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SCSO Hosts Citizens Academy

SCSO Press Release:
The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is offering a Citizens Academy to residents 18 and older who work or reside in Sebastian County, that are interested in learning more about law enforcement operations and the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office internal processes. The classes will start on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6 pm.
The basic goal of the Citizens Academy is to improve law enforcement/community relations through a formalized educational process.
The Citizens Academy will present a wide range of topical training subjects condensed from the standard training curriculum of sheriff’s deputies. By presenting this program, we hope to provide a broad educational experience which will acquaint attending citizens with the mission of sheriff’s personnel and the requirements of law to which officers must conform while carrying out their prescribed duties.
Through attendance and participation in the Citizens Academy:
•Citizens will be able to make more informed judgments about the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement activities.
•The Sheriff’s Office will become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community, as expressed by attending citizens.
•Citizens and Sheriff’s representatives will have an opportunity to explore together, some of the traditional suspicions and misconceptions generally harbored by both citizens and sheriff’s deputies. Through open discussion of such suspicions and misconceptions, a more harmonious climate for relationships may be established.
The Academy will consist of 8 weeks of sessions that meet once a week, on Thursday evenings, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each week will feature a different aspect of the Sheriff’s Office, including tours of the adult and juvenile detention facilities, 9-1-1 Center, Courts Building, demonstrations by the SWAT team and K-9 unit, and many hands-on classes such as CSI, taser, and Shoot-Don’t-Shoot scenarios. Additonally, participants will also have a day at the range with our SWAT team.
The classes will be held at the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, located at 800 South A. Street Fort Smith, AR 2901, in the training classroom. Interested candidates are asked to complete an application and background check to determine if they are eligible for the program. 20 participants will be chosen that will represent a cross-section of the Sebastian County community.
For an application or for more information about the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, contact Linda Williams, 479-783-1051 or by Email: [email protected]. Deadline for all applications to be considered for this year’s academy is August 31, 2018.

Enrollment Open for Sebastian County Citizens Academy

SCSO Press Release:
The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is offering a Citizens Academy to residents 18 and older who work or reside in Sebastian County, that are interested in learning more about law enforcement operations and the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office internal processes. The classes will start on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6 pm.
The basic goal of the Citizens Academy is to improve law enforcement/community relations through a formalized educational process.
The Citizens Academy will present a wide range of topical training subjects condensed from the standard training curriculum of sheriff’s deputies. By presenting this program, we hope to provide a broad educational experience which will acquaint attending citizens with the mission of sheriff’s personnel and the requirements of law to which officers must conform while carrying out their prescribed duties.
Through attendance and participation in the Citizens Academy:
•Citizens will be able to make more informed judgments about the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement activities.
•The Sheriff’s Office will become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community, as expressed by attending citizens.
•Citizens and Sheriff’s representatives will have an opportunity to explore together, some of the traditional suspicions and misconceptions generally harbored by both citizens and sheriff’s deputies. Through open discussion of such suspicions and misconceptions, a more harmonious climate for relationships may be established.
The Academy will consist of 8 weeks of sessions that meet once a week, on Thursday evenings, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each week will feature a different aspect of the Sheriff’s Office, including tours of the adult and juvenile detention facilities, 9-1-1 Center, Courts Building, demonstrations by the SWAT team and K-9 unit, and many hands-on classes such as CSI, taser, and Shoot-Don’t-Shoot scenarios. Additonally, participants will also have a day at the range with our SWAT team.
The classes will be held at the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, located at 800 South A. Street Fort Smith, AR 2901, in the training classroom.
Interested candidates are asked to complete an application and background check to determine if they are eligible for the program. 20 participants will be chosen that will represent a cross-section of the Sebastian County community.
For an application or for more information about the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, contact Linda Williams, 479-783-1051 or by Email: [email protected]. Deadline for all applications to be considered for this year’s academy is August 31, 2018.

Meet the Arrows 2018

by Joe Hall | Photos courtesy of Amanda Hall
The Lavaca Golden Arrows held their 6th annual “Meet the Arrows” event last night…..and it was a huge success.  The annual event is open to the community with the concept of building community spirit, developing cohesion between school and little league, and introducing the local players in all of the fall sports.  It also serves as the Athletic Booster clubs largest fundraiser.
Some highlights from the event were:  introduction of Arrows; performances from the Golden Arrow Band, Little league cheerleaders, Jr. High Cheerleaders, and High School Cheerleaders; and the grand finale was a scrimmage between Little League football and the LHS Arrow football teams…..Little League won by a 12-6.
The LHS Golden Arrows are set to kick off the 2018 season next Friday night at home against Subiaco.
Lavaca-Arrows-Football-Arkansas-Maxpreps-Arpreps
Lavaca-Arrows-Football-Arkansas-Maxpreps-Arpreps
Lavaca-Arrows-Football-Arkansas-Maxpreps-Arpreps

Tyro Church Burglarized

By Tammy Moore Teague

The  Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a break-in at Tyro Community Church in Midland and needs your help in identifying the suspect(s).

Pastor of the church, Chris Scott confirmed the sound system, mics, his guitar and amp and the church’s bass and amp were stolen. Also taken was the church’s computer and projector. “They even went into our nursery and stole a box fan,” added Scott.

Vandals kicked in the door to the fellowship hall to gain access into the church building. Then, proceeded to painted the doors in order to cover their prints and shoe marks. “We are asking if anyone seen anything or any vehicles from Wednesday night till yesterday afternoon please contact the Sebastian County Sheriff Office,” concluded Scott. The number to call with any tips or information is 479-783-1051.

Local Coverage of 2018 Election

 By Tammy Moore Teague
The following is a list of candidates running for local offices within our coverage area for the 2018 elections. Stay tuned for a major announcement on Resident Press’ sponsored Town Hall Meeting!
SEBASTIAN COUNTY-

Bonanza
Mayor: Elmer Nelson (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Billy Joe Collins (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Karen Littlejohn-Flores (I); Patricia Norris
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Johnny C Wilson (I)
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: William Douglas Hartsfield
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Daniel Lunsford (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Floyd Rowe (I)
Hackett
Mayor: Leroy Stephens Jr. (I); Trini Harper
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Allisun Null (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Jo Ellen Been (I)
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Mike John Opolka (I)
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Louis Kirkendall (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Michelle Stayton (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Kevin Stiles (I)
Hartford
Mayor: Mary Radley (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Karen Griffin (I)
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Norma Raye Morgan (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2 Winonah Hale (I); Danielle Woodard
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Eddie Kazy (I)
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Albert Lanning Woodhull (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Michael Fildes
Huntington
Mayor: Gary D Lawrence (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Michael Kinsey (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Sylvia Holstein (I)
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: –
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: –
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Emma Jean Smith (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Steve Ramming (I)
Mansfield
Mayor: William T Black; Boyd Farmer
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Julie N Thomas; Charles Smith
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Janice Carlton (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Rick McDaniel (I)
Midland
Mayor: Michael Sweeten (I)
Recorder/Treasurer: Judy R Thompson (I)
Alderman Position 1: Loyd R Morris (I)
Alderman Position 2: Joe Cepeda (I)
Alderman Position 3: Doris Hearron (I)
Alderman Position 4: Barry Morrison (I)
Alderman Position 5: Milton Pittman (I)

SCOTT COUNTY-

Waldron
Mayor: William (David) Millard; Lanis Harwell
City Clerk/Treasurer: Sherry Johnston (I)
Hickman Ward 1 Position 1: Eddie Hutchens
Hickman Ward 1 Position 2: Gary Nelson
Hickman Ward 2 Position 1: Dave Tull
Hickman Ward 2 Position 2: Dawna Young
Hickman Ward 3 Position 1: June Haas
Hickman Ward 3 Position 2: Doyle Dickens; Paige Cupit

Sheriff: Tom Garrison; Gary Clepper; Randy Shores
 
**(I) denotes incumbent

Lavaca Cruise Night Route

This is a map of Lavaca, and the Lavaca Cruise Night route. All street legal vehicles are welcome.  Police will be helping direct traffic along the route also.

T-Shirts will be on sale at City Hall for $10 each for small to extra large.  2X shirts are $12, 3X/$13, 4X/$14, 5X/$15.

Activities for kids and surprise members of the community in the dunking booth.  Make plans to be there.

– CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE –

lavaca-arkansas-cruise night

Hackett High School FCCLA Attends National Leadership Conference

Hackett High School FCCLA joined more than 7,500 FCCLA student leaders, members, and advisers at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA June 28 – July 2 to participate in the annual FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC).
The conference provided Hackett High School students opportunities come together for energizing learning while listening to inspiring speakers, expanding leadership skills, sharpening talents, and exploring career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference was “Inspired by FCCLA”, which inspired attendees to make the right choices and commit themselves to making a positive impact within their families, schools, FCCLA, and communities.
“Our National Leadership Conference was a great success this year, with a record-setting attendance of over 7,500 members, advisers, partners and guests. During the past week we’ve watched thousands of students come together and realize their full potential through competition, career training, and workshops. The relationships developed and training experienced during this conference have empowered students to go into their schools and communities and make a difference, bringing with them the values and passions FCCLA brings to our members,” said Sandy Spavone, executive director of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Asia Parks from Hackett High School participated in one of 30 Family and Consumer Sciences related competitive events offered at NLC, including STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events and the FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl. These events support foundational, leadership, and workplace skills in areas such as advocacy, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. Competing with over 4,500 STAR Event participants in Atlanta, Asia Parks received Gold in the Recycle and Redesign competition.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 160,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 49 state associations, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members, and it’s the only career and technical in-school student organization with a central focus on family. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in families, careers, and communities.
For more information on FCCLA, please contact Melanie Schmitt at 479-638-7003 or [email protected].

Stipins Secures Tigers Win

If you could imagine a rumble in terms of a football game, you either witnessed, or missed a the fight of a lifetime last night in Hackett. The Hornets hosted Mansfield Tigers in their first regular season game where it came down to the final seconds, resting on one final drive.
6′-4″ Senior Tight End, Colton Stipins isn’t hard to miss. His demeanor on, and off the field is that of a leader representing his passion for sport, love of team, and his energetic yet quiet demeanor steering the emotions of his teammates. His strong family upbringing is clearly evident in his example as a student athlete.
As the Hornets scored an emotional touchdown well within the final two minutes of regulation play, the Tigers had one more chance. Mansfield Quarterback, Ethan Stovall with the strength of the Tiger Offensive Line drove the ball down the field in dramatic fashion.

Mansfield-Arkansas-Maxpreps-Stipins-Football-Tigers
“We don’t stop fighting until the final whistle blows” stated Stipins.

Stipins, in motion around the Defensive End grabbed a perfectly placed pass to waltz in for the go ahead game winning TD. The proverbial “Crowd Went WIld” scenario played out in the Tiger stands, and sidelines.
The quote, “Who encourages the encourager” was well defined as Stipins headed to the sideline holding the ball that secured their first victory of his Senior year. He was met with a hoard of teammates, and roaring cheers from his friends and family.
Leadership can be a burden to some. Colton Stipins does it with a smile, a full heart and humility.
 
 
 

Lavaca City Council Vacancy

By Jack James
The City of Lavaca has announced that there is a vacancy on the city council that needs filled.
Ward 1 councilman Randy Overbey has moved out of his district and it has left an open spot on the board until December 31, 2018.  If you live in Ward 1 and are interested in applying for the position, please call City Hall and attend the next meeting on September 10, 2018 at 7 pm.
You can “toss your hat into the ring” for consideration.  And if you don’t have a hat, you just come on anyway!  You have an opportunity to make a little bit of a difference.  The November election will choose a council member for the next term beginning January 1, 2019.

Scott County Fair Pageant Announced

For the first time ever, the Scott County fair will host a Teen and Miss division pageant. The pageant itself adds an exciting element to the fair.
Pageant director, Kristen Atchley, along with the Scott County Fair board have worked to get it added to the state fair association. In addition to the pageant, there will be four other divisions ranging from 0-12 ages. Both Teen and Miss winners will have the opportunity to compete for the title of Arkansas State Fair Queen and Arkansas State Fair Jr. Queen in October at the state fair in Little Rock.
“We are thrilled to add this to our fair. This gives young women the encouragement they need to become a well-rounded individual. This will give them an opportunity to better themselves as they enter other aspects of their life” stated Atchley. The winner of the Miss division will receive scholarship money provided by Rich Mountain Community College.

The Scott County Fair Pageant will be held at Waldron High School on September 1st

Pageant will be held on Saturday, September 1st. Younger age groups begin at 10:00 am at the Waldron High School Auditorium. The cost to enter the pageant is $2 for everyone over the age of 5.
Scott County has had several sponsors including Alliance, Nook & Cranny, Avila Photography, I-Earn Fitness, and several other small businesses help make this a huge event for the young women involved in the pageant.