Throughout our coverage area, communities will be coming together for the annual Christmas festivities. A list of those events include:
City of Lavaca – Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m.
City of Mansfield – Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m.; Tree lighting ceremony Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
City of Hartford – Saturday, December 7 at 11 a.m.
City of Hackett – Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
City of Greenwood – Monday, December 9 at 7 p.m.
City of Barling – Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m.
City of Waldron – Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Historic Main Street).
City of Charleston – Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m. (hot chocolate competition, Christmas parade, and cruise night).
City of Booneville – Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m. (Santa, cookies and vendor booth section)
Town of Midland – Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m.
Area Christmas Parades Slated for December
Timepiece: WWI Draftdodgers
By Dr. Curtis Varnell
Americans tend to blend the two great world wars and to lump them together as battles against the dark and evil forces of German’s like Hitler, Goebbels, and Himmler. World War I was not nearly as clear-cut and lacked the typical good against evil label that our country generally likes to ascribe to wars in which we are involved. It was a war created by big egos, bad military alliances, an arms race and fought between countries whose leaders were cousins. Without rehashing lessons from high school history, the U.S. was pulled into the war as a result of the military blockade of Europe. With an American president who supported the British and the sinking of passenger ships including the Lusitania, the U.S. entered the war against Germany and other central European states. The American public were divided in support of the war and opposition sprouted in Arkansas.
Almost 13% of the population of Arkansas are of German descent. Large numbers of German immigrants settled in the northwester portion of the state after the Civil war. Second-generation immigrants had become settled framers, bankers, and merchants but still had strong ties with the mother country. Others opposed the mandatory draft, the suppression of civil rights, or were isolationists. More than eight thousand Arkansas men either resisted the draft or fled to avoid being drafted. Antagonism against the government’s policies boiled over into violent opposition on at least three occasions in Arkansas.
The Cleburne County war began on Sunday, July 7, 1918 when Sheriff Jasper Duke lead a posse to a rural area near the small town of Rosebud in search of a group of teen-age Jehovah Witness who had refused to register for the draft. A shoot-out resulted and Porter Hazlewood, a member of the posse, was killed.
Both the Sherriff and the opposition recruited help and a forty-minute gun battle broke out between the two sides. Rumors ran rife! Heber Springs called for help, believing the insurrectionists were about to attack the town. The governor called in the National Guard and tensions ran high for a week as bloodhounds scoured the country looking for the refugees. Several were arrested for aiding and abetting the young men. Eventually, all seven surrendered and were given light punishments for the insurrection.
The Logan County Draft war actually began in Franklin County when a group of draft evaders resisted arrest near Ozark. One posse member was killed and others injured in a gunfight when the draft-evaders ambushed the sheriff. The draft-evaders then fled to a remote area of Magazine Mt. called Bear Hollow where they hid out for several days. Eventually, most of the party were captured and sentenced to life imprisonment.
A similar incident occurred in Mena when a posse attempted to arrest a gang of evaders. The gunfight between the two groups resulted in the deaths of Deputy Sheriff Charles Kirkland and resister Elmer During. The other members of the gang surrendered by the end of the day. Ben Caughron was sentenced to die in the electric chair when he pled guilty to shooting Kirkland. The others received varying prison sentences.
Suspicion and bitterness accompanied the U.S. support of the allied powers. Opposition to governmental policies resulted in squashing of civil rights, imprisonment, and the suppression of free speech. Isolated instances of violence between neighbors occurred throughout the state. On April 13, 1917, local government officials in Logan County, suspicious of German immigrants in the county destroyed the radio at Subiaco Academy with the excuse that they were preventing the monks from getting messages from the German Government. In Johnson County, the Lutheran pastor was threatened by gunmen and driven from his home. People refused to do business with German merchants and banks. The German National Bank company changed their name to American National Bank and other companies followed suit. To avoid suspicion, many of the churches that had large German congregations changed all worship to English.
The war ended, the imprisoned were released. Those that had fled returned home and America returned to its prewar isolation. According to the new president, the business of America was business and the roaring twenties began. America quickly forgets its past!
State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
The state Senate held its traditional organizational meeting to name its leaders and choose committee assignments.
Senator Bart Hester of Cave Springs (Benton County) had previously been elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 95th General Assembly. On January 13, the first day of the 2025 legislative session, he will be officially installed. It will be his second term, and he will be the third senator in the modern era to serve two terms as the leader of the Senate.
Senator Jonathan Dismang of Searcy will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Budget Committee. During legislative sessions, Joint Budget and its subcommittees will review in detail all state government spending requests. All appropriations that authorize state government expenditures must be approved by Joint Budget.
Senator Dismang was elected President Pro Tempore during the 89th General Assembly, after the resignation of the incumbent President. He was then elected President Pro Tempore for the 90th and 91st General Assemblies.
Besides Senators Hester and Dismang, Senator William Norrell of Monticello was the only other senator in the modern era to be elected twice as President Pro Tem. He served from 1933 through 1936.
Senator Ben Gilmore of Crossett will be Senate co-chair of the Legislative Council. Senator Jim Petty of Van Buren will be Senate co-chair of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
Council and Audit are two of the most important committees that meet in the interim between legislative sessions, monitoring the operations of state agencies and making sure appropriations are properly spent.
Senator Terry Rice of Waldron will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Performance Review Committee. Commonly referred to as JPR, it reviews the performance of programs and agencies. JPR can hold hearings on government operations initiated by citizens and has authority to investigate violations of election law, with authority to subpoena documents and records.
Senator Blake Johnson of Corning will be Majority Leader and Senator Breanne Davis of Russellville will be Majority Whip. Senator Greg Leding of Fayetteville will be Minority Leader and Senator Fred Love of Little Rock will be Minority Whip.
The Senate has nine standing committees that will review all proposed legislation filed during the session, depending on its subject matter. Senator Missy Irvin of Mountain View will chair the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee. Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr., of Texarkana will chair the Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Senator Jane English of North Little Rock will chair the Education Committee and Senator Alan Clark of Lonsdale will chair the Judiciary Committee. Senator Ronald Caldwell of Wynne will chair the Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee.
In addition to his duties as Majority Leader, Senator Blake Johnson will chair the Insurance and Commerce Committee. Senator Gary Stubblefield of Branch (Logan County) will chair the City, County and Local Affairs Committee and Senator Scott Flippo of Bull Shoals will chair the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. Senator Ricky Hill of Cabot will chair the Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs Committee.
Senator Jim Dotson of Bentonville will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. Senator Gilmore, the senate co-chair of Council, also will chair the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. Senator Mark Johnson of Ferndale will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Energy Committee.
Senator Kim Hammer of Benton will chair the Efficiency Committee and Senator Davis, the Majority Whip, will chair the Senate Rules Committee.
Mansfield City Council Meets in Special Session to Amend Budget
The Mansfield City Council met in special session on Tuesday morning, November 26 at 10 a.m. in order to amend the 2025 budget.
At the regular meeting held last Thursday evening, city employees as well as the mayor and recorder/treasurer were given 3% raises. Following Tuesday’s special meeting Mayor Buddy Black stated “No raises yet for any city employees. We will re-evaluate at the end of the first quarter for city employees due to upcoming expenses repairing the sewer infiltration repairs that must be made.”
Black also noted that the pay raise for retired elected officials will be revisited after the first quarter.
All other raises, including that of the fire chief and the department volunteers remain unchanged.
SR Tigers Use Old School Football To Pummel Newport
When you don’t stand a chance in the eyes of others, you’re considered an underdog. Being labeled as underdogs is something that the Mansfield Tigers football program has gotten used to in 2024. The Tigers were underdogs going into Charleston on October 4th and big-time underdogs when they hosted Booneville on October 25th. Mansfield found a way to win upset victories in both games, but both were considered just that, luck. In Round2 of the 3A State Playoffs, the Tigers were again tagged as underdogs when they hosted the Newport Greyhounds. Newport brought a bunch of high-end talent and the state’s highest-scoring offense to Tiger Stadium leaving many to believe that the Tiger’s luck had finally run out. Instead, the Greyhounds offense ran out of luck as the Mansfield Tigers dominated Newport 34-14 on Friday, November 23rd.
Newport elected to receive the opening kickoff to try and get ahead of the Tigers early. After a good kickoff return, the Greyhounds started on their own 47-yard line. Boasting an offense that averaged 49.2 points per game, Newport definitely had the capability to light up the scoreboard against the Tigers and wasted little time proving it. It only took the Greyhounds seven plays to get in the endzone to put the Tigers down 8-0. Mansfield’s offense took over and showed Newport something they hadn’t seen all season, physicality. The Tigers ground and pound game methodically marched downfield 63 yards in 12 plays and behind running backs Daniel Burton, Samuel Burton, and Andrew Burton before Andrew Burton punched the ball into the endzone from ten yards out for a Tiger touchdown. Mansfield’s two-point attempt was no good, but the Tigers were on the scoreboard down 8-6 to the Greyhounds. In their opening drives, both teams showed exactly what their game plan was. Newport wanted to score quickly and often while the Tigers desired to pound on Newport and eat up the clock along the way. Newport quickly got into Mansfield territory on their next possession with two short runs and a big pass play to set up the Greyhounds at the 22-yard line. As momentum was on the Greyhound’s side, the opening quarter closed with Mansfield on the bottom side of the scoreboard with Newport on top 8-6.
Newport started the second quarter with the ball, but the Tiger’s defense came out with a chip on their shoulder. The Greyhound’s first play sent their running back back and forth across the field as the Mansfield defense pursued flawlessly to send the play backward for a 13-yard loss. Newport faced a 4th and 23 yards to go which is exactly what the Tigers wanted. Knowing the Greyhounds had to pass, Daniel Burton trailed the ball through the air and swatted the ball away from a Newport receiver to force a turnover on downs. The turnover not only gave the Tigers the opportunity to get the lead but also a chance to pound on the Newport defense more to break their willpower. Mansfield grounded out a pair of solid runs before Samuel Burton opened things up with an impressive 20-yard run to put Mansfield at their 16-yard line. If it worked once, then stick with it and Coach Whit Overton did just that as Samuel Burton again got the ball and darted 14 yards into the endzone for a Tiger touchdown. The Tigers added on the two-point conversion taking a 14-8 lead over Newport. The Greyhounds offense started with the ball at the 47-yard line after the kickoff and went to work fast gaining two first downs in just five plays. Newport kept rolling as their running back took a direct snap 23 yards to the goal line where Trey Powell stripped the ball away. “To the goal line” is the key phrase as Powell’s strip and recovery happened just before the goalline keeping the Greyhounds out of the endzone and giving the Tigers a big-time turnover.
The Tiger’s offense looked at 4:10 left in the half and 90 yards in front of them before they could attempt to extend their lead over the Greyhounds. A penalty against the Tigers set them even further back at the 6-yard line, but quarterback Jeremy Strozier showed his leadership on third and eight by powering his way for a first down to get Mansfield out of the hole. Leadership isn’t just a one-man position for the Tigers though, it’s a team mentality. Senior Samuel Burton and junior Andrew Burton jumped all over the Greyhounds on back-to-back plays for big gains to get the Tigers past midfield. A Jeremy Strozier option play to Daniel Burton moved the chains to the 23-yard line setting the Tigers up in scoring position with just 1:22 left in the half. Trey Powell rolled into the endzone just two plays later, but a holding call brought the ball back. Strozier barely overthrew Leland Powell for what could’ve been another touchdown, but even if the pass was caught, another holding penalty would negate the score as the Tigers moved even further back. Facing second down and 21 yards to go, Mansfield’s offense had to find a chink in the Greyhound’s armor. Again, Jeremy Strozier called his own number and plowed ahead for a big gain with just 0:20 left in the half. Even though the Tigers were putting together a good drive, father time waits for no one as the first half ended with Mansfield leading Newport 14-8.
Mansfield deferred the game’s opening coin toss which gave the Tigers offense the ball to start the second half. Coming back into the second half though, the Tigers would be forced to show how seriously the team takes their “next man up” mentality as star running back Daniel Burton was unable to return to the game. Mansfield’s offense started the second half at the ten-yard line. Samuel Burton and Andrew Burton went into beast mode getting a combined 17 yards in the first two plays to move the Tigers into the open field. The Tigers continued to do what they do best and kept swinging the ground and pound hammer to grind down the Greyhound’s defense. Andrew Burton took back-to-back power plays to push the Tigers to the ten-yard line and was followed up on the next play by Jeremy Strozier who plowed his way to the one-yard line. When you need a fourth and one play, Andrew Burton is the man to complete the plan, and Burton executed the plan perfectly by jumping up and flying over the Greyhounds defense for a Tiger touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good but the Tigers were up by two scores now extending their lead to 20-8. The massive 90-yard offensive drive by the Tigers left just Newport’s high-octane offense 3:38 left in the third quarter to try and play catch up. Everyone knows that Newport can score at any time, but the Tiger’s defense stepped up as Dakota Deer forced a big loss with a tackle for loss on third down and eight to go. Newport went for it on fourth down though and converted the pass play for a first down. Just a few plays later Newport made their way into the endzone but couldn’t pull off the two-point conversion to set the score at 20-14 with just 0:52 seconds left in the third quarter. A penalty on the kick return started Mansfield’s offense out at the five-yard line which is where the Tigers would start the final quarter of the game as the third quarter ended with Mansfield leading Newport 20-14.
Mansfield had the lead as the fourth and final quarter started, but pinned with their backs against the goal line wasn’t what the Tigers nor any offense likes to start a drive. Newport’s defense bowed up and stuffed the Tigers on three straight downs to force a fourth-down punt. But the Tigers were spot on with almost every part of the game at that point and remained solid even in the punting department, as Andrew Burton booted the ball 46 yards to flip the field. Mansfield knew they had to close out the game, but to do so they’d have to use their hardnosed defense to shut down the state’s highest-scoring offense. How can that happen, well a turnover helps, and a turnover is exactly what Mansfield got as Trey Powell picked off a Newport pass to give the Tigers offense the ball at their 36-yard line. After a pair of post-play penalties, Mansfield started their offense on the 21-yard line. Jeremy Strozier took a powerful run to give Mansfield a first and goal as the Tigers continued to run the ball and eat up time on the clock. Andrew Burton capitalized on the Tiger’s turnover with a 3-yard dive into the endzone for a Tiger touchdown. Mansfield could not convert the two-point conversion but still had the lead over the Greyhounds with a 26-14 score. Down by two scores, Newport hurried their plays to try and get back into the game, but the rush led to mistakes as Manfield forced a turnover on downs against the Greyhounds with 5:23 left in the ball game. Now with the ball again, the Tigers leaned on clock management and their ground game to close the game out. Andrew Burton gave the Tiger faithful a breath of relief as he plowed in for a 25-yard Tiger touchdown with just 1:00 minute left in the game. Jeremiah Burton put the game’s final score under lock and key with another Tiger interception as Mansfield defeated the Newport Greyhounds with a score of 34-14 in Round2 of the 3A State Playoffs.
The Mansfield Tigers have been underdogs since day one and have embraced that label. When others say they can’t, the Tigers prove that they can. By holding the 3As number one offense to merely 14 points, the Tigers have definitely made it a point to show folks that they can hang with anyone on either side of the ball. With the big win over the Greyhounds, Mansfield will now host a quarterfinal game against the Dumas Bobcats. Dumas (6-6 / 4-3) entered the State Playoffs as a 4Seed out of the 3A-8 but knocked off two perineal powerhouses by beating Camden Harmony Grove and Glen Rose to get to the quarterfinals. If what Dumas has done so far in the playoffs sounds kind of familiar, then just remember the 2023 Mansfield season where the Tigers rolled through two number-one seeds en route to a semifinal appearance. Both teams were pegged as one-and-done programs going into the playoffs, but after making their way through wins that weren’t supposed to happen, both programs still have plenty to prove. As for now though, the Tigers will soak up their big win and prepare for their second consecutive 3A State Quarterfinal game.
Sign Dedication Honors Waldron’s McBryde
A dedication ceremony was held on Sunday afternoon, November 24, in Waldron honoring 2019 CMA New Country Artist of the Year and superstar, Ashley McBryde. A roadside sign alongside Highway 71 north was unveiled honoring her and her Scott County roots.
McBryde was born in Waldron, where her father, Dr. William McBryde, Marty Wilkins, practiced medicine, farmed and preached part-time at Church of Christ meetings. Her mother, Marty Wilkins, read to her every night – a chapter from the Bible and a chapter from a Laura Ingalls Wilder book.
“Our hometown girl, Ashley McBryde, won CMA New Country Artist of the Year,” shared Patti Roets. “Many of us have been enjoying her music for the past few years and love that she has been recognized by such an amazing honor.”
McBryde has turned out multi-hits such as “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” “Bible and a .44,” “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” “Stone,” and “Never Wanted to be That Girl.” She earned one of country music’s crowning achievements when she was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks and was subsequently inducted by Terri Clark on December 10, 2022.
The Waldron Chamber of Commerce President Lorlla Wallace shared her gratitude for the star to be in attendance. “We never thought in a million years we would be able to have her here…I said wouldn’t it be cool if we got some signs and Ashley showed up? And look at her, she’s here…We are so excited!”
Mayor David Millard read a proclamation declaring November 24, 2024, as “Ashley McBryde Day” in the City of Waldron. An emotional McBryde accepted the Key to the City and witnessed the unveiling of the sign honoring her legacy.
McBryde embraced the time spent among family and friends. She posed for photos with Waldron Schools’ choir students, local law enforcement and city officials. “Thank you all so much,” shared McBryde. “This is amazing that we all are here together on a Sunday afternoon–you did a great job.”
Road Project Continues in Witcherville
Work by the Arkansas Department of Transportation continues in the area of Highway 71 and 252 in the Witcherville area. According to Marcus Rainwater, District 4 Construction Engineer, this project will replace the bridge over Prairie Creek and replace the box culvert immediately north of this bridge.
The project was awarded to Mobley Contractors for 8.36 million dollars in February of 2024. The contractor is approximately 20% complete and currently working on the substructure of the bridge. There will be a turning lane constructed as part of this project for southbound 71 traffic turning onto 252.
According to Rainwater, the estimated completion date is December of 2025.
Arrest Reports 11/17
Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Cristian Alfredo Garcia of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 18 at 2:22 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 18 at 8:27 p.m. Garcia was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.
Tristain Skye Henry of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 23 at 11:42 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Henry was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony and Assist Outside Agency-Felony.
Kolton Brook Hughes of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 17 at 9:25 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 17 at 11:19 p.m. Hughes was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 3rd offense.
Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Stephen Auther Hanna of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 6:48 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Hanna was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., two counts of Criminal Trespass – Premises, and two counts of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree.
Christopher Ryan Potter of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 23 at 6:46 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Potter was charged with Parole Violation, and absconding.
Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sherrif’s Department:
Hannah Kadawn Herod of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 5:17 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 23 at 12:01 a.m. Herod was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.
Jeremy Wayne Rogers of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 8:34 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 21 at 10:09 a.m. Rogers was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree- Purposely – 2nd Offense, and Interfering With Emergency Communications – 1st Degree Misdemeanor.
Ricky Von Safford of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 3:38 p.m. and remains at the SCADC on legally sufficient bond. Safford was charged with Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >2g.
Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Jason Lee Lovett of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 1:01 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Lovett was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense, and Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked.
Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Oliver Frith, 34 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 17 at 2:43 a.m. Frith was charged with contempt of court.
Jesse Finney, 35 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 18 at 7:35 p.m. Finney was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Zechariah Reynolds, 42 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 19 at 11:41 p.m. Reynolds was charged with violation of a no contact order and resisting arrest.
William Evans, 40 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 20 at 3:17 p.m. Evans was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
Holly Walker, 48 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 20 at 3:30 p.m. Walker was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
William Barnes, 36 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 21 at 11:51 a.m. Barnes was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence.
Trista Norris, 38 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 21 at 12:05 p.m. Norris was charged with absconding, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, contempt of court and failure to appear.
Summer Simpson, 47 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 21 at 10:55 p.m. Simpson was charge with contempt of court.
Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Geneva Jean Wood, 67 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 17 at 4:51 p.m. Wood was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine.
Seth Andrew Klitzke, 31 of Eureka Springs, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 18 at 5:02 a.m. Klitzke was charged with driving while license suspended, violation of ignition interlock device and disorderly conduct.
Lyndsy Kay Justice, 28 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 18 at 1:59 p.m. Justice was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).
Jason Albert Palczynski, 41 of Checotah, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 19 at 1:12 p.m. Palczynski was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).
Shannon Renae Buchanan, 55 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 19 at 5:29 p.m. Buchanan was charged with public intoxication.
Jerry D Kosier, 39, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 20 at 2:30 a.m. Kosier was charged with possession of meth or cocaine purpose to deliver GT 2GM but LT 10GM, fleeing – on foot, resisting arrest, defective equipment – head lamps, possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine.
Cody Cross, 37 of Alma, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 22 at 2:14 p.m. Cross was charged with parole violation.
Jyerell Earl Lee, 30 of Little Rock, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 22 at 4:28 p.m. Lee was charged with battery-3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes injury, and aggravated assault.
Jeremy Leon Stepp, 44 of Ozone, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 23 at 8:16 a.m. Stepp was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA), absconding / white warrant.
Rodney Glenn Crutchfield, 36 of Coal Hill, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 23 at 8:24 a.m. Crutchfield was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).
Alicia Renae Buchanan, 32 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 23 at 3:51 p.m. Buchanan was charged with failure to appear.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
Razorbacks Become Bowl Eligible
For the second straight week the Razorbacks took some time to get going. Last week against Texas, it was not until the second half when the offense came alive for the Hogs. This week it was under six minutes in the second quarter when the Razorbacks would find the end zone. The Hogs have become bowl eligible with one game remaining on the schedule versus Missouri next Saturday. Razorbacks defeat Louisiana Tech 35-14 on Senior Day
Arkansas opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return that was negated by a penalty, this would be a theme throughout the day as the Razorbacks would make a big play only to have it taken away. QB Taylen Green took to the air on third and long but was intercepted putting the Bulldogs deep into Arkansas territory. On fourth down, La. Tech appeared to go for field goal and earn safe points, instead they faked the kick and ran for a first down. The Arkansas defense again holds the Bulldogs to fourth down this time they kick, and it goes to left.
Arkansas’ next possession started to make progress with a long Taylen Green run, only to be brought back by a penalty. From there the Razorbacks and Bulldogs would trade punts with Louisiana Tech having the ball to run out the first quarter.
The Bulldogs punted to open the second quarter, but the Razorback drive was short lived as they turned the ball over on a Andrew Armstrong fumble. The stout bend but not break Razorback defense once again held Louisiana Tech to punt after Landon Jackson tipped the third down pass. Arkansas took over with 11:45 in the half. Ja’Quinden Jackson had a long run called back, but Andrew Armstrong made up for it with a one-handed catch. Taylen Green would find Isaac Teslaa for the touchdown with 5:49 left in the half. Arkansas up 7-0.
After a Tech punt, Taylen Green would call his own number taking it in for the touchdown with 1:53 left in the first half. The Bulldogs punted again on the next drive, giving Arkansas just over a minute to drive down the field. Taylen Green came up short on a fourth down run, giving the ball back to Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs ran out the rest of the first half clock.
Both teams would trade punts to open the second half. On Tech’s second possession of the half, they would attempt to convert on fourth down only to be met by T.J. Metcalf. Taylen Green would find Isaac Teslaa for touchdown number two in the game, needing only one play to find the end zone. Extra Point was good pushing Arkansas to 21-0 with 9:54 left int the third. Louisiana Tech QB Evan Bullock would be sacked on third down by Linebacker Brad Spence to set up a punt. The fielded punt would be muffed giving the ball back to Tech. An interception in the end zone by Arkansas was negated by a roughing the passer call. Tech would get a Touchdown a few plays later When Evan Bullock found Eli Finley for six. The Bulldogs pulled within fourteen with 3:59 left in the third. Arkansas ran out the clock on the third quarter.
Taylen Green gets rushing touchdown number two with 14:14 left in the game on a twelve-play four minute forty-five second drive. Razorbacks back up twenty-one points leading 28-7. Landon Jackson would come up big again for the Razorbacks, with a sack to set up a punt. Tech had different ideas and faked the punt to get a first down. Their drive would stall there and would come up short on fourth down again. Arkansas punted on their next drive. Assisted by penalties the Bulldogs would drive down the field on the Razorbacks setting up their second score of the night. Evan Bullock threw to Jimmy Holliday for the touchdown, putting the score at 28-14.
Arkansas used Rashod Dubinion to drive down the field, but it was Ja’Quinden Jackson getting it across the goal line for the Razorbacks on their final touchdown of the night. From there Tech turned it over on downs and the Razorbacks ran out the remainder of the clock.
Arkansas only need the ball 28 minutes and 50 seconds to put 35 points on the board. Louisiana Tech held on to the ball just over 31 minutes in the game. Taylen Green finished the game 20/37 for 221 yards with two touchdowns. Rashod Dubinion led the rushing attack with 112 yards on 15 carries. Andrew Armstrong was the leading receiver with 81 yards on 8 catches.
Mansfield City Council Approves 2025 Budget
The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, November 21 at 6 p.m. 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, Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker and City Attorney Travis Plummer.
After calling the meeting to order members of the council approved the minutes and financials presented from the October meeting and the special called meeting on November 14. Next, the council heard the city services reports.
Mayor Black reminded everyone in the audience that this was an official meeting and asked that comments and questions held until the appropriate and allotted time according to the agenda.
Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 56 calls, seven fire and 29 EMS, noting “we have had a busy month so far.” Smith stated that the November election for the Scott County side (voting center at the Mansfield fire station) went well. Now, Smith stated, they are getting ready for the Christmas parade and the West Fraser sponsored turkey and ham give away to be held at the fire station (December 11 at 10 a.m. until gone). Lastly, Smith stated that all trucks were up and running, and that as of November 18, he had worked a total of 200 plus hours for the month.
Next, the police department report. Mayor Black reminded everyone that Chief Wayne Robb would be retiring next month, and that he had hired a new Chief of Police, Wyatt McIntyre. McIntyre’s first day on the job is slated for December 9.
Chief Robb reported a total of 38 calls, 10 agency assists, four school calls, three medical calls, five total incident and arrest reports, one total accident report, one DWI arrest, two adult arrests and two animal calls. In Scott County, there were 12 citations, and 15 violations issued. In Sebastian County, there were five citations, and nine violations issued, including one felony and one misdemeanor arrest.
Public Works Director Derek Pollard reported 120 service orders completed, 59 One Call requests complete, eight water leaks repaired, one sewer line jetted and cleared, one sewer main repaired and that the Christmas decorations had been hung up. Pollard also updated the council on the R&R gas line project, noting that it was ongoing and working in phase two.
In matters of unfinished business, the council approved the purchase of two new pumps and motors for the pump station.
Mayor Black updated the council on the smoke test results, noting that it was worse than they thought with 84 sites or leaks. Black added that he had contacted WHO engineering and they are preparing a proposal to address those.
In matters of new business, the presentation of the 2025 budget. Councilman Farmer made the motion to approve the budget, Lyons seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
At this time, the council approved the 3% raise across the board for all city employees. The motion was made and unanimously passed to include the mayor and city recorder in that pay raise. Black noted that he had included a $300 per month pay raise for the fire chief, noting, “he deserves more than that for what he does for the city.” Councilwoman Thomas inquired about the raises for the volunteer members. After some discussion, it was decided to give the volunteers a $5 increase in incident pay. Officer pay per incident is now $30 and members $25. Meeting pay is $15 for officers and $10 for members.
Councilwoman Lyons inquired what other departments were paying their members, Smith noted that he was not aware of that. They would go on to discuss how many members attend meetings, to which Smith stated usually there are five, including himself. Among the discussion, training time for the members. “The trouble is, not enough people are willing to show up for classes for us to get an academy instructor to come,” stated Smith.
Next, the consideration of the retired elected official’s annual increase. Councilman Steele made the motion to take no action, Lyons seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilman Hurt would abstain. Voting to take no action: Steele, Thomas, Hopkins, and Lyons. Opposing that vote, Councilman Farmer.
Before adjourning, the announcement was made about the upcoming Christmas parade on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. with beans and cornbread served at noon. Also, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held on December 6 at 6 p.m.