By Tammy Moore Teague
On Friday morning, the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department presented a demonstration on fire safety to elementary students.
The Sebastian County Fire Association donated coloring books, which Captain Marion Bascue and Lieutenant Matthew Nichols delivered. Those books were distributed to students in Kindergarten through fourth grade.
The students were fascinated by the trucks, equipment and the discussion on fire safety. Fire Prevention Week begins October 7.
MES Participates in Fire Safety Week
Abbott Resident Fulfills Bucket List, Meets British Pen Pal
By Tammy Moore Teague
Friends and family gathered in the home of Donald and Helen Williams of Abbott on Thursday evening for a meet-and-greet. Their guests of honor, a couple from England, and the story that brought them here is nothing short of amazing!
It all started with a Mission Trip with Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 31 years ago. Church-goer, Mary Fuller LaFoon, had traveled to England and met a young lady, a then single, struggling mother, Veronica Mallyon Reed. Reed reflected on that initial encounter, “I remember Mary praying with me out at a windmill. It’s like the heavens opened up.”
LaFoon returned home and gave a prayer request to the church. That request was for Reed and her young family. Williams, a fellow church member, followed up with LaFoon after services and inquired about this young lady’s address. “That was in November, by December we had already exchanged Christmas cards and we just kept writing. It’s been a wonderful friendship,” stated Williams.
With the passing of years, Reed and her husband Vaughn, began thinking about traveling to the United States to see LaFoon and to meet Williams. It wasn’t until Reed’s mother passed away that she began thinking on living more in the moment, and making those moments count. “Life’s too short,” Reed said. “Mary is now in her 80’s, we’re getting older and so is Helen. We needed to take this opportunity.” Naturally, Williams wanted to meet Reed as well, and had included the reunion on her bucket list.
The couple ultimately decided to make the expensive journey, consisting of a grueling 24-hour flight time. They arrived here on Monday, October 1 and plan to stay until Thursday, October 11.
Reed has two children, one daughter and one son, and now three grandchildren. She spoke good advice, in a heavy British accent: “Don’t put things off. Family and life are more important than anything else, live for the day.”
I ALMOST Knew Someone Famous!
By Jack James
Have you ever heard the term “six degrees of separation?” Six degrees of separation is the idea that all living things and everything else in the world are six or fewer steps away from each other so that a chain of “a friend of a friend” statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps. Well, I am three degrees separated from the great actor Arthur Hunnicutt!
I have had a friend here in Lavaca named Sid Hunnicutt for years. Some time ago, I found out that the actor Arthur Hunnicutt is his second cousin! Sid’s grandfather is the brother of Arthur’s father. He was one of the stars of one of my favorite John Wayne movies El Dorado.
Arthur Hunnicutt was born in 1910 in Gravelly, Arkansas in Yell County. He was a thin character actor who was known for playing humorously wise country roles. He enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, but was forced to drop out in his third year with money troubles. He moved to Massachusetts and joined a theatre company and ended up in New York where he acted in roles on Broadway. He played the leading role in “Tobacco Road”, a part his rangy country identity was made for. He played in some roles in small films in the early 1940s, and then returned to stage work. In 1949 he came back to Hollywood permanently and began a long career as a supporting player. His acting in the Howard Hawks movie The Big Sky (in 1952) won him the respect of actors and an Oscar nomination for Supporting Actor. He continued playing parts much like this for the remainder of his career.
Arthur worked with the greatest actors and actresses of Hollywood and in 91 movies including El Dorado, Cat Ballou and Red Badge of Courage. He was struck with oral cancer and died in 1979. He and his wife are buried in Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield, Arkansas.
Lady Arrows – Conference Co Champions!!
Photos by Amanda Hall.
There was not a 7th grade match yesterday, October 5th, because Decatur did not have a 7th grade squad. Both the “A” and “B” Junior High teams closed out their conference schedule, winning in Straight sets. The future looks bright as these girls played very well.
The High School match is coming on the heels of a huge win against Hackett, which created a two way tie for first place with a 10-1 record. Hackett also closed its conference schedule tonight against Mulberry.
Lavaca had no problem against Decatur winning in straight sets. 25-8, 25-12, and 25-9. Of course, the Lavaca starters did what they do, big kills, big blocks, and Ace serves, but they did get to rest a bit tonight. Ireland Green, Mallory Brittin, Morgan Taylor, and Kinzee Jo Brown all came in for the majority of the 3rd set. These ladies played huge tonight with big blocks by Kinzee Jo and smashing spikes from Mallory and Morgan.
By time the night was over, the Lavaca Lady Arrows had earned a share of the Conference Championship with Hackett, with a record of 11-1. The Lady Junior Arrows earned the Conference Runner up. Both the Lady Arrows and the Junior Lady Arrows will be the 2 seed in the Conference tournament. Junior High tournament will start October 13th in Hackett. The High School tournament will be October 15th, 16th, and 18th.. at home, times TBA. Lady Arrows will be on their home court one more time before the tournament this Monday, October 8th, which will be “Senior Night”. Come out and give them your support.
Congratulations Ladies!!
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
Veteran of the Month Feature: Elmore
By Tammy Moore Teague
Resident Press is partnering with our local VFW in Huntington, Arkansas to feature local veterans. We are forever grateful to these men and women. For their service and sacrifice as well as that of their families, we say thank you. A special thanks to Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander, Post 8245, Bernard Tougas.
Keith Elmore, 42, served as a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard for six years. He was deployed to Iraq from 2004 until 2005. While in Iraq, he conducted route and convoy security, conducted door-to-door searches and searched for and destroyed weapon cases.
Elmore and his wife Michelle have two sons, Dakota and Kolby Elmore. His parents are Emma Elmore and the late Herbert Elmore. Lastly, he is a graduate of Russellville High School.
“Now that I’m out of the military, I enjoy my time hunting and fishing with my boys,” stated Elmore. He is currently the owner of Down Range Gunworks, Pastor at Abbott Pentecostal Church of God as well as a member of VFW Post 8245 in Huntington.
Charlie Mitchael Flagpole Memorial Dedication
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Monday, October 1, friends, family and fellow firefighters came together to honor the life and service of Charlie Mitchael.
In May of this year, the White Bluff/Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department began accepting donations to erect a flag pole and memorial to honor the life of their retired Chief. Mitchael passed away last December and those who knew him were well aware of the dedication he had to his department and to the community, which he served proudly for over 27 years.
The ground breaking took place in July. Members of the community donated and helped fund the project. The beautiful stone marker is inscribed with a quote by Winston Churchill, which reads: “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”
City of Waldron Welcomes Western Arkansas Title Services
By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron welcomed a new business to town this week. Western Arkansas Title Services held their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. It is located at 203 Fir Street in Waldron.
The company held cash and prize drawings that day. Winners were: Neil Cherry-Mayor, Mandy Smith-Arvest Bank, Kim Lane-Assessors Office and Terri Churchill-Assessors Office. The grand prize winner of the Fire HD10 was Frankie Watson with Community National Bank.
When you are in the area, stop by and tell them you are glad they chose Waldron to open their new location!
Incumbent Looks to Remain Sheriff
By Tammy Moore Teague
Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores is in his second year of his term. Along the way he has made many improvements to the department, which he is very proud of. In the 2018 election, voters will decide if Shores will remain Sheriff, this time for four years.
When he came in on the job, few officers had bullet proof vests. He said those who did have them, had old, outdated ones. So, within his first three months of office, Shores was able to purchase new vests. Additionally, Shores was able to secure a grant that purchased a 3/4 ton 4×4 Dodge pickup truck. “Scott County has 11,000 miles of dirt road,” Shores explained. “It doesn’t make much sense to buy cars that can’t get through a lot of the areas we patrol.”
Within the first year, Shores saved the department time and resources by sending one of the deputies to become an instructor. This certification allows them to train in-house for weapons, jail standards and self-defense.
In July of this year, he hired an extra deputy that allowed them to cover 24 hour shifts, 7 days a week. “One of the things I am really proud of is us having a officer on duty from midnight-6 a.m. during the week and from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on the weekends,” he explained. “No one was on duty then and that’s when most of the crime takes place.” He took the need to the judge, and ultimately the court approved his request. “I have already seen a break in crime,” Shores concluded.
Most recently, Scott County hired its first female deputy. Former Sheriff Cody Carpenter’s sister, Kandis Carpenter, joined the department six months ago. “Her heart is here, and she wants to stay here,” stated Shores.
He balances the duties of the office very well. “We do random patrols throughout the whole county, we don’t have a set pattern,” he explained. Adding that “We’ve made some progress on the drug problem, which is a never ending battle.” That effort has led to 120k in drug monies being turned over to the Drug Task Force.
Another aspect of the job is managing public relations and the media, being a manager and administrator. “There is so much to this job,” Shores explained. “Its hard to list everything we do.” He doesn’t deny, however, that it helps to have a good working relationship with other departments like Waldron City Police, Mansfield Police Department and judge. “It helped us a lot when we deputized the city officers. That way if we are working something here, they can take the call.” Additionally, Shores stated that the agreement with Mansfield Police Department to assist them has also been very beneficial.
Shores maintains an open door policy, stating that “if someone wants to see me, I will see them.”
Supporting him is his wife of 40 years, Diane. He has one daughter, Katrina Shores future son-in-law Myron Kirk and two grandkids, Shelby and Ryan. He is involved with the youth of Scott County, including the FFA program, rodeo and Boys and Girls Club.
“I want to make Scott County a better and safer place to live,” stated Shores. “I thank the voters for putting their confidence in me and would appreciate their vote again.”
Small Town Boy Makes It Big: Moore Honors Huntington Heritage
By Tammy Moore Teague
Have you ever met anyone who just inspires you? You hear them speak about the trials they have overcome in their life, and yet they were a stronger person because of them. It forged strength and courage and they stand tall today. Jerry Moore, a Huntington native, is that man. He’s a living history book with stories of family ties going back to the Civil War era. He’s proud of that heritage, and its made him the man he is today.
Moore, 69, was born in Kansas City, KS and came to Huntington when he was 17 months old. His adopted parents are his mother’s parents, Doyle and Eva Martin Moore. He attended Mansfield Schools and graduated with the class of 1968. After high school, Moore went on to get his bachelors degree and later a masters degree. He 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. Moore even turned down a job from former President Bill Clinton. “I got a phone call from Bill Clinton while he was transitioning into the White House and he offered me a job, any job I wanted,” explained Moore. Moore ultimately declined the offer and has continued to build on his family legacy and explore captivating family history.
He jokingly commented that he holds more national security clearance than his driver/body guard, Scott Davis. Davis, a Navy Seal, is also an off-duty police officer for the State of Arkansas and has served in the specialized operations force, Para Rescue, since 1982.
Moore is the great-great grandson of Samuel (Sam) Martin, who is buried in the Cherokee African American Cemetery in Huntington. Recently, Moore was a part of a Confederate Grave Marker Dedication Ceremony recognizing Martin. Present were the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy. Also present for the ceremony were Mayor of Mansfield, Mike Gipson, State Senator Terry Rice and Emma Feimster, the former First Lady of Huntington. Lastly, the descendants of Elijah J. Wollage, who donated the cemetery’s land. During the ceremony a Cross of Honor was placed on Martin’s grave. This will add the cemetery to those listed in the National Cemetery’s registry.
The following is the speech delivered by Moore during the ceremony:
“Good afternoon to all of you who are here to honor my Great-Great Grandfather Samuel (Sam) Martin, who served in the CSA Army during the American Civil War. What an emotional time for me. This event would not happen without the work of my dear friend, Commander Wayne Fuller. Thank you, and to those in your camp who are here today for this honor. Sam Martin, around the age of 14 years, left the Norwood Farm in Horatio, AR with Lewis and Benjamin Norwood to serve them in the Confederate Army. I wonder what was on his mind or his thoughts as he left the Norwood Farm that day in 1863. He did not know if he would return alive or if it would be his last time to see it. But thank God, we know the answer. He returned to Norwood Farm and stayed there for six more years before he left for Mansfield. While in the War, Sam was a personal servant and body guard for Captain Ben Norwood and Lt. Lewis Norwood and was employed in building defenses for the Confederate Army for three years of the war until the close of the war. J.H. Caldwell, Commander of the Robert E. Lee Post No. 1811, United Confederate Veteran of Mansfield Scott County, Arkansas, stated, that Samuel Martin was honest and upright, and he was entitled to full faith and credit (July 1, 1927 CSA Pension Application Number 29202.) According to the Arkansas State Archives website, 16 Colored CSA body servants was granted a pension. Grandpa Sam left Granville County North Carolina on a journey that led him down many roads, with a brief encounter with the Civil War that prepared him in many ways for the battles he had to face in his life to his final resting place on earth here at Cherokee Cemetery. (Moore sang “I’m on the Battlefield for the Lord.”) The spot that he personally selected many years ago. Grandpa Martin what an honor to stand here today with your DNA, the same DNA of Doyle and Eva Martin Moore that I loved so much.”
This small town boy from Huntington, who has been to Capital Hill, still returns to that old home place and recounts the history of his family. He has done a great service to us all by sharing that history. He is truly inspiring and the world is a better place because of him!
Arkansas Property Tax Deadline
By Tammy Moore Teague
The statewide property tax deadline is October 15, 2018.
In Sebastian County, you have several options. You can go by one of the three office locations, the Greenwood Courthouse, the Fort Smith Courthouse or the location at 6515 Pheonix Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72901. You can also go online to either gov2go.com or taxpayment.countyservice.net
The Sebastian County Collectors office also added that property owners can mail their payments to P.O. Box 1358 Fort Smith, AR 72902 or pay by phone. Payments mailed in, must be postmarked by October 15.
The deadline for accepting online tax payments in both counties is 11:59 p.m., October 15. Be sure to pay before then to avoid late penalties.