Members in the community of Hartford are coming together to work as well as reap the benefits of a community garden.
Hartford resident Lillian Marie Pearson took her two children to the community garden, which is located at the corner of McCloud and Hazel.
The family spent two hours working and picking up rocks. “I want to teach my kids about volunteering and being a part of a community,” Pearson said. “What better age to start than three and six. Since they are both boys who love outside, the community garden was the perfect opportunity.”
Pearson added, “I hope to have the boys help distribute the food as well so we can get to know our neighbors a little bit more.”
Volunteers initiated the garden, have given their time, equipment and seeds. Anyone who is interested in helping is encouraged to stop by and be a part of this community project.
Recently, a small town boy received big-time attention after his famous three point basketball shot dubbed, “Jaden’s Shot,” went viral. That video caught the attention of the famed Globetrotters, who were scheduled to appear in Tulsa, OK. The team extended Hackett student, Jaden James, an invitation to that event, where he once again made his signature sinker.
While James is famous for his dunking skills, basketball is just a small part of who he is.
James, 15, is the son of Brandon and Wendy James. His older siblings are Tyler and Brennan (Bubba) James. He’s also a sophomore student at Hackett High School.
His mom Wendy said, “Jaden’s passions for life go outside of ball. Ball is an important part, but more importantly is his joy of life in general…He truly enjoys going out and participating in sports…He loves to shoot, probably in part of the amazing aids he has had the entire time he has been in school…The gym has allowed him to continue to do what he loves, but it has also been a way that he can socialize with other students.”
James has overcome his share of obstacles, undergoing intensive therapy since he was nine months old. According to his mom, he has had therapy at Kisler Center in Fort Smith, BOST, home and school based therapies.
“When the original diagnosis of autism was handed to us at 18 months old, so were the ‘nevers’ that he wouldn’t be able to do. He would never walk, talk, pottytrain, feed himself, the list goes on and on…There are no words that describe that feeling when you aretold that your child has autism. You feel that your child’s childhood is gone. There is a time of feeling sorry for yourself, then you pick yourself up and put on your big boy shorts and take the bull by the horns. That is what we have tried to do everyday in everyway.
His parents recognize that having a sibling with a disability can be difficult on the family. But his mom says that James’ siblings have never seen him as different and that they’ve always involved him.
I have always said, ‘I am so honored that God chose me to be his mommy and that God trusted me because He knew I could give Jaden exactly what he would always need.’
Prior to his autism diagnosis, James was experiencing seizures. He’s been treated for years with medication and has been seizure free since 2013.
His mother said this is where his love of sports was born. “Whatever the older two were doing, he was a major part of it. With a lot ofperseverance and determination of his family, teachers, aids, and therapist we have overcome many of the obstacles that could have stood in his way.”
His parents have never allowed his diagnosis to define their life. “We have taken him everywhere ball has taken us following his brothers. He has had the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics for years. This is the one time of year that it is all about him. We all partake in the day. He would of course rather socialize, but it is an amazing day, and it’s his day. We have been so blessed to attend school districts that embrace the Special Olympics and this year has been no different. Hackett Special Olympics has taken him to golf, basketball, flag football, and in April the spring games. We love allowing him to participate and we are there in the stands as his biggest fans.”
In addition to sports, James enjoys watching Dora and Blue’s Clues, going to school and church. His mom admits he enjoys the same things all typical teens do, a phone, tablet and tv.
James’ overcoming and joyful attitude is contagious, and as his mother said, we could learn a lot from him. Often times she sits back and reflects on what a wonderful world it would be if everyone saw others the way James sees them. “He never meets a stranger and everyone is someone special to him. He brings joy wherever he goes and leaves an impression on everyone he meets.” She recalled one distinct memory of him as a baby. “We were in Little Rock for a biopsy on his legs, and we were eating. An older woman had been watching us for some time, and when she got ready to leave she came over and told me that she ‘sees Jesus in his eyes.’ Wow, what a compliment and testimony of Jaden’s view on life. This is how everyone should look at people. He is a trooper for sure.”
No doubt he’s an overcomer, and he’s kept an amazing and joyful spirit through it all. His mom and dad admit that they have become better parents for having had a child with disabilities.
“We don’t know what the future looks like for Jaden, but one thing is for sure, he will always have his mom, dad, his Tyler, and Bubba to continue to provide him whatever he needs,”
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), an American Electric Power company, has submitted a request to the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) for a net annual increase of $45.6 million in the company’s non-fuel base rates, plus $12 million for increased vegetation management.
If approved, new rates would likely go into effect in the first billing cycle of January 2020. The combined $57.6 million request would result in an overall bill increase of approximately $22.60 per month, or 24 percent, for an Arkansas residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.
“We recognize that this increase will impact individuals, families and businesses. At the same time, we have made significant investments in generation, transmission and distribution facilities since our last Arkansas general rate case in 2009,” said Malcolm Smoak, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer. “We work hard to provide high quality customer service while managing our costs and continuing to invest in the electric system to provide reliable and safe power for Arkansas customers.”
The sharp rate increase has faced opposition, however. Many customers feel that the average increase of $22.60 doesn’t accurately reflect their average monthly bill with a 24 percent rate increase. For example, the average homeowner sees a $150.00 to $200.00 per month electric bill in the summertime. With the rate increase, they will see a $36 to $48 increase per month.
Hard work and dedication does payoff. Brianna Winchester has been playing the game of softball since she was 8 years old. She and her parents have dedicated themselves to perfecting her skills in the game. Brianna started playing in Lavaca’s ESCYO league and later moved to travel fastpitch. She has played for SWAT 02, Rapid Impact O2, and finished her travel career with So Cal Athletics Jendro/Dempsey. Currently Brianna plays for the Lavaca High School Lady Arrows as a shortstop and pitcher. She has traveled and competed in several different states; Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Missouri, and Kansas. She’s also been invited to several different College camps, Florida Ava Marina, New Jersey Fairleigh Dickinson, Missouri Drury University, Texas A&M Commerce, Alabama UAB, and Alabama A&M. Wednesday Brianna verbally committed to Alabama A&M to play D1 softball after high school. She will be visiting in the fall for the official visit.
Brianna’s Travel Ball coach, Brian Jendro posted the following “Well what do you know, our 3rd commit of the day. So Cal Athletics Jendro/Dempsey 2020 Brianna Winchester commits to The D1 Alabama A&M university. This kid puts in so much work, and now it paid off, she will play softball and get her degree from one of the best schools in the south. Congratulations Rusty Winchester you have raise a great young lady!!”
Jonathan Vire, Brianna’s High School softball coach, also wanted to congratulate her saying, “First of all I would like to congratulate Brianna on her commitment to Alabama A&M! Brianna is a big part of what we are trying to accomplish as a team, we want to be aggressive at the plate and on the base path. She has been a great lead off batter for us through our first nine games. She is leading the team in batting average, stolen bases, and in triples. I’m happy for her. It’s good to see that her hard work has paid off, and that she will get to further her career after she is done playing for the Lady Arrows.”
On Thursday evening, the City of Mansfield and Mayor Buddy Black honored two individuals who have given many years of service to the city. Retiring Police Chief Boyd Farmer and Ward 1, Position 1 Alderman Georganna Mabry have both served proudly for over a decade.
Alderman Dave Johnson presented Farmer with a gold retirement shield. Farmer has served as Police Chief for the past seven years, been with the Mansfield Police Department for the past 16 years, served in law enforcement for 24 years and as a first responder for 30 years. His tearful words of gratitude to the city council, mayor, and the people were heartfelt.
“I want to thank my wife and my family for being by my side. Thirty years of saving lives…helping the community and doing what I love…I thank the citizens of Mansfield, I’ve really been honored to serve the people in this town.”
Farmer plans to take some time off following retirement, fishing and camping. Following that, he plans to work part time as a reserve officer for Sebastian County.
Former City Alderman Mabry served 13 years on the council. Mayor Black commended her for the years of service.
“We want to thank you for your service to the City of Mansfield.”
Sincere thanks to both Farmer and Mabry for their dedication to the city, and its citizens.
The first weekend of spring can mean only one thing. BASEBALL! On Saturday, March 23, the Hackett Hornet Baseball Team will pack their gear and head to Arvest Park in Springdale, Arkansas. That’s right. Small town USA is headed to the big city to play in a professional baseball park. Are the Hornets excited? Dang skippy they are! How many people can say they’ve done that?
Along with the Hornets wanting to be a part of this awesome program, this opportunity also comes in the form of a fundraiser. Until the end of the school year, the Hornets will be selling tickets to the Naturals games to cover the cost of playing at their field. “If we sell all the tickets we also get money back as a fundraiser. It is a really cool opportunity and I’m excited we get to be a part of it,” says Coach Adams.
The Hornets still have tickets left for purchase and can be bought from any player or from Coach Adams. The Naturals tickets are $8 each and good for any home Naturals game excluding the Fourth of July.
Hackett will be playing against the (1-7) Sloan-Hendrix Greyhounds from Imboden, Arkansas. The Hornets are sitting at 1-3 in total season play. The game will start at 11:30 a.m. and admission is free. Since there will be no concession available, fans are more than welcome to bring in food and drinks.
East Sebastian County Youth Organization needs your help making this summer season special. The league is up against a deadline and must lock teams by this Saturday. Therefore the last chance to sign up your child will be this Saturday March 23rd from 1-4pm at ball field on Featherhill Road.
“We have one last sign up on Saturday March 23rd from 1-4pm at ball field on Featherhill Road. I need three more boys age 7-8 to fill a team. I need 6 more girls age 7-8 to fill a team. I will also need a coach for the 7-8 year old girls and the 7-8 boys. I am also still looking for a coach for the 13-15 year old boys. Rosters must be turned in on Monday March 25th so we will not be able to accept any sign ups after Saturday. Please make sure you are signed up by the 23rd. Call Cindy at 479-252-2794 if you have any questions or if you can’t make the sign up Saturday and need to make other arrangements”
If you know someone in these age brackets that want to play, please help get them in touch with Cindy. There is an online registration availability. Please see the following link.
On March 15, a caretaker discovered vandals had visited the closed coal mine in Hartford. The vandals did over $5,000 in damage to equipment, which was in the mine, as well as set fire to an area near the mine entrance.
According to the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, the last time the caretaker was at the mine was the previous day. Additionally, that a neighbor saw two young men around the property the day before.
Game cameras captured photos of the unidentified young men. At this time SCSO investigators are seeking to identify the young men and would like to speak to them.
Anyone who can identify the young men or has any information about them are asked to call the Fort Smith Sheriff’s Office at 479-783-1051. Callers do not have to give their name.
Have you found yourself suffering from the football blues? Sluggishly moving through life like a robot while waiting for fall to arrive? Well wait no further. The Ouachita Reapers are answering your prayers. A semi-pro football team with members from Mena to Fort Smith, have partnered up with Sodie Davidson Park in Waldron to bring another level of sports to the area.
Any football enthusiast aged 18 and up, can find themselves on the talented roster that makes up the Reapers. In being the first season, the team is individually funded by the team members who provide their own equipment, purchase their own jerseys, and provide their own way to and from games until sponsors are found. Plus the added cost of officials. At the moment, sponsorship is greatly needed and welcomed.
The Ouachita Reapers will play their first game this Saturday, March 23 in Waldron at Sawer Wright field at 3 p.m. Coached by Donald Thomas and coached and team owned by Wesley Allen Schuller, the Reapers will face first the Arkansas Silverbacks. The Silverbacks are coached by Pat Patterson out of Hope, Arkansas.
Wesley Allen Schuller has been working extremely hard to get this team up and running. “The Ouachita Reapers are glad to be able to call Waldron home. We are proud to be this areas team and we hope to be here for a long time.” For more information, you can contact Mr.Schuller on Facebook or through the team Facebook page, Ouachita Reapers football. So grab your cushions, cowbells, and football spirit and head to Waldron this Saturday. Lets help support and build-up not only the Reapers but the area as well.
The United Way Day of Caring is scheduled for April 25, and is a great way to get involved, volunteer and make a difference in your community.
Last year over 1200 volunteers completed an estimated 6,000 volunteer hours. This year, 110 projects are planned in a six county area with over 1,000 volunteer opportunities available.
According to the United Way Website, “Day of Caring is a great way to promote volunteerism, increase awareness of local human service agencies and give people a chance to see firsthand the impact that United Way is having in our communities. These unique collaborations provide essential support to our community partners agencies.”
Choose below which city you want to volunteer in. Projects are listed alphabetically by Community Partner Agency. Be sure to look at the entire list as some community partners are listed in more than one community.
