Miki Lene McCullah of Parks, Arkansas passed from this life, Sunday, May 16, 2021 in Parks, Arkansas. Miki was born March 17, 1951 in Fort Worth, Texas to Marvin David Baggs and Jean (Henderson) Baggs. She was 70 years old. Miki was a long time member of Parks Baptist Church in Parks, Arkansas.
Miki’s true love was taking care of her family. She enjoyed spending time with all her grands, her cat Lucy and just being surrounded by love and happiness.
Miki leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sons: Brian McCullah and wife Melissa of Waldron, Arkansas, Daniel McCullah and wife Jennifer of Hot Springs, Arkansas and one daughter, Wendi Johnson and husband Joe of Hot Springs. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Dyllon, Aubrey, Jace, Cole, Cash, Cameron, Adalynn and Tucker and great-grandchildren Presley and Liam. She is also survived by one sister Mary Donna Martin of Westfork, Arkansas. Miki will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including an extended family of friends and loved ones dear to her heart.
Miki was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Jean Baggs, her loving husband Wendel and one grandson Blake.
Miki’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Mike Shaddon officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Miki’s pallbearers will be Travis Plummer, Dusty Lovett, Jace Butler, Cole Johnson, Dyllon Harris and Buster Scott.
Marion “Thomas” Taylor, age 72, passed from this life on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 26, 1949 to Troxie and Rachel Taylor.
Thomas married the love of his life, Brenda “Kaye” Morgan on May 18, 1968. They were married just shy of 53 years. Together, Thomas and Kaye had 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter on the way. Thomas spent many years operating heavy equipment, he would work daylight until dark to get the job done and provide for his family. If you had any kind of dozer work you needed done, Thomas was the man for the job. Over the years he enjoyed hunting, raising his kids and grandkids, running his equipment and riding his motorcycle. Later in life, Thomas mostly enjoyed spending time visiting with family, friends, and neighbors, reading and aggravating his grandchildren.
Thomas is survived by his wife Kaye of the home, two daughters; Cheryl (Shane) Woodrum and Kristy Shrum (Daniel), eight grandchildren: Kevin (Kayla) Hale, Rande Hale, Whitney Woodrum, Marley Pollard, Trooper Shrum, Tucker Shrum, and Avery Shrum, one great-granddaughter that he couldn’t wait to meet, Piper Diane, two sisters: Shirley (Earl) Bates and Mina Atnip.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Kimberly Shull, one granddaughter Lacey Pollard and one brother Eugene Taylor.
Thomas’ life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt, Rev. Konnor Mckay, and Rev. Mike Dugan officiating.
Thomas’ visitation will be Friday May 21, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marion “Thomas” Taylor, please visit our floral store.
Charles Joe Thomas went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully in his home May 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville. Joe was born June 4, 1943, in Waldron to Graden and Ida (Duncan) Thomas. He was 77 years old.
Joe served his country and community in many ways. He was an Army National Guard Veteran and was a retired Fort Smith Police Sergeant. He was owner of Ft Smith Structural Inc. and a cattle farmer. Joe was happy talking about cattle or on a piece of equipment improving land. He dearly loved his family and was always available to give good advice or lend a helping hand.
Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Billye Jean, daughters: Christy (Bryant) Patterson of Fort Smith, Angie (Jacob) Graves of Mansfield, son Jeff (Jamie) Ridenhour of Mansfield two brothers: Harold (Raye) Thomas of Waldron and Harley (Dorcus) Thomas of Fort Smith, two sisters: Shirley Goodman of Manteca, California and Anna Johnson of Bourbon, Missouri: grandchildren; Deborah Thomas, Levi Patterson, Coby, Landon and Janson Graves, Jaren, Levi and Luke Ridenhour, Brandi Ridenhour, and Keaton Brown; great-grandchildren: Emmett Degnan, Zayden King, Ashton Nevills, Kacee Sims, and James Ridenhour. Sister-in-law Leah Williams
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Graden and Ida (Duncan) Thomas, his stepmother Ina Mae Thomas, his first wife Jan, his sister Clara Moore and his son Leslie Ridenhour.
Joe’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron with Bro. Paul Walker and Rev. Gary Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Sehorn Cemetery in Waldron. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Joe’s pallbearers will be his Grandsons.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Joe Thomas, please visit our floral store.
Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR) today announced its new Family Dollar and Dollar Tree “Combo” store opening in Mansfield. Click here to learn more about the Company’s brand new Combo store format, which combines Family Dollar’s trusted brands and great value with Dollar Tree’s incredible $1 finds.
The 11,562 square foot store is scheduled to open on Thursday, May 27, and will be located at 720 Hwy. 71, Mansfield.
In addition to providing everyday low prices and a broad assortment of essential products, the Family Dollar section of the store will offer frozen and refrigerated food, a large selection of pantry goods, beauty and health merchandise, household supplies, basic apparel, baby and toddler necessities, pet food, electronics, toys and home décor.
With more than 4,000 items for just $1 each, shoppers will discover new treasures every week in the Dollar Tree section of the store, including balloons and party supplies, Hallmark greeting cards, seasonal decorations and holiday gifts, DIY crafting essentials, school necessities and much more.
“Small towns have historically had very limited retail options and shoppers often travel long distances to meet all of their shopping needs, but we are changing that,” said Kayleigh M. Painter, Dollar Tree’s Investor and Media Relations Manager. “Family Dollar and Dollar Tree are teaming up to provide the community with a brand new, close-to-home store experience that offers incredible value on everyday products and exciting $1 deals.”
To save even more, shoppers can instantly receive digital coupons through Family Dollar’s Smart Coupons® program. To access the additional savings, download the Family Dollar mobile app* or create an account online at www.FamilyDollar.com/smart-coupons. *Standard message and data rates may apply.
The Combo stores typically employ six to 10 associates. To apply online, please visit www.FamilyDollar.com/careers.
About Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 15,685 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of January 30, 2021. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com or www.FamilyDollar.com.
State and local law enforcement officers across Arkansas are sending a reminder. Drivers who aren’t already in the habit of using a seat belt need to start. Without it, drivers will be stopped and ticketed. Much worse, someone not buckled-up stands a greater chance of losing their life in a traffic crash.
Starting next week, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement operation gets underway. State troopers, local police officers and sheriff’s deputies will heighten their vigilance to be on the lookout for seat belt violators. The operation coincides with the Memorial Day holiday and runs May 24th through June 6th.
“We want the practice of buckling up to become something that’s instinctive for drivers and their passengers,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “It’s not just a safe way to travel, it’s the law.”
Almost everyday law enforcement officers in Arkansas see firsthand what happens when someone involved in a traffic crash wasn’t wearing a seat belt. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, law enforcement officers nationwide will be working overtime to ensure the message gets out to drivers and their passengers.
According to the 2019 records from NHTSA, 9,466 drivers and passengers who were unbuckled died in crashes nationwide. During the same year, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants involved in crashes were not wearing seat belts and lost their lives during nighttime hours (6 PM – 5:59 AM). As a result, law enforcement authorities participating in the Click It or Ticket operation will be placing an emphasis on increased patrols during the evening hours.
State troopers and local officers and deputies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement, writing citations day and night.
Arkansas state law requires all front seat passengers, not just drivers, to be properly buckled up. The state law also requires all children less than 15 years of age to be properly secured in the vehicle. Children less than 6 years of age and weighing less than 60 pounds should be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. Additionally, drivers with restricted licenses and all occupants in the vehicle must be properly buckled up.
“Help us share the message,” Colonel Bryant said. “Tell your friends and family members to make it a habit to buckle-up. Your advice may save someone from injury or death.”
For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot or Contact Highway Safety Office – Bridget White – (501) 618-8356 – bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov
Round 1 of the State Softball Tournament got underway on Thursday, May 13. With a Conference, District, AND Regional Championship under their belt, the Mansfield Lady Tigers were ready for world domination! Ok, maybe not the world. But they were definitely ready to load the bases and Take State. First on the agenda for the Lady Tigers was the Fordyce Lady Redbugs. Both teams came out swinging as the first inning ended with the Lady Tigers up 4-3. But as the game hit a stalemate in the second, third, and fourth innings, Alyson “The Extreme” Edwards sent Mansfield into the winners circle on a homered fly ball in the fifth inning ending the game with a final score of 5-3. Edwards led the day with two runs.
Coach Donnie Eveld and the Mansfield Lady Tigers
On Friday, May 14, the Lady Tigers marched into the quarterfinals for a battle against the Quitman Lady Bulldogs. And battle it was. By the bottom of the sixth, the score sat tied 3-3. At the top of the seventh, the Lady Bulldogs pulled ahead with one run bringing the score to 4-3 Quitman. With the game now in Mansfield’s corner, Frank Sinatra sang it best as “Luck Be A Lady” (Tiger) was the name of the game. With Brooklyn Adams on first, Alyson “The Extreme” Edwards stepped up to the plate. And doing what she does best, Edwards yet again homered to take the win 5-4. Senior, Chloe Creekmore, opened the game with a homer of her own. In runs were Adams (2), Edwards (2), and Creekmore (1). The Lady Tigers committed zero errors and made 21 putouts with Creekmore and Skylynn Harris leading with 7 each followed by Natalie Allison with 4.
Chloe Creekmore and Alyson “The Extreme” Edwards
To close out the weekend, the underdog Lady Tigers inched their way closer to State’s home plate as they went face-to-face with the #5 Parkers Chapel Lady Trojans from El Dorado in the semifinals. The Lady Tigers took the lead in the top of the fourth inning 2-1 and never.looked.back. With the Lady Trojans only able to tally two more runs in the game, the Lady Tigers delivered five runs and after seven innings, Mansfield advanced to the State Championship with a final score of 7-3. Cousins, Kiara Thomas, and Kynslee Ward were the big runners in the match with 2 each followed by Natalie Allison, Chloe Creekmore, and Alyson “The Extreme” Edwards with 1 apiece. Cole Smith led with 2 hits while Creekmore and Skylynn Harris led with 8 PO’s each.
Now the (18-4) Mansfield Lady Tigers prepare for the BIG DANCE as they take on the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs for the 2A State Championship on Thursday, May 20 at 10 am in Benton, Arkansas at the Benton Athletic Complex. If fans are unable to attend, they may watch the 1A-6A State Finals on PBS myarkansaspbs.org/sports.
Homeowners with an interest in making a positive impact on their environment can do so in many ways. Designing your home with a green mindset can help you make a positive impact on the environment and save you money on energy and utility bills. Use these tips for designing a sustainable home today, whether you’re moving in or updating a current living space.
Minimize Energy Consumption
But creating a green home is easier said than done, right? Well, that doesn’t make it impossible. Many of your typical household appliances have more energy-efficient counterparts. Energy Star-certified fridges, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and other major appliances can help homeowners save energy while conducting daily tasks.
However, there are more ways to aim for energy efficiency at home. Beyond household appliances, you can find Energy Star-rated computers, TVs, furnaces, and more. As a good rule of thumb, whenever buying a device or machine for household needs, see if there’s an Energy Star-rated version.
Strategize Window Placement
Setting up your windows in the right spots can give you the perfect way to warm up the home’s interior. Natural sunlight radiating inside creates a welcoming atmosphere while literally warming up the room. When it gets too hot inside the house, you can close the blinds and carry on.
To maximize energy efficiency, as with your appliances, seek Energy Star-certified windows for your home. With these, you can minimize energy consumption, which is great for the environment and your energy bills. Consider seeking Energy Star-certified skylights and doors too, which can provide even better energy efficiency at home.
Choose Roofing Wisely
One of the best tips for designing a sustainable home is investing in a metal roof. Metal roofing has grown in popularity over the years due to its sustainability. A high-quality metal roof is durable, recyclable, often includes 95 percent recycled materials, and has a lifespan of at least 50 years.
Plus, high-quality paint finishes allow metal roofs to reflect radiant heat, assisting with keeping indoor temperatures comfortable without the need for indoor cooling/heating systems. There are different types of metal roofing to choose from, each of which can boost energy efficiency. To take full advantage of a metal roof’s benefits, hire a professional contractor specializing in this specific roofing material.
Pictured: T. Franklin Boyd Tiger of the Year recipients: Bri Sanderson, Brooke Wright, and Codi Chick
Although the spring sports continue, Mansfield forged ahead in revealing the majority of their top Tiger athletic awards for the 2020-2021 school year. Among the many accolades presented, it was the coveted T. Franklin Boyd Tiger of the Year awards and the Freshmen Rising Stars that stole the show.
