Alabama transfer and Razorbacks linebacker Drew Sanders was selected on Friday night in the third round of the NFL Draft that is currently in progress. Sanders was taken by the Denver Broncos as the 67th overall pick.
Watch for more on this story this weekend on RNN Sports!
Michael Lewis Luongo went home to heaven on Sunday, April 23, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas. Michael was born on October 7, 1949 in Yeadon, Pennsylvania to Rudolph Nicholas Luongo and Betty Lee (Belcher) Hahn.
Michael and his sisters grew up in Springfield, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. Michael loved to tell funny stories about growing up and the mischief he and his friends got into. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1968 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and subsequently served in Vietnam. It was an experience he carried with him for the rest of his life. Throughout his life he encountered many ups and downs and as a result, tried not to miss a chance to help others when he could.
Michael was married to his love, Marianne (Tate) Luongo for 52 years. Together they raised their son and daughter. Michael loved being a father and in later years, being “Pop Pop” to his five grandchildren. Though miles apart, Michael loved and remained close to all of his family.
Michael was blessed with a close family of friends that he made in Waldron. He was watched over and cared for by many generous and loving friends. On any given day Michael could be seen scooting around Waldron in his wheelchair, having breakfast with friends at The Rock Cafe, going up the hill to mass at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, but most often zipping to Waldron Nursing & Rehabilitation Center to visit his wife Marianne.
Michael loved to write, reminisce, play guitar, and listen to music of all kinds. He was a member of the local VFW, the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of Class 15 from the University of Arkansas LeadAR program. He loved God and his faith was a guide and a comfort to him.
Michael leaves behind his wife Marianne and two children; his son Mark and wife Robin of Castle Rock, Colorado and their children Colby and Ceejai, and his daughter Nicole and husband George Thompson of Underhill, Vermont and their sons Patrick, Simon, and Henry. Michael is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Youmans MacPherson of Nashville, Tennessee and Joann Johnston of Olympia, Washington.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Betty, his brother Jerry Lee of Waldron, Arkansas, and his sister Sandra Luongo of Daphne, Alabama.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to celebrate Michael’s life at Saint Jude Thaddeus Church in Waldron, Arkansas on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10 am. Following that, his ashes will be interred in a private ceremony with his family at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Any donations you may consider should be a simple act of kindness. Whether it is holding the door open for someone or paying for someone’s breakfast, we can keep Michael’s spirit alive by doing what we can for others.
Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
Thomas G. Eckle Sr., left this world on April 21, 2023. He was born on November 19, 1943 in Texas to Ralph Sr. and Jessie Eckle. Thomas was 79 years old.
Thomas leaves behind one son, Thomas G. Eckle Jr and wife Judy of Waldron, Arkansas; two beautiful granddaughters that he adored dearly; Lacey and Danny Fletcher of Missouri and Summer and Chase Taake of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Thomas was preceded in death by his loving wife Virginia (Elmore) Eckle, one son Ty Eckle and one grandson Bryce.
A private family service will be held at a later date with interment at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
You may leave words of remembrance for Thomas’ family by visiting www.heritagememorialfh.com
If you’ve done any estate planning, or even if you’re just familiar with it, you probably know the basics — that is, a comprehensive estate plan can help you pass on assets to your family while also achieving other goals, such as designating someone to take care of your affairs if you become unable to do so. But you may not know about some other estate-planning issues that could prove important in your life:
• Power of attorney for students – Children heading off to college may be considered legal adults in many states. Consequently, you, as a parent, may not have any control over medical treatment if your child faces a sudden, serious illness or is involved in an accident. Instead, a doctor who doesn’t know your child or your family may decide on a course of action of which you might not approve. To help prevent this, you may want to have your college student sign a medical power of attorney form, which will allow you to make decisions on your child’s behalf if doctors don’t think your child can make those choices. You might also want to combine the medical power of attorney with an advance health care directive or living will, which lets you specify actions you do or don’t want to happen. In any case, consult with your legal advisor before taking any of these steps.
• Community property versus common law – Not all states treat married couples’ possessions equally. If you live in a community property state, the property you acquire during your marriage is generally considered to be owned in equal halves by each spouse, with some exceptions. But if you live in a common law state, the property you obtain while you’re married is not automatically owned by both spouses. In these states, if you buy some property, you own it, unless you decide to put it in the name of yourself and your spouse.
This doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that your spouse has no rights, because common law states typically have rules that guard surviving spouses from being disinherited. But here’s the key point: If you move from a community property state to a common law state, or vice versa, you might not want to assume that your and your spouse’s property ownership situations will remain the same. Consequently, if you do move, you may want to consult an estate-planning attorney in your new state to determine where you stand.
• Pet trusts – You always strive to take good care of your pets. But what might happen to them if you become incapacitated in some way? Unless you have a close family member or friend who’s willing to take over care for your pet, you might want to consider setting up a pet trust, which can take effect either during your lifetime or after you pass away. A trustee typically will make payments to the
caregiver you’ve designated for your pet, with payments continuing for the pet’s lifetime or a set number of years. Again, an estate-planning attorney can help you with this arrangement.
Estate planning certainly involves the big-picture issue of leaving a legacy to the next generation. But the issues we’ve discussed can also be meaningful to you, so you’ll want to address them properly.
This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855
479-963-1321
jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com
edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
The past four years have been banner years for Mansfield High School athletics. The school has been playoff contenders in virtually every sport and has won back-to-back state championships in volleyball.
Among those teams have been outstanding athletes that have played at Mansfield. And in two weeks, four seniors from MHS will graduate and will further their playing careers at the collegiate level.
It is believed by most local historians that the number of four MHS students being offered collegiate athletic scholarships is the most in any one year at the Sebastian / Scott County school. Mansfield plays football in the 3A classification and plays in 2A in all other sports. So the number of four athletic scholarships going to MHS athletes is very impressive in comparison to the school’s enrollment.
Earning an athletic scholarship in any size school is quite an accomplishment. But considering the size of MHS, it is quite remarkable. According to the website, scholarshipstats.com, the percentage of athletes going on to play college sports is quite low. The website states, “Overall, a little over than 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division 1 schools.”
Four MHS students have defied those odds and will be playing collegiately next school year in the sports of college volleyball, baseball, and softball.
Mansfield senior volleyball player Natalie Allison will begin her college playing career next fall at Henderson State University. Lady Tigers softball player Brooklyn Adams will play college softball next spring at Carl Albert State College. Tigers baseball player Braxton Byers will play college baseball at Hesston College in Kansas, along with Tigers baseball player Drew Elmore who will also be attending Carl Albert State College to play baseball.
Natalie Allison started for the Lady Tigers her sophomore season. She, according to her coach, Kaylie Pyles, “immediately became a key role starter in all three state championships in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She is a strong competitor who has a hard work ethic and always strives to be the best she can be no matter what it takes. Natalie earned the well-deserved recognition of being named the 2021 Most Valuable Player of the volleyball state tournament as a junior, where she contributed statistics as a setter, hitter, server, and defensively. As a senior, she was the captain of the team and led the team in kills. She is a tremendous multi-sport athlete who succeeds in all she does and also maintains her grades in the classroom.”
Coach Pyles concluded her comments by saying, “I am excited to see Natalie play at the next level because she has the determination and talent to continue to excel. Henderson State will be gaining a huge asset and one of the best I have ever coached, and I know she will have tons of success there. I am very proud to have coached her and thankful for her contributions to Mansfield volleyball.”
Brooklyn Adams was named twice an All-Conference selection as well as a two-time All-State selection. Brooklyn also earned All-Region honors. She was named by the internet publication Scorebook Live as one of the best catchers in Arkansas for three years. As a team member of the Lady Tigers, she was named as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year, as well as Offensive Player of the Year.
Brooklyn’s coach, Donnie Eveld, said of her, “Brooklyn is a player you can count on to always give the best that she’s got. She is an integral player for our team; she’s very good behind the plate or at third base. Hitting wise, she routinely hits at or above the .400 mark and both offensively and defensively is looking for ways to improve. I think she will excel at the next level as she has all the tools needed to be successful.”
Braxton Byers was named three times to the All-Conference team and three times All-Region. When his coach Layton Robinson, who himself played collegiately at Arkansas Tech University between 2014-18, was asked about his talent and value to the Tigers over the past four years, Coach Robinson responded by saying, “It has been a pleasure to be able to coach Braxton the past four years. He has been a starter since Day 1. He is a very good defender at first base and has major pop at the plate. Braxton is also a kid that never lets the stage get too big for him; he competes at a high level every time he steps on the field.”
Drew Elmore was also a three-time All-District baseball player for the Tigers. Drew was also named All-Region three times and All-State twice. Drew was named as the Regional Tournament Most Valuable Player twice.
Mansfield baseball coach Layton Robinson said of Elmore, “Drew is an exceptional arm talent that you don’t see at this level very often. Through my four years with him, he has gotten better every year. He is the type of guy that you want on the mound in big games. He never lets the moment get too big for him and is a high-level competitor on the mound.”
Graduation is always an emotional time of the year for students, faculty, and families. It is a bittersweet moment; on one hand, happy and excited that the students are moving on to their exciting futures, and on the other, sad to see them go.
But, this very special group of talented Mansfield seniors is moving on to greater opportunities, both athletically and academically, and that is a wonderful thing for everyone involved.
It was great to be back on the campus of Mansfield High School, and personally, I could not be prouder to see this class of successful Tigers move on to the great futures that they have earned with all of the hard work that they have invested over the past four years.
On behalf of everyone at Resident News Network, we are truly honored to have covered your stellar sports careers, and we wish them all of the best in the next phases of their lives.
Congratulations, and GO TIGERS!
It seems like my kids are always wanting new play dough. It could be they don’t close the containers well, so it dries out quickly. Slightly dry dough can be revived with some cooking oil, but sometimes we just really need new.
Play dough is never hard to make, but making it in the slow cooker makes the process even easier! The use of the slow cooker makes it more kid-friendly than using the heat on the stove top.
Ingredients
-2 cups flour
-1/2 cup salt
-4 tbsp cream of tartar
-2 cups water
-2 tbsp oil, I used vegetable
-10 drops food coloring
Directions
Combine ingredients except food coloring, place in slow cooker. Cook in slow cooker for one hour on low. Remove from crock and add food coloring, dough will be hot. Allow to cool and enjoy!
If you’ve ever looked closely at a pocketknife, you’ll notice that each blade has a different shape and size. There’s a reason for this. Are you unfamiliar with the different types of knife blades? Continue reading to become familiar with some of the most popular blades you’ll find in the knife world.
A sheepsfoot blade has a straight edge and a spine that curves down to meet the point. This blade type is ideal for slicing with minimal accidental piercing. The original use for the sheepsfoot blade was trimming sheep’s hooves, which is how it got its name. Sheepsfoot blades are non-threatening, maneuverable, and work oriented.
Clip-point blades are common to find in the knife world. They gained massive popularity in the 1800s thanks to the introduction of the Bowie knife. Are you wondering how the blade type got its name? The front section of the spine looks like someone clipped it off. The clipped area of the spine can either be concave or straight, resulting in a fine-tip point. This sharp point makes it perfect for precision tasks and detailed work.
The inspiration behind this blade type comes from the short swords worn by samurai in Japan. Thanks to the curved belly, it has a prominent point that creates an angular edge transition. Tanto blades are tactical, strong, and piercing. They have incredible durability and can easily penetrate many materials. This blade will never let you down.
The Wharncliffe blade has a rich history, dating back decades. It has recently become popular again because of its tactical uses and sleek design. This blade type has a similar look to the sheepsfoot blade. It has a straight edge and curved spine. But unlike the sheepsfoot blade, the curve gradually extends from the handle to the tip. It’s perfect for slicing with minimal possibility of accidental puncture.
It’s easy to identify a drop-point blade due to the convex curve from its spine to the tip. This blade type has a fantastic overall look with a flexible profile and refined design. The point is easy to control, and the big belly is ideal for slicing. It’s the perfect blade for hunters.
After reading through the different knife blade types, purchase the perfect option for your specific needs. Ensure you invest in a knife sheath to protect yourself and your knife when you’re not utilizing it. You may need a few blade types in your arsenal since each type tackles various tasks.
Longtime Charleston Boys Basketball Coach B.J. Ross takes over the Greenwood Boys Basketball program recently vacated by Donnie Husband.
Coach B.J. Ross a 1994 graduate of Charleston left the friendly confines of one title town for another. He returns to the South Sebastian County school after a stint in the early 2000’s. “The community, it’s a very identical situation to Charleston. It’s a sports town, it’s an academic town, it’s a community based town. That’s the same thing as Charleston.” Coach Ross said on what attracted him to come to Greenwood.
In the Meet and Greet the school held to introduce Coach Ross to the community Resident News Sports was able to catch up with the newly hired Coach. “I tell people, I’ve got to be the biggest supporter of all athletics over here, and that’s the way I was at Charleston. If you want your team to compete at the level of the football team, the volleyball team, the baseball team, the girls basketball, tennis, golf, softball, everything. You have got to support that part too.” Coach Ross said “I’ve got to be as big of supporter of those if I want my program to get where they’re at.”
Coach Ross doubled down on the wanting to make sure he is supporting the other sports within the school to ensure his programs future success. “It just feeds off of each other. I’ve got to have [Football Head Coach] Chris Young interested in what I am doing. If I’m not interested in his, and I’m not excited down there fist bumping kids on the sideline on Friday nights. Why would he support me?”
“Our task was to find the best basketball coach we could find.” Athletic Director Dr. Dustin Smith said. “He was somebody we targeted. He’s had a lot of success at Charleston, he’s got an incredible coaching record.”
“If you see what Charleston’s been in their program, that’s the same similar stuff here. The kids are going to compete their tails off. They are going to be a part of what he does. He is everything we were looking for.” Dr. Dustin Smith said.
We have noticed a different culture to the baseball team this year and they are riding an excellent wave of success in Conference play this season. When asked about the culture and building the team up Coach Ross had this to say, “I talked to the high school kids today. They’re not football players they are Bulldogs. They’re not baseball players they are Bulldogs. They’re not basketball players they are Bulldogs. They’re multi-sport athletes. It’s a culture that we have got to create, that we are all one.”
“I think Greenwood, I mean the sky’s the limit. There’s the right pieces here, a good building foundation. You just have got to come in every day and say ‘I’m going to work to fix that.'”
Coach B.J. Ross inherits a team that has several returning starters like Peyton Presson and L.J. Robins. With one playoff off appearance in the past five seasons, as Coach Ross said, the sky is the limit for the Bulldogs this upcoming season.
FAYETTEVILLE – Jace Bohrofen came through with the go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to lift No. 7 Arkansas (31-11, 12-7 SEC) past Texas A&M (25-17, 9-10 SEC), 7-5, on Thursday night at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Bohrofen’s game-winning blast helped the Razorbacks snap their season-long four-game losing streak. The Hogs will look to clinch their fourth SEC home weekend series win of the season in tomorrow night’s game against the Aggies.
Arkansas was all over Texas A&M starter Troy Wansing, jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the second inning. John Bolton’s RBI single with the bases loaded set the table for Peyton Stovall’s two-out, two-strike grand slam later in the frame.
Staked with a five-run lead, Razorback starter Hunter Hollan battled for four innings. The left-hander was lifted after allowing four runs on six hits and two walks as the Aggies fought back to close their deficit to one in the fourth.
Texas A&M tied the game in the top half of the fifth on a sacrifice fly after back-to-back single to start the inning. Reliever Dylan Carter would escape without further damage, however, before handing the ball off to Hagen Smith.
Smith was superb in relief, emerging from the bullpen in the sixth and tossing four shutout innings. The Razorbacks’ wildcard struck out four while allowing just two hits and issuing two free passes during his lockdown appearance.
Left fielder Hunter Grimes gave Smith a lift with the defensive play of the game. Grimes recorded an outfield assist in the top of the eighth, catching a fly ball in left and firing home to beat the runner and turn a run-saving double play.
Smith’s work on the mound as well as Grimes’ defensive wizardry in left paved the way for Bohrofen’s heroics at the plate in the bottom of the eighth. After Caleb Cali’s leadoff walk, the Razorback captain hit an 0-1 pitch over the wall in right to put Arkansas up for good.
Smith sat down Texas A&M in order in the top of the ninth to preserve Arkansas’ 7-5 series-opening win. The sophomore earned the win to improve to 6-1 and lowered his season ERA to a team-best 2.64 over 47 2/3 innings.
Bohrofen finished 3-for-4 at the plate with a double, a home run and two RBI to raise his team-leading slash line to .372/.494/.693 on the season. He also drew a walk, recording one of the Razorbacks’ 14 base on balls in the win.
First pitch in the second game of the series between the Hogs and Aggies is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, April 28, on ESPNU with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) on the call from inside Baum-Walker Stadium.
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks –
Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.
Bulldog pride ran rampant amongst the attendees this afternoon as five Seniors signed individual letters of intent to extend their Waldron High School sports careers into the collegiate level.
This momentous event was the largest athletic sports class in recent years highlighting not only the athletic class itself, but the varying endeavors of the graduates in both sport and classroom.
Kylie Broomfield will be attending Southern Arkansas University majoring in Agricultural Business and a minor in Animal Science. She has been awarded the FFA License Plate Foundation Scholarship from the State of Arkansas, and an academic scholarship from SAU.
Broomfield will participate in barrel racing and breakaway roping as a member of the SAU Rodeo Team.
Grace Potter will be attending Arkansas Tech University majoring in Agricultural Business and a minor in Animal Science. She has been awarded an annual Academic Scholarship from Arkansas Tech University, and also qualified for the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship.
Potter will be competing on the Arkansas Tech Rodeo Team.
Arkansas tech is one of three competing schools in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association in the state of Arkansas. They compete against schools in the Ozark region which ranges from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast.
Blake Allen will be attending the University of Arkansas Fort Smith under a cheerleading scholarship.
Allen will have the opportunity to not only cheer at UAFS Volleyball and Basketball games, but compete for a national title as well.
Jackson Boles will be attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello under a cheerleading scholarship.
Boles will have the opportunity to cheer at UAM for both game day and competition, and will compete with at the NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach next Spring.
Montana Wesley will be continuing his educational and track career at UA Rich
Mountain where he will gain his Associates of Arts degree, then transfer to a University to obtain his doctorate in Psychology.
The Bucks are about to begin their sixth season in cross country and our third season of track. They are looking forward to Montana continuing to grow academically and athletically on their team.
Photos courtesy of Sandy Tull
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