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Lady Tigers Play Hardball In Close Loss To Tuckerman

Sports

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4:04 pm

Lady Tigers Play Hardball In Close Loss To Tuckerman

Pictured is Chloe Creekmore

It was a windy dark day for the Arkansas 2A State Championship. On each side of the field were two teams vying for State gold who couldn’t be more alike as the young up-and-coming Mansfield Lady Tigers took on the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs. With a total of 694 fans in the stands, most of which wore Tiger Red, the game was a tip-toe edge-of-the-seat thriller for Lady Tiger fans at the stadium and watching on television. In the end though, Mansfield fell in the final inning with a final score of 4-3.

The first inning was a warmup for both teams as each was looking for their opponent’s weaknesses. Tuckerman drew first blood, but it was the second inning that the Lady Tigers began to shoot off fireworks. Hailey Walker started off the second inning following in her family’s name as she took poor pitching by Tuckerman to walk her way onto first base. Cole Smith then rolled up a solid single base hit to set Brooklyn Adams up for a Lady Tiger boomer at-bat. Adams proceeded to smack the softball in a not so soft manner to bring in Walker and Smith to give Mansfield a 2-1 lead at the end of the second inning. At the top of the third, Alyson “The Extreme” Edwards pitching landed inside a few times putting her behind the numbers, but being a team sport, her teammates made up for the early pitching woes. Tuckerman was able to hit a few shots, but the infield along with Edwards cut them off at every hit as they stifled the Lady Bulldogs to go into the top of the third inning still up 2-1.

The 2021 State Runner-Up Mansfield Lady Tigers

Chloe Creekmore started off with the swinging stick and smacked the ball towards third base but Tuckerman narrowly threw her out at first. Natalie Allison met the same fate with her next up as Tuckerman caught a pop fly from Allison for out number two. Tuckerman was on fire defensively, but they would soon be doused as Skylynn Harris sent the ball “Sky Bound” for a quick double as she landed on second base. But the bats didn’t have the upper hand as Tuckerman got their three outs against the Lady Tigers to go into the bottom of the third with momentum. With the Lady Bulldogs thinking they had the game set, Coach Donnie Eveld called a quick time to calm his players down and reboot their hard drives. The reboot was just what the Lady Tigers needed as with the very next pitch the Lady Tigers put an out on the board. Next, “The Extreme” Edwards stuck out the bulldogs. With the last reboot roundup, Edwards caught a soft hit by Tuckerman and tossed the ball to Harris to close out the third inning still with a 2-1 lead.

Smith stepped up to the plate to kick off the fourth inning with a quick smack of the ball but was thrown out at first base. Harlie Fuller dusted off her cleats with a bunt, but again Tuckerman threw another rout at first. Two outs at first set a bad tone, but Adams came up to take a line drive to land on first base. Kiara Thomas popped an impressive high hit, but the Lady Bulldogs snagged it out of the air to send the Lady Tigers back to the dugout. Edwards was up again on the mound and pitched a strike, foul, foul, ball, foul, ball, and a hit/catch/toss to Harris for an early out at first base then followed that up with back to back strikeouts to close out the fourth inning with style.

To open the fifth inning, the lineup was a death row streak for Tuckerman. Edwards, who just closed the fourth with strikeouts, opened the fifth at-bat for the Lady Tigers with a solo shot over the wall for a home run giving Mansfield a 3-1 lead. That apparently didn’t make the Tuckerman field crew happy. Creekmore was up next and issued a line drive but Tuckerman did what they do best and quickly pitched the ball to first to put Creekmore out. Natalie Allison met the same fate as she sent a highflyer right into a Tuckerman glove to be out. Harris stepped up next and felt the wrath of the Lady Bulldogs pitching as she was stuck out. Mansfield stepped into the bottom of the fifth feeling the highs and lows of the previous top inning and knew that the game could go either way. The compass read up though as Edwards struck out the first Tuckerman batter in typical Lady Tiger fashion. Although Arkansas mask restrictions have been lifted, Creekmore kept hers on as she caught a bunt from her hind catcher position for the second out. Tuckerman sent an airball to left field only to be met with the glove of Harlie Fuller who proved that the Lady Tigers defense isn’t half empty, it’s definitely “Fuller” than the Tuckerman batters.

Tuckerman didn’t lay down to start the top of the sixth inning as they struck out Walker, got Smith out at first base, and ripped Fuller down with three strikes. The Lady Bulldogs then took over the plates getting two on base early and bringing in a homer closing the gap to a 3-2 lead by Mansfield. Natalie Allison snagged the next hit, but an RBI on the next Tuckerman swing brought in another run to tie the game 3-3. With the Lady Bulldogs on fire, Edwards put out the flames to close the sixth inning with a strikeout. With the game on the line, Tuckerman made a bold move and switched pitchers. Brooklyn Adams took the first pitch for a foul and the second with a hit but was shut down at first base. Thomas was struck out next, and Edwards was caught on a fly ball for a quick three outs by the Lady Bulldogs. The comeback woes began to take their toll on Mansfield as Tuckerman took a base followed by a steal. Then a pop fly catch by Creekmore set the stage for another steal by Tuckerman all the way to third base. The nail in the coffin was finally driven in with a quick hit for the walk-off score at the bottom of the seventh for the final score of 4-3.

The underdog Mansfield Lady Tigers heard the negativity all season. Things like “you play in a weak conference” and “you’re too young to go very far”. With 2012 being the last season for a Lady Tiger State Softball Championship and over 600 days since the last softball Championship period was played due to COVID, the odds stood against Mansfield to even win their conference. Instead, they dominated their Conference, District, and Region winning all three, whipped their way to the State Finals to finish as State Runner-Ups, and finished with an 18-5 record. The Lady Tigers did everything everyone said they couldn’t do and will definitely not be underestimated in future seasons.

Cedarville Trio “Cradle Catch” College Signings

Sports

Megan Hecox

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6:55 am

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Cedarville Trio “Cradle Catch” College Signings

Pictured is Audrey Gathright and Max McGill

The Cedarville cheer program had a triple whammy signing session on Monday, May 17 as Audrey Gathright, Max McGill, and Nick Moore all signed their letters of intent to continue cheer at a college level.

Audrey Gathright signed her letter of intent with Southern Arkansas University. Audrey has cheered for Cedarville since the 10th grade and is an NCA All-American Cheerleader.

Max McGill also signed his letter of intent with Southern Arkansas University. Max has cheered for Cedarville High School since the 9th grade and is an NCA All-American Cheerleader.

And Nicholas Moore signed his letter of Intent with Arkansas State University. Nick has cheered for Cedarville High School since the 9th grade and has been awarded NCA All-American Cheerleader, All-State Cheer, and was selected to the 2021 AAA All-Star Cheerleading Team.

Congratulations Audrey, Max, and Nick for choosing to continue the sport you love while furthering your education!

Photos courtesy of Cedarville Cheer

Eagles Making Good Progress With Spring Football Practice Install of New Offense

Sports

Resident News Network

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11:58 am

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Eagles Making Good Progress With Spring Football Practice Install of New Offense

Paris football players are living good these days. The weather has been very mild for the Eagles spring practices, and after missing the spring last season, it feels good to be back on the practice field preparing for an upcoming season. So under an overcast sky and mild temperatures, Paris continued the process of installing a new offense under coach Jeff Weaver. There are many questions to be answered, such as who will step up to replace the likes of graduate Jimmy Dikeman and others on the offensive and defensive lines. The next few months will be critical for Paris to develop linemen to provide protection for Chase Watts and holes for running back Duke Walker.

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Eagles practice and I took a few photos for the Eagles faithful to see as Paris continues to work hard at making the offensive transition.

On Monday, the threat of rain held off long enough for the Eagles to work outside, and work is just what they did. Coach Weaver runs a very efficient practice where there is very little wasted time. And on this day, there was a lot of teaching going on, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

The Eagles have impressive, experienced talent returning this year, and it was on full display Monday. Returning starters, such as Duke Walker and Chase Watts are very impressive at this point, and appear to be picking up the new offensive scheme well. Paris will be an exciting team on offense next fall, and Coach Weaver is preparing the team to be explosive, but to also be able to slow down and control the time of possession if necessary. Paris will be more balanced than some may think, making the Eagles a dangerous team.

Defensively, the Eagles will be led by senior Mequeil Ellingberg and Duke Walker who were a force on defense last season. The two seniors came up countlessly with big plays stopping opponents’ running games, as well as big plays in the secondary. Paris was an opportunistic defense in 2020, as evidenced by Duke Walker’s two returned fumbles for touchdowns in the week ten thriller with Booneville.

Paris head coach Jeff Weaver (Resident Press Photo)

After Monday’s practice, I caught up with Coach Weaver to ask him for his assessment of how practice is going to this point. Weaver remarked, “Spring is going very well to this point. The kids are eager and are catching on quickly to the new terminology and way of doing things. We have over half of the base offense in at this point and if the weather continues to hold, we should get all of the base offense in by the end of spring practices.” The Eagles are experienced and have great attitudes that are all about winning, and no doubt, this is making it much easier to install a new system this late in the spring.

The Eagles’ work will not end next week with the conclusion of spring drills. Coach Weaver has extensive plans to keep the Eagles working in team camps and 7-on-7 tournaments throughout the summer that will keep Paris busy and give them additional reps to polish their new offense and for the defense to get work against other good offenses around the state. The pace is fast right now, but Weaver will have his Eagles ready when they travel to Lavaca for the season opener.

As a reminder to Eagles football fans, the Paris Quarterback Club, Eric Wells, Tim Johns, and myself will host a special show on Thursday at the Dari Delight in Paris from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The show will be broadcasted by Tim on the Sportsbrew.net. I encourage Paris football fans to come to the Dari Delight to watch the show live for interviews, special call-in guests, music, and fun at the Dari Delight.

Resident Press will be back at Eagles spring practice next week to capture photos from the Eagles scrimmages that will be held in the final days of spring practice. Additional photos of last Monday’s practice can be found on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports.

Lady Pirate Katey Oden Doubles Down With John Brown

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:55 am

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Lady Pirate Katey Oden Doubles Down With John Brown

Cedarville Lady Pirate, Katelynn Oden, is officially a college-level dual threat as she signed her letter of intent for both Cheer and Track with John Brown University on Monday, May 17. “At first I wasn’t sure what college I was going to,” explained Oden. “I want to be a psychologist and there aren’t many schools around here that had amazing psych programs. My initial choices were Arkansas Tech and the University of Central Arkansas until one of my mom’s friends told me about John Brown. She informed me of their psychology program and that she actually got her psych degree there. That’s when JBU was put on my college list of “maybes”. I began researching the school and was super excited to find out it was a Christian college and I was able to practice my faith on campus. It wasn’t until I stepped on the grounds of JBU when I fell in love with the campus. Everyone there is so nice and welcoming, it’s such a small school and everyone knows everyone. I met with the cheer coach and some of the cheerleaders on my first visit and knew that I wanted to cheer there while studying. Honestly, I don’t see myself going to any other college, this one was hand-chosen by the man upstairs for me!”

Katey first became interested in cheer when she was about 3 or 4 years old. Always full of life, Oden loved the idea of being in front of people and cheering on the football players. “My cheer coach, Treva Rice started my passion for cheer. She actually started out as my children’s pastor but was pretty much like a second mom growing up. She always told me I was going to do great things and that I was going to be a pretty awesome cheerleader whenever I got older. If it wasn’t for Treva, I’m not sure if I would have even picked up my first set of Pom poms.” Now when it came to track, that was a completely different story. “In 7th-Grade, I absolutely hated track other than the field events! I hated running and used every excuse not to run and eventually quit. I joined back my 9th-Grade year and still wasn’t fond of it, but I kept competing and trying for better times because I had a coach that cared and always had my best interest in mind.”

“Katelynn has run for me for several years,” explained Cedarville Girls Track Coach, Jarrod Remer. “One thing I always appreciated about her if she put the needs of the team above herself. She was always willing to try out new events if it would help us out team wise. She was on the Jr High District Champion team as an 8th-Grader and the runner-up team as a 9th-Grader. She was a part of our 4×400 team this year that qualified for the State Track Meet in Prescott. Overall, she is just a great kid that will go on to do great things in college. We are all so proud of her!” Katey ends her high school outdoor track career with personal records in Discus (60-11), High Jump (4-4), Long Jump (14-7.5). Pole Vault (7-6), Triple Jump (30-1.75), 100 Meter Dash (15.28), 300 Meter Hurdles (56.56), and 400 Meter Dash (1:13.72).

From L to R is Coach Remer, Katey, and JBU coach, Scott Schochler

“Coach Remer has put so much time and effort in the track team and has always given me that extra push whenever I didn’t feel like doing anything,” Oden continued. “I enjoy watching him get excited when a girl sets a PR or does really well in an event. If it wasn’t for Remer, I wouldn’t be going to college for track. He saw what I didn’t in myself and made sure that I began to live up to my full potential.” A lifelong Cedarville student, along with track and cheer, Katey has kept herself busy (busy being an understatement) in other aspects of high school as well. She participated in basketball and softball (up until her senior year), Beta club, EAST, Pirate Partners, student council (Stu Co-President her senior year), class officers (Vice President 9th-12th), AP classes, Concurrent classes, as well as Youth Alive. With her high school chapter closing and her college chapter beginning, Katey is more than ready for life as a Golden Eagle. “I hope not only to gain new friends, excel athletically, and to start the journey of helping others with their psychology program, but to also further my faith and to become more of a child of God and represent Him well on this journey!”

Photos courtesy of Amber Oden

Congratulations Katey! These signing days are definitely the highlight of my job. We at Resident Press are truly proud of you and can not wait to see what the rest of your journey has to offer!

Lady Bulldogs Richmond Ready To Make Rich Mountain Rich

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:51 am

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Lady Bulldogs Richmond Ready To Make Rich Mountain Rich

The Waldron track program continues to turn out track stars as yet another athlete is moving on to college-level competition. Lady Track Bulldog, Constance Richmond, signed her letter of intent on Thursday, May 13, to continue running as a Lady Buck for Rich Mountain. Richmond’s passion for track started in the 8th-Grade with the help of her cousin who was also a runner and encouraged her to join. “I chose Rich Mountain because it was close to home and affordable. While I’m there, I’m hoping to get more successful in not only track but in everything I do,” expressed Richmond.

Constance ready to show the Lady Bucks what she can do!

Constance also participates in Cross County and currently holds a Track PR of 22:05 in the 3 mile. “I’m so proud of Constance,” Waldron Girl’s Track Coach, Angie Bailey said. “She gives nothing but her best and it showed as she medaled at every meet she ran! She never had a negative thing to say and was a dream to coach.” Constance, who will be attending Rich Mountain with fellow Lady Bulldog, Star Spence, concluded “I love the fact of moving on with Star because I not only know someone else but I’m close to her as well. I also think it’s good to have someone you know to run beside you during practice so that you don’t feel weird so I love that I will have her beside me!”

Constance, it has been an honor to follow you for the last four years. These signing days are definitely the highlight of my job. We at Resident Press are truly proud of you and can not wait to see what the rest of your journey has to offer!

Mansfield’s Wright Completes Career With MOC Competition

Sports

Resident News Network

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8:24 am

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Mansfield’s Wright Completes Career With MOC Competition

Pictured: Mansfield’s Brooke Wright arrives at Harding University in Searcy to compete in the Arkansas Activities Association’s Meet of Champs discus event.

Brooke Wright, the do it all Lady Tiger, completed her Mansfield high school athletic career with a trip to Searcy’s Harding University for track and field’s exclusive Meet of Champions competition on May 15.

Wright, a highly decorated 3-sport star, was recently bestowed the prestigious T. Franklin Boyd Award as Mansfield’s top female athlete for the 2020-201 school year. She landed in the Arkansas Activities Association’s top-flight track competition based upon her winning the class 2A state discus competition on May 5 at Gurdon High School.

The Mansfield senior was among 16 state competitors across all classifications to be selected to join in the MOC discus event. All 6 state champions from each class and the next best 10 athletes based upon state measures were notified of their participation on Monday, May 10.

Wright accepted the challenge as an end to her high school track career and total high school athletic experience.

“The meet of champs is basically the All-Star event for track and field,” said longtime Mansfield coach John Mackey. “It’s not a popularity contest, and it doesn’t come down to a vote. You have to earn your invite. That’s what Brooke did. She set a goal of being the discus state champion and earned her way to the exclusive MOC club.”

Wright threw six times as all competitors were treated as finalists. It was her last attempt in the afternoon that pushed her over the 100-foot mark for the third meet this year. Her final mark was 100 feet 11 inches.

The Class 2A state discus champion, Brooke Wright of Mansfield, prepares to enter the ring at the 2021 Meet of Champions track meet

That MOC mark wasn’t quite as far as Wright’s state-winning personal record 104 feet 3 inches. It still however offered a glimpse as to why she was one of Mansfield’s top five throwers of all time.

“Brooke had a goal to be the champion as soon as the pandemic shut the season down a year ago,” explained Mackey. “She asked for a couple of discus to practice with at home in the pasture. Of course, I found a way for that to happen. You could tell she prepared for this moment.”

Wright will now focus her attention back on volleyball. She received an athletic scholarship to Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa to play next school year.

At Mansfield, the Lady Tiger shined winning the class 2A-State Most Valuable Player trophy while helping her team win the 2020 State Volleyball Championship.

She received All-Conference, All-District, All-State Tournament Team, and All-State honors multiple times throughout her outstanding volleyball career. She was selected after this season to represent the West Team at the AHSCA All-Star games. She was also named to the Best of Preps All-Area team.

For the past four years, Wright also played on the Lady Tiger senior high basketball team. This past season she earned All-Conference honors as the team advanced to the elite eight in state.

As past history has rewarded individual champions with distinction, most likely a spot on the Best of Preps All-Area Track and Field Team will be forthcoming for Wright to add to her acclaimed athletic career.

Finally, Wright ended her high school track career with 2 All-District awards, an All-State certificate, two Top-5 state finishes in the discus, an individual state championship in the discus, and a MOC Champs participation medal.

Mansfield Booster Club’s T. Franklin Boyd Female Athlete of the Year, Brooke Wright, is shown with a collection of recent awards

Waldron’s Star Spence Set To Be Rich Mountain Superstar

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:11 am

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Waldron’s Star Spence Set To Be Rich Mountain Superstar

On Thursday, May 13, Waldron Lady Bulldog, Star Spence, decided to continue shooting for the stars as she signed her letter of intent for Track at U of A Rich Mountain. Star, who has been dominating in the track world since the 7th-Grade, will be hanging up her Lady Bulldog gear for a Lady Buck jersey. “I had always been interested in track but it was the confidence of my coach along with a few other classmates who encouraged me to do it,” explained Spence. “I decided on Rich Mountain because it was close to home.”

Along with Track, Star also participates in Cross Country which is one of the main reasons why she only gets better in competition the farther she goes! With a PR of 23:45 in the 3 mile, Star’s hard work and dedication are what set her apart from the rest. “She never complained and because of that, coaching Star was a breeze,” stated Waldron Girls Track Coach, Angie Bailey. Star concluded, “I’m hoping to succeed in college by being a lot faster than I am right now. I feel great about getting to move on with life and run cross country in college with a former teammate (Constance Richmond also signed with Rich Mountain). I’m glad we can stick together and make even more memories running together!”

Star, it has been an honor to follow you for the last four years. These signing days are definitely the highlight of my job. We at Resident Press are truly proud of you and can not wait to see what the rest of your journey has to offer!

Bulldogs Trap Shooting Team Compete in West Regional of the AGFC AYSSP in Jacksonville

Tammy Teague

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12:36 pm

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Bulldogs Trap Shooting Team Compete in West Regional of the AGFC AYSSP in Jacksonville

By Eleanor Wallace

Over the weekend of May 14-15, the Greenwood Bulldogs Trap Shooting team competed in the West regional of the AGFC Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program (AYSSP) at the AGFF range in Jacksonville, Arkansas. The Greenwood Bulldogs trap shooting team took 72 student-athletes, and 20 athletes qualified for the state competition on June 4-5.

The school team started in 2008 — the third year of the AYSSP program. Until 2020, when we lost our practice field at Chaffee and our season to Covid precautions, Greenwood had the largest program in the state averaging 120+ students per season. The program was excited to return to competition in 2021, even though we still don’t have a permanent practice location. Due to concerns about practice locations and uncertain Covid precautions, the coaches capped the 2021 roster at 80 students to ensure adequate practice time would be available to the entire roster.

Grades 6-8, the junior division of AYSSP, competed on Friday. Of the six squads of five athletes, two qualified for the state competition on Friday, June 4. The Pure Powder squad, consisting of Levi Rockford, Dax Turner, David Bronson, Blake Christiansen and Brooklyn Crites, clinched the #16 spot with a score of 81 out of 125 targets. Pure Powder won the tie breaker of four squads at 81 with Blake Christiansen’s high score of 22 out of 25. Trap Attack placed third in the region with a score of 97/125. Trap Attack members are Cadance Norris, Will Rupert, Maddie Creason, Dace Drennan and Jayden Lawler.

“These kids have worked very hard this season and we are proud to see them compete and excel in this non-traditional sport that teaches gun safety and helps them develop a love of shooting sports,” shared Ann Russell.

The senior division, grades 9-12, competed on Saturday. Ten squads of five athletes took the field. Two more squads of Greenwood Bulldogs qualified for the state shoot on Saturday, June 5. Blazing Barrels with Hunter Morris, Pierce Holland, Cash Lenderman, Jayson McGaugh and Noah Becvar scored 215 out of 250 targets, placing 12th out of 105 squads. Jayson had a near-perfect score of 49/50. The second squad, Powder Monkeys, with Corben Webb, Savvy Shoppach, Jake Robbins, Deacon Drennan, and Hayden Leonard, scored 219 of 250 placing 9th. Nine graduating seniors competed in their final AYSSP regional, several of which have been with the program for seven years.

Senior Team Clay Blasters (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Bulldog Blasters (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Blazing Barrels (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Blazing Attack (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Lead Heads (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Powder Heads (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Pure Powder (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Shell Shocked (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Senior Team Trap Attack (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Junior Team Trap Attack (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Junior Team Trigger Happy (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Junior Team Shell Shocked (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Junior Team Blazing Shells (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Junior Team Bulldog Blasters (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

Junior Team Pure Powder (photo courtesy of Ann Russell)

City of Waldron Hosts Annual Fishing Derby

Outdoors

Resident News Network

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12:00 pm

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City of Waldron Hosts Annual Fishing Derby

The City of Waldron recently held its annual kid’s fishing derby. Although it takes a great deal of effort from those involved, the payoff was big. The smiles, often toothless, were extremely rewarding.

Prizes, t-shirts, food and fellowship rounded out the day, making it a perfect event for families.

The biggest fish, caught by Eralynn Falconer, weighed in at 4.95 lbs. A great size catfish! Way to go Eralynn!

The grand prize winner was Kirsten Hall. She had a weigh in of 9.15 lbs of catfish!

Sponsors of this year’s Truman Baker Fishing Derby were: City of Waldron, MCE, Poteau River Conservation District, Tyson, WeighTech, AmeriChemm LLC., Sonic, Harps, True Value Scott County Hardware, Chambers Bank, and ABC Printing.

-All photos courtesy of the City of Waldron and Regina Oliver

How To Prepare for Rural Car Emergencies

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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10:16 am

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How To Prepare for Rural Car Emergencies

If you’re planning a road trip to see the country’s wide-open spaces, realize that breaking down in the city (or even the suburbs) and breaking down in the country are two different things. While it’s rare to be too far from somewhere offering food, accommodations, and car repair shops, sometimes you need to be ready to hunker down or take care of things yourself in the country. Before you hit the backroads, be sure you and your car are up for the journey. To help you get started, here’s how to prepare for rural car emergencies when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Get To Know the Area Before You Get There

One of the great benefits of technology is that almost every inch of the earth has been charted. Certainly, most of the world’s roads were visited by a certain search engine company’s vehicle(s). That said, it’s easy to create maps for your rural journey to see road quality and conditions as well as landmarks. If you know you’re leaving the highway for stretches of time, create a binder with printed out maps—in case you lose cell service—to help you find your way.

Pack an Emergency Kit, and Then Some

Your car should already have an emergency kit in the trunk. Basic kits can be purchased or easily put together and should contain, at minimum, jumper cables, road flares or flashing signals, a tire jack and lug wrench, a spare tire (periodically inspect it to see that its intact and inflated), a tool kit or utility tool, a flashlight with extra batteries, tire sealant, a tire pressure gauge, duct tape, and a first aid kit. For long hauls through the country, add a few extra supplies in case you’re stranded and awaiting help. An empty gas can and a full two-gallon jug of water are necessities. Bring along a few blankets for warmth, as well as rain ponchos—and if it’s wintertime, a small shovel for digging yourself out of snow or mud. Finally, bring a cooler of snacks to nosh while waiting for help or a tow truck.

Prep for Country Driving

Here’s the best way how to prepare for rural car emergencies. Most of your driving skill set is the same in the country as it is in the city, but keep a few rural-specific driving rules of thumb in mind. Narrow roads and single-lane bridges can be the norm, so be ready to pull over and let traffic pass. Be ready to correct yourself if you slide on gravel roads. Watch for critters. Sadly, most animals will take the brunt of the damage in a collision, but even small creatures can cause wrecks or ruin car performance. As for larger creatures like bison, elk, or moose—statistically, you’re more likely to be hurt than you are to hurt them. Slow down, stay alert, and watch for the brightness of their eyes, especially at dawn, dusk, and during the night!

R

Get To Know the Area Before You Get There

Pack an Emergency Kit, and Then Some

Prep for Country Driving

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK