Resident News Network

Operation Dry Water Promotes Increased Safety During Holiday Weekend

Outdoors

-

2:01 pm

Operation Dry Water Promotes Increased Safety During Holiday Weekend

By Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking that everyone enjoying a day on the water during the Independence Day weekend to enjoy themselves responsibly and be aware of the dangers brought about by excessive drinking while aboard a boat. To help make the weekend safe, wildlife officers throughout Arkansas are gearing up for Operation Dry Water July 2-4.

“We patrol the state’s waters year-round in Arkansas, but Operation Dry Water gives us an added opportunity to speak up about enjoying our waters safely,” said Capt. Stephanie Weatherington, Boating Law Administrator for the AGFC.

Weatherington says boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only carries a stiff fine, it also is grounds for a person to lose their driver’s license just as though they were ticketed for driving under the influence.

“It’s that serious of a problem that most states have this rule in place,” Weatherington said. “We want people to have fun, but we want them to be responsible so that everyone can come home with memories of great times on the water.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Boating while intoxicated can be even more dangerous than driving a car while intoxicated, as most boaters have less experience operating a boat. Boats don’t have brakes, and slower responses to a sudden danger can be the difference between life and death.

Weatherington says the effects of alcohol also are magnified by the conditions boating creates.

“The sun, heat, wind and motion all intensify alcohol’s impact on a person,” Weatherington said.

The added impact of alcohol can be a danger to passengers as well as drivers. Although not illegal, passengers who consume too much alcohol can make poor judgments that can lead to injuries and death as well.

Weatherington says she receives calls every year asking if it’s OK to have alcohol on a boat at all. In most cases it’s fine to have an alcoholic beverage onboard, but people should pay attention to the county they are boating in.

“Dry counties are still dry, even on the water,” Weatherington said. “Sheriff’s departments can and will enforce those regulations just as if they were on land.”

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Mansfield Tiger Basketball Programs Under New Leadership

Sports

Resident News Network

-

9:08 am

0

Mansfield Tiger Basketball Programs Under New Leadership

Mansfield Tiger fans will see new coaches at court-side when basketball season rolls around in late Fall. The Mansfield school board voted 4-1 to hire Joshua Brown as the senior high boys coach, and a 5-0 vote to hire Ethan Bowman as the senior high girls coach during a special meeting held on June 22.

Last season, Brown led the Waldron Sr. Bulldogs to a 26-7 record with an Elite 8 finish in the 3A State Tournament.

Known for his charismatic personality, Brown will bring a high impact, fast paced style of play to the Tigers court.

Bowman, a College of the Ozarks graduate makes his way onto the 2A courts after finding success in coaching AAU summer league (off season) basketball.

As a high school basketball stand-out, Bowman will bring youthful enthusiasm to a proven and tested Lady Tiger team.

Keith Stovall will be moved to assistant coach of both Sr. boys, and Sr. girls teams.

Josh Bryan resigned from his position at Sr. girls team Tuesday. See related story

More information will be made available soon

Obituary – Dorothy Owens (1939 – 2021)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

12:48 pm

0

Dorothy Jean (Jeffery) Owens went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 16, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born September 11, 1939, in Dutch Creek, Arkansas to the late Arthur E. and Elgie Tinder Jeffery. She was a Christian by faith.

She met the love of her life and Dorothy & Robert were married April 1, 1960. Dorothy was a wonderful cook. She learned to cook with her mother teaching her. She was famous for her pecan pies! She was an accomplished homemaker. Earlier in life, she was a beautiful seamstress and enjoyed making lovely hand-sewn quilts.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Robert Owens of the home, two sons, Michael Owens and Pam of Waldron, Arkansas and Bobby Owens and Lana of Mansfield, Arkansas, one sister Norma Jeffery Carnahan and husband Ray, 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandson. Dorothy will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family she loved dearly.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Elgie Jeffery, grandparents Elbert L. and Cless Brothers Tinder; brothers Charles R. Jeffery, James R. Jeffery, sisters Elgie D. Jeffery, Joyce Jeffery Williams and Shirley A. Jeffery.

A private family interment was held at Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

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

The Thing about Turtles

Madison VanRavensway

-

11:20 am

0

Summertime is when box turtles are most active. They will be popping up in yards, roads, and pastures all over our area. And while it may seem like you are helping a turtle out if you move them, it’s important to remember a few facts about them.

Turtles live in the same area their whole lives. Any turtle that is displaced will spend the rest of its days wandering, trying to get back home.

Moving a turtle out of the road is a kind thing to do, but make sure to pick them up carefully. Hold the top and bottom of the shell in a straight position, rather than dangling them or picking up just the edge.

