You never know when the need will arise. Just ask any resident of the Paris and surrounding communities. That fact was much apparent with last week’s devastating micro-burst storm that hit Paris in the middle of the night, leaving thousands without electricity for hours and even days. But also with the case of last week’s storm, Western Arkansas residents take pride in their home towns and they are always there when their neighbors need the help. At the top of the list are our first responders: fire, police, and paramedics. They are always there when we need them, and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
Now, in the name of friendly competition, first responders have the opportunity to donate blood for a good cause. And each of us also have that same opportunity. If you are not a first responder, you can designate your contribution in the name of either fire, police, or emergency medical personnel. It is simply a friendly competition for “bragging rights’, but also a way to help build up the blood supply so it is there when tragedy hits, just as it did last week in Paris.
The “Boots & Badges” blood drive, sponsored by the Arkansas Blood Institute, will be held in Paris on Thursday, August 4. The drive will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the Paris First United Methodist Church. Patrons can donate that day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Donors will receive the satisfaction of making an important blood donation and contribution to the blood bank, and, as a bonus, a “Boots & Badges” t-shirt, along with one free ticket to Magic Springs & Water Park in Hot Springs.
To schedule a donation appointment, just go to arkbi.org, or, you may call the Arkansas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777.
And one more time, thanks to our first responders for their service to all of us in Logan County. You are truly our heroes!
Do you ever go to do something multiple times and forget what you are doing every single time? That has been me writing this article. I knew I wanted to share this recipe, made it and made sure to snap a photo, and forgot. Then remembered, then forgot again, repeat a bunch of times.
But here we are, and I’m finally getting things done! A week later than expected. Such is life. Maybe someone needs this recipe right now and wouldn’t have remembered it for a full week.
To make smoked queso you need an aluminum pan, pellet smoker, Velveeta or similar (cheaper is fine) brand, block cheddar cheese, can of rotel, minced garlic, and cooked beef/chorizo/sausage if preferred.
Preheat grill to 200*.
Chunk up cheeses into 1-1.5 inch cubes, pour remaining ingredients in aluminum cake pan, cover with foil.
Stir occasionally, cook for 1.5-2 hours for best smoky flavor.
You can easily customize this recipe to your taste! We leave out meat often and use to top tacos. It’s also delicious as nachos and makes an easy meal without heating the house!
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas offensive lineman Ricky Stromberg, defensive back Jalen Catalon, linebacker Bumper Pool and offensive lineman Brady Latham were named to the All-SEC Team on Friday morning.
Stromberg, who earned first-team honors at center, anchored Arkansas’ offensive line last season, starting all 13 games and blocking for an offense that led all Power 5 schools in rushing with an average of 227.8 yards per game. Behind his blocking, four Razorbacks rushed for at least 500 yards in 2021 – a feat that had not been accomplished at Arkansas since 1975.
Stromberg totaled 873 snaps at center on the year, allowing only three sacks and getting penalized just eight times all season. He was part of an offensive line that blocked for three games of 300+ yards of rushing (Texas, Ole Miss and Penn State) and two games of 600+ yards of total offense (Georgia Southern and Ole Miss).
Catalon, who carded first-team praise at defensive back, remains one of the nation’s top defensive backs despite missing most of last year due to a season-ending injury. The Mansfield, Texas, native finished eighth on the team in total tackles (46) with 1.5 tackles for loss despite playing in only six games. His four pass breakups tied for third most on the Razorbacks.
Pool earned second-team honors at linebacker. The Lucas, Texas, product led the Hogs in total tackles with 125 (45 solo), his second consecutive season with 100+ total tackles. He is one of college football’s premier tackling machines, totaling the second-most stops (320) among all FBS defenders since 2019, and enters the 2022 campaign with 349 career tackles – ninth most all-time at Arkansas – to his name.
Latham, who grabbed third-team recognition on the offensive line, started all 13 games, lining up primarily at left guard. The Jenks, Okla., native played in 890 snaps and held an 81.7 pass blocking grade throughout the season, posting seven games with a pass blocking grade of 80.0 or higher according to Pro Football Focus. Blocking alongside fellow All-SEC Team honoree Stromberg, he helped lead the way for four Razorbacks to rush for at least 500 yards.
The Razorbacks, meanwhile, were picked to finish third in the SEC West, receiving one first-place vote. Under head coach Sam Pittman, Arkansas won nine games in 2021, including all three of the program’s trophy games for the first time in history in addition to the Outback Bowl. The Hogs rose to as high as No. 8 in the AP poll – the team’s highest ranking since 2011 – and checked in at No. 21 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, tying Arkansas’ highest-ever ranking from the committee and marking its first time finishing the season in the Top 25 since the CFP’s inception in 2014.
Arkansas kicks off the season at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, against Cincinnati on ESPN. The Hogs’ season opener at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium will be a big non-conference test of national interest for the Razorbacks. Tickets are still available for the opener with Cincinnati.
Note to Our Readers: The information in this story was provided by the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg, Assistant Director.
Janice Hanna of Winfield, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with loved ones by her side. Janice was born January 19, 1946 to Joe Shultz and Laura (McGee) Shultz. She was 76 years old. Janice was a longtime member of Winfield Baptist Church. She was always actively helping and doing whatever was needed. She loved the Lord and her faith lead her daily.
Janice married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart Butch Hanna. Together they created life in Winfield for 59 blessed years. They raised their son, and worked hard on the family chicken farmer for many many years. She loved growing flowers and playing cards/dominos with friends. She was always up for a watching the Razorbacks or the Cardinals play. Her passion was taking care of her family and doing what she could for those she loved.
Janice leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Butch Hanna of the home, one son Joe Hanna of Winfield, Arkansas, one aunt Barbara Moore and one cousin Dale Moore both of Arizona and her best friend Helen Helms. Janice will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of neighbors and friends she loved dearly.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Laura Shultz.
Janice’s graveside life celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Sehorn Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. William Crelia officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Janice’s pallbearers will be Bud Cox, Joe Byford, David Byford, Thurman Watkins, Keith Wright and Dan Ridenhour.
Janice’s visitation will be Friday, July 22, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
The River Valley Regional Food Bank will partner with Messiah Ministries, one of the food bank’s member pantry agencies, on a food giveaway Friday (July 22, 2022) in Paris for residents of the city impacted by the recent storms.
The distribution, to be held at Paris Christian Center at 109 E. Maple St., in Paris, will begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers will distribute food while supplies last. The River Valley Regional Food Bank is donating the product that will be distributed to the public on Friday.
Messiah Ministries Pastor Kellie Kitson said the distribution is open to residents of Paris ONLY. All that’s needed to receive assistance on Friday is a proof of Paris residence.
Kitson said the distribution is intended to aid those impacted by the storms and to help the community in a time of need.
“(The storm) caused a lot of devastation and people have lost food, and been without power for a bit,” she said. “This is to help those people replenish their food stock and to try to end hunger in our city. Towards the end of the month, people start running out and with the power outage, and the heat, it’s just been very devastating. I always say “we’re saved to serve and blessed to be a blessing” and we’re all about helping people and feeding people.”
Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department: Myrandi Elisa Ann Benefield of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 15 at 6:41 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 15 at 9:33 p.m. Benefield was charged with theft of property <$1k, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Pack, Repack and others, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, criminal trespass, and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.
Douglas Warren Miller of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 13 at 2:34 p.m. and released on signature bond July 13 at 10 p.m. Miller was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.
Carl Wayne Junior Spearman JR of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 13 at 3:33 p.m. and released on signature bond July 14 at 12:42 p.m. Spearman was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department: Dalton Lyle Bittle of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 13 at 10:30 p.m. and released on signature bond July 14 at 3:15 a.m. Bittle was charged with two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.
Ishmel Mustafa Brown of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 16 at 8:24 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on July 18 at 3:35 p.m. Brown was charged with Hold for U.S. Marshal Detainer.
Steven Andrew Hunt of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 14 at 9:10 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 15 at 4:59 a.m. Hunt was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Store or Conceal – Meth/Cocaine.
Joshua David Lovett of Edmond, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 14 at 6:55 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 14 at 5:42 p.m. Lovett was charged with possession of firearm by certain persons – felony, driving while intoxicated – 1st offense, and driving while license12 cancelled/suspended/revoked.
Jesse Lee Marshall of Ratcliff was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 15 at 10:43 p.m. and released on signature bond July 16 at 12:28 a.m. Marshall was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.
Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office: David Ray Davidson of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 12 at 5:21 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Davidson was charged with failure to appear – class C felony.
Robert L Everly Junior of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 11 at 8:26 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on July 11 at 10:04 p.m. Everly was charged with assist outside agency – felony.
Richard Jason Gustafson of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 11 at 2:47 p.m. and released on signature bond July 11 at 8:19 p.m. Gustafson was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Justin Warren Nave of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 12 at 11:12 a.m. and released on signature bond July 12 at 1:34 p.m. Nave was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Logan James Needham of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 11 and transferred to an outside agency on July 13 at 5:15 p.m. Needham was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony, Return To Testify, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.
Corey Justin Turner of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 14 at 2:57 p.m. and released on July 19 at 3:22 p.m. Turner was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).
Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department: Tasha Jean Munson of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 12 at 10 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond July 18 at 3:39 p.m. Munson was charged with resisting arrest misdemeanor, public intoxication – danger to self or others, and domestic battering in the third degree – purposely.
Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office: Thomas Jelks, 39, of Fort Smith was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 10 at 7:20 p.m. Jelks was charged with failure to appear.
Richard Smith, 20, of Ozark was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 11 at 11:41 a.m. Smith was charged with two counts of sentenced to ADC.
Karen Downs, 44, of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 12 at 12:44 a.m. Downs was charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Phillip Gann, 39, of Fort Smith was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 13 at 7 p.m. Gann was charged with possession of firearm by certain persons.
Ashley West, 25, of Magazine was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 13 at 8:40 p.m. West was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree.
Steven Mason Daniel, 21, of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 15 at 11:05 a.m. Daniel was charged with forgery in the first degree, and theft by receiving.
Paige Barr, 23, of Booneville was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 15 at 5 p.m. Barr was charged with theft of property and breaking or entering.
Marissa Davis, 32, of New Blaine was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on July 15 at 7:18 p.m. Davis was charged with breaking or entering and theft of property.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
When you live 100 miles or more from the nearest big box store, you don’t want to be caught without the right tools for home repairs and projects.
People out here must be self-reliant; if nothing else, it sure costs less! Doing home repairs, building decks, fixing machinery, and working with construction materials comes with the territory. At any given moment, you might need to cut pipes, corrugated metal, fencing, tile, or stone. Various kinds of saws can help with these tasks.
Of course, you’ll use the good sense you were born with to take appropriate safety measures, like wearing eye protection, hard-toe work boots, gloves, and a respirator where the materials require them. When working with corded electric tools, a clean, dry workspace is essential, and keeping kids away when you’re working with cutting tools is a no-brainer.
Careful attention to your tools and your workpieces can ensure you come home with the same number of fingers you had when you left. Now, on to the saws you might need for your bevy of home improvement projects; here’s a list of different types of saws you should have in your toolshed.
Chainsaw
If your property sustains storm damage, you’re going to need a chainsaw to clean up the debris. If you need to clear a new section of land, you can use a chainsaw to take care of branches and saplings that you must remove.
Keeping a chainsaw lubricated and clean can be a pain, but it’s important to ensure the longevity and safe operation of your chainsaw, as is proper protective gear. Never use a chainsaw above shoulder height or while standing on a ladder. If you need to remove big trees, call in the pros.
Hacksaw
Cutting and replacing damaged sections of metal or plastic pipe is best done with a hacksaw. You’ll get a cleaner more precise cut and have better control than with other types of manual saws.
Circular Saw
Cutting plywood, wood studs, some types of metal, or concrete and stone requires a handheld circular saw. The power and RPMs the saw can produce are part of the equation, but choosing the right type of blade for the job is essential.
Rip Saw
Everyone knows you should have this type of saw in your tool collection. You may already have one handed down from your grandfather. These muscle-powered saws are essential for jobs that are too small or awkward for power saws. They’re also ideal when you have a small job and don’t feel like going through the hassle of plugging in your electric saw and ensuring you don’t trip over the cord.
Other types of saws you may want to explore are jigsaws for cutting curves in lumber, table saws for cutting sheets of plywood or fiberboard, and miter saws for repeat crosscuts or angles for joinery.
If you’re perplexed about a repair or construction job you’re looking to do, don’t fret. You likely have a neighbor within a reasonable distance who might have experience and advice that can help. If you feel like you’re in over your head, the safest course might be to grit your teeth and hire a professional—what you pay for their services might end up saving you in emergency room costs!
Donald R. Hambleton of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, July 18, 2022 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with loved ones by his side. Don was born September 18, 1941 in Goodwill, Oklahoma to Virgil Hambleton and Pauline (Walker) Hambleton Cody. He was 80 years old. Don was a member of the Winfield Baptist Church and served as a Deacon. He was very active in the church and had a servant’s heart. Going on mission trips to help others and spread the gospel was Don’s passion.
Don retired from Dupont as an industrial and electrical mechanic. He and his family then moved to Winfield. He was a man who enjoyed many activities such as woodworking, fishing, and camping but none compared to spending time with his family. Don enjoyed family togetherness and the special bond he had with each of them.
Don leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 59 years, Cynthia of the home, one daughter, Becky Vanelli and husband Alfred of Waldron, Arkansas. PawPaw will forever remain in the hearts of his grandsons, Colby Vanelli and Billy Vanelli both of Waldron, Arkansas and one brother Richard Hambleton of Kansas. Don will be missed all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, neighbors and many friends he considered family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Hambleton and Pauline Cody, one son, Jerry Hambleton and his siblings: Delma, Betty, Virgil and James.
Don’s celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Winfield Baptist Church in Winfield, Arkansas with Bro. William Crelia and Br. Bobby Clark officiating. Interment will be in Salem Cemetery in Victoria, Texas. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s International, PO Box 823, Waldron, AR 72958.
On the credit side, Mansfield’s cross country program returns talent with high level credentials. On the debit side, the Tiger team of long distance runners will be fewer in total numbers as compared to recent years.
What stands out for the Tiger running program is the fact that nearly every runner that began preseason team training this past week holds star quality. A glance at the senior girls roster alone shows this fact. Three of the team’s top five runners off of last season’s state runner-up team are back. Likewise, the junior boys also have three of their top five candidates in the fold.
Mansfield’s Trinity Triska and Jadelynn Wood return as top tier talent for the Mansfield cross country team.
What is lost is the extreme experience of an ultra-successful senior class of 2022. Five of Mansfield’s long distance seniors graduated from the Tiger program. All five were offered opportunities to run collegiately this upcoming season.
With the recent graduation departures, Mansfield seniority will be in small supply this year. The first few days of preseason workouts showed the oldest member of this season’s cross country squad will be senior Jadelynn Wood.
“Jadelynn (Wood) is ready for the role,” remarked veteran Mansfield coach John Mackey. “She knew this day was coming. She’s been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. Her credentials as a cross country runner and track star validate her new role within the team dynamics.”
Lady Tiger Laney Wood was Mansfield’s top finisher at the 2021 state cross country meet. Wood (with trophy) along with Addie Stover and Ashley Martin (pictured to the right) are expected to compete on this year’s distance team.
Wood finished in 22nd place at last season’s state finals. That position figured into the team’s top five scoring as MHS secured their second consecutive state runner-up trophy for class 2A.
For her efforts during the 2021 season, Wood earned several postseason honors. Among those count All-District, All-Region, and River Valley All-Star recognition.
Following cross country season, Wood continued her athletic explosion. The highly touted 2023 senior offered enormous efforts for the indoor and outdoor track seasons. She earned All-State honors and was the Mansfield Track Player of the Year.
MHS freshman Joey Williams has already begun cross country workouts for the upcoming season. Here he is pictured at last season’s district finals.
Jadelynn’s little sister, Laney, returns to the Wood pile as well. Younger in age by two school years, Laney Wood was the only Mansfield athlete to earn All-State honors in all three running sports (XC, Indoor, Outdoor). In cross country alone, she took home All-District, All-Region, and All-Star running awards.
Just a freshman last season, Laney impressed with a fifth place overall finish at the class 2A state cross country finals. The younger of the Wood sister act also earned All-State indoor and outdoor track honors to complete an incredible running year.
Joining the cross country company of Wood and Wood is sophomore Trinity Triska.
Triska is one of the three top returning distance runners for the Lady Tigers. She crossed just outside the All-State cutoff mark for the 2021 state championships. Her 14th place overall finish was third best on the Lady Tiger team featuring Mansfield All-State runners Laney Wood and Ouachita Baptist signee Darby Jones.
Triska was one of six Mansfield runners to earn All-District, All-Region, and RV All-Star last cross country season. Incredibly, she did so while simultaneously playing a full schedule for the school’s highly recognized volleyball program.
Tiger distance runner Jonah Martin finished in the top three overall at last year’s district cross country meet.
Joey (Fildes) Williams has returned as the Tiger men’s top runner. The defending 2A-4 District junior high individual champion will compete for the junior high squad again this year before moving up for his first state championship in November.
“Joey won the 1.5 mile junior high title in 8:38,” remembered Mackey. “He knows that the high school distance is much farther at 3.1 miles. His attention and preparation for the longer distance coming up at the end of the year will need to be in check all season long.”
Fellow freshman Jonah Martin and eighth grader Gunner Williams join Joey Williams as the highest returning starters for the Mansfield men.
Martin finished third overall at the 2A-4 District finals last year with a time of 9:19. It was his best performance of the season after a disappointing Regional run.
Gunner Williams, Joey’s brother, competed for the first time last season as a long distance racer. He also competed on the football team during the same time frame and is expected to do the same again this year.
Freshmen Joseph Carter and Braxton Bartlett, both All-District runners from a year ago, will play big roles on the high school team as the state championship nears. They will join the older Williams brother and sophomore Austin Ruiz on the high school team when their junior high season expires.
Ruiz is new to the cross country team joining workouts after a stellar track and field season. He was a multidimensional talent off the last two consecutive junior high conference track title teams.
Sophomore Addie Stover has practiced with the distance team during the first week of workouts. The dual sport volleyball player and All-State hurdler for the indoor track team finished in the top ten at the 2021 2A-4 Cross Country District. She moved up to the high school roster following an award winning junior high campaign.
Rylan Jones, a newcomer to the program, has had perfect attendance so far during preseason training. The seventh grader has shown real promise according to her coach’s assessment of the first three days of practice.
“You can tell Rylan did some individual training during the summer,” observed Mackey. “She came in and jumped from a beginner level to a level one runner within the first week. Once we see her pace workouts we’ll know what we have.”
Mackey said he expects others to join preseason camp in the coming days. He noted that some have yet to obtain updated physicals or have been away for typical summer excuses.
The coach said he wants to encourage others to join the award winning program especially the up and coming seventh graders.
At this moment cross country athletes have been practicing at 7 PM out of the high school storm shelter on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Friday’s at 7 AM they take destination trips for practice and team bonding experiences.
Cross Country summer calendars show practices being conducted at the Mansfield City Lake Park. That typical routine recently changed due to road work being conducted at the Park’s entrance.
According to the coach, a return to the Lake is imminent but for now practices are more suited out of the storm shelter and surrounding campus.
Athletes new to the district or others wishing to join the cross country team should contact the high school for information.
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas recently announced that Hogs senior quarterback K.J. Jefferson has been added to the watch list for this season’s Davey O’Brien Award that is given to the nation’s best quarterback.
According to Razorbacks assistant director of communications, Oliver Grigg, Jefferson “Is one of 35 players included on the watch list for the award presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback. The award also honors candidates who exemplify Davey O’Brien’s enduring character while exhibiting teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics. Jefferson, who is one of seven SEC signal-callers on the watch list, helped lead the Hogs to a nine-win season in 2021 – their most wins in a year since 2011 – as well as their first New Year’s Day bowl game win since the 2000 Cotton Bowl. The Sardis, Miss., native started all 13 games at quarterback, completing 198-of-294 (67.3%) passes for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns.”
The University continued to say, “The official mid-season watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The mid-season watch list will then be cut down from the 35-player Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2022 on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The 46th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.”
Arkansas fans have high expectations for this year’s Razorbacks team, but Arkansas will face one of, if not the toughest schedule in the nation. That schedule will begin in Fayetteville on September 3 when the Hogs welcome the Cincinnati Bearcats to Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium. The Bearcats were one of four college football playoff teams in 2021 and will be a big national test for Arkansas in its season opener. ESPN’s “SEC Nation” show will be on campus on September 3 for this important, national non-conference match-up.
