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3A State Volleyball Tournament: Day 1 Update

Day one of the 3A state volleyball tournament has concluded, and eight teams remain in the hunt for the state volleyball championship. Here are the results of today’s first round matches:

Hoxie defeated Bergman 3-0 by the set scores of 25-16, 25-22, and 25-16.

Little Rock Episcopal survived an inspired effort by Charleston to win 3-2 and by the set scores of 25-16, 25-16, 18-25, 23-25, and 15-7.

Hackett advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Jessieville 3-0 and by the set scores of 25-10, 25-10, and 25-13.

Dover defeated Harrisburg 3-1 and by the set scores of 21-25, 27-25, 25-20, and 25-22.

Host school Paris advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 defeat of Mayflower and by the set scores of 25-12, 25-14, and 25-12.

Harding Academy defeated a stubborn Walnut Ridge team 3-1 and by the scores of 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, and 25-17.

Atkins defeated Cave City 3-0 and by the scores of 25-16, 25-13 and 25-23.

Little Rock Baptist Prep defeated Booneville 3-0 and by the scores of 25-16, 25-13, and 25-23.

All of the higher seeded teams won first round matches, although Cinderella almost made an appearance in the first round when four seed Charleston came within a few points of upsetting one seed Episcopal.

Today’s results set up tomorrow’s quarterfinal matches. Tomorrow’s tournament schedule is as follows:

12 p.m.

Little Rock Episcopal vs Dover

2 p.m.

Paris vs. Atkins

4 p.m.

Hackett vs Hoxie

6 p.m.

Harding Academy vs Baptist Prep

Stay with Resident Press tomorrow for Class 3A state volleyball tournament quarterfinal coverage!

Resident Press Photo / Jim Best p

Obituary – Ezequiel Lorenzo Falcon (1990-2021)

Ezequiel Lorenzo Falcon passed from this life, Monday, October 25, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ezequiel was born January 24, 1990 in Hidalgo, Mexico to Juan and Marta Falcon. He was 31 years old.

Ezequiel was a Waldron High School graduate. He was currently employed with Tyson Foods in Waldron, Arkansas working in the refrigeration department. He was a fun loving guy with a million dollar smile. He could light up a room when he walked in. He loved his son more than life itself and cherished time spent with all his family.

Ezequiel leaves behind to cherish his memory, one son Blayze Falcon, his parents Juan and Marta as well as his siblings, Javier Falcon, Carlos Falcon, Juan Falcon and one sister, Maribel Falcon. Ezequiel is also survived by his companion Crystal Hall, paternal grandmother Jacinta Silvestre and maternal grandmother Cenovia Cruz. Ezequiel will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and too many friends to mention.

Ezequiel was preceded in death by grandfathers Juan Falcon and Sebastian Lorenzo.

Ezequiel’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Father Les Farley officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Ezequiels’ pallbearers will be Javier Falcon, Carlos Falcon, Juan Falcon, Anthony Falcon, Adrian Falcon and Deyvid’ Falcon.

Ezequiel’s visitation will be Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Obituary – Wanda M. Gray

Wanda M. Gray, 90, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, October 24, 2021, in Waldron. She dedicated her life to her Lord and her family.

In her early years, she was a legal assistant, taught English in Japan to Japanese telephone operators, taught Sunday school, seamstress, and retired from Tinker Air Force Base Procurement and Management Division. She graduated the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree in Psychology, History and Science, Continuing Education with a major in History and Master’s Degree in History. She was a licensed owner/operator of Regal Realty and Dana’s Diner, was a licensed public school teacher, grant writer, fund raiser and contributing force in the building of the Scott County Library and Founder of Scott County Historical Society, family Genealogist, Mayor of Waldron, Scott County Historian, and Arkansas State History Commissioner. Her passions were studying the Lord’s word, world travel to South America, Europe and Japan, historical restorations of homes of Farnsworth House and former railroad agent and Mayor Thomas Jefferson Gray, and former home of State Representative Worth S. Rice, bird watching, hiking, art, gospel and classical music, piano, archeology, writer, guest lecturer, and author.

