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Judge Dismisses Fraud Case

On Monday, February 11, Crawford County Circuit Judge Mike Medlock, ruled that since there is a pending case (Potter V. Holmes) in Scott County, that the fraud case in Crawford County will be dismissed.

-See related story.

Fred Potter filed fraud charges against Cassandra Holmes in the summer of 2018. Court documents showed that an out of state handwriting expert issued a detailed report supporting the alleged forgery.

Judge Medlock stated that “it is the opinion of this court that the defendant’s motion should be granted on the grounds of another pending action in Potter v. Holmes.”

Potter’s ongoing legal battle against his niece will continue in a Scott County Court under Judge David McCormick.

Medlock-dismiss-fraud-charge

Capital Goes Green

On Tuesday, February 12, the Arkansas capital went green! Around 800 members of 4-H chapters from across the state wore their signature green shirts while visiting in Little Rock.

Two local chapters were there representing Sebastian and Scott County. Besides interacting with fellow 4-Hers from across the state, the groups got to witness the work of legislators first hand.

Members of the Sebastian County group visited with Senator Terry Rice, from the ninth district.

green-capital-Little-Rock-4-H

Members of the Scott County group visited with State Representative Marcus Richmond. Richmond stated that he “had the pleasure of spending a little time speaking with our own Scott County 4-H members, answered some questions and shared a little about what we do in our state legislature. They had a good time and so did I.”

green-capital-Little-Rock-4-H

The governor and lieutenant governor both addressed the 4-H youth. Governor Asa Hutchinson said “As a former 4-H student, I know from experience that this program does a great job encouraging our youth in Arkansas to actively make a difference in their community.”

green-capital-Little-Rock-4-H

Legislators Advance Resolution Clarifying Gun Rights

State Representative Brant Smith brought a resolution before the House Judiciary Committee last week. However, members voted to postpone further action on House Resolution 1013. Today, February 12, 2019, that resolution passed committee.

-See related story

The support for the resolution was divided along party lines. Opponents argued the need for a Supreme Court ruling in order for it to be considered case law. However, proponents responded that the Taff v. Arkansas is “said and done.” Additionally, those who rallied for HR 1013 gave the following in support of that statement. –Click here.

That resolution is expected to go to the House floor for a vote within the next few days.

House-resolution-1013

Black History Month: Featuring Jerry Moore

February is Black History Month, and in observance, we will be featuring a “did you know” fact with Huntington native, Jerry Moore.

DID YOU KNOW?
Huntington native Jerry Harris Moore is a MHS alumnus, class of 1968.

Moore is the first and only black person to host his own Radio Talk Show-Moore Talk KHOG Station in Northwest Arkansas in the 1990’s.


About the contributor: Jerry Moore was born in Kansas City, KS and came to Huntington when he was 17 months old. He’s the great-great grandson of Samuel (Sam) Martin, who is buried in the Cherokee African American Cemetery in Huntington. Moore attended Mansfield Schools and graduated with the class of 1968. After high school, he went on to get his bachelors degree and later a masters degree. Moore taught history at Northside High School from 1972-1980 and after receiving his masters degree, began teaching sociology at Northwest Arkansas Community College. His education and experience has afforded him opportunities few have only dreamed of. Lifetime opportunities, including work in the nation’s capital.

Waldron City Council Accepts Cupit’s Resignation

BThe Waldron City Council met on Tuesday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. One of the last items of business the council discussed was the resignation of Alderman, Paige Cupit.

Cupit had submitted a letter of resignation, effective February 6. She was elected to the position of ward III, position II in November, and was sworn into office on January 1.

-See related story.

Alderman June Haas made the motion to accept Cupit’s resignation and to declare a vacancy. Alderman Dawna Young seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Additionally, it was the consensus of the council to hold a special meeting to review applications and interview those interested in serving. That meeting is set to take place February 28 at 5:30 p.m. Applications for alderman ward III, position II will be accepted at city hall until noon on February 28.

Blue Bloods

“Makin’ their way
The only way they know how
That’s just a little bit more
Than the law will allow.”

– Waylon Jennings

For many, the journey into law enforcement is a family tradition.  It’s not uncommon to find brothers, fathers and sons working alongside each other within the same agency.  My journey into law enforcement didn’t begin at home.  With the exception of my late grandfather, who was a corrections officer for a few years, there was no blue bloodline.  That would change with my cousin, Peyton, who grew up across the state line in Louisiana just a few miles from where I grew up.

I had the blessing of growing up in Arkansas, close to the Louisiana state line. It was the best of both worlds – I could enjoy Louisiana cooking, but still hate LSU. A win-win situation. Growing up, there was never any indication that either Peyton or I would venture into police work.  It was a miracle we didn’t become outlaws or professional wrestlers.  Weekends and family get-togethers at our Grandmother’s house were filled with reenactments of the previous Dukes of Hazzard episode or wrestling outside and trying to avoid getting caught by the watchful eyes of our parents.

Following our respective high school graduations, Peyton ventured into law enforcement almost immediately.  It would be twelve years before I took the leap to follow my dream of a career in law enforcement.  Peyton’s endeavors were just starting.

To say he stays busy is an understatement.  If it’s outdoor or civic-related, he’s in it.  The list of organizations he’s involved with reads like the guide portion of the Outdoor Channel.  National Wildlife Turkey Federation, The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, Pro staff at Cedar Hill game calls, and co-founder of Tiger Bend Outdoors, LLC just to name a few.  Combine this with his duties as a Sergeant with the Union Parish Sheriff’s office and you would think he wouldn’t have time for anything else.  You’d be wrong. Through the years we both became civic-minded.  For me, this was instilled by my father who served on the Huttig Volunteer Fire and ambulance service a short time and also served on the city council.  I would follow in his footsteps in all these capacities and continue it through my work currently in Hackett. Peyton would see his mom spend a career with the Linville School District working in the school cafeteria. What was being planted was the seeds for serving others through not only jobs but volunteerism.  Peyton also currently serves as a board member of the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce.

Our interests have mirrored each other beyond law enforcement and community service. While I write for Resident Press, Peyton frequently writes for tigerbendoutdoors.com as well as outdoor articles for various outlets in Union Parish.

Combined, we’ve accumulated over forty years in law enforcement.  We’ve raised children and spent our fair share of time in God’s great outdoors. We don’t get to see each other as much as we did when we were younger, but we remain in contact and always offer support to one another in our various ventures. Just the good ol’ boys. Never meaning no harm.

Peyton McKinnie, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office in the mid 1990′
Peyton McKinnie, and Duck Dynasty’s Mountain Man
(Left to Right) Darrell Spells, Grandmother Ivy Lee Spells, and Peyton McKinnie, 1992

MJTC Escapee Captured

At approximately 12:15 p.m. on February 12, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center. According to the information received, a 14 year-old juvenile male had climbed the fence at the center and was last seen running to the east.

​Around 40 minutes later, a call was received from the MJTC stating the juvenile had been located by a property owner in the area of Spur Lake. The property owner reportedly held the juvenile at gunpoint until authorities arrived.

SCSO Captain Pevehouse stated that “deputies arrived in short order and took custody of the juvenile.  The juvenile was taken to the Juvenile Detention and will be booked on escape charges.”

​Neither the juvenile, MJTC staff, nor any deputies were injured during the capture.    

​Below is a screenshot from Google Maps, showing the relationship of the camp and Spur Lake.

Spur-Lake-MJTC

MMS Students Learn Financial Lessons

Shaw Nee Soresen from the Sebastian county at the U of A Division of Agriculture recently visited the 8th Grade Career Development class, with some sound advice.

Ms Soresen came and taught a week long lesson about writing checks and balancing checkbooks to the class.

(Left to Right) Natalie Allison, Madelen Jones, Kinley Hanfelder, and Serenity Brunson

The students were assigned jobs and family’s and they had to learn how to to pay all their bills like you would in a real family household. Many of the students were surprised by how much everything cost like insurance, childcare, and utility cost. 

Resigned Council Member Faces Charges

Paige Cupit, who recently resigned her position on the Waldron City Council, is now facing four counts of theft of property.

-See related story

On January 25, Cupit’s employer, Dalton’s Place, contacted the Waldron Police Department. Detective Horatio Gonzalez said, “when asked for the books, she notified them that things weren’t going to add up.” When Gonzalez interviewed Cupit, she admitted to taking the money, and that she “had a money problem.”

Cupit was forthcoming in admitting the theft, and she and her spouse did return the amount which had been stolen. However, Dalton’s Place returned the monies, and chose to go through the courts for restitution.

Dalton’s Place terminated Cupit, and refunded the monies taken from the trust accounts of the residents.

The case has been handed over to the prosecutor. The four counts of theft of property are all misdemeanor charges.


Two Days Until Valentine’s Day, have you bought the love of your life a gift?

With only two days left to buy a gift, have you decided what you want to get the love of your life?

I have always thought Valentine’s Day should not be about the amount you spend, but about the thought that counts.  I would much rather have a gift that was thoughtful than roses that will die in a few days, chocolates that make me fatter, a gigantic bear that will be in next summer’s yard sale since it is just creepy to look at during the night, or an expensive dinner that I will stress later about because it might break the bank.  So, I have decided I would make it easier for you this Valentine’s Day just in case you need a last-minute gift idea besides the normal flowers, roses, and gigantic teddy bear.  Here are 15 Unusual and Creative Gift Ideas for the love of your life!

  1.  The night before Valentine’s Day, decorate the inside of her car with post-it notes with reasons why you love her or with favorite memories that you two have created together.  Tape a 100 Grand candy bar to the steering wheel and tell her, “The Many Reasons Why You Are SO Grand To Me!”  If you have time, it would be great if you could come up with 100 things however I know that may be quite the task to accomplish. 
  2. Bring home a basket with a note that says, “You Float My Boat!” Inside the basket include ice cream, a 2 liter of Root Beer, two straws and two glasses.
  3. Buy your significant other a pair of shoes (It could just be cozy house shoes or a pair of running shoes.) And place a note inside that reads, “From the day you WALKED into my life, I’ve never been happier.  Every STEP with you has been truly amazing!  I’m so glad we TIED the knot!  I’m so lucky and blessed you RAN into my life!”
  4. If your wife is a busy mom, believe it or not, she would love for you to unexpectedly clean the house.  There is something about waking up to a clean house, an empty sink (Can I get an Amen, ladies?) a cup of coffee, and the smell of laundry being washed.  Leave a note that says, “Thank you for all you do.  I hope this helps you a little today!”
  5. Record yourself lip singing a song to her.  Maybe use the song, “Count on Me” or “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars.  How about Brett Young singing, “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Notice I didn’t say sing it?  Why?  Well, not everyone was born with a Bruno Mars or Brett Young’s voice. So, no need to run her off at the first note you sing!
    You will feel cheesy doing this, but then at the end of the video, say something sweet.  I promise you this will add laughter and love to your relationship and a memory of a life time! 

If you know me well, you know I just had to google the top 2017/2018 greatest male voices just to finish that line.   

6. Don’t want to lip sing?  Write her a love letter.  Believe it or not, sometimes girls still want a little bit of a love storybook moment.  Share what made you fall in love with her.  What makes you love her now and what makes you want to grow old with her?  Don’t be afraid to let her know how much you love her.  You don’t have to be sappy year-round.  But, just this once, share your heart.

7. Make her a bath basket that she would love after a long day’s work.  Include in the basket, bubble bath or a bath bomb, lotion, maybe a new perfume, even splurge for a new robe.  Have the basket waiting for her when she gets home.  While she enjoys her bath, cook her dinner!

8. Attempt to cook a meal from start to finish.  Buy cheap crystal candle sticks from the dollar tree to have a candle lit dinner.  If you don’t normally cook for her, this will be special for her.  Be sure to pick out a favorite song to play at the end of the meal, and ask her, “May I have this dance?” Dancing in the kitchen or living room can be just as sweet as dancing under the stars.  It’s the thought that counts.  However, make sure if you cook, you clean up your mess!  If you have kids and this is near impossible, you can still cook the meal, and then once the kids go to bed, light the candles and ask her to dance!

9. Make her a movie basket with all her favorite snacks, popcorn, a new fuzzy warm blanket, and her favorite movie or rent a new romantic one from Red Box.  Then, put a sweet note inside the basket that says why you want to spend time with her.  The note will probably be her most favorite part of the basket.  She won’t be expecting you to share your feelings, but be honest and tell her what you love most about her.

10. Does your significant other have an office job and love donuts?  Send him or her a dozen donuts, and inside the box on the lid write, “(Insert Name), I donut know what I’d do without you!” 

11. Make a YouTube video recording yourself recalling the memory of when you first met and the way you felt.  If the place is nearby, you could even visit the place in your video.  Then, share how much you love her/him now.  If you don’t know how to upload to YouTube, a simple tutorial can always be found online to explain the process.  It’s simple and easy. However, uploading to Facebook could be another option.

12. Is your significant other a book worm?  Does he or she love reading books?  Slip little sweet notes all throughout the pages of the book he or she is currently reading.  So, later the notes will be found.  Or, if you know a book that he or she has been wanting, make a book basket, include the new book with favorite snacks but don’t forget to put the sweet notes within the pages of the book!

13. Buy some Gummie Bears, Hershey kisses, Hot Tamales, and a pack of Extra gum.  Put a note on the gummie bears that says, “Life without you would be unBEARable.”  Place a note on the bag of kisses that says, “I love your sweet KISSES” and a note on the hot tamales that says, “You are my HOT TAMALE!” Last, place a note on the gum that says, “I love you extra much! Thank you for being so EXTRA special in my life!”

14. Buy a watch for your significant other and inside the box place a note that says, “After all this TIME, I’m still in LOVE with You!”

15. Buy a gift certificate for your sweetheart to get her nails done or a haircut. You can always purchase a massage as well.  You can even order a couple’s massage.  Think outside the box instead of the things you buy every year.

One thing that the love of your life needs to know is that you don’t just love them on Valentine’s Day once a year, but that you love him or her every day that you are together.  Make your significant other feel special.  It only takes a few minutes to google an idea and then make it your own. 
Sometimes, just a simple card sharing your feelings can mean more than any expensive gift. Be creative, be fun, and don’t be afraid to be romantic.

Laughter and love should always go hand in hand!

Happy Valentine’s Day!