Resident News Network

Extension Get Fit Program

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6:42 am

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Office started off the new year offering Extension Get Fit. The program is evidence-based, safe, structured, and affordable.
The Extension Get Fit (EGF) Program is a community-based strength training program targeted to midlife and older Arkansans. Based on the latest research, the program is designed to:
• Improve strength, balance and flexibility
• Reduce the risk of falls
• Help maintain independence
• Increase energy
• Help manage your weight
• Decrease pain
• Help you feel better!
What are classes like?
Classes meet for an hour at least twice a week, and each session includes a warm-up, 8 to 10 strengthening exercises, and cool-down. This program provides a supportive group environment and is appropriate for all fitness levels.
What do I need to participate?
You will need dumbbells and adjustable ankle weights to participate in the class.
How much does it cost?
The $20 program fee covers an entire calendar year.
Are there classes in my area?
For more information, contact your local county extension office:

Scott County (479) 637-2173

Sebastian County

Barling (479) 484-7737

Greenwood (479) 996-4131

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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5:42 am

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We appreciate them each and every day. They have one of the most dangerous jobs imaginable, yet they get up every day to protect and serve their community. Today, January 9, 2019 we say thank you and recognize all in the field on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
The holiday, which was founded in 2015, allows citizens to show their support and give encouragement to law enforcement officials. There are a number of ways in which you can participate:

Change your profile picture on your social media to the .jpg provided by C.O.P.S.

Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.

Send a card of support to your local department or state agency.

Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.

Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.

Participate in Project Blue Light and display your blue light in support of law enforcement.

Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer!

To each and every one of you, we say thank you. Thank you for all the selfless service and sacrifice!

Carpenter Serves as Scott County’s First Female Deputy

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Tammy Teague

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8:20 pm

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Carpenter Serves as Scott County’s First Female Deputy

Kandis Carpenter, 49, was recently sworn in and became the first female deputy to serve in Scott County. She admits, however, if you were to have asked her six years ago, this would not have been the job she thought she’d be doing. She comes from a Law Enforcement family, and it has greatly influenced her.
Carpenter is the daughter of Don and Lucille Carpenter. She has three sons, Myk, Grant and Weston Vanravensway, two daughter-in-laws, Madison and Brooklyn VanRavensway, and three grandchildren, Kavan, London and Jensen. Her brother, Cody Carpenter, served as the Sheriff for Scott County from 2004 until 2013. Cody died while trying to save two women from rising flood waters. Undoubtedly the greatest sacrifice any man can make, and he will forever be esteemed as a hero.
“I had actually been accepted into nursing school prior to my brother’s death.” Carpenter explained. “I started in August and just couldn’t do it. They were offering a reserve class and I asked if I could take it. Chief David Millard and Captain Jeremy Hunt both agreed I could. After completing the reserve class, I learned that my brother had actually been planning on helping teach it before he passed away. Once I started reserving I just really started liking it. I know that I can’t help everyone like in the medical field but I can help some. I have a passion with helping our community and as a deputy you are sworn to protect and to serve.”
A Waldron High School alumna, Carpenter holds an Associates of Arts degree from Rich Mountain and a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Arkansas Tech University. She began working as a reserve officer for the Waldron Police Department, and in February 2018, applied for an opening within the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. After being hired, Carpenter went on to the Academy and graduated on November 16, 2018.
“The guys I work with are great,” added Carpenter. “I just have come to terms with everyone has their way of policing and their way may not work for me and I have to develop my own way. Which is great because it would be boring if we were all identical. Some are better in different areas than others and that is what makes us unique because in the end each personality is what makes a team.”
She says she plans to stay with the department until God opens a door somewhere else. “I just want the people to know that if they need me, I am here and will do the best I can to serve them. I would like to thank, Randy Shores for hiring me and giving me a chance. I would also like to thank Mayor David Millard and Jeremy Hunt for taking the chance and giving me a shot in the reserve class. My family and friends, I love you all big and could have never made it without you.”
Congratulations to Carpenter on this monumental achievement!

Get to Know the Barling PD

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Tammy Teague

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4:38 pm

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Every month the Barling Police Department will be featuring an officer and highlighting their career and recognitions.
For January 2019 the Barling Police Department is highlighting Officer Don Rowe, who is also the 2018 Officer of the Year. Officer Rowe has been with the Barling Police Department for a year and a half and has 10 years law enforcement experience.
Officer Rowe is certified as a Law Enforcement Instructor, Radar Operator, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Officer, and has a General Law Enforcement Certificate.
Officer Rowe previously served as an officer with the Kibler Police Department and as a Crawford County Constable for 10 years. In addition to his law enforcement training, Officer Rowe has been a certified firefighter and first responder for the past 15 years.

Back in School and Basketball is in the air

Sports

Resident News Network

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12:53 pm

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Back in School and Basketball is in the air

Photos by Amanda Hall

School is back in session and basketball is in the air. Tonight Lavaca will host three games against the Hector Wildcats. The First game will feature the Lavaca Junior Lady Arrows as they look to rebound from a tough loss at Cedarville last night. In last nights game the Junior Ladies struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but came back and out scored the Pirates in the second. Tonight they will look to get things going early and then keep it going until the final whistle blows. Girls game will start at 5:00.

Next up will be the Lavaca Lady Arrows Senior High team. The Lady Arrows come into the game with a 10-7 record, 4-0 in conference. While the Lady Wildcats are 6-8 overall and 3-1 in conference. Further the Lady Arrows are averaging 45 point per game vs 36 points per game from Hector’s ladies. This should be a good opportunity for the Lady Arrows to flex their muscle and widen the gap in the conference while keeping pace with Danville who currently shares the first place spot with Lavaca. This game will start as soon as the Juniors game is over.

Finally tonight will be the first place Golden Arrow boys team taking on the Hector Wildcats. Lavaca currently has a co-share of first place in the conference with Danville. Both are undefeated in conference at 4-0 and The Arrows are 13-4 overall. Hector has struggled this year and are currently bringing up the bottom of the conference with a 1-10 overall record and 0-4 in conference. Tonight will not get any easier for them as the Arrows average 51 points per game vs 37 from the Wildcats. The Arrows should continue their dominance tonight. If you haven’t made it out to watch them play, tonight would be a great night to watch this exciting team run the court.

Cunningham Added to Wall of Honor

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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10:53 am

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The board at Farmers Bank recently added Denise Kohler and the late Jim Cunningham to its Wall of Honor.
Inside the conference room of the bank, the Wall of Honor proudly displays photos honoring/memorializing extraordinary leaders. The board was proud to approve adding both Kohler and Cunningham.
*The late Jim Cunningham, Vice President of Lending, with over three decades in banking.
*Denise Kohler, Vice President of Operation. Through her 34+ years at Farmers Bank she served in virtually every position.
For more information about Farmers Bank see www.gofarmersbank.com

Convicted Scott County Man Granted New Trial

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Tammy Teague

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10:04 am

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Convicted Scott County Man Granted New Trial

Waldron resident James N. Bynum was back in a Scott County courtroom on Monday, January 7. The Arkansas Supreme Court recently ruled that Bynum’s sentence be reversed and remanded due to ineffective counsel. 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 assault in the fourth degree, a class D Felony and two counts of sexual assault in the second degree, a class B felony. After finding Bynum guilty, the jury handed down a 100 year sentence. Ten counts, the Supreme Court ruled reversed and remanded.
In October, the judgement of the circuit court was reversed and remanded by the State Supreme Court. Judge Kenneth Hixson ruled that Bynum’s counsel was “deficient” and that the court “erred in not finding that Mr. Bynum’s counsel’s deficient performance prejudiced the defense.” Furthermore, “We believe the fact of being charged with twelve crimes instead of two was, in itself, prejudicial to Mr. Bynum. Couple that with the fact, at the jury trial Mr. Bynum received, the jury was given no limiting instructions…Under these circumstances, we hold that there was a reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different had Mr. Bynum’s counsel not been deficient.” –See the ruling in its entirety here.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Ramey set Bynum’s bond at $75,000, cash or commercial. As of Tuesday morning, Bynum remains in the Scott County Jail.

Waldron Celebrates School Board Leaders

Networks

Resident News Network

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9:36 am

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January is School Board Recognition Month, and Waldron School District is joining school districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their untiring dedication to public education.
Serving on a school board has been described as the ‘toughest volunteer job in America.’ Yet Waldron’s public school board members dedicate countless personal hours to attending meetings, school functions, and hours of preparation for the decisions they make. On top of that, many pursue their own professional development to stay on top of the ever-changing education landscape. Collectively, school board members in Waldron have spent many hours attending training and professional development. They’re dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students.
It’s an exciting and challenging time in public education. School board members in Waldron develop policies and make tough decisions that help shape the future of our education system. They bear responsibility and oversight for an annual budget exceeding 14 million dollars, 1611 students (including ABC students), and 255 employees.
We proudly join educators and community members in saluting these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding and school facilities. They preserve the core of our democracy – public education.
The men and women serving Waldron School District are:
Steve Ewing, President
Tammye Sherrill, Vice President
Eddie Harrison, Secretary (Mr. Harrison passed away on December 15, 2018, he will be greatly missed)
Regina Oliver
Nick Hunt

Hornets Prepare to Split Bulldogs

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:29 am

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The Hackett Hornets Bowling Team is looking for a clean sweep when they play the Greenwood Bulldogs in Thursdays bowling match. Hackett Bowling Coach, Matt Whitsett, says, “Greenwoods Coach Holloway does a great job with the Bulldogs and they will be a tough team to beat.” Traditionally Greenwood is a good team but that’s not making the Hornets nervous. The boys had a couple of really good matches with them last year but this time around they plan to throw them in the gutter.

Pacey McBride and Tanner Wright have been a steady duo for Coach Whitsett and with the extra bowling skills from Nathan Childs, the Hornets have plenty of potential to get the job done. For the Lady Hornets, Kayla Richardson, Audrey Channey, and Rachel Widmer, all have the knowledge and talent to bring home a victory.

This Thursday, January 10 at 4 pm, the Hornets will be at Bowling World in Fort Smith to strike out some Bulldogs with plenty of time to spare.

Bulldogs Ready For Wall to Wall Basketball

Sports

Megan Hecox

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7:23 am

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Bulldogs Ready For Wall to Wall Basketball

Its Game Time for the Waldron Bulldogs and boy are they ready. The Bulldogs will host the Charleston Tigers in what is sure to be a game of epic proportions. Aside from the Jr High boys scoring a triumphant win over the Lamar Warriors at the beginning of the month, this will be the first game of the year for the Sr High Bulldogs and the Jr High Lady Bulldogs.

The Sr High Lady Bulldogs are starting the second half of their season with a 1-3 conference play record. Although the girls will be facing an undefeated 5-0 team in the Lady Tigers, they won’t be backing down. With a new year and a fresh start, the Lady Bulldogs are planning an even stronger interior play navigated by a balanced attack.

The undefeated 4-0 Sr High Bulldogs are saying “Bring It” to the undefeated 5-0 Tigers and they aren’t looking to end their winning streak any time soon. The Bulldogs will bring to the court their suffocating defense and speedy offensive style in tonight’s game as they look to knock the Tigers off their “Game of Thrones.”

You can watch these powerhouse teams play tonight January 8th at home starting at 4:30 pm. The Bulldogs will be hosting “Eddie Night” and will be honoring the memory of Eddie Harrison by asking all in attendance to wear green, in awareness of liver cancer. Eddie Passed away on December 15, 2018. Eddie is the definition of a true Bulldog. Eddie graduated from Waldron High School and upon graduating college, returned to Waldron to teach for 53 years! After retiring, he became a school board member. He loved Waldron and always wanted to do what was best for our students. While teaching, he supported the athletic department by keeping the gate at football, basketball, and softball games.

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