Resident News Network

Minutemen Rush to the Front at AYSSP West Regional Tournament

-

9:38 am

Minutemen Rush to the Front at AYSSP West Regional Tournament

By Randy Zellers

JACKSONVILLE — Perfect weather and smiling faces greeted today’s participants in the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program Senior Division competition. Shooters from the program’s West region competed at the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex to take part in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission program. With last year’s competition canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, everyone was ready to get back to a day of camaraderie in the outdoors.

The Minutemen posted the day’s top score, hitting 232 thrown clay targets out of a possible 250. Lamar Warriors Senior 1 was on their heels, falling short of the first-place pace by only two hit targets. Shiloh Christian School’s Blue Angels took third with a score of 225.

Each member of a trap-shooting squad in the senior division shoots two rounds of 25 targets for a total possible score of 50 per shooter. With five shooters per squad, each team will pull the trigger 250 times before the scoring is done. The top 16 squads in each of four regions across the state are eligible for the AYSSP Junior State Tournament June 4; the AYSSP Senior State Tournament is set for June 5.

The top 16 Senior Division teams who will represent the West Region at the state championship are:
Minutemen AckAck, 232; Lamar Warriors Senior 1, 230; Shiloah Christian School Blue Angels, 225; Berryville Shooting Sports, 224; Shiloh Christian School Thunderbirds, 224; Accuracy in Motion Team A, 221; Berryville Shooting Sports Duck Pluckers, 220; Alma Youth Trap Club, Team Z, 220; Greenwood Bulldogs Powder Monkeys, 219; God’s Great Outdoors Senior 1, 218; Shiloh Christain School Knight Hawks, 217; Greenwood Bulldogs Blazing Barrels, 215; Berryville Shooting Sports Cross-eyed Crickets, 215; Danville FFA 2, 214; Huntsville High School Squad 1, 213; Booneville Senior Bearcats 3, 211.

Botey Teter of Berryville Shooting Sports was the only shooter to run the table today, scoring a perfect 50 out of 50 and leading his team to a fourth-place finish. He will join the perfect shooters from all other regions to compete in the Champion of Champions individual shootoff at the AYSSP State Championship June 5.

This was the third weekend of competition leading up to the championship round. Next week concludes the regionals with South Region teams taking the field May 21-22. Junior division competition (grades 6-8) is held Fridays; senior division competition (grades 9-12) is held Saturdays.

The final rounds of the state championship and third-place match, as well as the Champion of Champions shoot-off to follow, will be carried June 4-5 on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission YouTube channel with Trey Reid, host of “Arkansas Wildlife,” handling the “clay-by-clay” commentary.

To see all scores from the tournaments, visit https://apps.agfc.com/ayssp.

Greenwood’s Merritt Earns Associate Degree at 16

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

9:30 am

0

Greenwood’s Merritt Earns Associate Degree at 16

At 16, Joshua Merritt is the youngest UAFS graduate to walk in commencement exercises this week, and that makes UAFS’ own Jason Merritt one incredibly proud father.

Joshua Merritt, a River Valley native, will graduate with an associate degree in electronics this weekend. He also will receive a technical certificate and two certificates of proficiency this semester.

“He is double majoring in electrical engineering technology and mechanical engineering with a 4.0 GPA,” said Jason Merritt, Joshua’s father and senior instructor of electronics technology in the College of Applied Science and Technology at UAFS.

Joshua Merritt graduated from Greenwood High School three years early and turned 16 at the end of March. He has completed 81 hours toward his electrical engineering technology degree.

“Since this chapter of my life is the ideal time to focus on my studies of engineering fundamentals, I am currently focusing on completing two engineering bachelor’s degrees,” Joshua said. “I anticipate some industry opportunity soon, but I am also strongly considering the importance of completing master’s and doctorate degrees.”

