters in the secondary and brick walls on the line that forced every opponent to be mistake free if they wanted to beat the Tigers. So we got with the man himself, Coach Cothran, and got his thoughts on these “Supa’ Stars”.
Will Meadows
Senior, Ethan Stovall: Quarterback
Stovall completed 175/264 passes for 2488 yards and 32 TDs to five different receivers while only throwing seven interceptions last year. Ethan has been a three-year starter only missing two games due to a knee injury as a sophomore. He had grown into this offense and was a tremendous leader. For his career, Ethan has completed 451/731 passes for 5908 yds and 70 TDs while only throwing 21 interceptions. Ethan has played in 31 games so that is less than one interception per game. His career rushing stats are 244 attempts for 1057 yds and 15 TDs. “Ethan has been a tremendous asset to this team. As a coach, I became very dependent on Ethan because he could make something out of nothing. He is a fierce competitor that fights to win. I trusted Ethan and never second-guessed him because he had my absolute confidence. Of course, being a coaches kid helps too. He was a coach on the field, knew the offense and knew where everyone was supposed to be. A true captain.”
Ethan Stovall
Senior, Tyler Holmes: Wide Receiver
Tyler has been a consistent deep-ball threat throughout the last three seasons. He caught 46 balls last year for 722 yards and nine TDs, including a 99 yarder against West Fork tying a state record. For his career, he is second only to Layton Howard in the last three seasons, with 104 catches and 22 TDs. He also had a leading eight interceptions last year, giving him a total of 13 for his career. “Tyler may be the most humble kid I’ve ever coached. In an interview earlier last year, he was asked how many interceptions he had. Tyler honestly had no idea. Tyler had a work ethic and a desire to win and he would do whatever it took to get there. Some of his best plays, from a coaching viewpoint, was when he never even touched the ball. He was a fierce blocker on the edge allowing his teammates to be successful. The only number Tyler was ever interested in, was if the Tigers had more points than their opponents on Friday nights.”
Tyler Holmes
Junior, Randy Claude: Offensive Linebacker
“Defensively, Randy lined up just about anywhere. His speed and his sure tackling ability allowed Randy to be the leading tackler on the team. His biggest play may have been the game-winning QB sack vs Waldron to secure a hard-fought win. Randy had 146 total tackles, three of those for losses. Randy recovered three fumbles while causing one. He also blocked two punts. Randy will certainly be a team leader moving into next season. Randy also helped on offense at RB, gaining 110 yds on 22 carries. Randy leads by example on and off the field. We are looking forward to some exciting things from Randy in the upcoming season.”
#6 Randy Claude
Senior, Isaac Cothran: Middle Linebacker
“Isaac was the second leading tackler on the team. He played a lot of roles last year, including RB where he scored six times. Isaac’s strength was in his leadership. He studied film a lot and worked very hard to make sure he was ready for Friday nights. Isaac had 137 total tackles, five of those for losses. Isaac also recovered three fumbles while causing two more. Teams always had to plan for Isaac and he was often double-teamed or cut blocked to keep him from causing havoc. QB’s could often be seen pointing Isaac out and calling him out on his blitzes. As with Ethan, Isaac was a classic coach’s kid. He was our defensive captain. He knew the defense inside and out and he knew where everyone was supposed to be. His extensive film study helped him diagnose plays and get where he was supposed to be.”
Isaac Cothran
Senior, Layton Howard: WR/DB/RET SPEC
“Layton was Mr. Electric! Anytime he touched the ball, you knew it had a chance to get in the end zone. No one will ever forget the game-winning pick-six at Charleston that went 101 yds. Layton led us in multiple offensive categories. He is one of the most naturally gifted athletes I have ever had the good pleasure of coaching. He is just an incredibly God-gifted athlete. Layton led the team in receiving last year with 70 catches for 1168 yds and 16 TDs. Over the span of his three-year career, he led us with 147 catches for 1967 yds and 21 TDs. He rushed the ball 21 times for 75 yds, finishing his career with 56 carries and 324 yds while adding two more TDs. Layton even threw the ball at times completing one pass last year for 26 yds while throwing only one interception. For his career, he completed three passes for 21 total yds. His return game was just as electric. Layton returned four punts last year for 82 yds and a TD (he had one called back vs West Fork). He returned 11 kicks for 510 yds and four TDs. As his reputation grew, teams worked to avoid him by not kicking him the ball. In the last two seasons, Layton had 14 kickoff returns for 763 yds and seven TDs.”
Layton Howard
2019 MANSFIELD TIGERS FOOTBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS:
ALL-STATE:
Layton Howard*
(*All Area SWTR prep team, KFSM
CHANNEL 5 #1 SWEETEST PLAY OF THE YEAR)
Isaac Cothran
ALL-STATE HONORABLE MENTION:
Ethan Stovall*
(*All Area SWTR prep team, KFSM
CHANNEL 5 #7 SWEETEST PLAY OF THE YEAR)
ALL-CONFERENCE:
Jacob Brown
Randy Claude
Jaicy Griffin
Tyler Holmes*
(*All Area SWTR prep team, KFSM
CHANNEL 5 all area defensive team, KFSM CHANNEL 5 #7 SWEETEST PLAY OF THE YEAR)
Joe Staton, Superintendent of Mansfield Schools made the following announcement on Thursday, April 2:
The Mansfield School Board met on April 1, 2020, and voted to declare that students in the Class of 2020 as meeting the requirements for graduation if all requirements were met at the end of the 3rd 9 weeks and you are in “good standing” for graduation. If you were passing your classes at the end of the 3rd 9 weeks, no additional AMI work is required. Effective April 2, 2020.
IMPORTANT: Not in “good standing”: Students who need credit recovery will still continue to work on those subjects. Students failing a class at third nine weeks will continue to work to improve those grades. Mrs. Duvall and Mr. Eveld will contact those students directly to discuss your education plan. Seniors may choose to do work in classes they wish to improve their grade in.
Concurrent credit students will continue to finish those college courses to earn college credit according to the University requirements. AP students will have the opportunity to test online to earn AP credit for those courses. Your concurrent teacher, facilitator, or AP teacher will contact those students to discuss.
Mrs. Duvall and Mr. Eveld will be available for questions pertaining to scholarships and graduation. Our goal is to eventually have Prom and Graduation ceremonies for our students. Each student will be contacted directly with specific information in the coming weeks. More information will be available soon.
Mansfield Mayor Black announced further city operation closures on Thursday, April 2.
Starting tomorrow, Friday, April 3, the drive-thru at the Mansfield Water Department will be closed. Customers can still utilize the drop box for payments, pay by phone or sign up for auto pay. Black stated that anyone interested in auto pay would need to contact the water department by phone so that arrangements could be made for necessary paperwork. To utilize the pay by phone option, customers can call 855-483-5729 and use the ID code: 7294411. SoftelPay is also available online at pay.softelpay.com.
Black also announced that the tentative reopening date of the Mansfield Recycling Center is set for April 20. However, that date is subject to change.
The Mayor assured residents that he will continue to relay any upcoming changes within the city.
James D. Trumble, better known as Jim, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, March 29, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with his loving wife at his side. Jim was born October 16,1951, to Charlie and Ruth (Seymore) Trumble in Dumas, Arkansas. He was 68 years old. Jim was of the Baptist faith.
Jim was an outdoor man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He especially loved spending time with his family. He looked forward to making forever memories with his loved ones.
Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Nan of the home, two sons: Mark Trumble of Van Buren, Arkansas and Jason Trumble. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his granddaughters: Saundra, Rebecca and Heather. Jim will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Ruth Trumble, brothers, T.J. Trumble, Leroy Trumble, Bob Trumble and sisters: Doris Bruton and Peggy Rose.
Jim’s graveside life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2020, at the Chant Lane Cemetery with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
The family would like to invite everyone to sign the online guestbook for Jim at www.heritagememorialfh.com. During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings and do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. If you are attending his life celebration service please, remain in your vehicle where Jim’s service can be heard on radio channel 87.9. Jim’s life celebration will be available for viewing online the following day on Jim’s obituary page at www.heritagememorialfh.com.
Jim’s honorary pallbearers will be Matt Rose, Randy Jones, Col Browder, Brian Pierce, Stanley Holleman and Ronnie Bruton.
Leave it to the creative minds of Greenwood School District staff to envision, plan and execute a parade that would allow students to see the faces of their beloved teachers.
That’s exactly what happened this afternoon when vehicles adorned with personal messages carried GSD staff along a planned travel route. Smiles were readily present, and maybe a few joyful tears.
All in all this is what community is truly about….coming together, which has a unique meaning now, even in the midst of the current circumstances.
Teachers, principals and a town always come through. Even if it’s for a brief moment of joy that will become a memory. What an amazing memory it will be.
“The kids miss their teachers and the teachers miss the kids. This put a smile on their faces which lifted every ones spirits. We’re blessed to have such an amazing group of teachers.”
