By Tammy Moore Teague
In March of this year, the Arkansas Municipal League made an unprecedented move in filling a lawsuit against the opioid drug industry. This brazen approach brands the lone state in an effort to recuperate the cost of battling the opioid epidemic. These costs, as the filing contends, should come from the companies that caused the problem instead of the taxpayer. The Hartford City Council will meet tonight and decide if they will join the 72 counties and 210 cities, including Mansfield, participating in the lawsuit.
“Though other lawsuits have been filed in federal courts across the country, Arkansas is the only state that has united in this fashion,” said Executive Director of the Association of Arkansas Counties, Chris Villines. “Instead of fighting and competing with each other on critically needed settlement dollars for our cities and counties, all of the cities and counties are working together to do what’s best for Arkansas.”
The epidemic is one that has touched lives in our state and in our community. The number of overdoses in Arkansas has increased nearly 300 percent since 2000. Cities like Mansfield, have made great stride in combatting the problem by training officers and first responders on how to administer Narcan, an opiate antagonist. It is, however, not enough and comes at a great expense to small towns like Mansfield and Harford, which operate on a shoestring budget.
The Arkansas Municipal League lists 65 drug companies as defendants in the case. The case, which was filed in Crittenden County Circuit Court, is hoped to go to trial within the next two years. “It’s important to us that it moves as quickly as possible,” said Villines. “Every day, new people are becoming addicted to opioids and every day the problem is growing worse.”
In an effort to bolster support, Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck openly supported the lawsuit during the summer session of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association held June 5. If the court finds for the plaintiff, it would provide more resources to both law enforcement and medical personnel.
City Council to Discuss Joining Municiple League’s Opiod Lawsuit
Hackett High School Begins Drone Program
Hackett High School Computer Science teacher, Tracie Opolka, attended a week-long training on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or Drones. She spent the entire week at Beebe High School learning how to build, fly, and teach this three-year course.
Students will have the opportunity to take three-level courses that span the spectrum from the basics of aviation, safety and principles of flight to design and manufacturing, industry specific applications, troubleshooting and maintenance, regulations, and mission planning, execution and debriefing.
Students can earn the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate by the end of the second level. The third level helps them prepare for drone-related career and entrepreneurial opportunities.
4-H For Life
Pictured are Mary (far left) and Emily Dunn.
By Tammy Moore Teague
Growing up I was never interested in, nor enabled in sports. However, my parents always encouraged me to do the things I was passionate about. You see, I was a bit of a tomboy growing up! We were raised in a rural part of the county outside Mansfield, and the imagination of the great outdoors kept me well-occupied. One of the things my parents encouraged me in, and something I found great involvement with was the local 4-H chapter.
I remember it well, walking into the county extension office in Greenwood. The smell, it was a bit musky! That’s where it began, and it wasn’t long after that when I received my first batch of chicks! I fell in love! I have always loved and owned just about every animal known to man, and boy did I take great pride in caring for those soft, little yellow creatures. One little one in particular had an issue with one of its toes. I put him in his own box and brought him inside with a little lamp. It wasn’t long and he was healed up and strong enough to return to the brood. Eventually, some of them made it to the county fair. Now that was an exciting time! I couldn’t wait to see what “color” ribbon my hens and roosters had on their cages! Inside the fair building a few of my canned items, which I’m sure my grandmother had assisted me with, were being judged.
“4-H is a great organization,” said Mansfield native Julie Goines Dunn. Both of her girls, Emily and Mary participate. Emily joined at age 9 and Mary joined as a Cloverbud when she turned 5.
Those are 4-H memories and skills for a lifetime! Skills like responsibility, compassion, accountability, and the value of hard work. This summer, when kids are sitting around the house complaining they have nothing to do, is an excellent time to introduce your kids to the 4-H life! It is free to join and they offer different programs of interest. It is open to kids ages 5-19 and activities include science and technology, health, food and nutrition, citizenship and leadership, agriculture and community service. More than 143,800 Arkansas youth participate in this path directed by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. They are “learning by doing” the 4-H way!
In addition to the local 4-H clubs, they also have after school and in school programs that provide 4-H activities to both grade school and high school students. Also, 4-H camps, which offer reacreational and educational opportunities, a chance to meet new people and enjoy the great outdoors.
If you are interested in learning more about 4-H you can contact the extension office in your county. The Scott County office is located at 190 West 1st Street in Waldron. You can contact Debbie Miller, extension agent, at 479-637-2173. The extension agent for Sebastian County is Jayson McGaugh. The county offers two locations: 6700 Mahogany Ave., Barling, AR 72923 and 301 E. Center Courthouse Room 109 Greenwood, AR 72396. You can contact the Barling office at 479-484-7737 or the Greenwood office at 479-996-4131.
McKay Speaks FAITHful Message
Konnor McKay. You’ve heard the name, and you probably know the smile followed with a humble demeanor. McKay is loved here at Resident Press for his heart for Waldron, Bulldog Football, and his unwavering passion of his Faith. It’s contagious to say the least.
This week (Wednesday, June 13th) Mckay followed up on an invite from new Waldron Head Coach, Jonathan Bates to speak to the many teams that descended upon Bulldog stadium to inspire, and impact the lives of the youthful footballers, coaches, and attendees.
Passionately speaking, McKay brought it.
His eloquent words of life, purpose, meaning, and yes, Faith echoed through the hearts of all who listened. Konnor McKay is no ordinary man. He is one whose passion for Waldron, the people, and Bulldog Football come no deeper, or stronger. His message of Faith solidifies his purpose, and gives meaning to his calling.
McKay contributes to RP for Waldron Football, Lead Evangelist at Konnor McKay Ministries, and Lead pastor at Waldron Pentecostal Church of God .
Thank you, Konnor for all you do.
Photo courtesy of Lonnie Hester, Hackett Hornets Head Coach.
Supporters Turn to Legislators for Change
By Tammy Moore Teague
Supporters, veterans and elected officials are joining the group Veterans Walk in Solidarity as they push to gain legislation to protect elderly veterans from injustice.
The Veterans March is slated to take place in Little Rock this August. It is an event to gain the attention of law makers. Most recently, the Veterans Walk in Solidarity held a march in downtown Waldron. This time they are taking their cause to the state level. “We have been working on several levels for our strategy to support Fred Potter,” said organizer Thomas Hudson. “We are working on the next level and planning a huge event in Little Rock during the first week in August. This event will be much larger and broader in scope.”
Hudson invites anyone who is interested in protecting senior veteran’s rights to get involved and volunteer. If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming event or ways you can help please contact Sue Davis .
Touch-A-Truck Child Safety and Wellness Event
By Tammy Moore Teague
The United Way of Fort Smith will host the third annual Touch-a-Truck campaign on Thursday, June 21 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m at Van Buren High School. The event is free, and advocates child safety and wellness.
This event provides kids of all ages with the opportunity to see, touch, and explore life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, fireman, construction workers, military personnel and many more! Vehicles you can expect to see include construction and farm equipment, safety and transportation vehicles, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, Air Evac Helicopter and military vehicles. The Army National Guard will provide an obstacle course and Crawford County Sheriff’s Department will have their SWAT vehicle. A few new participants for 2018 are the Crawford County Mounted Patrol, Arkansas State Police K9 Unit and Hiland Dairy.
In addition to equipment and vehicles, local businesses will provide hotdogs, chips, drinks and popsicles. The event also serves an educational value on top of being great entertainment for the kids. There will be several tables set up with literature available on a wide variety of child safety and wellness topics. Community Dental Clinic and Kidz Choice Dental will have information on dental health, Med Express will have information on sports physicals, Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House will have information on skin care in the sun, and Arkansas Valley Electric will have information on electrical hazards. This is only a partial list of those who are participating in the event.
Touch-A-Truck is exclusively designed with children in mind; although, big kids enjoy the experience just as much. It’s an event that gives kids an opportunity to see trucks and vehicles up close and from the inside; something they might not otherwise ever have the chance to do. We encourage parents, Boys and Girls Clubs, preschool programs, Mother’s Day Out groups, daycares and church groups to bring their children out for a great day of fun and learning!
Vehicles, food items, information and door prizes will be provided by the following:
In the case of inclement weather, follow United Way of Fort Smith’s Facebook page.
Summer Fun at Sodie Davidson Park
By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron’s Sodie Davidson Park renovated and opened their swimming pool this past May. They are offering swimming lessons, water aerobics and private pool parties.
Lifegaurds are on duty and a wading pool is also available for children. In addition to the water attraction, the park also offers a sports venue complete with a soccer, softball and baseball field. Lastly, you can bring the family and enjoy a picnic and a day of fishing. This opening season’s popularity will be a measure of the park’s future, so everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy all it has to offer.
Parties can be booked for any evening from 6 p.m-8 p.m. or 8 p.m.-10 p.m. including Sundays. The cost is $90 for 2 hours, up to 40 people. Any parties with more than 40 will require an extra lifeguard and an additional charge.
Water aerobics are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6-7 p.m. The cost is $35 per month or $5 per day. Swimming lessons are going on now through June 14 for ages 4 and up. The cost for lessons are $25. Lastly, there will be a glow party on Saturday, June 16 from 7-10 p.m., and the cost will be $5.
The park is open on Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The daily rate to come and swim for 10 and under is $2 and for 10 and older, $3. Days and times of operation are dependent on business traffic and weather. If you are interested in booking a party or have questions about hours of operation you can call or text 479-207-2574.
Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office Issues Scam Alert
By Tammy Moore Teague
The sheriff’s office has issued a fraud alert to the citizens of Sebastian County. The caller poses as a deputy calling to collect payments for fines. The fraudulent caller goes on to threaten citizens with a warrant for their arrest if they do not agree to pay.
In the most recent case, someone has posed as a Deputy Davis calling from the number 479-689-7664. This number, however is not in any way associated with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s office. in a released statement the sheriff’s office said multiple names, ranks and numbers may be used to trick citizens into sending money. Additionally stating that office investigators have called this number and have received a voicemail mimicking the same message at the department. The scammers have gone to great lengths to make the call sound legitimate, even instructing the caller to dial 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.
They are advising anyone who receives a call from this number to report it by calling 479-783-1051. The sheriff’s office also advises the public that their office will never call and ask for money over the phone. So if you are on the receiving end of one of these calls, please report it.
Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office Issues Scam Alert
By Tammy Moore Teague
The sheriff’s office has issued a fraud alert to the citizens of Sebastian County. The caller poses as a deputy calling to collect payments for fines. The fraudulent caller goes on to threaten citizens with a warrant for their arrest if they do not agree to pay.
In the most recent case, someone has posed as a Deputy Davis calling from the number 479-689-7664. This number, however is not in any way associated with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s office. in a released statement the sheriff’s office said multiple names, ranks and numbers may be used to trick citizens into sending money. Additionally stating that office investigators have called this number and have received a voicemail mimicking the same message at the department. The scammers have gone to great lengths to make the call sound legitimate, even instructing the caller to dial 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.
They are advising anyone who receives a call from this number to report it by calling 479-783-1051. The sheriff’s office also advises the public that their office will never call and ask for money over the phone. So if you are on the receiving end of one of these calls, please report it.
Be A Hero
Thursday, June 21st at the Lavaca First Baptist Church the “Boots & Badges Community Challenge will be taking place from 1:30pm – 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.
To schedule your appointment, call 1-800-934-9415, walk-ins welcomed and needed.
Blood donors get a limited edition BOOTS & BADGES T-shirt.