The 75th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has named the 2022 County Farm Families of the Year.
The 2022 Sebastian County Farm Family of the year is the Crelias. Caleb Crelia, his wife Hannah, and their two children, Thadd, age 2, and Halle, age five months, reside in the Washburn area. The family operates a cattle farm in the Dayton community.
The current family farm has been in operation for a year, however, Caleb Crelia has spent a lifetime working in agriculture.
The Farm Family of the Year program begins each year with the selection of top farm families in each county and culminates in December with the selection of the state Farm Family of the Year.
Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program has served as a vehicle to recognize outstanding farm families throughout the state. The objectives of the Farm Family of the Year program are:
To give recognition and encouragement to farm families who are doing an outstanding job on their farm and in their community;
To recognize the importance of agriculture in the community and state; and
To disseminate information on improved farm practices and management.
Selection as Arkansas Farm Family of the Year include efficiency of production, conservation of energy and resources, leadership in agricultural and community affairs, home and farm improvement, and home and farm management.
Sponsors of the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program are Arkansas Farm Bureau, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Additionally, support for the program is provided by the Arkansas Agriculture Department, Arkansas Department of Career Education, Arkansas Press Association, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development.
Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of almost 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.
Congratulations to Crelia and his family on this outstanding achievement!
Sylvia Irene Plante, passed away peacefully on, November 12, 2022, while staying with family in Waldron, Arkansas. Sylvia was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on September 13, 1945, to James Mitchell Sr. and Evelyn (Cox) Mitchell.
Sylvia was married to the love of her life Maurice Plante for 52 years. Sylvia enjoyed travel across the country with her husband. She loved the Grand Canyon and spoke about her trip there often. Sylvia mostly loved to sit by the Ocean any chance she got. Sylvia loved reading, and fishing, she loved going to the Christmas Tree store. Sylvia loved to plant flowers all around her home. She had many hobbies, like crochet, pottery, flower arrangements. Sylvia, my mom, always made home feel like home. She cherished her family and would do anything for them. She will be missed beyond words.
Sylvia leaves behind her beloved daughter Julie Kilfoyle-Kelly and her husband John Mitchell Kelly of Leominster MA. She leaves her son, Steven Plante of Hampstead, NC. Four grandchildren, Jason A. Kilfoyle, Shawn. Kilfoyle of Winchendon MA. Eric Plante of NH and his wife Rose. Jacob Plante of NH. Sylvia leaves two great granddaughters, Sophia Rose Kilfoyle, and Vivian Plante. One sister: Gloria Avery of Waldron, AR.: Brother, Jim Mitchell of NH. Sylvia leaves many nieces and nephews, and was very close to her God, Daughter Cathy Belletete, and her husband Casey also from Waldron AR. Sylvia leaves her sisters-in-law Beatrice Morgan and Shirley Mitchell, among many nieces and nephews.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Maurice Plante, on August 17, 2016.
Sylvia’s life celebration will be Monday, November 14, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating.
Finally arrangements will be announced at a later date.
On November 11, 2022, our beloved matriarch was peacefully reunited in heaven with her son Randy and husband Robert. A mother of four, and grandmother of two, Betty Jo Lee was the third child born to Emmett Earl and Bertha (Dannenberg) Hines.
Betty Jo spoke fondly of her childhood years as a daughter of Waldron, the only town she ever called home. Betty Jo married Robert Lee in 1947, and welcomed the births of her beloved children Richard (husband to Lisa), Mike (husband to Viera), Randy, and Diana (wife to Dave). These were some of her happiest times, and some of her favorite memories to recount. This joy was sadly interrupted by the untimely passing of her son Randy, whom she loved tremendously.
Betty Jo found great purpose and support as a teacher, city-councilwoman, reporter, and as a committed friend to all. In her later years, she was devout in her love for her grandchildren, Miranda (wife to Ian, a welcome new grandson-in-law) and Gerick.
She was preceded in death by husband Robert, sisters Barbara Huston; Lela Rae Luttrell; and Elsie Earl Robbins, son Randy, and nephew Billy Luttrell. She leaves behind a sea of family and friends, including her children, Richard (Lisa); Mike (Viera); and Diana (Dave) Ward, grandchildren Gerick and Miranda (Ian) Johnson, niece Susan (Pat Svacina) Huston and nephew Robert (Kim) Huston. All of us will miss her terribly.
Betty Jo’s Mass will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Father Les officiating. Interment will take place at Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted with Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Betty Jo’s pallbearers will be: Don Jones, Horacio ‘Junior’ Gonzalez, Don Smith, James Forbes, Neal Sparks and Terry Pyle.
Betty Jo’s Rosary will be held at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Waldron, Arkansas on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 5:30 pm. Her visitation will follow from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, it was Betty Jo’s wish that donations be made in memory of Randy Lee to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay and Mac Davis. Board member Tammye Sherrill was not present. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Tonya Cluck, Ryan Walker, Keith Brigance, Cheyenne Smith, Zack Taylor, and Chris Lipham.
Vice-President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
Mac Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer.
Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 17th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the recommendation of Superintendent Daniel Fielding to give all licensed and classified employees a one-time bonus in the amount of $750.00 to be paid November 18th. Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Fielding informed the board about some negotiations that are taken place with the two buses that are being leased in order to purchase them.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to appoint Clay Woodall as School Board President. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to appoint Mac Davis as School Board Vice-President. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Clay Woodall and seconded by Mac Davis to appoint Angela Hunsucker as School Board Secretary. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to appoint Clay Woodall as Voting Delegate for ASBA. Motion carried 4-0.
Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building. Mr. Walker reported that ABC/First Step will be having cookie and ornament decorating with parents coming up. He also stated that there are 33 students enrolled in Adventure Online Academy. Mrs. Smith told the board about the great success of the Fall Festival, even after having to move it to the FBC Family Life Center. Mr. Taylor informed the board of all the activities happening at the Middle School, some of which include; Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming Spirit Week, Socials that have started back up, Veterans Days program, Paint Party and Pep Rally’s. Ms.
Cluck was so proud of how Homecoming went and how great the floats looked this year. She also stated the “Be Proud Be Pro” was a huge hit for the students.
Superintendent Fielding informed the board members that there are a lot of good things going on in our school system. He spoke about the reading program where the high school students are going to the elementary school and reading to the students and how much they all enjoy it.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the resignation of Ashley O’Dell as of November 14, 2022. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to transfer Haleigh Hunt to ½ time ABC Paraprofessional and ½ time First Step Paraprofessional retroactive to November 1, 2022. With 2 years’ experience. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konner McKay to hire Patricia Slade as High School Paraprofessional effective November 7, 2022. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.
Thanks to the support of generous donors, ASPSF awarded nearly 400 scholarships totaling more than $480,000 to low-income single parents pursuing associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and skilled- trade certificates in Arkansas and Bowie County, Texas. The single parents were honored at awards ceremonies hosted around the state, including Little Rock, Jonesboro, Fort Smith, Texarkana, Batesville, and Wynne.
“This scholarship will help tremendously financially and would relieve some stress in my life,” said scholarship recipient Bailey Birge, who is a freshman at East Arkansas Community College pursuing an Associate of Arts degree. She is a mother of two children, both with special needs.
ASPSF’s flexible scholarships of up to $1,200 helps single parents pay for the biggest financial obstacles to obtaining a degree that leads to a career with family-supporting wages. The monetary aid is paired with mentoring, financial instruction, and career coaching — the soft skill training that transforms students into sought-after employees.
Recipient Bailey Birge and volunteer Sherry BreckenridgeRecipients Shynetra Tripp and Sandi HillardRecipient Jessica RotenburyRecipient SherlisaRecipient Christopher Dunn with Volunteer Dave Stevens
“The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has opened a door and the prospect of a brighter future, and it will play a key role in shaping me into a successful person in the future,” Bailey said. “[These scholarships] make life brighter for all single parents.”
So far in 2022, ASPSF has distributed more than $1 million in scholarships to over 1,000 single parents in 68 counties and has hosted hundreds of professional-development workshops. This investment strengthens communities with viable economic impact and emboldens entire families to imagine a brighter future. Because as the children of ASPSF scholarship recipients witness their parent working hard to pursue a better life through education, the likelihood of them pursuing higher education after their own high school completion increases, often breaking a generational cycle of poverty.
Single parents are eligible for ASPSF scholarships if their household income is typically not more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, and have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree, among other requirements.
Staff members have begun reviewing the hundreds of scholarship applications for next year and will begin awarding Spring 2023 scholarships in the coming months. ASPSF’s next scholarship application period is Jan. 15 to March 15, 2023 for the Summer 2023 semester.
For more information about Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund — which has awarded more than $30 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.
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) congratulates its Fall 2022 scholarship recipients.
The cold deep freeze of Razorbacks Stadium on Saturday night will be in stark contrast to the hot rumors that suggest that Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin will become the next Auburn Tigers coach at the end of the season.
Older Razorbacks fans like myself may remember the Lou Holtz era and the childhood days of Lane Kiffin, son of then Razorbacks defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, roaming the sidelines along with Holtz’s son, Skip Holtz. Saturday’s game with Ole Miss, on a personal note, will be a sort of homecoming for the Kiffin family. Most recently, Kiffin came to Fayetteville as offensive coordinator for Alabama and in 2020 as head coach of Ole Miss.
During the past week, several names have emerged as rumored candidates for the Auburn job, but the Kiffin rumor is growing bigger by the day. In the meantime, Kiffin brings his Ole Miss Rebels to Fayetteville to battle Arkansas after a disappointing loss the week before in Oxford to Alabama. LSU has wrapped up the SEC West division title, and Ole Miss will be playing to finish as high as possible in the standings and be in line to play in a New Year’s Day bowl game.
For Arkansas, the Razorbacks who once had high aspirations a few months ago, will still be playing to become bowl eligible with a sixth win of the season. In fact, the Razorbacks have just two tough games remaining to get the job done, and Saturday’s game with Ole Miss will be the final home game. The Razorbacks will travel to Missouri for the final regular season game of 2022.
And I know it is something the players, coaches, and fans don’t want to hear, but, it may be time to turn the focus to 2023. It may be time to get younger players on the field for experience that will help their development for the upcoming season, and, if they win a game and the Hogs reach a bowl game, then it happens. If not, the investment into next year will have begun.
A bowl game could benefit the Hogs in both recruiting and in giving them extra practices on the season to further the younger players’ development. In effect, the bowl practices are a second spring practice going into next season.
As awful as this all seems, it is a hard dose of reality for Arkansas fans. Coach Sam Pittman, in just his third season, inherited a bare cabinet, both on the player roster, and on the coaching staff. He literally is building the program from just him in the office to every aspect of the program. I know Arkansas fans are tired of hearing the word “patience”, but that is reality. Success will come in time, but to compete at a high level in the SEC, one cannot expect a program to immediately (within three seasons) begin to compete with the top tier teams. Arkansas’s recruiting history has never been able to bring in a roster full of 5-star recruits, and it is unrealistic to have immediate success. But with that said, it is time to win, and I believe no one understands that better than Sam Pittman. The 2023 season will be a critical season for the Hogs’ head coach. I look to see major changes on the coaching staff once the season has ended.
Here are game notes on Saturday’s game with Ole Miss as provided by the University of Arkansas:
OLE MISS REBELS (8-2, 4-2 SEC) AP/Coaches/CFP Poll: 14/14/TBA Head Coach: Lane Kiffin (Fresno State, ‘98) Career Record: 84-44 (11th season) Record at Ole Miss: 23-10 (3rd season)
• The Hogs and Rebels will meet under the lights at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in the penultimate game of the 2022 regular season. Arkansas, looking to reach the six-win mark for the second year in a row and become bowl eligible for the third straight season, hosts No. 14 Ole Miss at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, on SEC Network.
• With a win against Ole Miss, Sam Pittman would become the fourth Arkansas head coach to earn bowl eligibility in each of their first three seasons, joining Lou Holtz (1977-79), Ken Hatfield (1984-86) and Houston Nutt (1998-00).
• The temperature at kickoff for Saturday’s home finale is projected to be 30 degrees. It would be coldest game played in Fayetteville since Nov. 2, 1991, when the temperature at kickoff between Arkansas and Baylor was 29 degrees.
• QB KJ Jefferson does his damage through the air and on the ground. Jefferson has completed 148-of-222 passes (66.7%) for 1,981 yards and 17 touchdowns with just three interceptions while rushing for 425 yards and six scores in eight games. Despite missing two contests, Jefferson, who has eight career games with both a passing and rushing touchdown, is one of two SEC quarterbacks with 15 passing touchdowns and at least five rushing scores this season.
• RB Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders is the Hogs’ leading rusher through 10 games, totaling 1,147 yards on 185 carries (6.2 avg.) with seven scores on the ground. Sanders, who ranks second in the SEC in both rushing yards (1,147) and rushing yards per game (114.7), only needed eight games this season to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark, matching RB Madre Hill’s program record of eight games set in 1995.
• WR Jadon Haselwood leads Arkansas with a team-high 49 catches for 592 yards (12.1 avg.) and three touchdowns through 10 games. A transfer from Oklahoma, Haselwood has caught three or more passes in each of his first 10 games as a Hog and has tallied at least one reception in 26 consecutive games played dating back to the 2019 season.
• LB Drew Sanders has emerged as one of the top defensive playmakers in college football this season, racking up 86 total tackles with a team-leading 12.0 tackles for loss and a team-high 8.5 sacks through 10 games. His 8.5 sacks are the most by a Razorback defender since DE Chris Smith totaled 8.5 sacks in 2013, which is tied for eighth most in a season in school history. Sanders leads the SEC in sacks, sitting a half-sack ahead of Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr. (8.0).
Temperature at kickoff on Saturday is forecasted to be around 30 degrees, and with a nighttime kickoff time, the temperature may be around 25 by the end of the game. Dress warm, drink lots of coffee / hot chocolate, and cheer on a great group of Hogs seniors in their final home game.
And from all of us at RNN Sports, we wish all of you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!
There’s nothing like extending a season, especially when you’ve been an underdog from the start. The Mansfield Tigers SR High football team earned their way into the Arkansas State Playoffs this season by finishing with a 4-3 conference record which gave them fourth place in the conference and a 4Seed in the Playoffs. Not too bad for a program predicted to finish in last place. With a three-game winning streak and their first Playoff appearance in two years, the Tigers were rip-roaring and ready to continue on their hot running path. The path of that continuance would go through the home of Paul “Bear” Bryant and the seven-time state champion Fordyce Redbugs program. As with the regular season, the Tigers were underdogs going into the game but that didn’t seem to faze them one bit.
Tyler Turnipseed (#10) strikes a Fordyce runner low while Drew Elmore (#18) comes in to help with the takedown.
The Tigers received the opening kickoff and showed Fordyce why they couldn’t be counted out. Mansfield’s ever-dangerous returner, Daniel Burton, snagged the ball and zig-zagged his way 80 yards for a Tiger Touchdown. Jeremy Strozier tacked on the extra point kick and just like that the Tigers were up 7-0. Fordyce took the shot on the chin and came right back on the ensuing kickoff though with a 57-yard kick return for a touchdown. The Redbugs added the extra point kick, and the game was already tied 7-7 without an offensive snap and less than a minute taken off the clock. The Tigers offense would finally step foot on the field after the early special teams fireworks but came up short going three and out against the Redbugs defense. Once Fordyce got the ball, they used the massive size advantage of their offensive line to push their way downfield on the Tigers defense. It took six plays for the Redbugs to travel 65-yards before scoring and breaking the tie while taking a 14-7 lead over Mansfield.
Senior running back, Tyler Woolbright (#22), takes a handoff from quarterback Cole Kendle (#3).
Another big return by Daniel Burton set the Tigers up at the 45-yard line to start their second drive. Mansfield rode behind senior running backs Tyler Woolbright and Fisher Willsey to get down to the 22-yard line. The duo rushing attack brought the Redbugs defense in tight which opened up a passing lane for quarterback Cole Kindle to zip a pass to Daniel Burton in the corner of the end zone for a Tiger Touchdown. Jeremy Strozier was again on target for the extra point as the Tigers tied the game up 14-14 with 7:16 left in the first quarter. Mansfield’s defense would then show their fierceness with big tackles by Drew Elmore and Kindel Noblitt which forced the Redbugs to punt. The Tigers offense would make it down to Fordyce’s 41-yard line before back-to-back sacks created a turnover on downs. Both defenses went back and forth as neither offense could seem to gain any traction. That’s when special teams kicked in again. Fordyce received a Tigers punt at their own 25-yard line and took it 75 yards to the house for a tie-breaking touchdown. After adding on the extra point kick, the Redbugs took a 21-14 lead over Mansfield to close out a wild first quarter. The Tigers were holding their own which shocked the Redbug faithful and put Mansfield’s fans in a frenzy.
Team Tackling (left to right): Samuel Burton, Andrew Burton, Jeremy Strozier, & Kendel Noblitt take down a Red Bug runner.
Fordyce changed up their offensive tactics in the second quarter and used the one thing they had an advantage over the Tigers with. Size. The Redbugs stacked up eight total behemoth linemen up front to run behind and began to pound away at Mansfield. Although the Tigers continued to battle hard, the size and physicality began to wear them down as Fordyce drove the ball down for a one-yard touchdown. The Tigers would come right back at Fordyce though with runs by Tyler Woolbright and Fisher Willsey coupled with a few passes to Daniel Burton and Peyton Martin, but a tipped ball resulted in the Redbugs getting the ball back on an interception. Fordyce would again capitalize on the short field, this time with a 23-yard pass for a touchdown. The score and extra point extended the Redbugs lead to 35-14 with 0:59 left in the half. Mansfield would not back down though as the Tigers offense went to the playmaker himself, Daniel Burton, to get downfield. Burton took a Cole Kindle screen pass 36 yards for a first down. A penalty was called on the Redbugs defense on the play putting the Tigers in scoring range at the 25-yard line. That would be as close as Mansfield would get before halftime though as the Tigers went into the half down 35-14.
Offensive senior linemen John Broadaway (#61) and Austin Quinalty (#72) battling in the trenches.
The Tigers came out of the half on defense and wasted little time showing Fordyce that the Redbugs weren’t going to just walk away with a W without a fight. Big plays by Andrew Burton, Clint Stovall, and Tyler Turnipseed along with costly penalties put Fordyce a mile behind the sticks. The big defensive push by Mansfield forced the Redbugs to go for it on fourth down, but linebacker Jeremy Strozier provided near-perfect coverage resulting in a Redbug incomplete pass and a turnover on downs. The Tigers offense again showed poise as they pushed their way downfield with a mix of runs and passes. Mansfield even went for it on fourth down with four yards to go at midfield and converted with a Cole Kindle to Andrew Burton pass. Soon after though, the tipped ball bug struck again giving the Redbugs another interception. Mansfield would hold up strong again though as Fordyce went back to their massive line to make yards. The Tigers held Fordyce for ten plays before forcing the Redbugs to punt on fourth and twenty-four. Fordyce got back on the Tigers and forced them to punt on fourth down in their own end zone. That’s when disaster struck. A bad snap sent the ball flying out of the end zone giving Fordyce a two-point safety and the ball right back again. The Redbugs started with the ball on the 30-yard line and ran behind their beefed-up line in just one play for a touchdown. Fordyce opted to go for a two-point conversion and made it to set the score at 45-14 in the Redbugs favor to end the third quarter.
Daniel Burton (#84) snags a pass for a giant Tiger first down.
Mansfield started the fourth and final quarter on offense with a new quarterback as Jeremy Strozier took the helm. The Tigers running game began to come back with Fisher Willsey and Tyler Woolbright, as well as Strozier, beginning to get big gains on runs. The trio ran inside, outside, and side to side until Willsey broke free on a ten-yard run for a Tigers touchdown. Down 45-20 at that point, Mansfield went for a two-point conversion to make up some ground and was successful as Fisher Willsey again would tote the rock into the end zone as the Tigers closed the score to 45-22 with 3:43 left in the game. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Fordyce would score again and convert a two-point conversion as Mansfield fell to the Redbugs 53-22.
Senior running back, Fisher Willsey (#15), races downfield for a Tiger touchdown.
As the game ended and the team began to say their goodbyes to the thirteen seniors who gave their all throughout the year, a storybook moment appeared out of nowhere. While players, family, and fans were crying, the heavens themselves couldn’t hold back any longer as the sky opened up and poured down tears of its own. Although the Tigers lost to a formidable opponent in their first round of the Playoffs, they have nothing to hold their heads down about. Mansfield’s 2022 team broke many barriers on their route to prove everyone wrong. The Tigers had thirteen seniors who stuck together and never gave up proving that anything is possible as they nearly tripled their wins over the past two seasons in just one year while also making the Playoffs for the first time in two years. Although the Mansfield Tigers 2022 football season has come to an end, this year’s team and their accomplishments won’t likely be forgotten anytime soon…….if ever.
The 2022 Mansfield Tigers Football and Cheer seniors.
J.C. Helms, of Hon, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at his home. J.C. was born on August 28, 1945 in Hon, Arkansas to Annie “Midge” and Earl Helms. He was 77 years old. J.C. was a longtime member of Hon Baptist Church. His faith and devotion was unquestionable. J.C. was the grounds keeper at the church for many years.
J.C. married the love of his life, Helen Gathright when they were just youngsters. Together they spent 57 years of life, love and laughter. There wasn’t much J.C. and Helen hadn’t conquered and overcame. They raised 2 wonderful children and helped mold their grandchildren into the lovely young adults they are today. J.C. was a hard working man doing everything he could for his family. J.C. was happiest surrounded by family and friends.
J.C. better known as “Buckshot ” loved to drink coffee and enjoy country living. He enjoyed going hunting and fishing and making forever memories with his children and grandchildren in the woods. He was a member of the Hon VFD.
J.C. leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Helen Helms, of the home, one daughter, Tamera Gardner and husband Gary of Muldrow, Oklahoma, one daughter-in-law, Ann Helms of Waldron, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of four grandchildren: Rex Helms of Miami, Florida; Ross Atnip of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Lauranda Wilson and husband Justin of Muldrow, Oklahoma and Tayler Staggs and husband Dylan of Waldron as well as nine fantastic great grand children. J.C. will be missed by a host of extended family, friends and neighbors he loved dearly.
J.C. was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Midge Helms, three sibilings: Wanda, Jake and Wilma and one son Bobby Don Helms.
J.C.’s life celebration will be at 12:00pm Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rob Harrington officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Point Cemetery in Hon, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Ross Atnip, Justin Wilson, Rick Sehorn, Kevin Hillier, Joe Hanna and Leonard Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be Butch Hanna, Graesyn Wilson, Braedyn Atnip and Paul Gathright.
J.C.’s visitation will be on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Mansfield’s Joey Williams, second from left, takes Top 5 at this year’s Farm Bureau River Valley All-Star Cross Country race hosted by Mansfield on November 12.
Had the 2022 Farm Bureau River Valley All-Star race started on Thursday, the area’s elite cross country runners would have enjoyed a calm, 80 degree, sunny day. As is the case when you live in Arkansas, much can change in 48 hours.
Fifty-three of the best small school runners in the greater River Valley area still saw a sunny day for Saturday’s All-Star event held on the campus of Mansfield High School. It’s just that the early morning temperatures on the actual race day had dropped about 1 degree per participating player.
Undeterred by 30 degree temperatures and constant winds, the competition heated up quickly as the event sponsored by Farm Bureau Agent Roger Thompson added a team element into the mix.
Mansfield senior Jadelynn Wood goes out a team champion as her All-Star squad, Team Martin, takes top billing at the Farm Bureau All-Star Saturday.
“Yes, it was cold,” noted meet director and Mansfield head cross country coach, John Mackey. “These kids are winners in every sense of the word. That’s why they are All-Stars. Cold and windy weather doesn’t stop All-Stars. These kids are born to run. It’s what they do.”
Immediate gamesmanship ensued as All-Star teams were announced late Friday night. Typical teammates from highly successful programs began bold talk within their own ranks as their collective talents were divided into all new super teams for the Farm Bureau festival.
Twenty-five of the area’s best female runners selected from a pool of 35 schools across 7 counties were assigned to Teams Martin, Greathouse, and Weathers. Twenty-eight of the area’s best male runners from the same geographical area were configured into Teams Rodriguez, Garcia, and Maldonado.
Schools like Acorn, DeQueen, Pottsville, and Mansfield received multiple invites. Their regular season teams finished top 3 or higher at their respective state championships to offer player diversity among the newly constructed All-Star units.
Schools like Clarksville, Mount Ida, and Scranton sent high ranking individuals that finished first or second overall at their respective state meets.
Freshman Jonah Martin of Mansfield is pictured on the left with his winning teammates on Team Rodriguez at the FBRV All-Star weekend cross country special.
Mansfield and its staff took on the task of generating the virtual meet that ranked the River Valley performances throughout the season. Best times over the last six weeks placed qualifiers onto an invitation list that reached 40 deep per gender team.
The Top 25 male and Top 25 females confirming participation advanced to the actual race featuring two gender specific 5K races. A few players off the short list of alternates also participated, expanding the field of active runners to 53.
Mansfield garnered three girls on the active list. Senior Jadelynn Wood participated in her fourth FBRV All-Star event. Sophomores Laney Wood and Trinity Triska received their second consecutive bid.
Mansfield also placed 2 boys on the race day schedule. Freshman All-State runner and 2A-4 Conference medalist, Joey Williams, was the fifth ranked runner on the men’s roster. Freshman teammate Jonah Martin, the fourth fastest ninth grader at the class 2A state finals, entered the men’s race under a coach’s exemption.
Williams was the Tigers’ highest finisher on the chilly morning race. He equaled his pre-meet seeding by finishing fifth in the actual 5K men’s race. The freshman’s time was 18:17.34. That measure was around 50 seconds south of the All-Star winning time of 17:27.56 run by DeQueen’s Randy Rodriguez.
Mansfield’s Martin was on Team Rodriguez, named after the highest qualifying boy from DeQueen. Team Rodriguez won the team title with 34 points. Team Garcia came in second with 38 points followed by Team Maldonado with 55.
“As it turned out, the team averages were really close,” said Mackey. “In both races, the cumulative times and team averages really reflected the attempt to equalize the teams.”
In the women’s race, Team Martin led by Pottsville’s Mayli Martin, took top honors with 36 points. Team Weathers, captained by the overall winner Macy Weathers out of Clarksville, came in second at 37 points.
Macy Weathers won individual honors with the fastest women’s time clocked at 20:54.54. One week earlier, she was second overall at the class 4A state meet.
Comparing total times, Team Weathers actually had the fast accumulative time and total average. However, Team Martin’s fifth scoring runner was able to establish a two player gap that made the one point differential.
Lady Tiger Jadelynn Wood ran under the Martin mantle as part of the winning team. Triska, who ran Mansfield’s fastest time (24:31.27) of the Lady Tiger trio in Saturday’s race, was on the second place squad. Laney Wood, who finished in near exact step with older sister Jadelynn, crossed under the Greathouse flag. Team Greathouse totaled 49 points as the third place team.
All participants received keepsake uniforms, All-Star certificates, participation medals, and a chance to earn a Top 10 race medal. The scoring five from each of the two winning teams received an additional certificate and will have their names engraved on a perpetual team plaque carried for by the All-Star host school.
Thompson, a 1978 Mansfield High School graduate, sponsored all individual awards.
Derick Goodin, a member of the River Valley Run Club and Fellowship of Christain Athletes, offered inspirational words prior to the concluding awards ceremony. Following the awards, the River Valley and Mansfield FCA ambassadors provided all athletes, coaches, event volunteers, and guests with a taco bar luncheon.
Mansfield’s coaching staff wanted to thank Bernie Simon and Jennifer Chick for facilitating the lunch. They also wanted to extend their appreciation to Derick Goodin as well as event volunteers for making this year’s small school All-Star race so memorable.
Opening night for the Class 3A state football playoffs started Friday night in raw, wintry weather that included temperatures in the 40s and rain. All in all, it was a bitterly cold night for the fans who braved the weather to support their teams. And so it was tonight at Alumni Field in Charleston where the Tigers faithful saw their team get off to a great start in the 2022 state playoffs by defeating Gurdon, 41-6. With the victory, Charleston will advance to the second round of the playoffs that will be played next week. The Tigers will once again be home and will host the Centerpoint Knights from the 3A-4 conference. Game time will be 7 p.m.
It was a good night for the 3A-1 with the top three seeds winning their first round games. Charleston, Booneville, and Greenland all won their opening round games, while four seed Mansfield and five seed Lavaca lost road games at Fordyce and Centerpoint, respectively.
Charleston jumped off to a fast start that was fueled by the play of their defense. The defensive line, led by Hunter Little, who unofficially had 19 tackles on the evening, dominated the Gurdon offensive line, slowing their wishbone rushing attack. Charleston’s defense has been impressive all year, and that is a big factor in many predicting the Tigers to challenge this year for a state championship.
Offensively, the Charleston offensive line also had a good night, creating gaping holes for running back Brevyn Ketter to hit on quick openers that would explode for large gains. Ketter ended the night with over 90 yards rushing and another 30 plus yards receiving on the night unofficially.
After scoring two touchdowns in the first half, Gurdon moved the ball late in the first half to score a touchdown to narrow the Tigers lead at 13-6. But Charleston special teams also showed up big on the night and blocked the extra point that ended the first half with the Tigers leading 13-6. That would be all of the scoring on the night for Gurdon, and Charleston would explode for 28 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Go Devils under the sportsmanship rule of continuous clock in the fourth quarter. And for all of the fans in attendance, the continuous clock was a blessing when the rain began to fall again late in the fourth quarter.
Watch for a second round preview of the Tigers’ game with Centerpoint on the RNN website next week. Readers can go to residentnewsnetwork.com for free access to the second round preview that will feature the Charleston vs. Centerpoint match-up.
Congratulations to the Charleston Tigers on advancing to the second round of the state football playoffs! RNN Sports will be back at Alumni Field next Friday to bring you all of the action! And watch for more photos from this game on Monday on Facebook at Charleston Tigers Sports!
So, Tigers fans, hang-up your wet rain gear, get warm and comfortable, and enjoy your weekend!
