By Tammy Moore Teague
The congregation of New Life Tabernacle Church in Huntington, AR purchased and donated a large amount of school supplies to the Mansfield Middle School on Tuesday, August 7.
The welcomed donation, which included backpacks, lunch boxes, Kleenex, hand sanitizer and much more, was delivered by church member Martha Boyd and Pastor, Seth Whitaker. “The middle school doesn’t get many donations,” commented school counselor, Rhonda Bullard. “So, we were really proud to get these items”
New Life Tabernacle Donates MMS Supplies
Elderly Hartford Resident Victimized
By Tammy Moore Teague
Approximately two weeks ago, a 92 year old Hartford resident was victimized by an out of state scammer. Mary Phelps was the random target of Missouri con-man, John Deckard.
Deckard knocked on Phelps’ door, and asked about work she needed done to her home, particularly tree trimming. She inquired about what he would charge her to perform the work, and she agreed to his quoted price of $48. That’s was not what he ended up charging her, however. In the end, Deckard handed Phelps a bill in excess of $6,000. Trustingly, Phelps paid the man. Unbeknownst to her, he had not done some of the work he had charged her for including “putting a clear coat on the roof.”
Unfortunately Hartford Police Chief Keith Dedmon was unable to pursue Deckard criminally. Prosecutors agreed that since Phelps paid the man, no law had been broken and therefore it was a civil matter.
Dedmon commented on the importance of towns like Hartford requiring work permits. Unfortunately, at this time, they do not. “I have been pushing for this for three years,” Dedmon said. “When a work permit is required, workers must go to city hall and provide documentation. If work permits were required in Hartford, I could have pulled in and asked why they didn’t have one.” Permits protect the citizens and ensure safe workmanship.
Unfortunately, Phelps hasn’t been the lone victim as of late. Another Hartford resident fell victim to a phone scam a few months back. “A caller pretending to be with the FBI called this gentleman and told him his credit card number had been stolen, and that they needed to come to his home and confiscate the card.” And in fact, they did.
What’s worse than these two kind, and unsuspecting members of our community getting ripped off? It happening to one more! So please be aware these things are happening in our area, and be vigilant. If you are in doubt, contact local authorities and seek assistance.
Lavaca Mayor Reports on Park Progress
By Tammy Moore Teague
Earlier this year the Lavaca City Council approved Mayor Hugh Hardgrave’s recommendation to contract Hawkins-Weir Engineers Inc. to improve and redesign Shae Park. The first phase of that improvement plan is to make the 20 year old park compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Initial plans include bringing parking and trails that lead to different areas of the park up to code. In the second stage, improvements will be made to the playground equipment, picnic areas and to the walking trail. Hardgrave noted that he would like to see a pavilion added in the future. At this time, however, becoming ADA compliant is the city’s main goal.
Lavaca will be applying for a $250,000 50-50 matching grant through the Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Program. So, if approved, the city will only be out half that amount. Hardgrave added that the park improvements will take time and require grant money. He estimated the project taking three years to complete.
Local Church Hosts Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
-photo courtesy of Sandra Johnson
By Tammy Moore Teague
Tuesday, August 7 was a day of appreciation for teachers and staff within the Mansfield School District. The United Methodist Church kicked off the day by serving breakfast and by donating elementary school supplies to teachers. Following that, First Baptist Church in Mansfield hosted a luncheon.
The ladies of the church prepared and served approximately 120 teachers and staff. The meal consisted of chicken poppyseed casserole, corn, salad, bread, and peach cobbler.
Pastor of the church, Phillip Slaughter, gave an inspirational speech on teacher appreciation. Adding that, he “hopes that our church can be a resource and support for them. Our church very much desires to be a light in our community and to serve the ones who pour so much into our children.”
NW Scott VFD Works to Clear Storm Damage
*photos courtesy of Terry Moore, Captain of Northwest Scott VFD
By Tammy Moore Teague
In a Tuesday evening thunderstorm, high winds and heavy rains caused issues for the residents living in the Packsaddle area.
The winds toppled trees onto power lines causing outages along Elam Trail. Additionally, the heavy rains caused flooding in that same area. Northwest Scott Volunteer Fire Department Chief Donnie Adkins warned that “folks in that area maybe out of power for a bit.”
Back to School Safety: Watch Out For Our Kids
As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It’s important to remember, and share with your children, some key tips that will help keep them safe throughout the school year.
Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is vitally important that they, and the motorists around them, take proper safety precautions.
Walkers should:
- Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
- Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
- Never dart out in front of a parked car
- Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available
- Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
- Do not walk while using headphones
Bike riders:
- Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly
- Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across
- Watch for opening car doors and other hazards
- Use hand signals when turning
- Wear bright-colored clothing
Bus riders:
- Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
- Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
- If seat belts are available, buckle up
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
- Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers
Drivers, share the road:
- Don’t block crosswalks
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
- Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus
- Arkansas law prohibits the use of a cell phone in a school zone.
In a press release from Arkansas State Police, they noted that “we will be focusing on school bus and school zone laws, since its already that time of the year again! Pay attention, watch for stopped school buses, and slow down in school zones!” You can be certain of local law enforcement’s presence on and near campuses as well.
Drivers should pay close attention to the speed limit signs, noting that during school hours, the speed limit is 25 mph. Arkansas statute 27-51-212 further states: “No person shall operate a motor vehicle in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building.”
School administrators, teachers and staff across our coverage area have been busy preparing for the first day back. Safety is always a top concern for both the school and parents. Knowing the pickup/drop-off policies at your child’s school beforehand will help ease initial tensions.
Waldron Mayor’s Good News Report
By Tammy Moore Teague
“Last Thursday was a great day for the City of Waldron and for the community,” Mayor Neil Cherry proclaimed. The city along with co-sponsors, First Baptist Church and Blue Cross, hosted a Pack Shack Party.
Cherry had set a goal of 100 volunteers to fill 30,000 sacks in two hours. That goal was surpassed, however, when over 245 volunteers showed up and filled 33,445 sacks in only one hour and 15 minutes. The Pack Shack is an organization that brings people together to host fun “Feed the Funnel parties.” During these parties, volunteers pack thousands of delicious, healthy meals that are given to local nonprofit organizations. “There are five foodbanks in Waldron,” Cherry said. “We divided those sacks equally between all of them.” Adding that “the people are just so kind hearted and willing to help their neighbor. There is no way I can express my thanks.”
In other news, the city is finishing up work on the first phase of the new park, which is located on the corner of 6th and Elm Street, across from the Boys and Girls Club. “We’ve added a small children’s playground with tether balls, a regulation size basketball court, and a beach volleyball court complete with a foot and a half of sand.” Additionally he reported that the work on the pavilion has been completed along with benches, picnic tables and charcoal grills. “It’s already being booked,” Cherry said. Noting that those who have already reserved the pavilion take priority in its usage.
Future plans for the park include adding electricity, and walking trails. Also, adding Waldron Alumni names to the new sidewalk, particularly those whose names and classes were lost when the new junior high school was built. Cherry predicts that phase one will be completed by fall.
Ongoing work involving the Arkansas Department of Transportation continues to be problematic as the mayor works on getting approval for access in order to develop lands for businesses. “They will not grant us access to develop properties on either side of Highway 71, from Sonic to Weigh Tech Industries,” Cherry explained. Only one access has been granted and that is at the Harps grocery store location. That, however, has came at a high price to the city as they’ve assumed ownership of three quarters of a mile on Highway 80 in order to get it. “The road is in good shape for now,” Cherry commented. “But I do see it being costly to the city in the future.”
Cherry was mayor when the grocery store opened, and has served as mayor for the past few years. Unfortunately, he does not plan to seek re-election. “It’s because of my health,” he explained. Adding that the decision is “in the best interest of the town.”
–See related Pack Shack story–
Waldron Mayor Responds to Backlash Following Dog Shooting
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Tuesday, July 31, Waldron resident Toby Ingle called police after witnessing a neighbor shoot a dog. A law enforcement officer and code enforcement officer responded to that call. Media reports on the event yielded hefty backlash. Mayor of Waldron, Neil Cherry responded and clarified details of the incident.
“Two of the city’s police officers responded to an address on Oak Street when a dog was shot by a neighbor. The officers arrived on the scene and contacted the code enforcement officer who came and picked up the dog. The dog had been shot in the mouth area, however, the dog did not appear distressed and there was very little blood. The code enforcement officer contacted the vet who had the officer check and report to her the dog’s condition. The vet determined it was not an emergency and that the dog would be seen the next morning. The officer took the dog to the vet’s office the next morning along with the other dogs who had scheduled appointments. The dogs that had appointments were taken first while a kennel was prepared for the dog that had been shot. The shot dog had surgery to remove the lodged bullet. Upon release from the vets office and the dog’s complete recovery, it will be available for adoption from the City of Waldron’s shelter or through Bubba’s Rescue.”
Additionally, Cherry stated that the man who shot the dog will be responsible for paying the veterinary expenses, not the city.
Local Veteran to be Awarded Quilt of Valor
By Jack James
A local veteran will be awarded will be given to an unnamed local veteran soon! On Thursday, August 16 at 11 am at the Lavaca Senior Center, a “QUILT OF VALOR AWARD” will be given to that veteran by the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The quilt will be given to this veteran for his service in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts/wars.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. This national organization is made of quilting groups from all 50 states. They have quilted and given over 193,000 quilts for service members and veterans.
Please drop by the Lavaca Senior Center and help us give this honor to one of our own who, like so many other, stepped up when called in service to their country!
Now That’s a Watermelon!
By Jack James
There must be some awfully good dirt on Highway 255 south of Lavaca. Or maybe it’s the seeds or even the man with the hoe and determined look on his face. But J. D. Jeffcoat grew this huge “Mount Hoosier” watermelon in his garden! It came in at 56.4 pounds! Now that would feed a large picnic crowd!
J. D. isn’t new to growing watermelons. In the 1940s and 50s, he and his family grew them along with other stuff at their home in the old Diamond Grove Community on Highway 22 and 96. They sold watermelons far and wide, down as far as Hope, Arkansas, “Arkansas’ Watermelon Capital.” J. D. told me that once his family truck was so overloaded on a trip to sell that a policeman pulled them over. The officer asked if he could have a watermelon. They set him up and parted ways.
Fort Chaffee took over the home place and J. D. moved to Central City, buying 42 acres and starting all over again. You can’t keep a good man down! And J. D. is a great man.
With this watermelon and others close to it, it’s no wonder his grass is turning brown. These things are sucking all the water out of the ground in Northeast Sebastian County!