Joshua received the Academic Excellence Award for Electronics in April. He also presented his senior design project, “Robot Automation Pandemic Integration Delivery System, which focuses on using robotics and automation in industry to keep workers safe while continuing production through the COVID-19 pandemic, at the annual Student Research Symposium. A panel of judges selected this research presentation as one of the top oral presentations of the symposium.

“He absolutely loves UAFS and has had excellent experiences with all of his professors,” Jason Merritt.

Joshua said that UAFS has made him feel welcome and has given him the interpersonal skills, research proficiency, study techniques, and insight that have helped him continue to prepare for his degree and future career path.

“I have learned so much from my professors, as well as peers that have worked in the industry,” he said. “I have also been able to work on many awesome projects while working through this degree program.”

“I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the chancellor, provost, deans of both CAST and STEM (College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), advisers, and awesome professors that have helped me achieve success here at UAFS. I have several more years here, and I know I will enjoy every semester thanks to each of you!”

UAFS Announces Student Research Symposium Winners

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

9:18 am

0

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has announced the 17 best research presentations delivered at the 14th Annual Student Research Symposium.

Research projects presented at the conference included both oral and poster presentations. Among the research disciplines represented were animation technology, biology, chemistry, computer graphic technology, computer science, dental hygiene education, engineering, English, finance, geoscience, history, imaging sciences, health sciences, literature, mathematics, music, psychology, and Spanish.

The 26 students whose presentations were selected by judges for recognition received monetary awards.

The winners are:

Alma: Forrest Lasiter (team of 3), “Robot Automation Pandemic Integration Delivery System,” faculty sponsor Dr. Kiyun Han.

Coal Hill: Morgan Reynolds (team of 4), “Pregnancy and the Effects of Periodontal Disease,” faculty sponsor Dr. Bonnie Branson.

Fort Smith: Samantha Barnett (team of 2), “Petrographic and Biostratigraphic Analysis of a McKay Bay Member Mid-Silurian Knoll Reef in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” faculty sponsor Dr. Maurice Testa; Melanie Bradley, “The Adaptation and Creation of Genre in The Last of the Mohicans,” faculty sponsor Dr. Kevin Jones; Kellie Garner, “The Decline of Brick-and-Mortar Depository Institutions,” faculty sponsor Dr. Alejandro Pacheco; Hannah Holstead, “Genre Classifications of Shakespeare’s “First Folio” – Then and Now,” faculty sponsor Dr. Kimberly Robinson; Candace Janders (team of 2), “The COVID Effect on Student Achievement as Part of the Teacher Apprenticeship,” faculty sponsor Dr. Monica Riley; Raymundo Lara, “Nothing is Real: VFX Creating a New Reality,” faculty sponsor Cody Holt; Kelsey Webb (team of 4), “Pregnancy and the Effects of Periodontal Disease,” faculty sponsor Dr. Bonnie Branson; Evan Wittig, “Electrochemical Biofilms for Drug Metabolite Synthesis,” faculty sponsor Dr. Charuksha Walgama.

Greenwood: Lauren Chitty, “Baseball Analysis Using the Markov Chain Model,” faculty sponsor Dr. Daiho Uhm; Jacob McLain, “Preliminary Mapping of Joints in the Middle-Pennsylvanian McAlester Formation in the Vicinity of Fort Smith, Arkansas,” faculty sponsor Dr. Dave Mayo; Joshua Merritt (team of 3), “Robot Automation Pandemic Integration Delivery System,” faculty sponsor Dr. Kiyun Han; Logan Pearson (team of 2), “Petrographic and Biostratigraphic Analysis of a McKay Bay Member Mid-Silurian Knoll Reef in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” faculty sponsor Dr. Maurice Testa; Mikaela Pschier (team of 2), “Mitrofanoff Procedure: A Case Study,” faculty sponsor Brandy Weidman; Katelyn Smith, “Novel Potential Small Molecule Therapeutics of SARS-CoV-2 Targeting Papain-like Protease,” faculty sponsor Dr. Souvik Banerjee.

Lavaca: Leslie Holland (team of 2), “The COVID Effect on Student Achievement as Part of the Teacher Apprenticeship,” faculty sponsor Dr. Monica Riley.

Lowell: Gen Torres (team of 4), “Pregnancy and the Effects of Periodontal Disease,” faculty sponsor Dr. Bonnie Branson.

Mulberry: Paul Gambill, “IR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry Investigations of Menthol: Acetic Acid Based Deep Eutectic Solvent,” faculty sponsor Dr. Mohammad Halim.

Paris: Alexis Dear, “2GZ8 Protease Targeted for Drug Repurposing through E-pharmacophore, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Based Screening,” faculty sponsor Dr. Souvik Banerjee.

Porum, OK: Tony Barnes (team of 2), “Mitrofanoff Procedure: A Case Study,” faculty sponsor Brandy Weidman.

Van Buren: Matt Boston, “Detection of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in Drugs Using Screen Printed Electrodes,” faculty sponsor Dr. Charuksha Walgama; Adrian Cuevas (team of 2), “UAFS ParkBOT: An Autonomous Vehicle Identification Robot,” faculty sponsors Andrew Mackey and Israel Cuevas; Tera Elkins (team of 4), “Pregnancy and the Effects of Periodontal Disease,” faculty sponsor Dr. Bonnie Branson; Haley Gilstrap (team of 3), “Robot Automation Pandemic Integration Delivery,” faculty sponsor Dr. Kiyun Han; Kyle Kelly (team of 2), “UAFS ParkBOT: An Autonomous Vehicle Identification Robot,” faculty sponsors Andrew Mackey and Israel Cuevas.

UCO College of Business Awards Scholarships to Greenwood Student

Sports

Tammy Teague

-

9:11 am

0

UCO College of Business Awards Scholarships to Greenwood Student

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Business recently awarded two scholarships to a Greenwood resident for the upcoming fall and spring semesters in recognition of his academic achievements and outstanding service to the university.

Evan Griffith, a sophomore majoring in PGA golf management from Greenwood, recently received the Bernard and Lucille Hall Family Endowed Scholarship and the Edwards Endowed Scholarship.

“On behalf of the UCO College of Business, I would like to congratulate our many deserving scholarship recipients this year. These talented students have worked exceptionally hard to distinguish themselves as future business leaders. I am very proud of their dedication over the past year as they adapted to new challenges to learning that resulted from COVID-19,” said Jeremy Oller, J.D., Ph.D., interim dean of the UCO College of Business.

“I would also like to thank our many donors, alumni and friends for their tremendous support of our students and programs in the College of Business. Their generosity truly impacts our students’ lives and helps the college continue to offer the best educational experience possible. We are dedicated to preparing students to become the future business leaders within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, and the support of our donors reflects our college’s distinct connection with our business community.”

For more information about the UCO College of Business, visit http://www.uco.edu/business.

Paris Flies to Second Win in State Softball Tournament Over Bald Knob; Advances to Saturday State Semifinal vs Number One Baptist Prep

Sports

Resident News Network

-

8:40 pm

0

Paris Flies to Second Win in State Softball Tournament Over Bald Knob; Advances to Saturday State Semifinal vs Number One Baptist Prep

The Paris Lady Eagles cruised to a 8-0 state quarterfinal win over the Bald Knob Lady Bulldogs behind the solid pitching of Jadyn Hart and an offensive explosion that jumped on the Lady Bulldogs early and often. With the win, Paris advances to the state semifinals on Saturday to play the number one ranked Baptist Prep Lady Eagles for the right to play in next week’s state championship final.

Baptist Prep has been ranked number one in Class 3A all season. In fact, the Lady Eagles have not lost to a Class 3A team all season. I caught up with Paris head coach Donald Hart after his Lady Eagles dominated a good Bald Knob team on Friday, and I asked him for an assessment of how his team has played in the state tournament, as well as some comments on a very good Baptist Prep team that Paris will face for the right to play in next week’s state championship game. Coach Hart commented, “We are playing our best ball at the right time. Its all about peaking at the right time and we seem to be hitting on all cylinders going into the semifinals. Baptist Prep has been number one all year and has not lost to a 3A team this year. They have two pitchers that throw in the low 60’s (mph), a good defense, and very good hitters. We will be going in as the underdog. We lost to them two years ago in the regional semifinals 2-1. It should be a very good game.”

Yes, it should be a very good game, and in fact, it may be the biggest game of the tournament, even the state final. If Paris can find a way to win, they have a very good chance of winning the state championship next weekend.

Game time in Ashdown is 12 noon. And before I finish this story, I would like to send out praise and appreciation to the Ashdown school district and community for an excellent job in hosting the first three round of the state tournament. Ashdown has excellent facilities, and the staff has been friendly and efficient all week. They have been a gracious host, and I am sure our players, coaches, and fans, appreciate their fine hospitality.

So the stage is set. It is Paris and Baptist Prep for a berth in next week’s championship game. And it may be the biggest game of the year.

See you at the ballpark!

From Bulldogs To Bears, Bryson Bailey Signs With UCA

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

7:45 am

0

From Bulldogs To Bears, Bryson Bailey Signs With UCA

To hear the name, Bryson Bailey, in the track world is enough to make some opponents tremble with fear. When it comes to track or anything for that matter, once Bailey sets his mind to it, there’s no turning back “I’ve grown up around the track my whole life,” Waldron Bulldog, Bryson Bryson explained. “I really started falling in love with the sport in 4th grade though. It also helps that my mom is a track coach and my current coach, Chance Tanner, went to UCA to run track. Both of them motivated me my entire life!” And the proof is in the pudding.

Not including his other top-notch performances on the football team, basketball team, baseball team, and the Beta Club, in track alone, Bryson was a member of the 2019 3A Indoor State Championship Team, 2020 3A Indoor State Championship Team, and the 2021 3A Outdoor State Runner-up Team. He holds 2 State Records, one in the 2021 3A 4x100m-43.24 and one in the 2021 3A 4x200m-1:32.59. Has six Individual/Relay State Championships: 3A Outdoor-Long Jump(2021), 4×100(2021), 4×200(2021), and 3A Indoor-Long Jump(2019 & 2020), 60m(2020). The 2020 3A Indoor State Championships Boy’s High Point. And Personal Bests in Long Jump-22’8.75”, 100m-11.03, 200m-22.75, 60m-7.15.

All of Bryson’s hard work finally paid off when on Thursday, May 13, he signed his letter of intent for Division 1 Track and Field at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. “I chose UCA because one, it is close to home, and two, the jumps coach at UCA made me feel welcome from the very beginning. I’m hoping to continue my journey at UCA by winning a Conference Championship but the big goal is to make it to Nationals!” When asked what he will miss most about Bailey, Waldron Boys Track Coach and former UCA Bear, Chance Tanner, expressed “Bryson is one of those kids that you love to coach. When football season was over he was asking what he needed to do to get ready for track season. He’s a multisport athlete so he doesn’t have a lot of free time or an off-season, but even during those other sports, he would come down to the track once or twice a week or on a weekend to get a little running in or long jump. You don’t see that kind of dedication in every athlete, so when you do it’s fun to coach. I can’t wait to see what he can do at UCA!”

Not only is Bryson a dream athlete in any sport he participates in, but he also excels in the classroom as well. When you remove all of the sports games, track events, weight lifting, and daily practices, one wonders where Bailey even finds the time to maintain a 4.0 GPA. But he does and he does it with ease. “Sports have always been important to Bryson,” his mom and Waldron Girls Track Coach, Angie Bailey continued. “But he has also always known that to play sports you have to be dedicated in school. I am so proud of his maintaining a 4.0 along with taking AP classes, taking 24 credit hours of college classes, and becoming a CNA all while playing 4 sports. If he sets his mind on something then that’s it!”

Coach Bailey concluded, “It has been a struggle being a track coach and a mom of an athlete. It always seemed like when it was time for Bryson to jump, one of my athletes was jumping as well. But what do you do? I never missed a meet though. I not only want him to excel in track in college but also excel in his studies. He plans on going into the medical field so it will be hard to juggle both. I definitely want him to have fun but not too much fun!”

Bryson with parents Angie and Brian Bailey

Bryson, 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!

Paris Gets State Softball Win Over Dover Behind Hart’s Perfect, No-Hit Game

Sports

Resident News Network

-

7:51 pm

0

Paris Gets State Softball Win Over Dover Behind Hart’s Perfect, No-Hit Game

Paris fans made the three hour plus drive on Thursday to Ashdown to watch the Paris Lady Eagles take on the Dover Lady Pirates in the first round of the Class 3A softball tournament. And not only did the Lady Eagles, a number one seed in the tournament, get a 6-0 win over the four seed Lady Pirates, the Paris fans were treated to a piece of Lady Eagles history as senior Jadyn Hart pitched a complete and perfect game, not allowing any base runners or hits in the state tournament win.

Paris now advances to the state quarterfinals on Friday and will play the Bald Knob Lady Bulldogs. That game will start at 10 a.m. in Ashdown. The winner of Friday’s games will advance to Saturday’s semi-finals that will also be played in Ashdown.

Resident Press will have a day two update from the state tournament on Friday night. Photos from today’s game will be available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports early next week.

So for now, hello to all you Eagles fans out there from the state tournament, and I hope to see you at the ballpark on Friday as the Lady Eagles continue to follow their dream of a class 3A state title!

White Takes the Helm at Hackett Police Department

Tammy Teague

-

9:31 am

0

White Takes the Helm at Hackett Police Department

Longtime Mansfield Police Officer Sean White took the oath of office on Thursday morning, May 13. This time, as Chief of the Hackett Police Department.

White has called the City of Hackett home for the past 16 years. He and his wife Shannon have two sons, Andrew and Noah. Both his parents, David and Vivian White, were present for the ceremony. His father pinned White’s badge, and his mother presented his gold whistle.

Chief Sean White’s father, David, pins on his badge.

Chief Sean White’s mother, Vivian, presents his gold whistle.

Chief Sean White with his parents David and Vivian

“I took this job because I love my hometown, and I want it to be a place the residents can be proud of,” shared White. “I have worked hard in Mansfield, establishing a rapport in the community and schools. I want to bring that back to Hackett.”

White’s priorities include getting out into the community, having a presence in the school, and tackling the drug problem.

“I am not an office cop,” White stated. “Of course, there are things that have to be done there, but I will tackle pressing issues first.”

Officer Jim Fortson, Mayor Trini Harper and Chief Sean White

White added that the Hackett Police Department will be growing and changing. “I want to remold this department into something everyone can be proud of.”

After taking office on Thursday, White will immediately go to work. “If I am in the office, people are welcome to come see me. If I am not there, you can be sure you will see me out in the community. I plan to make myself available and be approachable.“

Mayor Trini Harper administered the oath of office. “We know he (Chief Sean White) will do a great job, and have high expectations. We appreciate Sheriff Hobe Runion and the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department for all their assistance and support.”

Charleston Looks to Improve in 2021 on Undefeated 3A-1 Football Championship

Sports

Resident News Network

-

10:39 pm

0

Charleston Looks to Improve in 2021 on Undefeated 3A-1 Football Championship

The springs sports seasons are now in the books for the Charleston school district, and the Tigers have now turned their attention to the upcoming 2021 high school football season. Charleston, coming off of last year’s 3A-1 championship, is looking to improve this year with not only another conference championship, but a possible deep run through the state football playoffs.

Tigers head football coach Ricky May is entering his third season at the helm of the Charleston football program, and he looks to keep his streak in tact by once again returning the Tigers to the state playoffs. May guided an injury-riddled team into the playoffs in his first season, and in 2020, amid the COVID pandemic, he led the Tigers to an undefeated season in the 3A-1 conference. Charleston won their first round playoff game at Alumni Field against the Mayflower Eagles, but fell in the second round to state quarterfinalist Glen Rose.

The Tigers were a young and talented team in 2020, and many of those players are returning this fall after having significant playing time last season. And if that is not enough for Charleston, the Tigers have a rising sophomore class of players that is very good and will have several who will contribute this fall. So if Charleston can keep their players on the field this fall, they should be very tough to beat in 2021.

The Tigers held their third spring practice on Wednesday, and Resident Press was their to bring you pictures of the players as they went to work to prepare for the upcoming season. The team spent over two hours on the Alumni Field turf going through a variety of individual and team drills on offense and defense. After the day’s practice, I asked Coach May for his thoughts about where his team is at this point in the spring. Coach May commented, “Day three of spring football is in the books. We made sure to get everyone looks today at some live team action on both sides of the ball, and hoping to see great things on film. We had a few players that had a good day, but we still have quite a few that have got to step up. I felt like we went faster on both sides of the ball, as well. We have moved a few players around to different spots and they seemed to pick it up better today, as well. No one is really standing out right now, but we are hoping that they all continue to learn and play hard.”

Additional photos from today’s practice are available on Facebook at Charleston Tigers Sports. Resident Press will continue to update you on the Tigers this spring and when the team resumes pre-season practice in August. But until then, you can get your “football fix” with these photos today. And for whatever it means to our readers, I came away from the practice very impressed with the team. The Tigers are deep and talented, and I know that under Coach May’s leadership, they will be more than ready when the season begins this fall.

Paris Set to Open State Softball Tournament Play vs Dover on Thursday

Sports

Resident News Network

-

9:58 pm

0

Paris Set to Open State Softball Tournament Play vs Dover on Thursday

The long wait from last Saturday’s regional final win to Thursday’s first round game in the state softball tournament has finally arrived for the Paris Lady Eagles. And as thrilling and exciting as the regionals were for Paris, that is history, and the Lady Eagles must focus their attentions and energy on the Dover Lady Pirates in Thursday’s first round game. Paris and Dover will play their first round game in Ashdown on Thursday at 3 p.m. The winner will advance to Friday’s quarterfinal game.

For Paris fans, don’t pay any attention to tournament seedings. At this point, every team in the tournament is good and is very dangerous to the Lady Eagles’ hopes of winning a state championship. Every team has to be respected, and no team in the tournament can afford to look ahead to potential match-ups. And from this point forward, each game can be your last of the season. It is truly a matter of survival and advancing to the next round.

The first three rounds of the state tournament will be held in Ashdown with the finals being held next week at at different site. Paris must focus on Dover, and nothing else.

The Lady Eagles will again send senior Jadyn Hart to the circle for the big first round start. Hart has been an iron man all season, pitching virtually every game this season for Paris. She has had four days rest since her last start on Saturday, and she should be ready to go. Hart will also be counted on for her offense, and Paris fans are hoping to see the power she displayed in the regional final to continue in Ashdown. But the Lady Eagles have many players who contribute, and that is one reason why they have been so successful this year. No one player has to carry the load, as there are several in the lineup that can show up in any given game to have a big offensive night and carry the team to victory. Hart may be one of the three best pitchers in 3A this year, and she will be huge for the Lady Eagles this weekend.

Resident Press will be in Ashdown on Thursday to bring you all of the action from the state softball tournament. Updates will be published late each evening, and a final recap will be published Sunday night. Photos from the Lady Eagles’ games in Ashdown will be published on Tuesday, May 18. Look for these on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports.

Last weekend’s regional tournament was full of memories that Paris fans and players will remember forever. But as sweet as that was, Paris will be out to create more memories that could be even sweeter. Last weekend is over, and now, it is time to focus on Thursday, and, as the old saying goes, take it one game at a time.

Travel safely, and I will see you at the ballpark!

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK