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Common Problems To Look Out for in Your Basement

Our basements are incredibly versatile spaces that can be used for a variety of things. From allowing us to partake in a hobby or two, to being the perfect place to gather with friends—there are few activities that these areas can’t accommodate. However, it’s important to note that basements are also susceptible to a series of different hazards, and can develop issues faster than you’d expect. So, you’ll need to stay on top of them if you want to maintain this room. These are some common problems to look out for in your basement and how to fix them.

Wall Bowing

Over the years, a home begins to shift and rest differently on its foundation. This new distribution of weight is what often causes unfinished basement walls to form cracks. Should these openings go unnoticed, the wall’s overall structure can collapse and result in them bowing inward or buckling outward. When this happens, it can be incredibly dangerous for all living in the home. As such, you’ll need to call a wall repair service immediately.

Leaks and Flooding

Wall leaks and minor flooding as a result of cracking are also common problems to look out for in your basement. This is because the more damage your foundation sustains, the easier it is for ground and rainwater to seep into your home. Leaks and flooding lead to additional harm by saturating your home’s drywall and slowly weakening it. Therefore, if you notice wet marks or streaks along your basement walls, it’s vital that you hire a professional to reseal the area.

Humidity and Mold

If your home has sustained water damage in the past, other things to keep an eye out for are increased humidity levels and mold. There are several common types of mold that can grow in homes, and many of them can have lasting effects on our breathing. In fact, certain species have even been linked to the development of severe health issues in those who live with them. For this reason, you should always have it on your radar and attempt to deep clean the afflicted areas whenever possible. Placing a dehumidifier in your basement can also help eliminate some of this unwanted moisture and keep the mold from coming back.

Foul Odors

You may notice a few strange or unpleasant smells in your basement as well. Unfortunately, these rooms aren’t known to receive ventilation, and this can become evident by a musky or dank odor. The key to preventing this is to keep your basement as clean as possible, as dust and moisture can contribute to the problem. But, should the issue persist, you should call a professional to check for leaks and water damage.

Mayor Kinslow Proclaims Emily Beineman and Blue Day

The Greenwood City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, May 3, 2021. The meeting, which was held at Greenwood City Hall, was called to order at 7:07 p.m.

Council members present at roll call were AC Brown, Ralph Meeker, and Daniel McDaniel. A quorum was declared with the addition of the mayor. Tim Terry and Lance Terry were absent. Rod Powell arrived after roll call at 7:50 p.m. Also present, Mayor Doug Kinslow, City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry, and City Attorney Mike Hamby.

Following the invocation from Brother Trent Hampton of Calvary Temple, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Fire Chief Stewart Bryan, the motion was made by McDaniel and seconded by Meeker to approve the April 5, 2021 regular council meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Recognitions and Acknowledgements:
Mayor Kinslow read a proclamation declaring May 3, 2021 Emily Beineman and Blue Day. Mayor Kinslow presented Beineman with a city pin and key to the City.

Emily Beineman and Blue (photo courtesy of Greenwood City Hall)
Emily Beineman (photo courtesy of Greenwood City Hall)

The story shared by Beineman on April 29, caught national attention:

Today while on our daily run a little girl was outside the funeral home and yelled ‘may I pet your puppy?’ I smiled and said, ‘Of course! As long as your parents don’t mind!’ The little girl did a shy little smile and said ‘Oh my parents aren’t out here, my mom’s inside and my daddy died… we are at his funeral.’ Before I could say a word, Blue walked up to this little girl and ever so gently sat down in front of her. The girl wrapped her arms around Blue’s neck and wouldn’t let go. This little girl’s friends and family were all surrounding us and as I looked around there wasn’t a dry eye to be found (except this little girl). I quickly dried my eyes (I was very thankful for tinted sunglasses), sat, and talked to this little girl for a few minutes. She then jumps up and says ‘I want you to meet my Daddy! Can you please come meet him?’ I said ‘If you want me to meet your daddy, I’d absolutely love to as long as it’s ok that I look like this!’ (Keep in mind I had just got done running 3 miles. I walked into the funeral home with this sweet girl, met her daddy, her mom, and her grandparents. She showed me the beautiful bouquet of flowers that surrounded his casket and told me how pretty she thought everything looked. She then asked if me and Blue would stay for a few more minutes. She wanted to pet Blue a little more, so we did. This little girl’s aunt and uncle looked at me with tears running down their face, and her aunt whispered ‘I think God led you and Blue over here today for a reason… Blue’s love and gentleness that she has shown has touched our hearts.’ I’ve always referred to Blue as my ‘gentle giant’ because I’ve always felt that she could sense when someone is sad/upset/etc., and has this overwhelming calmness about her that is indescribable. Today, I am thankful for many things. But I’m especially thankful for God allowing us to meet this special little girl on one of the hardest days of her life. This little girl will probably never realize how special today was for me, but it was exactly what I needed. I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I truly believe we were meant to meet this little girl. She is the perfect reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness through every storm.

Six-year-old Raelynn Nast outside the funeral home where her family and friends were gathered, paying their respects to her father, Davey who recently died of colon cancer. (Photo courtesy of Emily Bieneman)

Bid Opening: Whitetail Lane Improvements
Jeremy Shores with Hawkins-Weir Engineering opened and read the bids for this project as follows:
(All bids were accompanied by a 5% bid bond) (apparent low bid appears in bold)
Steve Beam Construction, Inc. – $323,815.50
Mobley Contractors, Inc. – $354,584.32
Raggio Excavating, Inc. – $240,610.00
Goodwin & Goodwin, Inc. – $227,650.00

Shores explained that these improvements are for street and drainage with culvert replacement and cul-de-sac resurface in the area of Whitetail Lane. After bids were read, Shores stated that all of the bids will be qualified and a letter sent to the City as to their recommendation on the lowest qualified bidder.

A motion was made by Councilman Brown and seconded McDaniel to accept the lowest qualified bidder per the engineering firm. The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports:
Boys & Girls Club – Report Submitted
SRCA – Report Submitted; Councilman Brown questioned the cost of meals listed on the report.
Parks Commission – Report Submitted; Parks Commission Chair, Joel Goldstein, read his report and was present to
answer any questions; there were none noted. Mayor Kinslow offered condolences to Mrs. Goldstein’s father who passed away.
Water/Wastewater Commission – Report Submitted; Commission Chair, John Bailey, read his report and was present to answer any questions; there were none noted.

Citizen Forum:
None; Mayor Kinslow recognized Senator Matt Pitsch’s presence and stated that he is a candidate for the office of State Treasurer.

Financial Report
Report submitted; Director of Finance Tom Marsh offered the following talking points:
 Economic review report
 Tax receipts trends
 Growth of 31% in A&P tax for the past 4 years

Agenda Additions
Resolution to Amend Sworn Personnel Handbook
Approval of Contract (Settlement) for Bell Park Promenade Phase II Payment
There were no noted objections to these added items.

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
Water/Wastewater Commission – Appointment of Replacement Member to Water/Wastewater Commission: a motion was made by Council McDaniel, seconded by Meeker to approve the appointment of Tate Cole to
fill the vacancy on the Water/Wastewater Commission, The motion passed unanimously.

Police – Resolution to Amend Sworn Personnel Handbook for Duty to Intervene and Excessive Force: Police Chief Will Dawson explained the need for the resolution and the motion was made by Councilman McDaniel, and seconded by Meeker to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.

Parks – Approval of Contract (Settlement) for Promenade II Project Payment – Mayor Kinslow stated that this document is a replacement for one that was offered previously and Parks Director, Tammy Briley, gave the council a review of the oversight issue that led to this. City Attorney, Mike Hamby, referenced the last sentence in the second paragraph of the settlement and advised that authorization be given to sign this pending its removal. Hamby said that he would contact Mr. Stodola. The motion was made by Councilman McDaniel, and seconded by Brown to accept this document, pending the removal of the section pointed out by Hamby. The motion passed unanimously.

City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry stated for the record that Councilman Rod Powell had arrived, therefore the mayor was no longer needed for a quorum.

Department Reports and Questions from Council:
Mayor Kinslow stated that street department employee Chad Grouse has been asked, and has accepted, the position of Street Director with the council’s approval. After a discussion, it was determined that council approval was not needed for the appointment.

Councilman Brown voiced his appreciation to the Street and Parks departments for the recent city-wide cleanup. There was a discussion about making available a dumpster accessible to the public. Councilman Meeker asked that the area of the Yellow Carwash be monitored for cleanliness.

Police – Councilman Brown voiced appreciation for the job the Police Department does. Chief Dawson reported that officer Josh Fisher is leaving the Police Department to take a civilian job. Mayor Kinslow advised the council that he has re-directed Animal Control/Code Enforcement from the Police Department over to the Planning Department and this position will now be under the supervision of Sonny Bell. He said the new animal control/code enforcement employee will start on May 17, and Hunter Mikles is taking over the code enforcement duties until that time.

Council Forum:
Councilman McDaniel asked Councilman Brown and Chief Bryan about Brown’s volunteer fireman status due to not being appointed to Assistant Fire Chief the previous month. Chief Bryan replied that he withdrew the request to amend the ordinance and that Brown is a Captain of the department. The department now has four captains.

McDaniel asked Chief Bryan if a number of positions are listed in the bylaws. Chief Bryan responded that there are no limitations, but they will be making some changes on lower officers. McDaniel asked if everything is okay regarding the city’s ordinance, adding that the appointment of Bob Dodd was for a replacement. Chief Bryan responded stating it’s an issue they are looking at.

-Ordinance 11-11-

Chamber Director Bob Purvis introduced the new Director of Fort Smith’s Visitor’s Bureau. Purvis stated that a subcommittee has been formed for annexation and plans to present an action item and its goals by
the end of the year.

Councilman Brown mentioned the drainage situation in the turnaround area behind the Fire Department in the parking lot near the privacy fence and Mayor Kinslow stated that it would be looked at by the Street Department. Chief Bryan requested that another 10 feet of pavement be added to this area, also.

Mayor Kinslow reported that two wayfinding signs had been erected recently, one each on the east and west end of town. He added that more are budgeted.

Mayor Kinslow said he had recently received a call from a concerned citizen about the prevalence of cancer in this area and he said he does not have an answer, but has contacted State Representative Lee Johnson about it.

Councilman McDaniel asked about the tree situation at the lake. City Attorney Mike Hamby stated it is still in process.

Councilman Powell asked about an update for the sidewalk project and Mayor Kinslow stated that 36 easements are to be obtained for this. He added that Mrs. Smith and Mr. Bell have worked tirelessly on that and there are four remaining that have been hard to obtain. He said he has visited with Mr. Shores about this, who then visited with ARdot, and said that as a last resort, a five foot sidewalk can be turned into a four foot sidewalk so that these properties are not disturbed by the work. He said that as
an ARdot requirement, all of this must be worked out in order to proceed. He said that the city is already approved for phase II of this project and has encouraged Mr. Shores to get started on it because of the length of time that
this phase is taking. There was further discussion about sidewalks issues.

Adjournment
A Motion to adjourn was made by McDaniel, seconded by Brown. The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Obituary – Roger Leonard Sheeley (1970 – 2021)

Roger Leonard Sheeley of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life Monday, May 3, 2021 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He was born May 6, 1970 in Dennison, Iowa to Robert E. Sheeley and Judith E. (Fiebelkorn) Sheeley. Roger was 50 years old.

Roger enjoyed traveling, being on the go to anywhere and doing anything to make fun memories. Roger especially loved spending time with friends and family. While Roger only had one biological son, he had many children that he claimed as his and was instrumental in helping to raise them.

Roger leaves behind to cherish his son, Matthew Sheeley of Waldron, Arkansas, siblings: Earl Sheeley, Cindy Sheeley and Sue Essman all of Waldron, Arkansas. Roger will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends he loved dearly.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Judith Sheeley and two brothers: William Sheeley and Robert Sheeley.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. 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 Roger Leonard Sheeley, please visit our floral store.

Keep Wildlife Wild, Leave ‘Orphans’ Alone

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — Each year, biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission get calls from worried conservation-minded individuals who happen across a young, helpless-looking deer, rabbits and birds that have apparently lost their mother. Moving those animals may be one of the worst things you can do to help it, and in the case of white-tailed deer fawns, taking it home can even land you in trouble with the law.

Most fawns found that seem abandoned aren’t alone after all. Lying perfectly still and quiet is part of a young deer’s survival instinct while its mother is away. Once a doe gives birth, she still needs to feed to maintain her health while nursing her young. She will go a short distance and eat, leaving the fawn alone during much of the day. By reducing the amount of visits she makes, she’s reducing the amount of attention brought to its hiding spot and the amount of scent left to alert predators of her young.

The fawn’s job is to stay as still as possible so that it remains hidden. Their spotted coat blends into the background, and they just lay there. In some cases, a person can literally push it along with a foot without it jumping up to flee. 

In most cases, the mother deer is often just out of sight, waiting for you to leave so she can tend to her young. Rabbits, birds and many other wild animals have a similar plan for survival, with the parents leaving the young for sometimes long periods of time to gather food or eat to maintain their health while nursing.

Moving “orphaned” wildlife works against this plan. Instead of rescuing them,a person may be moving them from where the mother will return. It also leaves the good Samaritan struggling to figure out what to do with the animal. Wildlife rehabilitation experts often are overwhelmed by kidnapped young owls and other birds that were mistakenly “rescued” by well-meaning people.

Since the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease in Arkansas in 2016, wildlife rehabilitators are no longer allowed to rehab white-tailed deer or elk, and hand-catching a white-tailed deer fawn is illegal. Moving live deer is one of the fastest ways CWD can spread over long distances. Once a CWD-positive deer or elk is housed at a facility, any subsequent deer or elk is at risk of contracting the disease. Release of those animals later could distribute the disease to new areas of the state, impacting thousands of deer in those areas.

If you have taken a young animal from an area, the best practice is to place it back where you found it as soon as possible. If a baby bird has fallen from the nest, place it back or move it as close to the tree as possible. Forget the wive’s tales about the mother rejecting the young because of your scent; when she returns, she will take care of her young. In cases where the spot may have been unsafe because of a nearby road or predator, you can move the animal slightly and its mother will find it.

In those cases where the mother has been killed, The AGFC has a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators that can take in certain animals available at www.agfc.com/en/wildlife-management/wildlife-rehabilitation. People should call ahead to ensure there is room to take in the young animals, and verify that the rehabber is licensed to take in the particular 

Even if the mother deer is dead the fawn still has a chance of survival. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists, a fawn can begin to eat and digest native vegetation as early as two weeks after birth, and are completely weaned within two to three months. There also is a chance other does are nearby that will take in the fawn as their own if they find them. In either case, that animal’s best chance of living a healthy life in the wild is for people to step aside and let Mother Nature take care of things.

An Exciting Night for Senior Lady Bulldog Softball

By Peggy Barger

On Friday, April 30, the senior Lady Bulldog softball players were recognized in a ceremony with their family members by their side.

It is always a bitter sweet moment for seniors and their parents. As a rite of passage, it marks the “last” occasions of their final year of high school sports.

However these girls have left a lasting legacy on the field that will not soon be forgotten. On Friday, their contributions to the game were recognized before taking the field against Bentonville West.

Greenwood defeated Bentonville West 1- 0 on Senior Night. They will play next Thursday at 10:00 in the 5A State Softball Tournament at Mountain Home.

Pictured from left: Chelsi Possage, Kinley Fisher, Haven Clements, Coach Ronnie Sockey, Ally Sockey, Natalie Thomas, and Gracie Been (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Ally Sockey #15 with her parents, Ronnie and Mindy Sockey (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Chelsi Possage #3 with parents, Mike and Stephanie Possage (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Haven Clements #8, with parents, Ronnie and Leslie Clements, and sister, Chyna Clements (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Kinley Fisher #0, with parents, Floyd and Angel Fisher (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Natalie Thomas #9 with Dad, Nick Thomas, and Mother and Step-Dad Miranda and Phillip Nolen (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)
Gracie Been #3 with parents, Lisa and the late Butch Been, and Brother, Mackenzie Been (photo courtesy of Peggy Barger)

3A State Track Ends With Bulldogs Placing Runner-Up

On Tuesday, May 4th, the 2021 3A Track State Championship was held in Prescott, Ar. This year, 41 teams showed up from all over the state of Arkansas including Waldron, Cedarville, and Hackett. From sun up to sun down these teams competed with the first half of the day consisting of prelims and the second half of the day finals. When all was said and done, Harding Academy finished 1st in the girls’ division with Ashdown as the Runner-Up, and from the boys’ division, Prescott finished first with 82 points followed by the Waldron Bulldogs as Runner-Up with 80.5 points which is the highest any guy’s team has finished in Waldron history. The Lady Bulldogs finished 7th while the Lady Pirates tied for 17th.

Hackett’s, Tori Blanton

Only one athlete from Hackett qualified to go to State and that was sophomore, Tori Blanton who placed 5th in the 400 Meter Dash with a time of 1:05. From Cedarville, Hayden Partain represented the Pirates and finished 10th in Shot Put with a throw of 40-2. And for the Lady Pirates, Chloe Morrow placed 3rd in Triple jump with a new PR of 35’1 and the 4×400 relay team of Emily Mizell, Jordan Hightower, Chloe Morrow, and Katie McBroom placed 3rd overall with a time of 4:30.

Cedarville’s Fab Five

Along with the Bulldogs rewriting school history, the 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams also rewrote State history by setting State records in both relays. The 4×100 team of Bryson Barker, Bryson Bailey, Caden Fuller, and Gabino Grano, set the record at 43.58 and are the State Champions as well as the 4×200 team of Drake Carnley, Caden Fuller, Bryson Barker, and Bryson Bailey. The 4×400 team consisting of Drake Carnley, Marco Mondragon, Tyler Wright, and Caden Fuller finished as State Runner-Up. Seniors, Bryson Bailey and Isaac “The Real” Villarreal were a double threat duo who came in a smashed their State events. Bailey finished his last high school track meet as the 3A Long Jump Champion, 200 Meter Dash Runner-Up, and 4th in the 100 Meter Dash. Villarreal concluded as State Runner-Up in the 110 Meter Hurdles, 6th in Long Jump, and 10th in the 300 Meter Hurdles.

Bryson Bailey

Rounding out the Bulldogs roster was Lane Metcalf (11th) and Montana Wesley (13th) in the 800 Meter Run. Baldy Villarreal (14th) in the 1600 Meter Run. Bladyn Mays (11th) in the 3200 Meter Run. Brycen Hattabaugh (9th) in Pole Vault. Caden Fuller (4th) and Tyler Wright (6th) in the 400 Meter Dash. Drake Carnley (6th) and Kason Davis (7th) in the 110m Hurdles. And Carnley (4th) and Davis (8th) in the 300 Meter Hurdles. The Lady Bulldogs also represented their school well. The 4×400 relay team of Ryleigh Anschutz, McKenzi Stidman, Molly Richmond, and Jasmine Nelson and the 4×800 relay team of Maria Grano, Constance Richmond, McKenzi Stidman, and Ryleigh Anschutz came in as State Runner-Up.

Also making waves at State was McKenzi Stidman (8th) in the 400 Meter Dash. Ryleigh Anschutz (5th) and Maria Grano (10th) in the 800 Meter Dash. Maria Grano (7th) and Constance Richmond (10th) in the 1600 Meter Run. Erica Davis (3rd) and Hannah Jeffries (7th) in the 100 Meter Hurdles. Constance Richmond (10th) in the 3200 Meter Run. Erika Gabel (9th) and Erica Davis (10th) in the 300 Meter Hurdles. Madison Goff (5th) in Discus. And in Long Jump, Rheagan Sanford (11th) and Macie Davis (13th).

Randy Claude Leads Tigers To The Top Of District Tournament

Pictured is Randy Claude

On Saturday, May 1, the Mansfield Tigers hit the ballpark for a two-day game in the semifinals and finals round of the 2A-4 Baseball District Tournament. Up first for Mansfield was the Acorn Tigers. The Tigers were able to hold Acorn to one lonely run as they secured four runs on five hits ending the game with a 4-1 win and moving on to the finals. The Tigers must have been conserving their energy in their match against Acorn because when they showed up in the finals round to face the Mountainburg Dragons, they….showed…..up!

Zayne Dugan

It was an uneventful first two innings as neither the Tigers nor the Dragons were successful in producing any runs. And after Mountainburg again missed their mark in the top of the third inning, the Tigers were ready to make an appearance. Mansfield fired up their offense and anchored 14 runs in the bottom of the third. Randy Claude homered on a fly ball to center bringing Nate Brewer home and it was all over from there. Braxton Byers then turned around and delivered the same outcome as he knocked it out of the park allowing Fisher Willsey to score.

Peyton Martin

After four more runs by the Tigers, the score read 8-0 and it was Claude’s turn to step back up to the plate. And to the crowd’s amazement, Claude nailed his second dinger of the game. “I wasn’t expecting to hit either one of those HR’s,” explained Claude. “Because I don’t go up to the plate looking to hit it over. My motto to every at-bat is “base hit ball four”.” Mansfield concluded the match with a final score of 15-1 and walked away as the 2A-4 District Champions. The Tigers made 15 runs on 16 hits with home runs made by Claude (2) and Byers (1), doubles by Nate Brewer, Drew Elmore, and Trey Vaughan, and singles by Peyton Martin and Aaron Brewer.

Randy Claude

“As a team going into Districts, we knew that if we did what Coach Robinson taught us, then there was nothing to worry about. The team has put in many hours of hard work and we thrive when we are on the field together. I’ve always been told it’s hard to beat a team that wants it more than you do.” The Tigers hold a 17-7 record and will be competing in Round 1 of Regionals on Thursday, May 6 at 10 am against Cotter. “I’ve never been on a team so hungry for success so if we come out and get runs in early, our defense will back us up.”

Drew Elmore
The 2020-2021 2A-4 Conference and District Champs, the Mansfield Tigers

Photos courtesy of Summer Martin

Veteran’s Salute: SSG Robert C. Miles

It is always a honor and privilege to feature the men and women who have bravely served, defending our country and our freedoms. Let us never take for granted their great sacrifice, and the sacrifices of those who gave all to keep this great nation free.

This month, we are featuring hometown veteran SSG Robert C. Miles. He and his wife Angela have three children, Hayden, 10, Hudson, 8, and Hogan, 6. The family resides in Greenwood.

Miles, 37, is a 2001 graduate of Lake View High School in San Angelo, TX.

The U.S. Army Staff Sergeant has spent 16 years in service, eight years on active duty, and eight years in the Army Reserve. SSG Miles has had three overseas deployments – Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005-2006 and 2007-2008); Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) (2010-2011).

He served as a 91B, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic during his first two deployments. Then as a company Maintenance Motor Sergeant during his last deployment.

Currently, Miles serves as an E-6/Staff Sergeant in charge of a maintenance section in the Army Reserve. He is currently serving in the 341st Engineer Multi-Role Bridge Company located in Barling, AR.

Although thank you seems so inadequate for all you and your family have sacrificed for us, know you are appreciated! Thank you SSG Robert C. Miles for your years of military service!

3A Baseball / Softball Region 1 Tournaments Start Thursday in Harrison

The top four seeds from the 3A-1 and 3A-4 conferences will battle in Harrison in the Region 1 Tournament that will decide the top four teams in both baseball and softball who will advance to next week’s state tournament in Ashdown. It is time for post-season play that will eventually determine the Class 3A state champions in both baseball and softball. The state baseball final will be held at Baum-Walker Stadium on the campus of the University of Arkansas. The state softball final will also be held at the University of Arkansas at Bogle Park.

The softball teams that will represent the 3A-4 conference in this week’s regional tournament are Booneville, Paris, Hackett, and Charleston. From the 3A-1, the softball teams who will battle the 3A-4 teams will be the host school, Valley Springs, Elkins, Lincoln, and West Fork.

On the baseball side of the regional, the 3A-4 will be represented by Danville, Paris, Booneville, and Charleston. From the 3A-1, the top four seeds in the regional from that conference are Elkins, Greenland, West Fork, and Lincoln.

Thursday’s first round games in the regional baseball brackets are:

Charleston vs. Elkins, 10 a.m.

Paris vs. West Fork, 12:30 p.m.

Danville vs. Greenland, 3 p.m.

Booneville vs. Lincoln, 5:30 p.m.

The Scorebook Live 3A baseball Region 1 brackets can be accessed by clicking on this link:

https://scorebooklive.com/arkansas/baseball/tournaments/2021-arkansas-baseball-3a-region-1-bracket

Resident Press File Photo

In the regional softball brackets, Thursday’s schedule of first round games are:

Charleston vs. Valley Springs, 10 a.m.

Paris vs. Lincoln, 12:30 p.m.

Booneville vs. Elkins, 3 p.m.

West Fork vs. Hackett, 5:30 p.m.

The Scorebook Live 3A Region 1 softball tournament brackets can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://scorebooklive.com/arkansas/softball/tournaments/2021-arkansas-softball-3a-region-1-bracket

Although the Valley Springs school district is the host school for the tournament, the games will be played in Harrison at the Equity Bank Baseball / Softball Complex. Both the softball and baseball tournament games will run concurrently, and weather permitting, the tournament will run from Thursday through Saturday afternoon.

Fans from all schools and beyond can keep up with the outcomes of all the baseball and softball regional tournament games on Scorebook Live. A copy of both brackets is included below and will automatically update with the outcomes of each game.

The primary objective of every team in the regional tournaments will be to win their first games. Not only do they advance to the regional semi-final with a first round win, but a first round win also guarantees the winners a berth in next week’s state tournaments. A win or two beyond the first round in regional will give the teams going to state a higher seed and a more favorable path to a possible state championship. So, it is expected that every team will throw their best pitchers in an effort to secure that all-important win in the first round. It all leads up to a lot of excitement for each team and their communities and fans, and Resident Press will be there to report all of the latest developments in the tournament. RP will provide a short update on Friday and Saturday mornings to announce the results of the first and second round games, and a full recap of the tournament will be published on Monday night following the tournament. Photos from the Harrison tournament will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports by Monday night, as well.

For the players, coaches, and their fans, it all boils down to Thursday for the 16 teams from districts 3A-1 and 3A-4 in the regional baseball and softball tournaments. Half of these teams will live to see another day in the pursuit of their dreams of a state championship, and half will experience the let down of having their seasons come to a sudden end. It is the nature of sports, and, in my opinion, it is why sports can teach valuable lessons that translate to everyday life.

Resident Press wishes all of our teams the best of luck, and, as I have said all season, I will see you at the ballpark!

Reasons Why You Need a Sewer Inspection

A functional sewer system is an essential service that a home must provide its residents. But even the most well-maintained systems occasionally break down. When this happens, it’s crucial to find the source of the problem as quickly as possible to prevent further complications. Here are some of the common reasons why you need a sewer inspection.

Leave It to the Experts

One thing that’s incredibly important to understand is that only professionals should access the sewer system. This is because the system is often a labyrinth filled with many dangers, including dangerous gasses, flooding, the possibility of electrocution, and other risks. There’s a reason why there are special tools to access the sewers and specific protective equipment to prevent exposure to the dangerous substances inside them. If you think something is wrong with the system, the best thing to do is contact professionals to handle it.

Avoid Repairs

When flooding occurs, the worst thing that can happen is for raw sewage to mix with the water. Once this contamination occurs, it’s difficult and expensive to reverse its effects. Hiring a crew to perform a preemptive inspection can alert you to possible situations that may arrive in the future, providing you with an opportunity to fix any issues before they turn into real problems.

Making a Purchasing Decision

Another reason why you need a sewer inspection is to protect your investment when buying a house. Take advantage of a home inspection to scout the sewer system of a home that you’re considering to uncover signs of problems. Identifying the issue and fixing it before the sale is complete will save you money in the future.

Wear and Tear

Everything breaks down eventually, even the most well-kept systems. In particular, older systems have a higher probability of failure. There are many signs of a sewer line problem due to wear and tear, including a rotten egg smell or sewage smell, suddenly appearing sinkholes, and varying water levels in your toilets. All of these can be symptoms of a much larger problem.

Tree Roots

It’s easy to look outside and see that your trees and shrubs are growing taller and fuller. It’s similarly easy to forget that your plants have roots that continuously grow into the ground. Root growth is a significant cause of damage to sewer lines because the plants and trees may attempt to access the sewer’s moisture. If you have trees or plants that you suspect are growing into your sewer lines, the best thing you can do is to have professionals inspect the area.