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Southwest Regional Titles Claimed by MHS Runners

Sports

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8:43 pm

Southwest Regional Titles Claimed by MHS Runners

The Tom Stuthard Top 25 Southwest Regional Championships were up for grabs for local cross country teams on October 20 at the Mena Lions Club. With no pun intended, Mansfield got its lion’s share by taking two of three contested titles.

The Mansfield junior girls team followed quickly by their senior high teammates both claimed the first-place plaques at the Southwest Regionals hosted by Acorn. Mansfield’s junior boys were close in their division with a runner-up plaque.

The breakout star of the day had to be Mansfield’s Laney Wood. The freshman phenom won the opening 2400m junior girls race followed by a move up to the senior high ranks to take fifth in the longer 5K race.

Wood heard positive cheers from meet officials once they realized the dynamic runner pulled double duty. The motivated freshman pulled away in a tightly contested junior high race to win by 7 seconds with a time of 10:55.10. After a short 30 minute break, she rounded the prescribed course two more times for an All-Region marker, a senior high top 5 medal, and her first official 5K time of 22:49.50.

“Laney said she could hear the timers and scorekeepers cheering for her,” said Mansfield coach John Mackey. “It’s pretty cool to win over the respect of others when attempting a feat such as this.”

For the Tigers, the precedent wasn’t too far removed from a similar accomplishment senior Faith Rainwater made when she was a freshman four seasons ago. Rainwater ran two races at the 3A-1 West Conference race, taking second in the younger division before moving up to finish fourth in the older group.

“Mansfield prides itself on having players with that type of toughness,” continued the coach. “Laney fits the mold modeled by many outstanding players from our past. That includes Megan Rose who just finished her senior year of college with her team’s top time at their conference championships.”

Behind Wood’s efforts, the Lady Tigers took home the two team titles in the two divisional races for the women. The junior team scored 37 points to outpace Waldron’s 62 and Acorn’s 69 out of the top three scoring teams. The senior team scored 32 points to edge Acorn’s 43 and Waldron’s 56.

Darby Jones, Mansfield’s top runner on the senior team all season long, continued her terrific pace at the regionals. The senior posted a 21:28.20 5K time for second place behind foreign exchange student Miriam Garcia of Acorn at 20:41.80.

“Darby may have felt the hills a bit more than Miriam today,” confessed Mackey. “Those two have built up a good rivalry over the last few weeks. Miriam may have had a slight advantage being on a more familiar terrain.”

In order of scoring, Mansfield’s senior squad placed Jones (2), Wood (5), Jadelynn Wood (8), Rainwater (10), and McKenzie Griffin (11) as their top five. Hope Rainwater (12) and Katlynn Moore (14) came across as displacers but still within the Top 25 All-Region rankings.

For the junior team, Wood (1), Trinity Triska (5), Aidan Fildes (10), Danielle Lowery (12), and Addison Bowman (15) formulated the winning score. Ashley Martin (18) and Azlynn Stover (21) figured into the blocker positions and earned Top 25 All-Region medals like their teammates.

In the boy’s 2400m race, Josiah Fildes nearly went wire to wire for the win. The eighth-grader looked determined to close the deal but fell short by less than seven seconds to finish runner-up. Acorn’s Chance Reagan found his second wind in the final 100 meters to move ahead down the stretch.

Fildes did go 9:17.90 for the silver medal. Teammates Gunner Williams (13), Rylan Nichols (13), Holden Powers (18) and Joseph Carter (21) populated the final team margin to give the Tigers second in the Regional team standings.

All five Tigers received Top 25 All-Region medals. Braxton Bartlett (29) and Leland Powers (37th) offered blocker points.

Scott County rival Waldron took the junior boys team title with 39 points. Mansfield finished second at 68 points. Centerpoint (88) Booneville (95) and Cossatot River (102) completed the top five scoring schools.

Mansfield now moves to the 2A-4 District Championships to be held at Magazine High School on October 30 at 10:00 AM. The season ends there for the junior high teams. The senior high and qualifying freshmen advance beyond districts to the class 2A State Finals in Hot Springs on November 4.

Mansfield’s Laney Wood pulls away at the SW Regionals. Wood finished first in the junior race and fifth in the senior race.

Mansfield’s top seven runners all earn All-Region honors at Mena

The junior Tigers take second at the SW Regional cross country meet.

Eagles Soar to 8-0 with 31-6 Senior Night Win Over Perryville

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10:41 am

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Eagles Soar to 8-0 with 31-6 Senior Night Win Over Perryville

It was billed as a battle of two teams who were previously undefeated in conference 3A-4. The winner would remain in a tie for Booneville for the conference championship, and the loser would likely end the season as a three seed going into next month’s state playoffs. And on a beautiful night at Eagles Stadium, coach Jeff Weaver’s Eagles continued to soar high with a 31-6 conference victory over a very good Perryville football team.

The Eagles honored senior football players, band, and cheerleaders on a re-scheduled Senior Night prior to the game. As the autumn sunset draped the field, Paris seniors who have been among the most successful in program history were recognized before an adoring home crowd. The Blue Nation was not disappointed as the outstanding senior class maintained their team’s focus on a crucial conference game, and in doing so, have positioned themselves for a huge showdown next week at Booneville for the conference championship.

Paris is ranked tenth in Class 3A in Arkansas according to Max Preps and will bring an 8-0 record into South Logan County on Friday night. And for the second consecutive season, it will all come down to a Paris vs Booneville showdown for all of the marbles. By defeating the Mustangs last Friday, Paris has virtually assured themselves of playing at least one playoff game at home in front of the Eagles faithful. A win over Booneville Friday would give the Eagles the conference championship, a number one seed in the state playoffs, and a likely playoff bracket that would see the Eagles play at home for possibly the first three rounds. That last factor, avoiding the four hour plus bus rides is huge. For players to sleep at home and have their opponents make the trip is a huge advantage at playoff time.

But, Booneville is Booneville…..year in and year out, the Bearcats are tough and no one should expect anything less Friday night. The Bearcat tradition of championship football is a long standing tradition, and this year’s edition of Booneville football is one of its best. The Bearcats feature a very talented backfield that is both deep, talented, and experienced, and Booneville can use it to beat their opponents in different ways. For Paris to be successful Friday, the Eagles defense must have some success slowing the Bearcat offense.

Resident Press will have a featured preview on this huge match-up next week in its online edition. You will not want to miss this story, and you will definitely not want to miss the game Friday night in Booneville. Last year’s match-up in Paris went down to the final possession of the game, and this year’s could be just as exciting!

Photos from Friday night’s Paris victory over Perryville are now available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Photos from the pregame Senior Night ceremony will be posted Sunday night.

So, Paris and Booneville fans, it is game week for the Battle of Logan County! Enjoy the week, and I look forward to seeing you in Booneville on Friday for the epic showdown of two great teams!

18 Ways to Change up Bathtime

Lifestyle

Madison VanRavensway

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8:09 am

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Have you heard the parenting advice “put them in water or take them outside” when it comes to kids? It really is such sage advice. With winter coming it may be harder to choose the outside route, so I have some fun ways to change up bath time for the days nap time is far and the kids are cranky.

-Add bubbles

-Mix colors with food coloring

-Take a bath fully dressed

-Have a tea party in the tub (best for older kids who can keep from scooping up the tub water and drinking it)

-Add glow sticks

-Bring non-tub toys to the tub

-Add ball pit balls

-Finger paint with shaving cream + food coloring

-Toss in a bath bomb

-Use a snorkel and goggle set to play under water

-Raid your kitchen for utensils to play with

-Play with squirt guns

-Throw water balloons around (best with a shower curtain)

-See what happens with a closed water bottle under water

-Blow bubbles or toys around with a straw

-Make a car/pet wash

-Place bubble wrap under the water for a fun popping experience

-Grab bath books and practice reading

Getting the grumpies out of your kids doesn’t have to be a struggle! When the emotions get big, find a new place to play such as your bathtub!

Reminders about Safe Prescribed Burning and Smoke Management

Outdoors

Resident News Network

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5:40 pm

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Reminders about Safe Prescribed Burning and Smoke Management

With harvest underway, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture reminds our partners in agriculture and conservation of the importance of safe prescribed burning techniques as a valuable tool in crop management plans.

Row crop farmers use prescribed fire in the fall as part of crop management plans to remove stubble following the harvest of rice, soybeans, corn, and cotton. Prescribed burning is an efficient and economical control method for preparing fields for the next growing season and eliminating pests and diseases. Burning crop residue also allows for no-till or reduced-till planting during the next growing season. Smoke management planning prior to the application of prescribed fires helps to reduce smoke impact on roadways, nearby towns, and sensitive areas like schools, nursing homes, churches, and other facilities.

Farmers can report a prescribed fire here. There is a Safe Burning Checklist which farmers complete before applying prescribed fire:

Take extra precautions for smoke sensitive areas (highways, residents, communities, etc.)
Report prescribed burns to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Dispatch Center (1-800- 830-8015)
Check to make sure relative humidity is above 20%
Check to make sure wind speed is less than 15 mph
Be sure to follow appropriate Smoke Category Day guidelines

Reporting the burn to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Dispatch Center provides a full understanding to the farmer of weather conditions, information about other burns in the area, and proximity of nearby smoke sensitive areas like schools, nursing homes, and highways.

Former Gentry Mayor Praises Mansfield’s Emergency Responders

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Resident News Network

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5:27 pm

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Former Gentry Mayor Praises Mansfield’s Emergency Responders

Former Gentry Mayor Wes Hogue was involved in a motorcycle accident just outside of Mansfield on Wednesday, September 22 at approximately 10:30 p.m. Hogue was traveling northbound on Highway 71 between Mansfield and Huntington when the accident occurred.

On Friday, October 8, Hogue sent a letter of gratitude to the emergency responders who assisted him.

“…Fortunately I was not seriously injured and walked away from the crash.
Please receive this letter as an expression of my deepest gratitude to the emergency personnel from the City of Mansfield that responded to the scene. Police Officer Chelsea Fletcher, Fire Chief Michael Smith and another female EMT…She is the one I asked to check my head to make sure I didn’t have any head injuries. Just because I don’t know her name, does not diminish the gratitude I have for her service.
All of the city’s emergency responders on the scene comported themselves with an exceptional level of professionalism and expertise that should make the City of Mansfield proud.
Having served as the Mayor of the City of Gentry for 12 years, I understand the rigorous level of training it takes to be a police officer or firemen/EMT in the State of Arkansas. I also understand the difficulty in attracting and keeping good staff. These professionals reflect in the most positive light on your administration and the City of Mansfield. I hope to be down there next week to thank them in person.”

Council Approves PD New Hire

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Resident News Network

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4:38 pm

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The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, October 21 at 6 p.m. Members of the council present were Sheri Hopkins, Bobby Musgrove, Beverly Lyons, Julie Thomas, and James Steele. Member Jan Carlton was absent. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

Following the reading and approval of the September 16, 2021 minutes and financials, the members of the council reviewed the city services reports.

In the Fire Chief’s report, Michael Smith noted that calls had picked back up, and that their department had participated in the fire prevention day at Mansfield Elementary and ABC Daycare. Smith added that the department has worked all football games and cross country meets. Smith thanked Dave and Craig at Dave’s Small Engines for donating their services to repair the pump motor on one of the brush trucks. Lastly, Smith reported that the first responder vests had come in and that they were paid for.

In public works, Director Joe Manes reported performing 104 work orders, repairing three water leaks, installing a new pump at the wastewater plant, and refreshing parking stripes. Lastly, Manes reported that the city-wide cleanup yielded 25 loads, filling 2-30 yard roll-offs.

In the police report, Chief Wayne Robb stated the department issued 19 citations and reported 28 violations in Scott County. In Sebastian County, four citations were issued and seven violations were reported. There were a total of 28 calls, 15 agency assists, five in Scott and 10 in Sebastian, four school calls, seven incident/arrest reports, four total accident reports, 86 traffic stops, 64 warnings were issued, three animal calls and four adult arrests.

In matters of unfinished business, the council voted to amend the elected officials’ pension ordinance. Additionally, the council discussed and voted to give pension recipients no increase for the 2022 year.

In matters of new business, the council voted unanimously to hire a new police officer, Nick Ronzzo. The council also passed Resolution No. 2021-8, to accept ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money, and Ordinance 2021-8, to levy taxes for Scott County.

The lone announcement, that the city would be observing Halloween on Saturday, October 30. With no further items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

2021 Rural Fire Show

Outdoors

Resident News Network

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1:16 pm

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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association (ARVFA) hosted the 2021 Rural Fire Show on October 2 at the Conway Expo and Event Center.

Attending the event were 479 firefighters and their families representing 167 Arkansas Fire Departments. The event also included 42 vendors.

The Rural Fire Show is a free event held in appreciation for Arkansas firefighters and their families to honor the service and protection they provide. The event included wildland fire discussions, equipment demonstrations, resources and information from fire industry programs, networking opportunities, and a catered lunch with door prizes.

“All of us in Arkansas are indebted to firefighters,” said State Forester Joe Fox. “We have more than 850 rural fire departments that are partners with our Rangers when we fight wildland fires. The Forestry Division and ARVFA enjoy hosting the firefighters and their families annually just to say THANK YOU!”

For more information about the Forestry Division’s Rural Fire Protection Program visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website at agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/rural-fire-protection-program/. A photo album from the event is available here: flic.kr/s/aHsmWR38nC.

Southeast Law Enforcement Task Force Training

Outdoors

Resident News Network

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1:05 pm

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Two investigators with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture recently attended the Southeast Law Enforcement Task Force training in Murphy, North Carolina. Billy Black, Chief of Law Enforcement at Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and Arkansas Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Officer Keith Dedmon attended the training.

The Task Force is comprised of Agriculture Investigators from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. This training provides an opportunity for Agriculture Investigators to learn about legislative changes and interact with their counterparts in other states.

This training provides an opportunity for Agriculture Investigators to learn about legislative changes and interact with their counterparts in other states.

Eagles Hosts Perryville Tonight in Battle of Undefeateds on Senior Night

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Resident News Network

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8:00 am

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Eagles Hosts Perryville Tonight in Battle of Undefeateds on Senior Night

With just three weeks remaining in the high school regular season, the Paris Eagles (7-0, 4-0) will host the Perryville Mustangs tonight at Eagles Stadium, Perryville (6-1, 4-0) will come to Paris to not only seek revenge for last year’s loss at Perryville, but to remain in at least a tie for first place in the 3A-4. Currently, setting at the top of the conference standings are Booneville, Paris, and Perryville. Fourth place Atkins is now 2-2 on the conference season. A win by either team tonight potentially sets-up a showdown with Booneville for the conference championship. It is a three team race with Paris traveling to Booneville next week, and Perryville hosting the Bearcats on November 8 in Week 10.

Add all of this up, and it is obviously a huge game tonight for both schools. But for the Paris Eagles, it will be also be a special night that will see the program honor an outstanding senior class that has brought Paris back to prominence in 3A football. The class highlighted by such standouts as Duke Walker, Chase Watts, and Mequell Ellingberg, to name a few, endured their first two years with winless seasons. The class perservered through the tough years, and now, a casual observer would have a hard time believing the program had been down four years ago. They are the example of how hard work and sticking to a goal, even when you are not immediately having success, ultimately pays off. This is a team that could go a long way this year in the state playoffs, but this year’s senior class has kept the Eagles focused each week, and that will be tested once again tonight when they play a very good Perryville Mustangs team.

Perryville’s only loss on the season was a home non-conference loss to Bigelow. The Mustangs are led on offense by junior quarterback Tyler Givens. Givens, according to Max Preps, has passed 76 times for 1034 yards and averages 147 yards per game. Givens per pass completion averages a little more than 13 yards per pass. He will face a face Paris secondary that will attempt to limit his success in the air tonight for the Mustangs.

For Paris fans, I would recommend that you arrive at the stadium early to watch the Senior Night ceremony. In fact, I would arrive around 6 p.m. to be in place to watch the ceremony that should begin at approximately 6:20 p.m. This class of Paris seniors deserve a big crowd to come out and pay tribute to their accomplishments and for being perhaps the most successful class of players in Paris football history.

Photos from tonight’s game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports no later than Monday. Watch for a recap on this game next week in Resident Press!

So, grab your jacket and head out to Eagles Stadium early tonight to honor Paris seniors and to get ready to watch what should be a great football game between two good teams!

See you at the stadium!

Charleston Defeats Hackett to Move to 7-0 on the Season; Hosts Lincoln Tonight

Sports

Resident News Network

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7:30 am

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Charleston Defeats Hackett to Move to 7-0 on the Season; Hosts Lincoln Tonight

The Charleston Tigers juggernaut rolled into Hackett last Friday, and just as had been for the previous six weeks of the high school football season, the Tigers rolled to a big victory over the Hornets. The win solidified the Tigers’ lead in the 3A-1 conference, putting them firmly in control for the conference championship. Charleston now has a two game lead over second place Hackett with just three games to be played. The Tigers have games remaining with Lincoln, West Fork, and Lavaca. Barring an upset or extraordinary event, Charleston should finish the season undefeated and advancing to the state playoffs as a number one seed.

Charleston (7-0, 4-0) have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 298 – 93. A Charleston defense that was a little of a concern to head coach Ricky May just before the start of the season has allowed just 93 points in seven games and has two shutouts on the season. The explosive Tigers offense has scored an average of 42.57 points per game while their defensive teammates have allowed just 13.29 points per game. And perhaps most impressive is that the point totals and averages include three non-conference games against potential playoff teams from the tough 4A-4 conference (Ozark, Dardanelle, and Pottsville). Charleston is now one of ten remaining Class 3A teams with an undefeated record. Two of those teams will play tonight in Paris when the Eagles host Perryville.

Junior quarterback Brandon Scott (12) leads a young and talented Tigers team (Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young)

Game time tonight at Alumni Field is 7 p.m. and it should be another great week weather-wise for high school football team. This Charleston team is special, and perhaps one of the more exciting aspects of this team is their youth. The Tigers will return many of this year’s players, including their outstanding quarterback, Brandon Scott, next year. The Charleston football program is deep with talented players and Tigers fans have a lot to be excited about!

So, bring a jacket and head out to the stadium tonight! Root your Tigers on to 8-0!

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK