Resident News Network

MHS’ Gentry Earns Scholar Recognition

News

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3:54 pm

Article contributed by Jonathan W. Gipson, Magazine Schools Media Relations

MAGAZINE – Magazine High School senior Brock Gentry has been named a College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program Scholar.

The College Board National Recognition Programs award academic honors to high-performing, underrepresented students. The five national recognition programs include the National First-Generation Recognition Program, National African American Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program.

Recipients are strong academic performers. Students who take eligible administrations of the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and meet the score requirements are considered for awards. Students must also identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, first-generation or attend high school in a rural area or small town. Awardees can help colleges find them based on their hard work in high school and can celebrate with their school communities.

The programs are open to sophomores and juniors, and Gentry’s recognition is based on his academic achievements from his junior year (2022-23).

Juniors must meet the following criteria to be considered for any of the National Recognition Programs: 1). Must have a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher at the time they are applying. Weighted and unweighted GPAs are considered; 2). Must have a permanent address in the United States, a U.S. territory or U.S. military base or attend a DoDEA school. U.S. citizenship is not required; 3). Must identify as Black, African American, Latino, Hispanic, Indigenous or attend high school in a rural area or small town; and 4). Must be in the top 10% among PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT test takers in 11th grade in their state for their award program OR have received a 3+ score on at least 2 distinct AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.

Students who receive recognition will earn academic honors and the opportunity to be celebrated by their school community. In addition, colleges and universities can use the programs in their recruitment to identify top-performing awardees who are opted into Student Search Service™.

Timepiece: Rivalries in the old AIC Conference

Tammy Teague

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11:25 pm

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Timepiece: Rivalries in the old AIC Conference

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Seeing that horrible burnt orange all week leading up to the national championship brought back memories of the great rivalry that existed between Arkansas and Texas during the sixties and seventies. During the days leading up to those games, students took turns running mile relays to deliver the game ball from Little Rock to Fayetteville, Orville Henry wrote page long sports editorials on the coaches and players, and the games were attended by presidents and broadcast nationally. Even churches got into the mix with the First Baptist Church of Fayetteville sporting a church sign stating, Football is only a game, eternal things are spiritual, nevertheless, BEAT TEXAS.

Those games were truly rivalries and, those raised during that era, still view Texas as the ultimate foe. Not to be forgotten during that same time period were the great in-state rivalries that existed within the old Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference(AIC). Made up of five state colleges and five private colleges, the AIC sported some of the most intense and exciting sports found at the small college level. The schools were located within short driving distances of each other, recruited the same kids, and were similar in size and educational offerings. Those in South Arkansas talk about the Battle of the Ravine between Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist, both located in Arkadelphia, but in my neck of the woods the real battle was between my alma mater Arkansas Tech and the University of Central Arkansas. Located less than an hour apart and both sporting exceptional football teams, both schools developed rabid fan bases that carried the competition to extremes. The 1971 ATU team were runner-up national champions in the old NAIA and featured a running back from Fort Smith named Benny Shepard plus several other exceptional athletes but UCA had an exceptional team as well. Russellville was packed for the annual game and cars were parked all along the highway. A colleague, with whom I later taught, arrived just prior to game. Parked a good distance from the field and sporting a purple UCA jacket, he hiked toward the distant stadium only to have a car pull up beside him. “Need a ride,” they asked? “ Jump in, were going right by there.” Four miles down the road, they let him out at the bridge over the Arkansas River. “We said we were going by the field, no one said we were delivering a SCAB (the pet name for UCA’s prior title of State College of Arkansas Bears) to the game.” That was minor compared to some of the shenanigans I observed or heard about later as a student. It was a yearly occurrence to play the football game on a field featuring your opponents team colors painted in your end zone or the turf oiled and killed featuring your opponents’ initials. The purple bear statue on the UCA campus was six inches thicker than original due to the alternating layers of purple and green paint left by student vandals.