The May 11 banquet style presentation was sponsored by the Mansfield Tiger Booster Club. The mission of the annual awards show was to recognize the many Mansfield athletes and coaches for their accomplishments through each sport season.
The T. Franklin Boyd Booster Club Tiger of the Year Awards were given to seniors Brooke Wright, Codi Chick, and Bri Sanderson.
In an odd mathematical anomaly, an infinitesimal difference between candidates forged a tie in award winners for the first time since the second year of its inception. Male recipients Chick and Sanderson were declared co-winners of the male award.
An extensive rubric based upon points for sports participation, sports accomplishments, and academic excellence calculated into the shared announcement.
Chick excelled primarily as a basketball player with stints in football, baseball, and track. Sanderson enjoyed athletic accomplishments mainly through football and track with contributions in basketball as well. Both candidates received All-State recognition in their primary sports.
Wright moved ahead of a formidable list of female candidates with state and local honors through volleyball, basketball, and track. Wright was the Class 2A State Volleyball MVP and won the Class 2A state discus competition in track and field. She will attend Iowa Lakes Community College on a volleyball scholarship next school year.
The Rising Star Awards were given to one male and one female freshman that have demonstrated outstanding qualities related to athletic ability, leadership, and character.
This exclusive MHS distinction created through a nominations and rankings process by Mansfield coaches was given to Alyson Edwards and Peyton Martin.
Mansfield Freshmen Rising Stars: Peyton Martin and Alyson Edwards
Edwards was highly regarded for both her athletic and academic excellence. As a top-tier freshmen student, Edwards made significant contributions to volleyball, basketball, and softball. Her wide range of talent not only led to conference championships in junior high, but it also translated into one senior high state championship and possibly another depending upon this week’s softball results.
Martin parlayed his skill level into outstanding achievements in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He took two of his junior high teams to conference runner-up status. He also helped the baseball team capture the 2A conference round-robin and district tournament championships, a regional championship, and a state appearance.
Master of ceremonies Travis Pettus guided the 1-hour 30-minute presentation with witty banter and uplifting interaction. His descriptive dialogue gave audience members a true snapshot of the nine different sports played, and the athletes that participated in them.
Among the many school, district, and state awards presented for each sport; each team also named their sport’s player of the year. At the time of the presentation, baseball and softball seasons were ongoing. For that reason, those POY’s were not announced.
The following is a list of the Player of the Year awards as announced at the 2021 Booster Club Banquet.
Cross Country Female – Faith Rainwater
Cross Country Male – John Branche
Golf – Skylynn Harris
Volleyball – Brooke Wright
Football – Randall Claude
Cheer – Hailey Walker
Basketball Female – Makayla Strutton
Basketball Male – Codi Chick
Track Female – Makayla Strutton
Track Male – Bri Sanderson
Softball – TBA
Baseball – TBA
On the night of the awards show, Mansfield had already accomplished the following overall accolades.
1 State Championship, 1 State Runner-up, 10 State Qualifying teams, 5 Regional Championships, 1 Regional Runner-up, 12 District Titles, 5 District Runner-ups, 4 college-bound scholarship players, 2 AAA All-Stars, 2 River Valley All-Stars, 4 Best of Preps All-Area Players, 1 All-Star Coach, and 5 District Coaches of the Year.
The sports list will only improve as the Tiger baseball team just completed their season at the state tournament. The softball team will also add to the accolades list as they move to the class 2A state finals this coming weekend.
Mansfield athletes gather for a group photo at the MHS Booster Club Athletic Awards
The Greenwood Lady Bulldogs are headed to the 5A State Softball Tournament Finals, where they will play Benton on Thursday at 4 p.m. The tournament is slated to take place at the Benton athletic complex.
The team advanced past Lake Hamilton 3-0 to advance to Round 2 on Friday. They then took on Marion and brought home the win, 11-5, advancing to the semifinal on Saturday.
The Lady Dogs punched their ticket to the finals with a win over Mountain Home, 7-5.
The Lady Bulldogs celebrate after their last out (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Kinley Fisher caught the fly ball to left field, the last out! Celebrating was Kinley, Ally, and Macey.
Tori Howard #20, freshman pitcher, came in to finish the game. (Photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Ally Sockey #15, safe at Homeplate! (Photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Chelsi Possage, #3, safe at third base. (Photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Haven Clements, #8 Senior Pitcher (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Celebration after a diving catch by center fielder Macey Cutsinger, #2. (Photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Dugout support by Riley Golden, Lillyanna Gigerich and Ireland Cooper. (Photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
The Little Rock Baptist Prep Lady Eagles softball team showed on Saturday why they have been ranked number one in class 3A for most, if not all of the season. Prep defeated the Paris Lady Eagles in the 3A state semifinals on Saturday in Ashdown by the score of 2-0. It was a classic pitchers dual between two great teams and pitchers, and in the end, Prep committed fewer mistakes and was able to amass a few more key hits than Paris. And that was the difference between two evenly matched teams. Baptist Prep advances to the state final next weekend to play the Hoxie Lady Mustangs who defeated Smackover in the other semifinal game played on Saturday.
Resident Press Photo
Mistakes and the absence of key, RBI hits haunted Paris all afternoon. Defensive errors, as well as a key base running error at third base late in the game were the differences for Paris in their bid to pull the upset over the top-ranked Baptist Prep team. Paris senior Jadyn Hart went the distance in the circle, just has she has all season. The iconic senior played gallantly in her final game for Paris, but the lack of offense against two great pitchers from Prep spelled defeat for Paris.
Paris had a great season, and went further in the playoffs than a lot of people quietly felt they had the potential to do. The team will return all of their starters in 2022 with the exception of Jaydn Hart. Hart’s graduation will big for the Lady Eagles going into the off season. She could always be counted on for her complete starts, strikeouts, and yes, also as a big hitter in the Lady Eagles lineup. Returning players, such as Karsyn Tencleve and Jadyn Wells will be counted on heavily to lead the team and fill the void left by the graduation of Hart.
Jadyn Hart in Her Final At-Bat of Her Stellar High School Career (Resident Press Photo)
We know that the Lady Eagles feel the sting from an emotional loss on Saturday, but they and their fans can be very proud of their performance all season and in the post-season. They are a great group of players who were fun to watch and played every game with great spirit and all out effort. Paris coach Donald Hart has built one of the top five high school softball programs in Arkansas 3A, and Paris fans can be very proud of the Lady Eagles. In fact, many Paris fans and even some high school faculty made the long trip to Ashdown to support the Lady Eagles. I know the team appreciates the support of so many who made the three hour plus trip to southwest Arkansas to cheer them on through the state playoffs. Paris consistently outnumbered their opposition in the number of fans present at the games. In my opinion, these are people who care very deeply about not only the team, but all of the children in the Paris schools, as well. The Paris fans deserve a lot of credit for supporting their teams.
Jadyn Hart leaves the field for the final time after her last at-bat (Resident Press Photo)
Just my opinion, but anyone who questions the value of high school athletics has to be impressed with the lessons that are learned from being a part of athletics. The Lady Eagles were on an emotional roller coaster all week. It was exhilarating when they won, and it was heart-breaking yesterday when they lost a close game to who I believe will be crowned as the state champion next week. Anyone can enjoy winning, but it is hard to lose and show class in the process. Life will always give us these moments. It is not a matter of if, but when they will happen. The difference in success in life is what we do and how we react when they occur. Our Lady Eagles had another life lesson on Saturday, and they and their coaches are class acts. They will get over the hurt, and they will move on in positive ways that will carry forward in their lives. They should all know, we are so very proud of them.
Additional photos from the Lady Eagles’ semifinal game with Baptist Prep can be found on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Fans from both schools can copy them at no charge.
Resident Press Photo
It has been my pleasure to bring you Resident Press coverage of the Lady Eagles all season, and I can’t wait for another season to start next year! But for me, it is on to football and volleyball for the 2021 seasons, and I look forward to bringing it to you again this summer and into the new fall school semester.
Congratulations to the Paris Lady Eagles for making the final four of the state playoffs, and for all of the many wonderful memories throughout the season! Great job, ladies!
