MOUNT IDA – Students at Bobby Barrett Elementary School have better access to drinking water this year thanks to a new water bottle filling station at the school.
Principal Donna Whisenhunt is excited about the new water bottle filling station installed for use by all the school’s students. She stated that in the past they had an informal water bottle policy at the school that allowed students to keep water in the classroom. The new filling stations provide a safe way for students to have access to water all day without cost to themselves. The filling station, along with water bottles for each of the Mount Ida students grades K-6, was purchased with grant money provided through Healthy Active Arkansas and Delta Dental.
The water bottle filling station is centrally located in the building near the principal’s office and the cafeteria. Students can fill their bottles throughout the day to use in their classrooms, or while playing outside.
The district also has healthy information on display that compares sugar content from different drinks compared to water.
Principal Whisenhunt stated that the district passed a formal water bottle policy to allow use of the filling station in the classrooms. She stated that they are also working on getting a second station installed in the high school building.
Water bottle filling station installed at Bobby Barrett Elementary
Harold Standridge
Harold Standridge, age 89, of Mount Ida, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2019, at his home.
He was born on January 8, 1930 in Mount Ida, the son of Lester and Elvia Norman Standridge. He married Lestel Danley Standridge on February 5, 1952 and was married for 60 years.
He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and a farmer. He was a charter member and the first deacon of Lake Ouachita Baptist Church. He was a wonderful husband, father, and papa. Papa Harold will be dearly missed by his family and by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; one son, David Standridge; one sister and brother-in-law, Myrtle and Afton Bradshaw; one sister and brother-in-law, Maurita and Cecil Stroope; one brother, Fred Standridge; and one sister, Norma Jean Standridge.
He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Debbie Standridge and Philip and Kaye Standridge, all of Mount Ida; four grandchildren and their spouses, Alisha and John Pollock of Mount Ida, Jared and Lacey Standridge of Dennard, Cody and Amanda Standridge of Farmington and Amber and Sam Wolf of Benton; ten great-grandchildren, Allie and Averie Pollock of Mount Ida, Sydney, Sam and Shelby Standridge of Dennard, Jace, Jax, Jordyn Kate and Jenna Standridge of Farmington and Aiden Nally of Benton; one sister and brother-in-law, Jocelyn and James Ford of Russellville; three sisters-in-law, Lois Standridge and Zaylene Danley, both of Mount Ida, and Marilyn Danley of Siloam Springs; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 25, 2019, at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church with Bro. Roy Brooks and Bro. Ty Huitt officiating.
Visitation be 1:00 PM until service time, at the church.
Burial will be at Stanley-Standridge Cemetery at Mount Ida under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood.
Pallbearers will be Jared Standridge, Cody Standridge, John Pollock, Sam Wolf, Rodney Standridge and Charlie Jones.
The family would like to thank his caretakers, Kandis Sandlin and Katelyn Cody. They would also like to thank all the nurses and staff at Ouachita Hospice. The caretakers and hospice staff were second to none.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stanley-Standridge Cemetery, Lake Ouachita Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice.
Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.
Deputy found
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
LAKE OUACHITA – The remains of Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy Keith Wright have been recovered from Lake Ouachita according to Montgomery County Sheriff David White.
According to a statement released by the sheriffs office, a report came in Friday, August 23, of a body floating in Lake Ouachita in the area Wright was last seen Friday, July 19. The body was recovered and identified as Deputy Keith Wright.
The sheriff’s office contacted Montgomery County Coroner Jeff Blansett and Grant County Sheriff Ray Vance. Wright’s body has been sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab to determine cause and manner of death.
Wright had been missing for just over a month. He was reported missing Friday, July 19. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reported that dispatch received a call at approximately 9:49 p.m.
Wright had gone missing while diving in the lake with a friend. The other diver reported that their boat had floated off while they were underwater. Wright went missing while they were trying to swim to the boat as it floated away from them. The other diver was able to swim to shore and was later rescued by another boat.
The caller reported that he and a friend had been boating on Lake Ouachita. He stated that they both dove off the barge while near a cove just north of Mountain Harbor Resort.
