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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

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!

Things To Consider Before Hiring a Painting Contractor

Like any other extensive work you have done on your home, repainting can come with its challenges. However, selecting the best person for the job will simplify the process. So read about some things to consider before hiring a painting contractor and see the benefits of employing a top-quality professional.

How Established Are They?

When you start looking for a painting contractor, one of the first things you need to consider is how established they are in the community they serve. Check if they have an official website that clearly defines their company mission and the cost of different services. Do a little investigating to see if your chosen contractor has registered with the Better Business Bureau. Better yet, check if there are any client testimonials posted online. You can also ask about whether they rent space for their work. Hiring a painter with their own workshop usually indicates that the quality of their work will be high.

Do They Have the Proper Licenses?

Just like any other type of contractor, painting contractors need licenses to perform work. So, when you’re looking into which one might be best for the job, it’s wise to ask about the licensing they have and how it aligns with the size of your home and the scope of the tasks you’re requesting them to complete. Once they tell you they have the necessary permits to perform work on your home, you should also ask to see their most up-to-date licensing documents. Doing this can help you circumvent more significant issues down the line and ensure that the people painting your home are qualified to do so.

Can They Provide References?

Another thing to consider before hiring a painting contractor is whether they’ll be able to provide you with client references. Because professional painting can be expensive, it’s worthwhile to try and get a glimpse into the quality of their work. So talk to your prospective contractor about past clients and their overall satisfaction with completed jobs. Most reputable contractors will be happy to divulge this sort of information to you, as they’ll want to prove their work is as top-notch as they claim.

Do They Offer Warranties or Guarantees?

You’ll also want to ask your contractors if they offer warranties or guarantees with each job. It’s not uncommon for top-quality companies that use quality products, prep for their contracts, and avoid cutting corners to offer clients a one- to three-year warranty or money-back guarantee. Not only does providing a warranty build more long-term trust with their customers, but it also indicates how confident they are about their work quality. So don’t forget to ask about warranties during the hiring process.

Hopefully, this quick overview has provided some valuable tips that’ll help you make the best selection for your painting contractor.

Timepiece: Frontier Politics in the River Valley

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Politics has always been viewed as kind of a rough and tumble affair and nowhere was it more evident than in the formation of the counties that make up Arkansas.  When the Territory of Arkansas was formed, there were an original five counties.  As the population grew, these large geographical counties were divided into smaller and smaller units until we ended with the seventy-five counties we have today.

Johnson county was formed in 1833 with about one-third of its territory lying south of the Arkansas river.  A temporary county seat was established at the river port of Spadra with a group of three commissioners appointed to establish a permanent site.  Those three were Abraham Laster who lived north of present day Clarksville, Bettis Alston of Spadra, and Lorenzo Clarke, a prominent businessman of Morrison Bluff.  Each of the three wanted the courthouse as close as possible to their home, thus the first stalemate in the negotiations.  After a great amount of maneuvering, Clarke realized that Morrison Bluff held the least amount of cards.  Negotiating with the opposition, he agreed to allow the county seat to be placed on land donated by Josiah Cravens as long as it was named Clarksville. Out-voted, Spadra was left out in the cold.

After the Civil War, politics changed in Arkansas.  Radical Republicans, many of them deemed carpetbaggers by the locals, controlled the state government.  Sixteen new counties were formed in Arkansas from 1868-1875.  Spadra had stewed over being excluded as the site for the county seat and began an appeal to have the courthouse moved to their more central location on the riverfront.  Fearing the people on the south side of the river would side with Spadra, a group of ex-confederates put together $1,000 and approached the state senator John Sarber.  Sarber was an enigma, a former union soldier turned carpetbagger who had married Susan Rose, a daughter of prominent former confederates. After the war, he quickly moved up the political ladder and was a favorite of Arkansas governor Powell Clayton.

Sarber was well aware of the divisions and interests that existed in the area he represented.  Working with ex-union soldiers from south of the river, he introduced legislation to create a new county.  Pieces of Scott, Yell, and Franklin County would also be required to establish a large enough territory and population to entitle the area a county.  Knowing local politics, he enticed Franklin County to agree with him by offering up the port-city of Roseville, a rival of Ozark, to be included in the new county.  By hook or crook, the other counties were brought into agreement.  The Booneville area was once the county seat of Scott County.  During the Civil War, many of the local farmers had joined the confederacy and were solidly democrats.  As former Confederates, they were not allowed to vote. Punishment by the legislature was to separate them from Scott County and allow the three appointed county commissioners, all radical republicans, to select the new county seat. 

The new county, named Sarber, was established exactly 150 years ago.  The county seat was first at Revilee, a site described by the Gazette as “ten miles from nowhere.”  It was later moved to Ellsworth, a site so aggravating to the former Confederates from Booneville that they organized a posse estimated at two hundred men to “investigate” the site. During the investigation, the newly established courthouse was burned.  To avoid further trouble, a new town, Paris was established and became the county seat.

Establishment of the new county brought about charges of corruption, deception, and even murder when James Bethel, opposed to the establishment of the new county, was supposedly murdered while traveling to Little Rock carrying petitions opposed to the county’s creation.

In 1874, former Confederates once again were able to vote. Immediately, the county moved to change the name of the county from Sarber to Logan; named for a prominent pioneer and former slave-owner of Sugar Grove.  And now, as Paul Harvey always said, we know the rest of the story!!

Mansfield Board of Education Meets

RECORDS AND PROCEEDINGS

A meeting of the Board of Education of Mansfield School District No. 76

At the regular meeting of the Board of Education of the School District aforesaid, at the Administration Building, on October 18, 2021, there being present Michael Gipson, Lesli Baggett, and Dewayne Ward; Absent: Rick Nicodemus and Jan Carlton.

All members of the board, the following business were transacted to wit:

(Minutes were recorded by Carol Reano)

STAFF PRESENT:  Joe Staton, Donnie Eveld, Floyd Fisher, Kim Arnold, Tina Smith, Bob Cochenour and Carol Reano

The meeting was called to order by Michael Gipson, School Board Vice-President, at 6:00 p.m.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Consent Agenda Items

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the consent agenda items as presented.

Voting for the motion:   Gipson, Baggett, Ward

Voting against the motion: 

Motion passed 3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Report to the Public

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to approve the Report to the Public.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Student Transfers

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the transfer of Tamera Pitts from Greenwood to Mansfield School District.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the transfer of Kinley Vanmeter, Chandley Vanmeter, Kasen Eyerman, and Korben Eyerman from Hackett to Mansfield School District.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

A motion was by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the transfer of Aspen Seajack from Mansfield to Hackett School District.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    5% Salary – Act 1120

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the 5% Salary – Act 1120 reports as presented.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    2022 Election Resolution

A motion was made by Baggett, seconded by Gipson, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the election resolution for the 2022 election.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Overnight Trip Request


A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Gipson, to table the overnight trip request for the senior trip until more details are available.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Annual Equity Compliance Report

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Ward, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the Equity Compliance report.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Personnel

Executive session was requested by the superintendent at 6:28 p.m. for personnel matters.

The meeting was called back to order at 6:56 p.m.

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Natalie Parsons as part-time dishwasher at the middle school.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

A motion was made by Gipson, seconded by Baggett, to accept Mr. Staton’s recommendation to approve the hire of Susan Martin as special education teacher.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

Superintendent’s Report:

Basketball is doing a t-shirt fundraiser.

Volleyball district are this week (Oct 18-23) in Eureka Springs.

Volleyball state tournament is next week (Oct 24-30) in Quitman.

Ms. Arnold updated the flu clinic had 140-150 participants (staff & students).

Parent-teacher conferences are this week (Oct 21s).

Mr. Fisher spoke on the $154,000 Esser III grant that the district received that will offer areas to students that they might not have access to for grades K-12.  Bus transportation will be provided.  The grant is renewable for 3 years as long as the goals are met each year.

Mr. Eveld talked about the 3D logo painting donated to the school that will be displayed in the high school cafeteria.

IN THE MATTER OF:    Adjournment

A motion was made by Ward, seconded by Baggett, to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

Voting for the motion:   Baggett, Gipson, Ward

Voting against the motion:  

Motion passed:   3-0.

Witcherville Church Break-In Under Investigation

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into a break-in at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville.

The report came into the SCSO on Tuesday, October 19. Upon arrival on scene, the deputy discovered a broken window in the breezeway. According to the report, approximately 10 boxes of donated items were missing. Also missing, a 2018 Ford Transit van.

“The damage to the building is two windows,” stated Church Pastor Gary Martin. “The donated items that were stolen was the candy for Trunk or Treat, and Shoebox Christmas gifts.”

Martin added that several saw the van going down the road at approximately 9 p.m. “I was likely in the church building when they were there,” added Martin. “I brought the van back from cleaning it at 8:45 p.m.”

According to SCSO Captain Philip Pevehouse, the church break-in is currently under investigation. “Pray for the thieves to be caught,” Martin concluded.

Wildlife Officers Need Details to Catch Game Violators

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

It happens every fall. Someone sees a blatant game law violation and they wonder where the wildlife officers are.

Or the observer may phone the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission but not have any information on the culprit or their vehicle. Help AGFC wildlife officers stop night hunting, out of season poaching and other violations with these helpful tips. Quick, accurate information is the biggest boost the average citizen can give them.

  • Do not confront or try to apprehend a violator and hold him or her for an officer to arrive. These bad actors are almost always carrying weapons, and confronting them could escalate matters.
  • Gather your information from a hidden position or from a distance. No wildlife violation, no matter how serious, is worth getting hurt or killed for.
  • Keep the AGFC’s poaching hotline number handy in your phone or written on a card in your wallet — (800) 482-9262. AT&T cell phone users can just dial #TIP (#847). You can also text a tip to TIP411 (847411). Just type “AGFC” followed by the tip. You will receive a thank you text acknowledging your tip has been received. Tips sent via text are completely anonymous. Names of informants reporting violations through other methods are kept confidential by the AGFC.
  • Time is of the essence. The quicker a violation is reported to AGFC, the more likely the outlaw is likely to be caught.
  • Snap a pic. With nearly everyone carrying smartphones, video or photo evidence can go a long way in catching up to a poacher.
  • Keep a pen and paper handy. Don’t rely just on your memory. Details can get fuzzy after only a few minutes.
  • Get a vehicle license number. This is the quickest means for an officer to trace a suspect. Binoculars in the woods are handy for checking game, and they are extremely helpful for reading a license plate.
  • Notice and jot down details of the vehicle – make, color, type (two doors, four doors), anything unusual about it.
  • Provide an accurate location. “About a half mile off that gravel road east of town” doesn’t do it. Write down the name of the road. Make a note of any landmarks that are in the vicinity such as a church or grain silo. Make sure you know what type of violation has occurred. If you see a person shooting out of a vehicle from a road, make note of what occurred.
  • Describe the person or persons. Their physical description is more vital than what clothing they are wearing. The type of clothing and headwear being worn can help with the description. Names are very good, if you know the person or persons.

Powerful Blazes: Interesting Facts About Wildland Fires

In this list of interesting facts about wildland fires, you will find new reasons to respect and fear the mighty powers of a forest fire. Wildland fires can devastate entire towns and uproot lives. They are a horrific force. Hopefully, you will never have to face one in person. But, just in case you do, it is good to have some of the background knowledge provided by this article.

Most Animals Escape Fires

Although the public typically believes wildland fires have a devasting effect on animal populations, the truth is very few animals actually die in the flames. Especially large mammals, which can instinctively sense when fires are a threat, leave the area before the fire arrives. The animals that suffer the most are the smaller, less mobile creatures, like tiny rodents and bugs.

Wildland Fires Can Make “Fire Tornadoes”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines a “fire tornado” as “vigorous atmospheric circulation, created when highly unstable, superheated, dry air near the ground breaks through the boundary layer and shoots upward in a swirling motion.” These fire events can be as high as 1,000 feet and maintain a rotational velocity of up to 90 miles per hour.

Humans Are Often Responsible for Wildland Fires

If you study the most common causes of wildfires, you will see that humans often have a big role to play in these natural disasters. Poorly maintained campfires, littered cigarettes, arson, and vehicle crashes are all common reasons why a forest may go up in flames. Just like Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Be smart whenever you go camping; you do not want to be the reason for deaths and millions of dollars lost in property damage.

One Beetle Thrives During Wildland Fires

One of the most interesting facts about wildland fires is that there is a certain kind of beetle that loves forest fires. The beetle of the subgenus Melanophils has infrared sensors it uses to find burning forests. Upon finding its ideal inferno, it lays eggs among the charcoaled trees. These beetles prefer dead, scorched trees because the trees do not have defense mechanisms to stop the insects from burrowing.

Why Is a Tactical Backpack Better Than a Hiking Backpack?

Recently, a surge of outdoor enthusiasts has emerged, and most of the planet is working to become healthier and more active as the days go by. The gear needed to do these activities tend to play a significant role in what people do in their free time. But what most don’t know are the extremely incredible attributes that tactical military backpacks have to offer for these types of activities. So, if you’ve always used hiking gear, you might be wondering, “Why is a tactical backpack better than a hiking backpack?” Again, this is mostly unknown to the public, which is why you deserve to know the differences.

Known for Comfort

Because tactical backpacks are made with the military in mind, they have to be made for the soldier’s comfort. Most soldiers carry roughly 150 lbs. of gear in their rucksacks daily, so these bags must be supportive of that weight capacity. Due to this, they are mostly padded at the neck and down the back and sides for support around the hips and lower back, which is where most of the weight lands. Compared to its hiking counterparts that are mostly made of very light featherweight plastics, these are made with comfort in mind.

Made To Be Durable

Mostly constructed of polymers, elastic nylons, and canvas, tactical backpacks have all the workings of bags that will last an extremely long time. Hiking backpacks are usually constructed of one type of polymer that isn’t made for intense activities and could even break down under long hikes. This means that you can also pack tactical bags as heavily as they will allow without the fear of anything ripping and tearing.

Made for Activity

Because tactical backpacks are made to look and act more like backpacks than hiking bags are, they work with the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Hiking backpacks have only one job—to hold everything in place. So, once you have everything strapped down and tightened, the hiking backpack is made to perch itself into position and not move until unfastened. The tactical backpack is made to maneuver with the body through rough terrain and will continue to travel unfettered time and time again.

So, if you’re an avid outdoors person who loves hiking, you might investigate a tactical backpack. The extra weight isn’t too much of an additional cost to all the pros that come with having a tactical backpack. Maybe this will help you understand why a tactical backpack is better than a hiking backpack for outdoor activities.

Obituary – Paul Waymon Hawkins (1941-2021)

Paul Waymon Hawkins of Parks, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Parks, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born April 24, 1941 in Parks, Arkansas to James William Hawkins and Elsie Bell (Barker) Hawkins. He was 80 years old.

Paul and his wife, Betty moved to the Kansas City area in 1963. He was a General Painting Contractor for over 40 years while in Kansas City. During his career as a painter he made many friends and repeat customers. He went out of his way to show kindness to others. He volunteered as a baseball coach and was involved with many activities with his children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He restored many pieces of wood furniture as well as their house in Waldron. He enjoyed game night with his friends at church, as well as playing dominos and card games with his family.

Paul leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 59 years, Betty Sue (Dillard) Hawkins of the home, one daughter, Paula Whitehead and husband Scott of Lenexa, Kansas and one son, Shannon Hawkins and wife Julie of Olathe, Kansas. He will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Melissa Bradshaw and husband Derek, Grant Whitehead and wife Savanna , Taylor Hawkins, Vanessa Patton and husband Chris; two great-grandsons: Ellis and Ethan Patton. Paul is also survived by two siblings: Bill Hawkins and wife Valva of Little Rock, Arkansas and Elgiva Liles of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; as well as, sister in law Barbara Hawkins, sister in law and brother in law Kathy and Loyd (Hobie) Lewis, brother in law, Clifford Daily, and brother in law Charles Dillard. Paul will be missed by the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, members of his Sunday School class and neighbors he loved dearly.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Hawkins, one brother, James Dillard Hawkins,and two sisters, Doris (Hawkins) Lamon and Genevieve (Hawkins) Daily.

Paul’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Wally Beckman and Rev. Phil Kreiling officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Paul’s pallbearers will be Drake Hawkins, Dane Hawkins, Keith Saveall, Jamie Saveall, Grant Whitehead and Derek Bradshaw.

Honorary pallbearers are Loyd (Hobie) Lewis, Benny Newberry, and Danny Rhyne.

Paul’s visitation will be Friday, October 22, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Waymon Hawkins, please visit our floral store.