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Timepiece: Artifacts and Rock Art

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: Artifacts and Rock Art

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Grasping limbs and tree trunks, the teachers carefully made their way down the steep slopes of Magazine Mountain.  Turning along the base of the cliff, we arrived at Barn Cave.  Once used as an animal shelter by early settlers, in the more distant past, it was a work place for Native Americans.  Providing an historical perspective to the teachers, I explained that the grind stone and several arrow heads located at the visitor center were originally found on-site but the only items remaining was a number of chips and pieces of flint.  Within minutes, I was proven wrong!  It is always neat to find remains of our past but finding a perfectly shaped bird point is beyond exciting.  Locating animal bone fragments and other arrow head chips, the teachers discovered the excitement of archelogy.

The original inhabitants of Arkansas did not have a recorded language but they have left a story of their existence in sites across the state.  The work of Dr. George Sabo of the University of Arkansas, as well as that of other archeologists, has provided us with an understanding and appreciation of these early Arkansans.  The University of Arkansas Museum in Fayetteville contains thousands of artifacts that have been collected over the years and provides a viable interpretation of our past.  Even though visiting one of the museums or even the sites at Parkin or Plum Bayou is exciting, nothing can take the place of actual discovery.

Petit Jean Mountain rock house cave is an awesome site.  Located just above Cedar Falls, the large grotto extends far back into the side of the cliff.  Pictographs of paddle fish, starbursts, and warriors in headdress cover the ceiling walls and are easy to locate.  Even more exciting discoveries awaited as I climbed into some of the small caves along Seven Hollows trail and found pictographs located on the walls and ceilings.

Just east of Cass, a rock cliff face is covered with pictographs.  The soft red-sandstone rock is etched with rock carvings and art that is said to be more than a century old.  What inspires a person to climb high on a cliff or cave wall and dangle as they write their ancient form of graffiti on the wall?  The pictographs, interspersed with more recent names and dates, cover the face of the bluff.  Arrowheads, pottery, and grindstones have been found throughout the area, some dated as over one-thousand years old. 

Recently, a neighbor brought over several artifacts that he had found.  Although secretive about the find, he did confirm they were found in the River Valley near Ozark.  I was astounded by what looked like a large arrowhead.  The hard-rock face of the was chiseled and faceted to sharp edges, leaving a tear shaped point a foot and a half long and weighing probably twenty pounds.  An expert later told me it was the largest shaped plow-point that he had ever seen.  From the size and from the location found, I surmised it had to have been from the Cherokee time period when draft animals could have pulled the hand-hewn plow.  An exciting find and an exciting experience to touch our past.

Native Americans entered Arkansas thousands of years ago.  Many of the more ancient tribes, associated with de Soto and other explorer’s early travels through the state, died out as result of disease and warfare.  In historic time periods, the Caddo, the Osage, the Quapaw, and finally the Cherokee are the tribes associated with the state.  All of these left of wealth of evidence of their life and history.  Most areas of the state yield arrowheads, pipes, pottery, and rock art as evidence of their existence. Disturbing a site and removing items is not the best way to preserve our past but, unfortunately, there are hundreds of private collections around the state with no evidence of providence. 

Finding those remains excites our imagination and creates within us a desire to understand the mysteries of the life lived by our predecessors in this state.

Booneville’s Stringer Welcomes the Spotlight

Jim Best
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Booneville’s Stringer Welcomes the Spotlight

Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly and in its entirety from Mr. Glenn Parrish, Director of Communications, Booneville School District. Mr. Parrish is a RNN Sports contributor, and we thank him for bringing this story to our readers!

BOONEVILLE- Named for one of the famed Charlie’s Angels, Booneville High School junior Farrah Stringer does not shy away from the spotlight.

Conversely, she may outshine the spotlight.

Stringer understands she is named after Farrah Fawcett – her sister is named Jacquelyn for Smith – but it is seldom a talking point with her peers.

Most of her generation has never seen an episode of the television series that ran from 1976 through 1981, If they have even heard of it.

Stringer can be counted among those who have never seen the show, or even the rebooted films. Quizzed if she had another sister named Kate (for Jackson) Stringer was unaware of who that might be.

