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Charleston Goes Down Fighting to Atkins on Monday

RNN Sports Student Writer Intern, Amalyn Aloon, Charleston High School)

Note to Our Readers: The following story was written by RNN Sports Student Writer Intern, Ms Amalyn Aloon.

“We greater than me.” That’s what is displayed on the back of the warmup shirts of every lady tiger volleyball teammate. Tonight these girls really put some meaning into this quote. Although they took a loss to the Atkins Red Devils, they never quit playing as a team. Every point scored was celebrated and every score loss was given reassurance. It was a tough game for the Tigers tonight, but there is still hope for the rest of the season. As the volleyball season continues we hope to see some wins and some more of this team encouragement. The Lady Tigers will take on the the Booneville Bearcats on Tuesday and then The Hackett Hornets on Thursday.

Charleston’s recent history is to gain momentum as the season goes along and to be a factor in the post-season. One thing for sure is that the Lady Tigers will give everything they have all season and will improve with each week of the season.

Stay with RNN Sports for the latest updates on Charleston sports!

Diamond Hills Boys & Girls Club Welcomes New CEO

On August 10, Russellville native Amber Mickles took the reigns as CEO of the Diamond Hills Boys & Girls Club. This volunteer at heart is truly an asset and treasure within the community.

Mickles and her husband, Eric, are proud parents and grandparents. These “empty nesters” have filled their home with the company of three dogs, one cat and many chickens.

Mickles got her start with the club after moving to Paris. “I registered my daughter for softball and was asked to coach. I have never played softball and really knew nothing of the sport,” shared Mickles. “However, I volunteered anyway, because that is what you do!  It was a wonderful experience actually.” 

While working at the library in Paris, Mickles was able to partner with the Paris club to bring library programs and summer entertainment to kids. “The club did not have the means to transport the kids, so we went to them,” Mickles added.   

As the club’s leader, Mickles plans to futher community partnerships and “keep a pulse in every town where we have a club location.” Mickles went on to stress the importance of fulfilling the club’s mission:

To enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

“I truly believe that we all have something that we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and when we come together we can make a huge impact,” Mickles explained. “The children that attend our clubs and/or involved in our sports programs need to know that they have community members cheering them on.”

Although Mickles has only been with the club for a short time, she has not wasted time in achieving her goals. Mickles is spending time with staff, and she’s impressed with the “amazing team that is committed to their area’s kids.” She added that the “BGC of the Diamond Hills also has an amazing and engaged board of directors. I look forward to working with them and growing those relationships.”

These interactions will help formulate a working plan so the team can work together and meet the needs of the children.

“I absolutely love to see children’s faces light up!  And when a kid takes the time to draw you a picture or write you a note, you know you’re doing something right,” concluded Mickles. “It truly is the most gratifying job to work with kids. Obviously, it’s not always ideal, but kids sure know how to motivate you to continue on. When you can make an investment in the lives of children, you know that you are helping to impact your community long term.”  

The children in the area of Alma, Mountainburg, Mulberry and Paris are fortunate to have Mickles at the helm. Her extensive experience in community programming, partnersips, leadership roles, grant writing and fundraising efforts ensure an exciting future is ahead.

Arkansas vs Cincinnati: Game Day Notes

Note to Our Readers: The following information was sourced from the University of Arkansas, Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson, Associate Athletic Director / Communications.

Razorbacks fans, it is game week! The Hogs open the 2022 season this Saturday in Fayetteville versus the Number 23 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bearcats are coached by Luke Fickle and were a college football national playoff team a year ago. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN starting at 2:30 p.m. CDT.

Here is some game information on this Saturday’s match-up as provided by the University of Arkansas:

• The Hogs are opening their season with a top-25 matchup in Fayetteville for the first time in program history. No. 19 Arkansas faces No. 23 Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 3, inside
Razorback Stadium to begin the 2022 campaign. Kickoff between the Hogs and Bearcats is set for 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

• This year marks the first time since 1974 that Arkansas is ranked in the preseason and opening its season against a fellow top-25 team at home. No. 20 Arkansas defeated No. 5 USC, 22-7, in a home game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark., to begin the 1974 campaign, finishing with a 6-4-1 record under legendary head coach Frank Broyles.


• QB KJ Jefferson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in all of college football, returns to lead the Razorback offense in 2022. Jefferson threw for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns while running for 664 yards with six scores on the ground last season, posting the SEC’s fourth-best
passing efficiency (164.7). He is one of two returning FBS quarterbacks (Louisville QB Malik Cunningham) to lead their team in both passing and rushing yards one year ago.


• RB Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2021. The Rockledge, Fla., native earned SEC All-Freshman honors after running for 578 yards and five touchdowns last season, finishing second on the Hogs in rushing yards. Sanders was one of four Razorback ball
carriers to rush for at least 500 yards in 2021 – a feat that had not been accomplished at Arkansas since 1975.


• TE Trey Knox is Arkansas’ most experienced returning pass catcher entering the 2022 campaign. After beginning his collegiate career at wide receiver, the Murfreesboro, Tenn., native, shifted to tight end last season to provide depth at the position. Knox, who has 55 receptions for 596 yards and four touchdowns in 33 career games, thrived in the role, catching 20 balls for 141 yards and one score while helping block for a ground attack that led the SEC in rushing with an average of 227.8 yards per game.


• LB Bumper Pool led the Razorbacks in total tackles with 125 last season, racking up 7.5 tackles for loss in the process. Pool, an All-America and All-SEC honoree, has posted two consecutive seasons with 100+ total tackles and boasts the second-most total tackles (320) among all FBS
defenders since 2019. The Lucas, Texas, native enters 2022 with 349 career tackles – ninth-most all-time at Arkansas.

Watch for a feature story on Labor Day as RNN brings you “The Razorbacks Fans’ Game Day Experience” as we show you the game day atmosphere at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium!

Tips for Improving the Quality of Your Soil

Organic matter needs a healthy foundation to thrive. Whether you’re growing crops on your farm or tending to a private garden, fertile soil can make or break your harvest. At some point, you’ll likely struggle to keep your soil rich with nutrients.

You’ll know you have a problem when your plants look worse for wear. Look out for small fruits, drooping flowers, and a lack of moisture. If you notice any of these signs on your land, use our tips for improving the quality of your soil.

Implement a Rotation Schedule

If you want to maximize your grain harvest yield, you need to implement a crop rotation schedule. Growing the same thing on the same patch of land year after year will deplete its vital nutrients. Plant nitrogen-rich crops between your regular harvest to give life back to the Earth.

Rotating crops isn’t just for commercial farmers; it also helps your private garden. Try growing different produce to shake things up in your kitchen. Your home-grown fruits, herbs, and vegetables will thank you for the change.

Create Permanent Pathways

Soil needs room to breathe. Walking in your garden compacts soil, preventing water and nutrient dispersion and absorption. It also prevents root growth and kills essential microbiological activity—all things your crops need to survive.

To improve the quality of your soil, create permanent pathways in and around your land. Define safe walking areas with clovers, wood chips, and gravel. You can build a border around your personal garden to keep people off the soil.

Perform a Soil Test

If you’ve tried these techniques and see little improvement, you’ll need to do some digging. Sometimes, it’s less about your cultivation methods and more about your soil’s chemical makeup. You should perform a soil test to determine what your land is lacking.

Soil tests are accessible and easy to do. The readings will provide valuable information about pH balances, lead content, and organic matter. With this data at your disposal, you can make better decisions to encourage healthier soil.

Add Nutrients With Compost

Once you’ve performed a soil test, you can introduce the right nutrients. The most sustainable way to do this is by composting. Decomposing organic matter works wonders in personal and commercial gardens; you can even compost at home to create fuel for your crops.

Composting solves nearly any problem your soil test identifies. Compost adds nutrients, balances pH levels, and feeds microorganisms responsible for nitrogen production. Adding organic matter to your soil also helps with water retention and decompaction.

Improving your soil is all about trial and error. Taking preventative measures will ensure abundance every single season. With these tips, you’ll create better conditions for yourself and the surrounding environment.

Types of Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

If you want to help save the environment, eco-friendly roofing offers many benefits. You’ll save a ton of money on bills, and you’ll be able to reduce your overall carbon footprint. Depending on the state you’re in, you may also receive a tax incentive if you choose “green” resources. What are the different types of environmentally friendly roofing options? Read on to find out.

Green Roof

Finding the right materials is one of the most important aspects of choosing the right roof for your needs. This may seem odd, but if you’ve seen Lord of the Rings or the Teletubbies, you may have an idea of what goes into a green roof.

Essentially, a green roof provides an existing building with the ability to grow flora. This flora could be in the form of flowers and vegetation. Green roofs use a layering system that provides a base for various soils and mats that force out any by-products that could harm your structure. This unique style has several benefits, including cleaner air around the house, higher property value, and increased revenue and jobs for local businesses.

Rubber Roofing

Several things come to mind when we think of rubber. Perhaps you think of rubber bands or rubber mallets, but did you know it’s also a great roofing material? If your area is subject to harsh storms, rubber roofing can be an incredibly durable option against the elements. It will also be there for some years; rubber roofing can last 50 years. It’s typically there for the long haul, making it an excellent choice for the prospective buyer.

Metal Roof

A metal roof is an excellent addition to any house. It reduces the temperature of your house because it reflects away light, and it is extremely durable. This roofing style requires minimal maintenance and can stand the test of time. Try to find a manufacturer specializing in recycled metal if you want to go green with your purchase. Repurposing recycled materials is the best way to help you do your part in saving the environment. When choosing between the different types of environmentally friendly roofing, know that metal roofing is difficult to beat.

Eco-friendly roofing is here to stay, and you can expect the trend to rise in popularity in the next few years. People are starting to become environmentally conscious and will continue to do so.
<meta name="description" content="Are you looking to replace your roof but aren’t sure where to start? It might be useful to look into some eco-friendly options to help you decide."

Bulldogs Drop Opener In Stillwater

The Greenwood Bulldogs opened their season with a loss to the Stillwater Pioneers, 41-27

On paper it seemed the Bulldogs matched up well with the Pioneers. The two programs mirrored each other well, Two-year starter at QB….Check. Freshman QB with a Power 5 offer….Check. Talented group of receivers…..Check, Check, and Check. A hard nosed Defense that will get after the offense….Check. Greenwood had not lost to a Oklahoma team since 2004 and Stillwater’s only game against an Arkansas team was a loss to Springdale Har-Ber in 2010. When it came to game time the differences started to show.

Greenwood Opens up the season with a loss. Ross Fujibayashi Photo

Just as in the 2021 State Championship game, turnovers would play a major roll in the game for Greenwood. Two first half interceptions and 4th down stop on the goal line spoiled the ‘Dogs chances from three potential scoring drives. Defensively the Pioneers Offensive Line made work of Greenwood’s defensive front. “They’ve got two Division-I lineman up there just mauling us all night long.” Head Coach Chris Young told the Greenwood Live Stream Crew.

For all that could be said about last night, what we did get to see was an incredibly talented well-coached Oklahoma team that plays in the second largest classification. It is an appetizer for the gauntlet of teams Greenwood will face navigating through the schedule.

Grant Karnes goes up for a pass from Hunter Houston Ross Fujibayashi Photo

The first quarter saw Greenwood march inside the Stillwater 30 yard line twice. First drive ended with an interception and Stillwater would respond scoring on a 35 yard run from Noah Roberts. Second drive Greenwood would make it down the Stillwater 1 yard line, Senior QB Hunter Houston would call his own number and was stopped short of the goal line on 4th down giving the ball back to the Pioneers. The defense would step up on the next drive holding the Pioneers to a punt. The third Greenwood drive would see the second interception of the quarter at the Greenwood 19. Stillwater would capitalize on the miscue and find the end zone going up 14-0.

Start of the second quarter, Greenwood would put together a drive of 74 yards capped off by 15 yard catch by Sophomore Grant Karnes for the score. 14-7. The Pioneers and Bulldogs would trade scores on ensuing drives. Stillwater’s Gage Gundy would run in for the score putting the Pioneers up 21-7. Hunter Houston would find the quick Junior receiver L.J. Robins for the Touchdown bringing the score within 7. The Pioneers would fire back with a Touchdown of their own, when Gage Gundy would run it in. With the score 28-14 at the half, Stillwater on top.

Hunter Houston and Cody Taylor survey the defense. Ross Fujibayashi Photo

Both teams would stall on their opening drives of the second half, Stillwater would break the ice with an eight yard run from Cameron Johnson. As they had done in the first half, Houston would find L.J. Robins again this time for 9 yards out, cutting the lead to 35-21. Stillwater just like Greenwood was not done as they would both find the end zone one more time a piece. Gundy would throw a 38 yard pass to Heston Thompson, putting Stillwater up 41-21. Karnes would get another touchdown on a 35 yard pass from Houston.

“We got our butts whipped. There were so many mistakes and so many of our guys haven’t had Friday night experience, and we didn’t respond very well. Offensively we moved the ball down the field then turned it over.” Head Coach Chris Young said. “But we’re going to get better, and coach better, and play better.” Once again emphasizing their motto for the year “Tabula Rasa” or “Clean Slate.”

Greenwood is at home next week against Fort Smith Northside, before starting Conference play against Mountain Home.

Dutch Oven Enchiladas

Dutch Oven Chicken cream cheese chili enchiladas- say that three times fast. Okay, maybe it’s not a tongue twister, but it is a lot of words! Just call these dinner, how about that?

With the recent rains and the burn bans being lifted I have been itching to use my Dutch oven. I love cream cheese enchiladas, but don’t have an jalapeños and that’s my go to. I poked around in my fridge and found some garlic chili sauce I bought for a different recipe that didn’t require the whole jar. The results were fantastic! Despite being chili sauce, the garlic tames the heat and gives a fantastic flavor. Bonus, I didn’t have to chop peppers! This may be my new go to for enchiladas. 

Ingredients

-1.5-2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

-8 oz cream cheese

-2 Tablespoons garlic chili sauce

-4 burrito size tortillas

Topping

-shredded cheese

-picante sauce

Mix cream cheese in with chicken, and garlic chili sauce. Spoon mixtures into tortillas, roll. Place in greased Dutch oven, sprinkle with shredded cheese and add picante sauce to taste.

For campfire

  1. Place Dutch oven on a trivet/tripod slightly above fire, leave lid on. 
  2. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes until cheese has melted.

For Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. Bake with lid on for 10-15 minutes until cheese has melted.

SR Tigers Scale The Scoreboard Past Rattlers

Mansfield’s SR High football program has it all figured out when it comes to Week0 consistency. For the past two years, the Tigers have faced off against the Magazine Rattlers for their season opener, scored exactly 41 points, and have held the Rattlers to one score or less in each contest. The Tigers kept the streak alive when they traveled to the Snake Pit and beat Magazine 41-6 on Friday, August 26th.

Quarterback Cole Kindle eye’s his target behind blockers Braxton Byers (#71) and Fisher Willsey (#15).
Photo credit: Shelly Photography Videography and Design

Strategy was the name of the game for Magazine early as they kicked off with their backs to the sun forcing the Tigers to be blinded by the light. Fortunately for Mansfield, offensive Coaches Layton Robinson and Daniel Martin had a strategy of their own. Mansfield threw on their sunglasses and ran a balanced run/pass offense for their first six plays. Quarterback Cole Kindle completed three passes to three different receivers while senior running backs Tyler Woolbright and Fisher Willsey took care of the rushing attack. The Tigers drove 62 yards in ten plays with Fisher Willsey plowing his way five yards into the end zone for a Tiger Touchdown. Braxton Byers tacked on the extra point kick and just like that the Tigers took a 7-0 lead over Magazine.

Senior Running Back Tyler Woolbright (#22) shakes off a tackler in route to the end zone.
Photo credit: Shelly Photography Videography and Design

Mansfield’s defensive pass coverage by Jeremy Strozier and Greyson Baggett kept the Rattlers offense at bay forcing Magazine to punt on their first possession. The Tigers offense would start at the Rattlers 36 yard line for their second drive but that’s when Mansfield’s offense began to sputter. An incomplete pass, high snap, and negative yard reception put the Tigers behind the sticks forcing them to punt the ball back to the Rattlers. Fortunately, defenders Tyler Turnipseed, Jeremy Strozier, and Sam Burton returned the favor forcing the Rattlers to give Mansfield the ball back on 4th and 16. Mansfield’s offense dusted off their earlier mistakes and went back to work with big runs by Tyler Woolbright and Fisher Willsey. The run game opened up a Cole Kindle to Peyton Martin pass for 25 yards setting the Tigers up at the 15-yard line. Kindle took over from there and rushed across the goal line for a 15-yard Tiger Touchdown. Another Braxton Byers extra point put Mansfield up on Magazine 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Senior Running Back Fisher Willsey takes a handoff from Quarterback Cole Kindle.
Photo credit: Shelly Photography Videography and Design

A clinic was put on by Tiger defensive ends Trey Vaughan and Sam Burton who put Magazine in a pickle to start the second quarter as the Rattlers quickly went three and out. Mansfield on the other hand capitalized on their first snap of the second quarter with a Cole Kindle to Tyler Turnipseed pass for a 43-yard touchdown. Braxton Byers sent another mile-high extra point through the uprights and just like that Mansfield had a 21-0 lead. The Rattlers woes continued to pile up as Magazine fumbled the ensuing kickoff from Mansfield with Jeremy Strozier recovering the ball at the Mansfield 11 yard line. The Tigers got a holding call on their next offensive play, but Mansfield’s Fisher Willsey made up for the penalty and hooked up another Tiger touchdown with a 20-yard run. Ol’ reliable, Braxton Byers, knocked in the extra point kick which put the Tigers up 28-0 in the second.

Tyler Turnipseed (#10) bobs and weaves his way trough Rattler traffic.
Photo credit: Shelly Photography Videography and Design

The Tigers kickoff coverage again earned their stripes on the next kickoff as they pinned Magazine down at the two-yard line. The special teams play set the Tigers up to tune up their second string defensive guitar and boy howdy was that a sweet sounding tune. Linebackers Reegan Emery, Clint Stovall, and Caleb Collier only allowed the Rattlers run game to take one step forward and two steps back before taking them down while defensive backs Tommy Phang, Greyson Baggett, and Trenton Holley all nearly picked off Magazine passes. Sophomore Austin Oldham was able to go a smidge above nearly though as the linebacker succeeded in picking off a Rattler pass giving the Tigers the ball again. Mansfield kept the band playing on offense with Treyshon Powell blasting a run around the corner for 41 yards. Clint Stovall powered out two runs up the gut for six yards which set up Tyler Woolbright for a 26 yard end around run for a Tiger Touchdown. The score sent Mansfield into halftime with a commanding 35-0 lead on the Rattlers.

Treyshon Powell (#21)kicking in the afterburners for a 41 yard run.
Photo credit: Shelly Photography Videography and Design

Magazine would prevent the shutout with a five-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, but Mansfield running back Sam Burton jumped into the end zone in the fourth quarter to shut down any chances of a comeback by the Rattlers as the Tigers ended the game victorious with a 41-6 final score. The game as a whole was about 100% teamwork. Offensively, Mansfield quarterback Cole Kindle completed seven of his nine passes to four different receivers for 150 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers rushing game saw seven running backs touch the ball. The backfield combined for a total of 203 yards and five touchdowns. Mansfield’s defense was downright elite with 16 players recording solo tackles and 15 players getting assists. In all, 20 different Tigers found their way to the ball carrier for tackles. Mansfield’s defense also recorded one sack, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one interception.

Defensive End Sam Burton (#23) takes down Magazines Quarterback while Jeremy Strozier (#7) soars above.
Photo credit: Shelly Photography Videography and Design

“We played very well and executed everything just as we wanted to,” said Head Coach Tim Cothran. “The players took care of the ball and didn’t turn it over. We didn’t have very many penalties in the game either. We played a very fast and aggressive game and that’s what I like to see. It was good to get every player we have in the game for reps and each one contributed to the win in one way or another. This was a nice game and exactly how we needed to open the season”. Mansfield has been in this position before. The trend though has been that they start with a big Week0 win over Magazine but then fall apart. This season could be different though. The Tigers have a larger team with over 30 players on the roster and as proven versus Magazine, all of them are talented enough to contribute on game day. By having that kind of talent, numbers, and depth on the roster, Mansfield may very well buck the trend in 2022. That theory will be put to the test though on Friday, September 2nd as the Tigers head to Paris to take on an Eagles team who finished as the 3A-4 Runner-Ups last season.

Mansfield Defeats Rattlers 41-6 at Magazine

Note to Our Readers: The following story was contributed in its entirety by Mr. Jonathan Gipson, Director of Social Media Relations, Magazine School District. Mr. Gipson is a RNN Sports contributor, and we thank him for bringing Magazine Schools updates to our readers!

MAGAZINE – Sophomore quarterback Nate Smith connected with senior all-purpose back James Haugh on 5-yard touchdown toss late in the third quarter to cap Class 2A Magazine’s most successful offensive drive of its nonconference game against Class 3A Mansfield Friday night.

That touchdown toss highlighted a solid second-half effort by the Rattlers, who lost to the Tigers 41-6 here at Shorty Wright Field at Diamondback Stadium.

Mansfield (1-0) built a 35-0 lead at halftime, capitalizing on a couple of big plays and prime field position at times.

The Tigers got a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Fisher Willsey, a 15-yard run by quarterback Cole Kindle, a 44-yard run by running back Tyler Turnipseed, a 45-yard run by Willsey and a 31-yard run by running back Tyler Woolbright to lead 35-0 at halftime.

The Rattlers, who had a couple of successful first-half scoring drives stall, opened the second half with a methodical scoring drive with a running clock. The Tigers, though, added a late touchdown on a 6-yard run by sophomore running back Samuel Burton with 4:11 left to play.

Magazine resumes its homestand on Friday night when the Rattlers host the Lavaca Golden Arrows. It will be the season opener for the Golden Arrows.

Fumbles Ground the Eagles in 48-7 Loss at Waldron

One of the oldest coaching cliches in the game is about not giving up turnovers and how hard it is to win when a team turns over the ball. That factor is multiplied when a team plays on the road, and it is multiplied by an even greater factor when a young team is playing their first varsity game on the road.

Friday night’s game at Waldron started out well in the first quarter for Paris. The defense created a Waldron turnover, and, late in the quarter, blocked a Waldron field goal attempt. Hard-nosed running by quarterback Maddox Watts and senior running back Mason Bradley enabled the Paris offense to methodically move the ball into scoring position and eventually into the end zone. Paris led Waldron 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

But then, disaster struck, as Paris fumbled the ball five times in the second quarter resulting in five unanswered touchdowns by the Bulldogs offense. At halftime, it was a shell-shocked Paris team that went into the locker room down 35-7.

In the second half, Paris was unable to muster much offense either on the ground or in the air. The physical line play of Waldron dominated the game and gave the Paris quarterbacks and wide receivers virtually no chance. It was a tough night for a very young team that will have to regroup and continue to learn and improve each week.

Paris will return home next Friday for their home opener against Mansfield in a 3A non-conference game. Mansfield defeated Magazine tonight 41-6.

Photos from this game will be on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Sunday night. Watch for a preview of the Mansfield game in next week’s Logan County newspaper.

The Eagles played hard all night and never gave up. They need a big crowd at home next Friday to welcome the team home and to help them regroup against a very good Mansfield Tigers team who will be coming to Eagles Stadium. In short, the Eagles need your support…they need the Big Blue Nation to turnout big next Friday.

And RNN Sports will be at Eagles Stadium to bring you all of the action!