Turtles like shady areas during the heat of the day, they are most active in mornings and late of an evening.

Box turtles can retain water better than their water favored counterparts. They survive in droughts easily for this reason.

Painting a turtles shell can cause damage to the shell resulting in sick turtles, or even dead turtles. While it sounds like a fun activity, it really is best to not decorate a shell at all.

Turtles can carry salmonella on their shell and skin. If you handle one, make sure to clean your hands as quickly as possible afterwards.

The growth of civilization has put turtles in harms way, and decreased their population. More often now they are finding themselves in roads and in the mouths of dogs. If you see one, please help it to safety properly, and then take precautions to keep yourself from sicknesses.

Turtles are such interesting animals! Let’s treat them with respect and help them stay around for years to come.

How To Make Your Home More Inviting

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

10:09 am

0

You want your home to feel like home, and, for most, a home is a place that’s comfortable and welcoming. A welcoming home is one that puts you at ease the minute you walk inside. It’s a place where you can lay back, relax, and cast away your worries. It’s also a place where you can spend time with family and friends.

If your home feels cold and impersonal instead of warm and inviting, you’re probably looking for ways to change that. Wondering how to make your home more inviting? Here are some simple and inexpensive tricks.

Paint the Front Door

The eyes are the windows to a person’s soul. What are the windows to a home’s soul, then? Ironically, not the actual windows. It’s the front door, the thing that allows you to enter and leave your home.

A beaten-up and faded front door doesn’t make your home look welcoming. In fact, it does the exact opposite. It makes your home seem unwelcoming.

Painting your front door is a simple way to make your home seem more inviting. Bright and colorful hues will make the exterior look happier and more appealing.

Upgrade the Seating

The next tip on how to make your home more inviting is to upgrade the seating. No, you don’t have to replace your old couch. That would put a real dent in your wallet! Instead, make your existing seating options more comfortable by throwing down brand-new pillows, blankets, and maybe even a slipcover. You can also get an ottoman (or two) so your guests have a place to kick up their feet. If you have a lot of family and friends and want to add new seating without breaking the bank, try cheaper options such as beanbags or poufs.

Fill It With Plants

Humans are hardwired to adore flowers, shrubs, and trees—anything vibrant, green, and leafy! There’s even a name for it: biophilia, the tendency to prefer natural environments over manmade environments as a result of evolution.

Plants can make a room feel more calming and inviting, so why not scatter some throughout the house? If you’re not much of a green thumb, don’t worry. You can decorate using fake plants or durable real ones. Yucca, snake plants, and jade money plants are good low-maintenance choices for inside the home.

Bryan Puts Family First With Basketball Resignation

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

10:01 am

0

Bryan Puts Family First With Basketball Resignation

“The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little boy blue and the man in the moon. When you coming home, dad? I don’t know when. But we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then” – Song by Harry Chapin (1974). The song Cat’s In The Cradle has hit many a dad square in the heart over the years. After a record-breaking 2020-21 season with both the junior and senior Lady Tigers, Coach Bryan announced his resignation to his teams on Tuesday, June 22. Although Coach Bryan’s resignation will surely send shockwaves through the program, school, and community, those who know him well will tip their hat in pure respect for one simple reason. He resigned to spend more time with his family.

The time it takes to succeed at coaching is no joke. Countless hours staying up late watching film trying to properly plan for practices and games followed by the actual practices and games themselves are rough. Tack on a coach’s main job as an educator for eight hours a day and you’ll quickly see that time isn’t on a coach’s side. Few can pull it off, but those who can tend to be successful in their coaching careers. Coach Bryan was one of those few and the success of his players, both individually and as a team, showcased on the court what his time could create. Bryan led the Lady Tigers program to one of the most successful seasons in recent memory with the junior high winning Conference and District Championships while the senior high earned runner-up in conference and districts, finished third at regionals, and advanced to the Elite 8 in the State Tournament. He also helped multiple players rake in All-Conference, All-Districts, All-Regionals, and All-State awards along with a couple of players getting college scholarships to boot. Needless to say, when the 2020-21 season was over, multiple programs statewide not only noticed the Lady Tigers, but they also started making calls to try to secure Coach Bryan as their own program’s coach.

All of the championships, awards, and accolades can make some coaches zero in on success and success alone. They’ll do whatever it takes at all cost to continue gaining those accolades for their program, their players, and themselves personally. But sometimes the cost of success can begin to build debt in other areas of their lives as they prioritize their coaching career over all else. The debt of time lost with his family was the one fee that Coach Bryan chose not to ignore. After plenty of prayer, Bryan made his choice to forgo his childhood dream of coaching for his alma mater in exchange for a more important adult dream of being a great father and husband.