Like her namesake, Farrah willingly plays the role of being the most visible team character. Because nothing about Stringer says supporting role.

Stringer has worked her way into a starting role for the second time in her high school volleyball career, and she is intent on hanging onto that position.

“Last year I started, but I lost it. I felt like a lot of pressure on me because I had to be good to get back in that starting spot over a senior – that’s hard when you’re a sophomore trying to start over a senior,” said Stringer.

Not getting there did not deter Stringer. If anything she was even more focused on the next audition period.

“In the summer it was my goal to work really hard and to not have to keep fighting back and forth with somebody,” she said. “I could just have that spot.”

“Farrah loves volleyball. She has worked really hard to be where she is today,” said Coach Bailey Stringer. “I’m proud of the player she is becoming. Starting on varsity was her goal and she has made it happen.”

She is determined to stay there too.

To enhance her skills Stringer has played club volleyball with BHS graduate Hayley Lunsford and is planning to try out for FSJ, a team that boasts teammate Ellie Smith on its roster.

Stringer shines behind the scenes as well, especially on road trips with her teammates.

“I think it’s really fun on the bus. We all get to goof off and have fun,” said Stringer. “It’s a little more focused on the way there than on the way back.”

She gets to do that three times this week – today to Lavaca, Tuesday to Elkins, and Thursday to West Fork.

“(On the bus) we’re sitting next to each other. At practice we’re focused and we don’t want to goof off, but on the bus we have hours together,” she said.

She also draws attention, wanted or otherwise, because she shares a last name with her head coach.

“A lot of people ask me if we’re related all the time,” said Stringer.

She has also convincingly acted out that role, revealing to multiple people at a track meet in the eighth grade that Coach Bailey Stringer was in fact her mother.

“And they believed me,” she said.

Given that, could Stringer be cast in a role of class clown?

“Some may think I am, but I don’t know,” said Stringer.

Stringer is also completely at home on a theater stage.

After playing multiple roles in Frozen as an eighth grader, including Young Elsa, then landing the young Simba role in the Lion King as a freshman, she conquered the lead of Charlie in last year’s production of Wonka.

This year she is already making plans to land the title role of Peter Pan.

You can also find Stringer lighting up the sidelines at Bearcat football games on Friday nights this fall as she has returned to the Cheer Cats.

“I cheered to like eighth grade, from elementary, but then I didn’t really enjoy it. But I started to get closer to some on the team and they encouraged me to do it,” said Stringer. “It was a good decision.”

Coach Racheal May is glad she did too.

“She’s a natural. She’s fun to watch on the sideline, and when she decides to lead, everyone follows,” said May. “She recently pulled herself out of a tumbling slump and three more followed suit. I’m glad she’s back after taking a couple of years off.”

Stringer’s junior year will also include softball where she also worked herself into a starting role last year landing in left field for a state championship team.

Even if it was sort of improvisational.

Coach Chad Simpson noted before the title game that he and Coach Stringer put Stringer and a couple other players in left field for a practice and said one of them would win the job that day.

Stringer got the call(back).

“I always kind of wanted to play outfield, but I’m not very fast, but they put me out there and I was just going with it,” said Stringer.

For free time – she insists her schedule is kind of light despite there being an AP course on it – Stringer likes to read, paint, and, ever the entertainer, sing – Taylor Swift is a favorite.

2023 Paris Football Homecoming Court

Jim Best
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2023 Paris Football Homecoming Court

PARIS- This week is homecoming week on the campus of Paris High School. The Eagles will host Bismark on Friday, September 29 for the annual homecoming football game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Last week, we had the chance to visit with the homecoming court and photograph them for this story. The members of the 2023 PHS Football Homecoming Court are:

Freshmen Maids:

Aliyah Bingham and Saylor Goff

Sophomore Maids:

Rayan Bennett and Danielle Moore

Junior Maids:

Sandy Privett and Lauren Reames

Senior Maids:

Abbi Walker, Gabby Walker, Emily Patterson, Carsyn Johnson, and Emma Davis

The homecoming queen will be announced during a special pre-game ceremony on the field at Eagles Stadium prior to kickoff on Friday. Persons interested in seeing the ceremony should plan to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m.

