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From Pee Wees to Mama Eagles, New Paris Football Coach Rapidly Building Community Support

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From Pee Wees to Mama Eagles, New Paris Football Coach Rapidly Building Community Support

When Jeff Weaver was hired late last spring by the Paris School Board as its next head football coach, Weaver brought to Paris the reputation of being a football program builder. And in very short time, Weaver has already began to build community-wide support for the Eagles football program at all grade levels. While some coaches may speak of the need for community support of their programs, Weaver has already taken big steps in making that concept a reality for Eagles football.

A week ago, Paris hosted a Pee Wee football camp over two evenings at Eagles Stadium. Future Eagles from grades 3-6 were on hand in large numbers to go through the two-day camp. The camp consisted of individual drills in fundamentals that included blocking, running, throwing the football, and in team play where the young Eagles had the opportunity to run high school plays under the stadium lights. The camp has been enthusiastically supported by kids, parents, and fans of the program throughout Paris. In fact, participation numbers in the entire football program are growing, and this, in my opinion, is a direct response to the priority Coach Weaver has placed on including everyone in the Eagles football program.

But, it doesn’t end here. This Tuesday night, Weaver will host a night for senior football players and their moms in an event dubbed as “Moms 101”. On this night, Weaver and the Eagles coaching staff will coach the moms in their sons’ football positions with their sons assisting by holding tackling dummies and other assistive tasks with the coaches. It is yet another way to bring another group of community members into the Eagles flock, gathering support for the program. By looking at the response on social media, the event is anxiously anticipated by many in the community, and it should be a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Of course, the time is rapidly approaching for the Eagles staff to turn their attention back to preseason preparation for the Eagles football opener at Lavaca on August 27. Weaver has been happy with his team as they exited spring practice with a lot of work accomplished in installing a new offense, and continuing on to summer workouts and camps. The Eagles will now move into the next phase of polishing their game and eventually moving into game-week preparations for the Golden Arrows.

Resident Press will be at Eagles Stadium on Tuesday to bring you coverage of the first “Moms 101” event. Look for this story Wednesday night in Resident Press. Additional photos will also be available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports.

So, Eagles moms, I hope you are stretching, working out, and hydrating to get ready for you big night on Tuesday! And as always, Resident Press will be there to bring our readers the action!

See you at the stadium!

Scott County Museum Finds New Home in Historic Courthouse

Tammy Teague
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Scott County Museum Finds New Home in Historic Courthouse

Treasuring the past, embracing our area’s rich history–the Scott County Museum of History is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Scott County, Arkansas.

In an exciting announcement this month, the museum’s Executive Director and Board President, Ty Richardson, announced that they had procured the historic Scott County Courthouse, located at 184 S Main Street in Waldron. “We were able to get a grant with the assistance of Scott County Judge James Forbes to rehabilitate the first floor of the courthouse,” shared Richardson.

The restoration project has been a labor of love for both Richardson and Media Specialist, Carolyn Hanna, who together, have worked tirelessly to see the project to completion. Although the first floor has been the focus, Richardson noted that in the future he would like to apply for additional grants to rehabilitate the second and third floors of the former courthouse. “We would eventually like to occupy the whole building,” stated Richardson.

Richardson, a Scott County native, has a master’s degree in historic preservation. His work as a historian at the National Parks led him back to his roots. “I decided to come back here and help my community,” Richardson added.

The museum’s director described the collection as “impressive” and expressed his gratitude towards Gary Blythe, the owner of Blythe’s Scott County Museum for his contribution. “A large portion of the museum was generously donated by him…the collection includes Native American, Central American, and Japanese artifacts. It will also include quite a bit of World War II items.”

According to Richardson, the museum is slated for a soft opening in early 2022. The Scott County Museum of History is now accepting donations by mail and direct deposit. For those who prefer a tax receipt please send a check to PO Box 1825, Waldron, AR 72958. Anonymous donations may be made at Community National Bank in Waldron.

**Editor’s Note: It’s with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Gary Blythe has passed away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Shirley and the Blythe family.**

United Way Day of Caring

Tammy Teague
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United Way Day of Caring

The United Way of Fort Smith Area Day of Caring is slated for Thursday, September 16. However, in order to be guaranteed a t-shirt, you must be registered prior to Friday, August 6.

The Day of Caring is a great way to promote volunteerism, increase awareness of local human service agencies and give people a chance to see firsthand the impact that United Way is having in our communities. These unique collaborations provide essential support to our community partners agencies.

