Coal miner’s memorials exist at Greenwood, Paris, Altus and other area towns; testimony to a period of time when extracting the fuel was a primary employer for the region. Many look back fondly upon those days when the communities were thriving and thousands of men were gainfully employed at fairly well-paying jobs. Area towns expanded and railroads were extended into isolated communities as business, generated by the mining industry, exploded in the river valley.
The future may have looked much rosier to community leaders and mine owners than it did to the average worker toiling in the dark and dangerous mine shafts. Seeking better working conditions, most of the men organized into local unions associated with the United Mine Workers. By 1910, nearly every area miner and mine were a part of this national organization, with the subsequent conflict between mine owners and labor. The problems reached a peak in 1914, resulting in rioting and bloodshed throughout the coalfields. By that year, there were 100,000 affiliated members of UMW, many in District 21 which comprised Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
In April of 1914, the Bache-Denman Coal Company, which owned eight large coal mining firms in Western Arkansas, decided to withdraw from the union contract and to become an open shop. Union workers rioted at Prairie Creek, near Hartford and shut down the mine. Bache-Denman recruited 15-20 armed guards from the Burns Detective Agency to protect their interest. A shipment of 200 rifles, pistols, and ammunition was collected for use by a group known as the Union Guards. This group was supplemented by another 200 or so armed workers and farmers who brought their assortment of weapons along for the fight.
On April 6, a crowd estimated at larger than 1,000 individuals, marched on the Prairie Creek mine and tried to persuade the owners and guards to disarm. A violent clash resulted between the groups with the “union” group eventually taking over the mine. Bache-Denman responded by hiring more guards.
On July 12, 1914, the union miners camp at Frogtown, about a mile from the mine, was attacked and bullets ripped through the miner’s homes. Stories abound concerning the back-and-forth resulting fight that went on for days. Some area miners swear that dozens were killed in exchange of gunfire that went on for days. A week after the initial attack, Frogtown miners were again fired on during the night. Miners poured into Hartford from surrounding towns and marched on the mines. Many of the guards and non-union workers took flight but eight were captured, hands tied behind their back, and marched toward Hartford. An unidentified person came up and shot two of them dead.
The union workers completely destroyed the mines, flooding the shafts and burning the buildings. The owners tried to reopen the mine on Oct. 29, 1914 only to have over 3,000 bullets fired into the building. Federal troops were called in to quite the riot. In most instances, the federal Marshalls and troops took the side of the mine owner.
Years later, I interviewed some of the old miners and their descendants. All had stories of this period of time with many describing atrocities and deaths far beyond those recorded officially. Additional stories of unrest between labor and owners existed. H.B. Stewart of Greenwood showed me the second story window where a machine gun was placed at a mine owners home, protection from possible labor riots. At Paris, as late as the 1940’s, workers at the Jewell mine were meet by machine gun wielding guards who instructed the workers to “git to work or git out and stay out.”
History seldom provides clear right and wrong behavior; it does describe the results of anger, violence, and hate.
Johnnie Faye Langston of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Thursday, November 4, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. Johnnie was born March 6, 1944 in Waldron, Arkansas to John Roscoe and Bessie (Sparks) Mock. She was 77 years old.
Johnnie was a woman of God. She grew up in the Pleasant Grove #3 Baptist Church learning and growing her faith. She later found her church home at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. A sweet, gentle and kind person, Johnnie was known to take in stray animals. It pleased her to care for them and give them a loving home. She enjoyed being at home, just relaxing and working in her garden. Johnnie looked forward to spending time with her family and making sweet memories to last a lifetime.
Johnnie leaves behind to cherish her memory, one sister, Ora Mae Lovegrove and husband Dave of Ft. Smith, Arkansas and John Mock and wife Brenda of Waldron, Arkansas. Johnnie will forever remain in the hearts of her nieces and nephews she loved as her own. Johnnie will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and neighbors.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Alton Langston, one daughter Stephanie Jane Fisher and one sister, Judy Trampp.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnnie Faye Langston, please visit our floral store.
