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Local Coverage of 2018 Election

Resident News Network
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By Tammy Moore Teague
The following is a list of candidates running for local offices within our coverage area for the 2018 elections:
Central City

Mayor: Terry Wallace; Tonya Fagan
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: –
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Vera A Combs
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: –
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: –
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: –
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: – Elwanda McAlister

Lavaca

Mayor: Hugh Hardgrave (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Leo Dale Teague (I)
Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Lorie L Robertson
Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: –
Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Benny Joe Hunter (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Mike Ray (I)
Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Rick Edgerton III (I)

**(I) denotes incumbent
 

Hackett Schools Working to Keep Kids Safe

Tammy Teague
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Hackett Schools Working to Keep Kids Safe

By Tammy Moore Teague
School security, it is an issue that no school in the day and time in which we live, can afford to take lightly. And, safety is at the forefront of changes that the Hackett School District brought to their campus over the summer.
The district planned and put into place a multi-faceted safety system that would be operational on the first day of classes. Part of the school’s approach was to install automatic door locking systems as well as security cameras. “Unfortunately even in a small community such as Hackett the world is changing,” stated Hackett Elementary Principal Tura Bailey. “Events over the last few years have prompted schools all over to re-evaluate their security measures.”

Visitors to the campus must enter through the front door. After 8:15 a.m., all doors are automatically locked and remain locked throughout the school day. Visitors must be buzzed in through the front door and sign in through the office, where they will receive a visitor badge. 

“We are very aware of the safety concerns parents have for their children and we share those same concerns,” added Superintendent Eddie Ray. “We are proud to have made the improvements we have made and we are continually assessing our schools to see if there is something else we can do to become safer.  We know that some of our measures have become more restrictive to parents, but we can’t avoid some of the inconveniences that occur.  Overall, parents have been very positive and supportive.”  

District Boasts Increase in Student Population

Tammy Teague
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District Boasts Increase in Student Population

By Tammy Moore Teague
With just a few days into the start of a new school year, the Mansfield School District has announced that its student population is up significantly. Enrollment numbers indicate that the district has added approximately 50 students. “We’re still enrolling students,” added Superintendent Robert Ross. “We ended the year with 745 students and as of Monday we had 796.”
Of course the growth is a welcomed site for the district. Some of the increase in student population stems from neighboring Hartford’s school closure. Board members met in a special meeting last week and approved a new bus line that would provide transportation for students who live in or around Hartford. That move has helped make the transition easier for some parents and students.

City of Hartford Continues Mission to Aid Neighbors

Tammy Teague
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City of Hartford Continues Mission to Aid Neighbors

By Tammy Moore Teague
The Hartford City Council met on Monday,  August 20 and through a motion, approved the continued support of the community’s food pantry, Mines of Abundance. –See related story
The council voted to approve renewing the lease for another year, and will continue to assist the charitable effort by paying the utilities, liability insurance and forfeiting rent. “The council is a huge supporter of the mission and their community and I could never thank them enough,” explained Pantry Director Christina Helms.
In other business, it was reported that the youth are enjoying the recreational center at city hall on Friday and Saturday nights. Volunteers are always needed, and organizers hope this idea will grow and attract more of the town’s young people.
Lastly, it was determined that City Recorder/Treasurer, Judy Adair lives a few feet just outside the city limits. To remedy the situation, the Arkansas Municipal League suggested the council appoint her to the position, which she currently holds, since she has temporarily moved into the city limits. She can then solicit the City of Hartford to annex her property. The council voted unanimously and passed the motion as recommended by the Municipal League.
*special thanks to Christina Helms for being a contributor to Resident Press
 

MSD Receives Transportation Safety Award

Tammy Teague
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MSD Receives Transportation Safety Award
Pictured are Transportation Director Joe Davis and Assistant Director Bobby Robinson.

By Tammy Moore Teague
The Arkansas Association of Pupil Transportation presented the Mansfield School District with the 2018 Safety Award during the yearly AAPT conference in Hot Springs. This award is a great honor for the district as it highlights the maintenance, quality and cleanliness of the bus fleet.

“We’ve come a long way,” stated Mansfield School Superintendent Robert Ross. And, indeed they have. The district is leading the state in pioneering a bus leasing program. It is through this program that the Transportation Department obtained a new, top of the line bus worth $150,000. In addition to the new bus, the transportation department was able to purchase a new car for district employees to utilize on school business.
Congratulations to the MSD’s Transportation Department on receiving this prestigious award.


 

Board Votes to Approve Position of SRO

Tammy Teague
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Board Votes to Approve Position of SRO

By Tammy Moore Teague
In a 5-0 vote, the Mansfield School Board approved the motion to accept Superintendent Robert Ross’ recommendation to create the position of School Resource Officer.
“The Governor’s School Safety Council recommends we do this,” commented Ross. Although the district has already made great strides in adding layers of security to its campuses, this “is something that needs to be done.”
The board agreed, and at the recommendation of Board President Rick Nicodemus, will meet in a study session to decide how to proceed.
Another topic of discussion at Monday night’s meeting, was door security at the middle school building. Presently, the door locking system works concurrently with the bell’s timing. However there have been occassions if a student is running late, for example, that they have been locked out. “It’s a long way to walk for an 11 year old kid,” commented Middle School Principal Floyd Fisher. The board took action by voting to approve the purchase and installation of additional cameras and monitor software through KLC Security.
 
 

City of Waldron-Painting it Pink!

Tammy Teague
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City of Waldron-Painting it Pink!

By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron Mayor Neil Cherry has declared October 5, a city-wide Paint it Pink event. “We are asking all the stores to display pink and everyone wear a pink ribbon in a show of support of breast cancer awareness. In Arkansas, there have been 2160 new cases with 410 deaths this year,” added Cherry.
The City of Waldron will make a show of support in an effort to bring awareness throughout breast cancer awareness month. If your business is interested in participating, contact the city offices at 479- 637-3181.
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Mansfield Fire Receives Grant

Tammy Teague
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Mansfield Fire Receives Grant

By Tammy Moore Teague
Mansfield Rural Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steven Haysmer along with Mayor Mike Gipson announced that the department will be receiving a matching state grant in the amount of $9,876 to fund new turnout gear.
The city must match that amount, so in total the department will receive nearly $20k to purchase the new protective gear. “Each fireman will have $2,442 worth of new turnout gear,” stated Haysmer. Gear packages will include a “Darley Armor AP Gear Coat and Pant, Interceptor Hood, Ripstop 3XL Turnout Gear Bag, Pro-Tech 8 Fusion Gloves, Fire-Dex Footwear and EV1 Traditional Helmet.”
The grant providing the new turnout gear will help keep the department modernized and up-to-date with quality protective suits.

Rural Fire Departments In Dire Need of Volunteers

Tammy Teague
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Rural Fire Departments In Dire Need of Volunteers

By Tammy Moore Teague
Four different medical calls came in on Monday afternoon, paging out first responders from Mansfield. That call had to be forwarded to Huntington, who also had no responders on call. The lack of volunteers, and trained emergency responders has been increasingly problematic, especially in towns like Mansfield and outlying rural communities.  “The older guys are retiring and the younger folks are not volunteering,” summed Northwest Scott Volunteer Fire Department Chief Donnie Adkins.
Adkins noted “There are no disqualifications to serve with Northwest Scott VFD, except felons. We are a true volunteer department with no pay but if you live in our area,  your $40 a year fire dues are covered.” In addition, his department will pay for the necessary training. Those classes include introduction to firefighting, personal protective equipment, wildland and CPR. Adkins teaches all of those classes with the exception of wildland. He also teaches a first responder class, which is currently underway.
“Well I am an EMT and work for a living but the VFD is passion and it has to be done,” added Adkins. “There are too many folks in the community that need medical help fast. That’s one thing I can brag a little about. NW Scott is blessed with medical responders. We have one paramedic, five EMTs, 10 first responders and seven firefighters.”
help-rural-fire-department-volunteers
The Mansfield Fire Department, which is city rural, requires the same courses and those must be completed within the recruit’s first year. The applicant must undergo a background check as well as drug testing. “We do need help,” Mansfield’s Chief Steven Haysmer said. “Right now we are down to seven, and only one of those is a certified first responder.” Like Northwest Scott, Mansfield pays for member training, including fuel and out of town expenses such as food and lodging. Additionally, the city offers retirement and insurance. “You must have the heart to do this, but you also must have the stomach for it, it’s not for the weak,” Haysmer added.
Courses for Mansfield’s FD are conducted through Sebastian County EMS. The next course will be held at Hackett’s First Department on September 15 and 16. Haysmer concluded that their greatest need is for volunteers to work throughout the daytime. “We need someone who wants to make a difference in the community, and they need to be dedicated.”
The Mansfield city council voted on Thursday night to approve a new member, Josh Hiatt. If you would like to volunteer at either of these departments, or any other VFD, contact your local department for more information.
 
 

Updates from the Waldron School District

Tammy Teague
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Updates from the Waldron School District

By Tammy Moore Teague
Resident Press has continued to monitor developments following last week’s arrest of Waldron Middle School Assistant Principal, Jessica Williams. Waldron Police Chief Jeremy Hunt said, “nothing has changed, but the investigation is still ongoing.”
As of 4 p.m., the district advised there is no planned board meeting for tonight. By law, the school must notify members of the press within two hours of any special meeting.
We will continue to follow this story and report the facts as we know them.

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