Resident News Network

Waldron School Board Meets

News

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2:58 pm

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, October 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Stan Cottrell and Angela Hunsucker. Board member Mac Davis was absent. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Cheyenne Smith, Kim Solomon, Darla Jeffery, Toni Dozier, Tonya Cluck, Chris Lipham, Amanda Falconer, Kristi Sigman and Zack Taylor.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Mrs. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the September 9^t^h and September 24^th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders to ITSAVVY; D) Approve Proposal for Safe Fleet; E) Approve Invoices to Midwest Bus Sales; F) Approve Purchase Order for Pearson Virtual School. Motion carried 4-0.

Each of the principals spoke on things that are happening at their building. At ABC, Mrs. Solomon reported that the kids took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch and Bell Park. She also advised that there will be a Flu Clinic on October 28^th. Atlas scores are out and each of the principals will be going to the Co-op to learn how to read the data since this is the first year this test has been taken. Mrs. Jeffery stated that Thursday, October 24^th will be picture day at Elementary School. The Fall Festival will be Saturday, October 27^th from 10:00 to 1:00 on Main Street. Mr. Taylor informed the board members that 8^th graders have now completed the Hunter’s Education course in October. Red Ribbon week is next week and there will be a guest speaker. Mr. Atchley commented on the great turnout of Homecoming week and Future’s Day on October 9^th. There will be a free ACT for Juniors coming soon. Band and Choir have had outstanding ratings and Band will be going to state competition on November 4^th. Mr. Lipham stated that we need bus driver subs once again. Fall sports are winding down and basketball will be starting soon.

Superintendent Daniel Fielding reported that the school does not have anything to compare Atlas scores to this year being that this is the first time we have taken this test.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to accept the resignation of Alyssa Jones as FirstStep Paraprofessional as of 10-4-2024. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to transfer Ashton Parsons from First Step paraprofessional to ABC contracted paraprofessional as of December 1, 2024, providing she completes and maintains all required certifications for the position. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Bethlene Davenport for the ABC toddler paraprofessional as of November 1, 2024, providing she completes and maintains all required certifications for the position. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded byKonnor McKay to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:03p.m.

Mansfield Elementary School 2024-2025 First Quarter Honor Roll/Principal’s List

Featured

Tammy Teague

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2:57 pm

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Mansfield Elementary School 2024-2025 First Quarter Honor Roll/Principal’s List

Kindergarten Honor Roll:

Leah Boyster, Nova Connor, Waylon Elmore, Aaron Fry, River Hamilton, Saylor Hamilton, Lynnex Marion, Evan McBride, Adrianne McCool, Ava McCutcheon, Athena McDonald, Lynnlee O’Bar, Sonny Oxford, Veda Purifoy, Jaylie Richmond, Harper Shrum, Minka Sterling, Camrie Witt

Kindergarten Principal’s List:

Noah Baker, Hudson Bond, Raelyn Dooley, Jude Garrison, Hope Harris, Drayden Hartman, Monica Herrera-Vidana, Logan Howell, Myles McCaslin, Rhett Moore, Cecilia Newman, Josie Nichols, Annagrace Overton, Lynnden Reano, Talon Shrum, Conor Smith, Ocie Walden, Case Walls

First Grade Honor Roll:

Ava Bowman, Jessica Boyd, Kylie Brown, Tucker Brumbelow, Jimmy Case, Matthew Francis, Emilee Freeman, Maci Grissom, Castyn Hancox, Weston Hattabaugh, Avery Hensley, Deklan Highsmith, Emerson Krigbaum, Kimber Kuettle, Savannah Morton, Finn Moss, Colten Ronzzo, Redwater Stick

First Grade Principal’s List:

Jani Cowan, Penelope Dang, Lawson Gitthens, Lainey Hattabaugh, Hadley Heydenreich, Aurora King-Drew, Emily Langford, Logan Leland, Leena Little, Addison Mize, Zayne Morrison, Zoey Nguyen, Lucas Pennington, Allison Nichols, Jessie Swearingen

Second Grade Honor Roll:

Stella Adams, Aurora Alvarez, Kenzi Battin, Damien Brown, Trynadee Bryen, Eli Clay, Dakota Coplin, Addison Deeds, Mason Dickinson, Marleigh Fuerst, Sawyer Godwin, Emily Griffin, Piper Hall, Chase Hansel, Roque Hattabaugh, Liam Helms, Wyatt Howard, Samuel Jordan, Cambrie Mason, Mylah McNeill, Cayson Milligan, Gabriella Moore, Della Newman, Ellie Polk, Eyana Reed, Jayce Reed, Tyler Smith, Aurora Sylva

