It’s that time of the year again! The Mansfield Lady Tigers are having their annual Red/White Game on August 13th starting at 6 pm. As with before, this gives the Tiger community the chance to see the volleyball team showcase their skills for the upcoming season. “This year it will be a little bit different,” explained Coach Kaylie Pyles. “We are incorporating an 8-12-year-old scrimmage of Mansfield girls starting at 6:00. They will scrimmage for around 30 minutes. Then our Jr High team will scrimmage each other for about 40 minutes followed by the Senior High Red/White Game. That game will be the best 3 out of 5.”
Although the Lady Tigers have always posted the Red and White Game, this time around they wanted to have more kids involved that are a part of the upcoming Mansfield volleyball program. Along with Coach Pyles, volleyball fans will also see a new coach in Brandi Heydenreich. In regards to the first match-up with the 8-12-year-olds, Heydenreich had this to say about the 8-10-year-old group. “What can I say, this group is made up of some firecrackers! Last season was our first time to play competitively and these little spikers brought their A-game! Our team is made up of girls ages 8 to 10 and the majority of the time we were playing 11 and 12-year-olds. We placed in two out of four tournaments and improved with every touch of the ball. To say I am proud of them is an understatement. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table this year!”
“This upcoming season with the Jr and Sr High, I am looking forward to a great year with an awesome group of girls. We have a tremendous amount of talent at all levels and I think the future is bright for Mansfield volleyball! I have coached several of these girls in club ball and I’m excited to now be a part of their school volleyball career. They are going to do great things!” Coaching the 11-12-year-olds is Mrs. Tari Ward. “We are having our girls participate who played JO Volleyball last year which are the girls entering 3rd-7th grades. The girls are happy to have the chance to play on the high school court in front of their friends and family. Bailey Quick said that she wants to show people how she can spike the ball! I’m excited for us to have the chance to showcase our future Lady Tigers!”
This event is free to the community but the Lady Tigers will gladly be accepting donations for the volleyball program.
Composting is rapidly becoming an essential and highly beneficial practice to farmers around the world. The ability to recycle organic material into fresh soil saves farmers time and money, and it’s good for the land and the environment. Best of all, the different types of compost and their uses make the practice of composting accessible to farmers with different sizes and varieties of farm operations.
Aerobic Composting
One essential type of composting is referred to as aerobic composting. In most situations, organic material left in a closed space can only decompose anaerobically. This commonly occurs in landfills and trash bins, as air can’t reach the material in those places to boost bacteria health. Instead, unpleasant bacteria that can survive corrosive conditions putrefy the material and produce large quantities of dangerous greenhouse gases.
On the other hand, with turning methods, organic material is routinely flushed with oxygen, hence the term “aerobic.” The result is a natural decay of the material into useful, refreshed earth rich in beneficial bacteria. Aerobic composting is a common practice that’s easily scaled for small and large commercial operations.
Aerobic Static Composting
Another version of aerobic composting uses static piles. Air vents are dispersed evenly throughout the piles, forcing fresh oxygen into windrows and resulting in a quick and effective output of high-quality compost. Large-scale farms and businesses that focus solely on compost production use this method most often, serving a vital role in reducing waste, controlling greenhouse gases, and supporting farmers with usable soil and cleaner, more natural fertilizers. Aerobic static composting is one of the main ways large quantities of compost are produced and shipped to farms around the country.
Compost Teas
Of the different types of compost and their uses, few are as controversial as compost tea. Primarily, the concern arises from hobbyist gardeners who don’t use the same procedures as commercial farmers. The disagreement generally focuses on which methods produce safe bacteria cultures and whether teas are more effective than standard compost.
Farmers, on the other hand, absolutely know how to use compost teas correctly. With cutting-edge technology, farmers can bypass the guesswork and produce large quantities of very effective teas. The different methods include sealed brewing, aeration, and cultivation of specified strains to guarantee that the tea has only measurable and positive effects on crops. The brewing method also ensures that, once the tea is distributed across crops, the cultures will live longer and provide more benefits.
The sun beams down unrelenting on the turf, kids playing catch, some are running around until a voice calls out, “Alright! Players over here!” It’s the second part of the Pittbull preseason, new player orientation. Fifth and sixth grade new players have already been assigned their teams. Remaining on the field tonight are a group of third and fourth graders. They circle up for stretches before being divided to be evaluated once more for the draft.
As they stretch a couple, carrying an arm pad and paperwork, they meet the group of coaches then take their position on the sideline to observe the orientation, just as they have done for the past 13 seasons.
Scott and Crystal Strozier have been involved with the Pittbulls since 2008 when Scott began coaching. In 2012 they joined the board and continue to be a huge part of the Pittbulls. On any given Saturday, you’ll see Scott slinging burgers on the grill and Crystal keeping things moving.
Johnny McKusker, the President of the Board, arrives after a parent meeting for those in school ball.
Through these three individuals, the Greenwood Pittbulls have become one of the premier youth programs in the River Valley. How did this happen? How after 28 seasons have they become an integral part of the Greenwood Community?
The Beginning
It is June of 1992, a local business owner by the name of Danny Burton approaches the board of the South Sebastian County Youth Organization (now known as Greenwood Boys and Girls Club), regarding a tackle football program. At the time, more than a couple dozen families were traveling to neighboring Fort Smith and towns like Hackett, Van Buren, and Mansfield to participate in football. The outlook for the 1992 season had even more families making the trip to Greenwood’s neighbors. The SSCYO declined, citing difficulties in raising, adding that as a part of United Way, they would have to make the program available to everyone. As anyone familiar with the type of person Danny Burton was, knows what happened next. Burton went to work exploring other avenues.
Burton approached Mike Stem and Rick Smith about starting a program outside of the SSCYO. After contacting and receiving support from families in Greenwood, they contacted the President of the Arkansas River Valley Football League, Buddy Swift, about joining. At the same time, Paris was wanting to join the league and Swift thought it would be a good idea to expand from a six to eight league team. Greenwood and Paris would join; Booneville, Ozark, Hackett, Mansfield, Barling, and Lavaca on August 3rd, 1992.
While league talks were occurring, the Pittbulls set up their board of directors, naming Danny Burton President, Rick Smith as Vice-President, and Mary McCain as Secretary/Treasurer. Mike Pettigrew, Bill Copher, and Jim Butler would become board members.
Starting a football program is never easy, there is insurance and equipment to buy, in 1992 things of that nature totaled $4000. The founding parents donated enough to equip one or more players, alongside some area businesses assisting with donations. Longtime supporter of Greenwood Athletics, Farmers Bank, carried a $1500 note for the Pittbulls, to which the Pittbulls were able to pay back in an astonishing six weeks. By end of the 1992 season, their was enough funding to head into the next season.
Alongside the Football team it was also decided to have a cheer team. It consisted of 10 girls per team and was led by Amy Hurt.
On September 15, 1992 the Pittbulls took the field for the first time against new ARVFL member, Paris. The ARYFL had rules in place that one team was to be made up of 6th graders and a younger team made up of 4th and 5th graders. The 6th grade team, coached by Steven Leonard, Frank Nolan, Mike Stem, and Greg Pair, beat Paris 36-12. The 4th/5th grade team led by Rick Smith, Jerry Efurd, Donnie Sandifer, Gary Ezell, and James Butler would go onto beat Paris by a score of 30-8.
By seasons end, the 6th grade team had finished with a record of 11-1-1, tying against Booneville for the league championship. The 4th/5th grade team ended their season 7-3. The highlight of the season was both teams being invited to play in Little Rock against some great rivals. This is a present-day tradition that continues for the Pittbulls.
The Present
Throughout the years many familiar athletes have donned the white helmets, with the signature blue “G”. Tyler Wilson, Jacob Burton, Hunter Wilkinson, Luke Hales, Morgan and Jordan Hanna and Jayden Jasna, just to name a few. You see the Pittbulls uniforms on Friday nights, as so many kids do, playing catch with a football next to the stands watching and waiting for their turn to make their mark on the Football Town.
It is the foundation to Greenwood Bulldog Football, it’s where legends are unearthed and discussed years later. For example, Luke Hales’ team going undefeated all four years. A 76-70 game against Bentonville, where two rising stars Kane Archer and Braxton Lindsey (Bentonville) tried to out-duel each other. Hunter Wilkinson and Jordan Hanna going to Little Rock and winning the State Championship and then repeating the same feat in high School.
No matter what is done outside of Greenwood, everything starts with the Pittbulls. Crystal Strozier pointed out “of the nine that signed to play college ball in February, seven of those came through the Pittbull program.” The other two started in Union Christian and Lavaca.
The days of Greenwood being the Arkansas River Valley Football League are far behind them. Now it is the very competitive Bi-State League. A league rule change in 2018 called for teams to consist of athletes that attended their respective schools. In turn, it created parity within the league. Last year, albeit the “Covid” season, it saw every organization represented in the playoffs and Championship games. Teams from Sallisaw, Van Buren, Poteau, Greenwood, Bentonville, and Fort Smith all got a chance to take home the coveted Golden Football at season’s end.
For season 29, the cast remains the same with the possible addition of a Fort Smith Southside team to go alongside the talented Fort Smith Northside. Van Buren, who has fielded two teams 3rd-6th is reportedly down to one team. Bentonville always seems to find talent in that area and will look to make a strong run in every division. Poteau always has a deep talent pool in every age group. The Black Diamond out of Sallisaw are always in contention. Another team has reached out to the Bi-State League to join, a travel team out of Alma, who is exploring the idea, just as the Pittbulls did in 1992 with the ARVFL.
The biggest change for Greenwood this upcoming season is the new jerseys. Since 2015, the Pittbulls fielded two teams under the names “Blue” and “Gray”. This season with the new look, they have brought back what was the third team name pre-2015. They are now Pittbull Blue and Pittbull White.
The Future
What does the future hold for the Pittbulls? From Danny Burton to Chris Climer and Clint Watson to Johnny McKusker, the organization has been in good hands. The main goal for the Pittbulls is to do everything to keep this program alive for years to come.
McKusker became the President with a limit of five years in 2016, they joked that they would change his start time to 2018. They are also looking to add board members to fill the spots, as the Stroziers will be leaving at seasons end. If anyone is interested in stepping up to the task, please reach out to them.
While teams all over the country complain and are hampered by a lack of community support, the Pittbulls have put on a master class as to how to become intertwined with the school and the community. From cheerleading and cheer clinic, to games and coaching assistance from the high school, there is something special about the Pittbulls. They are the foundation of preparing the youth of today for the adults of tomorrow through sport.
The Waldron golf season is officially underway and it was as if the Bulldogs never left. In the first match of the 2021 season, Waldron shot a 114 at Cherokee Creek Country Club in Booneville. That score was good enough to lead them to a tie for first place with the Bearcats. “We return a ton of experience on the boys’ side this year,” stated Coach Josh Atchley. “These guys have been working all summer in hopes of three-peating as conference champions and improving upon their third-place finish at the state tournament from a season ago.”
The Bulldogs graduated all-conference golfer Jaden Hutchens, but return all-conference players in Drew Owens and Lane Metcalf, as well as all-stater Lane Tallmadge. In addition to those returnees, Noah Patrick, Will Solomon, and Josiah Plummer round out the squad. Following a year without any female golfers, freshman Macey Owens breaks that trend and is ALL-IN on Bulldog golf. Coach Atchley has big expectations for this year’s team. “These guys set themselves apart because of their commitment to the game without me having to ask or push them to find ways to add value. They are the ones who push each other and hopefully, that gets us over the hump at the state level this year.”
Lane Tallmadge finished tied as the match medalist with a 35(-1), Drew Owens added a 39(+3), and Noah Patrick finished with a 40(+4). A 114 team total is the lowest score Atchley’s squads have ever recorded in his five years as head coach. “We turned in a really good score as a team and we have a great level of competition in conference with Booneville also shooting well. It’s just the first match so we hope to improve on that score as the season progresses.”
Lane Metcalf shot a 41(+5), Will Solomon scored 45 (+9), and Josiah Plummer added a 62 (+26), while Macey Owens finished with a 70 (+34). “Outside of a few tough holes we all played better than normal for the opening match of the year. A couple of our freshmen had some nerves to work through which is pretty standard, but they will get over that.” The Bulldogs will be back in action on August 4th as they host a ‘Mega-Match’ at the Waldron Country Club at 4 pm. Booneville, Charleston, Dardanelle, Elkins, Lincoln, Mansfield, Mena, and Waldron will bring their talents to Scott County as they all showcase some top-notch high school golf!
Teresa Lynn Holloway of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Saturday, July 31, 2021 with her loving sons by her side. Teresa was born June 19, 1952 in Enid, Oklahoma to Dale and Gloria (Gibson) Ballard. She was 69 years old.
Teresa moved to Scott County, Arkansas with her family in 1987. She was a hard-working wife, mother and friend to those that knew her. When her boys were young, she followed them to every activity, school function and sporting event. She loved doing all she could to care for her family and often opened her home to friends of her sons. On several holidays she hosted students from all over the world. She enjoyed her dachshunds and lake trips with her family. She especially found joy in watching the hummingbirds and deer as they would feed.
Teresa leaves behind, to cherish her memory, two sons: Frank Dale Holloway of Waldron, Arkansas and David Scott Holloway of New York, New York and one grandson, Oliver Morgan Holloway. Teresa is also survived by her mother, Gloria Ballard, brothers, Tim Dale Ballard, and Jay Scott Ballard, one sister in law, Teresa Mitchell all of Enid, Oklahoma. Teresa will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of cousins as well as nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Teresa was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 plus years, Walter Holloway, her father, Dale Ballard, one brother, Dan Ballard, her paternal grandparents Harold and Lena Ballard and her maternal grandmother, Grace Gibson.
Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Teresa L (Ballard) Holloway, please visit our floral store.
Any sensible person wants to make sure their drinking water is safe for themself and their family. For anyone worried about their home’s water source quality and who wants better-tasting water from their kitchen tap, installing a water filtration system throughout your entire home is a great solution.
One popular method you might consider is called a reverse-osmosis system. Are reverse osmosis systems effective for your home? Continue reading to discover the answer.
What Are Water Filtration Systems?
Water filtration can encompass any method or process that removes particles and contaminants from water to make it safe to drink. For example, if you snap a Brita filter onto your kitchen faucet, that filter will trap any impurities coming from the tap. Home water filtration systems are like attaching a Brita filter right at the source.
Why Do You Need Water Filtration?
Filtration systems help purify the drinking water of many areas that don’t have access to municipal water treatment or use other sources like well water. It can be essential to have these systems installed in many cases where there are water issues. When you notice signs such as cloudiness, odd smells, or problems like foam and slime sticking to dishes, you should have your water tested.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
The reverse osmosis process extracts impurities when pressure drives unfiltered water, also known as feedwater, across a semipermeable membrane. A semipermeable membrane has tiny holes that prevent pollutants from traveling through while letting water molecules flow past freely.
Water containing impurities makes its way through the membrane, which captures the contaminants and leaves the other side of the membrane purified. The resulting freshwater is called permeate, while the leftover water is known as waste or brine.
What Is a Reverse Osmosis System?
Each reverse osmosis water system consists of a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and a membrane. These filters act as a prefilter or postfilter depending on whether water has flowed through the membrane.
A prefilter removes sediment and chlorine from the water before forcing it through the semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved particles. Before entering a designated faucet, moisture leaves the membrane and travels through a postfilter that purifies the drinking water.
Are They Effective?
Are reverse osmosis systems effective for your home? Yes! In fact, these systems will successfully purify your drinking water and come with benefits beyond that. They help improve water’s flavor, odor, and appearance by taking away impurities that cause these problems. These systems are also easy to repair and maintain. If it’s within your budget, you should consider installing a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
A joint motion for continuance was filed in the case of Dustin Shores, a Scott County man charged with two counts of capital murder, on Friday, July 30.
In that motion, Shores’ counsel and the counsel for the state sought a continuance requesting the fitness to proceed hearing be held on October 5, 2021, at 1 p.m.
According to court documents, Shores is scheduled for a hearing on his fitness to proceed on August 3, however, a forensic examiner employed by the Arkansas State Hospital is a necessary witness for the state and is unavailable on that date. Because of conflicts and prior obligations of the defense counsel, both Shores’ defense and the state are requesting that hearing be postponed.
Shores was arrested in August of 2020 after the bodies of two Scott County residents were found inside a home on Highway 270, near Boles.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call at approximately 1 a.m. on August 24, 2020, from an individual stating he had cut his foot and needed assistance. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the home and found the bodies of the victims, Bobby Slagle, 81, and his wife Martha, 69, inside a bedroom.
Special Agents of the State Police Criminal Investigation Division were requested by the Scott County Sheriff to conduct the homicide investigation.
Shores was charged with two counts of capital murder. The state has not waived the death penalty in this case. Circuit Judge Jerry Don Ramey is presiding over the trial.
On July 6, 2021, Donald Cross, who had been charged with one count of distributing/possessing/viewing matter depicting child sex, negotiated a plea deal. Cross pleaded guilty to the class C felony charge and was given a suspended imposition of sentence.
Cross, 33, was arrested in October of 2020 on child pornography charges following a four-month-long investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
Cross was ordered to pay court costs and a fine totaling $1,150. Additionally, as part of his suspended imposition of sentence, 10 years on the charge of possession of child pornography, a class C felony. Included in that order, Cross must not commit a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment, not drink or possess intoxicating alcoholic beverages or be present in any establishment where its main source of income is derived from the sale of such beverages, must not use, sell distribute or possess any controlled substance, or associate with any person who is participating in or known to participate in the illegal use, sale, distribution or possession of a controlled substance, or be present in places where such person congregate, and must not associate with persons who have been convicted of a felony or persons who are engaged in criminal activity.
Gary Floyd Blythe passed from this life on August 1, 2021, at the age of 80 years old, due to complications from lung disease. Gary was born in Waldron, AR to the late Floyd and Lora (Little) Blythe. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Clyde Blythe.
Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years Shirley Sue Blythe. One son Steve Bunting and wife Laurie of Waldron, AR, two grandsons; Taylor Bunting and wife Raedin of Fort Smith, AR, Brandon Bunting of Waldron, AR, one great-grandson Bryce Bunting of Fort Smith, AR and one sister-in-law Jerri Blythe of Edmond, OK.
Gary was enlisted in the Air Force and later became a member of the 188th Air National Guard in Fort Smith, he later transferred to the 296th Army National Guard in Charleston, AR where he retired as an E-6 as a Motor Pool Sergeant. During his time in the military, Gary was a collector of items and stories that would later become Blythe’s Museum in Waldron, AR. Gary loved Waldron and Scott County and his museum reflected that. He had a story for every item he had in his museum and he loved to tell them to everyone who visited the museum. To make sure that everyone would continue to enjoy his museum items, he donated them to Scott County.
Gary was the owner and operator of Blythe’s Garage and Towing. He later added a Gun and Pawn Shop. He was a former member and past president of the Waldron Area Chamber of Commerce. A member of the VFW Waldron Post, The American Legion, and also a member of the Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier Tourism, and many other organizations.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Martin Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Butch Morgan officiating. Burial will be at Duncan Cemetery following the service under the direction of Martin Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be James Nelson, Mike Stringer, David Sikes, Danny Brown, Rick Black, and Scott Clemmons. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Stewart and Henry Dixon.
Pictured: Mansfield distance runners pose for a photo atop the recreation equipment located at Booneville’s City Park adjacent to the town’s Veterans Memorial. From left to right Josiah Fildes, Leland Powell, Darby Jones, McKenzie Griffin, Hope Rainwater, Gunner Williams, and Ashton Hinkle totaled 33 miles along the Booneville running trails.
Small numbers have been producing big results. Despite fluctuating attendance through the first three weeks of pre-season training, Mansfield long-distance runners have produced nearly 600 miles of collective training.
Members of the Mansfield cross country team went to work as a group on Monday, July 12. Through Thursday, July 29 the collective miles for the group have been recorded for a total of 595.4 miles.
The team meets for group running sessions three to four nights a week. Of the total eleven practices that the members have gathered for so far, two practices have revolved around specialty trips to unique locations.
The most recent specialty trip occurred last Wednesday. Only a portion of the total group was able to attend the run that took them around the Veterans Park in Booneville. Similar to the previous week’s destination trip to a Fort Smith Historic Site, dual sports conflicts, and other commitments reduced the participating runners.
Seniors Hope Rainwater and McKenzie Griffin do a cool-down run after leading the junior high pack run at Booneville
The players that did make the Booneville trip enjoyed the opportunity to navigate a scenic 1.59 mile loop around the town’s Veterans Memorial. The course was linked to the walking trail that intersects the Booneville Parks and Recreation Activities Area.
Serving as the lead runners for two different running packs at the Booneville location were seniors Darby Jones and McKenzie Griffin. Jones took the more experienced runners for a faster-paced run while Griffin stayed close to the more inexperienced junior high group.
The pair have been putting up quality numbers for most of the summer even before team workouts began. Since the team practices started, Griffin has totaled the most distance at 98.75 miles. Jones is a close second with 74.1 miles.
Ashton Hinkle leads the senior high boys with 63.3 total miles over 10 practices. Leland Powell, a freshman first-time distance racer, has accumulated 23 miles over just 7 practices for the junior boys. Joseph Carter, a returning member of the 2020 junior boys conference championship, has collected 21.5 miles juggling training days with summer basketball and football workouts.
Darby Jones (left) leads runners Ashton Hinkle (right) along with Josiah Fildes and Gunner Williams (left to right second row) for a run near Booneville Veterans Park
Trinity Triska and Laney Wood, both of whom split time with volleyball, have logged the most miles for the junior girls. Respectively the two have 32 and 30 total miles through limited pre-season workouts.
Mansfield’s cross country unit hopes to increase their number of miles by at least another 200 miles by the end of their fourth week of pre-season. Another specialty trip is planned at the end of that training period.
According to their schedule, the upcoming adventure trip will end near a water park allowing the hard-working runners some quick relief from the rising temperatures.
