Resident News Network

Mercy Hospital Paris Named Among Best Critical Access Hospitals in the Country

News

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9:36 pm

Mercy Hospital Paris Named Among Best Critical Access Hospitals in the Country

Mercy Hospital Paris has been named among the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAH) in the country for 2024, a recognition that was celebrated May 14 during a lunch and ceremony for co-workers and the community.

As determined by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the top 20 CAHs were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). The May 14 celebration was held to recognize Mercy Paris co-workers and included leaders from both Mercy and the Paris community.

Mercy Paris was named to the top 20 from among 1,353 critical access hospitals throughout the U.S.

“This Top 20 designation is truly something to celebrate,” said Juli Stec, Mercy’s vice president of patient services. “Our co-workers deserve this recognition; they work so hard every day to provide high-quality care in Paris, and we are pleased that Chartis has recognized their efforts. We can’t thank our co-workers enough for all they do and for all they will continue to do for patients and for the community.”

The recognition comes just months after Mercy Paris was named among the top 100 critical access hospitals, a list that also includes Mercy hospitals in Berryville, Booneville, Ozark and Waldron.

The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight measurements of strength which includes quality, outcomes, patient perspective and cost.

Mercy Hospital Paris is a 13-bed critical access hospital serving Logan County. Along with the 24-hour emergency room, the hospital offers many services to the community, including laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy and physical therapy, as well as access to specialists using secure video links that enable patients to be seen virtually.

“We’re here to take care of our community,” said Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Arkansas Communities. “I want to thank this team. This represents your commitment to the community, the commitment to the ministry and really your commitment to each other. You have to bring your ‘A’ game every day in order for us to achieve this recognition.”

Dr. Mark Bailey, Mercy Fort Smith board chairman and a practicing physician in a rural community, noted that, “You understand that awards of this magnitude are not just handed out. They’re not easily attained. They’re only achieved through really, really hard work and dedication to the hospital, your fellow co-workers, and area residents you serve day-in and day-out.”

The recognition is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance index. Now in its 14^th year, the index measures and monitors performance using publicly available data across a variety of areas impacting patient care, hospital operations and finance. An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Missouri.

“I truly tie this award back to Mercy’s mission statement: As the Sisters of Mercy before us, we bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus through our compassionate care and exceptional service,” Stec said.

Waldron School Board Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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6:00 pm

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The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, May 13, 2024,at 6:00 p.m. Board members present were Stan Cottrell, Angela Hunsucker, Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay and Mac Davis. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Darla Jeffery, Zack Taylor, Kim Solomon, Kristi Sigman, Tonya Cluck, Natalie Cadena, Toni Dozier and Cheyenne Smith.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

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

Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the April 15^th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders for IXL Learning. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the STAR Autism Support, Inc. Curriculum and Links Curriculum. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the 2 in-coming School Choice Applications. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the 1 out-going School Choice Application. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to accept the resignation of Walter Embrey as Bus Driver as of the end of 2023-24 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the resignation of Genesis (Ginger) Hobbs as WES Music Teacher for the 2023-24 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to accept the resignations of Sherry Moore and Brayden Gilmore who decided not to sign their contract and declined the job for the 2024/25 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to accept the resignation of Randi Hickman as MS Assistant Principal for the 2023/24 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Doug Milholen as of May 14, 2024 as HS Teacher, Head Sr. High Football, Assistant Jr. High Football, Assistant 7^th Grade Football and Powerlifting Coach. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Jenny Diaz as ES Teacher for the 2024/25 Sy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Makhalee Mortimore as ES Teacher for the 2024/25 Sy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Amy Huffmaster as ES Paraprofessional for the 2024/25 Sy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Cora Ozuna as ES Paraprofessional for the 2024/25 Sy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Sarah Spradlin as HS Science Teacher for the 2024/25 Sy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Nancy Mondragon as HS Family and Consumer Science Teacher for the 2024/25 Sy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Rebecca Millard as ABC Paraprofessional for 2024/25 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Kelsie Taylor as ABC Teacher for the 2024/25 SY, providing she meets all licensure requirements. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to rehire the Classified Staff (see attached lists) for the 2024/25 SY. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Obituary: Janice Franklin (1935-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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11:37 am

