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Mansfield Athletic Passes Soon Ready For 2021-2022

Adult Athletic passes, Student Discount cards, and Senior Citizen passes for the 2021-2022 school year for Mansfield Athletics will be available beginning August 11, 2021. 

Adult athletic passes are $65 each. Upon presentation at the gate, cardholders will be admitted free to most all Mansfield regular season athletic home contests for grades 7-12 for the current sports calendar. Free admission will be limited to regular season football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, and track contests. MHS athletic passes will not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions hosted by Mansfield. This is per AAA and conference guidelines. 

Current Mansfield Public School students (K-12th grade) may purchase a Student Discount Card to attend regular-season home games for $15. Presentation of this personalized photo ID card at any regular season contest gate will allow the cardholder $1 admission. Student discount cards must be ordered with payment by September 3, 2021. Students will be issued a temporary card until a date for producing photo cards is established. Student discount passes will not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions hosted by Mansfield. 

Patrons 55 years of age or older may pick up a free senior citizen’s pass. Simply provide proof of age at the high school office during regular business hours to receive your pass. Senior citizen pass holders will be admitted free to most MHS sporting events upon presentation at the gate. Restrictions may apply to conference tournaments, regional or state competitions hosted by Mansfield.

Arrangements to purchase adult athletic passes or pick up senior citizen passes must be made with the high school office during regular business hours beginning August 11. Purchases of student discount cards may be made by contacting either the Mansfield Elementary, Middle School, or High School offices. Student discount cards will only be available for purchase from August 11, 2021, to September 3, 2021.

Should unforeseen circumstances cancel all or part of the Mansfield athletic schedule, purchases of adult passes and student discount cards will be non-refundable. 

As a courtesy to Mansfield citizens, those that purchased an athletic pass or student discount card last school year will have those 2020-2021 passes honored for any Mansfield home contest up through Labor Day weekend of this year.

An attempt to answer questions or concerns related to athletic pass policies can be had by contacting the high school office at (479)-928-1105.

Obituary – Rogers Theo Leeper (1952-2021)

Rogers Theo Leeper was born in Mena, Arkansas July 21, 1952 to Theo and Catherine Rogers Leeper. He was called by God on Thursday, August 5, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas.

He roamed Poteau Mtn as a kid on horseback where he had many adventures. His Hon friends would usually be along. His childhood adventures were many just ask his friends. He loved horses better than dogs and he owned many. His favorite horse was named Bullet. The wilder the horse the better he liked them and the way he described Bullet he was full of fire. He was ridden by one man and that was Roger Leeper, no one else could even get close to him.

Roger left Waldron to join the US Army as a teenager and returned when he was in his 30’s. He went to AIT at Fort Polk, LA from there to Vietnam. He always said he was never in the country, just cleaned up their vehicles on board ship as they departed. His favorite duty station was Germany. His last duty station was Fort Bragg, NC, where he met his wife.

His military MOS was a Mechanic. He could work on both diesel and gas engines. Through the years he helped many people with their vehicles, which included log trucks. All a person had to do was ask for help and he was out the door. If you were broken down on the side of the highway he would usually stop to see if he could help you.

Roger retired from logging and Tyson Foods. He acquired many friends, all of them will remember him as a prankster and a great friend. At some point in life his logging buddies gave him the nickname Bur Rabbit, it was shortened to “Bur” and it stuck as his new name.

Just getting out and driving through the woods was his therapy. He knew most dirt roads in Scott County and took every opportunity to drive them. As an outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. He owned many old camping trailers through the years just so he could sit on the lake bank and drown a worm. Even in his illness, he was looking forward to fishing for those elusive catfish.  He also loved going to the rodeo, but his passion was Bull Riding.

He was preceded in death by his parents “Pete” and “Cat” Leeper, his sister Cathy Leeper Payne and his beloved daughter Leanora “Lea” Leeper Rippy.

He leaves behind his wife Betty Ehrhart Leeper, his son William T Leeper and wife Maranda Miner Leeper. The joys of his life were his grandchildren, Anne Radcliff, Zoey Leeper, Victoria Leeper, and Slayde Leeper who he adopted. Three sisters Linda Robertson, Larain Smith, and Mary “Jody” McDaniel and husband Lloyd.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and cousins.

He will be missed by many on this side of life, he has moved on to a new beginning.  One day we will see him again.  Love never dies, and he will not be forgotten by his family and friends. 

Rogers graveside life celebration will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at the Center Point Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs and Rev. Michael Briggs officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rogers Theo Leeper, please visit our floral store.

Obituary – Chatarina “Louise” Bates (1951-2021)

Chatarina “Louise” Bates of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, August 6, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Louise was born March 3, 1951 in Texarkana, Arkansas to Arling A. Adamson and Mabel (Richardson) Adamson. She was 70 years old.

Louise was a resident of Waldron, Arkansas for 40 years and raised her four daughters there. She was a loving caring Mom to each of her children always putting them first and she was always there for them throughout the years. Louise married her loving husband William “Bill” Bates in 2003 and they’ve enjoyed a wonderful life together these last 18 years. She loved going on long drives through the mountains with her husband, going out on yard sale trips, and she was an avid fisher lady and enjoyed spending time fishing with her husband Bill. Louise was a member of the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God. she served the Lord for many years and enjoyed spreading God’s word to others. She had a servant’s heart and was always helping everyone that she could, especially those who were sick or in need. Being at church and talking to people about Jesus were some of her favorite things to do. Her hearts’ desire was to see all her family serving Jesus and going to Heaven.

Louis cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she especially loved holidays, birthdays and family get-togethers with them all as often as she could. Louise also enjoyed making willow baskets, cooking, gardening, fishing, crocheting, and spending time with friends.

Louise leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 18 years, William “Bill” Bates of Waldron, Arkansas, children: Ameda Nowlin and husband Jerry of Mena, Arkansas, Tina Massey of Waldron, Arkansas, Mellisa Watts and husband Billy of Mena, Arkansas, Jeannie Bass and husband Josh of Acorn, Arkansas, Samuel Dewayne Bates and wife Marie of Amarillo, Texas and two special daughters, Charlotte Nunez and Barbara Root both of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Dustin Pitts, Skyler Sparks, Jasper Richmond, Haylee Nelson, Christian Massey, Tristian Massey, Lucas Watts, Amy Nowlin, J.J. Bass, Johnathan Bates, Mathew Bates and Sabrin Bates. She is also survived by her siblings: Darlene Watson of Walnut, Mississippi, Wilma Cox of Waldron, Arkansas, Bud Adamson of Emmett, Arkansas, Ray Adamson of Texarkana, Arkansas and Wayne Adamson and wife Tamara of Waldron, Arkansas.

Louise will be missed by all her extended grandkids and great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Louise had a host of friends, family, and neighbors who will continue to cherish memories of her.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Arling “Art” and Mabel Adamson and brothers Alfred Adamson and Danny Adamson, sister in law Marie Adamson and brother in law John cox.

Louise’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God with Bro, Travis May, Rev. Rickey Hunt and Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Louise’s pallbearers will be Josh Bass, Billy Watts, Jerry Nowlin, Skyler Sparks, Lucas Watts and Dustin Pitts. Honorary pallbearers will be J.J. Bass, Jasper Richmond, Christian Massey and Tristian Massey.

Louise’s visitation will be Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chatarina “Louise” Bates, please visit our floral store.

Be on the Lookout for Invasive, Destructive Box Tree Moths

The Box Tree Moth, an invasive insect already a serious pest in Europe, may have been accidentally introduced into the United States through landscaping materials.

Many potentially infested Canadian boxwoods were shipped to seven states, and then moved to other secondary states, including Arkansas. USDA-APHIS is working closely with the affected states to find and destroy the imported plants in the receiving facilities before the Box Tree Moths can become established. The agency is also trying to trace the sale of imported plants to determine additional locations of potentially infected boxwoods. USDA-APHIS will provide box tree traps and lures for surveys in the receiving facilities and other locations that received potentially infected plants.

On May 26, USDA-APHIS halted the importation of boxwoods and two other species, including euonymus and hollies, which are also known to host the moth.
In Arkansas, any findings should be reported to Paul Shell, plant inspection and quarantine program manager for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Call 501-225-1598 or email paul.shell@agriculture.arkansas.gov.For more information and pictures of box tree moths, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/environment-nature/ar-invasives/invasive-insects/box-tree-moth.aspx.

Obituary – Billy Jack Maxwell (1945-2021)

Billy Jack Maxwell of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, August 6, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his loved ones by his side. Billy Jack was born April 13, 1945 in Waldron, Arkansas to MC Maxwell and Lorine (Nix) Maxwell. He was 76 years old.

Billy Jack grew up in Waldron, Arkansas and graduated in 1962 from WHS. He served a time in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Abbott and started their lives together. He owned and operated Maxwell House Construction for 48 years. He was well known in and around Waldron for the hundreds of houses he built so people could make their dream homes a reality. For many years, Billy Jack’s hobby was his work. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed tinkering on cars. It’s been said that he was a “foodie”. He was always up for a good meal. Billy Jack was a long time member of Temple Baptist Church in Waldron. He was instrumental in the construction of the new sanctuary and even took a tumble off a roof while doing so. He was always excited and ready to spend time with his family. 

Billy Jack leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara of the home, and one son, Eric Maxwell of Waldron, Arkansas and one daughter, Shonna Maxwell of Arkansas. PaPa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Skylar Maxwell of Oklahoma, Lindsey Shaddon of Arkansas and Chealsea Burris of Arkansas as well as 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Charles Maxwell of Waldron, Arkansas, and his nieces and great-nieces and nephews. Billy Jack will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including an extended family of friends, neighbors, and loved ones dear to his heart. 

Billy Jack was preceded in death by his parents, MC and Lorine Maxwell.

Billy Jack’s graveside celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. George Barham officiating. Interment will follow.

Billy Jack’s pallbearers will be Rick Bice, Roger Brigance, Trey Plummer, Mike Stringer, A.G. Morrison, Robert Handley, Jimmy Maxell and Harley McCurry. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Plummer, Curtis Billings, Herman Balentine and Shelby McEntire.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy Jack Maxwell, please visit our floral store.

Learn Bear-Hunting Basics with AGFC’s Lead Bear Biologist

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

FORT SMITH — Myron Means, large carnivore program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will host a series of seminars at AGFC nature centers throughout the state during August and September to teach people about one of Arkansas’s most prized hunts and the state’s former namesake.

“Arkansas was once known as the bear state because of all the bears that were here when settlers first arrived,” Means said. “That population was all but wiped out, but after many decades of relocations and conservation efforts, we have one of the most robust black bear populations in the country again.”

Means will present every aspect of hunting Natural State bears from scouting and bear behavior to field preparation for the hunt and care of harvested bears should a hunter score.

“This will basically be like Bear Hunting 101,” Means said. “If you’ve ever wanted to hunt bears, I’ll try to give you every bit of knowledge you need, but success will still hinge on how much effort you put into the hunt itself.”

Participants will get a crash course in bear physiology and what motivates bears during hunting season.

“Bear hunting really is all about finding food,” Means said. “They don’t have a rut during the fall like deer, but are about to go into their den cycle so they’re focused on one thing – eating.”

Means will help hunters use this knowledge to increase their chances of harvesting a bear, with tactics developed for private and public land hunters.

“We’ll cover baiting sites and how to pattern bears on private land,” Means said. “But we’ll also cover public land hunting, where baiting is not allowed.”

Finding bears on public land still revolves around finding food sources, but it requires much more work in scouting. Means says if acorns and other foods are plentiful, the bears will not need to move much to eat. During low mast years, they’ll move more and focus harder on particular trees that may still be producing acorns.

“The secret is finding these ‘natural bait sites’ and scouting them without disturbing bears that may be feeding,” Means said. “Bears are much less forgiving than deer. If you bust them out scouting, they won’t be back.”

Means says focusing your scouting on late morning and early afternoon improves the chances of not running into a bear before hunting season. Hunters should look for areas with good mast crop and telltale signs of bears visiting, such as bear droppings or scat and bear trails.

Seminar also will address what to do if your new knowledge pays off. Hunters can be intimidated by not knowing what to do with these massive animals after the shot, and poor preparation can lead to a poor experience at the table.

“Bears are much different than deer and can spoil quickly if not cared for properly,” Means said. “The fat layer they are putting on when gorging themselves can be very oily. Combined with them putting on their winter coats, a downed bear’s fat layer can begin rendering itself from the animal’s trapped body heat.”

Acting quickly to skin, quarter and cool the bear is the key to great meals later.

“You also want to get as much of that outer fat layer off as you can before storage,” Means said. “There’s enough marbling in a bear’s muscles to give the meat flavor and prevent it from drying out while cooking. That outer layer just adds too much and has an unpleasant taste.”

Seminars will be available at the following locations and dates:

August 24 — Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith

Obituary – Jerry Eugene Richey (1952-2021)

Jerry Eugene Richey of Nella Arkansas passed from this life, Saturday, July 31, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas. Jerry was born May 6, 1947 in Mena, Arkansas to Giles F. Richey and Viola M. (Wilhite) Richey. he was 74 years old.

Jerry served a 2-year term in the United States Navy. He later was a truck driver until he retired. Jerry enjoyed being with his family.

Jerry leaves behind to cherish his memory, one son, Jerry Richey Jr., and one grandson of Nella, Arkansas and two sisters, Glenda Bilbo of Nella, Arkansas, and Sharon Armijo of Reserve, New Mexico and four brothers: Monte Richey, Dewy Richey, Danny Richey all of Mena, Arkansas and Furlon Richey of New Mexico. Jerry will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of extended family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.

Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Ronnie Douglas Mays (1952-2021)

Ronnie Douglas Mays of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. Ronnie was born October 7, 1952 in Mena, Arkansas to Bob D. Mays and Needa Faye (House) Mays. He was 68 years 9 months and 28 days old. 

Ronnie began school in Boles, Arkansas. In the early 1960’s the family moved to Littlefield, Texas and then to Portales, New Mexico where Ronnie spent most of his childhood days. While living there Ronnie would hang around at the collage baseball field and after a while, they started letting him play with them. There he learned a lot about pitching.

In 1969, the family moved back to Arkansas. Ronnie finished his school in Waldron and graduated with the class of 1970. He was active in several clubs and was a class officer his sophomore year. He also ran track and played wide receiver for the Waldron Bulldogs. Following graduation, he attended vocational training and received his Auto Mechanics license.

Ronnie, or as his brother Bobby would call him, “Duck”, enjoyed drag racing, dirt bike riding, and playing baseball. He played American Legion baseball for Mena and Waldron and even tried out for the Kansas City Royals. He made the first cut to move up, but he didn’t want to move. He played for a lot of different teams and was positioned as third baseman and pitcher. He was known for how hard he could throw the ball and how far he could hit the ball.

Ronnie was a very hard worker and had several different jobs to which he was very dedicated. He served in the US Army and then in the National Guard. 

In 1977 Ronnie became the proud father of his first child, a son, Thomas. In April of 1989 he married Phyllis and gained a daughter, Phylisa. In 1991 Ronnie and Phyllis welcomed a daughter of their own, which they named Sarah.

Ronnie obtained his pilot license and for several years enjoyed flying his private airplane with his family and friends. Many locals have special memories of flying with Ronnie. 

Ronnie enjoyed many things including, fishing with his grandkids, working on vehicles, sitting on his porch looking over his pastures and just being outside. His greatest love was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always looking for a way to do something to help his family.

Ronnie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 32 years, Phyllis Mays of the home, his children: Phylisa Millard and husband Michael of Waldron, Arkansas, Sarah Catlett and husband Brandon of Conway, Arkansas, and Thomas Mays and wife Dayna of Waldron, Arkansas and one sister, Dyiana Kane and husband Matt of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandad will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Brayden, Cody, Logan, Kaylee, Paxton, Kaylynn, Liam, Autumn, Elizabeth and Claire. Uncle Ronnie also leaves a legacy with his nieces and nephews, Douglas, Crystal, Kerstein and Hunter. Ronnie will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Needa Mays, one brother Bobby Mays, one sister Sharon Faye Mays, one grandson Memphis Kade Mays and one nephew Little B.D. Mays.

Ronnie’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt and Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Patriot Guard Riders Honor Fallen Heroes

A local organization has made it their mission to ensure that the utmost dignity and respect is paid to fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans.

The Patriot Guard Riders, or PGR, in West Central Arkansas, answers the call from veteran families to attend services of fallen heroes. The Patriot Guard Riders are completely volunteer-based and a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Newly appointed Ride Captains Gus and Gina Gustafson stated “we just want the community to know about our organization and that we do need to be invited by the veteran’s family to attend. We will not just show up at a service. Also, we would like to have the funeral homes know this and recommend us to the families of veterans, law enforcement, and fire.” The Gustafsons, who have been PGR members themselves since 2005, are hoping to increase membership and build up the organization in this area. “Anyone can join, it’s free,” added the PGR Captains. “Anyone can volunteer, they do not have to be veterans. They can be any age and they do not have to ride a motorcycle.”

The Patriot Guard Riders are a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation, with one thing in common, an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. The only prerequisite, respect.

“Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family,” the Gustafsons stated. “Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives. First, show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. And secondly, shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters. We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.”

The Patriot Gaurd Riders also work in conjunction with organizations like SADA, Students Against Drunk Driving and Scouts of America. For more information on the Patriot Guard Riders in West Central Arkansas, you can visit their Facebook page, or contact Ride Captains Gus and Gina Gustafson at 928-404-3841.

Gas Consumption Up; Prices Reach Highest Average Since October 2014

More people were hitting the road during the first half of 2021, with demand driving gasoline prices to their highest levels since 2014.

The July 29 report by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, showed U.S. retail gas prices averaging $3.247 a gallon in the third week of July. This was the highest weekly average gas price since the second week of October 2014. 

“Gasoline prices have fallen slightly in the past week but remain among the highest in several years,” John Anderson said on Thursday. Anderson is an economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Prices are far above last summer levels, when COVID restrictions sharply curtailed travel and, by extension, demand for gasoline. However, “prices are also up from pre-COVID levels: July retail gasoline prices have averaged about 15 percent higher than July 2019 and more than 40 percent higher than last July,” he said.

Seasonal consumption

“While gasoline consumption virtually always increases from January to July, this year, consumption increased 23 percent from January to July,” Anderson said.  “This is the largest seasonal increase in gasoline consumption in EIA data going back to 1992.”

Higher consumption in spite of higher prices is an unmistakable sign of strong demand, he said. However, as consumers slacken their summer travel and COVID surges back into the picture heading into fall, prices may weaken. 

“Looking ahead, fundamental support for gasoline prices should begin to soften, at least a little,” Anderson said. “Demand should already be weakening seasonally, a tendency that should accelerate as we move from summer into fall. 

“Unfortunately, we may also see demand soften even more if the current increase in COVID cases leads to a return of restrictions and/or widespread risk avoidance behavior by consumers,” he said.

See Anderson’s full analysis of this report: hhttps://bit.ly/3xuREo1.

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To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.