By Tammy Moore Teague
CASA, court appointed special advocates, for children of Sebastian County is in need of volunteers. On January 7 at 5:30 p.m., there will be a volunteer/advocate training.
“We really need CASA Volunteers,” a representive stated. “Every child needs a CASA to light their journey through the darkest time of their little lives, foster care. Please let this be your New Year’s resolution, to be a voice for a child. If you don’t do it, who will?”
All you need is common sense and a heart for kids. The staff will train you and stand beside you every step of the way. The number of children entering foster care in our county continues to rise, and the need for volunteers is great.
If you are interested and would like to learn more, you can call 479-785-4171. Additionally, you can learn more by visiting their Facebook page.
CASA Volunteers Needed
Three New Area Mayors to Take Office January 1
By Tammy Moore Teague
On January 1, we will say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in a new year. The cities of Mansfield, Hackett and Waldron will also be welcoming in new mayors.
Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black will be sworn in at the Sebastian County Courthouse in Fort Smith at 10 a.m. on January 1. Additionally, Waldron Mayor David Millard will be sworn in at the Scott County Courthouse at 2 p.m., and Trini Harper will be sworn in at Hackett City Hall at 6 p.m.
Over the next few weeks we will be bringing you stories from each of these city leaders. We will be at each of these ceremonies and bring you complete coverage.
App that Could Save Your Life
When it’s as serious as life and death, you know it’s no game. That’s what the app Vital ICE is, and this simple, free download, could very well save your life.
Heritage Funeral Home owner Sammy Callahan said he highly recommends the app. In any emergency situation, EMS and First Responders play a critical role in life-threatening emergency situations. “Any medical information for the patient that can be provided to them upon their arrival increases the odds of a more favorable outcome. Time saves lives, and Vital ICE saves time.”
According to the website, individual confidential medical information is exclusively stored on the owner’s mobile device and is not able to be viewed or stored by the company or its affiliates.
Vital ICE provides a platform on which to list your vital medical information, such as blood type, allergies, medications, medical history, ICE (in case of emergency) contacts, and much more. This information will then be readily available to EMS and other First Responders when they need it most.
Standard features include, but are not limited to:
• Vital medical information and photos for you and up to 8 dependents
• Email your information to any email address (hospital, physician, or other recipient)
• List of emergency (ICE) contacts
• List of physician contacts (as well as pediatricians and OBGYN when applicable)
• First aid protocol for 16 medical emergencies, when medical help is unavailable
• Record and save a voice overview of your medical information, which can further assist EMS
• Call 911 directly within app, saving time in emergency situations
• Sound an audible alarm to alert first responders to your location
• Receive alerts and notices from local first responders (if a participating organization’s key code is entered)
• Backup / Restore data from your personal Dropbox account (free and easy setup if you do not already have an account)
• Send a group text to up to 10 emergency contacts notifying them of your emergency along with your map location – a mobile life alert system.
• Create a custom wallpaper/lock screen image with your vital information listed on the sides, which can provide first responders with some information if your device is locked
• Medication, immunization, and physician appointment reminders helps keep your medical schedule organized
• Attach photos of current insurance cards, stored in one convenient location, for medical staff to quickly access
Protect yourself and your family by downloading this free In Case of Emergency app today. It is available on both iTunes and Google Play.
Proclaimation Declares Fred Potter Day
By Tammy Moore Teague
On December 26, Fredrick Potter, formerly of Waldron, turned 89 years young. This day in 2018 is particularly special as the Mayor of the City of Alma, where Potter currently resides, proclaimed 12/26 as “Fredrick Rodney Potter Day in Alma.”
Potter has been in an ongoing civil court battle with niece Cassandra Holmes since 2013. Since that time Potter has moved from Waldron to Alma. Mayor Keith Greene described Potter as a “citizen in good standing and through his actions, career, determination to succeed, and inspiration to others, personifies the true nature of how a person can by his example make today a better time for our leaders of tomorrow.”
Green went on to describe Potter’s service record in the United States Marines and Army including a deployment to Korea during the Korean War and in Germany. Additionally, according to the proclamation, Potter has served in the California Army National Guard.
Congratulations to Potter on this great honor, and from all of us at Resident Press, happy birthday!
Putnam Blacksmith Shop
By Jack James
You’ll have to really search for a photo as great as this vintage photo, taken in 1908, of the Putnam Blacksmith Shop! This blacksmith shop was on Highway 22 and owned by Mr. William Warren Putnam.
There’s not a lot known about this building and the people, not yet anyway. What we do know is from information written by Roy Putnam on the back of the original photograph: “This picture made 1908 by Dad’s old Blacksmith Shop in Bloomer, Ar. Picture left to right Floyd (Buck)Ward, William Warren Putnam blacksmith, Dewitt Ward merchant, Gerome Tapley Farmer, Roy E. Putnam farm age 13, Albert Price mail carrier to Lavaca.”
The back of a copy of this photo lists the people pictured as Roy Putnam, W.W. Putnam, Rome Tapley, Dewitt Ward, Buck Ward, Price (mail carrier). The sign above door says 7 miles to Charleston.
If you know more about this or other photos on this site, please let us know.
City Honors Mayor at Farewell Reception
By Tammy Moore Teague
Residents of the city turned out to Mansfield Mayor Mike Gipson’s farewell reception on Friday, December 27. Most came and offered thanks to Gipson for the work he’s done for the city.
Mansfield city offices secretary, Stephanie Morgan and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker presented Gipson with a plaque of appreciation. “He came in during a tough time and took the job anyway,” said Walker. “He didn’t even take pay for the job. He’s served selflessly.”
Gipson and his wife Karen, and their daughter Miranda Allison all greeted and visited with those who came out. He leaves the city in good hands with Mayor-Elect Buddy Black. Black also attended the reception and vowed to continue working to bring the city together.
Remember The Alamo – Lavaca Cheerleaders head to San Antonio Texas
“Remember The Alamo” will always have a special meaning for two Lavaca Jr High Cheerleaders. Friday December 28th 2018 at 8:00 PM CST, ESPN will be airing the Valero Alamo Bowl live from San Antonio Texas. It should be a good game between the Big 12’s 24th ranked Iowa State Cyclones and the PAC 12’s 13th ranked Washington State Cougars. But the halftime act could steal the show. You will not want to miss it. This year the halftime show will bring together a cast of over 1,000 high school musicians, dancers and cheerleaders from across America. Two of which are from Lavaca Arkansas.
The Lavaca Golden Arrow Cheer squad is deep with talent. Coached by Danielle Overton, their hard work is evident and has paid off in a big way. Not only did Coach O’s team perform on the sidelines during football and basketball games this year, but they also competed in 5 competitions and brought home a State championship. They also had four of the Junior high cheerleaders and five of the High School Cheerleaders qualify as B2 All Americans. Those All Americans are: from the JR High;
Rylie Green, Selena Shelly, Payton McMahan, and Reshia Sparkman; and the Varsity qualifiers are; Morgan Taylor, Taylor Lile, Ali Simpson, Austin Walchli , and Allie Colclasure.
All nine of Lavaca’s All Americans have all been invited to participate in the halftime show for the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on December 28, 2018. However, only Rylie Green and and Selena Shelly will be participating this year.
The B2 All Americans have arrived in San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl Performance Tour! The group enjoyed dinner on the famous Riverwalk last evening at Casa Rio! Today will be a full day of rehearsal and preparation for what will be an incredible show. See Itinerary below. Tune in tomorrow night and watch for Rylie and Selena to show off their skills on the Big Stage. This will be an event that they will never forget.
Day 1 : Welcome to San Antonio!
– Hotel check-in:
– Alamo Bowl Pep Rally: Join in the fanfare by performing on the legendary San Antonio River Walk at the official Alamo Bowl Pep Rally!
– Directors Reception: Meet your fellow Alamo Bowl coaches and instructors at the Director’s Reception.
– First Rehearsal: Your performers will meet their halftime show choreographer and get right to work! During this first evening of rehearsals, your choreographer will adjust the show as necessary and put on the final touches to the show.
Day 2 : Get Ready for the Big Show!
– Breakfast at hotel.:
– Morning Rehearsal: Today is all about rehearsal! Spend the morning practicing for the halftime show.
– Master Class: In the afternoon, participate in a special master class with our star choreographer!
– Optional Activity: You have the evening free to take in the sights of San Antonio. Enjoy SeaWorld®, Six Flags, or the San Antonio Zoo.
Day 3 : Game Day!
– Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for the day.
– Final Rehearsal: Head off to the Alamodome for your Final Halftime Show Dress Rehearsal with the entire show cast of marching bands, dancers, cheerleaders, color guard, etc.!
– Alamo Bowl Kick-Off!:
Day 4 : Enjoy San Antonio!
– San Antonio Exploration: After a good night’s rest, enjoy San Antonio a bit more before heading home!
New Year, New Stories!
By Tammy Moore Teague
We’ve wrapped up another year, and are already working on a number of stories for 2019. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all the top stories for 2018!
Coming in the next few weeks, we will be focusing on an in-depth series on the Juvenile Treatment Center, which is located outside of Mansfield. With many changes coming, will this help curb some of the issues the facility faces?
Also, a follow up piece on one of the top stories for the year of 2018, Constitutional carry. What exactly are the laws, where do law-makers and law enforcement stand on this issue?
Lastly, we will be bringing you coverage of all the newly elected officials who will be taking office on January 1. Thanks for sticking with us throughout 2018, we look forward to an even better 2019! As always, we welcome your feedback and story ideas. You can contact us HERE.
Add a Little Christmas Spirit to Your Favorite Fishing Hole
LITTLE ROCK — That Christmas tree that stands proudly above gifts on Christmas morning has plenty of giving left to do if you’re an angler. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has established drop-off locations for all leftover Christmas trees near popular fishing destinations to give them a new life as fish habitat.
The drop-off locations act just like a “take-a-penny, leave-a-penny tray” at a cashier’s station, only it’s for fish. Anyone who wants to drop off their natural Christmas tree can just take it to a location and leave it. And any angler who wants to take the trees and sink them in the lakes where they are located can do so. Anglers should bring their own rope, parachute cord and cinder blocks to weight the trees and sink them where they wish.
Artificial trees are not allowed at drop-off locations, and all ornaments, tinsel and lights should be removed before being dropped off.
Christmas trees typically only last a year or two before all that’s left is the main trunk, but large groups of trees can attract bait fish and sportfish long after the smaller branches and needles have rotted away.
Trees can be dropped off at any of the following locations until the end of January:
Northwest Arkansas
Beaver Lake – Highway 12 Access and AGFC Don Roufa Hwy 412 Access
Lake Elmdale – Boat Ramp Access
Bob Kidd Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Crystal Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Chief Msgt Sterling Retires Following 38 Years of Service
By Tammy Moore Teague
Chief Master Sergeant Larry Wayne Sterling, 56, of Mansfield has spent the last 38 years serving his country, proudly and faithfully. On December 31, Chief Sterling will retire from the United States Air Force.
Chief Sterling and his wife Anna have been married 14 years. He has two children, Tara Mort and Nathan Sterling and three grandchildren. Currently, he serves as Squadron Superintendent of the 288th Operations Support Squadron, Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR.
Chief Sterling enlisted in the Air Force on August 27, 1980. He served his first four years on active duty as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialists, stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, NV (1980-1984.) After active duty, he enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard, 188th Fighter Wing in December 1984. He served as an Air Guard Technician for 34 years as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialists, loading munitions on the F-4C, F-16A, F-16C, A-10A and A-10C aircraft with multiple deployments supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
Chief Sterling deployed to Aviano, Italy (1996), Balad Air Base, Iraq (2005), Kandahar Air Base Afghanistan (2010), and Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan (2012), supporting Operations Decisive Endeavor, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Freedom Sentinel. He was the Wing Weapons Manager for the 188th Fighter Wing from 2011-2014, where he was the focal point for all weapon systems residing at the 188th Wing. Chief Sterling cross-trained into the Geospatial Analyst career field in 2014 and graduated from Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, where he received the honor of “Outstanding Contributor” of his class. He finished his 38 year career with the 288th Operations Support Squadron.
“I have many proud moments in the military but being promoted to the highest enlisted grade 9 Chief Master Sergeant is one of my proudest moments,” added Chief Sterling.
He said the desire to serve his country is the reason he dedicated so many years to the Air Force. “There is a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Chief Sterling. “If you have never served in the military, you can’t understand the feeling, the true sense of pride, when you return from a long deployment and people in the airport stand and clap and thank you for your service. It’s very meaningful.”
His wife and family are very proud of his military time and service. His wife commented: “I couldn’t be more proud of his dedication and hard work to his country and family.”
The decorated Chief Master Sergeant has received the following awards and decorations:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Meritorious Unit Award
- AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device
- AF Good Conduct Medal
- Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- AF Overseas Ribbon Short
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
- AF Longevity Service
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 5 “M” Devices
- USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
- AF Training Ribbon
- NATO Medal
- Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon
- Arkansas Service Ribbon
He admits that he will miss the people he works with, as he considers them a “second family.” Following retirement, he plans to spend a lot of time with his family and with his grandchildren. We thank you Msgt Sterling for your years of service and dedication to our country!