During my freshman year, UCA students delivered a purple Buick to the Tech campus during the middle of the night. Removing all the wheels, it was left directly in front of the student center. Not to be outdone, ATU cheerleaders obtained several sledge hammers and allowed students to whack the car into pieces for a dollar a hit. Tech students had heard a rumor that UCA was on the way to Tech that night and had a scout placed at Atkins who was supposed to be watching for a long line of cars coming up 65 highway from Conway. Unfortunately, he was unable to report the incident due to his visit to the emergency room. Appears, he climbed into a tree to better observe the highway, fell asleep, and then fell from the tree breaking his arm.

My sophomore year, students abducted the UCA student body president and kept him in a dorm at Tech for the week leading up to the annual game. Most of the incidents were just childish pranks supporting your team but, on occasions such as the one above, the various campus authorities had to remind students that we were neighbors and friends and would one day be working together at our various jobs.

In 1993, UCA moved from the AIC and NAIA and joined division 2 NCAA. Henderson State soon followed and the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference ceased to be. Today, the rivalry no longer exist as UCA has moved to Division 1A athletics and most of the remaining conference members have joined with the smaller Oklahoma universities to form the Great American Conference.

My son and daughter in law graduated from UCA, my stepdaughter loves the school, I enjoy the planetarium and science activities there. I guess I am going to have to give up my wishes for a good can of green spray paint every time I walk by the purple bear statue.

Lions to resume conference play at No. 6 DBU

Sports

Tammy Teague

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11:17 pm

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Lions to resume conference play at No. 6 DBU

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men’s Basketball will face a top-10 opponent Thursday when the Lions visit No. 6 Dallas Baptist to resume Lone Star Conference play.

It will be the first game against a double dose of Patriots this week, taking on DBU at 7 p.m. Thursdaybefore visiting UT Tyler at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Both games are available for viewing on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST TIME OUT: UAFS returned from the holiday break to defeat Dallas Christian, 77-63, in its final nonconference matchup.

CATCHING FIRE: Guard Roland McCoy is averaging 20.0 points per game over his last three games, including a 32-point outing at Oklahoma Christian.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE: Guard Payton Brown recorded his first career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Dallas Christian.

RECORD WATCH: Brown ranks eighth with 980 career points and can become the seventh Lion in the D2 era to reach 1,000 career points.

SCOUTING DBU: The Patriots are 9-1, 3-1 LSC on the year and lead the LSC in scoring at 93.2 points per game. DBU forces a league-high 21.4 turnovers per game and has a 6.4 turnover margin. Four players average double figures, led by guard Cameron Kahn’s 20.4 points per game, which ranks third in the LSC. Kahn also leads DBU with 7.7 rebounds per game.

PREVIOUSLY RANKED: The last time UAFS faced DBU as a ranked opponent, the Lions defeated the Patriots, 72-70, in February 2021 at the Stubblefield Center.

SCOUTING UTT: UT Tyler is also searching for its first conference win of the year, entering the weekend at 1-9, 0-4 LSC. The Patriots are last in the league in free throw percentage at 63.8 percent and allow opponents to shoot a league-high 38.1 percent from three. Guard Bryce Roberts leads UTT with 13.6 points per game.

THE SERIES: UAFS is 14-15 all-time against DBU and 5-2 versus UT Tyler.

Obituary – Florain Valentine (1947 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:56 pm

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Obituary – Florain Valentine (1947 – 2024)

Florain Ann Valentine of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, January 1, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Florain was born August 7, 1947 to William Thomas Mahaffey and Lola May (Hill) Mahaffey in Muscatine, Iowa. Florain was 76 years, 4 months and 25 days old.

Florain was married to the love of her life, Allie Letane Valentine for 39 marvelous years before Allie went on to Heaven to wait for her in 2002. Florain loved going to church. She took delight in singing with her husband while he accompanied her on his guitar. One of Florain’s favorite things was to go fishing; she always had her pole in her car ready to go. She was a hard worker and enjoyed spending time with her family and attending their family cookouts. The memories made with her loved ones will forever be treasured by each of them.

Florain leaves behind to cherish her memory her two sisters: Wilma Butler and husband David of Waldron, Arkansas and Elaine Mahaffey of Waldron, Arkansas. Florain will forever remain in the hearts of her twelve nieces and nephews: Dennis Butler, Sandra McEntire, Sheila Meredith, Melissa Parish, Mary Robertson, Angela Deer, Linda McCleland, Brenda Mahaffey-Stone, Lisa Long, Ricky Mahaffey, Latrina Mahaffey, Brittney Salmon and numerous great nieces and nephews. Florain will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted.

Florain was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Allie Valentine; her parents William and Lola Mahaffey; three brothers: James Mahaffey, Johnny Mahaffey, William Mahaffey and Lowell Mahaffey; and nephew, Larry James.

Florain’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Sehorn Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Florain’s pallbearers will be Dennis Butler, Jeremy Meredith, Martin Myers, Steven Vongphakdy, Jackie Salmon and Ethan Meredith.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Florain Valentine, please vis

Obituary – Donna Sue Pollard (1939 – 2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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12:06 am

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Obituary – Donna Sue Pollard (1939 – 2023)

Donna Sue Pollard, 84, went to meet her Lord and Savior on December 29, 2023. Donna was born on August 7, 1939 to Jordan Baxter Hunt and Imogene Spainhour Hunt of Gravelly, Arkansas.

Donna was a Christian. She was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was kind, supportive, thoughtful, and selfless. She loved her family more than anything. She had the biggest heart of anyone you would meet. She never met a stranger and could make anyone feel special with her kind words. She enjoyed reading God’s Word, working crosswords, and watching soap operas. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life.

Donna leaves behind to cherish her memory four grandchildren; Brittani Wiggins of Plainview, Arkansas; Andrea Ingle of Waldron, Arkansas; Jarrod Gwin of Bluffton, Arkansas; and Tiffany Slater and husband Ethan Slater of Waldron, Arkansas. Donna is also survived by one sister, Jetty Pollard, of Waldron, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Linda Hunt, of Briggsville, Arkansas; and a host of nieces and nephews. Granny Donna will forever remain in the hearts of her great grandchildren; Abigail, Carson, Anthony, Marshall, Kayden, Noah, Dawson, Reed, Wyatt, and Kingston.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, L.T. Pollard; daughter, Dencil Denise Gwin; son-in-law, Rodney C Gwin; brother, Alva Jordan Hunt; and niece Darla White.

The family would like to give a personal thank you and recognition to The Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, Arkansas for taking such good care of Donna in her final days.

Her life celebration will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2023 at 3:00pm at Parks Cemetery in Nola, Arkansas. Friends and family are invited to share memories and celebrate the life of Donna. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Women’s Basketball gears up for showdowns with LSC’s top two teams

Tammy Teague

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10:27 pm

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Women’s Basketball gears up for showdowns with LSC’s top two teams

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women’s Basketball will look to build off the momentum it garnered at the end of 2023 when the Lions open 2024 against a ranked opponent.

The Lions won two of their last three before the break and will visit No. 5 Texas Woman’s Thursday at 2 p.m. before travelling to UT Tyler for a 1 p.m. tipoff Saturday.

Both games will be available to watch on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST TIME OUT: UAFS defeated Oklahoma Christian, 65-63, on December 19 in its final game prior to the holiday break.

STREAKING: Guard Baylee Fincher has now scored in double figures in seven straight games and is averaging 10.5 points per game on the season.

OFF THE MARK: UAFS leads the LSC in opponent three-point percentage, as opponents are connecting on just 24.6 percent of their three-point attempts.

40.0: The Lions have eclipsed the 40.0 percent shooting mark in each of their last three games after reaching that mark just once in the first eight games.

RECORD WATCH: After becoming the D2 era all-time leading scorer, guard Hannah Boyett sets her sights for 1,000 with 840 career points. Guard Riley Hayes is fifth all-time with 101 career made threes.

SCOUTING TWU: The No. 5 Pioneers have lost two in a row, including to Saturday’s opponent, UT Tyler, and are 10-3, 4-1 LSC on the season. Forward Ashley Ingram leads TWU with 17.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, while also dishing out a team-high 40 assists for a team that leads the LSC in assist/turnover ratio.

SCOUTING UTT: The Patriots have won nine games in a row to enter the weekend 11-3, 5-0 LSC. UTT leads the league in scoring defense (51.1 points per game) and scoring margin (20.2 points per game). Additionally, the Patriots are first in field goal percentage (45.1 percent) opponent field goal percentage (33.7 percent). Guard Tina Machalova is the lone Patriot averaging double figures with 13.4 points per game.

THE SERIES: UAFS is 1-7 versus Texas Woman’s and 2-3 versus UT Tyler.

Arrest Reports 11/24

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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9:29 pm

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Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Myrandi Elisa Ann Benefield of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 28 at 5:45 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Benefield was charged with possession of fentanyl class C felony, Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Amber Rose Castro of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 29 at 5:39 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 30 at 3:25 p.m. Castro was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Dustin D Canada of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 27 at 3:42 p.m. and released to an outside agency on December 28 at 8:25 a.m. Canada was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Megean Nichole Canada of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 30 at 11:25 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 30 at 11:25 p.m. Canada was charged with Theft of Property <$1k, and Theft by Receiving.

Jada Clayton of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 27 at 8:17 p.m. and released on cash bond December 27 at 8:45 p.m. Clayton was charged with petition to revoke – felony.

Lisa Marie Emerson of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 30 at 2:05 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on December 30 at 12:24 p.m. Emerson was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jonathan Howard Hattabaugh of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 29 at 6:19 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 29 at 2:01 p.m. Hattabaugh was charged with Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree.

Fredrick Keith Zimmerman of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 28 at 1:21 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 28 at 2:37 a.m. Zimmerman was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Don Kiddy of Westville, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 30 at 10:07 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Kiddy was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State.

Evan Joseph Mcclure of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 26 at 11:01 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 27 at 1:47 p.m. Mcclure was charged with Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.

James M McClure of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 26 at 10:56 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 26 at 11:36 p.m. McClure was charged with Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.

Tim Phouthavong of Danville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 24 at 4:12 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 24 at 11:36 a.m. Phouthavong was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Ronald Ray Scantling Second of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 27 at 11:10 a.m. and released on bond December 28 at 8:27 p.m. Scantling was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Timothy Leroy Martin Second of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 26 at 8:16 p.m. and released on signature bond December 26 at 9:14 p.m. Martin was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

John Alvin Rowe of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 27 at 11:31 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 29 at 3:39 p.m. Rowe was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Bruce Olen Wheeler Third of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 26 at 5:05 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Wheeler was charged with Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DWI, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Eric James Newberry of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 24 at 10:02 a.m. and released on December 28 at 10:23 p.m. Newberry was charged with Criminal Trespass – Occupiable Structure.

Dustin Michael Norris of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 30 at 1:19 a.m. and released on bond December 30 at 9:50 p.m. Norris was charged with Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., Speeding over Posted Speed Limit, Careless Driving – Inattentive Operation, and Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Arresting agency – Huntington Police Department:
Kevin Howard Reeves of Cameron, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 29 at 6:14 p.m. and released on signature bond December 29 at 10:51 p.m. Reeves was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Mary Etta Plonski, 25 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 30 at 4:26 p.m. Plonski was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

Melissa Denise Issac, 35 of Clarksville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 29 at 4:41 p.m. Issac was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

Victoria Lauren Dority, 31 of Dardanelle, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 29 at 9:52 a.m. Dority was charged with failure to comply with condition of pre-trial release.

Jesse Marshall, 36 of Greenwood, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 28 at 12:47 p.m. Marshall was charged with was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation.

Brandon Lee Wise, 45 of Lamar, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 27 at 6:59 p.m. Wise was charged with possession of meth or cocaine GT 10GM but LT 200GM, possession with intent to manufacture – unlawful distribution, driving left of center, no proof of liability insurance, and driving while license suspended.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Zachary Mason, 26 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 25 at 3:21 a.m. Mason was charged with three counts of failure to appear, two counts of violation of probation/suspended imposition of sentence, and failure to appear.

Debbie Sutton, 44 of Elizabethtown, KY, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 25 at 5:20 p.m. Sutton was charged with two counts of theft of property, and breaking or entering.

Kathrin Ketron, 32 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 25 at 5:41 p.m. Ketron was charged with theft of property.

Jason Corley, 45 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 26 at 1:54 p.m. Corley was charged with body attachment, and contempt of court.

Robert Eugene Brown, 47 of Blue Mountain, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 27 at 12:33 p.m.

Dustin Canada, 37 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 28 at 9:39 a.m. Canada was charged with two counts of body attachment.

Keondiera Williams, 24, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 28 at 1:10 p.m. Williams was charged with criminal possession of forgery device.

Andrew Brewer, 33 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 30 at 5:43 p.m. Brewer was charged with aggravated assault on family/household member.

David King, 34 of Winfield, KS, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 31 at 4:04 a.m. King was charged with failure to appear on felony.

Christina Ercoli, 34 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 31 at 5:40 p.m. Ercoli was charged with hold for other agency.

Regina Mans, 57 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 31 at 8:54 p.m. Mans was charged with contempt of court for failure to pay fines FTP.

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

Former Danville Head Football Coach Returns to Lead the Little Johns

Sports

Resident News Network

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4:03 am

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Former Danville Head Football Coach Returns to Lead the Little Johns

DANVILLE- As we celebrate the new year in 2024, Danville Little Johns fans will be celebrating the new year with the return of their beloved football coach, D.J. Crane.

Crane, who left Danville in 2020 where he had been successful as the Little John’s head football coach, will return in 2024 after having served as an assistant coach on the Bentonville High School football staff.

RNN Sports brought you the story in 2020 of Crane’s departure from Danville when it was announced he would be taking a position in Bentonville. You can click on the link below to see the story that announced his departure for Bentonville.

Son of Legendary Paris Coach Leaving Danville to Take Position on Bentonville Staff | Resident News Network

RNN Sports had the opportunity to visit with Coach Crane in a telephone interview recently, and the new Little Johns coach shared his story about why he is returning to Danville for a second stint as head football coach.

We began our conversation by talking about what brought Coach Crane back to Danville. Coach began by saying, “Well, just, you know, the River Valley. We have a lot of family that is very important to us, a lot of friends, so, it is a good move for me and my family. We are really happy up here (Bentonville). I work with the best coaches, the best administration, and it is so nice up here. The parents and the people are wonderful. I have made a lot of lifelong friends here. It was just a good time to be up here. But now, I have been pulled in that direction (Danville), so it is nothing big. It has just been kind of a gut feeling that has been leading me in this direction.”

Coach Crane is soley focused on what is best for the student-athletes that are under his direction. And that goes for not just what they represent as athletes, but what type of young men they eventually grow up to be later in life. Coach explained, “In the end, making an impact on kids is more important to me than anything else. It’s not what’s going on, or who is doing what, it’s what kind of impact are you as a coach going to make on these kids in the long run. And we are going to do that. It doesn’t matter where you are at, that is your goal as a coach. To make an impact on kids; it is the long-term impact, not focusing on the wins or winning at all costs. What can you do ensure that kids are going to have their best lives? And be a pillar in the community by doing the right things. That is the most important part of coaching and means the most to me. What have I done as a coach to help them become good husbands, a good dad, a good community member…have I done that? That’s the main issue. Nothing else really matters.”

Danville’s football program has suffered in recent season for much of the same reasons that other 3A programs have to face each season. Participation numbers, the flux of talent that affects 3A-sized programs from year to year, all present challenges for 3A schools that play high school football. Danville is certainly not alone with these issues, but as Coach Crane returns to a school where he has had previous success coaching the Little Johns, his first task may be to recruit students from the hallways of Danville High School to reconsider playing football. When I asked Coach Crane about this, he explained, “I have talked to our coaches (at Danville), and our administration is wonderful at Danville, and they have bought in and are ready to do what it takes to be successful. And our coaches are too; we have a great coaching staff, and I am very excited to work with them, and they are ready. Basically, what we have to do is to go into the hallways and talk to every boy that is in our school and just find out what gets them excited about playing football. Why would you want to play football? And just try to get to know them and see who will come out and join the program. Because basically we want to get kids into the program so we can reach them on a higher level to make them a better person. So that is why you want to get them in (the football program.) So, all around, you have to go, ‘OK, everybody has to take ownership of their actions. Coaches, players, administration, community, and parents…what do we have to do to get these kids back into our program so we can reach them?’ So, we will start in the hallways.”

Coach Crane knows that his players have to love playing the game and they have to know that their coach genuinely cares about them. Coach said, “I am the fortunate one here. I get to take over a program that has a rich tradition and history and I want the kids to be a part of it. I will try to reach our kids that way. If they know that I care about them, they will want to be a part of the program.”

As Coach Crane begins to take over the Danville football program, the existing coaching staff will work with him next season. Coach Crane said, “there are good coaches in Danville. There are a couple of young coaches that I believe are going to be really good coaches, and I can’t wait to work with all of them.”

The new head coach has met with his coaching staff a couple of times and has begun explaining how he wants to do things with the program. They are excited and ready to work with Crane and everyone appears to be on board and ready to go to work.

The Danville school board has met previously and has approved the hiring of Coach Crane. Details are being finalized with respect to the starting date of his contract with Danville. Working out details on both ends involving the hire of his replacement on the Bentonville staff and a start date for his contract in Danville are still a work in progress. The new Danville coach hopes to be on contract soon but will work some off-contract to make sure the Little Johns’ program does not fall behind in its preparation for the 2024 season. Coach Crane explained further by saying, “You win in the weight room, and the weight room has to be a big focus. When we were really good at Danville previously, we were very, very physical and strong and mentally were pretty tough. And that started in the weight room. So, this is what I am excited about now; getting in there and starting our Little John Iron Club going and getting the kids excited about it.”

The period of January through March is an important period for high school football players as they focus on the weight room before the start of spring football practice. Coach Crane will be eager to get on board with Danville in time to get the weight program into full swing in January. Coach said, “As soon as they start (January weight program) I am going to start with them.”

Moving ahead with an eye to the upcoming season, Danville will play in the 3A-4 conference that has a new school addition of the Perryville Mustangs, along with much of last cycle’s 3A-4 teams. It is a very tough conference, and I asked the new coach about his feelings of how he thought his team could compete in the 3A-4 next season. Coach replied by saying that for now, the focus will be on his team and what they do, first. “We are going to apply our program’s core beliefs and start with establishing a firm foundation. That starts with the weight room. It will continue with spring practice, implementing what we do offensively, defensively, and in special teams. Implementing what we do in the community, as far as going out and meeting community members, and doing the things in the community that we need to do, it all starts with that first. That all kind of leads up to summer, and I think we need to focus on getting the summer program back to what it used to be. We want to make sure that our summer attendance (player participation) is very high. We want them there and committed to doing what we need to do. Nothing else matters at this point. The schedule of who we are playing…none of that matters. Right now, it is installing our culture in how we do things and how we approach things. It is about how we go to work, and that has got to start right now. All of this leading into training camp in August is what matters, and then the focus changes to the season. If they are willing to do what it takes, then we can have success once the season starts.”

If this reporter were a betting guy, I would bet that Coach Crane and the Little Johns will have success in 2024. Danville could be one of the great stories of the 2024 season. That is certainly not guaranteed, as Coach has outlined. It will take a lot of hard work and a commitment from everyone connected to the program. But Coach Crane is a winner and I predict that in a very short period of time he will have the Danville program competitive again and the Little Johns competing for playoff spots in the very near future. But most of all, Danville fans can rest assured that regardless of the records, Danville will have players and a program that they can be very proud of. And the players will know that they have a coach that truly cares for them as young men, and not just as football players.

All of us at RNN Sports would like to extend a big “Welcome Back!” to Coach Crane as he prepares to return to Danville and the River Valley! Best of luck to the Danville Little Johns next season, and we are excited for the Little Johns fanbase!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Lions end 2023 with win over Crusaders

Sports

Tammy Teague

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11:25 pm

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FORT SMITH, Ark. – Guard Payton Brown recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds as University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men’s Basketball defeated Dallas Christian, 77-63, Saturday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center to close out 2023.

The 10 rebounds are a career high for Brown. Guards Roland McCoy and Lian Ramiro joined Brown in double figures with 16 and 10 points, respectively.

After a slow start saw the Lions trailing 6-3 at the first media timeout, UAFS made it a priority to attack the paint and immediately went on a 6-0 run. UAFS went on to finish with 46 points in the paint compared to just 10 for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders stayed within striking distance throughout the first half, as the Lions led 36-29 at the break.

UAFS started the second half on a 5-0 run only to see the Crusaders score the next six points. The Lions then pushed the lead back to double digits with 12:34 left and grew the lead to as many as 14 to led by at least nine for the remainder of the game.

Forwards Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu and Ryan Maxwell each chipped in with eight points while guard Cameron Bush and forward Jace Linenberger tallied seven points apiece.

11 of the 14 turnovers the Lions forced were steals, with McCoy, Bush and guard Tyler Frederick each grabbing two steals.

The Lions return to conference play January 4 at Dallas Baptist for a 7 p.m. tip.

New Year’s Financial Resolutions

Business

Tammy Teague

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10:43 pm

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Now that we’ve reached 2025, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions, you might make — volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others — why not make some financial resolutions, too?

Here are a few to consider:

• Boost your retirement savings. If you can afford it, try to increase your contributions to your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. The more you put away in these accounts, the greater your chances of reaching your retirement goals. At a minimum, contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. And whenever your salary goes up, consider raising the amount you put in to your 401(k).

• Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts — but it’s worth the effort. The lower your debt load, the greater your monthly cash flow. So, look for ways to consolidate debts or find other, possibly more productive, ways of using credit. And if you truly can’t afford something that’s nonessential, don’t go into debt for it. “Live within your means” is an old piece of advice, but it’s just as valid now as ever.

• Build an emergency fund. If you suddenly needed a major home or car repair, or received a large medical bill not fully covered by insurance, would you have the funds available? If not, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts or other long-term investments. To avoid this possibility, try to build an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account that’s separate from the ones you use to meet your daily expenses. It can take a while to build such a fund, but if you make it a priority and contribute regular amounts each month, you can make good progress.

• Avoid emotional decisions. Too many people overreact to events in the financial markets because they let their emotions get the better of them. If the market is temporarily down, it doesn’t mean you need to sell investments to “cut your losses” — especially if these investments still have good fundamentals and are still appropriate for your portfolio. It can be hard to ignore market volatility, but you’ll be better off if you focus on the long term and continue following an investment strategy that’s designed to meet your needs.

• Review your goals. Over time, your goals may have changed. For example, while you once might have wanted to retire early, and planned for it, you may now find that you’d like to work a few more years. If that’s the case, you may also need to adjust your financial and investment strategies.

• Revisit your estate plans. If you’ve married, divorced, remarried or added children to your family within the past few years, you may need to review the account titling and beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and other retirement assets, along with your estate-planning documents, such as your will or living trust. You might also need to revise these documents in other ways.

Of course, you may not be able to tackle all these resolutions at one time, but if you can work at them throughout the year, you can potentially brighten your financial outlook in 2025 — and beyond.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK