Beginning the last week of July, Resident Press will begin delivering the news on Wednesday.
Currently, their news deadline is Fridays at noon, with a Tuesday delivery date.
However, the week of July 28, the news deadline will be 5 p.m. on Friday, with delivery on Wednesdays, beginning July 31.
Since July 1, when the private firm Youth Opportunity Investments took over, three juveniles have escaped custody. The deteriorating conditions at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center have residents and officials seeking answers.
In an effort to bring these issues to light, Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black, Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion, Senator Terry Rice, a Youth Opportunity Investments and state DHS representative will meet.
Attorney from YOI, Gary Sallee, said their company has “great success, and that they have a commitment from the state to make the necessary changes.”
Those changes, according to Sallee, have already begun. He added that the current conditions at the center are “far below our standard.”
He confirmed that long time MJTC Director Mark Barton had recently resigned. “We have a million priorities at Mansfield,” said Sallee. “We had an ombudsman visit yesterday, and they were shocked by the changes that have already taken place…We will work with the people and the community.”
The privatized firm, according to Sallee, has a good track record for containment. In fact, he stated that escapes are practically non existent.
“Someone needs to do a better job at assessment. The boy who escaped two days ago had previously escaped 11 times.”
With time, stated Sallee, the community will see a big change.
Family, friends and members of both the Mena and Waldron Chamber of
Tucked away on Highway 270 in Boles, is a new camping site bordering the Ouachita Mountain trail system. Fourche Mountain Adventures opened over the Fourth of July weekend and has already welcomed seven campers.
Owners Ken and Sandy Kelm have been working on developing the 40 acre property since purchasing it five years ago. “It was a God thing,” said Ken Kelm. “I was inspired when we saw this place.”
Currently, the camp boasts nine spacious sites, but he has plans to add more. Additionally, Kelm plans to add a pavillion with a fire pit, six-eight cabins, and a store, which will cater to the needs of the campers.
The campsite has a getaway feel, yet is very accessible. Guests have several amenities including electric, water and access to the dump station on departure. The site also has a men and ladies bath house and restroom facility.
Kelm’s passion for the outdoors is the driving force behind the project. He, originally from Missouri, worked for the state conservation’s department as a trapper and hunter. A positive working relationship with local representatives has assisted Kelm throughout the construction. Kelm is currently in talks with the electric company to provide an easement which would allow for direct access for ATV’s to the trails without utilizing the highway.
“The Ouachita Mountain Forest Service and Conservation District have been great to work with,” he added. “I want to bring commerce to Scott County, and eventually provide employment opportunities.”
He is adament, however, to maintain that one-on-one contact with his guests.
“There are lots of opportunities for fun on these trails and not many people know about them,” he concluded.
For more information about Fourche Mountain Adventures, or to reserve your spot at the camp, call 479-207-1707 or visit their website.
Backpacking and hiking, both day trips and overnight excursions are favorite pastimes among Arkansans. While there are many trials and parks across the state, there are several really nice campsites, hiking and biking trails right here in our area. – See map of local trails
Governor Asa Hutchinson has declared July 17 as backpacking and hiking day in Arkansas. In his proclamation he said “backpacking and hiking draw visitors from all across the country…the great state of Arkansas, also known as the Natural State, is the home of many beautiful trails, wildlife areas, lakes and rivers…The State of Arkansas invites and encourages all citizens and visitors of our state to experience the wonderful trail systems and state parks throughout Arkansas.”
The day is dedicated to the many backpackers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the beauty of the Natural State.
On July 9, James Bynum’s attorney Shannon Foster filed a motion with the Scott County Circuit Court seeking a 90 day continuance on his trial.
Foster is seeking the continuance to “properly prepare for the trial.” Bynum’s case has been set for July 16. Foster has also filed motions with the court to have Bynum’s bond reduced, a request for a change in venue and for the judge to recuse
Bynum’s case was reversed and remanded by the State Supreme Court in late 2018. Judge Jerry Don Ramey ordered Bynum be transported from the Wrightsville Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Wrightsville, AR to the Scott County Jail on January 4.
Bynum, who was convicted in 2015, was found guilty of 10 counts of sexual
After a unanimous vote by the Mansfield School Board, Assistant Football Coach Tim Cothran has been promoted to the head coaching position for the Mansfield Tigers. A native to the Mansfield area, Coach Tim Cothran has been a beloved role model and coach to the Tigers for the last six years. For as long as he could remember, sitting in the coaches chair has always been a lifelong dream. Coach Cothran has been a loving and devoted husband to wife Annette for almost 27 years. The two are parents to Lydia, 19, a sophomore at ATU, Isaac, 17, a senior at Mansfield, and Levi, soon to be 15, a freshman at Mansfield.
