By Tammy Moore Teague
The bombshells resignation of Mansfield’s Mayor Larry Austin left many questions about the future of the city. Who will fill his shoes until November’s regular election, who will make that decision and when?
City Attorney, Matt Ketcham said that the council should appoint am interim mayor at the next regularly scheduled city council meeting. Because Austin’s resignation isn’t effective until April 5th, it will not be until the April 12th that the council will discuss and ultimately decide who will fulfill the duties as mayor.
The only other option, which is neither cost effective or viable, is a special election. The city can expect a major shake up within its government with both the mayoral election and the option to re-elect three of the current sitting city council members.
Each ward in Mansfield has two positions. All position one’s are up for election this year, and those currently seated in those are Georganna Mabry, Rick McDaniel and Buddy Black. Black recently came on board to replace elected councilman Nathan Sterling. Sterling abruptly resigned his seat the night the council voted 5-1 to strip the mayor of some duties.
Austin served as mayor for the past three years, and is eight months shy of completing his elected term. Mabry, McDaniel and Black will accompany those making a bid for the mayor’s seat this November. The remaining three, Dave Johnson, Sheri Hopkins and Beverly Lyons will be up for re-election in 2020 and will accompany the office of city recorder/treasurer race.
Resident Press will be covering the campaigns of those who announce their bid for mayor.
Council Set to Fill Mayor’s Seat
Personnel Shake Up Continues
by Tammy Moore Teague
Although the biggest news of the night was the resignation of the mayor, other news at Thursday’s city council meeting included the business of street repair, addressing ADEQ violations and waste water plant equipment.
Public Works Director Ken Swilling reported to the council that he could recommend a company to provide materials for street repair. After discussions, the council decided to save money by hauling the material themselves and to purchase five tons.
City recorder/treasurer, Becky Walker, who served as an overseer of the meeting, reported that the pumps initially ordered for the waste water plant were not compatible. These correct are much more costly at $8,450 each. This price included a pro-rated warranty, however it did not include the cost of frieght. The council voted to proceed with the purchase as it is delaying the progress of getting the plant up to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Equality’s code.
Additionally, Landmark Engineering’s services would be needed to clear other issues with the plant. These issues include discharge monitoring reports or DMRs, non compliance forms and photos of the repaired tanks. None of these have been submitted to ADEQ. The cost for the city to implore their services was estimated at $600-$700.
At ten till eight the council went into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Upon reconvening, they approved some increased raises for employees in an effort to show employee appreciation and boost morale. “We must take care of our people,” Walker said “they are the most important of all.”
The next weekly meeting of the city council will be postponed and moved to Thursday March 29th. Business slated for that meeting includes more discussion on the waste water plant and updates on the street repairs.
BGCA Community Advisory Meeting Planned
All interested community members are welcome to attend a community advisory meeting planned for March 27th, at 6:30pm at Mansfield City Hall.
The focus of this meeting is to find out more information about opening a Boys and Girls Club in Mansfield.
For questions, or more information, please contact Stephanie Stipins at (479) 883-7126
Mansfield Mayor Resigns
Article by Tammy Moore Teague
After many months of the city council and citizens calling for the resignation of Mansfield’s Mayor Larry Austin, it was announced on Thursday evening that his last day of office was March 9. Austin’s letter also included a thank you to the citizens of Mansfield for allowing him to serve as mayor. At this time it is unknown who will serve out the remainder of his term, however, secretary/treasurer, Becky Walker is overseeing the meetings.
Also tendering resignations were Ken Swilling, who is the Public Works Director and also city employee Clay Davis. With several employees and now the mayor resigning, the future of the city seems unclear. However as Walker stated ” We want to hold our city together now and in the future.”
Some stated they felt relieved, “an answered prayer,” said Lisa Nichols. Others, however, felt the mayor was pushed out of office. “People are so rude and coldhearted,” Brenda Seajack said. She went on to add that she doubted anyone making the “about time or finally” comments could or would do any better.
Certainly there will be widespread fallout after this announcement, but stay tuned Resident Press as we will continue to cover this story.
MMS FBLA Students Support Recycling Initiative
Referencing the above image, Kinley Hanfelder (Left) and Natalie Allison (Right) work diligently on the Middle School FBLA recycling project. One of their daily/weekly jobs are to sort the appropriate recyclable materials from ordinary waste items.
At the middle school we recycle paper, plastic, and cardboard. Each day Chandlan Silvey and Travis Martin gather up the cardboard and Alina Lawhon and Sara Smith gather up the paper. Natalie has teamed with a Mansfield High School EAST Student to come once a week to the middle school and take the recycling to the Mansfield Water Department. Natalie Allison and Kinley Hanfelder wrote a letter to Becky Walker, asking that she consider putting a recycling container to recycle metal at the Water Department. Natalie and Kinley are awaiting her reply.
Mr. Fisher helped Natalie send out a school text asking our parents to please participate in this recycling project.
MES 3rd & 4th Grade Principal’s List and Honor Roll
Congratulations students!
Health Fair in Pictures
The annual Health fair at Mansfield High School seen a never ending line at attendees as soon as the doors opened at 9:00am.
Businesses, and area agencies showcased their role in not only a healthy lifestyle, but safety and support of health based living. The purpose of the Health Fair originally began with a need to communicate more information to children, and the general public about health, and safety awareness in and around our region. Since then, it’s grown into much more.
Health Fair coordinator, Amanda Wilson stated “I couldn’t be happier with the turn-out, and overall success of this years event.”
Follow along as we take you through this event with pictures….
AGFC Brings Aquarium to MMS
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, led by John Burden visited the Mansfield Middle School yesterday, and brought some friends. Burden showcased their 800 gallon aquarium for a presentation concerning various native fish types found in Arkansas.
Burden discussed the species of fish, and their individual habitats. Students were given booklets about the native fish in Arkansas and hope they will be able to return soon for another visit.
Mansfield Chess Team Hosts Tournament
Last Thursday, the Mansfield Junior High and Senior High Chess Team gathered together to participate in the second annual Mansfield Tiger Chess Tournament. The Tigers competed against teams from Booneville, Magazine, Danville, Lavaca, and Mountainburg. There was at the maximum teams of ten competing for either a first place or second place trophy. On top of the team trophies, players could win individual awards for top three players in their division. Players competed in five games earning one point for a victory, half a point for a draw, and no point for a loss. At the end of five rounds we determined a winner. Players point totals were added together to determine team places.
This year Mansfield brought one full Junior High team and a few extras to compete in the tournament, including five new comers to the game of chess. New comers to the team were led in points by Travis Martin and Nathaniel Sartin with 3 points. Other new comers were Nathaniel Elmore 2 points, Courtney Cheeseman 1 point, and Mykinzi Morgan. Front runner for the Junior High team was 8th grader Zayne Dugan. He was undefeated going into the final match were he lost to the tournament champion. Zayne made Mansfield proud and helped lead the Tigers to a half point victory over Booneville to win first place in the tournament. Four other players played very well Enny Vouthy, Joey Flynt, Reegan Emery and Ethan Streets with 3 points. Â Other players that competed were graders Lillian Buccella 2 points, Peyton Martin 2 points, Kaitlin Peterson 1 point, Seth Johnston 1 point, and Katelyn Salmeron 1 point. Congratulations to the Junior High Tigers Chess Team for winning the tournament!
The Senior High competed in the tournament as well. The team was led by 10th grader Jet Scoma with 3 points. Jet competed well but not as well as he had hoped. He said he was off his game a bit this tournament and plans on turning it around next time. Other competitors were Dillon Hines with 1 point, new comer Judson Weaver with 1 point, and Devon Pyles with 2 points.
Senior Devon Pyles competed in his final out-of-school tournament of his high school career. I can’t speak highly enough of Devon’s character said Coach Joshua Bryan. He has been the vocal leader and role model of the team for a few years now. Devon plans on enlisting in the armed forces out of high school which speaks volumes of this young man’s character. I have truly enjoyed getting to see him mature and couldn’t be prouder of him. I wish him the best and look forward to seeing where his future plans lead him.
Congratulations to both teams as they look towards their in school tournament at the end of the year to see who will be crowned Junior High and Senior High champion of the year.
The Chess Team also wanted to extend a special thank you to Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, AR for allowing us to host the tournament there again this year. Thank You Again!
2018 Arkansas Big Bass Shootout
The 2018 Arkansas Big Bass Shootout will take place this weekend at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock.
Attendees can expect a first of it’s kind family friendly expo where kids of all ages can participate in a Flippin’ competition, Baggo shootout, and Big Bass Kids Zone among many other activities. Adults can enjoy a sold out show full of companies displaying their brands, and products.
The Mr. Bass Shootout consists of 2-angler teams competing to win $10,000 in total purse. The tournament itself comprises of two day of competition, Top 40% from Saturday will move on to the second day, after day one’s totals. Anglers will launch from Verizon Ramp on the Little Rock pool, and will move to Lake Maumelle if river flow is above 70,000 CFM.
 “There will be something at this show for every interest, budget and age,” stated, Jayma Crow, the 2018 Arkansas Big Bass Shootout assistant coordinator. “This event supports small businesses of Arkansas, and focuses on getting kids back outside, and get them active, but also in a safe manner.”
For more information, visit the Arkansas Big Bass Shootout website.