Commercially prepared birdhouses shaped like cabins and decorated like a Hilton may be nice yard ornaments, but many go unnoticed by the songbirds people are trying to attract. The best bluebird houses often are crafted by hand, and rarely take more than a single 6-foot board, a handful of nails and some quality time with family members.
The AGFC has an easy nest box plan available at www.agfc.com/brochures ideal for an afternoon or weekend project. It takes minimal skills with a saw and hammer, and will be a fun addition to your yard for many years to come. A few cuts, some nails and one drilled entrance hole is all it takes to put together this basic home that will invite songbirds to stay a while and raise a family.
Many people want to extend the project by painting their birdhouse, but there’s no need to do so. White paint may make it slightly cooler in the summer, but can actually be a hindrance to birds using it. Some paints can be toxic to adult and juvenile birds. Lingering paint fumes also may keep the birds away until the birdhouse has been out for months, leading to some frustration from eager viewers. Keeping it basic is best, and cavity nesters like bluebirds will appreciate the natural touch.
Another bluebird house blunder is adding a perch near the opening. You might think you’re helping the bluebirds that will take up residence, but they don’t need the perch. Predatory birds who will destroy the bluebird’s nest, like house sparrows, will use the perch. The extra ledge also makes it easier for other nest predators to climb up and into the bluebird’s cozy home.
Be sure to include a couple of small holes in the bottom of the box to let water drain and a hole or two in the side near the top of the box to let air vent during summer.
Many songbirds like to nest where forests meet fields. This “edge” offers fast access to food as well as shelter. Bluebirds, in particular, nest in objects 4 to 6 feet off the ground close to the open side of the “edge,” such as fencerows. They even use the fence as a hunting perch to look for grasshoppers, katydids and other insects. Some gardeners like to put bluebird boxes near their gardens. The birds won’t touch your vegetables, and they eat hornworms, katydids and grasshoppers that can ravage your tomato crop.
Be careful to keep your bluebird house away from possible harm from predators. Raccoons, snakes and squirrels will destroy bluebird nests and eat the eggs. The largest threat to both mother bluebird and her chicks is the common housecat. Try to mount the box far enough from branches and fences so that a nest predator can’t jump on the box or stick a paw through the entrance, and keep the cat indoors. The best practice is to keep at least a foot of cleared area in all directions from the birdhouse. You can place it on a post or mount it to a piece of 1-inch diameter conduit pipe to make sure you have enough clearance from predators. The pipe may not look as appealing as mounting on a tree, but it helps prevent climbing species from getting to the nest inside.
The hard part comes after you’ve hung the birdhouse in a promising location — you have to wait. Sometimes birds may move in within days, but some birdhouses may sit vacant for a few months before birds find your offering. Resist the urge to open the box every day to see if there’s a bird inside. If they haven’t laid eggs and committed to the nest, you’ll likely scare them away. If you must take a quick peek, wait until the birds have finished laying their eggs.
It may seem like torture waiting for the birds to arrive, but once they do, the whole process is pretty fast. A pair of bluebirds can build their nest in a couple of days. The female will lay one egg per day until she has 4 to 6 eggs in the nest. Once the last egg is laid, the female and male will take turns incubating the eggs for 12-15 days before they hatch. The fully fledged chicks will emerge from the box 15-18 days later, but they often stay near the birdhouse with their parents until they are ready to venture out on their own.
There’s really no need to dump the old nest once the chicks have left the home. Adult bluebirds will clean it out and reuse the box up to four times in one year. Eastern bluebirds have been seen using nest boxes as late as August in Arkansas, so the best practice is to keep your distance and admire them from a safe distance.
Even though it’s called a bluebird box, there’s no telling what songbird may come calling. Carolina chickadees, Carolina wrens, tufted titmice and even an occasional tree swallow may take up residence. You may even open the box one morning to find a flying squirrel tucked away inside.
The Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame will induct its 29th class during a 6:30 p.m. banquet May 31 in the Silver City Ballroom of the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock.
All of the eight inductees are connected to Arkansas as track and field athletes or coaches.
“This year’s class features two highly successful active collegiate coaches and two retired high school coaches with a combined total of more than 100 years of coaching tenure in Arkansas schools,” said Ernest Miller, president of the ATFHF. “In their careers they produced, and are still producing, championships and guiding athletes to successful careers. This class is also strong on sprints/jumps with inductees having strong collegiate careers.”
The active collegiate coaches include Lonnie Greene who spent 16 seasons as a sprint, hurdles and jumps coach for the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks. During his tenure in Fayetteville his athletes set over 25 school records while helping the team to several SEC Championships. Since leaving Arkansas he has served as Head Track Coach at Purdue University and is currently the Head Track Coach at the University of Kentucky. Jim Patchell is a Heber Springs native and graduate of Arkansas State University. While at A-State he was a sprinter and hurdler and upon graduation began his career as a grad assistant working with sprints and hurdles. Before returning to his alma mater in 2011, he had coaching stops at Tulane University and Campbell University in North Carolina. Since arriving at A-State is teams have won several Sun Belt Conference Championships.
Retired high school coaches include Greenwood native John Mackey who had a coaching stop at Corning before moving to Mansfield for the remainder of his coaching career. In 2010, his program won the Lowell Manning Award for outstanding girl’s track program in the State of Arkansas, and twice Mackey was named the AAA Girl’s Track Coach of the Year; Diane Treadway was recruited in 1981 to run both cross country and track at Arkansas College, now known as Lyon College. While representing AC, she earned NAIA All-American honors in both cross country and outdoor track. In a long coaching career at Batesville High School, she had a run of seven consecutive State Championships in girls’ cross country.
The class also includes Nate Krig, a three-year letterman at the University of Central Arkansas and an Honorable Mention All-American in 1969. While at UCA he set personal school and AIC Records in the 100, and 220- yard dashes. He was inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame in 2013; Andrew Irwin, Mount Ida H.S and University of Arkansas pole vaulter. At Mt. Ida he was two time Meet of Champions winner and set the National High School Indoor record of 17’09.25”. At the UA he was three- time SEC Indoor Champion and two- time SEC Outdoor Champion setting the school record of 18’09.25”; Whitney Jones, Searcy HS and University of Arkansas was an outstanding sprinter/jumper at the HS and Collegiate level. AT Searcy she was three-time State Champion in the 100m, 200m, Long Jump, and Triple Jump, and at UA she was a fifteen-time All-American and four-time SEC Champion.
Also to be honored is Rod Newton, Crossett HS, Wallace State College, and Mississippi State University. At Crossett HS he was two-time High Jump State Champion and State Meet High Jump record holder at 7’ ½”. While attending Wallace State he was a two-time JC All-American in the in High Jump and at MSU he set the school record in the high jump at 7’4 ½” while earning All-SEC Honors. He participated in the 2000 US Olympic Team Trials.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 per person ($52 if purchased by credit card) or $400 for a table of 8. Orders for tickets should be mailed or emailed to Leon White, 34 Margeaux Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223, leonandbethwhite@gmail.com and must be received by May 26 to be guaranteed. Tickets may be picked up at the ATFHF registration desk after 5 p.m. May 31.
For more information, contact Miller at (501) 472-7599.
My children loved the toy and would ride it for hours, bouncing up and down and traveling to whatever worlds and places were in their young minds. I could identify with them, having traveled the same road and places some twenty years before. The Wonder Horse was one of a kind toy, an animal shaped figure that rocked back and forth and up and down. My kids would ride it until exhausted and, at times, were known to fall asleep in the saddle. A favorite toy for over fifty years, the Wonder Horse was created and patented right here in Arkansas.
William “Bill” Baltz was an engineer and surveyor for Randolph County, Arkansas. His young 3-year old son Billy was turning three in December of 1939. At fifty-one years of age, Mr. Baltz realized he was getting to old to bounce the young boy on his knee, imitating the trot of a horse. An inventor and tinkerer, he decided to devise a toy that could do the work for him. Working at home with old cypress floor joists and packing crates, he devised a horse shaped toy suspended on four post by thick, heavy springs. Handles connected to the side of the horse’s head allowed a young rider to bounce, rocking back and forth and up and down. Because Arkansas was then known as the “Wonder State,” Baltz named the horse the Wonder Horse.
The toy was an immediate hit with his kids. They would sit the horse out in their yard in downtown Pocahontas and take turns bouncing back and forth for hours. Passerby noticed the toy and began to stop by and get Bill to make one for their family. By 1950, he was making 50 horses a day in this basement shop but could not keep up with demand. Baltz applied for and received a patent in 1945 and A.G. Manning, owner of Associated Woodworks of Memphis, bought the patent and began making various models of the Wonder Horse. Some of the models of the horse began to utilize hard plastic in place of wood and deluxe models sold for as much as $29.95. Advertisements described the horse as a toy with many speeds and gaits and promised that children using it would develop rhythm and muscle coordination. One advertisement promised that the battery-free horse would run for hours on the energy supplied by a few chocolate chip cookies.
The Wonder Horse harkens back to a simpler time and age. Reminded on line or in a conversation about the horse, people will begin to tale favorite tales of growing up and of the Wonder Horse they bounced on as a kid. Thousands were made, and many were passed on to children and grandchildren on as family heirlooms. Many attics still contain the old models and are prized by antique collectors. The price for the newer models starts at around $350 and the price increases quickly by age.
Baltz, a man of humble German-migrant origin who couldn’t speak English until he was nine years old, did pretty well for himself. Successful as a surveyor and store owner even before his invention, he made enough money to raise a large family and to purchase a 1,500-acre farm in Randolph County. He died in 1979 at the age of 90 and credited his long and healthy life to the fact that he “never smoked and never drank whiskey.” A large display in the Randolph County Museum is dedicated to his invention but don’t expect to see the Baltz original. Like the add said, the Wonder Horse will outlast your family car. The original is still in the Baltz family, but several early models can be seen at the museum.
William Bill Baltz
Of enterprising and industrious stock, the large Baltz family spread across the state. Dennis Baltz, a nephew, became co-owner and operator of the large C. V’s IGA grocery stores. Others are farmers and businessmen but all have the creative knack. Talking to the wife of my friend Bill Baltz, a nephew of the original William, she explained, “The Baltz just have the knack, they can take anything and make something that works out of it.” The Wonder Horse stands as testament to that, an outstanding example of Arkansas enterprise and ingenuity.
The news of the Family Dollar Store closing spread across our small town rapidly, and there’s no wonder that our children, too, wanted to share in that news. Mansfield Elementary teachers Merissa Buchanan and Alexandria Hudson shared what their fourth-grade students felt the future of that property should be.
Roller Skating Do you like roller skating? In my opinion the dollar store should be a roller-skating rink. It would be a family fun. We can get good exercise. In this essay you will read why a skating rink is good for Mansfield. First, a skating rink would be a family fun. There are no places for family fun. There are flashing lights, people like flashing lights with a disco ball. In conclusion, a skating rink is family fun. It also is good exercise. As you can see Mansfield needs a skating rink. By Emmitt Ms. Buchanan’s 4th grade class
Cheesecake Factory Here We Come! Do you like cheesecake? In my opinion the Family Dollar should be turned into a Cheesecake Factory, because they will never go out of business. Also if you run out of money you can get hired and make so much money so then you will never run out of money. In this essay you will read about why we should turn the Family Dollar into a Cheesecake Factory. First, the Family Dollar should turn into a Cheesecake Factory, because they will never go out of business first everybody loves food and second they have cheesecake. I think this because if the Family Dollar went out of business they do not want to go out of business again. Turn it into a Cheesecake Factory and I promise it will not go out of business. This shows that it would be a good benefit for everyone, especially in the town. Secondly, if you run out of money you can get hired and make soo much money so then you will never run out of money. If you’re a food runner you can make $28.85 per hour. This shows the Cheesecake Factory helps you make more money to provide for you and your family. In conclusion, our town should have a Cheesecake Factory. They will never go out of business and employees will make soo much money. As you can see Mansfield needs a Cheesecake Factory. By, JoJo Ms.Buchanan 4th grade class
If I had a Waterpark. If you had a Waterpark what would you do with it? In my opinion the Family Dollar should be a waterpark. It would be fun, cool, and awesome. Also, it would be family fun. Now you know we need a Waterpark. why do I want a waterpark because I really love to swim, but here it doesn’t have a lot of pool so it makes me sad. But. In my Waterpark it will have three lifeguards on each activity. It will have a lazy river pool, pool wave, hot tub, drop slide, and a kitty pool. One time I was in a pool and it took three hours to get there and it was not fun. firstly It will be good for people to not drive for three hours and waste gas.secondy.it be inside so you can go in any weather and any time .in my opinion we should have a Waterpark so you don’t lose gas and you can go in any weather. By, Lilah Ms. Buchanan’s 4th Grade Class
The new Mexican restaurant! Do you like Mexican food? In my opinion the old Dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant. I think the old Dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant, because there is no other good food in Mansfield. Another reason is it brings more people to our town. In this essay you are going to read about more reasons why I think the old Dollar Store should become a Mexican restaurant. In the first place, I think the old Dollar Store should be a Mexican restaurant because there is no other good food in Mansfield. For example my family wants Mexican food, but it takes 25 minutes to get to the closest Mexican restaurant in Greenwood. This shows that if we got a Mexican restaurant there would be good food in Mansfield. Secondly, it brings more people to our town. It would bring more people from Booneville and Hackett to come eat at our Mexican restaurant. When people come to eat at our Mexican restaurant in Mansfield they would want to go to other places in Mansfield, and that will give other business money. This shows a Mexican restaurant would be good for our area. In conclusion, Mansfield should have a Mansfield restaurant. I think this, because there is no other good food in Mansfield. Another reason is it brings more people to our town. As you can see Mansfield needs a Mexican restaurant so badly. By, Raelynn Ms. Buchananan’s 4th grade class
Candy Shop I think that the Family Dollar should be a candy store. In my opinion the Family Dollar should be a candy shop. I think this, because kids like eating candy. I also think that it should be a candy shop, because it will keep our new dentist Dr. Bishop busy. In this essay you learn why the Dollar Store should be a candy shop. In the first place, we should have a candy shop, because kids like to eat candy. Personally I like Kit Kats and M&Ms. They are delicious to eat, and candy makes me have energy. Kids could have birthdays there and have a fun time. The store is big so we can have lots of different kinds of candy in the store. This shows we need a candy store. Also, we need a candy shop because it keeps Dr. Bishop busy. He is new in town and he needs new business. With the new candy shop there will be a lot of cavities and we will need Dr. Bishop. This shows that a candy shop is important. In conclusion Mansfield should have a candy shop. Mansfiled should have a candy shop. Because kids like to eat lots of candy. We should also have a candy shop, because it is job security for Dr. Bishop. As you can see our town needs a candy shop. By, Myla Ms. Buchanan 4th Grade Class
Out with the Old, In with the New!!! If you had the choice, what would you turn the old Family Dollar building into? In my opinion, I think the Family Dollar should be a Boys and Girls Club. I think this because if a parent has to go to work they can drop their kid off at the Boys and Girls club. I also think this because the staff can help kids with their homework. In this essay you will learn why we need a boys and girls club. In the first place, we should have a Boys and Girls Club, because if a parent has to go to work the Boys and Girls club is there. The parent can drop the kids off at the boys and girls club, instead of leaving them at home or finding a babysitter. Because there are adults there. This shows that the old Family Dollar should be a boys and girls club. Secondly, The Boys and Girls club is staff and helpful because we can help your kid with homework. For example, if a kid doesn’t know how to do their homework the staff can help them. This shows having a Boys and Girls Club would be good for kids. In conclusion, the Family Dollar should be a Boys and Girls Club. I think this because if a parent has to go to work they can drop their kid off at the Boys and Girls club. I also think this because the staff can help kids with their homework. As you can see we need a Boys and Girls Club. By, Emerson Ms. Buchanan’s 4th Grade Class
What should the Dollar Store be? What do you want the Dollar Store to be? In my opinion the dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant. I think the family dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant because you wouldn’t have to drive to Greenwood. I also think it should be a Mexican restaurant because it can make more money for the town. In this essay you will read about why the family dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant. First, I think the family dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant, because you won’t have to drive to Greenwood to eat Mexican. The closest Mexican Restaurant is 20 minutes away. When my family and I go to eat at the closest Mexican restaurant it takes forever to get there. If Mansfield turned the Family Dollar into a Mexican restaurant it would be right by my house. This shows that it would be covenant for the people of Mansfield. Secondly, I think we should make the Dollar Store a Mexican restaurant, because it will make more money for the town. I know this, because it will bring people from different towns to eat at the Mexican restaurant. it will also cause them to stop at other places too. This shows that it will be good for our town. Finally, I think the Dollar Store should be a Mexican restaurant. I think the dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant, because it will be closest to my house. I think it should be a Mexican restaurant because it can bring people in from different towns and get the town more money. This is why it should be a Mexican restaurant. By, Clayton Ms. Buchanan’s 4th grade class
What do you think the Dollar Store should be? Do you like eating Mexican food? In my opinion, I think that The Family Dollar should be a Mexican restaurant. I think this because it would bring in more people in the city of Mansfield. Another reason is that there’s more places to eat and it would be Family fun. InIn this essay you will read why the Family Dollar store should be a Mexican restaurant. First, I think this because it would bring more people to Mansfield towns like Hacket and Booval so they can come to eat at the Mexican food so we can get more money so we can have more this shows that it would be more convenient to have one down the street and not having to drive 20 minutes. and if we don’t have a Mexican place, we would have to have to go to greenwood which takes 20 minutes and if we didn’t have a Mexican restaurant and you wanted to take it home it would be cold by the time you reached your house. Finally I think we should have a Mexican restaurant because I think it would bring people from towns and it would be family fun. By, Jamie Ms. Buchanan’s 4th Grade Class
Dollar store What do you think the Dollar store should turn into? In my opinion it should be a Walmart. I think this, because Walmart has a lot of things. Another reason is we need a Walmart closer to Mansfield. In this essay you will read about why the Dollar store should be a Walmart. First, I think the Dollar Store should become a Walmart, because Walmart has a lot of things that we need to buy and use. For example, Walmart has fresh fruit, gardening tools, and toys. This shows that Mansfield needs a walmart. Second, I think Mansfield should have a Walmart, because it would be closer. The closest Walmart is in Greenwood and sometimes you even have to drive to Fort Smith. This would help people save gas. As you can see Mansfield needs a Walmart. In conclusion, Mansfield needs a Walmart. I think this because it has lots of things we need. We also need a Walmart, so it will be closer. As you can see Mansfield would benefit from a Walmart. By, Joseph Ms. Buchanan’s 4th Grade Class
The New and Improved Trampoline Park Dollar Store! Do you want a new and improved Dollar Store then the one you already have? In my opinion, the Dollar Store should be a big Trampoline Park! I think the Dollar Store should be a big Trampoline park because after a hard day of work or school you have something to have fun with. I think this because some people need something to take away stress, and this could be the perfect thing as a resource. In this essay you will read that a big Trampoline Park as a Dollar Store is the perfect for releasing stress and having something fun to do! In the first place, I think the Dollar Store should be a big Trampoline Park because after a hard day of work or school you have something to have fun with. From personal experience, I have a trampoline and every time I get bored I go and do round offs and all the tricks I can do and it always makes me non bored! This shows that a trampoline makes you less bored and you have fun on it as well. Furthermore, I think this because some people need something to take away stress, and this could be the perfect thing as a resource. From personal experience, when I get really angry, I go to my trampoline and I do all the tricks and keep going and going and going till I feel better and it surprisingly works. This shows that for some people going on a trampoline can help release stress. In conclusion, we should have a Trampoline Park as a new and improved Dollar Store instead of a crusty musty Dollar Store. A Trampoline Park would be so much better than a Dollar Store, It can reduce stress and it is more fun than shopping and it being a pain for what you’re looking for and you can just go in there and have fun and everything. Ms. Buchanan 4th grade class