In his free time, Tim Cothran enjoys hunting, fishing, and anything that has to do with being in the outdoors. Coach Cothran is also heavily led by his faith in all that he does. He doesn’t merely coach his players and students, he mentors them into young men and women who will be ready for the world after high school. Coach Cothran had this to say about his dream job, “I love being a Tigers coach because of the kids and the people in this community. Everyone has an old fashioned down to earth way about them which is exactly how I was raised!”
Join us in welcoming Mansfields very own Tim Cothran as the new Head Football Coach and Top Tiger.
From stilt walkers to electronic unicycle rider, 5K Run, kettle corn, Miss Greenwood, excellent live bands from all around, the best food vendors in the area, arts and crafts, dunk tank, area fundraisers, cotton candy, bounce-arounds, line dancing, free hot dogs and the greatest fireworks in the area. All was sponsored by the Greenwood Parks and Recreation Department, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and Focus on Greenwood. It was a huge turnout.
Let’s not forget the Mayor of Greenwood, Doug Kinslow and his costumes every year.
All around, families and individuals were enjoying the 5K Run, festivities, good food and music.
Tammy Briley, Greenwood Parks Director, said “It turned out to be a great festival!”
Of course, there are many people behind the scenes helping put this event on for the community.
The Chamber of Commerce also put on the 5K Run where even the Greenwood Firefighters did the run in full firefighting gear along with hundreds more people. In addition, both the Greenwood Fire Department and the Greenwood Police Department were at the festival to meet people and let kids get their pictures taken.
Enjoy the photos of this year’s event and be sure to attend the next one in 2020.
On Tuesday, July 9, first grade Hackett Elementary teacher Val Harp received her Teacher of the Year. – See related story
The award was presented to Harp during the Arkansas Rural Education Association (AREA) conference in Eureka Springs. Rob Rodel, Corporate Communications Manager for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, presented Harp with a crystal apple and a check for $1000.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas sponsor the teacher of the year award each year. Hackett Elementary Principal Tura Bailey said “we are extremely proud of Mrs. Harp and her accomplishment as Teacher of the Year! We are very blessed to have her on our team! Congratulations Mrs. Harp! Great things are happening at Hackett Elementary!”
I had the privilege this weekend of making the acquaintance of some really good folks.
I had become acquainted with Gary Epperson about six months. He has continually proven to be one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. He is one of the founding members of the Patriots of 746 group, a non-partisan, grassroots group fighting for the rights of all Arkansans. Specifically, they have been extremely influential among legislators and are making a big impact in the fight for Second Amendment rights.
I was also able to visit briefly with former gubernatorial candidate and nationwide gun rights advocate Jan Morgan. A few months ago I was afforded the opportunity to visit Morgan at her private gun club, the Gun Cave in Hot Springs, AR. –See related story
Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin was the featured guest speaker. Several legislators, including State Representatives Marcus Richmond and Harlan Breaux were also on hand.
I was quite moved and impressed that this group began with prayer. POA 746 representative Dan Borum, who is also a pastor, prayed a humble and heartfelt prayer. It wasn’t much later that I discovered that Breaux, a State Representative from district 97 was a Gideon! I recognized his sweet spirit and he and I immediately made friends! He was truly a blessing to get to know!
Afterwards I thought about how fortunate I was, but not because I was able to get to meet these wonderful folks, or vice versa. It is the fact that the One who afforded us such an opportunity knows who we are, and calls us by name. He even knows the number of hairs on our head. The Lord knows His children and I am so thankful to be one of His!
Representative Michelle Viney with the organization Communities Unlimited recently conducted a workshop for the employees of the City of Mansfield.
Communities Unlimited provides rural and
The Mansfield meeting was mandatory for all city employees, and Mayor Buddy Black said it was time well-spent.
“It was very informative,” Black shared. “It was a technical, managerial and financial assessment and general overview of Mayor/Council forms of city government. They provided really good information and insight into some things we encounter and deal with on a regular basis.”
Communities Unlimited, which is based in Fayetteville, serves seven states, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Alabama.
The overall goal of the organization is to move communities, small businesses, entrepreneurs and families away from poverty and toward sustainable prosperity
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