By Tammy Moore Teague
The White Bluff ‐ Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department is one of 43 fire departments awarded Georgia Pacific Bucket Brigade grants this year. The department will receive $5,000 to help fund equipment needs, specifically full‐body protective gear.
“Our local fire departments are a vital part of our community, so we are very pleased to help them stay well‐equipped,” said Pat Sterner, plant director at Georgia‐Pacific’s Bradford Corrugated facility. “These grants express our thanks for their commitment to the people they serve.”
The Bucket Brigade program awarded $214,000 in grants to departments this year for equipment critical to firefighters’ safety. The fire department says the grant will go toward the replacement of full‐body protective gear that has exceeded the 10‐year lifespan set by the National Fire Protection Association. Each set costs more than $2,000.
“With 28 volunteer firefighters on the roster, it is vital that we do everything we can to protect their health and safety,” said White Bluff‐Rye Hill VFD President Dale Seiter. “This grant will be put to very good use.”
Grants are based on need and are funded by the Georgia‐Pacific Foundation and local Georgia‐Pacific facilities. Funds are typically used to purchase new protective clothing and replace items such as damaged safety gear and aging equipment.
Through the program, Georgia‐Pacific also gives all grant applicants free memberships to The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), which provides access to tools, resources, programs and advocacy for first‐responders across the nation.
The fire departments receiving grants this year span 20 states where Georgia‐Pacific has facilities: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Visit the Georgia‐Pacific Bucket Brigade website for more information about the program.
White Bluff-Rye Hill Volunteer FD Awarded Grant
Waldron Mayor Defends Open Door Policy
By Tammy Moore Teague
Recently, a series of letters to the editor were ran in the local weekly newspaper. One of those letters claimed current Waldron Mayor Neil Cherry has “shut out” the public, and is “disconnected” from voters.
Cherry minced no words in responding to those claims. “This is false information. There is no truth to the letter to the editor. I’ve always had an open door policy, and people who come into this office, or into this building for that matter, are welcome.”
He went on to explain the protocol set forth for public comments in the council sessions. “We have a planning session on the Thursday before our meetings on the following Tuesday. The public is welcome to come and voice their concerns during that Thursday session. However, Tuesday nights are reserved for “action.” The public is welcome to come, but no public comments will be taken.”
The mayor went on to add that he encourages the community’s involvement these meetings. “The door to this office is open to anybody. There’s never been a denial of anybody to talk in this office.”
Donations Needed for Shop With a Cop
By Tammy Moore Teague
The City of Waldron Police Department sponsors “Shop with a Cop” annually, and they need the community’s help to continue bringing Christmas to local children.
“We are currently accepting donations for the 2018 Shop with a Cop. Donations can be dropped off at the Waldron City Hall, or Waldron Police Department. All money is for our local kids and is greatly appreciated.”
Anyone who wishes to donate can come by Waldron City Hall or the Waldron Police Department. The event will take place on Saturday, December 8.
“Please help us continue this great tradition!”
Veterans Day Parade – Chaffee Crossing
Make plans to head to Chaffee Crossing tomorrow morning as they honor our Veterans. There will be a medal ceremony, helicopter rides, food , games and fun for all. You will not want to miss out on this the 7th Annual Parade and Celebration. For more information go to Chaffee Crossing Veterans Day Celebration.
Mansfield High School to Sponsor Veterans Day Salute
Mansfield high school will sponsor a veterans day breakfast and tribute program at the school on Monday, November 12, 2018. The breakfast will be held at the MHS cafeteria from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The tribute program will be held in the MHS gymnasium starting at 9:45 a.m. All veterans and their families, as well as service members past and present, and anyone who would like to attend are cordially invited to attend both events.
The keynote speaker for this year’s veterans day salute is Lt. Col. Robert W. Fulmer, USA Retired. Lt. Col. Fulmer was recently inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Col Fulmer’s active duty military career began in 1964. He served in many locations throughout the world. He attend the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army Defense Language Institute. He holds a masters degree in educational administration from Pepperdine University.
Col. Fulmer’s appearance was made possible by Mr. Keith Greene, mayor of the City of Alma. MHS thanks Mayor Greene for his assistance in helping the school secure this outstanding keynote speaker.
MHS has reserved special seating in the gymnasium for veterans and their families. Seating will be on the home side of the gymnasium in the lower, center seats. Veterans are encouraged to ask any attendant for assistance, or for use of an elevator to reach the gym floor.
Mansfield high school thanks all of our veterans for their service to our great nation!
Midterm Winners Respond to Election Results
By Tammy Moore Teague
It was a long night of returns coming in, but by morning the winners had emerged. Locally, Hackett, Mansfield and Waldron will all see new Mayors in office in January. In addition to the mayoral races, several city council races were also determined. Incumbents for Scott County Sheriff and Scott County Assessor, will hang on to their positions and serve another term.
Incumbent for Arkansas District 21 Representative Marcus Richmond expressed his gratitude for the win. “I am honored and humbled by your overwhelming support. Thank you so very much. First, I want to thank God for His many blessings. Second, I want to thank my wife Susan for standing with me throughout this long process. Finally, I want to recognize my opponent Stele James and his family for running a spirited race. It is tough to throw your hat in the ring and run for any office. Now we must turn to the hard work ahead. I will do my utmost to represent your values while representing our district. Again thank you for your overwhelming support.”
Locally in the Mayoral races, Waldron Mayor-Elect David Millard said: “I thank everyone for their confidence and support. I will do everything I can to earn it and trust the Lord to lead and guide me to take our city forward.” Mansfield Mayor-Elect, Buddy Black shared a similar sentiment. “I thank God for allowing me to serve as mayor and I praise Him for this opportunity. I look forward to making Mansfield an even better place to live and work. It is an honor to be elected Mayor of the City of Mansfield.” Hackett Mayor-Elect Trini Harper said “I want to thank everyone that voted. A special thanks to Louie Kerkindall for being my campaign manager and for all his hard work. Also to my family for all their hard work campaigning for me. I will work hard for the City of Hackett.”
The Waldron Alderman Hickman ward 3, position 2 seat went to Paige Cupit. However, challenger Doyle Dickens plans to run again in the future. This race in particular was a great example of forthrightness. Cupit said “I just want to say thank you to my supporters. This is the first step in the great plans that I have for Waldron. I hope to work hard for my community and prove that I can do great things.” Danielle Woodard won a seat on the Hartford City Council. Woodard said, “I want to thank all those that voted for me. I also want to say, this was nothing personal, as Winnie has been kind to me. We just needed a change. I also want people to realize, change takes time. I will fight for what is right, and any decision I make won’t be taken lightly. I am only one person and can only do so much, as it takes majority to agree. I have a lot to learn so be patient. Again, thank you for your vote and bring on 2019!”
John Lutterell won the Scott County JP District 7 race. I’d like to thank everyone that voted for me in the election, to my knowledge I’m the first Justice of the Peace to win that seat as a Republican in my lifetime. That said, I’ll do my best to represent everyone fairly, regardless of their political beliefs. Thanks again, it’s humbling and an honor to fill my father’s shoes in this position.”
Incumbent Terri Churchill will serve another term as Scott County Assessor. She said: “I would like to thank everyone for your continued support in my re-election as your assessor. It is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!” Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores was also honored that the people chose him to serve another term. “I want to thank my friends, family and the citizens of Scott County for all their support. I really appreciate the confidence they have placed in me and I am looking forward to continuing to work on making Scott County even better. It’s so awesome they put me back in here, I love my job and I like working for the citizens in the county.”
Congratulations to all the candidates and newly elected officials on a job well-done!
Veterans Day assembly-LHS
Lavaca High School:
Veterans & their families are invited to our assembly tomorrow. It will begain at 9:00am in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). LHS is excited to honor those who have served!
See more here Veterans Day assembly
Golden Arrows hit the hardwood
Photos by Amanda Hall
This week the Lavaca Golden Arrows Basketball teams tipped off their seasons. The 7th grade boys and girls traveled to Scranton on Monday and brought home the win. Junior High also traveled to Scranton. The boys brought home a 1st game win while the girls fell. Tuesday it was the High School that traveled to Booneville.
There was a JV boys game and the Arrows came out victorious, which speaks well of the future of the program. The Girls hit the floor and won impressively, 51-28. Defense was stellar and the Lady arrows ran the post very well. Beth Ann May had had a career high 16 points, which provided this already highly potent offense a huge boost.
The High School boys came out and played hard but were out paced in the 2nd half by a very good Booneville team. This will be a very solid team and one should not look at this loss in a worrisome manner.
The next time the seniors take the court will be at home against Mansfield on 11/13. The Junior high will hold court tonight against Booneville at home. Come out and support these Arrows. It’s going to be a fun season to watch.
Chocolate or Spice? Everything’s Nice!
By: Kimberly Boyd
With temperatures cooling down and turning on the heater, I can’t help to want to get ready for Christmas even though we have Thanksgiving just around the corner! One of my favorite things to do is to make homemade hot chocolate, curl up with a blanket, toast my toes by the fire, and settle in for a Hallmark Christmas Movie with my family! Hot chocolate is the best way to relax after all the hustle and bustle from the craziness of the holidays.
However, with the holidays arising, that also means lots of parties and festivities will be going on, so the search is always on for the best festive treats to host at your Christmas or Thanksgiving parties. If you like a little spice in your drink, Christmas Wassail is the best drink to serve at all those parties!
Below I have listed the best recipes for Homemade Hot Chocolate as well as Christmas Wassail. You pick! Chocolate or Spice? Everything’s Nice!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
6 Cups of Milk
1 ½ cups of Heavy Cream
1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)
1 package of Milk Chocolate Chips (12 oz)
1 teaspoon of Vanilla
Directions
Place all ingredients in your crockpot and mix well. Cook on low for two hours, but make sure you stir frequently about every 10 minutes. Once all the chocolate chips are melted, turn your crockpot to warm. Top off your cup with mini marshmallows if you like! Enjoy!
Christmas Wassail
Ingredients:
2 quarts of Apple Cider
2 cups of Orange Juice
1 cup of Lemon Juice
5 cups of Pineapple Juice
1 ½ tsp of Whole Cloves
1 Cinnamon Stick
Sugar or Honey to taste
*I suggest a cup of sugar added but it also depends on the sweetness you prefer. Add sugar or honey slowly in and taste test as you go for your best judgement on sweetness!
*Also, one added bonus, your house will smell amazing while warming this up!
Directions
Place all ingredients in large pot or your crockpot. If using a pot, simmer for 30 minutes and remove cloves and cinnamon stick before serving. If using a crockpot, heat on low for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
Jude 22: Food Ministry
By Tammy Moore Teague
Lavaca’s Jude 22: Food Ministry is on a mission and that mission is to “Make a difference in our community through love and compassion.”
The ministry is a part of Lavaca First Assembly of God, located at 804 East Main. The nutritional needs are so great throughout the community, and this outreach is ministering to both physical and spiritual needs.
They need help in continuing this work. Food donations from the community have been completely depleted and need to be replenished.
You can donate several different ways. First, you can drop any non-perishable food item off at Steffey’s Pizza in Lavaca or you can drop off at the CVs in Lavaca. “We will pick up every two to three weeks or as needed, explained Pantry Coordinator, Stephanie Hubbard. Our local pantry side is pretty bare.”
Her husband, Frankie Hubbard, is the Pantry Director. ““When you give to Jude 22 there will never be a doubt about where and who you will be helping. It will be the family in front of you at CV’s who has to put something back out of their basket due to a lack of money. The child that sits next to yours in the cafeteria scarfing every bite down knowing it will be tomorrow until the next meal. It is these We long and love to help!”
Any contributions or assistance would be helpful. Let’s help them continue to bless others through this ministry. As Frankie put it, “the families we serve are the true blessing.”