The Arkansas Department of Transportation is warning travelers along Highway 45, south of Hackett, of a lane closure. The northbound lane will remain closed overnight. Additionally, crew members will also be repairing pot holes in that same lane.
Signal lights will be utilized in that area, allowing traffic to flow safely throughout the night. Workers plan to have it reopened by the weekend. To report any problems you can contact ARDOT at 479-484-5306.
ARDOT Warns Drivers of Lane Closure
Community Stands United in Faith
By Tammy Moore Teague
You would never have known by looking at the football field on the evening of Wednesday, June 27, that it was a church night. Those who normally congregated at Abbott Baptist, Mansfield Assembly, James Fork Baptist, Huntington Assembly, Westside Pentecostal, Fellowship Baptist, and others were united and encircling the high school’s football field.
They had gathered there for a purpose, and that purpose was to pray. Our school had recently received a letter from the group Freedom From Religion, a Michigan based group of atheists, agnostic and “free thinkers.” That letter called for the school to cease any faculty, staff or administrator led prayer at graduations or any other school activities. In response, the community united together to take a stand for their First Amendment rights.
The heat certainly didn’t detour the several hundreds in attendance. Also present were local law enforcement. The prayer meeting was not only peacefully, it was joyful. You could hear the laughter and clamor of neighbors greeting neighbors. Brothers and sisters in Christ who had a common thread, their faith. One local pastor stepped out of his car with great authority. He was standing for his right to pray, and he was standing on the very Word he had tucked underneath his arm.
Christians stood hand in hand as they began to lift their voices in prayer. Prayers for safety, strength and courage to stand for what is right all rising in unity, heavenward.
Mansfield Schools have not been alone in this push by FFR. Other schools in our area, including Waldron have also been targeted. More alarming, community members who have came out in support of prayer in schools have been subjected to personal attacks, some quite alarming. However, they insist fear will not keep them from fighting for their right to pray.
FFR states they have no issue with students praying on their own, but that is violates constitutional rights to have school staff lead students in prayer. It was not the case, however, with recent attacks on Waldron’s Konnor McKay. McKay is a pastor and alumnus of the school. The head coach invited him to come present an inspirational speech to players. Since that time McKay has came under intense fire. An attorney for FFR claims the school violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. That clause states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” This clause prohibits the federal government from establishing an official religion or from favoring one religion over another. McKay’s attorney contends however, that he did not convert nor attempt to convert any of the players by giving the motivational talk.
This meddlesome out of state group have people asking why us? Also, what are our rights as students, parents, teachers and coaches? The advocate group Alliance Defending Freedom shared the following protected freedoms:
Teachers and Coaches Can:
Engage in religious activities outside of non-instructional time.
For example, teachers can:
Form after school Bible Study groups.
Participate in prayer groups with other adults.
Distribute literature to other adults for non-curricular activities on the same terms as all other events and activities.
Parents Can:
Choose the school environment that best fits your child’s needs, whether public school, charter school, private school, or homeschool.
Depending upon where you live, opt your child out of curriculum that would force them to violate your family’s religious beliefs.
Depending upon where you live, review the curriculum and teaching materials for any of your child’s classes.
Opt your child out of any extracurricular activity.
Depending upon where you live, be notified if your child is enrolled in a course that includes sex ed, family planning, homosexual themes, diversity issues, or extreme violence.
Access your child’s record, including grades, disciplinary, and counseling proceedings.
Remove your child on days of religious observance.
Depending upon where you live, receive the same tax credits and vouchers to attend religious schools available to attend non-religious schools.
Students Can:
Students have the right to freely live out their faith at school.
Many schools have told students that they cannot pray around the flagpole before school or say a blessing over their food in the cafeteria. But the First Amendment protects all forms of religious expression, including prayer at school. Pray on their own or in groups during non-instructional time at school as long as it does not significantly disrupt the activity of the school.
Engage in student-initiated, student-led prayer before or after practices, sporting events, or other school functions as long as such prayers are voluntary and not required by coaches or other school officials.
Schools can’t:
Stop students from praying individually or in groups without evidence that the prayers would significantly disrupt the school environment (for example, making a student late for class).
Require students to participate in prayer or any other religious activity.
For more information about this faith freedom non profit group, go to Alliance Defending Freedom.
Wilson Featured in Hometown Highlight
By Tammy Moore Teague
In our third edition of Hometown Highlight, we are featuring a resident whose name is quite synonymous with volunteerism and selfless giving. Her name is Amanda Wilson and she was voted nearly unanimously to be featured in this month’s Highlight.
“I love what I do,” summed Wilson. Citing her only regret, “not being able to do more!”
Wilson and her husband, Marty, moved to Mansfield from Albuquerque in 2011. Right away she became involved with the school. “Before moving here I had a full time job and was unable to help at my son’s school. Since moving here I had free time and wanted to be a part of the school and more involved with my son’s activities.”
The couples son, Wesley, is a freshman at Mansfield High School. Her passion and involvement with the school gave way to her working as a substitute teacher with the district. Additionally, she made her mark as President with the Mansfield Parent Involvement Committee. “I love all the people and kids I work with,” Wilson said. “It is hard to put into words, I just love being able to help!” Perhaps her greatest achievement while working with the committee has been the annual fall festival at the high school, complete with carnival games, food, and a bounce house. “The teachers who wish to participate and run their own booth keep the money for the ticket sales for their grade level. It’s a community event and it benefits the kids and schools.” This year will mark the fifth year Wilson has been in charge of the festivities.
In addition to her work with the MPIC, Wilson has also been heavily involved with little league baseball/softball, basketball and soccer. This year Wilson will embark on a new chapter as she begins working with the Booster Club for the Tiger’s football team.
The school district hasn’t been her only focus. Wilson has been working behind the scenes with Mansfield’s Mayor Mike Gipson, organizing the inaugural Mayor’s 5k run. “I love Mansfield,” she added. The feeling is mutual in our community. Peers like Miranda Allison who nominated Wilson by saying “words cannot describe all that she has done for our schools and community.” Others include Mansfield’s Middle School Counselor Rhonda Bullard who said “Amanda is always helping out the kids and staff at our school. Clothes, food, supplies, or time, Amanda has always been one who goes above and beyond to help! I think she is a wonderful asset to our community.”
The list of of nominations and kind words were befitting Wilson, and it has been a pleasure to feature her in this month’s Highlight. “I am so humbled and appreciative to be nominated,” she responded. “My feelings are so hard to put into words. Volunteering started out as something to fill my days and to be more involved with my son, but it has turned into so much more! I have made many friends, who have become more like family! I have to give credit to my family for their support. They have dealt with a messy house, no dinner on the table at time and my projects spread all over the house, I love you guys! Go Tigers!”
Resident Press needs your help in recognizing ordinary community members who do extraordinary things! Please take a moment and submit your nomination by clicking the banner at the top of our page.
Little: Making a Big Difference In the Lives of Others
Pictured from left: Chris Little, Mitzy Little, Ashley Hancock and Charlie Little.
By Tammy Moore Teague
Born in Huntington, AR, Mitzy Little’s roots run deep. Her outreach, however, has extended far beyond our community. Her life’s work has become centered around helping those who need a hand up.
Little is the youngest of 10 children born to Ruben and Geneva Elmore. She grew up in Huntington and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1983. She has been married to husband, Charlie, for 37 years. The couple have two children, Ashley Hancock and Chris Little. Additionally, she has three grandchildren, Jacob, Kristen and Leena.
The Littles are members of Coop Prairie Church in Mansfield. It’s here where she practices one of her favorite pastimes, singing. “I have been singing for many years. When I was a little girl my daddy would take me to “singings” and set me up on the stage and I would sing.” Little also enjoys photography. “My children, grandchildren and extended family give me plenty of opportunities to take photos.”
Her career in public service began in 1996. She came to the United Way in 2011 after her retirement from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department. During her time there she worked in communications, coordinating the 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center. At the time of her retirement she served as an administrative assistant to the sheriff.
In 2006, Little was awarded a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for her work in emergency service communications during Hurricane Katrina. As she neared retirement, she realized she wanted to continue working in the field of public service. Her heart, her passion is serving others, and she saw United Way as the organization where she could continue making a direct impact by helping people in need. Since that time she’s been named an Ambassador for the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. And, most recently, named Ambassador of the Year for 2017.
Arvest Bank makes a donation to the United Way of Fort Smith for their 1 Million Meals food drive. In the picture from left, United Way of Fort Smith Area board member and 5News anchor, Daren Bobb, United Way of Fort Smith Area President Eddie Lee Herndon, Mitzy Little, former Arkansas Razorback and current Baltimore Raven , Alex Collins, United Way of Fort Smith Area Vice President of Resource Development, Penni Burns and United Way board member, Les Smith from Arvest.
Currently, Little is the Marketing Director for United Way of Fort Smith Area. She is responsible for marketing United Way to the community through various mediums and promoting year round awareness of United Way and its Community Partner Agencies. “I began work for the United Way of Fort Smith Area in 2011 after my retirement from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office. I loved some aspects of my job at the Sheriff’s Office, mainly helping others, which I feel is my calling. I felt at home in the 911 dispatch center and have so many memories of things that happened over the years both good and bad. But after 14 years I was ready to move on to a job that was not 24/7 365. God opened a door for me to come to United Way and I walked through that door and have loved my time here. There are so many ways that United Way of Fort Smith Area and our community partner agencies make a difference to people in our community, I love being part of that difference.”
She says the most difficult thing about her job is asking for donations to fund the programs United Way provides. “Sometimes to get our message across is hard because so many people think they know what United Way does. So every day my job is to try and get the message of what we do out there so that people will understand, because our local senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program, and our local children through the Meals for Kids program and our local families who may be dealing with abuse or violent relationships, and so many more programs, depend on us to raise the funds that are provided to these local agencies to perform the services local individuals need.”
Every United Way has its own Board of Directors and that board makes the decisions on the agencies and programs funded through donations made to the local United Way. “United Way of Fort Smith Area is blessed in that every penny of every dollar that is donated to us is given back out to the programs and agencies we provide funding for.” Little went on to add that all utilities, salaries and all overhead is paid for through an endowment/ trust fund established for that purpose. These expenses are not taken from donations. The United Way of Fort Smith has been able to do that for the past eight years.
“I hope to stay with the United Way for many years and continue to do all I can to provide a hand up to those that may need it. My thought is it could be any one of us at any time that may be in need of some assistance.”
Midland Residents Called to Make a Difference
By Tammy Moore Teague
Midland’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department has recently undergone big changes. Changes which have included personnel changes and restructuring.
This has been problematic for some citizens in the town. Many have reached out to it’s members concerning statements for annual fire dues. Because of the personnel changes, those bills have gone unprocessed and name changes and death notices have gone unaddressed.
The department requests the townspeople’s continued patience as they work through these growing pains. MRVFD member Julie Clark says they are aware of the issues and are working to make things better. Newly recruited medical first responders are currently in training. “If you know of anyone who is looking to make a difference, we are still looking for firefighters, board members and potential medical responders,” stated Clark.
If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, you are encouraged to attend one of their meetings, which are held at the fire station on the first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. The station is located at 102 N. 3rd Street in Midland.
We would love to hear from you with suggestions, and even criticisms. We can’t fix it if we don’t know what’s wrong,” stated Clark.
Fourth of July Strawberry Pudding Cake
Article by Kimberly Boyd
Do you need a quick and easy desert recipe for 4th of July? Take a look below for the recipe to my Aunt Norma’s Strawberry Pudding Cake.
When I was a kid, my family all attended a small country church in a little town called Sugar Grove, Arkansas. One of the fondest memories I have growing up are church dinners. We use to call them, “dinners on the ground.” However, we never actually ate on the ground unless you were a kid. One Sunday, the preacher told the church if we got so many people to attend the service, he would preach from the rooftop and we would have dinner on the ground! Well, they all showed up, and Bro. Darrel Dewitt climbed up on the church rooftop and preached his heart out. We had a big dinner on the ground to follow!
Growing up, I was always a picky eater, so I wanted to be first in line to scout out what everyone had brought to the dinner. If there was some fried chicken, the Lord had come to my rescue and it was going to be a good Sunday! My Aunt Norma always brought her famous Strawberry Pudding Cake and it was such a wonderful summer treat. If she didn’t bring it to the church dinner, then she made it for 4th of July decorated with strawberries and blueberries like an American Flag. Summer was never complete without a piece of that pudding cake.
Below is the recipe for Aunt Norma’s Strawberry Pudding Cake. Enjoy and Happy 4th Y’all!
Strawberry Pudding Cake Ingredients:
1 Vanilla Cake Mix
1 14oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 3.4oz Box of Cheesecake or Vanilla Jell-O Pudding Mix
1 Cup of Whole Milk
1 8oz Container of Cool-Whip
1 Handful of Blueberries
Approximately 10 to 15 Strawberries
Instructions:
Bake vanilla cake mix as directed on the box. Once the cake is baked and removed from the oven, and while it is still hot, poke holes with a toothpick on top of the cake. Next, pour can of sweetened condensed milk over the hot cake and allow for milk to settle in the holes. Set cake aside to cool.
Icing:
Mix the box of pudding, 1 cup of whole milk, and unthawed cool-whip. Place mixture in the refrigerator for an hour to chill. Once icing has thickened, spread on top of cooled cake. Last, top the cake with strawberries and/or blueberries.
Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office to Participate in CSI Camp
By Tammy Moore Teague
Sergeant Robert Crouch, Crime Scene Investigator, will team up with Corporal Mike Burcham, Community Relations and Recruiting Deputy, to participate in the CSI 4-H Camp. Crouch and Burcham, both with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s office, will be special guests at the camp set to take place at the Dayton Community Building on July 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All 4-H juniors and seniors are invited to attend. Students will take on the role of Crime Scene Investigator, follow clues, dust fingerprints, observe and provide a suspect description. The camp is limited to eight participants. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $5. It includes meals, snacks and hands on learning activities.
For more information, contact the Barling 4-H office at 479-484-7737.
Fraud Charges Filed in Potter Case
By Tammy Moore Teague
In the ongoing case of Potter vs. Holmes, a new lawsuit has been filed on Fred Potter’s behalf by attorney, Roy Gean III. The lawsuit alleges the signed documents, previously filed in the case, were forgeries.
The documents include the May 2018 amendment to the “Fred Potter Revocable Living Trust of September 2004,” a signature card on an interest earning account with Community National Bank of Waldron, and a Bill of Sale.
Each of these were submitted as evidence in the case after Potter’s attorney retained court-qualified forensic document examiner, Brenda Petty. Petty found that “based on the documents submitted and upon thorough analysis of these documents…that the signatures of Fred/Fredrick Potter and Betty Potter…are not genuine.”
The latest charges were filed in Crawford County, civil court. The next court hearing on July 12 is set in Scott County to discuss attorney’s fees in the case. Meanwhile, proponents are organizing a Veteran’s Walk in Solidarity in Little Rock. The event is scheduled to take place at the capital’s rotunda on August 4 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thomas Hudson, known as the walking veteran and advocate for veterans, said “The Fred Potter case is one that no one can turn their eye from. Not only is Fred a senior citizen, he is a fellow veteran. As founder of VeteransMarch,org I brought the veterans together using their talents and skills to stand up to an injustice that effects us all. The Waldron Walk in Solidarity gave us an insight of how in a few days solidarity can be demonstrated. A result of that solidarity gave birth to a new organization, VeteransWalkinSplidarity.com. Our next event will be August 4th in Little Rock. We will walk to the state capitol to present proposed legislation to prevent what has happened to Fred Potter. Fred Potter Senior Citizen Financial Protect is for All senior citizens in the great state of Arkansas.”
Veteran’s Walk is comprised of military veterans, their families, supporters and friends. “Veterans from all branches of service are dedicated to solidarity, and making that walk-in solidarity to bring awareness, and to support, inspire, and offer encouragement for our brothers and sisters who served their country. Together we will come together in solidarity.”
If you are interested in learning more about this event, you can go to the Veterans Walk In Solidarity website.
Host Families Needed for Exchange Students
This is Shanda Linville with Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE), a non-profit, student exchange company listed with CSIET (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel).
We have a couple of boys and girls who are waiting for homes to come enjoy the exchange year. I am reaching out to you to see if maybe you would know of any families that would be interested in either hosting one of these students for the year or even temporarily as welcome families.
The students are a wonderful, educational and cultural addition to the school and get involved in all of the activities, clubs and sports. They become part of the family and community and bring a positive image of the United States back home with them. These students come here with their own money, phones, laptops, clothes and everything else they will need while they are here. The only thing we ask of our host families is to provide them with a clean bed and an extra plate at the dinner table. Anything extra the student wants to do they pay for with their own money. These students speak good English and can communicate well.
I as your CASE supervisor will take care of any problems or situations that arise and they will be taken care of immediately. I will be available to visit and speak with you and the student at any time.
We create extended families all over the world, build bridges of cultural understanding and help create world peace through our exchanges. We can’t say enough positive things about the experience! Please reach out to me if you have anyone interested in forming friendships around the world. I greatly appreciate your help! Please call, message, or email me for more details.
Thank you very much
Shanda Linville
EMAIL SHANDA
479-965-4866
We have a couple of boys and girls who are waiting for homes to come enjoy the exchange year. I am reaching out to you to see if maybe you would know of any families that would be interested in either hosting one of these students for the year or even temporarily as welcome families.
The students are a wonderful, educational and cultural addition to the school and get involved in all of the activities, clubs and sports. They become part of the family and community and bring a positive image of the United States back home with them. These students come here with their own money, phones, laptops, clothes and everything else they will need while they are here. The only thing we ask of our host families is to provide them with a clean bed and an extra plate at the dinner table. Anything extra the student wants to do they pay for with their own money. These students speak good English and can communicate well.
I as your CASE supervisor will take care of any problems or situations that arise and they will be taken care of immediately. I will be available to visit and speak with you and the student at any time.
We create extended families all over the world, build bridges of cultural understanding and help create world peace through our exchanges. We can’t say enough positive things about the experience! Please reach out to me if you have anyone interested in forming friendships around the world. I greatly appreciate your help! Please call, message, or email me for more details.
Thank you very much
Shanda Linville
EMAIL SHANDA
479-965-4866
Mayor’s Inaugural 5K Benefits Community
Article by John Mackey | Photos by Olivia Boyd
The City of Mansfield and it’s newly appointed Mayor wanted to hit the road running to serve the community. Literally, not just figuratively, that’s what happened in the early morning hours of June 30.
With the backing of a long list of volunteers, Mayor Michael Gipson welcomed an enthusiastic group of runners for the Mayor’s 1st Annual 5K road race. The initiative was designed as a fun, active way to involve the community and benefit the Mansfield Fire Department in the process.
“It was a wonderful turnout,” Gipson stated following the 7:30 AM start. “The volunteers and community really jumped on board to help the town.”
According to Gipson, the road race was just the start of a larger list of planned activities to get the city moving in one direction.
“Right now, we plan on having something each month,” Gipson continued with a passionate profession. “We’ve got permission to host a cane pole only fishing derby at the City Lake on August 4. That’s the next thing on the list. We want to get the kids involved, and find other activities to get the whole community involved.”
The winner of the inaugural race that zig-zagged through the streets of Mansfield was no surprise to avid race enthusiasts. Recent Mansfield High School graduate and newly enrolled Southeastern Oklahoma State University cross country athlete, Megan Rose, won the event.
“It was the best birthday ever,” Rose beamed as she let it slip that the early morning race was being conducted on her 18th birthday. “It was a good turnout for the first ever Mayor’s race. The course was pretty easy until that hill by the bus garage. The downhill part was much better especially to the finish line.”
Mansfield freshman to be, Faith Rainwater, had similar sentiments when discussing her third place overall finish.
“It was fun, but it hurt my feet running on the concrete,” Rainwater, a two year veteran of cross country that’s primarily run on grass, explained. “That hill was pretty hard, but I’m happy I got the opportunity to run.”
Brandy Jeffrey received the runner-up plaque crossing the finish line about two and a half minutes behind Rose’s winning time of 23:43. After Faith Rainwater’s third place finish, her twin sister Hope came in fourth.
Shelby Cole and Natalie Allison completed the course in consecutive order just behind the fourth place Rainwater.
There were nearly 20 total runners that participated in the 3.1 mile equivalent in support of the city’s fire brigade.
“We really had good support,” the Mansfield Mayor emphasized. “The first three sponsors I asked stepped up. I didn’t have to go any further for donations.”
Each runner received a t-shirt and a participation plaque. The top three runners received larger awards signifying their order of finish.
Corporate sponsorship came from Duck’s Body Shop, Bearden Properties, and Derick Allison Attorney at Law. Today’s Bank provided free bottles of water at the finish line to runners and volunteers.
Local churches along the race route provided water stations during the contest. Members of the Mansfield fire and police departments served as course officials and traffic control.
Mansfield school board member Trent Hayslip cooked a pancake breakfast as part of the post race activities for all runners and volunteers.