Cooke earns medalist honors at NSU Invitational

Tammy Teague
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Cooke earns medalist honors at NSU Invitational

MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Freshman Chandler Cooke earned individual medalist honors Tuesday at the NSU Invitational is his first collegiate tournament by shooting a seven-under 206 at Muskogee Golf Club.

Cooke broke the 18 and 36-hole program records Monday with a 65 (-6) in round two for a 36-hole total of 134 (-8). His second round featured seven birdies. He then started his final round with an eagle on hole one and finished with a 72 (+1).

Cooke was six under on par-5s and finished the tournament with 13 total birdies. He also led the Lions with 32 pars and was named to the All-Tournament team for his performance. He is the first individual medalist since 2019.

Jeremy Tandoy tied for 47th with a 223 (+10), carding rounds of 71-74-78. He recorded five of his nine birdies in his opening round.

Preston Green and Sam Sewell each tied for 57th with a 225 (+12). Green had rounds of 79-71-75 and Sewell rounds of 77-75-73. Green carded a pair of eagles in his final round while Sewell was second on the Lions with 31 total pars. Both players tallied seven birdies.

Andrew Fakult shot four-under on par-5s as he finished tied for 83rd with a 232 (+19) with rounds of 79-78-75. Christopher Taylor tied for 79th playing as an individual, shooting rounds of 74-73 on Monday with an 84 on Tuesday.

The Lions finished seventh overall with an 876 (+24). UAFS had a best round of 285 (+1) in round two. UAFS was second in par-5 scoring at 15-under.

Next up for the Lions is the RJGA South Central Shootout September 25-26 at Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Club in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Arrest Reports 9/10

Tammy Teague
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Arrest Reports 9/10

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Gary Michael Bridges of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 10 at 1:05 p.m. and released on September 13 at 10:33 a.m. Bridges was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, and assault on a family or household member – 2nd degree.

Deja Coggins of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 10 at 10:30 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Coggins was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Jody Williams Knight of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 11:50 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 14 at 10:38 a.m. Knight was charged with Possession of Misbranded Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Possession of Methamphetamine with the Purpose to Deliver >2g.

Benjamin Lyle McCartney of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 12 at 8:18 p.m. and released on bond September 12 at 10:48 p.m. McCartney was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Shane Austin Quillman of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 12:43 a.m. and released on September 18 at 10:55 p.m. Quillman was charged with two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

David Nathanael Sage of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 16 at 8:31 a.m. and released on September 18 at 9:38 a.m. Sage was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Mark Edward Sanders of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 10 at 4:05 p.m. and released on signature bond September 11 at 5:30 p.m. Sanders was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Drew Hayden Young of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 8:54 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Young was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Michael Ryan Capps of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 10 at 1:22 a.m. and released on signature bond September 10 at 12:23 p.m. Capps was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Zachary A Chittenden of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 15 at 12:39 p.m. and released on cash bond September 15 at 4:27 p.m. Chittenden was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Jody Jean Miller of Ratcliff was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 8:03 a.m. and released on September 18 at 4:56 p.m. Miller was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Pamela Jo Presock of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 5:51 p.m. and released on bond September 18 at 9:12 p.m. Presock was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), petition to revoke – misd., Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Amber Diane Price of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 3:52 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Price was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Skylar Madyson Walchli of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 16 at 5:08 p.m. and released on September 16 at 2:05 p.m. Walchli was charged with Careless Driving – Failure to Maintain Control, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Ebany Melaine White of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 10:57 p.m. and released on signature bond September 12 at 10:36 a.m. White was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Tyler Lane Chappell of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 13 at 10:24 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Chappell was charged with four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the First Degree -Conduct, and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Stephen Auther Hanna of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 11:29 a.m. and released on September 18 at 10:16 p.m. Hanna was charged with Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct – Hazardous Condition, and Assault in the 2nd Degree.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
John Higman was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 1:50 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on September 14 at 7:58 p.m. Higman was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Dustin David Johnson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 16 at 8:31 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 17 at 10:32 a.m. Johnson was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine.

Danny Lynn Thomas of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 11 at 3:06 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 11 at 6:54 p.m. Thomas was charged with Aggravated Assault – Choke, and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree- Purposely – 2nd Offense.

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Kenneth Wayne Sharp of Midland was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 3:15 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Sharp was charged with parole violation and absconding.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Angelene Ellen Woodward of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 14 at 4:30 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 14 at 9:55 p.m. Woodward was charged with petition to revoke – misd.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Kenneth B Finch, 32 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 16 at 5:33 p.m. Finch was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of endanger the welfare of a minor – 1st degree – risk of death/physical injury – desert under 10.

Gary A Woods, 42 of Clinton, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 15 at 10:02 p.m. Woods was charged with two counts of obstructing governmental operations, two counts of DWI – drugs (unlawful act), two counts of refusal to submit to chemical test, two counts of reckless driving, two counts of disorderly conduct, and two counts of terroristic threatening – 2nd degree.

Bobby Gene Rogers, 29 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 15 at 9:03 p.m. Rogers was charged with eight counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Michelle Lee Williams, 26 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 14 at 9:46 p.m. Williams was charged with two counts of violation of a protection order – misdemeanor.

Mitchel Earl Gifford, 24 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 14 at 5:03 p.m. Gifford was sentenced to days.

Albert W. Rook, 71 of Pine Bluff, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 14 at 3:30 p.m. Rook was charged with two counts of public intoxication, and two counts of bond surrender.

James Arthur Rogers, 35 of Alma, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 13 at 3:49 p.m. Rogers was charged with three counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Jim Ed Hopkins, 41 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 12 at 1:29 p.m. Hopkins was charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution/lies or attempts to provide false information.

Johnny Hopkins, 40 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 12 at 1:15 p.m. Hopkins was charged with endangering the welfare of minor – 1st degree – risk of death/physical injury – desert under 10.

Matthew Dylan Hamilton, 23 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 12 at 12:49 p.m. Hamilton was charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution/lies or attempts to provide false information.

Holly Marie Maurseth, 35 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 12 at 11:21 a.m. Maurseth was charged with endanger the welfare of minor – 1st degree – risk of death/physical injury – desert under 10.

Geneva Jean Wood, 66 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 11 at 12:07 p.m. Wood was charged with possession of meth or cocaine GT 2 GM but less than 10 GM.

Dante Alexander Collingsworth, 21 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 10 at 9:42 p.m. Collingsworth was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Billy Freeman, 28 of Greenwood, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 10 at 12:34 p.m. Freeman was charged with failure to appear on Class C misdemeanor (FTA).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Linda Bokker, 48 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 10 at 3:46 p.m. Bokker was charged with failure to pay.

Marissa Organ, 32 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 12 at 5:29 p.m. Organ was charged with parole hold, and possession of a controlled substance.

Xavier Hilton Levi, 31, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 12 at 7:50 p.m. Levi was charged with hold for another agency.

Michelle Crawford, 31 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 13 at 10:15 a.m. Crawford was charged with criminal trespass.

Melissa Catlett, 49 of Blue Mountain, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 15 at 1:35 p.m. Catlett was charged with obstructing governmental operations, and failure to appear.

Gregory Smith, 53 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 15 at 7:56 p.m. Smith was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, and absconding.

Coleman James, 28 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 16 at 4:09 p.m. James was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

James Robinson, 58 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 16 at 6:41 p.m. Robinson was charged with criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication, and failure to appear.

Zachary Hatton, 31 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 16 at 7:40 p.m. Hatton was charged with aggravated assault, and residential burglary.

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

Fifty Years Ago Today: Billie Jean King Defeats Bobby Riggs in “Battle of the Sexes”

Jim Best
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Fifty Years Ago Today: Billie Jean King Defeats Bobby Riggs in “Battle of the Sexes”

HOUSTON- What started out as a challenge from a former male tennis star who made negative remarks about women and the game of women’s tennis, eventually led to one of the most famous sporting events of all time.

