The Greenwood Bulldog Wrestling Banquet was held on Monday evening, April 17.
(Photos courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Greenwood Bulldog Wrestling Banquet 2022-2023
Area Students Explore the Universe
By Dr. Curtis Varnell
Students from several area schools have been exploring space travel and the universe through the Young Astronauts program. The program, developed by area Science Specialist’s Amber Cobb and Dr. Curtis Varnell, introduces k-2 students to the basic science concepts involved in space travel. Students explore the forces of gravity and the requirements for astronauts to enter space as they prepare to launch space rockets that they assist in designing. Once in space, they learn that loss of gravity had dramatic effects as they learn how astronauts sleep, eat, and adapt to a trying environment. Students try out space food in the form of space ice cream and learn to drink tang from an enclose bag and through a straw in order to prevent it from drifting about the space craft.
Students learn that they must adapt to living in a harsh environment that is without oxygen, is cold, and extremely different from where they live. In order to fully comprehend, they are dressed in space suits and helmets equipped with communication gear. Using heavy NASA gloves, students attempt to pick up equipment and complete work. Frustrating but a great learning experience.
Real excitement is created by shooting off a water or air rocket outside. Going hundreds of feet into the air, the students are amazed by the demonstration and are excited about exploring space. The program was funded by a grant from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society with over 30,000 members and is dedicated to shaping the future of aerospace education.
In addition, the Guy Fenter education cooperative, in conjunction with NASA and the Arkansas Space Consortium, has been able to use the STAR LAB traveling planetarium. The traveling planetarium, a huge domed blow-up classroom, allows students to experience of observing the actual night sky’s while learning about constellations, solar systems, and stars.
Schools who have participated this spring include Waldron, Clarksville, Paris, County Line, and Hackett. The program will continue into the fall semester of next school year.
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Raising Scholarship Amounts
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is excited to announce individual scholarship amounts will increase starting with the Fall 2023 semester.
Full-time eligible single parents can now receive $1,600 per semester, up from $1,200. Part-time students will receive a prorated amount based on the number of enrolled hours.
ASPSF is accepting scholarship applications for the Fall 2023 semester through June 15 at www.aspsf.org/applynow. Eligibility guidelines are available online at www.aspsf.org/eligibility.
“Everything’s gotten more expensive, and the single parent scholarship doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. We know that, and we want to help,” ASPSF Executive Director Ruthanne Hill said. “We hope the increase scholarship amount will offset some of those increases.”
THE ASPSF MODEL ASPSF’s “scholarships” aren’t scholarships in the traditional sense. Single parent recipients receive a check they can use to pay for expenses that will help them stay in school. Awardees often use their funds for child care, laptops, tuition, etc.
Plus, ASPSF provides workshops, mentoring, and encouragement to help single parents along their journey through school, to graduation, and onto a professional job with family-supporting wages.
ASPSF awards scholarships to single parents attending school full-time, part-time, and online pursuing associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs. Eligible applicants have a GED or high school diploma, a 2.0 GPA in past courses, and a household income typically not more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
For more information about the nonprofit — which has awarded more than $35 million in scholarships across the state to single parents since 1990 — contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 479.318.2885.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For more than 30 years, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for
both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org
Parts of Your Kitchen That Need a Spring Cleaning
With its warmer temperatures and fresh air, spring is the perfect time to crack open a few windows and get some cleaning done in your home. However, if there’s any area that you should prioritize above others, it’s your kitchen. Your kitchen experiences a lot of dirt and grime buildup. In fact, there can be plenty of creepy crawlies hiding just out of plain sight. We’ll discuss some parts of your kitchen that need a spring cleaning and how tackling these jobs can make for a better experience.
Stovetop and Oven
One of the first areas to target when deep cleaning your kitchen is the stovetop and oven. Since this appliance helps you create most of your meals, it’s only natural that there would be a lot of grease splatter and spilled food along its surface. This looks unsightly and can start impacting your stove’s overall performance while cooking. So make sure that you devote some time to wiping down all coils and burners. Take extra care to scrub down racks and the oven floor to remove residue that can burn and smoke up your kitchen.
Overhead Vent Screen
Oil splatter can also collect along your overhead vent as you cook. Even if these screens don’t look dirty at first glance, you may find that touching them deposits a greasy film on your finger. Range hood filters need thorough cleaning every two to three months to prevent excessive buildup. Or, if you’ve used this particular one for over a year, use this time to replace the screen entirely.
Your Personal Coffee Maker
Believe it or not, another part of your kitchen that desperately needs a spring cleaning is your coffee maker. Coffee is a beverage that many people love, and it’s common for homeowners to enjoy at least one mug of it every morning. With this level of use, these machines experience a lot of mineral and coffee ground buildup, potentially impacting their long-term performance. Knowing how to clean a single-serve coffee maker is especially important since these devices experience more severe blockages that can ruin your drink.
Garbage Disposal
Make sure you take some time to clean your garbage disposal as well. While these devices handle the grossest waste that your kitchen can produce, they also can experience deterioration from excessive material buildup. Use baking soda and white vinegar to create a chemical reaction in the main disposal pipeline. This will dissolve some of the stuck waste and even eliminate the faint odor coming from the sink.
Dishwasher Cleaning Arms
Even your dishwasher could use a little bit of attention. While these machines keep your dishes clean, they can accumulate grime over time. Remove and open the spray arm to check for food debris. If you find some, scrub this component out and reassemble it.
Keeping your kitchen clean is essential to maximize performance and protect your family’s health. So use your spring-cleaning time to tackle these important areas one by one.
Obituary – Ronnie Kay Efurd (1943-2023)
Ronnie Kay Efurd passed away at the age of 79 years on April 12, 2023 in Beggs, Oklahoma. He was born on October 2, 1943 to Jack Johnson and Beulah Mae Conaway Efurd in Mansfield, Arkansas.
Ron enlisted in the US Navy in 1964, where he served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Ron enjoyed participating in the annual USS Ogden LPD-5 Reunion Association, and for a time served as president of the association. Ron was a MM2 Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He served with distinction and was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal with a Silver Star, National Defense Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
Ron was Master Mason of the Reid Lodge #163 in Mansfield, Arkansas and received his 32nd degree at the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge in Austin, Texas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Beggs, Oklahoma.
Ron graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Ron was retired, but had previously taught at Preston Public Schools.
Ron is survived by his wife, Arlene Factor Efurd, his daughter Angela Rae Efurd, his dear friend David Pless all of Beggs and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Beulah Efurd, and brothers Bill Efurd and Connie Efurd.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11 A.M. at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home at 303 E. 7th St., Okmulgee, OK. Immediately following the memorial service, a graveside service with military honors will be observed at the Okmulgee Cemetery. After the services, a meal and time of sharing will be held at 1:00 P.M. at the Claude Cox Omniplex (The Dome) located at 2950 Warrior Rd, Okmulgee, OK.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in memory of Ron to the USS Ogden LPD-5 Reunion Association. These funds will be used to establish a scholarship in Ron’s name. Please direct donations to: Attn: In Memory of Ronnie Efurd, CDR Mark Stephens, 297 Drehersville Rd., Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Ron‘s Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com
Hogs’ Bohrofen Named National Collegiate Baseball Player of the Week
FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas outfielder Jace Bohrofen has earned national player of the week honors from Collegiate Baseball Newspaper after belting four home runs in five games and leading the Razorbacks to an SEC series sweep.
Bohrofen, one of the Hogs’ three team captains, filled up the stat sheet during Arkansas’ successful five-game week at Baum-Walker Stadium, which included a sweep against defending SEC champion Tennessee. The Razorback outfielder slashed .375/.476/1.188 with five extra-base hits, including a double and four home runs, and a team-best nine RBI.
The Oklahoma City, Okla., native, led all SEC hitters in home runs during the week, homering in four consecutive games for the second time this season. He hit a pair of dingers in the Hogs’ midweek series against Little Rock before clobbering two more in the first two games of the series against Tennessee.
Bohrofen ranked second among all SEC hitters in RBI (9) and total bases (19) for the week, tallying two multi-hit games and three multi-RBI games, including a season-best four-RBI game. He also showed off his speed by stealing two bases.
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
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Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.
Lady Razorbacks Complete Weekend Series Sweep Over UAB
FAYETTEVILLE – No. 11 Arkansas (31-12) homered twice in Sunday’s series finale as the Razorbacks swept UAB with a 6-0 win at Bogle Park.
In her 10th start this season, junior LHP Callie Turner (6-1) earned the win after twirling 5.0 productive innings, curbing the Blazers to zero runs on one hit while fanning five. Potent throughout the game, Turner did it in 60 total pitches. Freshman RHP Nikki McGaffin got the rock for the final two innings and continued to shut down UAB. McGaffin totaled two strikeouts and retired seven of eight batters faced. The Fort Collins, Colo., product did not allow a hit or walk.
Arkansas outhit the Blazers at a 9-1 clip. Several Hogs had big days at the dish, led by sophomore Raigan Kramer. Kramer was responsible for a three-run blast in the fourth and now has back-to-back games with a hit. Redshirt junior Rylin Hedgecock also had a day at the plate and finished 2-for-3 with a solo home run – good for her 15th tank of the season. Joining Hedgecock in a multi-hit day, freshman Reagan Johnson excelled and went 2-for-4 with a triple and infield single to extend her hitting streak to five games. Freshman Atalyia Rijo also drove in a run on a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher. Sophomores Kacie Hoffmann and Madi Conklin, fifth-year Kristina Foreman and junior Hannah Gammill each had a hit.
Arkansas outhit UAB at a 25-6 clip this weekend. The Razorbacks also limited UAB to one unearned run through 19 innings.
The Hogs first jumped on board in the third thanks to Reagan Johnson. Johnson ripped a one-out triple down the right field line and later scored on a wild pitch to give Arkansas a 1-0 lead.
In the fourth, Rijo laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt that drove Foreman in for a 2-0 edge. Kramer then cracked a three-run home run for a 5-0 lead.
Hedgecock fulminated a solo home run in the fifth to grant the Hogs a 6-0 advantage.
Up Next
Arkansas hosts Texas A&M-Commerce for a single game at 4 p.m. Tuesday on SEC Network+. The Razorbacks hit the road to Lexington, Ky., for a three-game series at No. 16 Kentucky April 21-23.
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
Professional Football Returns to Memphis; Showboats Host Philadelphia on Opening Day of 2023 USFL Season
Since the first time of the original United States Football League (USFL) in the 1980s, the league is again playing in Memphis, Tennessee. The Memphis Showboats have returned, and on Saturday, the team played its first game at the Liberty Bowl against the Philadelphia Stars. Philadelphia played in last year’s league championship game, losing the championship to Birmingham.
The second edition Memphis Showboats is not the first time that professional football has been played in Memphis since 1984. In 1995, the Memphis Mad Dogs played in the Canadian Football League. The CFL Mad Dogs were an attempt by the league to expand play into the U.S. The franchise played just one season in 1995 and finished fourth in the CFL South division.
Although the franchise is new in the current “USFL II” edition, the team and franchise are not. The Memphis Showboats are, in effect, last year’s Tampa Bay Bandits that have relocated to Memphis.
Included on the Memphis roster are three former Arkansas Razorbacks. Tight end C.J. O’Grady, played tight end on last year’s Tampa Bay team and returns this year, playing closer to home. Former Arkansas quarterback, Cole Kelley, who later transferred to Southeastern Louisiana, is listed as the backup to starter Brady White. And highlighting the Razorbacks on the roster is former Hogs and NFL running back, Alex Collins.
Memphis lost their season opener to Philadelphia by the score of 27-23. Collins had a touchdown in the game, but also had a critical fumble late in the game. Kelley received some playing time but was later replaced by Brady White who finished the game.
The Showboats’ next game will be played April 22 when they travel to Birmingham, AL to play the defending league champion Stallions. USFL games are televised on the Fox Sports television network.
Get Out the Brooms! Arkansas Sweeps Tennessee Series with 7-2 Win on Sunday
FAYETTEVILLE – No. 5 Arkansas (28-7, 11-4 SEC) finished off its three-game sweep against No. 16 Tennessee (23-14, 5-11 SEC) with a dominant 7-2 win in Sunday’s series finale at Baum-Walker Stadium.
With the series-sweeping win, the Hogs improved to 11-4 in SEC play for the third consecutive season. Arkansas has eclipsed the 10-win mark in SEC play by the midway point in the conference schedule five times in the last six seasons.
The Razorbacks demoralized the Volunteers from the get-go, pounding starter Drew Beam, who lasted just 1 2/3 innings, for six runs on four hits and four walks. Arkansas scored three in the first before putting up another three in the second.
Peyton Stovall and Caleb Cali each collected an RBI in the first, helping the Hogs get out to a 3-0 lead. Arkansas continued to do damage in the second, doubling its lead on Brady Slavens’ bases-clearing triple down the line in right.
Slavens, who also drove home a run on a sacrifice fly in the first inning, finished the ballgame with a team-leading four RBI. His 173 career runs batted in, including 29 RBI this season, are the most among all active SEC hitters.
Provided with a six-run lead, Razorback starter Ben Bybee twirled 3 1/3 innings of two-run ball on the mound. The right-hander struck out three while allowing just one hit and issuing four walks before giving way to the bullpen.
In relief of Bybee, Dylan Carter (4.2 IP, 3 SO) and Christian Foutch (1.0 IP, 1 SO) combined to toss 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Carter, who earned the win and improved to a perfect 6-0 on the year, pitched a career-long 4 2/3 innings and matched his career high with three strikeouts in his impressive outing on Sunday.
After Tennessee put two runners on to start the ninth, Foutch was called upon to close out the ballgame. The true freshman did exactly that, striking out the first batter he faced and setting down the final two Volunteer hitters to preserve the Razorbacks’ 7-2 series-sweeping victory.
Arkansas also extended its nation-leading home run streak to 32 games in the win, thanks to Tavian Josenberger’s solo blast in the sixth. Josenberger, who finished 1-for-2 with a team-high three runs, two walks and stolen base, is now slashing .333/.444/.561 with a career-best seven homers and 25 RBI to go with a team-leading nine steals on the year.
The Razorbacks will conclude their six-game homestand at Baum-Walker Stadium with a midweek contest against UCA. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, on SEC Network+.
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
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Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.
Excitable Sophomore Soars For Pole Vault State Qualifier
Mansfield pole vaulter Laney Wood attacks and conquers the pole vault state standard at the Van Buren Pointer Relays.
It has been one of her targets since the Mansfield home meet on March 28. Sophomore Laney Wood has been oh so close but no cigar. That 8’ 6” state standard in the women’s pole vault has eluded the excitable teen until now.
Possibly the whole stadium knew when Wood cleared the pole vault bar set at 8’ 6” at the Van Buren Pointer Relays on Friday night. A sprint around the apron, a mighty yell, and a victory dance among teammates at the nearby discus ring gave a good indication. Wood sent herself to the class 2A state track meet in one indelible moment.
“I was about sixty meters away checking steps with our long jumper,” said Mansfield head coach John Mackey. “I was keeping an eye across the infield, thinking to myself that the bar’s getting pretty high. Where’s Laney?”
“Just then, it was her turn,” continued the coach. “Down the runway and up and over she went. When that bar stayed, she leaped off the mat and started running and screaming. I knew immediately what had just happened. Players showing that type of excitement, that type of passion make it all worthwhile.”
Wood joins Seven Sanderson, Kaylee Ward, Carter Whiley, and Ashton Hinkle on Mansfield’s growing list of state qualifiers.
The Tigers have two more tries to get players to state through standards before conference competition begins at home on April 25. A rescheduled trip to Mena on Monday, April 17 and a last chance opportunity in Clarksville on April 20 closes out Mansfield’s regular season.
On Friday, Mansfield took a reduced roster to Van Buren to close last week’s busy activity schedule. An out of town band competition and a home softball game limited the Tiger entries. Consequently, only a handful of the MHS track athletes ran a normal event schedule as most filled in other places or took events off.
Wood’s senior sister Jadelynn saw her normal six event night. Unfortunately, the order of events in Van Buren did not fall in her favor. The fast moving, skilled events in which Jadelynn typically excels were stacked in close proximity.
“We had to keep Jadelynn in those other events to get reps in the relays,” noted Mackey. “Ideally, this would have been an opportunity to reduce her load but she’s a warrior and manages the load. The speed of the meet gave her little rest. That hampered her target in the 300m hurdles.”
The older Wood still ran a solid intermediate hurdles race at 52.59 for sixth place among the mostly large school athletes in attendance. It was not the time she was looking for as the qualifying standard required nearly a one second reduction.
Sophomore Trey Powell also missed his target time in the 100m dash. The multi-talented track star crossed the finish line in 11.51 seconds. He was hoping for that elusive 11.46 AAA benchmark.
Powell did hit a big number in the men’s triple jump. Going from the 40 foot board for the first time in competition, Powell elevated above the sand for a 41’ 7” landing. That was his best mark since the indoor state finals at 42’ 2”.
Senior Ashton Hinkle cleared 11’ 6” in the men’s pole vault for the second time this season. That height surpassed the state standard by four inches. He also buzzed the 800m run in 2:27.53.
Teammate Austin Ruiz went over 10’ 6” in the pole vault. He ran the 400m dash in 58.31 seconds on the hottest temperature day this outdoor season.
Summer Frazier had her best night around the track for the Mansfield women’s team. The sophomore went 1:19.60 in the 400m dash. It was her best attempt by three seconds. She also bettered her personal 800m time with a 3:23.17 measurement.
Azlynn Stover had her best mark in the women’s high jump. After missing some time for a medical procedure, the sophomore cleared 4’4” on her first attempt to PR.
Stover joined her sister Addie, Raine Hecox, and Laney Wood for an eighth place 4x200m relay. She also combined with Addie and both Wood sisters for the seventh place 4x100m relay.
In the throwing events, Mansfield was covered by Sanderson and Kaylie Lowery in the women’s shot and discus. Cisco Fildes took his turn in the men’s discus ring.
Sanderson scored in both throws with a 92’ 11” discus toss before offering up a 31’ 5.5” shot put. Lowery pushed through some shoulder issues reaching 79’ 4” in the discus and 28’ 4.5″ in the shot. Fildes nearly reached 100 feet with a 98’ 7” discus toss.
Ashley Martin ran only the 1600m run. Normally she would have covered in the 4x800m relay and the 3200m distance race.
Saylor Steward ran the 100m dash. Newcomer Jaelynn Garcia navigated the 400m dash.