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Greenwood High School to enclose Smith-Robinson

Smith-Robinson to have a new look for the 2023 season.

The long-rumored town tall-tale of Smith-Robinson becoming a enclosed stadium is finally becoming a reality. Announced this week along with the construction of the new video-scoreboard, the athletic department made the decision to make the most substantial improvement to the stadium since having Chick-Fil-A sold near the Bulldog Foundation billboard.

The building on the exterior will look strikingly similar to the Anderson Fieldhouse in Bullhead, Arizona. “I did a search on Ask Jeeves! and was like, ‘Well I am copying that'” said a local architect on a condition of anonymity. The construction for the building has begun with a completion date before the Spring Football Game.

Funding for the build was provided by California based Silicon Valley Bank. Once the funds were secured through the FDIC, it was full steam ahead. The project has a working title of the “Dustin Dome” named after the yearly Award-Winning Athletic Director Dr. Dustin Smith. “This was a passion project of the late H.B. Stewart after he oversaw the construction of the arena that carries his namesake. We were looking in a Bankers Box of stuff with Ms. Skaggs and we found this drawing on Hardee’s napkin of how to enclose the Stadium. I felt like Nicholas Cage on National Treasure. Have you seen that movie? It was amazing the way they tried to find stuff on the Declaration of Independence. Just a complete Oscar Worthy performance.” Said a School Administrator whose name was withheld.

Local remodeling company Beshears Remodeling & Construction won the bid and was tasked with a tight timeline. “We went in thinking this was a cool idea but I am really sure we are going to be way overbudget and late. The track kids have gotten mad that we had our manlift where the High Jump was, but they have got to understand I gotta work. Their little hopping thing can wait.” Owner Zak Beshears said. “We found the plans on Etsy for a lot of the build, it was $75. You can find us on Facebook at Beshears Remodeling & Construction.”

The School Administrator speaking on the build said “My favorite scene was when they used the Lemon Juice ya know, then it didn’t show up so Jon Voight who is Nick Cages dad in the movie said ‘Use heat!’ so they breathed on it and the symbol for the Masons showed. To me that is a classic piece of Hollywood Cinema.”

Seating capacity is to remain the same once the final build is completed. When asked if the student section chants of “They need water!” and “Start The Buses!” would be louder the builder replied “The what? They chant at the other fans? That is wild.”

Completion of the project is slated for 11-ish on May 25th.

RNN April Fool’s | #FakeNews

Obituary – Elizabeth Ann Berggren Tabor (1933-2023)

Elizabeth Ann Berggren Tabor was born in Parmer County, Texas on May 26, 1933, and left her earthly life on March 29th, at the glorious age of 89 years young. 

She will be joined in heaven with her daughter, Melissa; her son, Jim Tabor; her parents, Leroy and Ruth Berggren; and her brothers, Scott, Dale, and Davy Berggren. 

In 2007, she moved to Greenwood and built a house on Gracie Court.  She very much enjoyed the neighbors, especially the neighborhood kids.  She was a true Texan and loved her birth state, but enjoyed her years in Greenwood, near her family.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.  

She is survived by her son, Mike Tabor of Greenwood; daughter, Melinda Mizell (Randy) of Greenwood; grandsons, Bill Mizell (Kelly) of Greenwood, Michael Tabor (Libby), Nic Tabor (Kelly) of Virginia; and great grandchildren, Avery, Mason, Chloe, Samuel, Bailey, Morgan, Isla, Campbell, and Riley.

Elizabeth will have a monument at Cross Cemetery in Greenwood and will be returning to her family home place in Farwell, Texas.  A family held memorial service will be at a later date.

Paris Elementary School Sets Date for This Year’s Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony

Paris Elementary School principal Lakaen Schluterman and her staff have announced the date for this year’s kindergarten graduation ceremony. The event is a popular one every year with both parents and members of the Paris community. This year’s ceremony will be held on May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Paris High School gymnasium.

The ceremony is an annual tradition in the Paris school district and is one of the best “feel good” moments of the entire school year. The symbolic acknowledgement of students passing to the next twelve year’s of their educations is a great event and is one that is enjoyed by all.

RNN will be on hand to cover this event. Photos of the graduates will be taken on the floor and made free of charge to anyone wishing to have copies.

More information on this event will be published as time draws near. In the meantime, mark your calendars, and we will see you on May 18 for this very special moment in our students’ lives!

CD’s Can be a Part of Your Financial Strategy


In the financial world, stocks and stock-based mutual funds often get a lot of attention. And deservedly so, because they often form the core of a portfolio. But to help achieve your goals, you may also want to consider a broader array of investments — one of which may be a certificate of deposit (CD).
As you may know, a CD earns interest on a lump sum for a designated period. You can purchase CDs whose maturities range from a few months to 10 or more years. Generally, the longer-term the CD, the higher the interest rate, although this isn’t always the case.
In recent years, CD rates have been pretty low, reflecting the overall interest-rate environment. But now, as the Federal Reserve has repeatedly raised interest rates to combat inflation, CD rates are rising, too. In fact, one-year CDs can currently be found paying in the 5% range — a rate that hasn’t been seen in more than 15 years. Later in 2023, though, if the Fed eases up on rate hikes, or perhaps even starts reversing them, CD rates could fall again
You can purchase a CD from a bank or buy a “brokered” CD from a financial services provider. The income you receive from a CD may be its main attraction, especially if the rates remain elevated for a while. But there’s another key advantage to owning CDs: They can help diversify a portfolio of stocks and stock mutual funds that are generally more susceptible to movements in the financial markets. A portfolio that contains CDs, as well as bonds and government securities, can help reduce the effects of market volatility. Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or prevent losses in a declining market.
While adding individual CDs can be valuable, you might get a greater benefit from a more strategic approach known as laddering. You can build a CD ladder by buying a series of CDs that mature at different dates in the future — perhaps one month, three months, six months, nine months and 12 months out, or an even longer-term ladder of one to five years. In either case, as one CD matures, you can use the money if you need it or reinvest it to another “rung” on your ladder. If interest rates are up, the reinvestment option might be appealing, but if the available CD rates are lower than your maturing CDs, you could find better uses for your money. And you’d still have your longer-term CDs, possibly paying higher rates, working for you. You must evaluate whether a CD ladder and the securities held within it are consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances.
The amount of space occupied by CDs in your portfolio should depend somewhat on your stage of life. If you’re a long way from retirement, you may want to own a larger percentage of growth-oriented investments. But once you’re retired and getting more income from your portfolio becomes more important, you might find a greater need for CDs.
In any case, CDs may prove useful to your overall financial strategy — so give them some thought.
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

Obituary – TH Musgrove (1931-2023)

TH Musgrove, 91 of Mansfield, Arkansas, died Thursday, March 30th, 2023. He was born November 28th, 1931 to Gertie and T.K. Musgrove in Waldron, AR. TH was a loving, devoted and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was owner of Musgrove Drilling Company, a member of Mansfield First Baptist Church, and a Gideon. He was also a 50-year member of the Reid Lodge # 163 F & AM, a Shriner, and Amrita Grotto. He served as the director of the Arkansas Water Well Commission for several years. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Western District. He also served as a member of the Mansfield City Council. He was the founding member of the Black Jack Mountain Racing Club and an avid motorcyclist. TH also served as a medic during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Ann of Mansfield; his sons Bobby (Deborah) of Mansfield; Harold (Janet) of Mansfield and daughter, Elizabeth Mastin (Wendell) of Fort Smith; a daughter-in-law, Pam, eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two soon-to-arrive great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Gary, two brothers, five sisters, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren that the Lord kept in Heaven.

TH was known by many as a kind-hearted, caring, never met a stranger, Christian man. He was someone that believed in the Lord Jesus and would talk about his Savior to everyone he met. One of his questions when talking to people was if they were a Christian. As a member of the Gideon’s prison ministry team, he helped lead many souls to the Lord. He told family every time they gathered that he prayed for them each night by name. He was a man that walked in his faith which led him on mission trips in Haiti and Guatemala to share the gospel and drill water wells.

Growing up, TH followed in his father’s footsteps in the family drilling business. If one saw him working on the rig with his sons around lunch time, TH would be holding a sandwich in one hand while wearing a glove on the other side to operate the drilling rig. The orange and blue rig that he drove to drilling sites was easily recognized by many in the area. Even after his retirement, TH still went to drill sites with his sons to give advice and enjoy being with family.

As TH grew older, his family continued to be the joy of his life. He always had a smile and a hug for each of his grandchildren. His heart grew more as each great-grandchild was born. He was awaiting the arrival of his great-great grandchildren when he passed.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 2 from 5-7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield, AR. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Mansfield Burial will be held at Coop Prairie Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Musgrove, Timothy Musgrove, Calvin Mastin, Wesley Musgrove, Jason Bates, Gary Hunt, Bob Mask, Michael Smith and Jackie Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Betti and Lewis Farrar.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-1942.

Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com

MMS Student Shines in Ring

Pursuing a dream at any age takes dedication and fortitude. But, for one Mansfield Middle School student, he’s making that dream a reality.

Gabe Haysmer developed an enthusiasm for boxing at an early age. His parents, Albert and Kristy, have nurtured and supported that passion. Currently, he is poised to compete across the bi-state area.

Pictured are Coach Albert Haysmer, Joseph York and Coach Terry Clark. York, 20, is headed to the mid-south Golden Glove in Memphis, TN.

He will join seven other members of the Fort Smith Boxing Club and travel to Augusta, AR, and Oklahoma City, OK to compete. Four, including Haysmer, will be boxing in the Arkansas State Junior Olympics on April 28 and 29.

Eight competitors, with Coaches Albert Haysmer and Terry Clark, who will be competing over the next few weeks in the bi-state area.

Albert Haysmer has joined the Coaching staff, alongside longtime Coach, Terry Clark. These coaches have spent countless hours volunteering their time to help the youth within the club achieve their dreams. In fact, that is the motto of the club, “Where Dreams are Made.”

Traveling with the competitors takes a great deal of resources, however. “When we travel, food and lodging costs add up,” shared Coach Albert Haysmer. The club operates on donations and support from businesses.

“We teach them how to responsibly deal with anger,” added Coach Albert Haysmer. It is a tool that is making the difference in the lives of teenagers who might otherwise be misguided.

All four competitors take the win in Augusta, AR!

The look of achievement and pride on the faces of young Gabe Haysmer and his teammates, it’s fair to say the program is a success.

If you, or your business would like to sponsor the club, or make a monatery donation, big or small, it would be extremely beneficial to these budding athletes.

For more information, contact Coach Terry at 479-226-6669 or Coach Haysmer at 479-207-0918.

Registered boxers at the Fort Smith Boxing Club.

Reasons Why Some People Don’t Visit Their Doctor

As everyone likely already knows, visiting your doctor is important, especially when something is wrong. Even though the process of visiting them doesn’t sound too difficult in theory, many people struggle to do it when they need to.

There are several reasons why some people don’t visit their doctor as often as they should. We’re here to go over them as well as give some advice that should help you gain the confidence needed to plan a visit.

They Don’t Have the Money

One of the biggest reasons people avoid going to the hospital is the high expense of health care in this country. Even if you have good insurance, the cost of certain procedures might be way too high for someone to reasonably afford. This leaves people with no choice but to ignore it, which will only make the condition worse.

Unfortunately, there’s not much individuals can do about this other than vote for politicians who work toward fixing this issue. Outside of that, you can sign up for government medical programs or find companies to work for that offer great benefits.

They’re Embarrassed About What They Have

One problem that people have a lot more control over is the embarrassment of admitting that they have a problem. Certain conditions, like athlete’s foot or incontinence, can be embarrassing to admit that you have. It’s not always the doctors that people worry about when it comes to this issue either. Sometimes, it’s the fear of ridicule from friends, family, or even themselves.

Admitting that you have a problem isn’t easy, but your doctor will be the best person to talk to about these kinds of issues. For example, many people don’t know the most common mistakes to avoid with incontinence simply because they’ve never talked to a medical professional about it. Regardless of your condition, though, your doctor will be there to help and won’t make you feel bad for having it. If they do, you can find a new doctor.

They Don’t Think It’s That Important

The final reason why some people decide not to visit their doctor is that they don’t think it’s that important. While things like yearly checkups might seem like overkill, it’s the best way to ensure you’re still in good health. When it comes to personal health, prevention is the best way to fight off most issues.

Conditions like cancer and heart disease are much more maintainable if you catch them early. Finding out too late will limit your potential treatment options. So even if you feel fine, you should still try to go in once a year or so for a regular checkup. Be sure to tell your doctor about anything you might be experiencing while you’re there.

Helpful Tips for Growing Vegetables in a Big Garden

Starting a garden is always a good idea. You get to try out a relaxing new hobby and get some fresh air. Plus, it’s oh-so-satisfying to take that first crunchy bite of a vegetable that you grew yourself. However, there’s a difference between planting a small garden in a box versus taking care of an entire field of potential produce. Use these helpful tips for growing vegetables in a big garden if you’re working with a lot of space.

Using Good Soil

Soil quality is one of the most vital aspects of growing plentiful, healthy vegetables. It’s a good idea to have soil with some natural moisture that doesn’t feel too dry. You may have trouble planting crops if your soil is too dusty or compacted. You want soil that sticks when you apply pressure but easily breaks apart. Soil with natural elements such as broken leaves and ground bark helps farmers grow healthy crops.

Having Helpful Equipment

One helpful tip for growing vegetables in a big garden is to invest in anything that requires you to move around less. When you’re taking care of a large plot of land, working smarter instead of harder can save you a lot of time and hassle. We recommend investing in irrigation systems and timers that help supply steady watering to your plants. A UTV can make farming tasks easier by helping you transport things or plow fields before beginning a new harvest. Getting the right equipment for your big garden can make a significant difference.

Limiting Pesticides

There’s a lot of debate about using pesticides. Only a small percentage of the insects that visit your garden is harmful, but those unwanted visitors can cause plenty of damage. That said, many people don’t really like the idea of using pesticides on something we plan to eventually eat. A general piece of advice is that if you feel you must use insecticides, use them very sparingly and only apply them later in the day or evening. Many of the insects that may visit your garden in the early morning are beneficial insects and pollinators, and you don’t want your pesticides to remove them from the equation.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins
Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Loving this weather in God’s country here in the River Valley. Thank you to everyone who came out to the circus, it was a big success and the Chamber of Commerce thanks you.

I almost loaded up my car and followed the circus to Hugo, OK. I could have done one of three acts, the fat lady, bearded lady or a clown. They sure acted like they enjoyed doing the circus.

If ya’ll haven’t drove by my house and seen the biker rabbit you sure need to. I ordered the mask from Amazon and thought he was cute. Obviously, I was wrong because I got several comments on Facebook, also known as funny book by Phil Lowe. Here are a few of the adjectives used to describe my rabbit: creepy, spooky, scary, terrifying, a few said cute, and some loved it. So that all being said, drive by my house and feel free to take your kid’s pictures with my Easter bunny.

I have to think of what I can do next. Jacob flat out told me my rabbit was creepy. Could he not just tell a small white lie to make me feel better?!! No, he can’t. Once, before he got his driver’s license, I tried to get him to run to CV’s for me and pick up something and he flat refused and said, “that’s illegal, mom.” Honey, back in 1981, I drove every road in this town without a license. My mom could have cared less, she just let me drive everywhere. I hope no police see this. Oh, I am sure the statute of limitations is in my favor.

One day my sister was coming from Waldron headed to Fort Smith and she was on 71 Highway, between Mansfield and Greenwood. She said traffic was backed up for miles. She said someone in front was going so slow. When they finally got on the four lane everyone was passing the car that was going so slow. When she looked over at them, it was Jacob leading the pack. She said she laughed so hard she about croaked. Let me tell ya he wasn’t going to go one mile over the speed limit. One time while he was still living at home, I had forgot to get his car tags renewed. I knew if I told him he wouldn’t drive the car. After he went to work up at the Heartland Pharmacy, I ran and got the new tags and I had to sneak up there and put the sticker on the car.

I guess what I’m trying to tell ya’ll is I have raised a law-abiding citizen. He wouldn’t break the law or tell a white lie to his momma. One more thing about my son. Don’t ever let him cut your hair. One day I came home from work and Jacob and his daddy were outside under the carport and Jacob had the clippers and Chuck was having him cut his hair. Why on Earth would Chuck Hopkins have Jacob cut his hair?! Needless to say, there was a big bald spot on the back and they ended up having to shave it.

Can I just tell ya’ll that Jacob did not take after his momma. Not that I break all the laws, but I do speed and I have went seven months without renewing my car tags. I guess I thought I had done it so I called over to the revenue office because I thought someone stole my sticker and she said, “no ma’am, you didn’t renew them.” Yes, penalty and all, I went and got my tags renewed. As I tell my kids, do as say, not as I do.

This week’s recipe used to be one of my favorites at Taco Bell back years ago, but this copycat is pretty close.

MEXICAN PIZZA
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
3/4 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
8 flour tortillas (taco size)
15 oz. can refried beans
10 oz. can of red enchilada sauce
2 cups of Mexican shredded cheese
Toppings: dices tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced black olives
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain excess grease. Add taco mix and water and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thick. In a large skillet, heat up the oil over medium heat and add the tortillas one at a time and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping frequently until crisp. Continue with the rest of the tortillas. Set aside. Heat up the refried beans. This makes them easier to spread (I use the microwave). On each tortilla, slather a generous layer of beans, then top with seasoned ground beef. Place another tortilla on top and slather with about two tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Then place some shredded cheese on top of the sauce. Continue to assembly the rest of the tortillas the same way. Place the pizzas on a nonstick baking sheet (I used parchment paper) and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite toppings. I like sour cream, also. Enjoy this Mexican pizza! I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!

Paris Comes Back From Big Deficit to Defeat Two Rivers, 17-14

On a cloudy spring afternoon in Paris that threatened rain for most of the day, the Paris Lady Eagles and Two Rivers moved the start time of their game from the original schedule of 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. in anticipation of a rainy forecast. Depending on what source you used today for your weather information, rain was predicted to arrive in Paris around 6 p.m. on Thursday…and that is just what happened.

But the rescheduled start time of 4 p.m. turned out to be almost 4:20 p.m. as both teams waited for the officiating crew to arrive. Valuable time was lost with the delay, and as a result, the game was called in the Paris half of the sixth inning with one out. Two Rivers would not have a chance to take their last at-bat in the seventh inning due to lightning in the area.

The Two Rivers Lady Gators entered the game 0-2 in conference play having lost to Charleston and Cossatot River. Paris, fresh off of a devasting road loss at Hackett on Wednesday, entered the game on Thursday with a 1-4 record in the 3A-4. Paris’s only conference win was at Danville. Two Rivers, Danville and Cedarville were winless in the conference going into Thursday’s games.

Paris having played division leaders Hackett and Booneville this week, were now at a point in the schedule where most observers felt they could compete and improve their conference record. But Thursday’s game did not start out that way.

Paris took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning and seemed to be off to a very good start. But the Lady Gators would answer…and answer big. Two Rivers amassed a 10-run lead in the third inning, and Paris was again in jeopardy of being in a run-ruled, shortened game.

But the young Lady Eagles, who have continued to fight through adversity against very good competition, fought back and eventually tied the game in the fifth inning at 14-14. By this time, the weather was threatening with dark clouds, thunder, and lightening that seemed to be moving toward the ballpark.

Paris would eventually score three more runs and take the lead 17-14. Two Rivers was visibly shaken after seeing their big lead evaporate in the misty rain that was beginning to fall.

With Paris batting in the bottom half of the sixth, and with one out, the umpire crew called the game. After discussions with both coaches, the game went final, and the Paris Lady Eagles had clawed their way back from a huge deficit to win their second conference game.

With the win, Paris improved their conference record to 2-4, three and a half games behind conference leader Hackett. Two Rivers dropped their conference record to 0-3 along with Cedarville and Danville. The Lady Eagles are currently fifth in the conference behind leaders Hackett, Charleston, Booneville, and Cossatot River.

The Lady Eagles showed great character and competitive sprit on Thursday. After many hardships on the road this week, it felt great to see the team have some success and fun on the field. Paris fans hope to see the fun continue next Tuesday, April 4, when the Lady Eagles host Cedarville at 5 p.m. RNN Sports will be in Paris next Tuesday to bring you coverage of the Lady Eagles’ conference softball game with Cedarville.