Wanda loved her county history and had a love and dedication to her hometown of Scott County. She loved helping and guiding people all across the United States in connecting them with their loved ones and their family history. She was a notable author of Scott County Cemeteries, Images of America Scott County, Arkansas, republished A History of Early Days of Scott County Arkansas by P. M. Claunts: The Scott County Library Heritage Collection, Will Records, Selected Historical and Genealogical Records of Scott, Arkansas, 1930 Diary of Edna L. Duncan Center, Civil War in Scott County, Arkansas, Graveyard Pleasant Grove #3 Annotated, Contributing Author of History of Crawford County, Arkansas, contributing author Encyclopedia of Arkansas, archival project of digitalization of over 38,000 photos, and Channel 13 Documentary Keetowah Indians. in addition she has written over 200 newspaper articles.

A native of Scott County, Arkansas, Wanda M. Gray is a descendant of two pioneer families, Gertrude Rhyne and Harvey Lester Newberry, and grand-daughter of Eli Hoyle Rhyne Jr. and Minnie Eugenie Center, and Benjamin Franklin Newberry and Martha Catherine Hutchison. Her early years were spent on a farm three miles east of Waldron. She is rejoicing with her mother Gertrude Newbery, father Lester Newberry, spouse J. W. “Red” Gray Jr., sisters: Fern Oliver, Verla Dean Woodard, Shirley Jo Ammons, Edna Lee Maxell, great -grandson Jase Keaton Daggs, and granddaughter Sheresa Lynn Benton Cash. She leaves behind to cherish her memory sons Michael Dee Gray and Dennis Jea Gray and their families, and daughters, Arleen Estes White, Darleen Benton and husband George, and Dana Marie Anderson and families. She has an abundance of grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will cherished and missed by MaryAnn Sanders, Alice Nelson, Imajean Hunt, Lynda Sue Bates, and Ben Newberry.

Visitation will be Thursday October 28, 2021 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. There will be a private burial at a later date, cremation will be under the direction of Martin Funeral Home in Waldron. Online condolences may be sent at http://www.martinfuneralhomes.com

Driver Test Online Scheduling Tool Statewide; CDL Testing Added to Service

An online scheduling tool will soon be available to anyone preparing to be tested for the written knowledge portion of the Arkansas driver’s license exam.  Beginning next Monday (November 1st) the online scheduler can be accessed statewide at https://telegov.egov.com/aspdlskills/

The scheduling tool for written examinations has been in an initial testing phase and was limited for use at northwest and central Arkansas driver testing sites.  The skills portion of the test has been available as part of the scheduling tool for more than a year.

Test applicants, along with parents or guardians of teenagers preparing to take the test, can learn more about the process of using the scheduling tool at ar.gov/dlprep

“The Arkansas State Police is constantly working to streamline the driver testing process and assist parents to prepare their teenage children to become Arkansas drivers,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police.  “The online scheduling tool is intended to help parents and guardians avoid rearranging their work or personal schedules while accompanying a child to take the written or skills drivers tests.”

The scheduling tool is expected to eventually eliminate the long lines of test applicants and the complications parents frequently experience when the test sites are open to one and all, but, operating with limited examiner personnel or insufficient time to accommodate everyone on a particular day.  The online scheduling tool will send a text or email message to a parent or guardian should an unexpected change occur during the daily testing schedules.

Additionally, the online scheduling tool is being made available to commercial driver license applicants ready to take either the written or skills tests.

Test applicants who do not have a pre-arranged appointment will be accommodated by examiners at state police testing sites as the schedule and personnel availability may permit.

Anyone planning to take either the written or skills portion of the Arkansas driver’s test, including parents or guardians of teenagers studying for the test, are strongly encouraged to be familiar with updated information about the requirements and testing process.  The latest driving test information can always be found at https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/driver-examination/

State 3A Volleyball Tournament Underway at Paris

The Arkansas Class 3A state volleyball tournament is underway at Paris High School. Paris is the site for the first three rounds of the state tournament. The final will be held in Hot Springs at Bank OZK Arena on Saturday at 11 a.m.

In the first games of the day, Little Rock Episcopal is playing Charleston, and Bergman is playing Hoxie. Resident Press will keep you updated throughout the tournament until the semifinalists are known at the end of the day on Thursday, October 28.

Resident Press Photo / Jim Best

Stay with Resident Press today for more updates from the 3A state volleyball tournament!

After Winning 3A West Tournament Championship Over Hackett, Lady Eagles Play Today in First Round of State Tournament

It was a district tournament final that felt more like a state championship match. In fact, it was a rematch of the finalist in the 2020 state tournament that saw Hackett win its second consecutive state title. But on this night in Booneville, the match had a much different feel to the fans that were in attendance. In this match, it was Paris being the aggressor and making great saves on defense for crucial points that eventually led to a 3-2 come back win for Paris.

The 3A West tournament championship for Paris also gave the Lady Eagles a number one seed in the state tournament that begins today at Paris High School. The Hackett loss relegated the Lady Hornets to a two seed, and like last year for Paris, will mean that Hackett will have a little more challenging path to the state final. In tournament play, anything can happen, and usually does. But on paper, it appears that the Paris path to the finals will likely be Mayflower, Atkins, and Little Rock Episcopal. Hackett’s path as a two seed will likely mean that the Lady Hornets will play Jessieville, Hoxie, and Little Rock Baptist Prep to return to the finals. A much more difficult path playing last year’s quarterfinalist Prep and semifinalist Hoxie on the way to Hot Springs. Of course, all of this is meaningless, but on paper, it is very interesting to consider.

Hackett is scheduled to play today at 2 p.m. versus Jessieville, and Paris will play at 4 p.m. vs. Mayflower. The first game of the tournament will be the four seed Charleston Lady Tigers versus the Little Rock Episcopal Lady Wildcats. Resident Press will provide updates twice each day on this year’s state tournament.

So, it is the most wonderful time of the year! Come out to Paris Gymnasium and see outstanding Arkansas high school volleyball action!

Waldron School Board Meets

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, October 25, 2021, at 6:30 p.m.  Board members present were Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Mac Davis and Angela Hunsucker.  Board member Tammye Sherrill was not present at the meeting.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Ryan Walker, Darla Jeffery, Toni Dozier, Tonya Cluck, Josh Atchley and Zack Taylor.

Vice-President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the September 20th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures: C) Approve Purchase Orders for EL Achieve.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by McKay and seconded by Hunsucker to approve the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Minority Teacher and Administrator Recruitment Plan.  Motion carried 4-0.         

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by McKay to approve the Extra Duty Pay Due to Covid for the point of contact, a certified staff member, at $25.00/hour.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to table Item C) Discuss and Approve Increasing Purchase Price Threshold for Bidding Commodities.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to approve the Waldron High School Track Drainage Proposal (North End) from Hellas Construction, Inc.  Motion carried 4-0. 

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to accept the resignation of Bobby Cagle as of 11-15-2021 from Maintenance.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by McKay to hire Holley Cole as ½ time ABC Paraprofessional and ½ time First Step Paraprofessional retroactive back to September 20th, 2021, with 1 years’ experience.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to adjourn.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Obituary – Alla Merle (Langston) Taff (1941-2021)

Alla Merle (Doyel) Taff of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Thursday, October 21, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Alla Merle was born August 5, 1941, in Waldron, Arkansas to Tom Langston and Annie (Johnston) Langston. She was 80 years old.

Alla Merle leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband Raymond G. Taff of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, daughter Cheryl Muldoon of El Dorado Arkansas, son David Doyel of Waldron, Arkansas, son Ronald Doyel and wife Vickie, of Alma, Arkansas, and step daughter Stacey Omo and husband Allen of Colorado. Granny will forever be missed by her grandchildren: Cassandra McGriff, Michael McGriff, Kirk McGriff, Brandi Barnes, Avery Denton, Brittney Doyel, Jennifer Gonzales, Ryan Doyel, Regan Omo, Christopher Omo and great grandchildren: Danielle Jones, Gabby Jones, Sarah Jones, Aaron Jones, Essence Jones, Timothy Jones, Freddie Barnes, Jailyn Barnes, Bryson Barnes, Brian Barnes, Kayla Gonzales, Kallen Gonzales, Addisyn Denton, Damien Denton, Dominik Denton, Tristan McGriff, Emery McGriff, Abby McGriff, Deklan McGriff as well as 8 great great grandchildren. Alla Merle is also survived by one sister Sharron Goodner, and two brothers: Tom Langston Jr., and Bernie Langston. Alla Merle will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces and nephews and more true friends than most people could even imagine.