Second Grade Principal’s List:

Wade Roper, Aiden Whittaker, Deacon Wilson

Third Grade Honor Roll:

Presley Adams, Rayleigh Bascue, Abbi Battin, Noah Branche, Anaya Brown, Kylor Cox, Skylar Deer, Annabell Elmore, Journey Elmore, Maddie Francis, Tobias Fuerst, Coda Griffin, Hadley Guillory, Legend Handlang, Ainsley Hawkins, Roslyn Himes, Divina Hunt, Edmund Krause, Toby Mahaffey, Corbin Mason, Asher Moore, Sarah Morton, Emery Newman, Ethan Nguyen, Skye Pruitt, Beau Shaver, Ava Silvey, Olivia Smith, Hugh Strozier, Colten Williams, Temperance Wingate, Easton Winters, Natalie Young

Third Grade Principal’s List:

Lincoln Bozant, Jerra Dewitt, Gus Krigbaum, Elijah McCutcheon, Adalynn Pennington, Elaine Robinson, Karleigh Boswell

Fourth Grade Honor Roll:

Ryleigh Andrews, Brently Battles, Paige Bryan, Jaxon Dickinson, Nora Godwin, Jedidiah Guinn, Madalyn Hope, Genesis Huff, Kamryn Jackson, Oliver Jones, Ella Jordan, Woodrow Krigbaum, Aria McCafferty, Raegan Nichols, Jessica Risner, Kyren Ross, Rebel Sanders, Jayden Schaefer, Wyatt Shelton, Hayden Smith, Jaymes Tynan, Ashlynn Uselton, Luke Wingate, Bobbie Wright, Erik Wright

Fourth Grade Principal’s List:

Alexis Bates, Ella Brown, Emma Carlton, Coraline Cook, Racyn Clopton, Hunter Elmore, Aiyanna Gordon, Peyton Grissom, Braylee Hamilton, Montana Hattabaugh, Layton Heydenreich, Alexandria Howell, Matthew Hudcovic, Brooklynn Johnson, Harper Jolley, Riley Kelley, Tyler Lawrence, AnniegayLe Minden, Kinsley Norton, Hailie Prater, Delani Purifoy, Brody Schefe, Ashlynn Thompson, Ethan Trinh, Skyla Webb

Obituary: Collins Lane (1943-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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11:42 am

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If you knew Collins, you knew that his relationship with Jesus was the most important relationship he had. He was passionate about sharing the Good News about Jesus’ gift of salvation for anyone who believed. He wanted everyone to believe and have the hope of eternity with God. He lived his life for Jesus and on the morning of October 17, 2024, Collins entered into the presence of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Collins Andry Lane was born in Hon, Arkansas, on September 21,1943, to Campbell and Eran Lane. His childhood was challenging, but he worked hard and made the most of what little he had. He graduated from Waldron High School and shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War in 1965.

Collins married the love of his life, Carolyn Long, on July 21, 1965. Collins cherished his beautiful wife and preferred to be with her over anyone else. Their 59 years of commitment and love to each other is a beautiful picture of God’s commitment and love for each of us.

Collins could not wait to start a family, and their children meant the world to him: Cameron (Krista) Lane, Clark Lane, Courtney (Greg) Greenich, and Chad Lane. Collins worked hard to provide for his family, to ensure their safety, and to make sure they knew that what really matters is a relationship with Jesus.

Though Collins loved his children, he happily moved into the role of grandpa. Collins treasured his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved being their “Popee” and he never failed to give a hug and a smile (and a piece of candy). He was loved dearly by Collin (Hannah) Lane and their children Harper, Hazel and Dean, Kendall (Tymon) Duinker and their children Huckston and Thatcher, Karah Lane, Kate (Neil) Smith, Keaton(Bre’) Duvall, Khloe Duvall, Kohlton Duvall and Kaden Duvall.

Collins knew that working hard would honor God, so he was determined to do his job well. After graduating from Arkansas Tech University, he became an insurance adjuster for Shelter Insurance. He worked for the company for 27 years.

When Collins dedicated his life to serving Jesus, he was willing and eager to fill whatever roll was needed. He absolutely loved being a part of the bus ministry at the church. His Saturday mornings were spent visiting the families and children and inviting them to church, then on Sunday he, along with the friends he served with, would pick them up and take them to church. He knew that this may be the only way for these children to hear about Jesus and His love for them. Along with the bus ministry, Collins taught Sunday School classes, spent many hours visiting people in the community, was a Deacon at Connect Church, and was the pastor at the Evening Shade Baptist church in Waldron, AR. Collins loved his community and did all he could to let everyone know how much Jesus loved them. He spent years knocking on doors and praying for people to know Jesus. In the mid-90’s, an opportunity opened to go abroad to share the Good News, and Collins was ready. Through the years, he was able to go and tell people about Jesus in Honduras, Guatemala, Columbia, Tajikistan and India.