Barbara Joyce Leazer of Parks, Arkansas passed from this life Wednesday, October 27th, 2021, in Greenwood, Arkansas. Barbara was born Feb. 27, 1956, to Joe Lee Silas Sigler and Minnie Lorena Sigler in Arcola, Mississippi. Barbara was 65 years, 8 months old.
She retired from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office (Modesto, CA) in 2008, to move to Parks, Arkansas with husband Dale Leazer where they enjoyed thunderstorms and nature’s greenery. Barbara enjoyed volunteering at her children’s sporting events, hosting barbecues, and reading good books. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memory her three sons, Richard Leazer of Ceres, CA, Jeremy Leazer and wife Michele of Chesapeake, VA. and Clinton Leazer of Dayton, NV. Grams will forever remain in the hearts of her seven grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her siblings Linda Espinosa of Arkansas, Kathy Dunn of Mississippi, Peggy McDonald and Brenda Kachel of California. Barbara will be missed by all who knew her and the many whose lives were impacted by her, including a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Dale Leazer, parents, Joe and Minnie Sigler, sister, Virginia Shannon, and brother, Hubbard “Bud” Sigler.
Barbara’s life celebration will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 4th, 2021 at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with interment to follow at 2 p.m. at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith.
Barbara’s visitation will be Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 8:00 p.m. until the funeral hour of 10:00 a.m.
For those who want to attend the service but can not be in attendance, the funeral service will be live-streamed on our website.
Tonight’s final regular season game against Danville has become a little more meaningful than most Paris fans have anticipated over the past several weeks. After last week’s war at Booneville that saw the Eagles drop their first game of the year, Paris now focuses on finishing as the number two seed in conference 3A-4 and building momentum going into next week’s first round state playoff game. The Eagles are a little nicked after last week’s game, and the challenge this week for Paris coach Jeff Weaver will be to manage the game, get the win, and get his players out of the game to allow them to heal as much as possible before the playoffs start next Friday.
Danville is a bit of a surprise. Their program has gone through some struggles with low participation numbers. But the Little Johns have regrouped, and everyone associated with that program deserves a lot of credit in getting the players and the program back on track and being competitive again. If anyone thinks that Danville will come into Eagles Stadium and lay down for Paris, they are very wrong. Danville has nothing to lose and everything to gain, and frankly, the loss last week at Booneville has left the Eagles reeeling a bit. But I expect the seniors on the Paris football team who have led their program to two of its most successful years in program history, to play hard in their final regular season game on their home field. I expect Paris to do what they have to do to win the game. And around 9 p.m. tonight, the Eagles attention will shift to state playoff preparation.
I am not going to attempt to give my opinion or thoughts on last week’s game at Booneville. There is not much left to be said that has not already been said. And as a writer, I do not want to contribute to diverting a team’s attention on a game tonight that is very important to them and their fans. But I will say, as just a fan of the game, and as a fan of the Paris players that I have had the opportunity to cover for the past two years, I was very proud of their effort and their resilience last week. They have a lot to play for, and I expect nothing but 100% effort out of all of them tonight in the chilly air at Eagles Stadium.
Photos from last week’s game at Booneville are now available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Resident Press will have a recap of this game over the weekend, and will have a preview next week of the upcoming state playoffs. So, dress warmly and head to the stadium tonight for what should be another good football game.
If you aren’t using the Ibotta app yet- now is the time to join! Ibotta is a free cash back app that gives a set amount based on purchases from retailers like Walmart, Target, etc. During the month of November they offer 100% back on all the fixings for Thanksgiving when purchased at Walmart.
In the app there is the option to link a grocery pickup/delivery account, or select to shop in store and scan your receipt later. Ibotta also gives cash back on online purchases from select merchants. Search for the website in the app before beginning to earn your cash back.
To redeem the rewards for in store purchases select the retailer you wish to shop at. Choose how you will be shopping today In Store, Online, or .5% back on Gift cards. If you would like to link a Walmart account debit/credit cards used on it will automatically link to Ibotta and apply rewards.
It is just as simple to save offers before shopping and snap a photo of the receipt when leaving the store. The Thanksgiving deal gives cash back on purchase of a Turkey (up to 15lbs), Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, Campbells Cream of Mushroom soup, McCormick Gravy Packet, Idahoan Family Mashed Potatoes, Bird’s Eye Frozen Vegetables, 2-Liter Coca Cola, Great Value French Fried Onions, Great Value Flavored Stuffing Mix, and Great Value Cranberry Sauce.
Click the + to save each offer.
After the Thanksgiving deal, don’t get rid of your app! There are offers all the time for so much back on things you may be buying anyway! I have an article on my favorite money saving apps here.
My link for sign up, please note I may receive a referral from Ibotta for sharing my link.
It was a little more than two years ago when Ricky May arrived on campus as the Tigers new head football coach. And since that time, all he has done is to guide the Tigers to what will be three straight playoffs appearances. And now add to that list, two straight undefeated conference seasons if the Tigers can defeat Lavaca tonight at Alumni Field. Oh, and if that is not enough, add a perfect 10-0 record this year if the Tigers defeat the Arrows tonight. Not bad….not bad at all.
Coach May would be the first person to read this and to tell me that it is not about him, but rather about the kids and the program. He would also be very quick to pass credit along to his assistant coaches. But over the course of the past three seasons, I have had the privilege to get to know Coach May, and he has become one of the coaches in this state that I admire the most. In fact, in open disclosure to our readers, I consider him a dear friend. I have tremendous respect for not only his coaching ability, but the man himself. He is a man of strong Christian faith, and he does not attempt to hide it. He is the type of person and high quality coach I would want my own son to play for. That is the biggest compliment I know to give to any coach.
So tonight, the Charleston Tigers and their coach go for a perfect, undefeated season. And, again, Charleston should win at home tonight in front of the Tigers faithful. But a perfect season, especially with Charleston’s tough strength of schedule in the non-conference portion where it plays three tough 4A teams, is quite a feat.
It is a challenge to keep a teen of young teenagers focused from week-to-week for ten weeks. But I go back to May’s first year where he inherited a team that was decimated by injuries, and somehow, he kept the team together, playing hard, and into the playoffs. I have joked with him, telling him that year may have been his best coaching job.
The Charleston defense has risen been tough all year (Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young)
A Charleston victory tonight will wrap-up an undefeated, conference championship in 3A-1, and will see the Tigers play at home next week as the conference’s top seed going into the state playoffs. I look for Charleston to make noise in the playoffs this year. They will have home field advantage, and this year’s Tigers team has playoff experience from last year when they went two rounds deep into the tournament. Charleston was placed into the toughest quadrant of the tournament last year, and this year, it appears the path may be more favorable to the Tigers.
Charleston cannot overlook the Golden Arrows tonight. They are well-coached and will come into the town with nothing to lose. Lavaca will play hard against the Tigers. and Charleston will have to take care of business to put a bow on an undefeated season. I expect Charleston, a well-disciplined team under Coach May, to do exactly that, and celebrate at the end of the game having gone a perfect 10-0.
Resident Press will have a recap of this game as well as a first round state playoff preview next week. But until then, dress warm, and go out and celebrate the Tigers being perfect in 2021!
Cloth diapering is something I have done off and on throughout the last four years of being a mother. It just wasn’t our best option for our oldest, but works really well for our second baby. I have pushed myself to use primarily cloth during the day with him ahead of our third baby’s arrival to cut down on diaper costs.
Some people choose to cloth because it reduces their carbon foot print. Disposable diapers are one and done for obvious reasons; cloth diapers can be washed and reused for years with proper care. Modern times bring much more modern diapers as well, making cloth diapering easier than ever.
No more rubber pants with constant leaks- cloth diapers now come in five major types. It really depends on user preference to determine which is the “best” style as each have their pros and cons.
Prefolds
Prefolds may seem old fashioned to some, but they are still an excellent option. They are the most inexpensive, versatile, and easy to clean. The flat and rectangular pieces can be folded to fit the needs of your baby. Additional benefits is they make great burp cloths and changing pads. Cons of the prefolds are that they can be bulky, require a cover, and could need replaced as baby outgrows them.
Fitted Cloth Diapers
Fitted diapers are sized just like disposables are. They contribute to less leaks thanks to their style and tighter elastics around the legs and back. As a con they do require upsizing to fit baby, they also are not waterproof.
Pocket Diapers
This is what my personal stash is, and has proven to be a great option for us. Pocket diapers are made of a waterproof liner on the outside and a polyester lining that goes against the bottom. In between these two is a “pocket” which can be stuffed to the desired absorbency. The downside of these is they do require stuffing, and the fit can be off depending on how much stuffing is used.
All in One Cloth Diapers
Just like the name sounds these diapers are self contained. Liners are sewn into the waterproof cover, there is no need for stuffing anything. These diapers are a great starting point for cloth diapers due to their ease of use. The thickness does make them harder to get dry, and they are often more costly than other options.
All in Two
AI2 are also called hybrid diapers. These diapers are simply a shell that has the absorbent layers added to it. The hybrid name is used because there are disposable layers made for these shells as well as the reusable layers. Unfortunately sometimes the design of these diapers contributes to a lot of leaks.
When building a stash of cloth diapers, it’s easiest if there are enough to last two to three days; that’s the average time to go between washes. Going any longer than two to three days can result in lingering odors and stains.
When baby soils a diaper with poop I immediately take to the toilet and dispose of it. I highly recommend not putting a poop filled diaper straight in your washing machine. It might come clean no problem, but it’s much easier to go clean in the toilet right away.
My wash routine for cloth diapers is an extra heavy setting, medium sized load, hot/cold water and vinegar in the first wash. I wash again with Tide on a normal setting and leave the other settings the same. Occasionally I throw the diapers in the dryer, but hang drying promotes longevity and is the preferred method. Every so often (once a month-ish) I will add a third cycle and bleach the diapers. If baby has a rash put back in disposables to treat and bleach all diapers. If drying diapers in the dryer (the waterproofing on covers does breakdown faster doing this) use a wool dryer ball rather than dryer sheets since dryer sheets can decrease absorbency.
Here we explore a few of the common electrical problems in homes and whether they’re harmless or hazardous. Some issues you can tackle yourself if you’d like.
Loose Outlet
This electrical problem is harmless, but you should still address it. First, turn off your breaker and double-check that no voltage is going to the outlet using a voltmeter or by plugging something in. Unscrew the cover plate from the wall and add outlet shims until the outlet is flush with the wall.
Breakers Tripping Frequently
This hazardous issue typically signifies that the circuit is overloaded and using too much electricity. To resolve the problem, add another circuit or you upgrade your electrical service.
Broken Light Switch
This is a harmless problem that you can fix yourself if you’d like. Turn off the circuit breaker and remove the faceplate with a flathead screwdriver. Then grab your Phillips-head screwdriver and remove the light switch. Conduct a test of the two wires connected to the screw for electricity. When it’s safe, separate them and then reassemble the switch.
Short Circuit
Another harmless common electrical problem in your house is a trip or short circuit. All you need to do to remedy this is reset the breaker.
If this is a repeated occurrence with the same appliance, the appliance is likely the problem, not the electrical system. However, if it’s happening repeatedly and you’re also noticing warning signs of a bad circuit breaker, it’s time to call a pro.
Dead Outlet
This problem is a hazardous issue that you should fix immediately. It could result from a weak connection or a breaker that tripped due to excessive heat buildup, resulting in melted wiring or outlets.
Warm Switches or Outlets
Call a professional electrician immediately for any warm switches or outlets, unless they’re dimmer switches. This problem is a critical safety concern.
If you’ve been avoiding any of these common electrical problems in your house, keep in mind that they could be serious concerns—or simple fixes you could address yourself. If you’re not a big do-it-yourselfer, no problem. Give your local professional a call to address the issues for you.
In preparation for our third child I have created a basket for everything. We will see how helpful this really is as soon as our daughter makes her arrival, but I truly feel I have found the perfect hack.
I will be very outnumbered, and anything I can do to keep myself in the room with all the kids at one time is worth it. I have prepared a few baskets full of supplies to move around the house with us as we need to.
Diaper changing basket– diapers for baby sister and my youngest son, rash cream, baby hair brush, mittens, socks, wipes, and a burp cloth. I kept this basket light enough for my four year old to grab it for me should I need him to get it.
Pumping basket– I’m an exclusive pumper, and while not a whole lot more beyond the pump is completely necessary it is so handy to have some things within arms reach. In this basket I have a cup for water for me, snacks, my haaka, breast pads, a feeding bottle, an extra pumping bottle, and extra breast milk bags.
Snack basket- my oldest is four and my middle should be about 17 months when the baby comes. They are at the age where snacks are a very important thing! Having a basket of healthy-ish prepackaged snacks out where the oldest can grab them really helps me. Horizon milk boxes, mini water bottles, and juice pouches along with string cheese and mandarin oranges will be stored in the door of the fridge for easy grabbing. As we adjust to our new family dynamic any sort of independence the boys can have is going to really help me.
I am trying to mentally prepare for the first little while to be really hard with three kids, especially with the babies being so close together. I also believe making as many preparations as I can is the key to not losing my mind completely. This basket concept could work for any number of kid, or even just for recovering from a sickness as a parent. The less you have to wander for your kids stuff the more efficient your days can be.
It was a day that Paris fans will always remember. In a rematch of the 2020 state final where it was Hackett who decisively defeated Paris by the set score of 3-0, this year it was Paris who played flawlessly, flipping the script and defeating Hackett 3-0 for the 2021 Class 3A volleyball state championship. Paris senior Alyssa Komp was named as the finals Most Valuable Player with 11 kills in the match.
Allysa Komp (3) accepts the team championship trophy for Paris (Resident Press / Jim Best)
Paris and Hackett played four times in 2021, with Hackett winning the first two meetings. In their first match, it was Paris, playing at Hackett, jumping out to a two set lead, only to see Hackett come back to win the match, 3-2. In their second match, this time at Paris Gymnasium, Hackett defeated Paris 3-1 in dominant fashion before a large Paris crowd. The second defeat seemed to be the low point in the season for Paris. With just a little more than two weeks in the season, the Lady Eagles could have quit and written off a season that began with high expectations with a highly acclaimed senior class.
But the Lady Eagles bounced back 48 hours later and won a conference match on Thursday over Waldron, and then, after making changes in their lineup and rotation, blew through the Paris Invitational Tournament that Saturday, seemingly beginning a two week resurgence that saw Paris peak at the right time before entering post-season play.
The Lady Eagles received a bye to the semifinals of the 3A West Tournament, and won its game in lackluster fashion against Charleston. Hackett defeated the Booneville Lady Bearcats before a Booneville home crowd, and thus set the stage for the third meeting between the Lady Hornets and the Lady Eagles.
Paris lost a first set to Hackett in the 3A West Tournament final before roaring back and defeating Hackett for the tournament championship. This time, it was Hackett who seemed rattled and not knowing how to react to the Paris attack.
Both teams advanced through the first three rounds of the state tournament that was held at Paris, and neither school lost a set in the run to this year’s final. So, the stage was set for what this writer had dubbed as “Super Fight IV” for a rematch of last year’s state championship final.
So, last Saturday in Hot Springs at Bank OZK Arena, the fight was on, and in the first set, Paris maintained a small lead before finally pulling away late in the set to win. And from that point, the match was not contested as Paris played a near flawless match, overpowering Hackett at the net, and not letting many points drop in the Paris back court on defense. Senior Alyssa Komp led all Paris players with 11 kills on her way to being named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. And as if this was not enough for the decorated senior, it was her 18th birthday, as well.
Alyssa Komp was named at the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (Resident Press / Jim Best)
For six Paris seniors, it was a dream come true to end their careers with a state championship over their conference rival. And for a senior class that had endured much adversity throughout 2020 and as late as two weeks remaining in the season, the class came together and led the Lady Eagles to playing their best volleyball at the right time, and brought another state championship home to Paris.
A month ago I wrote a story saying that NOW was the time for the Paris seniors to bring home a state championship; that time was running out and this was their last opportunity. For this senior class, that is exactly what they did, and they deserve tremendous credit for playing under very high expectations from the Paris fan base and not having crumbled under the pressure. Their state championship run will always be remembered, and the six seniors who finished the season with a state title, they may be remembered as the most successful and prolific senior class in Paris athletics history.
Paris celebrates its latest volleyball state championship after the final point on Saturday (Resident Press / Jim Best)
The team returned home on Saturday evening to a rousing welcome from the entire Paris community. As the team bus was escorted by law enforcement and local fire fighters, the bus drove triumphantly down Highway 22 and made the circle around the Logan County Courthouse Square. As the courthouse played the song, “We are the Champions” proudly from its speakers, a large crowd of fans and community members cheered and waved to the players. It was truly a special moment for both the team and the community, and it was a reminder of how much schools and their teams especially mean to small communities.
For Hackett, it was a very successful season that is full of promise for the future. Hackett played a young team this year, and it was a huge victory for the Lady Hornets to make it back to the state championship final. Hackett will be heavily favored to win the championship next year based on the large number of returning players from this year’s team. Coach Bridget Freeman did a great job in coaching a young team, and a state runner-up finish is a great year for a very young team. The Lady Hornets will be tough to beat in 2022.
For Paris, it was mission accomplished for the 2021 season. Many observers had been looking forward to this year and this team, saying that this was the year Paris had a good chance to win it all. But when you are the favorite and every opponent takes it best shot at you every week, it takes a special group of players to remain focused and avoid upsets that can prove costly to achieving team goals. This team did that, although there were rough spots scattered throughout the season, just like all teams experience every year. But the biggest credit is due to how the team regrouped very late in the season, showing great character and resolve when most teams would have quit. Every coach dreams of their team peaking at tournament time and making a run to a championship. And for Coach Jordan Devine and the coaching staff, including coach Josh Stark who filled in during Devine’s maternity leave from the team, did a tremendous job, filling in at a very crucial time of the season.
Paris senior Jacee Hart (10) played a key role in unselfishly moving to setter to fill a much needed role. Hart became one of the state’s best players this year at her position (Resident Press / Jim Best)
Paris will miss their six seniors dearly in 2022, leaving big holes to fill on the front line, missing perhaps the best setter in the state, and the overall leadership and experience that they brought to the team. Junior Brailey Forst and libero Rachel O’Neal will be two seniors in 2022 that will lead the rebuilding year for the Lady Eagles. It will be an important travel season and summer for Paris as they work to develop players and devise a lineup and rotation that will be the next generation of Paris volleyball.
Paris senior Akira Robinson (11) goes high for a kill shot against Hackett in the 3A final (Resident Press / Jim Best)
But for now, it is celebration time for the Lady Eagles and the Paris community. Congratulations to Hackett for a great season and for finishing as state runner-up, and congratulations to the Paris Lady Eagles for bringing another state volleyball championship home to the trophy case at Paris Gymnasium. It was a day to remember, and Paris fans will never forget this epic performance and accomplishment for Paris.
Photos from the match are available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. It was a pleasure covering Paris volleyball in 2021, and we can’t wait to do it again starting in August of 2022!
Resident Press / Jim Best
On behalf of Resident Press, congratulations Paris Lady Eagles….2021 Class 3A State Volleyball Champions!