The caller stated that when they resurfaced the boat was drifting north away from their position in the water. The report states that the caller told them that both men began to swim toward the boat. It was at this time the caller stated he lost track of his friend in the water. He then swam to the shoreline and began to call for help. After being discovered by another boat he called the sheriff’s office to report the incident.
The missing individual was later identified as Grant County Deputy Keith Wright. Wright had worked for the Pine Bluff Police Department and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office before working with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. He had filled many roles in his law enforcement career, including work as a SWAT officer. Wright was also a veteran diver who taught diving lessons during his off time.
A massive search effort was launched that weekend, but had been scaled back in recent days.
Montgomery County Sheriff David White and Grant County Sheriff Ray Vance would like to thank everyone throughout the state who assisted in the search for Deputy Wright. Their thoughts and prayers go to the family and the whole law enforcement community.
Montgomery County 4-H Shines at Ouachita District O’Rama
Karalee Black
County Extension Agent – Staff Chair
On June 10th, Montgomery County 4-H members proudly represented their county at the Ouachita District O’Rama, held at Malvern High School. Several members were recognized for their outstanding achievements and leadership.
Geoffery Samons was honored with the prestigious Teen Star award.
Penelope Samons received recognition in the Intermediate Record Book category.
Opal Samons campaigned and was elected Vice President of the Ouachita District, showcasing strong leadership and communication skills.
During the competition portion of the day:
Hunter Baugher participated in the Bicycle Contest, which emphasizes bicycle safety, proper maintenance, and riding skills. Hunter earned 1st place in both the written safety exam and the demonstration portion, demonstrating excellent knowledge and practical skill.
Opal Samons also took 1st place in the Food Fair contest for her ability to plan and prepare healthy meals while adhering to food safety and sanitation standards.
Congratulations to all our outstanding 4-H members for their hard work, dedication, and success!
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution. Karalee Black is a County Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, located in Montgomery County. You may reach her at 870-867-2311 or 117 Ray Drive, or by email at kblack@uada.edu. You can also follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyextension
Remembering the Albert Pike Flash Flood 15 years later
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
dewayne@mcnews.online
LANGLEY – While most people were preparing for a day with dad for Father’s Day the hearts of some families weighed heavily with the memory of a 15 year old tragedy that claimed the lives of 20 people at Albert Pike Recreation Area.
The flash flood that swept through parts of Albert Pike Recreation Area in the early morning hours of June 11, 2010 were later labeled as a “100 year event”, stressing the unique nature of the horrible tragedy.
Storms bringing heavy rain began moving into the area June 10, 2010 sparking flash flood watches for the area. As the evening hours drifted into early morning rain had increased to the point that the Little Missouri River and neighboring Caddo River were rising at a rate of eight feet per hour with the Little Missouri River peaking at over 23 feet near Langley.
The geological topography surrounding the Loop D section of Albert Pike resulted in a bottleneck for rising water flowing out of nearby streams and creeks feeding into the already swollen Little Missouri River. As the water levels quickly rose campers in the area had little warning of the danger quickly pressing upon them.
By the time the rain stopped and the flash flood began to recede with over 200 people caught in the event according to estimates by the American Red Cross. After search and rescue efforts ended it was discovered that 20 people, many of which were children, had lost their lives in the tragic event.
The victims were Anthony Smith, Katelynn Smith and Joey Smith of Gloster, Louisiana; Shane Basinger, Jadyn Basinger, and Kinsley Basinger of Shreveport, Louisiana; Robert Lynn Shumake; Wilene Shumake and Rick Shumake of Dekalb, Texas; Eric Sultz of Nash Texas; Sheri Wade of Ashdown, Arkansas, Leslie Jez and Kaden Jez of Foreman; Bruce Roeder, Debbie Roeder, and Kay Roeder of Luling, Louisiana; Julie Freeman, Kylee Sullivan, Gayble V Moss, and Debra McMaster of Texarkana, Texas
In the aftermath of the event the U.S. Forest Service closed campsites on Albert Pike Recreation Area with the area restricted to day use only. Public support for the reopening of the area to camping led to a study by the U.S. Forest Service U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman advocated for the reopening of the area to camping.
In December 2024, Congressman Westerman announced that camping was to return to Albert Pike Recreation Area thanks to the passing of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, also known as the EXPLORE Act.
Included in the bill is a provision to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area. Westerman stated in his column, “Numerous constituents have expressed their disappointment with the initial decision by the Forest Service to suspend overnight camping, and this bill will reinstate that access in addition to better management of the Albert Pike Recreation Area.”
Congressman Westerman’s EXPLORE Act will:
• Safely re-open any existing overnight campsites outside of the 100-year flood plain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment.
• Identify 54 areas that may be suitable for overnight camping in the recreation area within 6 months of the bill’s enactment.
• Establish at least 27 new overnight camping sites outside of the 100-year flood plain, including at least 8 with electric and water hookups, for public use within 2 years of the bill’s enactment.
• Require the rehabilitation necessary to make publicly accessible areas in APRA suitable for year-round day use.
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward Elected Vice President of SUSTA
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Big catfish donation adds smiles for community anglers across Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Family and Community Fishing Program locations will see some hefty bonus catfish stockings this week, thanks to a generous donation by Baxter Land Company Fish Farm in Desha County.
Larger than normal-sized catfish will be heading to ponds across Arkansas this year, thanks to a generous donation by one of Arkansas’s top catfish producers.. AGFC photo.
Thousands of catfish ranging in size from 5 to 45 pounds will be hauled to program ponds. The total donated weight of catfish is expected to exceed 20,000 pounds.
Dick Baxter, who was named the Arkansas Catfish Farmer of the year by The Catfish institute in 2023, said most of the fish are in the 5- to 7-pound range, but there are some jumbo-sized blue catfish that will definitely add some excitement for anglers fishing community ponds throughout the state.
“The biggest one I’ve seen so far is about 45 pounds, and I wish I could be there when some kid hooks into that fish and has the time of their life,” Baxter said.
The fish were grown to be used in the farm’s spawning ponds and are past the preferred size for most food markets, but they still hold a lot of value in other commercial markets. Baxter hopes the fish pay much higher returns in the future of conservation.
“I really just think it’s important to get new people involved in conservation, and you have to get people excited about hunting and fishing to do that,” Baxter said. “If you take a kid to a pond and they don’t catch anything, they may not know how fun the outdoors can be, but if they go to a public pond and they hook into one of these fish, we may have just created a future biologist or supporter of the outdoors. I think we need more of those experiences everywhere in the state.”
Jason Miller, AGFC Assistant Chief of Fisheries, said this is the fifth time Baxter has donated fish to the anglers of the state.
“These fish could still bring Baxter some good profit, but he’s always had a great relationship with us and these donations give us something that we don’t provide through our hatcheries. He’s donated well over 100,000 pounds of fish over the years for people to catch.”
AGFC crews and Baxter’s staff harvesting and sorting catfish at his farm in Desha County. AGFC photo.
Miller said catchable-sized catfish AGFC hatcheries provide anglers at FCFP locations range from three-quarters of a pound to two pounds because that size provides the best combination of value and numbers for anglers to pursue.
“It would require too much pond space on our hatcheries and food to regularly grow fish to this this size for stocking, so this is a treat that we don’t get to offer very often,” Miller said.
Clint Coleman, Assistant FCFP Coordinator, said he can always tell when the big blue catfish come to program ponds by the calls and reactions of regular anglers.
“We get calls from anglers and people send in pictures of their big catches,” Coleman said. “People really get a kick out of fighting these bigger fish, but I’d suggest bringing a dip net along on your next fishing trip or two to the ponds. More than one angler has hooked into one just to have it break his line right at the bank when he finally got it within reach.”
Baxter offers this bit of advice for anglers looking to hook into one of these fish.
“Be sure you have at least 20-pound-test fishing line and a 3/0 circle hook,” Baxter said. “Suspend the bait about a foot under a bobber and make sure the drag on the reel is loose. Bring a kid and get ready to have a great time.”
Visit www.agfc.com/familyfishing to find a FCFP location near you. Aerial views of the ponds and the most recent stocking dates are available through the program’s web page.
Glenwood Chamber invites businesses to join Christmas Decorating Contest
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY | dewayne@mcnews.online
The Glenwood Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to join the Holiday Fun with their Business/Storefront Decorating Contest.
Local businesses are encouraged to show their Christmas Cheer by decorating their business storefront for the holiday season. Once you have decorated just take a photo and submit it to the Chamber. Photos can be submitted beginning December 2. You can submit your photo via email at glenwoodchamber@gmail.com or by Facebook messenger. Businesses do not have to be a member of the Chamber to participate.
Voting for the best decorated storefront will be held December 3 through December 6. Businesses can encourage their customers, family and friends to visit the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce Facebook page to vote for your storefront. The winner will receive a Christmas Trophy and bragging rights.
For more information contact the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce at glenwoodchamber@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
Community Coffee raises lung cancer screening awareness
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY | dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – A Community Coffee was held Tuesday, November 19, to highlight lung cancer awareness. The event was hosted by the Montgomery County Health Education Advisory Board.
Those in attendance talked about the importance of lung cancer screenings. Sierra Whitbey, a Specialist from the American Lung Association of Arkansas, led the discussion covering criteria, expectations, and benefits of getting screened for lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, Arkansas ranks 33rd out of 51 states for lung cancer screening with only 14.3 percent.
In 2024 it is estimated that approximately 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed with 116,310 cases among men and 118,270 cases among women. It is estimated that approximately 125,070 people will die from lung cancer in 2024 with 65,790 deaths in men and 59,280 deaths among women. It is estimated that cigarette smoking will cause more than 101,000 deaths due to lung cancer in 2024 with lung cancer expected to remain the most common cause of cancer death in the United States.
According to the American Lung Association, Arkansas ranks among the worst states for lung cancer with a 22.6 percent survival rate, ranking them 45th out of 47 states. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4 percent. Arkansas also ranks 50th out of 51 in the nation for smoking with 18.7 percent of the population reported to be smokers. The national rank is 11.6 percent.
The Community Coffee was also a great way for attendees to connect with local professionals and future collaborators, to discuss community issues, and discover resources, all while boosting your visibility and opening doors for meaningful partnerships that can drive positive change in our community.
The event was sponsored by Harbor House Prevention Services and RAAD.
Lions one game away from War Memorial Stadium
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY | dewayne@mcnews.online
MURFREESBORO – The Mount Ida Lions are one win away from a trip to War Memorial Stadium and a shot at a fourth state championship after a 48-22 victory over the Murfreesboro Rattlers in quarterfinal action in the 2A State playoffs.
The Lions dominated both sides of the ball amassing 402 yards on 51 carries, most of which came in the first three quarters of play.
Senior running back Ben Woodfield led the charge with 25 carries for 272 yards and four touchdowns. He also converted three of four Point After Attempts.
Freshman Jackson White had 11 carries for 77 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion after stepping in as quarterback following an injury to Dakota Beechy.
Dakota Beechy got the start at quarterback and carried the ball six times for 26 yards before being forced to leave the game due to injury.
Dean Johnson had seven carries for 22 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Lions recorded 49.5 tackles, four for a loss. They had an interception and three tipped passes, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Ben Woodfield led the defense with seven solo tackles and two assists, with two for a loss and two tipped passes.
Jackson White had six solo tackles and one assist, with one for a loss. He also recovered a fumble.
Chris Dorrell had four solo tackles and five assists with a fumble recovery. Cain McCullough had four solo tackles and an assist with one tackle for a loss.
Eli McCullough recorded three solo tackles and three assists. Ty Spier had two solo tackles and five assists. Dakota Beechy had two solo tackles and three assists. Dean Johnson had two solo tackles and two assists with a tipped pass. Tyler Mosher had a solo tackle and three assists with an interception. Brady Rowland had four assists. Duncan Standridge had two assists. Andy Black and Hayden Mosher each has an assist.
Mount Ida established the tone for the game on the first drive with a 12 play drive that traversed 55 yards. Ben Woodfield punched the ball in from a yard out for the first score with 6:40 left in the first quarter. He connected on the PAT to give the Lions a seven point lead.
Murfreesboro moved the ball into Lion territory on their first drive but was forced to punt from the 40 yard line. They downed the ball just short of the goal line to pin the Lions deep on the next drive.
Dakota Beechy forced his way to the five yard line to give the Lions some room to work. Two plays later he would have to leave the game with an injury. Jackson White moved to the quarterback spot and led the team the distance with Woodfield and Dean Johnson contributing on the drive. The Lions capped the 14 play drive with a five yard run by Woodfield with 9:07 left in the second quarter. He hit the PAT to give the Lions a 14-0 lead.
Murfreesboro responded with a 10 play drive that went 65 yards. Brody Maroon punched it in from a yard out for the Rattlers first touchdown of the night. Quarterback Laytan Wilcher carried it in for the two-point conversion to cut the Mount Ida lead to 14-8 with 4:46 left in the first half.
The Rattlers attempted an onside kick but Andy Black covered the ball to preserve possession for the Lions on their 44 yard line. Woodfield took the ball to the one yard line on the first play from scrimmage and Jackson White finished the job for the third Lion score of the night. White scored on the two-point conversion to give Mount Ida a 22-8 lead with 4:25 left in the half.
Eli McCullough forced a fumble on the Rattlers second play from scrimmage and it was recovered by White. Six plays later Woodfield scored from five yards out with 1:45 left in the half. He put the ball through the uprights for the PAT to give the Lions a 29-8 lead.
Five plays into the ensuing Rattler drive Cain McCullough forced another fumble, this one was recovered by Chris Dorrell. Mount Ida ended the first half with a 29-8 lead.
Murfreesboro opened the second half with the ball but went four and out on the Lion 42 yard line. Mount Ida went 58 yards in eight plays, scoring on a 15 yard run by White. Woodfield’s PAT went awry and the Lion lead was 35-8 with 5:53 left in the third quarter.
Tyler Mosher ended the following Rattler drive with an interception on the Lion 45 yard line. Two plays later Dean Johnson scored from five yards out to give the Lions a 41-8 lead with 3:16 left in the third quarter. The two-point conversion failed.
Mount Ida’s final score of the night came at the 10:31 mark in the final quarter. Woodfield raced nine yards for the score. He split the uprights on the PAT and the Lions triggered the sportsmanship rule with a 48-8 lead.
Coach Mike White turned the game over to the second team at this point. The Rattler first team was able to score two more times with a running clock, but the Lions held on for the 48-22 victory.
The win moves the Lions to 9-3 on the season. They will travel to Lepanto to face East Poinsett County Friday night in semifinal action in the 2A State Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Mount Ida Chamber invites you to decorate a Christmas Tree
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY | dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – The Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to unleash your decorating skills for you chance to take home a traveling trophy by participating in their annual Christmas Tree Decorating Contest to be held on the Courthouse Square in Mount Ida.
The contest is a fun way to spread Christmas Cheer in Mount Ida. Participation is open to businesses and individuals and is free but registration is required. A registration form can be found on the Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Participants are responsible for providing their own tree and decorations must be securely attached with zip ties or a similar material.
Decorating will begin Saturday, November 30, and continue through Friday, December 6. Voting will be done by $1 donations which will be used to fund the MIACC Community Service Scholarship. Voting will occur Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christmas on the Square.
The Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is just one of many events scheduled for Christmas on the Square to be held Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other events scheduled include shopping and sleigh rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, story time with elves, caroling, a dessert auction, hot chocolate and cookies and much more.
For more information contact the Chamber at (870) 867-2723, or visit their Facebook page.
Arkansas Highlands Stringband Concerts announced
Join us when….Old Time Music returns to Hot Springs and Mt Ida
June 1st, Saturday at 7 pm, Mt Ida, AR Town Square, Front Porch Stage. Come early to Mt Ida for dinner and bring a lawn chair for the 90 minute concert. Snacks served on the square. Free Admission.Ouachita Artists to honor founding member April 21
Ouachita Artists Gallery will be hosting a reflective commemorative for Jane Babbitt Sunday, April 21, from 1pm to 3pm.
Jane was one of the original founding members of the gallery as well as other volunteer work on the Mtount Ida community.
Much of her art will be on display and members of her family will be visiting. Join us for a brief reflection on Jane’s life as an artist and member of the gallery.
The Ouachita Artist Gallery is located at 135 S. West Street in Mount Ida.
