The summer’s drought revealed the need for one of northeast Arkansas’s favorite fishing spots. That work has been completed.
As the water dropped in Lake Hogue this summer, district biologists noticed support structures on the fishing pier were badly in need of repair. Contractors closed the pier (photo right) for a couple of days to repair the damaged support posts, and replaced and strengthened the railing to bring the pier back to usable status.
* AGFC biologists recently sampled the crappie population on Lake Dardanelle, visiting multiple areas of the lake with lead nets.
These nets consist of two hoop nets connected by a long lead net that funnels fish into the hoop net where they are captured. Biologists collected over 800 crappie (both black and white) in October, including a 1 pound, 13 ounce black crappie.
Through sampling, biologists hope to better understand important population parameters, such as spawning success, growth and mortality rates. Crappie are known to have highly variable spawning success from year to year.
The biologists from the Russellville DIstrict Office report that from sampling so far, it appears 2021 was a good year for crappie spawning success. They say this means there should be plenty of harvestable-sized fish to catch beginning in 2023. Biologists will learn more as they plan to sample again next month and into December. Of the crappie that were collected in the October sampling, 65 percent were white crappie and 35 percent were black crappie.
White and black crappie (see below photo) can be differentiated by their spot patterns, number of dorsal spines, and general body shape. White crappie have spots arranged in a vertical bar pattern, 7-8 dorsal spines, and a longer body shape. Black crappie spots are irregular, they have 5-6 dorsal spines, and their general body shape is more rounded with a shorter head and upturned mouth.
Anglers should note that the minimum length limit for both crappie species on Lake Dardanelle is 10 inches; the daily possession limit is 30 (black and white combined). As the temperature continues to drop in the next two months, crappie fishing should be picking up nicely. Get your poles and jigs ready!
Around the Boathouse: Lake Dardanelle
County Line High School Homecoming
Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly from Ms Celia Looney, Yearbook Adviser, County Line High School. Ms Looney is a RNN contributor, and we thank her for bringing this story to our readers.
Homecoming festivities for the 2022-23 school year were held on October 21 at County Line. The evening began with the crowing of the princess and queen. Freshman Song Tan was pronounced princess, and the queen was senior Sunshine Xiong.
The first game of the evening was a rematch of the state semifinal match between Guy Perkins and the County Line boys. The Indians defeated the Thunderbirds 71-38. Scoring was led by Cooper Watson and Trent Johnston who had 16 points each. The ladies ended the evening with a disappointing loss, falling to the Lady Thunderbirds 42-61. Jayleigh Smith scored 15 and Maddie Phillips had 14.
2022 County Line Homecoming Court
Alyiah Luttrell, Rhett Needham, Grayson Law, Alyson Walker.
Second Row: Seventh Grade Maids: Tavilyn Fortenberry and Chloe Lachappelle Eighth Grade Maids: Brooklyn Reed and Paige Watson.
Third Row: Freshman Maid Kyla Appleton, Homecoming Princess Song Tan, Freshman Maid Karlie Bottoms.
Fourth Row: Sophomore Maids: Addyson White and Mylee Schulte Junior Maids: Emily Daniels and Princess Sarten.
Back Row: Senior Maid: Annalynn Burton, Homecoming Queen Sunshine Xiong and Senior Maid Melissa Ludwick.
JR Tigers Maul Cedarville In Season Finale
The Mansfield JR High football team started off their 2022 season with many holes to fill and questions to answer. A program that finished as conference runner-up in 2021 now had to step up and try to not only repeat but try to do even better. Losses to Charelston and Booneville hijacked their hopes of a conference championship and a shot at repeating as conference runner-up. However, for the JR Tigers there is no stopping the effort of this JR High crew as they endeavored to persevere. The Tigers could still match their conference record from the previous year and even pull off a record-setting seven total wins for the year. But first, they had to go through the Cedarville Pirates.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox
Mansfield started off the game on offense and quickly went to the passing attack. Tigers quarterback Cooper Edwards rolled out of the pocket and slung a pass intended for Dominic Shores. Unfortunately for the Tigers, a Cedarville defender picked the pass off. The interception was called off by a pass interference penalty though and the Tigers were back in business. Not to be deterred, Mansfield rebounded on the very next play with a short shovel pass to Ethan Martin who rolled 55 yards for a Tiger touchdown. Martin then ran in a two-point conversion putting the Tigers up 8-0 early in the first quarter. The Tigers defense then took charge and shut down Cedarville’s offense with big tackles by Alex Hecox, Zander Walters, and Dawson Robinson. The big play would have shut down Cedarville quickly, but a few mental mistakes and penalties allowed the Pirates to stay in the mix. Mistakes happen though and once they were fixed Mansfield was able to force a Pirate punt. Defensive end, Matthew Burton, was Johnny on the spot on the kick as he was able to get a hand on the ball creating a short punt that gave Mansfield solid field position.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox
With Mansfield having the ball at the 16-yard line, running back Zander Walters plowed his way in for a one-play 16-yard touchdown. Walters then seemingly walked across the goal line for a two-point conversion stretching the Tigers lead to 16-0. Mansfield’s defense went back to work taking only two Cedarville plays to shock the scoreboard. Tigers linebacker, Zander Walters, intercepted a Pirates pass and sprinted 36 yards downfield for a turnover touchdown. Dawson Robinson ran in the two-point conversion setting Mansfield up with a 24-0 lead in the first quarter. Robinson remained hot on defense when Cedarville got the ball back as he intercepted a pass for a touchdown. A penalty negated the pick six though and Cedarville continued their drive. The first quarter ended with the Pirates having the ball, but Mansfield was dominating on the scoreboard 24-0.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox
Cedarville bounced back on their first play of the second quarter scoring from three yards out. The Pirates couldn’t tack on their two-point conversion though setting the score at 24-6. Mansfield’s Gunner Williams made a wild 44-yard return on the ensuing kickoff which put the Tigers right back in Pirates territory. Tigers receiver, Matthew “Bear” Burton, came through on a speed sweep and “Beared” down on Cedarville’s defense taking the ball 41 yards for another Mansfield Tiger touchdown. After another two-point conversion, the Tigers were roaring 32-6. Mansfield emptied their roster for the remainder of the contest allowing players to get a feel for the game. Each and every team member was able to rack up a positive stat for the books by the final sound of the clock as Mansfield finished the game with a 40-30 victory.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox
The JR High Tigers finished their season with a win and more notably a 5-2 conference record adding up to a 7-2 overall record. This conference record matches the 2021 teams 5-2 record proving that the program has sustained stability in its success. Mansfield outscored opponents 224-150 this season which shows that they are not a one side of the ball program. The JR High program will lose a star-studded group of 15 ninth graders for next season, most of who will contribute big time for the SR High program in upcoming seasons. Although that is a lot of players to replace, it shouldn’t be a huge concern for anyone. There are many eighth graders who started and contributed during the season and are up to any task placed before them. The future of Mansfield Tigers JR High football is in their hands now and they will not disappoint.
Simple Kitchen Improvement Ideas on a Budget
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Family and friends gather in the space to talk and hang out during any part of the day. Kitchens deserve to look their best, but not everyone has the extra money to spend on a complete renovation. These are simple kitchen improvement ideas on a budget, so you can freshen up the space without spending much money.
Add Touches of Elegance
Paint and tile can only take your kitchen so far. Adding touches of elegance throughout your kitchen space will create interesting focal points. Use unexpected décor like an antique silver tray, showy artwork, a stunning chandelier, or a rack displaying decorative pots and pans.
Find chic and sophisticated items that you love and that work well with the area. Soon, you’ll have built an improved kitchen without spending a lot of money.
Change the Cabinetry Hardware
Want to make a big impact without spending a lot of money? Change up the cabinet hardware. Which hardware you choose depends on the style and aesthetic you’d like for your kitchen. Are you looking for a modern feel? Opt for sleek black knobs and pulls or go for mixed metals. Look for rustic-styled hardware for a farmhouse kitchen.
Install a Backsplash
Backsplashes are budget-friendly ways to add personality and liven up your kitchen space. There are plenty of different styles and designs to choose from in the backsplash world. If you’re renting your home, use peel-and-stick ones to avoid damaging the wall. White subway tile will make your kitchen feel modern and bright.
Choose the style that works best for you. There are many cost-effective options available. Wainscoting and shiplap are also beautiful yet inexpensive backsplashes.
Update Your Lighting Fixtures
The kitchen is an area where you need proper lighting. Who wants to read a recipe and prepare dinner in dim lighting? Add a bold lighting fixture to really freshen up the kitchen. Ensure the piece matches the style and kitchen hardware.
A new lighting fixture will make a huge difference in the space. There are plenty of ways to find inexpensive or discounted lighting at many big box stores or online. Visit your local antique or resale shop if you want to give a second chance to an older fixture.
Try all of these budget-friendly simple kitchen improvements to freshen up your kitchen. These will make an overall significant impact. Choose which ones will work in your space.
Attorney General Alert: Rutledge Warns of Fentanyl Pills Mistaken for Candy
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning the public about the increased prevalence of illegal fentanyl pills designed to look like well-known candy. As Halloween approaches, parents should be aware of these extremely dangerous drugs and be able to identify signs of a potential overdose.
“Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous substance that drug cartels often smuggle into the United States with the intention of marketing the colorful pills to children and young adults,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “With the increased prevalence of this dangerous drug, parents should be vigilant this Halloween season in order to protect their children and loved ones.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, known to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized brightly colored, “rainbow fentanyl” that looks like candy in 26 states. According to the DEA, drug cartels are smuggling the fentanyl across the southern border to target young children, including those in elementary and middle school.
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Very small amounts of fentanyl are extremely deadly. Even a small dose can be lethal enough to kill multiple individuals. Everyone should take strong precautions to ensure that children do not come into contact with products that may contain fentanyl. Parents should speak with their young children, and even teenagers, to educate them and provide age-appropriate guidance on the dangers of this look-a-like drug.
Signs of fentanyl overdose include, but are not limited to:
- Small, constricted pupils
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Difficulties breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
If you suspect your child has ingested fentanyl, call 911 immediately. Consider administering naloxone, if available. Arkansas Poison Control Hotline may be reached at (800) 222-1222. Consumers who encounter suspected fentanyl products should not touch the item and contact law enforcement immediately.
Tigers Return to Alumni Field on Friday for Final Regular Season Home Game vs West Fork
At deadline time for this story, the Charleston Tigers were preparing for a war with the Booneville Bearcats that would more than likely be for the 3A-1 football conference championship. The winner of that game will more than likely be a #1 seed in the state playoffs and the loser will go as the #2. Either way, it was sure to be an intense, physical battle for all of the marbles in conference play.
But that game is history, and regardless of its outcome, it has been a very successful season for both Booneville and Charleston, and both should do well in the state playoffs. For Charleston, the Tigers are returning home this week to play West Fork for the final regular season home football game. It will also be Senior Night at Alumni Field, and the Charleston football program will honor a stellar senior class of football players on Friday night.
After last week’s physical contest at Booneville, Charleston will face another big, physical opponent in the West Fork Tigers. West Fork is an experienced team that has good size and likes to grind and pound the football. They are a little more open to using the pass this year compared to the last few years, but their core belief remains to want to run the football.
West Fork’s coach, Rodney Selph, returned this year to coach the Tigers after having success in the program several years ago. Going into this season, he inherited a veteran team that had nine returning starters each on both sides of the football. Coach Selph is trying to restore the winning tradition in West Fork football, but like a lot of other 3A-1 conference schools, the schedule is tough every year with both Booneville, Charleston,and Greenland in the conference along with Hackett who is making good strides in being competitive.
West Fork runs the Wing T offense and presents a multiple or odd front on defense. Up to deadline time for this story, the West Fork Tigers record in 2022 is:
vs Gentry 7-28 (L)
at Green Forest 28-14 (W)
vs Berryville 28-6 (W)
vs Paris 13-0 (W)
vs Mansfield 14-18 (L)
at Booneville 21-48 (L)
vs Lavaca 7-31 (L)
at Cedarville 42-14 (W)
At deadline time for this story, the West Fork Tigers were about to take the field against Hackett. West Fork has games remaining on October 28 at Charleston and will end the regular season on November 4 at rival Greenland.
The Charleston Tigers will finish their season on Friday, November 4 at Lavaca. RNN Sports will be in Lavaca to cover Charleston’s game at Lavaca as its game of the week. Look for coverage of the game on the RNN website and in the weekly newspaper, RNN Logan County Edition.
Congratulations to the Charleston senior class who has won two back-to-back conference titles and are in contention to win a third consecutive title this year. Their work is by far not done; I expect Charleston to make a deep run in this year’s state playoffs.
It should be a great night for football. Come out to the stadium, honor the 2022 seniors, and enjoy a great night of high school football! And thanks to all of you for reading RNN Sports!
Ways To Support a Loved One After a Major Surgery
Depending on the type of surgery a person goes through, they could either be better in a few days or be bedridden for months. Regardless of the severity, they will likely need some help around the house for a while. If you have a loved one who has recently undergone major surgery, there are many ways for you to support them during this time. This short guide will cover some of the important things you should do.
Take Over Certain Responsibilities
One of the most important things you can do for your loved one during this time is to take over certain responsibilities they can no longer fulfill. Doing tasks such as making meals, taking care of their pets, and doing general yardwork will be great ways to help out. However, if they need more than that and you have the time to be there for them, you can do things like help them to the bathroom, run errands, and watch over their kids.
Help Them Cope With the Changes
If you can’t physically be there to help them, you can always call them to talk them through their struggles and ease their mind about certain things. Anyone who goes through a major surgery will have tons of questions buzzing through their head. One thing you can do is read up on what they went through or talk to a doctor to learn more about it.
For example, if your loved one recently got a colostomy, they will likely have a lot of questions regarding recovering from ostomy surgery. If you know that information, you can be the one to help them through each step of the process.
Find Ways To Keep Their Spirits Up
If you are a bit squeamish or can’t help your loved one in a medical capacity, that doesn’t mean you’re useless. You can be a positive distraction for them. Most people who have recently undergone surgery don’t want to discuss it constantly. They’ll likely want to find other things to do and talk about.
One thing you could do is find some of their favorite movies and watch them together. You could also come by and talk to them for a while. Find a way to make them smile, even if the pain is unbearable at the moment. At the very least, they’ll appreciate the effort.
Be There for Them
Regardless of what you do to support a loved one after a major surgery, the key is to be there for them. Even if you don’t do anything else in this guide, hanging around will mean a lot to them. After surgery, many people feel alone, so having loved ones come by and visit them or talk to them on the phone can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to put in some time with them. Neither of you will regret it.
Little Rock Baptist Prep Defeats Paris 3-0 to Advance to Today’s Class 3A Semifinal
It was a much-anticipated match in the state quarterfinals between Little Rock Baptist Prep and Paris on Wednesday on the campus of Harding Academy. Many media outlets have predicted a finals match between between Prep and Hackett on Saturday in the 3A final. On Wednesday, both Prep and Hackett advanced to their respective semifinals matches with 3-0 victories in the quarterfinals.
Paris came out of the starting blocks fast in the first set against Prep, but lost control of the set late and eventually lost a close set giving Prep a 1-0 lead in the match. Perhaps more importantly, Paris appeared to lose a lot of emotional energy with the loss and was never able to fully recover. The Lady Eagles competed well in both the second and third sets, but as the match progressed late, the Lady Eagles were giving up points on defense that they had not early in the match.
Baptist Prep will play Crowley’s Ridge Academy in one semifinal today at Harding Academy. Hackett, who soundly defeated Little Rock Episcopal on Wednesday, will now play Hoxie who escaped a much-improved Atkins team in the quarters. The stage is set for a potential predicted match-up between Hackett and Baptist Prep who have been the two best teams in 3A this season.
The Lady Hornets take the court today at 1 p.m to play Hoxie for a berth in Saturday’s championship final. Baptist Prep will take on Crowley’s Ridge Academy at 3 p.m. for the other finals berth on Saturday. The 3A championship match between the semifinals winners will be played at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.
Eagles Return on Friday for Senior Night and Final Home Game of the Season
The 2022 regular season will come to a close for the Paris Eagles on Friday when they host conference opponent Magnet Cove at Eagles Stadium. Friday will be Senior Night to honor a very special group of players, band members, and cheerleaders. Due to the cancellation of the season by Danville, the home season schedule will come to a premature end on October 28 with the November 4 home cancellation of the Danville game.
At deadline time for this story, Paris was traveling to Amity, Arkansas to play the Centerpoint Knights. The game was expected to be a tough challenge for the Eagles, as the Knights were entering the game with Paris undefeated on the season. Magnet Cove was about to host Jessieville. Now, as we look forward to this Friday, both Paris and Magnet Cove may be entering the game with one conference win each and in contention for the fifth and final playoff seed from the 3A-4 conference to advance to the state playoffs.
Playoffs? Yes, playoffs. With the Eagles’ homecoming win over Two Rivers, both Magnet Cove and Paris will enter the game Friday with one conference win each. A victory by either school will give the winner their second conference win and a head-to-head victory over the other. Paris’s regular season will end with the Magnet Cove game, so the Eagles would finish the regular season as the number five seed. The bottom half of the 3A-4 standings would include Danville as the eighth place finisher, Two Rivers as the seventh place finisher, and Magnet Cove as the sixth place finisher. Paris would have Week Ten of the regular season off due to the Danville cancellation, and would likely travel to Northeast Arkansas to play a #1 seed from that part of the state on November 11. Paris would potentially end the regular season as 2-7, or, with the Danville cancellation, 3-7, and would be playoff bound.
I will withhold my opinion on a two conference win team going to the playoffs. The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) has gradually increased the number of playoff spots over the years to the format we have today. You may recall one year recently when due to COVID cancellations during the season, sixth place and lower teams were also allowed to elect to participate in the playoffs. Only two teams in the state chose to do so. In the River Valley, the Hackett Hornets were one of two teams statewide who chose to go the playoffs as a number six seed. In a normal year, the Hornets would have been ineligible for the playoffs that year.
On a positive note, the fact that we are having this conversation is a testament to the hard work and the “never say die” attitude of the seniors and the younger players on the Eagles’ roster. They have faced adversity all season, but each week, they have played hard. Their true character has shown through the bumps and bruises that they have endured throughout the year.
The Senior Night opponent for Paris will be the Magnet Cove Panthers. The Panthers are new to Class 3A this season. They have had great success in Class 2A including an 8-4 record a year ago. They won the 2A-5 conference in 2021 went two rounds deep into the state playoffs. The Panthers defeated Marked Tree in the first round by the score of 34-16 before losing narrowly to Fordyce, 30-29.
Magnet Cove returns seven starters on offense and five on defense. The Panthers are coached by Caleb Carmikle and are multiple in their formations on both offense and defense. According to Hooten’s Arkansas Football magazine, the Panthers have good play-makers returning this year but are a little suspect with their linebacker corps. Offensively, the Panthers will be led by All-State running back Brett Williams, and on defense, the Panthers will bring a pair of tall, book end defensive ends in Bronson Coolis and Preston Sawyer.
Magnet Cove High School is located in Hot Springs County, approximately two hours and twenty-one minutes from Paris. Panthers fans will be making the 115 miles trip on Friday to see their team battle for their second conference win and a spot in the 3A state playoffs.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the Senior Night ceremony to be held during the pregame activities. Fans should be in their seats by 6:15 p.m. to see the Eagles football program honor this year’s very special senior class.
And as we have been all season, RNN Sports will be there to capture the night in photos and to provide a recap of the game on Saturday morning. Come out and support the Eagles in their final home game of the year.
Booneville Travels to Lavaca on Friday
Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced in its entirety from Mr. Glenn Parrish, Director of Communications, Booneville School District. Mr. Parrish is a RNN Sports contributor, and we thank him for bringing this story to our readers.
There will be a lot of purple on the eastern edge of Sebastian County Friday night when Booneville travels to Lavaca’s Jimmy Hobbs Memorial Stadium.
The schools have not played since 2015 and have met just six times previously. Like the previous meetings, Friday’s game will be a conference game.
The Bearcats have won all previous meetings though two of the games in Lavaca have been closer than those in Booneville (42-27 in 2015 and 21-13 in 2008). The first meeting between the schools was also in Lavaca in 1998.
This year, Lavaca was the last 3A-1 team to suffer its first loss, having laid the groundwork during a five win campaign in 2021.
The Golden Arrows – three will also be a lot of gold Friday, though not necessarily the same shade – are looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2019 and first time in Class 3A since 2014.
The Arrows last won a playoff game in 2013, beating another purple clade team in Osceola.