Wondering what’s for lunch next week? Check out the lunch menu for the area schools below!
It’s Lunch Time!
Reception Held for Retiring Sebastian County Sheriff
By Tammy Moore Teague
A reception was held on Wednesday, November 7 honoring retiring Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck. The reception was held at the Fort Smith Pavilion from 5-6:30 p.m.
Hollenbeck has served 28 years with the Sheriff’s Department and 36 years total in law enforcement. Eight of those years was spent leading the department as Sebastian County Sheriff.
After stepping down as sheriff, Hollenbeck will begin serving as Fort Smith Public School’s Director of Security and Facilities.
Reception Held for Retiring Sebastian County Sheriff
By Tammy Moore Teague
A reception was held on Wednesday, November 7 honoring retiring Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck. The reception was held at the Fort Smith Pavilion from 5-6:30 p.m.
Hollenbeck has served 28 years with the Sheriff’s Department and 36 years total in law enforcement. Eight of those years was spent leading the department as Sebastian County Sheriff.
After stepping down as sheriff, Hollenbeck will begin serving as Fort Smith Public School’s Director of Security and Facilities.
Veterans to Walk in Solidarity
By Tammy Moore Teague
Famed “Walking Veteran,” Thomas Hudson is spearheading another Veterans Walk in Solidarity in Waldron on December 1.
“We will meet at 1 p.m. at the Waldron High School Auditorium,” stated Hudson. “We will have a special awards presentation, music and a special guest speaker.” Following the honorary ceremony, they will begin their walk into downtown Waldron.
The city will be hosting their annual Christmas parade that evening, and the veterans are sponsoring a float. That event is set to begin at 6 p.m.
“The city’s Christmas parade theme is “Kindling the Love of Christmas. Our float will carry out that theme and relate it to those who are deployed. You do not want to miss out on this!“
Jury Trial Set in Williams Case
By Tammy Moore Teague
Former Waldron Assistant Principal Jessica Williams is set to stand trial on five counts of sexual assault in the first degree and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
Williams was arrested back in August after confessing to having an ongoing relationship with a 16 year-old student. See related story– Williams was released after posting a $100,000 bond. However, as part of her release, she was ordered to have no contact with the underaged victim. According to court documents, Williams has allegedly violated those terms. Williams denied those claims, and her attorney responded to the petition to revoke her bond by motioning for discovery.
Williams’ jury trial is set to begin in a Scott County Courtroom on Tuesday, November 20 at 9:30 a.m.
White Bluff-Rye Hill Volunteer FD Awarded Grant
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.
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!