Day of Caring will be combined with the 2021 Campaign Kick-Off. Kick-off breakfasts are planned for Fort Smith and Booneville.

Projects are located in:

Alma
Barling
Booneville
Cedarville
Charleston
Fort Smith
Greenwood
Hartford
Mansfield
Mulberry
Ozark
Paris
Poteau
Sallisaw
Van Buren

Hackett Boots & Badges Blood Drive Support Your First Responders

Tammy Teague
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Hackett Boots & Badges Blood Drive Support Your First Responders

July 23, 2021 –Hackett first responders are looking for citizens to support their efforts through blood donation with Arkansas Blood Institute.  Those who give at the Boots & Badges blood drive on Wednesday, July 28, will provide blood needed to save local lives, such as those that firefighters and law enforcement officers rescue. 

Anyone 16 years or older* is urged to stop by the Hackett Fire Department between 2 and 6 p.m.  All donors will receive special-edition Boots & Badges T-shirts, and a free admission to Magic Springs, Arkansas’s only theme and water park.  By giving blood at this drive, donors will show their support for the firefighters and law enforcement officers who save lives in their community.

Although all blood types are needed, donors with O-negative blood are particularly urged to give.  Only seven percent of the population has this blood type, but it is the ‘universal type’ and can be used in an emergency when a patient’s blood type is not known.

“Hackett’s first responders see the daily need for blood first-hand when the people they rescue require life-saving treatment,” said John Armitage, M.D., President & CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute.  “We can’t say enough about the service our police officers and firefighters provide, and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available in emergency situations.”

Appointments for the blood drive may be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org. 

* Vouchers for attractions must be redeemed online at yourbloodinstitute.org.  16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Local Hunters Draw Permits to Pursue Alligators on Public Land

Tammy Teague
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Local Hunters Draw Permits to Pursue Alligators on Public Land

Thirty-three hunters drew permits to pursue alligators on public land during the 2021 season, including two area hunters, Jeremiah Dorey from Hackett and Eric Tobey from Hartford.

Hunters who have access to private land in the alligator zones of south Arkansas can hunt through a quota-based system similar to bear hunting and private land elk hunting.

The opportunity is a first for both Dorey and Tobey. “I am excited,” shared Tobey. “Everything I have read says the chances are good down there.”

“This will be my first hunt,” shared Dorey. “I have applied for a permit every year since its inception, I believe in 2004. I am very excited. Hopefully, I find one the first couple nights as my permit is not guaranteed if the private landowners fill the quota before I get one.”

The season dates are Sept. 17-20 and Sept. 24-27. The application period was June 15-30.

Mark Barbee, wildlife biologist at the AGFC’s Monticello office who coordinates the hunts, says last year was the first using a quota system for private-land alligator hunting, and the transition proved beneficial for hunters.

“Anyone can obtain the private land alligator permit through the AGFC’s online licensing system for $5 in addition to their hunting license,” Barbee said. “They will be able to participate in the alligator hunt on private land they have permission to hunt until the quota has been met in that zone. It will be up to each hunter to call in before their hunt every night to the wildlife hotline (1-800-440-1477) to see if the quota has been met and if they can continue their hunt.”

Another change from last year that remains in place is the use of online hunter orientations. The alligator hunt orientation and training manual at agfc.com lays out all the most important details and frequently asked questions about the hunt.

Visitwww.agfc.com/alligator for more information on the season. The private-land alligator permit is available through the “Buy Licenses” button atagfc.com.

Here’s a list of public-land permit winners and their hometowns:

ZONE 1

Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA: Stephen Correro, Benton; Garrett Davis, Hope; Rickie Robbins, Hope; and Terry Whatley, Hope.

Little River: Brailee Fondren, Lockesburg; and Angela Wolcott, Lockesburg.

Mercer Bayou/Sulphur River WMA: Steven Young, Rosie.

Millwood Lake: Randall Byram, Texarkana; Shawn Martin, Alicia; and John Windham, El Dorado.

ZONE 3

Lower Arkansas River Wetland Complex: Timothy Carter, Conway; Brandon Cook, Searcy; Jeremiah Dorey, Hackett; Christopher Ellis, Sheridan; Sanford Evans, Parkin; Darren Finley, Beebe; Mathew Foster, England; Cody Holbert, Stuttgart; Robert Jones, Searcy; Samantha McFadden, Roland; Winburn Melugin, Arkadelphia; Rodney Morehead, Benton; Allen Robinson, Jefferson; Leslie Sitzes, Jonesboro; Robert Sterling, Benton; James Summerville, Benton; Eric Tobey, Hartford; Dillon Turner, Greenbrier; McKinlee Walker, Corning; Martin Walt, Dumas; Randy Whitehurst, Lonoke; Ryan Williams, Dermott; and Bryan Yarnell, Roland.

Beholding the Beauty of a Rainbow

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By Vestal Hutchens

I really like rainbows. Not only do they remind me of God’s promise (Genesis 9:12-17), they are simply beautiful.
The mechanics of a rainbow are the light (from the sun) shining through a rain shower and the raindrops, acting as a prism, breaking the light into its primary colors of red, blue, green, yellow, etc.

This means you can only see a rainbow if the light source creating it is either directly or obliquely behind you. You will never see a rainbow if the sun is shining into your eyes. (Some might say it doesn’t even exist. Of course it does, you’re just in the wrong place or position to see it.)

I’ve seen many rainbows – dozens, if not hundreds. (Singles, double, triple and partial.) I remember one particular partial rainbow – very thick and vivid in colors, extending up from the horizon a short distance before being cut off by a very dark, dense cloud. I also remember two very particular rainbow incidents that were (at least to me) very unique.
The first one occurred in mid to late December of 1962 when I was 12 years old. I was helping Clyde Chambers (a local carpenter) build a carport extension to the house he and my parents had built in 1960. It occurred at exactly mid-day as we prepared to stop for lunch. At that time of year, the sun was directly south of our position. It was very warm for that time of the year (mid-60’s) and a pop-up shower passed over us. We looked up and there, directly in the north, was a perfect, vivid rainbow, exactly centered over Pilot Mountain.

I shared this with Garrett Lewis, Chief Meteorologist for KFSM-TV Channel 5 about a decade ago. He had never heard of anyone ever seeing a rainbow directly in the north or south as they typically occur early or late day in the east or west. Just a case of being in the right place, at the right time, under the right conditions.

The second incident occurred in the spring of 1971 during an early morning “April shower”. I was driving to work at about 7:30 a.m. on Highway 71 South, coming down the hill just south of the Jenkins community, traveling north-west. The sun was obliquely over my right shoulder in the southeast and a rain shower occurred. There about half-way down that hill was the end of a huge, vivid rainbow square in the center of the road. (No, there was no pot of gold.) As I drove into the end of that rainbow, it was as if every particle of the atmosphere was infused with those beautiful, vivid colors. Of course, then in less than the blink of an eye, it vanished. (I was then in the wrong position relative to the sun and the raindrops.)

I really like rainbows.

Boost the Wildlife Potential of your Hunting Property

Tammy Teague
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Boost the Wildlife Potential of your Hunting Property

By Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and its partners in conservation are hosting special workshops throughout the state to help landowners improve the wildlife habitat on their property. Whether your focus is deer, turkey, quail or the many non-game species that depend upon healthy habitat, AGFC biologists want to help.

Clint Johnson, AGFC Private Lands Program biologist, said the workshops include a variety of topics and techniques that are low cost, but have significant effect on the property’s wildlife-holding potential.

“Habitat is the key to seeing healthier deer and turkey populations on your property,” Johnson said. “Managing wildlife populations requires a holistic approach, including balancing populations with available resources through careful harvest, monitoring for wildlife diseases like chronic wasting disease in deer and habitat improvements, which can include invasive species control, prairie restoration, forest management and prescribed fire.”

The workshops are part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s ongoing effort to work with private landowners throughout the state to help manage wildlife across the entire landscape. Close to 90 percent of Arkansas is in private ownership, so partnerships with private landowners are essential to improve habitat for quail, turkeys and many other species on a landscape level. In addition to 12 AGFC private land biologists dedicated to working with landowners, the agency works with biologists from Quail Forever, the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other organizations to point landowners on the path to success with their property. 

“The workshops are all free, and there’s no obligation to sign up for any of the programs offered,” Johnson said. “I encourage anyone interested in learning more about how they can improve their property for hunting or simply using their property to help pollinators or other wildlife to register and attend.”

Registration for the workshops is available online at www.agfc.com/events. Select “Filter by Event,” and choose option 7 (Landowner), or you may click here to go directly to the landowner workshop registration panel. 

How To Organize the Garage: Items To Keep and Throw Away

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How To Organize the Garage: Items To Keep and Throw Away

Cleaning out the garage is the next phase in your home organization process. Right now, you’re wondering how to organize the garage and deciding what items to keep and toss. It can be difficult, but this guide will help determine what things to keep and what items to toss.

The Keep Pile

This pile will consist of items you’re looking to hold onto and don’t need to part with yet. This pile will typically consist of items in good shape, things your kids have not grown out of yet, and items you plan to give away eventually, but that still have some use left.

Hold Onto Outdoor Toys and Furniture

If your children haven’t grown out of their outdoor toys, you should hold onto them. Outdoor toys like bicycles, pool toys, basketballs, and other things similar to them can afford to be saved. For furniture pieces, consider holding onto cushions for patio furniture. That way, you’ll have something to sit on in the warm months. If any cushions are ripped and you cannot repair them, toss them out and replace them.

Organize Car Supplies

There’s a chance that you own a car, and so it’s a good idea to organize all car supplies that you have hidden away in your garage. Grab a few storage bins to help organize car supplies that are almost gone or haven’t been used. This way, your car will have the right supplies when needed.

Hardly Used Items

We know that hoarding is not a good trait, but if you do have a designated donation pile, tuck it away somewhere safe, like an attic or a closet. That’ll help clear out clutter and make more room for necessities in your garage.

The Throw Away Pile

This pile will consist of items you no longer have an attachment to, no longer need, or are broken. This will also consist of things that are hardly used by anyone in your family.

Toss Empty Cardboard

It’s great to have boxes for extra storage, but if they lie around empty, there’s no point in holding on to them. Do the right thing by throwing them out or repurposing them. You can do a lot with cardboard, including lining the bottom of bird cages or your garden.

Get Rid of Broken Tools

That broken screwdriver you’ve been holding on to needs to go. Any tools that are broken in your garage should be fixed or thrown out. Replace any essential tools with brand new models.

Throw Away Expired Chemicals

Expired chemicals may come in the form of detergent, soap, and other cleaners. If you don’t dispose of them, expired chemicals can build up and create an unsafe environment. Contact a local waste management company to better assist in disposing of your expired chemicals.

When figuring how to clean the garage and what items to keep and toss, consider additional ways to straighten your garage better. By doing this, you are saving yourself more time and patience when it comes time to clean your garage again in the future.

Tiger Runners Begin Pre-Season XC Practice

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Tiger Runners Begin Pre-Season XC Practice

Photo: Mansfield freshmen Laney Wood, Trinity Triska, and Leland Powell circle the City Lake Park as part of their summer cross country pre-season training.

Moderate temperatures greeted members of the Mansfield cross country team last week as preparations for the upcoming season resumed after the mandatory AAA dead period.

The Arkansas Activities Association held its annual two-week dead period for interscholastic activities from June 27 through July 11. On the following Monday evening, Mansfield distance runners laced up their running shoes and began a series of team training sessions.

Mansfield senior McKenzie Griffin finds the City Lake Park a safe place to train for cross country as the area is regularly patrolled by city police

“It was good to get back together as a team after mostly individual training took place since school let out in May,” said Mansfield cross country and track coach John Mackey. “The motivated athletes had been through about six weeks of individual training. Now, we get together as a group and see where we are at as far as conditioning.”

Tiger and Lady Tiger runners invaded the Mansfield City Lake Park for evening aerobic runs that started on that Monday, July 12. Depending on skill level, the beginners up to the experienced seniors spent time together warming up, developing core strength, and running.

Joseph Carter of Mansfield prepares for the upcoming cross country season. Carter, an eighth-grader, was on the junior boy’s conference championship team in 2020

“We had everything from half-mile runs to six-mile endurance runs that first night,” explained Mackey. “You could tell right away who had been active during the time off.”

According to the coach, practice is open to any eligible player from seventh grade to twelfth grade for boys and girls. Newcomers along with veteran runners that have been unable to attend so far due to schedule conflicts are still welcome.

Aidan Fildes and Danielle Lowery race each other as they finish long-distance training as members of the Mansfield junior girls cross country team

The typical weekly schedule calls for nightly sessions each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:00 PM until about 8:30 PM at the City Lake. The team sessions will continue each week until professional development training for teachers begins the week before school starts. A regular school-time practice schedule will ensue shortly after that.

There are a few extra morning destination trips scheduled opposite the typical summer evening workouts to break up the monotony of the same old scenery. For example, one trip has the team taking a morning bus trip this Friday to the site of the first Fort Smith.

Lady Tiger Jadelynn Wood strides down a path during cross country summer practice. Wood was selected as a member of the River Valley Best of Preps cross country team last season

The historical site originally established on December 25, 1817, is located between Judge Isaac C. Parker’s courthouse and the Arkansas River. There is a 1.25-mile walking/jogging trail that runs along the river’s edge and circumvents the original fort grounds.

“The visitor’s center describes this area as an exploration into living life on the edge of the frontier and Indian Territory,” remarked Mackey who also serves as a teacher at the high school. “I think this will give our kids a chance to experience real history as we bond together doing something we love.”

Waldron Basketball: Under New Management

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Waldron Basketball: Under New Management

Come November, the Waldron Activity Center will have a facelift of sorts after some coaching changes for the Bulldogs. There will be some familiar faces in Josh Atchley and Tracie Adams, in addition to some fresh faces in Zak Terwilliger and Erica Richardson. However, all the coaches in the office will have new titles from a season ago.

Josh Atchley

Former Head Boys Basketball Coach Josh Brown left to take over the boys basketball program at Mansfield, which was the first domino to fall. Moving up from Junior Boys and over from Senior Girls, Josh Atchley will take over the boys program that has won an impressive 75 games over the last 3 seasons with a pair of conference championships and a district title a year ago. Coach Atchley is entering his 6th year of coaching at his alma mater after three years at Ozark and a season at Mena. “Excited. That’s the only word that comes to mind when thinking about taking over the boys program here where I learned the game from guys like Jeff Crumpton, Stewart Adams, and Brad Johnson. I’ve spent the last five years working alongside Josh Brown, which forces you as an individual to match his effort and energy on a daily basis. I am so appreciative of every one of these guys who have been a part of this program since I’ve been back and look forward to continuing to build on the standards that are here. Let’s #FlytheW!”

Tracie Adams

The basketball journey that Tracie Adams has experienced is unmatched. After graduating from Havana High School she went on to play collegiately at Ouachita Baptist, before serving as the university’s head coach. From there, basketball took her to the University of Texas-Pan American, as she became the youngest Division 1 head coach in the country, to Stephen F. Austin University, then to Waldron as the boys and girls head coach. Coach Adams has “been there and done that,” when it comes to the game of basketball and after an 18+ year hiatus, she is excited about the challenge of taking the reins of the program that she once led. “I’m excited and inspired to continue adding pieces to the foundation that Josh Atchley and Lady Bulldog Basketball have built. I look forward to working hard and seeing our players strive to maximize their potential.” Coach Adams was the head junior girls coach this past season, but will add both senior high and 7th grade to her expanded role.

Zak Terwilliger

Zak ‘Twigs’ Terwilliger will don the orange and black for the first time as he begins his coaching career as the 7th and Junior Boys basketball coach for the Bulldogs. “I’m excited to build a strong relationship with my team as they work hard and grow as young men and athletes. Also, to begin my coaching career with a former coach is very exciting!” A product of Mena High School, Coach Twigs was a member of Coach Atchley’s first-ever basketball team and now he begins his career alongside his former coach. “My dudes are going to enjoy playing for Coach Twigs. He possessed a high basketball IQ as a player and now you see that spill over into his coaching. He has an eagerness and desire to be a Bulldog and help develop these young men,” added Coach Atchley.

Erica Richardson

Coach Adams will add a new face for the Lady Bulldogs as well. Erica Richardson will step in to assist all the girls teams, as she has in years past with track and now looks to bring some coaching over to the Lady Bulldogs basketball program. A graduate of Sheridan High School and the University of Arkansas, Coach Richardson has spent the last four years as a math instructor at Waldron High School but is looking forward to assisting with basketball as well. “I am excited to continue building an environment that motivates our athletes to work hard and become successful both on and off the court. I love coaching track here in Waldron and I am grateful for the opportunity to coach basketball too! Go Ladydogs!” Despite this being her first opportunity to coach basketball, she has extensive knowledge from a kinesiology background, which will be beneficial. Coach Adams added, “We are lucky to have young educators in our school that look forward to a challenge and ways to impact our student-athletes in multiple ways. Not sure if Coach Richardson understands what exactly she is getting into but her eagerness to be a part of this program is awesome!”

As for now, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs are doing what most programs are across the state and that is practicing and working, in anticipation of being ready to go November 9th when the Indians of Caddo Hills visit the WAC! Even though this has been a summer of change there is one thing that is a constant, and that’s the fact that when the lights come on in the WAC…..Waldron basketball will be ready!

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