Alla Merle was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Annie Langston, husband of 46 years L. D. Doyel, one daughter Angela Kaye Doyel, sister Della Meredith, brothers: Lee Langston and Delmer Langston, grandson Andrew David Doyel, great granddaughter Patience Jones and great grandson Lewis Jones.

Alla Merle’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Alla Merle’s pallbearers will be Ray Langston, Eric Meredith, Nathan Goodner, Allen Omo, Michael McGriff and Ryan Doyel. Honorary pallbearers will be Kirk McGriff, Avery Denton, Wes Goodner, Dean Langston, Aaron Jones, Timothy Jones, Freddie Barnes, David Elkins, Bobby Owens, and Troney Langston.

Alla Merle’s visitation will be Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Alla Merle’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

Best Outdoor Apps

In 2021 there is an app for most everything! Including a variety of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking to exploring the night sky there’s an app for that!

1. AllTrails- With this app you gain access to over 200,000 trails. When you GPS location on your phone and the app access to your location you can ensure you are staying on the trail.

2. Cairn- a great app for anyone in the outdoors! Download a map of the area you will be going to, assign a safety circle to be notified if you are gone too long, and start your adventure! Cairn comes with a 30 day free trial, and after that it requires a membership. The price is $4.99 a month or $26.99/year. That seems like a good deal for those who are often outside of cell range!

Inside the Cairn app.

3. Sky Walker 2-if viewing constellations in augmented reality for free is your cup of tea this is a great app for you! Great for exploring the night sky whether indoors our out!

A look at stars in the Sky Walker 2 app.

4. HuntStand- allows users to map their hunting location, determine if land is public or private, and mark game sightings. Built in weather shows wind speed and direction.

A sample of HuntStand’s weather feature

5. iNaturalist- an app to identify the flora and fauna around you. Once a user uploads an image the app works to give possible answers based on image recognition. For us it has worked really well!

Using the iNaturalist app to identify flowers.

6. First Aid:American Red Cross- having a basic knowledge of first aid procedures is imperative in case of an emergency. Having an app that can teach you anything you might not know is the ultimate way to be prepared!

A look inside the app, what to do for asthma attacks.

With so many apps and so little phone space we want to make sure the apps we are using are helpful. These six apps can add to your outdoor experiences.

Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Senior Friends and Family

Many people think it’s hard to shop for gifts to give your senior friends and family for their birthdays, but it can be easier than you think. Individual preferences and needs play a huge role in your present selection, but there are a few universals that most people will appreciate and get some use out of. With these simple but practical gifts, you can get them something they’ll enjoy for a long time to come.

Non-Slip Socks

The older people get, the more appreciative they are of a good pair of socks. As we age, it gets harder for our bodies to regulate temperature and blood flow, so older people typically feel colder. A lot of heat loss happens from the feet, and wearing socks is a reliable way to trap that warmth.

But for many older adults, socks also serve as a slipping hazard, especially on tile or hardwood floors. Taking a spill on those surfaces can send someone to the hospital, so non-slip socks are the best option. Without the risk of slipping and falling, your friend or family member can walk around their home both warm and safe.

Personal Audio Amplifier

In addition to challenges with body temperature regulation, most older adults will experience some form of hearing loss. The severity can vary, from missing a few words every now and again to needing a hearing aid to understand just about anything. But for most, a personal audio amplifier is enough to eliminate the hearing issues.

An audio amplifier is one of many devices that can make a senior adult’s life easier, solving many challenges people face every day. Whether they want to listen to their TV without raising the volume or hear any alarms or alerts, an audio amplifier will be extremely helpful.

A Sound Machine

People of all ages can struggle to fall asleep, but it’s far more common as people age. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical for a productive following day, and a sound machine provides the right environment for sweet dreams.

White noise and natural sounds help the mind relax, helping it drift off to sleep faster by distracting it with constant, monotonous noise. It may seem like a distraction that’ll keep people away, but the sounds have a way of clearing thoughts and releasing tension.

Know What They’ll Use

When looking for birthday gift ideas for your senior friends and family, make sure you know what they’ll get the most use out of. In theory, you know what they may or may not struggle with regularly, like if they have issues keeping warm or trouble hearing others in conversation. Pick out something they’ll use and appreciate—something that makes their lives that much easier.