Umpire, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Umpire, Arkansas
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 Umpire, Arkansas
Location in Arkansas
Umpire, Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Arkansas |
| County | Howard |
| Elevation | 258 m (846 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
71971
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| GNIS feature ID | 78611 |
Umpire (also called Busby) is a small, unincorporated community in Howard County, Arkansas, United States. An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that does not have its own local government like a city or town. Umpire is often mentioned for its unique and unusual name!
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How Umpire Got Its Name
The community of Umpire got its interesting name in the early 1890s. At that time, a new gristmill (a mill for grinding grain) opened in the area. To celebrate, people gathered for a baseball game.
After the game, a schoolteacher spoke to the crowd. He suggested the name "Umpire" for the new post office that was being set up. This was because the umpire (the person who makes sure the rules are followed in a game) had done a really great job overseeing the baseball match.
Weather Events
Umpire has experienced a few strong weather events over the years.
Tornadoes in the Area
- On April 24, 2011, an EF1 tornado passed through the area. This tornado caused some damage as it traveled from Umpire towards Mineola. It moved alongside Arkansas State Route 84.
- On April 13, 2018, another tornado, this time an EF2, caused damage. It started near Kirby Road and moved north, crossing Battle Hill Road and Highway 278. This tornado continued all the way to Shady Lake, which is located in the Ouachita National Forest.
Education in Umpire
Students in Umpire can attend public schools provided by the Cossatot River School District. This district offers education for young children, elementary school students, and high school students.
Umpire Schools
The Cossatot River School District includes two schools right in Umpire:
- Umpire Elementary School
- Umpire High School
The sports teams at Umpire High School are known as the Wildcats. The school colors are blue and white. Besides the public schools, there is also a small Seventh-day Adventist School in Umpire.
School District Changes
Over the years, the school districts serving Umpire have changed.
- On July 1, 2004, the Umpire School District joined with the Wickes School District.
- Then, on July 1, 2010, the Wickes School District itself combined with other schools to form the current Cossatot River School District.