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Janice Franklin, 88, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 in a Fort Smith hospital. She was born July 20, 1935 to Marshall and Jessie Phillips. She was a homemaker, retired from General Tire and was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Sandra Black of Greenwood, Daronda Spicer and husband, Stan of Fort Smith and Cynthia Brock and husband, Kevin of Greenwood; one brother, Robert Phillips of Poteau; one sister, Doris Mendenhall of Hackett; four grandsons, Johnny Spicer and wife, Candace, Jeremy Spicer and wife, Dawn, Zachary Brock and Nathan Brock; six grandchildren, Kaden, Landen, Josiah, Silas, Trinity and Anna Spicer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the father of her children, Johnie Ray Black, one brother, Talmidge Phillips and a sister, Connie McConnell.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 17 at Pine Log Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Thursday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Zachary Brock, Nathan Brock, Jeremy Spicer, Kaden Spicer, Landen Spicer, Josiah Spicer and Silas Spicer.

Arrest Reports 5/4

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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5:08 pm

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Donald Ray Barr of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 8 at 8:34 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Barr was charged with Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms-Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia C Felony, Maintaining a Premises for Drug Activity, Possession Of Firearm By Certain Persons Felony, and three counts of Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >28g.

James Gareth Barr of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 9 at 8:18 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 11 at 10:04 a.m. Barr was charged with Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >28g, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia C Felony, and Maintaining a Premises for Drug Activity.

Keith Capo of Ratcliff was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 8 at 2:39 p.m. and released on signature bond May 13 at 9:17 a.m. Capo was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Carl James Chapman of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 5 at 2:02 p.m. and released on cash bond May 5 at 5:47 p.m. Chapman was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Altemar Gonzalez of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 6 at 12:34 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Gonzalez was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, Parole Violation, and absconding.

Steven Scott Long of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 9 at 4:21 p.m. and released on signature bond May 10 at 9:10 a.m. Long was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Michael Gabriel Lyon of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 8 at 2:16 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Lyon was charged with ADC Commitment Hold.

Wizdom Renee McMurray of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 7 at 2:51 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. McMurray was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Reyna Jennifer Moyer of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 10 at 12:41 p.m. and released on signature bond May 10 at 2:15 p.m. Moyer was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Lisa Franceska Faye Smalling of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 9 at 8:24 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 11 at 8 p.m. Smalling was charged with Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >28g, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia C Felony, and Maintaining a Premises for Drug Activity.

Shailee Christine Turney of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 9 at 2:53 a.m. and remains at the SCADC on time served. Turney was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Willie Kevin Burns of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 11 at 4:25 p.m. and released on signature bond May 11 at 5:32 p.m. Burns was charged with Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Amber Rose Castro of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 6 at 9:54 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Castro was charged with drug court sanctions.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Stephen Auther Hanna of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 11 at 6:41 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Hanna was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, Refusal to Submit to Arrest Misdemeanor, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., and criminal trespass.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Keith Lynn Jester of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 8 at 1:13 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 8 at 10:29 a.m. Jester was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine (2-10g).

Nicholas Anthony Scarcella of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 7 at 8:18 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 7 at 11:06 p.m. Scarcella was charged with Fleeing – By Vehicle-Misd.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
April Martin of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 7 at 4:14 p.m. and released on signature bond April 8 at 2:12 a.m. Martin was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, and Disorderly Conduct – Obstructs Traffic.

Corey William Mclaughlin from Iowa was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 5 at 11:09 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Mclaughlin was charged as a fugitive from justice out of state.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Jessica Dibble, 36 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 6 at 2:52 p.m. Dibble was charged with possession of methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, defective signal or brake lights, and parole hold.

Dontrell Gordon, 33 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 7 at 8:53 p.m. Gordon was charged with battery in the second degree.

Joshua Green, 29 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 8 at 12:29 a.m. Green was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving DWI revoked license, ad failure to obey stop and yield signs.

Gary Miller, 43 of Danville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 8 at 5:29 p.m. Miller was charged with nonfinancial identity fraud.

Kelly Norton, 46, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 9 at 12:04 p.m. Norton was charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, and domestic battering in the 2nd degree.

David Ross, 46 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 9 at 2 p.m. Ross was charged with possession of methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and proximity to certain facilities – enhanced penalties.

Corey Scott, 33 of Earle, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 10 at 11:27 p.m. Scott was charged with battery in the third degree, and aggravated assault.

Jason Rowe, 30 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 11 at 9:59 a.m. Rowe was charged with criminal trespass, theft of property, and breaking or entering.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Amber Lynn Wade, 35 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 9 at 1:43 p.m. Wade was charged with possession of SCH VI LT 4 oz. and sentenced to days.

Ronny Gene Bugg, 32 of Mulberry, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 8 at 8:29 p.m. Bugg was charged with failure to register vehicle – expired tags, fictitious license sticker, driving while license suspended, no proof of liability insurance, obstructing governmental operations hindering apprehension or prosecution / harbor or conceals, possession of meth or cocaine LT 2 GM, and possession of drug paraphernalia meth/cocaine.

Judy Diana Thompson, 58 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 8 at 9:09 a.m. Thompson was sentenced to CCC.

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

Mansfield Athletes Of 2024 Are College Bound And Ready For More

Adam Hecox

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9:47 am

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Mansfield Athletes Of 2024 Are College Bound And Ready For More

Statistics show that only about 7% of high school athletes get a shot at playing college sports. Most of those athletes tend to come from larger schools while the percentage of smaller school athletes is likely much, much smaller. So, when Mansfield had seven athlete’s signing to play in college, it became kind of a big deal. From the time they moved up as freshmen to their final year donning Red and White, the seven 2024 Tigers and Lady Tigers have combined for a whole slew of State Championships, Regional Championships, District Championships, and Conference Championships. If you couple those team awards with a plethora of individual accolades each of these student athletes achieved in each and every sport available in the Mansfield School District, you have one heck of a list. These student athletes put in countless hours of hard work in the classroom as well as field/court to acquire scholarships to seven different colleges in five different sports.

Alyson Edwards has been a name that has struck fear into the Lady Tigers opponents ever since little league. With her well rounded athleticism coupled with her sports intellect, Edwards could have gone to college in just about any sport she wanted. Alyson has been an All-State, All-District, All-Conference, and All-Star athlete in volleyball, basketball, and softball almost each year she has played. After “pitching” around her options, Edwards chose to sign with the University of Nebraska Omaha to play softball. Even though Edwards stats for her senior season continue to grow as the Lady Tigers enter the State Tournament, the end result will likely land her as one of the best pitchers Arkansas has ever seen. All of the years of practicing softball in the old gym with her parents after basketball practices paid off in a big way as she will be transforming from a Lady Tiger to a Lady Maverick.

Working hard with a smile is something you don’t see much of in high school athletics. When it is spotted though, it’s usually Kynslee Ward with her ear-to-ear grin. Like Edwards, Ward has been an all-around athlete for the Lady Tigers program in basketball, volleyball, and softball. Kynslee’s extreme work ethic led to her averaging 15.6 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game, and 5 steals per game in her senior basketball season. Kynslee broke two school records with 164 steals and 89 made threes this season as well. It was those statistics coupled with her visible love for the game that caught the eye of Crowley’s Ridge College, and the rest is not history but the future, as Ward signed with the Lady Pioneers shortly after the Lady Tigers basketball season ended. Kynslee will now be smiling big while she steals the show over in Eastern Arkansas.

If there was a face of “never give up”, it would be that of Raine Hecox. Hecox dabbled in just about every sport Mansfield has to offer in her career (even football). While she played the role of Robin to the Batmen on her team’s most of the time over the years, she made sure she was the best Robin she could be to help the Lady Tigers succeed. As a two-time State Champion in Indoor Track, State All-Star, District Champion, and State Runner-Up in Outdoor Track along with medaling in multiple individual meets, Hecox’s determination to make herself and her teammates successful drew the attention of the University of the Ozarks for nearly two years. Even while competing with an injury for most of her senior season, Hecox’s selflessness and determination landed her a spot on the Eagles Cross Country and Track roster.

Volleyball is a staple of women’s sports in Mansfield. With four consecutive State, Regional, District, and Conference Championships it would be hard to think that there wouldn’t be any colleges kicking down the door to have a shot at one of the Lady Tigers. Well, there wasn’t one in Mansfield’s talented group to be found…there were two. Kinley Vanmeter moved to the Mansfield school district as a sophomore and immediately made an impact in volleyball. Overall, Vanmeter has two State, Conference, and District Championships with the Lady Tigers. In her senior season, Vanmeter racked up All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention, and All-Star Nominee accolades while leading the team in digs with 334. With stats like that, Lyon College decided to snatch up this Lady Tiger for themselves and just like that, Kinley Vanmeter became a Lady Lion. Every team has to have an “ace” up their sleeve and for Mansfield volleyball, that was none other than Cole Smith. Smith was a part of all four of Mansfield’s consecutive State Championship teams and made it her mission to give all she could to the Lady Tigers. In her senior season, Smith was awarded All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention, All-State Tournament Team, All-Star Nominee, and led the team in aces with 100. Cole was able to complete her mission of playing at the next level by signing with the Mission University Lady Patriots to play volleyball.

While it is the girls’ sports in Mansfield that tends to get all of the attention, there has been one sport that has held the light for the Tigers consistently. It has been the baseball program that has pulled most of the weight of the boys’ sports for the past few years and a couple of athletes have been key increments in the program’s success, Peyton Martin and Jaden Wolfe. Peyton has been a multisport superstar for the Tigers since his elementary years. Peyton has held multiple individual accolades in football, basketball, track and baseball making him one of the most valuable players in the school’s history. Martin helped the Tigers 2024 baseball run to the State Tournament by averaging .468 when swinging the bat. The hard work and determination of Martin brought the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain to his doorstep with a Bucks scholarship in hand. Jaden Wolfe proved to be a dual threat for the diamond Tigers both on the mound and at the plate. Jaden’s baseball IQ and skillset was so impressive that National Park College snatched him up even before the season started. Wolfe’s 3.3 ERA from the pitching mound laid waste to opponent’s batters throughout the 2024 season while he solidified a .277 batting average on the year.

With a class of 52 Tigers and Lady Tigers graduating in just a few days, 13.4% will move on to play college sports. That places Mansfield as nearly doubling the national average of next level players. This group has proven that no matter what school you go to, big or small, hard work and persistence will always pay off. While the names Alyson Edwards, Kynslee Ward, Raine Hecox, Kinley Vanmeter, Cole Smith, Peyton Martin, and Jaden Wolfe will now be called out in different areas of the state and country, their names will forever be etched in the Mansfield Tigers and Lady Tigers lore for generations to come. Congratulations to all and go Mavericks, Pioneers, Eagles, Lions, Patriots, Bucks, and Nighthawks!!!

Harding Academy Escapes with 2-1 Extra Innings Win Over Paris in 3A State Baseball Tournament

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8:14 pm

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Harding Academy Escapes with 2-1 Extra Innings Win Over Paris in 3A State Baseball Tournament

HOT SPRINGS- Majestic Park in beautiful Hot Springs National Park was the setting last week for the first three rounds of the 3A state baseball tournament. Hot Springs, with a long and proud tradition of supporting major league baseball as an annual spring training location in the days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, has embraced its legacy with a beautiful Majestic Park baseball and softball facility. And this year’s tournament lived up to expectations at the outstanding facility.

The first round of the baseball side of the tournament featured a “David and Goliath” match-up between last year’s defending 3A state champion, Harding Academy, and the fourth seeded Paris Eagles. Very few people honestly expected the Eagles to compete with the Wildcats. The game was also a rematch of the 2022 state semifinal match-up between the two schools that saw Harding Academy win handily over the Eagles on the way to the 2022 championship.

But no one told the Eagles that they were not supposed to win. Paris came out early and took a 1-0 lead over the Wildcats in the first inning. The inning also saw a run thrown out at the plate that could have increased the Eagles’ lead to 2-0 and would prove to be very important much later in the game.

Senior starting pitcher, Dawson Neumeier, got the start for the Eagles after pitching impressively in the district and regional tournaments. Neumeier would end up going the distance in a nine-inning affair that would not determine a winner until one out in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Neumeier’s iron man performance would outlast three Harding Academy pitchers. But in the bottom of the ninth, the Wildcats were finally able to get a runner aboard and eventually advance him to second base on a sacrifice bunt. The next hitter hit a line drive to center field that scored the runner in the walk off win for Harding Academy. It was a tough loss for Paris who gave a gutty performance.

Harding Academy survived the Eagles’ effort to advance to the second round, but the toll the win took on its pitching staff would cost the Wildcats in the second round. Harding Academy’s championship run ended the next day with a loss to Gosnell in the quarterfinals.

Congratulations to the Paris Eagles baseball team for their second trip to the state tournament in the past three seasons. Seniors Konnor Edwards and Dawson Neumeier played their final games after having led the team all season. Congratulations to both seniors on a job well done!

After losing just two seniors on this year’s team, Paris will be predicted to again compete for a 3A-4 title and yet another trip to the state tournament. Congratulations to the Eagles on a great season!

Paris Band Program Holds Annual Spring Concert and Awards Banquet

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8:00 pm

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Paris Band Program Holds Annual Spring Concert and Awards Banquet

PARIS– It was a banner year for the Paris Eagles band program in 2023-24. The concluding school year included a state runner-up finish for the marching band in November of 2023.

The Eagles band program recently held its annual spring concert on the campus of Paris Middle School. High school concert and jazz bands performed, along with the middle school bands. A big crowd of proud parents attended the event to cheer on and support their band students.

This year, the Paris band booster club sponsored its first-ever band banquet that was held immediately after the concert. The large crowd moved the short distance to Paris High School were parents were treated to a meal and an awards ceremony. Band awards were given to both middle school and high school band members. Seniors, whose stadium banners were hung for the final time in the high school cafeteria, were presented the banners in a special moment during the ceremony.

The program’s highest band award, the John Phillip Sousa Award, was awarded to senior Jacy Varnell. Jacy was one of just a few seniors in the program this year who led the band to a second-place finish at state marching contest. The Eagles band program will return several students next year and should be again very competitive at the state contest next fall.

The Paris band program is supported by a host of band parents, led by Trena Heartlein. The parents organized the first-ever band banquet that they intend to become an annual event.

RNN congratulates all of the Paris band students as well as those who participated in the concert and received awards!

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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7:34 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! We survived another week of storms. I may have to retire and move to Boca Raton to get away from these tornadoes. Oh, wait they have hurricanes. Guess I will just deal with the tornadoes.

I have told y’all that crazy things always happen to me. Well, I was cleaning the car out one day and I was using the shop vac, knowing good and well I don’t know how to operate a vacuum cleaner. It’s a learning process every time I drag that beast out. I was leaned over vacuuming the floorboard of the car and somehow that hose got away from me and had my hair sucked up in it! I wrestled that thing like it was a cobra and got my hair out. Let me tell ya if y’all could have seen my hair after that happened you would have died laughing. I looked like I had been in a wind tunnel. I’m sure my neighbors didn’t know when I moved in, they were going to get a show with their dinner. My place is like a circus all the time. I hope y’all got a good laugh out of that. I’m scared to vacuum the car out now. I get my grandson to do it.

Another crazy thing happened. My grandson, Ethan, asked me to get him some green tea. I stopped at the Neighborhood Market Walmart, a.k.a. Jimmy’s store, even though he is at the Memphis Walmart now. I’m looking for green tea and I pass this container of lemon and raspberry tea and I’m thinking green tea don’t even sound good. I’m gonna get this lemon and raspberry tea. I put it in the cart and look down and it says “hard” on the box. What in the world is “hard tea?” Well low and behold it has alcohol in it, and I almost took it home! Can y’all imagine the wild party on Howard Street if I had brought that home? We would have really had a circus and I wouldn’t have even known why. Walmart should not put their “hard” teas in the same area as regular teas. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has done this. I’m just going to stick to my Diet Coke. Can’t get that mixed up. I don’t think they have made “hard” Diet Coke yet.

Y’all have a good week. Stay safe and hope you moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day. This recipe is a strawberry crisp, since strawberries are in season. I already bought my flat from Arnold’s Farm and put them in the freezer. I have never made this, but heard it was delicious.

STRAWBERRY CRISP
5 heaping cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup sugar (white)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons cornstarch
TOPPING
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old fashioned oats
2/3 cup sugar (white)
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 stick butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease a deep dish pie plate or large baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Combine the chopped strawberries and sugar in a large bowl and mix until the berries fully absorb the sugar. Add the cornstarch and vanilla and stir until all the strawberries are evenly coated. Pour into the greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir well untill well coated and crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the strawberries. Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until fruit is bubbly and topping is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving. You can serve with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

MHS Alumni Scholarships Awarded

Featured

Tammy Teague

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5:46 pm

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Mansfield Alumni Board President Larry Stanfill took to the podium on Saturday, May 4 to welcome attendees, and to announce this year’s alumni scholarship recipients.

Before announcing the recipients, Stanfill introduced the board members: Linda Udouj, secretary/ treasurer; Treva Mathis, the longest serving board member; Theresa Whiley, Taley Dedmon, Vicki Hall, Michael Elmore, Cheryl Davis and Terry Williams. “We are thankful for these volunteers who bleed red and white,” shared Stanfill.

Stanfill noted that the scholarship is supported by tax deductible donations and memorials collected through the year. “We had seven qualified applicants. This made our decision hard. Our criteria are based on academics, school activities and financial need. We are able to offer scholarships of $500 per semester for up to eight semesters per student. I believe we currently have three students receiving the scholarships in addition to the three we are announcing today.”

Peyton Martin: He is the son of Daniel and Summer Martin. Peyton plans to attend U of A Rich Mountain and major in advanced manufacturing welding.

Zachary Hayslip: He is the son of Trent and Wendy Hayslip. He plans to attend UAFS and major in computer science.

Alexis Chestine: is the daughter of Salem Bock and Ronald Chestine. She plans to attend UofA in Fayetteville and major in biology.

Cole Smith: Chris Campbell presented a $500 scholarship from the Campbell Family Revocable Trust in memory of Donald L. Ranz class of 1963.

Raine Hecox: received $500 Scott County Cattleman’s Scholarship for Mansfield. Linda Udouj presented the scholarship.

Timepiece: Natural Dam

Tammy Teague

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7:25 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Lunchtime had arrived at Cedarville schools but, instead of spending my time at a local café, I headed six miles north to visit the famous Natural Dam. Natural Dam is a formation of Atoka sandstone that extends almost 200 foot across Mountain Fork Creek, impeding flow and creating a small lake. As the natural basin behind the dam fills, water flows over the eight-foot high dam and thunders onto the rocks below.

William Larrimore, one of the earliest settlers in Crawford County, first came across the formation in 1819 while on a hunting trip. Infatuated with the beauty of the area and the potential of using the power created by the falls, he soon returned and constructed a grist mill on the site. The mill, set with a horizontal shaft connected to several wooden paddles, was powered by the force of the falling water. Inside the mill, a series of gears slowly turned mill stones used to grind corn and flour into a useable product. In the 1850’s, Arkansas geologist and artist, David Dale Owen passed through the area and drew a picture of the formation and mill. The drawing illustrates the natural peacefulness and beauty of the area.

Clara Eno, in her History of Crawford County, searched early tax records and found that Larrimore was one of 96 original families that settled Crawford County. Of interest is the fact that none of the original families had a tax rate that exceeded $5.83 per year.

Land surrounding the dam was rich and fertile and, as farmers moved in nearby, the small town grew to include a Presbyterian church and several stores. Located on the main road leading to Cane Hill and thus into Fayetteville and N.W. Arkansas, the dam was a popular stopping off place for travelers. Both before and after the Civil War, camp meetings, often lasting two weeks or more were held along the creek. People from far and near came to the nightly meetings and many stayed in special cabins built to accommodate the visitors during their stay. Most of the revivals involved those of Methodist or Cumberland Presbyterian faith with both denominations eventually constructing churches in the area.

The Civil War was a time of trouble for the region. Armies from both sides travelled up and down the road and several skirmishes were fought in the area. Confederate General Ben McCulloch believed that all mills should be burned so that they did not fall into use by occupying Union forces. So saying, he or his men destroyed most mills in the region, including the Fayetteville steam mill which had the capability of producing 10,000 pounds of flour daily. The mill owned by Larrimore was probably destroyed during this time because records indicate a man by the name of Boyd operated a mill on that site. There are some stones from the mill remaining on the west side of the dam.

By the 1870’s, Col. H.P. King bought up several acres of surrounding land and built a store east of the dam on a part of the old wire and Butterfield stage road. That road is now highway 59. That store and dwelling house soon became the nucleus for a new Natural Bridge and outgrew the original located on the creek. The town grew to include a post office, a school, a gin, and several businesses. Gradually the old town disappeared and became what it is today, a place for leisure, picnics, and swimming.

Today, a part of the National Forest, visitors can wade in the waters below the dam, swim in the reservoir, or just observe the beauty of nature. Easy to locate, take exit 5 at Van Buren, go North on Hwy 59 until you see the small town of Natural Dam. Exit left at the sign for the falls and one can drive right to the site. Of course, traveling south from Siloam Springs will bring you to the same location. Either way, it is a great place to enjoy the Natural State.

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