What should the Family Dollar be? Did you know that more Family Dollars are shutting down? In my opinion, the Family Dollar in Mansfield, AR should be a Mexican restaurant. First, I play a lot of sports, and sometimes it’s nice to just relax and eat good Mexican food. With one local, it would be much easier instead of traveling somewhere else to get it. It could reap lots of money if I came a lot. Also, around 86% of the American population enjoys Mexican food. As you read throughout this essay, you will find more information on why we should make the Family Dollar a Mexican restaurant. In the first place, after each practice I am hungry. Most of the time I’m craving Mexican Food. It is hard to travel to other places just to get Mexican food. In support of this,if I came to the Mexican place after each practice, or even game, it would reap lots of money. This shows that we should have a Mexican restaurant because it could provide lots of money. Secondly, about 86% of the population enjoys Mexican food. As evidence, Statista says, “Around 86 percent of respondents in the United States reported liking the typical food from that Latin American country.” In other words, Statista is saying that a good amount of people like Mexican food. This shows that we should turn the Family Dollar into a Mexican restaurant because a lot of people enjoy it. In conclusion, my opinion states that Family Dollar Should be a Mexican restaurant. There are two reasons that support my opinion. For one, after my practices, I am usually hungry, and sometimes want Mexican food. If we had one local, it would make a lot, and provide lots of money if I came weekly. Also, about 86% of the American population enjoy Mexican food. Because of my reasoning and support above, the Family Dollar located in Mansfield, AR should now be a Mexican restaurant. I hope this inspires you to make a wonderful, delicious Mexican restaurant! By, Raelyn Ms. Buchanan 4th Grade Class
Take it Down Do you want to save the Earth? In my opinion the Dollar Stores should be taken down. I think the Dollar store should be taken down, because the materials can be recycled. I also think that it should be taken down, because it will create an empty lot. In this essay you will learn the reason why we take down the Dollar Store. First, I think the Dollar Store should be taken down, because the materials can be recycled. For example, we could expand the carwash with the materials, or fix the bridge at the elementary school. We could use the materials to help fix someone’s house. The shows if we take the Dollar Store down it could be used for good. Secondly, I think the Dollar Store should be taken down because it will create an empty lot. The empty lot can be used for anything. For example, it can be used for a house, a hospital, bike shop, or a Pizza Hut. This shows creating an empty lot could be good for our town. In conclusion The Dollar Store should be taken down. Dollar stores should be taken down, because the materials can be recycled. It should be taken down to make an empty lot. As you can see there are many good reasons that the dollar store should be taken down. By, Zayden Ms. Buchanan’s 4th Grade Class
The new Skating rink What do you think the new Family dollar should be? In my opinion, the Family dollar should become a Skating rink. I think the Family dollar should be a Skating rink, because there is not a Skating rink in Mansfield. Another reason is, It will bring more business to Mansfield. In this opinion essay you will read about why it should become a Skating rink. In the first place, I think the Family Dollar should be a Skating rink because there is not one in Mansfield. There is no place where a family can bond and have fun and have a birthday party there. This shows Mansfield needs a Skating rink. Secondly, I think the Family dollar should be a Skating rink because it will bring more business to Mansfield. In Hartford, Mansfield, Hacket, and Bonanza go to the Rink for fun and birthday parties, and the nearest Skating rink is in Fort Smith. This shows There should be a Skating rink. In conclusion, Mansfield needs a Skating rink. Mansfield does not have one. It will bring more business to Mansfield. As you can see Mansfield needs a Skating rink. By, Jacob Ms. Buchanan’s 4th grade class.
Family Dollar Change. What do you think the Family Dollar should be turned into? In my opinion, the Family Dollar should be turned into an indoor skate park where you can buy drinks, snacks, and food at. I think the Family Dollar should be turned into an indoor skate park because, if it’s raining you can skate inside. Also, if you didn’t bring a drink or snack you can buy one. In this essay, you will see why I think Family Dollar should be an indoor skate park. First, if it’s raining and you don’t want to skate in the rain you could skate inside. I think this because if you skate in the rain it can rust up your wheels and you would get soaked. You could slip and fall and it could be a safety hazard. This shows why someone wouldn’t want to skate in the rain. Second, if you forget to bring a drink or snack you could buy one at the skatepark. Since the skatepark has drinks, snacks, and food you can buy some instead of leaving and going to the store. Also,you could have a birthday party and buy pizza and you could have fun skating around. This shows how you could get snacks or drinks if you forget your own without leaving. In conclusion, I think the Family Dollar should be a skate park because of the reasons above. First, if it’s raining you could skate inside without messing up your skates. Second, if you forget your snack or drink you could buy one there without leaving. As you can see we should replace the Family Dollar with a skating park. By, Alexander Ms. Buchanan’s 4th Grade Class
Skating Rink What did you want the Family Dollar to be? In my opinion the Family Dollar should be a skating rink. I think it should be a skating rink, because it allows kids to have fun. I also think the Family Dollar should be a skating rink, because it will bring more people to Mansfield. In this essay you will read about why Family Dollar should become a skating rink. In the first place, I think the Family Dollar should be a skating rink because it allows kids to have fun. When I was at a skating rink I had fun and a good time. However, we had to drive a long way to get there. This shows that we should have more places to go and have fun. Secondly, We should have a skating rink because it will bring more people to Mansfield. If more people come to our town we can have more business in Mansfield. This shows that we should have a skating rink to get more people to Mansfield. In conclusion we should have a skating rink because it will give kids places to go and have fun. It will also bring more people to Mansfield. This is why we should have a skating rink in Mansfield. By, Mackynzie Ms. Buchanan’s 4th grade class
Taylor swift store Do you like Taylor swift? In my opinion the Dollar Store should be called the Taylor swift store. I think this because I love Taylor swift. Another reason is that some people like Taylor Swift too. I think it could be the best store in the world. In this easy you will see that if Taylor swift store was real. Furthermore, I think the Dollar Store should be called taylor swift store, because I like Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift is cool and she sings my favorite songs. This could be good for Mansfield, because people will want to go to the Taylor Swift store. This shows Mansfield needs a Taylor Swift store. Secondly, another reason is that other people like Taylor Swift too. Some people might want a taylor swift shirt or cup and they can get it from this store. This almost might cause Taylor Swift to come and visit the store. This shows that we should have a Taylor Swift Store in Mansfield. In conclusion, the Dollar Store should be called the Taylor swift store. I think this because I love Taylor Swift. Another reason is some people also like Taylor Swift. As you can see we need a Taylor Swift store. By, Kreadence Ms. Buchanan’s 4th grade Class
What should the Family Dollar be? Do you like Mexican food? In my opinion the Family Dollar should be a Mexican restaurant. I think the Family Dollar should become a Mexican restaurant, because there can be more places to eat in Mansfield. Another reason is because it can bring more money for Mansfield. In this essay you will learn why the Family Dollar should become a Mexican restaurant. In first place, I think the Family Dollar should become a Mexican restaurant, because there can be more places to eat in Mansfield. I think this because in Mansfield there are only 5 restaurants to eat at. Having a new restaurant will have more variety. This shows that a Mexican restaurant would be good for our town. Also, another reason is because it can bring more money for Mansfield. This restaurant will bring more people into Mansfield. After these people eat they will want to do some shopping and spend more money. This shows that if you have a good place to eat then they will go to another place in Mansfield to get a lot of money. In conclusion, Mansfield should have a Mexican in Mansfield. In first place, I think the Family Dollar should become a Mexican restaurant because there can be more places to eat in Mansfield. Also, another reason is because it can bring more money for Mansfield. As you can see Mansfield can use a Mexican restaurant in Mansfield to get money. By, Hadleigh Ms. Buchanan’s 4th grade class
A Spartan It would be fun for kids! Because instead of driving all the way to Fort Smith to go into spartan and pay a lot. You would get paid a lot because it would make a lot of people come and have fun! The spartan has a little games spot and some challenges that let you stay for a little bit longer or something free from the food bare. It would attract people. And people on the go if they do go through Mansfield can stop and have some fun and get all their energy out and mite fall asleep on the ride. People that are visiting their family can go to the spartan and have a blast then go eat some food.If you build it a lot of people would be happy. If you build it I will go to a medley. Because the places in Fort Smith are expensive and one in Mansfield would make me happy and excited I would go to a meatley and go have a blast. And I would invite my family and go and have some fun. Then go eat some food then go home and want to go back and play some more. So please make it. And if i have courses i will make my mom have us go. And if we make it we will have a blast eat and go back to having fun. Then i will go home and wish i was still there. Then the next day try to go back and have more fun. If you do make it. I will go and have a blast. By, Nathaniel Ms. Hudson’s 4th Grade Class
INDOOR WATER PARK! What do you want the Family Tree to be? I want it to be an indoor water park. An indoor water park could be before the end of the school year summer field trip. It could be a fun vacation for a family to enjoy together. An indoor waterpark would be so much fun. An indoor water park could be before the end of the school year summer field trip. In fact, sometimes schools go to water parks at the end of the school year. After almost a year of school I would like to go to a water park. I think an indoor water park would be perfect for a field trip. An indoor water park is a good idea to put it beside. It could be a fun vacation for a family to enjoy together. In fact, they could be happy because they could have fun in the indoor water park. I went to a water park with my family before. Being at an indoor water park with your family is fun. Indoor water parks save your kids from getting sunburned. That is why you should turn Family Tree into an indoor water park. Indoor water parks are safe for kids. Indoor water parks are fun. Indoor water parks are safe. You do not get sunburned in an indoor water park. By, Faith Ms. Hudson’s 4th Grade Class
What will the family dollar become? I think that we should make it a roller coaster park. I think that because there aren’t any roller coasters anywhere near Mansfield. And the people that work there would get a lot of money because everyone would want to ride the roller coaster. It will make a lot of people happy. So I think it would be better for everyone. It would make everyone happy because there aren’t any roller coasters anywhere near Mansfield. And if they are like me then it would make everyone that likes roller coasters very happy. But I don’t just mean the little baby ones, I mean the ones that go upside down! Yes there can be ones for baby‘s but we need ones that kids my age enjoy. And I enjoy the ones that spin and go upside down. It will be so awesome! And I bet that everyone that LOVE’S roller coasters will be so overjoyed that they will go so often that they may seem like they are there every day! I also bet that the people that work there will make a lot of money. But that is not why I want it to turn into a roller coaster park. I want it to be a roller coaster park because people would love it. It would save time and it will make people much happier that they don’t have to be on the road for a long time. So I think we should turn it into a roller coaster park but we don’t have to. I just think that almost everyone would like to have a place that is close and has roller coasters. It is ok if it is not going to be a roller coaster park but I think people would love to have roller coasters closer than a few hours away. So that is my opinion. And I hope that people will take my idea into consideration. So thank you. By, Meaghan Ms. Hudson’s 4th Grade Class
I think that the old Family Dollar Dollar Tree should be the old Walmart that used to be there. I think that the old Family Dollar Dollar Tree should be a Walmart. Because it has a lot more stuff and we need a Walmart near us. And when you don’t feel like going so far away from home you can just go into town. That’s why I think it should be a Walmart. But not everyone has the same opinion and I understand that but it’s just my opinion. Because it has a lot more stuff and we need a Walmart near us. Walmart would be a good store around here. We need one very badly. It would be good to have a Walmart around here. What would be good to have about Walmart is that you can go grocery shopping and it will be like 10-20 minutes away. And when you don’t feel like going so far away from home you can just go into town. But not everyone has the same opinion and I understand that but it’s just my opinion. Walmart would only be a couple of minutes away but that’s good. Walmart needs to be closer. It’s too far away. Walmart is better when it’s closer to your area. And that’s why I think Walmart should be in that spot. Life would be easier. Walmart needs to be closer. And it won’t be far away. That’s why I think it should be a Walmart. But not everyone has the same opinion and I understand that but it’s just my opinion. So please make it a Walmart. I hope y’all enjoyed it, please use some ideas. Thank you. The End. By, Serenity Ms. Hudson’s 4th Grade Class
The Greenwood City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, April 1. Members of the council present included Rod Powell, Roger Rainwater, Tim Terry, Ralph Meeker, and A.C. Brown Jr. Also in attendance, Mayor Doug Kinslow and City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry.
In the public forum, residents Sarah Collins and Cameron Keller addressed the council, expressing interest in filling the seat of Alderman Daniel McDaniel, who submitted his resignation on Thursday, March 28.
“I would like to get the business of the council vacancy out of the way,” stated Kinslow, who stated he had spoken with the city attorney and the Arkansas Municiple league about the resignation. “What we haven’t done yet, we have not accepted his resignation…I was caught off guard, he resigned effective immediately via email…I won’t go into details about why he wanted to resign.”
The council discussed the possibility of speaking with McDaniel in hopes that he would return. The council ultimately voted “no” on declaring a vacancy for his seat. That gives the council an additional 30 days before having to declare a vacancy.
The unanimous “no” vote by the city council was met with applause from the audience. City Attorney Travis Plummer was researching the legal means going forward after the council failed to accept McDaniel’s resignation.
The long awaited winter racing off-season is finally over. While Arrowhead Speedway in Colcord, Ok and Crawford County Speedway in Cedarville, AR started their seasons already. It is now Tri-State Speedway’s turn this weekend with the Ninety 9 Nationals.
The USRA sanctioned track in Pocola, Ok plays host to the Ninety 9 Nationals by KR Promotions and Live Streamed on Race On. The three day event, while centered around the ever-growing B-Modified class, will also include USRA Stock Car and Factory Stock. 33 B-Mods will be racing for 33 laps in the Feature race. With drivers from all over the country converging on Pocola, OK , this is going to be a must-see event.
Running down through the rest of the Tri-State Speedway schedule, there are several dates to circle. The 45th Annual Cecil Harlan Kegger, includes national modified touring series USMTS for the Saturday portion of the event. Missing from the 2023 schedule, the USMTS Juggernaut returns and will have a who’s who of open-wheel dirt modified racing. The dates for that race are April 19th through the 20th.
USRA Weekly Series racing gets their first date of the year on April 27th. While the four weekly USRA classes of Sunoco Factory Stocks, Medieval Chassis USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, and USRA Modifieds will race alongside the specials for the year in a couple different combinations. This will be the first of nine standalone dates not tied to a Special. The other dates are; 5/11, 6/1, 6/15, 7/20, 8/3, 8/24, and 9/14. All culminating for the 54th Annual Tillman Evans Points Championships that will also feature Sooner Late Models on Sept. 28th.
The Steel Horse Shootout that is ran in conjunction with the Steel Horse Motorcycle Rally is on May, 3rd. National Flat Track Motorcycles will take to the high banks.
Late Models return to Tri-State with three separate series making a stop. Ca$h Money Late Models will run on May 18th. The newly formed REVival Late Models make their first trip to Pocola on June 8th. The Sooner Late Models have two dates to catch them, the first being July 27th and then again on Sept 28th.
Track Special events this year will be Night to Honor Memorial & B-Mod Special on May 25th. On June 22nd there will be a USRA Factory Stock Special. East/West Shootout with the 53rd Annual Firecracker Spectacular takes place on July 6th. This will include the track fireworks show after dark. On August 10th, the track will host a Demolition Derby and Back to School activities for the kids. The USRA Stock Car class will have a special on August 31st.
One of the most important nights on the calendar is the Police, Fire, & EMS night on Sept 7th. There will be USRA Weekly Racing Series that night as well. All first responders are invited to come to the track and do parade laps during the National Anthem.
The last class specific special is the USRA Modified Special on Oct 5th. With the similarities to the USMTS cars, it is highly possible to see one or a few of them return depending on the tour schedule.
Ending the season as it has done for 44 seasons, is the 45th Annual Spooker. The giant end of the year party draws 220+ cars on each of the three race nights. The practice night last year brought in 100+ cars. Winners of the Late Model class and the Modified class get their name on the official Spooker shirt. Currently, only one driver has won both classes on the same night. Current World of Outlaws Late Model driver Ryan Gustin. This is another event that draws drivers from across the country to the Fort Smith Metro.
This year the track is under the direction of Jake and Kelsey Davis. The Davis’ are no stranger to Tri-State Speedway as Jake’s father ran the track for a time, and Jake raced in several different classes over the years. Currently the facilities at the track are under-going a facelift. The Turn 1 bar is being renovated to be re-opened. A viewing area for the fans to watch tech inspection be performed is tied in with the Turn 1 club renovations. A vendor area is being added under the main grandstand as well as a arcade for the kids. That is just a portion of the improvements the Davis’ and their team have planned.
Off-Season workouts are in full swing, but the 2024 Spring Practice and regular season schedules have been released and there are few noticeable changes.
The spring practice schedule kicks off on May 6th, 7th, and 9th with morning practices at 6:30. May 13th the practices move to 2:30PM. The remaining dates with a 2:30 start time: May 14th, 16th, 20th, 21st, and 23rd. Practice culminates to ending Blue-White Spring Game on May 28th at 7pm. Practices are open to Bulldog fans to come watch the 2024-2025 version of the team.
While spring practices did not have any changes, the regular season is where most of the change occurred.
Gone are Pulaski Academy and Little Rock Christian. As outlined in the 2024 Classifications article, the two most covered non-public schools in the state of Arkansas will be moving to Class 7A. Pine Bluff was slated to rejoin the Class 6A but a loss to Shiloh Christian in the play-offs, has the Saints taking the Zebras slot. With Pulaski Academy and Little Rock Christian moving up, that pushed Fort Smith Southside and Jonesboro to Class 6A. Confused yet?
8/20Fayetteville Bulldogs – @Fayetteville – Benefit Game
Greenwood takes the trip up I-49 for it’s annual Arkansas Activities Association Benefit Game. While we won’t get to see Drake Lindsey slinging the ball this year, we will get to see UNLV Head Coach Barry Odom’s son Garyt Odom. He was slated to be the heir to Shiloh’s QB Eli Wisdom until he moved to Las Vegas. He is back in NWA and the Purple Dogs look to be reloading for the 2024 season, with a LB transfer from IMG Academy. Former Greenwood Bulldog great Brooks Coatney’s son Cruz Coatney will be an incoming sophomore for Fayetteville.
8/30Week 0 – @Bentonville West
Greenwood last played Bentonville West in 2020 during the Pandemic as a schedule fill in. Greenwood won 35-28. The Wolverines finished 7-4 overall last year and had their play-off run come to an end against Conway in the second round.
9/6Week 1 – Fort Smith Northside
Last season was not kind to the Grizzlies. After opening the season with four straight losses, including a 49-0 to Greenwood. Northside was not able to catch it’s stride. A win against Little Rock Central and Little Rock Southwest earned them a birth in the play-offs, where Greenwood’s Week 0 opponent Bentonville West ended their play-off run.
9/13Week 2 – Springdale Har-Ber
Another team that Greenwood played in the 2020 season as a schedule fill in, that game ended with a 33-0 Greenwood win. 2023, the Wildcats were under a new head coach, and finished the season 2-9. But when you look at their schedule, first three games were LR Parkview (Class 5A State Champion, littered with college bound talent), Bixby, Ok (They are in Oklahoma’s top classification doing what Jenks and Tulsa Union used to do to everyone), and Mustang, Ok. They played a tough schedule, and then played in the 7A West that had the State Champion and Runner-Up.
9/20Week 3 – Bye Week
Go see one of the other area schools play! Stone Cold Lock of the Week will have all the games again this fall.
9/27Week 4 – @Shiloh Christian – ConferenceOpener
Lose two non-public schools, gain the one that had Gus Malzahn as a Head Coach in the late 90’s. This is one of two games that will be circled on some schedules. Shiloh vs Greenwood. 19 Football State Championships between the two schools. These two have been in conference together before, and have been non-conference foes. Heck, one year the Shiloh – Greenwood game even made it on ESPNU. The last two years Shiloh has finished as State Runner-Up to Little Rock Parkview. This is cannot miss game, and will more than likely be the Stone Cold Lock of the Week.
10/4Week 5 – Russellville – Homecoming
Russellville is a dangerous team in the regular season against Greenwood. The first-half has been close the last couple of seasons. Add in that it is Homecoming, the Cyclones are going to give Greenwood their best shot.
10/11Week 6 – @Siloam Springs
This fall Siloam Springs will have a new Head Coach, Doug Loughridge takes over the Panther program after Head Coach Brandon Craig resigned in December. The former Alma Airedale and Charleston Tiger Head Coach takes over a program that is currently 0-27 since 2021.
10/18Week 7 – Lake Hamilton
The Wolves last year uncharacteristically finished 3-7 overall and missed the Class 6A playoffs. Injuries plagued Garland County team. As of last fall, Lake Hamilton has not had luck finding the endzone against Greenwood. The Wolves last scored on Greenwood, December 5th, 2020.
10/25Week 8 – @Van Buren
Van Buren plays Greenwood tough, but they will be finding a replacement to school record setting QB Bryce Perkins. WR Trenton Cooley returns and gives the Pointers needed experience at the receiver position. Van Buren shocked people last year when they travelled to West Memphis and beat the Blue Devils in the first round of the playoffs. They would fall to Little Rock Christian Academy in the second round.
11/1Week 9 – @Fort Smith Southside
This is the other one that will be circled on calendars. There’s internet debate on who canceled playing who, but none of that matters now as Southside is now a member of the 6A West for the next cycle. Southside will have graduated a lot of Seniors, that included Arkansas Razorback Lineman Kobe Branham, from a squad that gave eventual State Champion Fayetteville all they wanted in regular season action. Get there early this one will be packed.
11/8Week 10 – Mountain Home – Senior Night
The Bombers are on the upswing in their program. Since joining the 6A West in 2020, Mountain Home and Greenwood have seen each other seven times. Five of those times have been at Smith-Robinson. Unfortunately for Mountain Home their eighth meeting will take place again at Greenwood. If history is to dictate how the play-offs will go for Mountain Home, there is possibility that two weeks after this game, they could be coming back to Greenwood. The Bombers have figured out how to make magic in the first round but faced either Greenwood or Pulaski Academy in the second round.
“We’re excited about the schedule. Scrimmaging Fayetteville in the Benefit Game and then you open up with three 7A-West teams. Three good football programs. We are real familiar with Bentonville West and Springdale Har-Ber. We have a good relationship with their coaches. Two very well coached football teams.” Head Coach Chris Young said in an interview in February. “It’ll be a challenge for us. Northside, has a lot of guys coming back at Quarterback and Wide Reciever. We’re going to figure out pretty early what kind of football team we are going to have.”
Speaking on the return of Fort Smith Southside and Shiloh Christian, Coach Young had this to say. “Excited, haven’t played those guys in awhile. The opportunity to play Southside and Shiloh again, it’ll be good for our community and good for our football team. We like to play good teams and both of them have good programs.”
It was a cold Tuesday night at Bulldog Field when the Varsity Bulldogs took on the Goblins from Harrison.
The Bulldogs were coming off a roller coaster of a week. Early morning rains on Tuesday pushed the doubleheader against Van Buren to Thursday night. Game one the Bulldogs won 3-2, the big story of the night was the 8-2 comeback the Bulldogs mounted. Going into the bottom of the fifth inning Greenwood was facing a 6-point deficit when the bats came alive and the Bulldogs ripped off six runs to tie the game. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Junior Jaxon Cole was able to send a line drive between the second and third base path allowing classmate Grant Karnes to come home and win the game for Greenwood 9-8.
The following night the Bulldogs were on the road against Rogers, where the Bulldogs fell to the Mounties 5-0. Greenwood had a quick turnaround as they faced the visiting Harrison Goblins just three days later.
Game one of the doubleheader went into the 8th inning as both teams could not get a runner to cross the plate. Wichita State commit Grant Karnes was on the mound for the Bulldogs and recorded 11 strike outs in the 1-0 win. The winning run came off a hit from Freshman Ty Holt to left field, Austin Bercher scored the lone run winning the game for the Bulldogs. Austin Mitchell got the win on the mound after coming in for Karnes in the top of the 8th inning. Greenwood was able to scatter seven hits throughout the game, with Seniors Brady Pettigrew and Austin Bercher getting a hit each. Juniors Grant Karnes and Zak Zitsman added a hit a piece, while classmate Scott Holland got two hits.
Game two of the night saw an action packed first inning. Harrison’s time at bat in the first inning was short, with only one batter making it on base after being walked. The next three batters would not get to first base after a sequence of a bunt, a pop fly and the first of nine Junior Mason Moore strikeouts. Senior Braden Skaggs hits a ground ball, but an error by the first baseman keeps him on first. A foul by the pitcher has Skaggs advancing to second, batter Ty Holt is then walked. A wild pitch advances Skaggs to third, and courtesy runner Scott Holland to second. Grant Karnes hit a single to the shortstop, allowing Skaggs to score the first point of the second game. Senior Brady Pettigrew hits towards the shortstop and he commits an error for the Goblins, allowing the Bulldogs to load the bases with Jaxon Cole up to bat. A sacrifice fly from Cole allowed Scott Holland to score, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Senior Austin Mitchell is walked during his at bat loading the bases once again. Designated Hitter Junior Zak Zitsmann in for Mason Moore, hits ground ball, Grant Karnes is tagged out at home.
The next batter Austin Bercher is walked, allowing Pettigrew to make it across the plate to make the score 3-0. Next Bulldog batter Sophomore Brady Morgan is walked allowing two more runners to make their way across the plate pushing the score to 5-0. The Bulldogs were able to cycle through their own batting lineup in the inning, Skaggs made it back on base with a walk. From there it was all Bulldogs. as the Bulldogs would set the tone for the game. To finish the game in the bottom of the fifth inning, Brady Pettigrew sends a line drive to the Center Fielder allowing Grant Karnes to score the 10th and final run for Greenwood. Winning pitcher Mason Moore allowed two hits with nine strikeouts in the five-inning game. After the first two innings that saw a 7-0 score, the Bulldogs only had one hit at the time. Batters Braden Skaggs, Grant Karnes, Brady Pettigrew, Jaxon Cole, Zak Zitsmann, and Brady Morgan all had one hit. Harrison’s two hits while committing five errors made it a long night for the Goblins.
“The first game it was not ideal conditions to be at the plate, cold and windy. But, we’ve got to bear down and be tougher mentally.” Second Year Head Coach Brandon Brewer said following the game. “The second game we talked about, putting pressure on them and doing a better job of valuing first base.”
In the first inning, the Bulldogs went through their batting order that ended the inning with the second batter Ty Holts second time at the plate. On the mound, the starter for Harrison was replaced after the eleventh batter for Greenwood. “We talked about getting to the Bullpen, that was good to see in the first inning. That’s a downer for a team that’s just lost in extra innings.” Coach Brewer said.
Greenwood is now sitting at 12-4 overall and 5-1 in the 5A West. The Bulldogs will head to Fort Smith on Saturday to play the Southside Mavericks at Evans Boys and Girls Club. The first pitch is scheduled for noon. The Mavericks are 7-11 Overall after their Tuesday night win over Subiaco Academy 15-0.
Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department: Amanda Jean Adams of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 25 at 8:08 p.m. and released on signature bond March 28 at 4:56 p.m. Adams was charged with Theft of Property <$1k, and Petition to Revoke – Felony.
Treyy Calvin Evans of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 28 at 12:57 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Evans was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and petition to revoke – misd.
Jackie Diane Fuller of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 30 at 11:56 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 30 at 8:34 p.m. Fuller was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.
David Martin Taylor of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 25 at 4:28 p.m. and released on signature bond March 25 at 9:31 p.m. Taylor was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H: Madalynne Mae Batey Organ of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 24 at 4:54 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 24 at 9:24 p.m. Organ was charged with Theft of Property <$1k.
Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department: Heather Margaret Caldwell of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 25 at 4:18 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 26 at 9:11 a.m. Caldwell was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.
Ryan E Eastlick of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 30 at 8:22 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 31 at 12:47 a.m. Eastlick was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree.
Shereen Eastlick of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 30 at 8:17 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 31 at 12:45 a.m. Eastlick was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree.
Shannon Haynie of Prescott was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 30 at 11:49 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Haynie was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 5th Offense and Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked.
Jim Williams of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 26 at 6:29 p.m. and released on signature bond March 27 at 2:01 a.m. Williams was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Excessive Noise.
Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department: Heath Chapman of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 24 at 2:38 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 24 at 8:07 p.m. Chapman was charged with Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.
Robyn W. Collins of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 31 at 1:41 p.m. and released on signature bond March 31 at 4:27 p.m. Collins was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office: Samuel Patrick Cooney of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 24 at 9:31 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 24 at 9:57 p.m. Cooney was charged with Theft of Property <$1k.
Christine Elizabeth Davis of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 29 at 9:16 p.m. and released on signature bond March 30 at 12:44 a.m. Davis was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Ashley Estelle Dickson of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 25 at 8:09 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on March 26 at 7:51 a.m. Dickson was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Austin Dean Eason of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 31 at 12:44 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Eason was charged with Leaving The Scene Of An Accident – Property Damage, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine.
Antonette Elizabeth Mailloux of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 30 at 4:01 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Mailloux was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.
Christopher Hugh Mclaughlin of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 27 at 2:45 p.m. and released on March 31 at 3:45 p.m. Mclaughlin was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.
Garlin Wayne Miller of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 30 at 10:18 p.m. and released on signature bond March 31 at 4:47 a.m. Miller was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, and criminal trespass.
Dustin Michael Norris of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 28 at 4:29 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Norris was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.
Phillip Matthew Shores of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 24 at 10:14 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 25 at 4:23 a.m. Shores was charged with Loitering – General, Disorderly Conduct – Obscene Language or Gesture, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., and Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.
James Michael Spiotto of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 28 at 3:37 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Spiotto was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.
Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department: Robert Matthew Layne of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 28 at 12:27 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Layne was charged with absconding and parole violation.
Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office: Shaunta Richards, 43 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 26 at 2 a.m. Richard was charged with no insurance, tampering with physical evidence – FD, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to carry vehicle registration.
Toby Woods, 43 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 26 at 11:43 a.m. Woods was sentenced to ADC.
Loren Cowan, 35 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 26 at 12:02 p.m. Cowan was charged with contempt of court.
Mary Williams, 38 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 26 at 2:46 p.m. Williams was charged with failure to appear.
Allen Russell, 42 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 26 at 3:18 p.m. Russell was charged with failure to appear, and possession of controlled substance.
Dennis Odom, 47 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 28 at 4:09 p.m. Odom was charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration and reporting requirements – refusal to cooperate with assessment process, body attachment and absconding.
Dustin Canada, 37 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 28 at 9:13 p.m. Canada was charged with rape sexual assault – 2nd degree.
Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Michael Lee Spain, 50 of Purcell, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 30 at 8:35 p.m. Spain was charged with driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st, open container containing alcohol in moto vehicle.
Vincente Torres, 35 of Houston, TX, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 30 at 8:33 p.m. Torres was charged with obstructing governmental operations, and disorderly conduct.
Mary Domenica Williams, 45 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 30 at 12:06 p.m. Williams was charged with absconding, introducing prohibited articles to correctional facility – not facilitating escape, criminal enterprise, possession of SCH I or II LT 2 GM.
Roxi Anne Pardue, 33 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 29 at 4:50 p.m. Pardue was charged with disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jennifer Renae Rowlett, 43 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 27 at 8:32 p.m. Rowlett was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes serious danger.
Matthew Nathaniel Tusing, 23 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 26 at 4:07 p.m. Tusing was charged with speeding, fleeing by vehicle, driving left of center, reckless driving, failure to yield, no proof of liability insurance, danger welfare of a minor – 3rd degree, recklessly ricks physical/mental harm, resisting arrest – refusal to submit to arrest / active or passive refusal, failure to wear seat belt.
Steven Blair Durham, 52 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 24 at 5:17 p.m. Durham was charged with driving while license suspended, reckless driving, domestic battering 3rd degree/ purpose of causing injury or harm.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
On October 1st, 2021, former Resident News Networks sportswriter, Megan Hecox, put out her emotional final curtain call in the news business. Beloved by many readers, Hecox once covered seven different schools at one time in every sport imaginable. Whether it was Mansfield, Waldron, Magazine, Hackett, Lavaca, Cedarville, or other schools, readers were able to get a good in-depth article on their school athletic action multiple times a week. The job that Hecox did for Resident News Network was so good, that she was able to put the big-time newspapers and television outlets that only covered Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas big schools on notice. After her departure from the industry, Megans husband, Adam Hecox, took over the wheel. Although bound by marriage, the pair was definitely not bound by writing skills. Mr. Hecox wasn’t and still is not the sports powerhouse that Megan was. So after three years of reading her husband’s extremely subpar sports writing, Megan Hecox has decided to once again throw her hat into the sports writing arena for the Resident News Network.
Megan was the brainchild behind RNN ideas such as printing an RNN newspaper, office chair jousting, and the annual April Fools Day articles. As an intricate part of the news still today, the RNN family has welcomed her back with open arms. Hecox will not being jumping back into the sports world with both feet tough. She will be easing into her old role on April 1st, 2024 by taking over her first love in sports writing, the Waldron Bulldogs. While she dabbled in the athletic adventures of other schools, Hecox’s main focus was always on Waldron sports. Covering football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, and even some non-sporting events for the Bulldogs on a weekly basis boosted the athletes and programs in Waldron by giving them the spotlight larger media outlets withheld. Even after three years of being out of the game, Megan still has a white and orange Waldron basketball jersey hanging in the Hecox households coat closet (much to the dismay of the Tigers in her family). Once she gets Waldron back on track, Hecox will likely move on to work with Magazine, Cedarville, and even reinstitute herself again as the “Keyboard of Mansfield”.
“I wouldn’t have had to do this if my husband had pulled his weight” said Hecox. “Although his effort was admirable, the final product was definitely not RNN worthy”. Former coworker to Megan and current RNN editor, Tammy Teague, also voiced her opinion on Megan’s return to the RNN ranks. “I am soooo excited to have her back again. I told Adam when he first took over Megan’s role that he’ll NEVER be Megan. It sounds harsh, but it’s true. There’s only room one office jousting champion around here and Megan is the one, the only, THE sports writing office jousting champ-i-on”. Both Hecox’s will continue to write sports articles for RNN, but once Megan gets her feet back under her, it will be inevitable that Mr. Hecox will soon be ousted by his better and prettier counterpart in the near future. So Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, and April Fools sports world, your Queen has returned.