“The Lord blessed me with the opportunity and privilege of coaching. The athletes are what made my time coaching a blast and I will always cherish those memories. Even better, I got to set see a few of my players accept Jesus as their savior and that’s what I’m most proud of. I know we have a special group of athletes that will bring many more victories and championships to Mansfield in the future. I ask that they do what I’ve always asked them to do and give God the Glory win or lose. All that being said, I’ve lost too much precious time with my family. I can’t and don’t want to be absent from any more of their childhood.”

“He was a great coach, sure, but he was so much more to the Lady Tigers. Coach Bryan was a mentor for the girls when it came to the game, their education, and their lives as a whole. He was basically a second dad to them. That’s what made him so special to the players” said Coach Bryans 2020-21 student coach, Adam Hecox. “I would’ve respected his decision no matter what the reason was. But to know his reasoning was to spend more time with his family, that just proves even more what a great man he is.”

Although he will no longer be coaching the Lady Tigers, young men and women will still get their Bryan fix as he will continue his teaching career at Mansfield. Best of all, Bryan can finally answer the question of “when you coming home, dad” by simply stating “Now son. I’m coming home now.”

Remembering Aaron Gamble

Networks

Resident News Network

-

4:06 pm

0

A longtime and well beloved Greenwood teacher, coach, and administrator passed away on Friday, June 18.

His voice would echo through the speakers at Smith-Robinson. His smile was infectious as he shook hands and waved at those attending events. His welcoming reception was the same in the halls at Greenwood schools. He was Aaron Gamble.

This piece will mainly be opinion-driven, there undoubtedly will be tributes from all over the state and country as to what Mr. Gamble, or as I always called him Coach Gamble, meant to them. When the news broke of his passing, people went to social media to express their condolences and their heartfelt remembrances of Aaron and his son Landry. For myself, my interactions with Mr. Gamble are similar to many others in the community.

Mr. Gamble was different, from the times in the late ’90s when he would come back on Friday nights or throw a bit in two-a-days practices, it was hard to not gravitate towards him. A lineman turned Quarterback for the 1995 season, he took the reigns from the recently graduated talented QB Travis McDaniel and showcased what the then Head Coach Ronnie Peacock’s offense could do.

While his work on the field would have cemented his legacy in Greenwood lore, it was his work in Greenwood when he returned after college that set the standard for Bulldog Pride. Mr. Gamble would return to work in the booth with Tim Terry on Friday nights and become a teacher within the school district. Even driving a bus and making a large impact on my oldest son. Once again… Mr. Gamble was just different. He would Coach for a time at his Alma Mater then moved toward a concentration in education. Eventually, he would accept his dream job as an administrator.

In April of this year, it was announced he would be taking over the role of principal at Greenwood High School, another exciting chapter in the story of Mr. Gamble.

Last year, amidst the pandemic, I found myself in a familiar spot on the sideline of Smith-Robinson. Mr. Gamble was there watching the JV team and pointing out different things with a coach’s eye. A field goal was kicked and no one went to retrieve the ball. Mr. Gamble scooted over to behind the end zone opposite of the jumbotron and gave the football back to the ball boy. Well as the JV team did often, Hunter Houston found the end zone again through the air, another field goal. Mr. Gamble went back picked the ball up, planted his feet, flicked the hip and the ball was thrown back. I snapped a few pics that I will cherish forever, it was how I met Mr. Gamble 22 years prior. Same field, same town, same Aaron Gamble.

When he came back to the sideline I went over to him and showed him the photo. We laughed about how long it had been since he really tried to throw a football and how he would feel that in the morning. We stood and talked about past teams, the hometown superstars with names like Coatney, Burgess, Wilson, Morgan, and Hanna. We talked about the upcoming classes, like my youngest son’s and how Greenwood is set on the football field for the next several years.

At graduation, he stood next to me directing students where to go before making his way to his seat on the visitors sideline next to Coach Sandifer. We joked about not hearing his voice from the press box and how great it was that this group of seniors made it through an incredibly tough year. When I walked over to the “visitors” side, I thought how great it was to see two of Greenwood’s sons sitting there making an impact on everyone’s kids.

Coach Sandifer and my youngest daughter have this saying, “God Bless, Go Dogs.” when they would pass each other in the hall. You know on a night such as this everyone is a Greenwood Bulldog. This community through the passing of teacher Megan Whitson, Officer Josh Mourton, and now Aaron and Landry Gamble, could use a “God Bless, Go Dogs.”

Paris Football Camp Cancelled Due to Storm Forecast

Sports

Resident News Network

-

7:35 am

0

Paris Football Camp Cancelled Due to Storm Forecast

Today’s scheduled senior high football camp in Paris has been cancelled due to a forecast of storms later this morning in the Paris area. Teams from Mansfield, Mena, Clarksville and Lamar were scheduled to travel to Paris for the camp.

This is the last week of scheduled workouts for most high school teams in all sports across Arkansas before the mandatory two-weeks “dead period” as regulated by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA). The AAA mandates no workouts, scrimmages, or other school-led activities from June 27 – July 10.

Stay with Resident Press for more information as it becomes available.

Bridge to the Past

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

5:36 pm

0

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Up until very recently, travel around and across the state of Arkansas was a difficult task. Roads of the 18th century were nearly impassable; muddy and full of ruts and stumps. Even more difficult was the task of crossing the many streams and creeks that dot the landscape. Arkansas was the land of ferries. Ferries were transport boats that were capable of carrying humans, animals, and wagons across spans of water. Ferries were of special importance in crossing the larger bodies of water like the Arkansas River and they were found at every major town up and down the river.

It’s hard to believe that no bridges crossing the Arkansas River existed until the Baring Cross Bridge was built connecting North Little Rock to Little Rock in 1873. Dardanelle found an interesting solution to the bridge problem when they built the largest pontoon bridge in existence connecting them to the north bank at Russellville. It consisted of a series of seventy-two boats overlaid with wooden planks. It opened for traffic in 1891 and, for the small fee of 5 cents, an individual could walk across the span to the other side. The cost for wagons was 25 cents and, when cars came along, they were charged 50 cents.

When a steamboat needed to pass up or down the river, several of the boats were allowed to swing free providing an opening through which the boat passed. The pontoons were pulled back into place and connected and the bridge was ready again for use. Eventually, it was replaced in the 1920s by a traditional bridge. The bridge linking Memphis to Arkansas was not completed until 1916. Prior to that, automobiles had the choice of a ferry or travel to St. Louis to cross.

As you travel through Fort Smith, you often cross Free Ferry street. It is named appropriately for it once led to the crossing over the Arkansas River to Van Buren. It was replaced in 1886 by the first span that connected the two cities- a steel construction used by the railroads.

Recognized nationally as one of the sixteen most beautiful long-span bridges in America is the bridge at Ozark. Construction on it began in 1929 and it opened a year later as a toll bridge. It took the place of a ferry that had existed going back to Civil War times and was viewed as a great asset opening up trade between areas north and south of the river. As a small child, I can remember when the bridge was upgraded and repaired. When it’s lighted at night, it is one of the most beautiful sights along the river and stands as the symbol for the City of Ozark.

Zipping across the bridge from Morrison Bluff to Clarksville, one little realizes this convenience is one of very recent construction. Up until 1980, one had to travel to Dardanelle or Ozark to cross the Arkansas River to go northward. The span is one of the longest in the state and served to cut travel distance for the people of the river valley.

We take so much for granted. Those bridges that were constructed in our recent past are of so much importance in connecting us to other businesses and our friends in neighboring towns. They are the bridges that will continue to connect us in the future.

First Annual Flag Day Ceremony Held in Scott County

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

11:44 am

0

First Annual Flag Day Ceremony Held in Scott County

Contributed article by Cassie Coben

On June 14, Scott County celebrated its first Flag Day Ceremony, hosted by the John Tolleson American Legion Post 46 and Ouachita Mountain VFW Post 1345.

Opening prayer was offered by the program Master of Ceremonies, Pastor Greg Shively. Danville Scouts Pack 170 and Troop 170 along with Waldron Scout Troop 59 presented the Color Guard and assisted with the disposal of the retired flags. Scout members would respectfully carry a folded flag to the Veteran participants, who in turn, would present the flags to other members to be placed on a ceremonial fire. The ritual of honor was carried out while Johnny Cash’s Ragged Old Flag was played. For the final flags, WHS Bugler, Owen Ridenhour played “To The Colors”.

The American Legion and VFW Posts would like to thank everyone who attended and look forward to next year’s ceremony. A special thanks to each of the participants: Danville Scouts Pack 170 and Troop 170, Waldron Scout Troop 59, Owen Ridenhour, Waldron Fire Department, Waldron Rural Fire Deptartment, Waldron Police Department and Ouachita Mountain VFW Post 1345 Auxiliary. Also to Scott County Judge James Forbes, Waldron Mayor David Millard and Cheyenne Pottridge. Donations by local businesses to the veterans and scouts were greatly appreciated. Those included: Farmer’s CO-OP, Back 40, Harp’s, Sims Building Material, True Value, and photos by Darlene Wood.

R

Paint the Front Door

Upgrade the Seating

Fill It With Plants

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK