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Tuesday, June 30, 2026
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Razorbacks Defeat UCA 6-3 Before Heading to Georgia for Weekend SEC Series

FAYETTEVILLE – No. 5 Arkansas (30-7) held off a late rally by UCA (16-20) and came out with a 6-3 midweek win on Tuesday night at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The Hogs, now 9-1 in midweek games this year, improved to 25-3 at home with the win. Excluding 2020, Arkansas has posted six consecutive 20-win seasons at Baum-Walker Stadium, including a program-record 34-win season in 2018.

Razorback starter Cody Adcock set the tone on the mound, tossing four innings of one-run ball. The right-hander punched out four while allowing just one hit and issuing only one free pass before giving way to the bullpen.

UCA struck first with a run in the top of the second, but Arkansas responded with three runs of its own in the bottom half of the frame. Harold Coll’s RBI single to left field tied the game at one apiece before Tavian Josenberger brought home a pair of runners with his single to left, extending the Razorbacks’ lead to 3-1 in the second inning.

Trailing by two in the top of the seventh, the Bears broke through for a pair of runs with a two-run homer to tie the game at three. The Razorbacks’ second three-run inning of the ballgame, however, would be the difference.

Arkansas put another three-spot on the board in the bottom of the seventh, beginning with Brady Slavens’ go-ahead RBI single. The Hogs opened their lead to 6-3 on a bases-loaded walk to Hudson Polk followed by a run-scoring wild pitch.

Parker Coil (2.0 IP, 1 SO), Christian Foutch (2.0 IP, 2 SO) and Austin Ledbetter (1.0 IP, 1 SO) locked down the final five innings in relief of Adcock. Foutch earned his first career win, while Ledbetter carded his first career save.

Five Razorbacks finished the game with multiple hits, including Josenberger (2-for-5, 2 RBI), Peyton Stovall (2-for-4), Kendall Diggs (2-for-5), Caleb Cali (2-for-5, 2 R) and Ben McLaughlin (2-for-4). The Hogs’ nation-leading home run streak of 32 consecutive games was snapped in Tuesday night’s win against the Bears.

Arkansas jumps back into SEC play this weekend, traveling to Athens, Ga., to take on Eastern Division foe Georgia. First pitch in the series opener of the three-game series is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT Thursday, April 20, on SEC Network.

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.

Movie Night at the Bakery Sports Films: Boxing, Flying, and more! 

Sports Movie Night at the Bakery featuring boxing, flying, and more! The Bakery District and Fort Smith International Film Festival will host regional filmmaker Bernard Oliver’s documentary, Lost in the Sauce, which was screened at the 2022 film festival. The plot follows a professional boxer, professional musician, father and husband and his coach and mentor over a tale you have to see to believe. “I wanted to provide a look at a story that is ongoing and not yet at its end,” Oliver exclaims. “My teammate and current world contender, Kalvin Henderson, has always deserved to have his story told. My coach, Kevin Lightburn, also deserves to be celebrated. The perfect way I could do that was to follow them around and film and create something.”  

Thursday April 27 at the Bakery District (70 S 7th St.), doors open at 6:30p.m. with the show starting at 7p.m.  Oliver invites the River Valley to check out his emotion evoking film. “I want this story to reach each and every kid that was or is told they are not good enough. Every kid that had a dream that was crushed by adults or peers. I certainly want to touch those little black boys and girls who believe sports is their only way out of poverty. That myth must be crushed!” Director Bernard Oliver will there to give a Q&A after the screening.  

The evening will also feature Limits: The Story of ArkanSTOL by Arkansas filmmakers Zak Heald, Nicholas Wiench. ArkanSTOL is a one-of-a-kind, uniquely challenging aerial competition that only the most skilled pilots are qualified to participate in. Testing pilots through a wide range of skills and demanding an intimate understanding of their plane, ArkanSTOL requires competitors to perform at the absolute top of their game. Pilots must thoroughly understand their own skill level as a pilot before attempting to qualify. For most pilots, flying at this event is an impossible challenge that requires years of experience. However, this year two young pilots, both 18, come to ArkanSTOL to try and make a name for themselves. 

The Thursday night film series will showcase some of the 271 movies screened at the first two years of the Fort Smith International Film Festival. Executive Director Brandon Chase Goldsmith said, “If you missed the festival or didn’t catch a movie you wanted to see, then Movie Night at the Bakery is your chance. The opportunity to see incredible independent films should not be limited to two festival days. Bring your friends, family, or a date, grab some popcorn, a drink and enjoy a 5-dollar movie!”   

Greenwood Bulldog Wrestling Banquet 2022-2023

The Greenwood Bulldog Wrestling Banquet was held on Monday evening, April 17.

(Photos courtesy of Peggy Barger)

Coaches LtoR Ashley Erskine, Hunter Moreton, Robert Moore, John Kincade, and Caleb Erskine
Seniors 2023 Caden Erskine, Logan Taylor, and Michael Raurk
2022-2023 Newcomer of the Year Jayden Shaffer
2022-2023 Newcomer of the Year Logan Taylor
2022-2023 Most Improved Jorja Betts
2022-2023 Most Improved Bryce Williams
2022-2023 Outstanding Wrestler Farah Crossno
2022-2023 Outstanding Wrestler Jarod Pace
2022-2023 Tinker Cole Memorial Award Michael Raurk
Caden Erskine received the Garrett Haralson Scholarship Award
Caden Erskine 4 Year Varsity Letter
3 Year Varsity Letter
2nd Year Varsity Letter
1st Year Varsity Letter

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).

– 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.

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. 

– 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, 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.

USFL football returned to Memphis since its first game in 1984 (Image Credit: Bing Images)

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.