The “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King took place fifty years ago today, September 20, 1973.

Although the match seemed to be a circus to many at the time, it is now looked back upon as a milestone in the fight for women to gain equality in all facets of not only sports, but in society at large.

Riggs, in his prime, was a successful tennis player. But at the time of the match in 1973, the fifty-five-year-old Riggs was well beyond his prime. King, who was only 29 at the time, was in the midst of a successful women’s tennis career.

Riggs made a series of challenges that year, making derogatory remarks about women’s tennis along the way. In fact, the match in September of 1973 was not the first such match. Then women’s tennis star, Margaret Court, accepted Riggs’s challenge first, but was soundly defeated by Riggs in May of 1973 in just two quick sets. The victory over Court accelerated Riggs’s remarks about women and women’s tennis.

So, when King accepted the challenge, it was promoted into a big spectacle. The match was played before more than 30,000 people in the Houston Astrodome and was televised in prime time by ABC Sports. Rosie Casals, another women’s tennis star at the time, was chosen as one of the color commentators on the ABC telecast because the network knew she would not hold back on her negative comments toward Riggs. And that is exactly what Casals did on the telecast, making the event even more centered around the social implications of the event. Casals, along with Howard Cosell broadcasted the match on national television. The sport of tennis, perhaps being watched that night by people who were not necessarily tennis fans, took a back seat to the issue of women’s equality.

King soundly defeated Riggs that night in a best-of-five set match. It took King just three sets to defeat Riggs; she did so by the set scores of 6-4, 6-3, and 6-3. After the match, the two met at center court and walked off together. Riggs has been quoted as to telling King at the time of his defeat, “I underestimated you.”

Several years later, another such “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match would take place in 1992 between Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova. But it did not seem to have the significance socially as the 1973 Riggs / King match.

All of this happened, 50 years ago today. And for some, so many of the main issues that were heatedly debated in 1973, remain today in 2023.

Women’s Golf ties for third at RJGA Shootout at Estrella

Tammy Teague
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Women’s Golf ties for third at RJGA Shootout at Estrella

Sidney Stramel earned her second top-10 to begin the fall as she finished in a tie for sixth at the RGJA Shootout at Estrella at the Golf Club at Estrella.

Stramel shot a two-under 70 in Tuesday’s second round with three birdies to finish with a 143 (-1). She carded a 73 (+1) in round one.

Kenley McElyea finished her first collegiate tournament in a tie for 13th after shooting a 146 (+2). McElyea carded four birdies for an opening round 71 (-1) before completing the tournament with a 75.

Rachel Hicks found herself in the lead in the early stages of round one before finishing her round with an even-par 72. She then shot a 77 in round two for a two-day total of 149 (+5) to finish tied for 22nd.

Marvelyn Kartika carded rounds of 78 and 74 to place 35th with a 152 (+8) while Maisie Liddell tied for 65th with a 159 (+15) with rounds of 78-81.

UAFS was one stroke off the lead after a round one 294 and finished tied for third with a 590 (+14).

The Lions will have a two-week break before returning to the course at the WT Fall Invitational October 2-3 at La Paloma Golf Club in Amarillo, Texas.

Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, OK Sold

Ross Fujibayashi
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Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, OK Sold

Jake and Kelsey Davis are set to purchase Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, OK.

Since 1971, Tri-State Speedway has been a towering presence in the Arkansas River Valley, fittingly for the 2023 Points Championship season finale honoring the tracks first owner Tillman Evans, The Might Tri-State Speedway will be in the process of transfer of ownership. Jake and Kelsey Davis of D&D Properties will be taking over the Speedway from Michael and Jerri Hoover of Hoover Properties Inc.

Current track owners Michael and Jerri Hoover want to thank all the fans, drivers, sponsors, and employees for six amazing years of support and success. “Even though the track was not for sale, after many discussions with Jake Davis about the future of Tri-State Speedway’s success and infrastructure, it made more sense for someone like Jake to take it over.” Michael Hoover stated “Jake Davis wears so many hats in the construction business and has the same love and vision for Tri-State Speedway. Jake and Kelsey Davis are the perfect people to take Tri-State Speedway to the next level.”

The visions the Hoovers had for the track remain the same: a venue just off Turn 1, the Concert stage in the top pits, and the Tri-State Speedway Hall of Fame will remain part plans Jake and Kelsey have for the track. Jake and Kelsey will be just the 6th owner of the track in its 52-year history. “Every track owner and promoter has upgraded Tri-State Speedway and has added their own unique ideas.” Hoover said, “From races like The Spooker and The Kegger, the Steel Horse Rally, the Loud Pedal Amphitheater, fist bumping kids down Victory Lane, the infield pits, and the 360 view right off Interstate 540.”

The track has an illustrious history and more recently has become a viral sensation for it’s “Black Ice” surface. Aside from the consistent surface, the move to fully sanctioned USRA classes, has not only provided a much-needed stability for racers and brought several former racers back to the track.

“We are looking forward to continuing to build off the of the foundation the Hoovers have laid. We will continue with the existing schedule for this year and are working on events for next year already.” Jake Davis said, “We plan to stay USRA sanctioned and look forward to working with other tracks to grow USRA racing in our region.”

“I can tell you first hand how amazing that feeling is the first day you own something of that magnitude and history. I can’t imagine what’s going through Jake’s mind since he grew up at Tri-State when his father Sonny Davis owned and operated the facility.” Hoover said, “We are excited to see what Jake and Kelsey have planned for TSS.”

“The speedway just has an environment about it, that’s second to none. We’re thankful that we were able to be a small part of it’s history.” – Michael Hoover

With three events remaining on the schedule, 53rd Points Championship Night Honoring Tillman Evans, the 44th Annual Spooker, and the Salute to Service POWRi 410 Sprints it’s going to be a busy time at the Speedway. The Spooker attracts racers from all over the country with car totals on each of the four nights exceeding 200+. “We are all going to hit the ground running and get ready for the 44th running Spooker Oct. 18th through the 21st. The Hoovers and the Davis’ invite everyone out to join us and make the Spooker even bigger and better than it has been the last several years.” Michael Hoover said. 

Game Notes: LSU

Jim Best
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Game Notes: LSU

FAYETTEVILLE- There is no time for sulking or second guessing for the Razorbacks after their disappointing loss on Saturday to BYU. Next up is a very difficult trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to open the SEC season against the LSU Tigers. Tiger Stadium is arguably one of, if not THE toughest place to play in the SEC, especially at night. And one thing is for certain, the LSU faithful will sellout the stadium and be loud all night when the Razorbacks take the field. It will be a tough place to correct the mistakes that have taken place at home over the past two weeks, but now is the time for the Hogs.

Here are some pregame notes on Saturday’s game as provided by the University of Arkansas:

LSU TIGERS (2-1, 1-0 SEC)
AP/Coaches: 12/13
Head Coach: Brian Kelly (Assumption, ‘83)
Career Record: 275-101-2 (34th season)
Record at LSU: 12-5 (2nd season)

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (2-1, 0-0 SEC)
AP/Coaches: NR/RV
Head Coach: Sam Pittman (Pittsburg State, ‘86)
Career Record: 21-18 (4th season)

• Arkansas hits the road for the first time in 2023 to square off against longtime rival LSU in the Battle for the Golden Boot. Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Tigers in Death Valley is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, on ESPN.

• Beginning with this Saturday’s game in Baton Rouge, the Razorbacks will open SEC play with four consecutive games away from the friendly confines of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. This season marks the first time that Arkansas has played its first four conference games away from home in 98 years. It last happened in 1925, when the Razorbacks were members of the Southwest Conference.

• Arkansas is seeking its second consecutive win against LSU in Baton Rouge. The Hogs have never won consecutive games against the Tigers in Louisiana’s capital city. The last time that Arkansas won consecutive games against LSU in the state of Louisiana was from 1927-29 in Shreveport.

• Saturday’s game between Arkansas and LSU marks the earliest the two teams have ever met on the gridiron. Since the Hogs joined the SEC in 1992, the teams have played in November each season. Prior to 1992, Arkansas and LSU played 11 games in October but never during September.

• QB KJ Jefferson has completed 55-of-71 (71.4%) passes for 629 yards and six touchdowns while also running for 80 yards and a touchdown through the Razorbacks’ first three games of the season. Jefferson, who has thrown for a touchdown in each of his last 14 games played, ranks
second on Arkansas’ career touchdown responsibility list with 74 (54 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns).

• RB AJ Green, starting in place of the injured RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, has rushed for a team-leading 190 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries (6.8 ypc) through the Hogs’ first three games of the season. Making his second career start against BYU, Green ran for 86 yards and two
scores, his first career multi-rushing touchdown game.

• WR Andrew Armstrong has quickly emerged as QB KJ Jefferson’s go-to receiver, leading the Razorbacks with 18 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns through the first three games of the season. The transfer from Texas A&M-Commerce, who has at least one catch in 19
consecutive games dating back to 2021, caught a teamleading nine passes for 98 yards against BYU.

• LB Jaheim Thomas has filled up the stat sheet on the defensive side of the ball through his first three games as a Razorback. The Cincinnati transfer is Arkansas’ leading tackler with 29 total stops, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Thomas, who currently ranks fourth among
all SEC defenders in total tackles (29) this season, has also recorded one pass breakup on the year.

To win, Arkansas must find a way to move the ball on the ground and eliminate mistakes that have hurt the Hogs the first three weeks of the season.

RNN Sports photographer John D. James will be on the field at Tiger Stadium to bring you all of the action in pictures next week! Stay with RNN Sports for the best coverage of Razorbacks football all season!

Note to Our Readers: Portions of this story were sourced directly from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.

Charleston Suffers Narrow Loss on the Road at Nashville

Jim Best
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Charleston Suffers Narrow Loss on the Road at Nashville

NASHVILLE, AR- The non-conference schedule gauntlet of the Charleston Tigers football season concluded on Friday night with a long trip to Nashville to play the Class 4A Scrappers. Charleston, a young team who lost a large number of senior starters from last year’s 3A championship team, showed good progress again this week. The young Tigers are growing up, and now, they look ahead to next Friday’s conference opener.

Charleston will return to Alumni Field on Friday to host the Greenland Pirates in the 3A-1 conference opener for both schools. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

The conference portion of the Tigers’ schedule is what head coach Ricky May and his staff have been pointing to all season. While the Tigers want to win every game they play, they know that it is the conference schedule that determines who wins a both a conference championship and who goes on to play in the state playoffs. So for Charleston, development of their players and remaining healthy has been the true objective throughout the non-conference schedule.

RNN Sports talked with Coach May following the Tigers’ narrow 26-21 loss to the Scrappers who were 4A semifinalists in the state playoffs a year ago. Coach May commented on his team’s progress by saying, “They are growing up. On the last drive, we had 8 sophomores on offense and scored. We had our chances; they stopped us on 4th and goal on two drives. One was questionable whether we scored or not. Looked like he was in. We didn’t turn the ball over all night, so that was great. Our kids felt good about how they played Friday night. We had no turnovers and penalties weren’t bad. Our quarterback had a really good game and the receivers played well.”

Tigers sophomore Carter Little took a big step in his development as quarterback on Friday (RNN Sports Photo / Ronni Tate Young)

Charleston’s sophomore quarterback, Carter Little, played his best game of the year so far, making good decisions on passes that included two touchdown passes to teammates Maddix Terry and Deegan Todd.

So, the young Tigers will play their first varsity game in conference on Friday when they play the Greenland Pirates. Charleston could take another big step with their young team, making them a tough out in conference play as the season progresses. Charleston has conference games against Greenland and Cedarville over the next two weeks before they host Mansfield in a big 3A-1 showdown at Alumni Field on October 6.

Watch for our preview of the Charleston vs. Greenland game this week in the RNN Logan / Franklin County weekly newspaper! If you have not yet subscribed, just go to residentnewsnetwork.com/subscribe and sign-up for your weekly newspaper with the best River Valley sports coverage in Western Arkansas!

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