Collins will always be remembered for his smile, his genuine love for people, and his heart for Jesus. We could not have asked for a better husband, friend, father, and Popee.

Collins would want you to know that, “since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ out Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

A Celebration of Life will be held at Connect Church in Russellville on Saturday, November 2nd. There will be a time of visitation at 5:00 where the family will receive guests, and the Service will begin at 6:00. We welcome anyone who is able to attend.

Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the RussBus. This faith-based ministry is about helping people by showing them the love of Jesus in a tangible way. You can go to their website https://therussbus.org to donate.

Mansfield City Council Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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12:57 pm

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The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, October 17. All members of the council were present including Julie Thomas, James Steele, Glen Hurt, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins, and Boyd Farmer. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black, and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After approving the September financials and minutes, the council heard the city services reports.

Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 51 calls, eight fire and 43 EMS. Additionally, that the department trained alongside other agencies in a full-scale disaster drill with James Fork, simulating a dam break. Smith reported that the keypads at the station had to replaced due to a power surge or lightning strike. Also, that the station would be utilized as a polling place for the November election. Lastly, Smith reported that there are 10 active fire fighters on the department, in addition to his Assistance Chief, Albert Haysmer, and himself.

Police Chief Wayne Robb reported a total of 45 calls, 21 agency assists (four in Scott County and 17 in Sebastian). Additionally, four school calls, six medical calls, four incident/arrest reports, and four animal calls. In total, 20 citations and 26 violations were issued in Scott County, and 13 citations and 14 violations were issued in Sebastian County. Robb reported eight training hours for his department.

Public Works Director Derrick Pollard reported that his department had completed 135 service orders, and 39 One Call requests. Pollard also reported that the R&R gas line project was ongoing and in phase 2. Additionally, that three water leaks had been repaired, a new water tap added on Freedom Road, a manhole repaired on Highway 96, and the ditch on Otis Street restored. Pollard also reported that the advertised smoke test had been completed, and that his department continues working on cleaning up brush and trimming limbs along the roadways. Lastly, that the new city trash truck had been received and is in operation.

City Attorney Travis Plummer was not at the meeting in person but was present via video. Plummer stated that he had no new reports to give the council.

In matters of unfinished business, the council voted to repeal 2014-1 and replace it with Ordinance 2024-5 (starting salaries of elected officials). The council also discussed the management of the Dixie Theater, deciding that an ad would be placed to find a volunteer to help with setup, cleanup and the sound system.

The next item of business, the discussion of the Recorder/Treasurer position. The council voted to go into executive session and include the party who had applied for the position. Upon returning, Mayor Black stated that they discussed the position with the candidate. No action was taken.

Next, a discussion regarding the vacancy on the police department. The council advised that they had given raises to the current officers, and that there was no way to fund another paid position.

In matters of new business, the council approved unanimously the following:
Ordinance 2024-4 (Scott Co. millage continuing for 2025), a letter to Sebastian County Clerk Sharon Brooks to continue Sebastian County 2025 millage, and a letter to SRCA/Deanna Rice to support the senior center in 2025.

The council then voted to approve the sale of the older trash truck for $20,000, agreed to consider bids to sell the old dump truck and flatbed truck, and voted to approve the bid from KAST Contruction to build a new pump house at the city lake.

Before adjourning the meeting, it was announced that the Christmas parade would be coming up on Saturday, December 7. With no further business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

Arrest Reports 10/13

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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5:47 pm

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Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Rodney Bruce Berkshire of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 19 at 2 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Berkshire was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor and Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Daniel Ray Brown of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 16 at 9:13 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Brown was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, Absconding, Parole Violation, Fleeing on Foot- Misd., Refusal to Submit to Arrest Misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine.

Meghan LaShea Bryant of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 13 at 11:27 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 14 at 1:44 a.m. Bryant was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Jacob William Clark of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 10:27 p.m. and released on signature bond October 16 at 2:30 a.m. Clark was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Kolton Brook Hughes of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 19 at 3:27 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 19 at 6:03 a.m. Hughes was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Susan Elaine Koch of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 14 at 1:01 a.m. and released on cash bond October 14 at 3:51 a.m. Koch was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Kristina Nicole Russell of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 17 at 6:32 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Russell was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

William Barnaby Tafoya of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 6:05 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Tafoya was charged with DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor.

Jonathan Wayne Vincent of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 19 at 4:10 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Vincent was charged with Domestic Battering in the Second Degree – Serious Physical Injury.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Justin Scott Brown of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 11:10 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Brown was charged with absconding and parole violation.

Richard Victor Glasener, Fourth of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 9:32 a.m. and released on signature bond October 15 at 8:10 p.m. Glasner was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Steven Lyndell Goodson of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 15 at 4:35 p.m. and released on signature bond October 17 at 11:47 a.m. Goodson was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Terrell Marquis Lawson of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 18 at 11:02 a.m. and released on signature bond October 18 at 3:44 p.m. Lawson was charged with Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Darion Terrence Brumfield of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 18 at 10:31 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 19 at 1:04 a.m. Brumfield was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Nathan Conley of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 19 at 3 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 19 at 4:28 p.m. Conley was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Isaac James Mannon of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 17 at 11:28 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on October 18 at 11:59 a.m. Mannon was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor, Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Rodney Charles McKee of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 19 at 9:37 a.m. and remains at the SCADC on jail time. McKee was charged with No liability Insurance.

Jerome Andrew Schluterman of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 17 at 2:27 p.m. and remains at the SCADC on jail time. Schluterman was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Patrick Parker Martin of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 16 at 10:09 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on October 16 at 2:56 p.m. Martin was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Haley Hice, 22 of Charleston, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 14 at 12:38 a.m. Hice was charged with possession of a schedule VI-controlled substance with the purpose to deliver and hold for other agency.

Michael Jackson Johnathan, 50 of Houston, TX, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 15 at 12:41 p.m. Johnathan was charged with public intoxication – drinking in public.

Alexander Mason, 25 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 15 at 4:42 p.m. Mason was charged with three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Roger Justus, 28 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 16 at 11:57 a.m. Justus was sentenced to days in jail.

Robert Smith, 42 of Waldron, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 17 at 9:22 p.m. Smith was charged with fleeing, refusal to submit to arrest, hold for other agency, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief in the second degree.

Benjamin Deer, 33 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 18 at 12:21 a.m. Deer was charged with contempt of court.

Zanna Lemmond, 33, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 18 at 6:21 p.m. Lemmond was charged with contempt of court.

Nicholas Anderson, 38 of Dover, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 19 at 8:46 p.m. Anderson was charged with domestic battering in the third degree.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Mark Anthony Buchanan, 54 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 19 at 3 p.m. Buchanan was charged with disorderly conduct, and misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Candace Marie Beshears, 35 of Clarksville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 18 at 1:17 p.m. Beshears was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Billy Lovell, 52 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 17 at 3:03 p.m. Lovell was charged with theft $25,000 or more – all others.

Jim Adron Ridenour, 46 of Mountainburg, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 17 at 1:12 p.m. Ridenour was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

Ronald Hawkins, 43 of Gould, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 17 at 8:48 a.m. Hawkins was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Lucas Grigsby, 41 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 16 at 8:29 p.m. Grigsby was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor.

Cody Lee Hill, 22 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 16 at 4:05 p.m. Hill was charged with six counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Dawn Denise Cockerham, 36 of Mountainburg, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 15 at 7:28 p.m. Cockerham was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Jeffrey Aaron Privett, 33 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 14 at 10:29 p.m. Privett was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, absconding / white warrant.

Alston Lee Taylor, 29 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 13 at 7:03 p.m. Taylor was charged with two counts of failure to appear, no license plate light, owner failed to register vehicle – expired tags, no proof of liability insurance, driving while license suspended, obstructing governmental operations, absconding / white warrant, and failure to comply with conditions of pre-trail release.

Johnathan Dwayne Mcgee – Spencer, 33 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 13 at 2:45 a.m. Mcgee was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

The Good Fight Continues The Good Fight

Networks

Adam Hecox

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11:41 am

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Three young men started a band at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987. There’s nothing new about college kids starting a band. But the type of band they started drew in young men and sent some parents and elders into a fit of rage. The music was Christian music, but the sound wasn’t coming from a choir or hymnal, rather it was mixed with a rock/pop sound. The band was DC Talk. The Christian rock movement was real and DC Talk’s “Jesus Freak” was the anthem. An explosion of Christian rock bands took over in the late 80s and early 90s as young Christians blasted bands like Audio Adrenaline, Jars of Clay, Stryper, and DC Talk through their speakers. Those young Christians are now middle-aged parents and they are face to face with what their parents saw a couple of decades ago. Christian rock is back and just like back in the day when it all began, it may seem kind of taboo to some who are looking for that “old-time religion”.

So why would someone drag up the past to tell a story of the future? Well, simply because the man who is front and center of this new Christian rock movement in the area started as one of those “youngins” jamming to old-school Christian rock. He just happens to be the pastor of Huntington’s Assembly of God, the one and only, Travis Pettus. Pettus has transitioned the old-school ways into these new-school days by bringing Christian rock to the youth of the area by presenting a concert series called The Good Fight. Travis started pastoring at the Huntington Assembly of God in 2015 but played a key role in starting concerts at the church before stepping up to the pulpit. In 2012 the church started The Good Fight by bringing in a band called War of Ages and the event exploded from there. “We had the building built with a big stage and concerts and events in mind but was mainly just using the building for weekly youth services for quite some time,” said Pettus. “It wasn’t until 2012 that JC Patterson had the idea that we should use our building for a battle of the bands. The battle of the bands went well so after that, we started doing monthly Saturday night shows called “The Good Fight”. A young man named Justin McCubbins was the one booking the Saturday night shows and he was the one who had the idea of calling those shows “The Good Fight”. After that, the name just kind of stuck.”

Many folks know and recite the biblical verse of 2 Timothy 4:7 that says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” and The Good Fight is all about keeping the faith in their concerts. “Our goal is to impact the world with God and His goodness,” said Pettus. “We want to show people that God is a God that is more real than the air we are breathing, to show people He loves them and that just one touch from Him can transform their lives forever. The Good Fight is now much more than just concerts, although concerts are a big part of what we do. Within the main goal of sharing Jesus with everyone, our other goals are to have a clean positive environment for people of all ages to come and enjoy concerts, have church, do gymnastics, have birthday parties, fellowship/hang out, and much more”. The proof of this is easy to see too. Sure, the music is modern and loud but the change The Good Fight has made is much much louder. One would expect young people to be impacted by the loud music and flashy scenes, but The Good Fight has made its way into all ages according to Pettus. “It’s much more than just young people getting changed at these shows. We are seeing as many or more adults coming to know Jesus at these shows. Over the years as far as lives impacted with the gospel of Jesus is literally in the thousands”. The amount of people who have come out to the Huntington Assembly of God over the years has been quite impressive. People come in from other towns, other states, and even other countries to experience The Good Fight. The concert series is pushing the good word and doing good work too. In fact, in a single concert this past summer, the church saw multiple salvations and even baptized 26 people….at the concert itself!

The Good Fight has brought in bands like Disciple, Seventh Day Slumber, Spoken, War of Ages Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, and has even hosted bands from other countries like Kazha from Japan and Saving Grace from New Zealand. It would be easy for the success of such events to lose their luster or even forget their purpose. Things like money, popularity, and worldly conflicts could sneak their way into such an event to sour the goal of spreading the Word of God. But that isn’t the case for Travis Pettus and his Good Fight. It’s his personal walk with Christ that keeps his purpose going and nothing could have made that purpose clear what he witnessed in July of 2023. As a pastor, Travis’s goal is to bring people to Christ, but little did he know that one day he himself would baptize 34 people at a Good Fight show. Baptizing 34 people is a big deal, but mixed in that group of people were both of his parents, his wife, and his youngest son. “I cried for days after that night,” said Pettus. “I can still barely watch the video to this day without crying”.

The Good Fight has run the race and done a solid job of keeping the faith, but what’s next? Initially, the next goal is the Thanksgiving Throwdown on November 24 with Disciple, Seventh Day Slumber, and Magdalene Rose. Yet another concert to draw the Word of God into the hearts and souls. But with the current venue, the Good Fight can only bring in so many at one time. What Pettus would like to do is bring in a crowd that surpasses the population of an entire town. “Our goal is to get more people in The Good Fight for this show than is in Huntington’s population,” says Pettus. “To give over 500 people the opportunity to worship and come to God in a singular venture would be awesome. With money raised from the Thanksgiving Throwdown show we hope to continue construction in the venue. We are currently building a new children’s sanctuary inside the venue, and we have plans to build much more”. As The Good Fight grows, so does the church. Even though the concerts are crowd drawers, the church is the crowd keeper. Unfortunately, with the success of The Good Fight, the church is outgrowing its current four walls. That’s not a bad thing though. So, the Huntington Assembly of God plans to bring the two venues together as one in the next few years. This will allow the church and concert series to grow together and be functional enough to have Good Fight concerts and Sunday morning services in.

Just as in the beginning of Christian rock, the music has changed but the goal is still the same….to bring the world to Christ. DC Talk, Jars of Clay, and others of the Christian rock push of the late 80s and early 90s were different, just like The Good Fight. But their impact was unimaginable. There is a war going on between good and evil that has gone on since the beginning of time. While the bad in this world seems to grow more and more each day, some continue to walk the straight and narrow. “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us”? The Huntington Assembly of God, The Good Fight, and pastor Travis Pettus have proudly stood up and said “Here am I, send me”

SR Tigers Anchor Cedarville At The Bottom Of The Scoreboard

Sports

Adam Hecox

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10:15 pm

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SR Tigers Anchor Cedarville At The Bottom Of The Scoreboard

Upsets are the reason many people watch the sport of football. There’s something about a team that is down on their luck beating a team rolling through their competition. The thought of Cedarville beating Mansfield on Friday, October 18th may have crossed a few folks’ minds as the Tigers sat tied with Booneville for the top spot in the 3A-1. This game was a highly anticipated rivalry game not too long ago so fans on both sides of the field were prepared for what could be another epic clash. Mansfield could have looked past Cedarville and been unprepared for the game at hand giving Cedarville the opportunity for a huge upset. Could have but didn’t. Instead, the Tigers showed why they are a true contender for the 3A State Championship by sinking the Pirates 46-6.

The Tigers kicked off the game on defense and quickly forced a three-and-out against Cedarville’s pass-happy offense with heads-up plays by linebackers Zander Walters, Jeremy Strozier, and Samuel Burton. Cedarville’s punt sent the Tigers back to the 41-yard line setting the Tiger’s offense up in prime territory. This is where many Tiger fans would think that an explosive run or two would earn Mansfield a quick score, but Cedarville’s defense wasn’t going to just hand a score over. Instead, it took Mansfield nine plays to drive downfield to set up an eight-yard score by Daniel Burton. The Tigers tacked on a two-point conversion to turn on the scoreboard with an 8-0 lead, but the word “upset” crossed a few fans’ minds with Mansfield’s unexpected slow start. It only took Cedarville two plays on their ensuing possession to make it to midfield which again made fans have a flashback to a few years back when this matchup was a growing rivalry. The Tigers’ defense finally woke up as Samuel Burton swatted down a 3rd down pass setting up a 4th down attempt by the Pirates. The attempt was ill-advised for Cedarville, but a dream come true for Dakota Deer who flew into the backfield untouched for a massive quarterback sack and a turnover on downs. With the Tigers’ defense warming up, the weight of the game was on their offense. With that in mind, Mansfield kept to their game plan but this time executed much better as Samuel Burton took a quick pitch for a 44-yard Tiger touchdown to roar their way back onto the scoreboard. Mansfield’s two-point conversion failed, but the score was still bumped up to a 14-0 Tigers lead. Mansfield would add another touchdown on their next possession when Daniel Burton found a gap in the Pirate’s defense and darted downfield for a 62-yard Tiger touchdown. The extra two-point play was good, giving Mansfield a commanding 22-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

With the Mansfield Tigers offense firing on all cylinders, the defense wanted to earn some respect too. Ethan Martin and Dakota Deer had a pair of big sacks on Cedarville’s offense in the first quarter, but the defensive dominators needed something else to hang their hat on. Cue Samuel Burton. Burton had two deflections that could have been interceptions in the first quarter, but both ended up as mere knockdown stats. Samuel Burton again tipped a pass early in the second quarter but this time, he capitalized on the tip for a 49-yard pick and score. Another successful two-point conversion extended the Tigers route to 30-0. Cedarville may have been down on the scoreboard, but the fight in the Pirates was still alive as the Pirates drove 22 yards on seven plays in their next offensive series. But on a fourth down and five-yard attempt, Cedarville was met with a face full of Ethan Martin who sacked the quarterback 13 yards behind the down marker for a turnover on downs. With a commanding lead, the Tigers’ offense decided to take the ball out of the hands of their starters and cruise with some new players. On the first snap on their new drive, Mansfield quarterback, Jeremy Strozier, found defensive lineman Matthew Burton (yes, defensive lineman) and completed a 50-yard pass to Burton for a Tiger touchdown. Senior running back, Trey Powell, added a two-point conversion to extend the Tiger’s lead to 38-0. The show wasn’t over yet for Mansfield’s defense as Zander Walters picked off a Pirates pass to give the Tigers yet another shot at the endzone. Just three plays and 36 yards later, the Tigers made their shot count with another Tiger touchdown by Samuel Burton. Another two-point conversion and a 46-0 lead going into halftime, was all the Tigers needed to secure their blowout bid over the Pirates. Cedarville would put up an offensive score in the second half, but the game was already in hand at that point as Mansfield’s dominance on both sides of the ball led to a 46-6 victory.

Mansfield now sits with a 5-2 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 conference record. The Tigers have rattled off 260 points in their seven games this season while holding their opponents to 113 points scored. With stats like that, one would expect there to not be very many teams in the state that can give Mansfield a run for their money. But the next game on Mansfield’s schedule is not only the defending State Champions, but they’re also currently undefeated across the board and ranked as the number one team in the State. That team is the Booneville Bearcats. Booneville will come into next week’s game against the Tigers with an unblemished 7-0 overall record and 4-0 conference record all while dominating every opponent with a combined 275-61 score. Comparing the two teams’ stats, looking at the aura that has surrounded Booneville for decades, and the fact that Mansfield has never beaten the Bearcats in high school football, one could say that Mansfield should just lay down and let the Bearcats win, right? Wrong. Sure, the Tigers’ roster numbers are much lower than Booneville’s, they’re not ranked in the state’s Top 10, and they’ll be a huge underdog going into the game, but this isn’t a lay-down Mansfield Tigers team. Mansfield’s players and coaching staff believe that stats and history are made for just hype. It’s the game itself that matters and that is what they are all focused on. With a Conference Championship and 1Seed going into the State Playoffs on the line, Mansfield will host the Booneville Bearcats on Friday, October 25^th for what could be for all the marbles. You won’t want to miss this epic 3A-1 showdown.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

News

Tammy Teague

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7:43 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – During budget hearings and continuing through the regular session that begins in January, legislators will tackle the difficult issue of controlling Medicaid costs.

They have an extensive analysis to use. It was completed by a private consultant in March after a year of identifying possible methods to hold down the steadily rising costs of the program.

The state Department of Human Services administers Medicaid, and according to department officials from 2018 through 2023 the annual cost of operating the program increased by 41 percent.

The increase matters to all other state agencies because over that same period of time Medicaid spending grew from 20 percent of the overall state budget to 23 percent. The increase represents tax dollars that no longer can be spent for education, prisons or economic development.

Medicaid provides health coverage for more than 850,000 Arkansas citizens. It is paid for by a combination of federal and state funds. Until October 1, the federal government paid 72 percent of the costs and the state paid the rest. On October 1 the federal matching rate fell to 71.14 percent, which means that state government will have to pay an additional $55 million a year to maintain Medicaid services at their current level.

About 38 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries are children, 29 percent are adults, 6 percent are elderly people and 15 percent are people with disabilities. The remaining 11 to 12 percent are in ARHOME, a category of expanded Medicaid for people whose incomes are below 138 percent of the poverty level.

The elderly people who make up 6 percent of Arkansas Medicaid beneficiaries account for 12 percent of Medicaid spending. The people with disabilities, who make up 15 percent of the program’s population, account for 28 percent of Medicaid spending.

The cost of paying for prescription drugs was $509 million last year, representing 6 percent of total Medicaid spending in Arkansas. That amount has increased 22 percent since 2017.

One option for saving about $1.9 million a year would be to allow 90-day refills. Currently, refills are limited to 30 days. Another option would be for Arkansas to approve value-based payments to drug companies for the most expensive new drugs. Under this system, the drug companies would pay rebates back to the Medicaid program if the drugs did not produce agreed-upon results.

Thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries receive long term care and support. They are elderly or have disabilities or serious, chronic diseases. They generally have two options. One is to enter a long-term care facility. The other is to get care at home or in a community setting.

In Arkansas roughly half the beneficiaries of long term services receive care in an institution, and about half receive care at home or in the community. Institutional facilities account for 49.8 of expenditures for long-term care and 50.2 percent of spending is for home-based or community-based services.

Nationwide, 62.5 percent of long-term services are in community and home-based programs, which are more affordable alternatives to nursing homes, according to past Medicaid studies.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Featured

Tammy Teague

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4:35 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins

Hello everyone! Love, love this fall weather. I will have to get pumpkins for the kids to carve. It is always so much fun to see what they come up with. When I say kids, I mean my 19- and 21-year-old grandsons. They will do it to make me happy.

I always make jokes about getting married and having a prenup. I always ask Travis Plummer, the city attorney, if he has my prenup drew up because my man that is in the military lives overseas and may not be on the up and up. I hope y’all know I am kidding.

I have decided if I ever get married, the prenup will have to say that Sheri has to have chickens and little goats that wear pajamas and as many dogs as she wants. I bet there is not a man in a 100-mile radius that would sign that. Enough about crazy men, I am happy as a lark. In the words of my sister, “any woman wanting a husband, obviously hasn’t had one before.” I loved my husband, but I thought this was funny.

I was thinking about my high school days the other day and some of the funny stuff that went on. We had the sweetest teacher Mrs. Underwood. Y’all may have recently seen her on an episode of Wheel of Fortune. She won $11,000 dollars. This was our senior year, and she was expecting a baby. I am sure she was emotional. She had closed the windows, no A/C back in 1981, and pulled the shades for us to watch something. She left the room and said, “do not raise those blinds or open the windows.” I am sure some of you know Clinton Basham, that was his ticket to ride. He couldn’t wait for her to leave. He gets up and opens all the shades and windows. She walks in the room and begins to cry. I mean tell a class NOT to do something and there will be one that is going to do just that. Someone snitched on Clinton and he got in trouble. I have no idea why I always remember that story.

Just a FYI, Clinton Basham and Sheri Hopkins got wittiest for the class of 1981. They also done predictions for our class when we had prom. They would say in ten years, so and so will be this. For example, …would be a professional athlete, etc. When it came to Sheri Wagoner’s name being called, they said, “in ten years, Sheri Wagoner will be the next Howard Cosell.” Everyone just roared with laughter. For all you young whipper snappers, Howard Cosell was a famous sports journalist on Monday night football. He has a blustery personality. I am guessing they were saying I was loud. Enough about 1981.

This was something funny I saw on Facebook this week. It said, “according to this BMI calculator, I am too short.” That made me laugh. That’s ok, I will just need two extra pallbearers to carry me. I hope I have enough family and friends to find eight of them. This week’s recipe is for an ARE YOU KIDDING ME CAKE.

1 box any flavor cake mix
3 large eggs beaten
1 can pie filling (21 oz.)
1 package of cream cheese (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, dump the dry cake mix, eggs and pie filling. Stir together till well mixed. Pour into a greased 9×13 cake pan. This is where the cream cheese is optional. You can cut it into slices and randomly poke down in the batter. Make sure the cream cheese is deep into the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. You can test with a toothpick for doneness. If it needs it, cook a little longer. This is some of the combos that I think would be good: cherry chip cake mix and cherry pie filling, strawberry cake mix with strawberry pie filling, lemon cake mix with blueberry pie filling, chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling, and yellow cake mix with blackberry pie filling. Hope you enjoy. Have a blessed week!

Straight talk on straight-walled firearms

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:28 pm

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Straight talk on straight-walled firearms

By Trey Reid

Arkansas’s first alternative firearms season opened Oct. 19, and many hunters were excited at the increased opportunity to use a rifle with straight-walled ammunition this year instead of their old black-powder muzzleloader.

Alternative firearms season, created this year to replace traditional muzzleloader season, was inspired by Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioners’ desire to offer more opportunities to hunters who pursue deer.

“There are a lot of people who have an old .45/70 lever action or other straight-walled cartridge gun that was handed down to them by a father or grandfather and this season gives them the opportunity to enjoy those rifles again,” Commissioner Bill Jones of Pine Bluff said during the Commission’s May 16 rulemaking meeting. “Modern muzzleloaders are able to shoot accurately just as far as some of these guns and this might add a little excitement to the season. These rifles are also easier to learn how to load and shoot properly, so maybe it will get a few more people in the woods who were intimidated by the process of learning a muzzleloader.”

There are always a few loose ends to tend to when new seasons and opportunities are introduced in the hunting world, and this year’s alternative firearms season is no exception to that rule. Here are a few things to bear in mind before you hit the woods this season:

Alternative options
According to Page 50 of the 2024-25 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook, the following firearms are allowed during alternative firearms (formerly muzzleloader) season:

Muzzleloading rifles with a barrel 18 inches or longer and of .40 caliber or larger;
Muzzleloading handguns with barrels 9 inches or longer and at least .45 caliber if they shoot conical bullets 200 grains or heavier, or .530 caliber if shooting round balls;
Large bore air rifles at least .40 caliber that shoot a single, expandable slug, produce at least 400 feet/pounds of energy at the muzzle and are charged from an external tank; and
Non-semiautomatic centerfire firearms (including non-semiautomatic handguns with barrels 4 inches or longer) that fire a straight-walled metallic cartridge .30 caliber or larger.

Scrap the Scattergun
The first thing to note about the new regulation is that shotguns, while legal during modern gun season, will not be allowed during the alternative weapons season. All cartridges used during the alternative weapons season must be metallic cartridges. Matthew Warriner, assistant chief of the AGFC’s Wildlife Management Division, said that a few shotgun-reloading enthusiasts have come forward with examples of shotgun shells that are entirely made of metal, but they will not be considered a straight-wall rifle cartridge for the hunt.

Pages 50-51 in the Arkansas Hunting Guidebook clarify all regulations pertaining to weapons legal during the Alternative Firearms Deer Hunting Season, which begins Oct. 19.

“There are a few specialized full-length brass shotgun shells available on the market, mostly for loading shot and not slugs, but even if they are reloaded with a slug they still will fall under the ‘no shotgun’ rule for the alternative firearms hunt,” Warriner said.

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