In a battle of the Lady Eagles, the Paris Lady Eagles softball team defeated the Cossatot River Lady Eagles by the score of 14-3 in a run-shortened game that ended with Paris batting in the bottom of the fifth inning. It was the final game for Paris before spring break and it was good for the Lady Eagles to end the week with a conference win.
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Several Paris players contributed to the offensive explosion for the Lady Eagles. In the circle, senior pitcher Jadyn Hart continued her dominance with another complete-game win. Several players contributed offensively, but the continued outstanding play by sophomore Jadyn Wells, both at the plate and defensively in the infield continues to be huge for the Lady Eagles. Wells has tremendous power at the plate and has a cannon for a throwing arm to match from anywhere in the infield. The combination of Hart leading off and Wells coming to the plate with Hart in scoring position has been a big factor so far in the young season. In fact, it is easy to say that if the Lady Eagles have Hart in the circle and Wells at the plate, Paris has a chance to win against any team they play.
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Several Paris players had good offensive games that contributed to the lopsided Lady Eagles win. Karsen Hart may have had her best game so far this season by going four for four at the plate. The very athletic Karsyn Tencleve may have also had her best day, as well. Tencleve had a triple, two singles, and went three for four with a walk. Jadyn Wells continues to hit well and is a threat on the base path anytime she gets on. In short, the Lady Eagles offense came to life on Friday, and their production against Cossatot River is what I expect to continue now that Paris is in the conference portion of their schedule.
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The Lady Eagles have played a tough early season schedule with Fort Smith Southside, Morrilton, and an early conference game with Booneville on their schedule. Paris, by choosing to play a tough non-conference schedule, has challenged the Lady Eagles early and Paris fans should see this pay off for their favorite team as the season moves into the middle of conference play and into the post-season. Any coach can probably put a schedule together that would give them a chance to win more games or perhaps go undefeated on the season. But if that team gets into trouble in the post-season for the first time and has not yet experienced adversity and overcoming it to win, it could be bad timing in a “one and done” loss scenario in post-season. This is a philosophy shared by neighboring school districts who have been very successful, and I think it will prove to be beneficial to the Lady Eagles as they move into April and May.
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Paris fans can find scheduling information for both the Lady Eagles and the Eagles baseball teams on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Both teams will not play again until the May 29 when the baseball Eagles host Mulberry. Photos from the Lady Eagles victory over Cossatot River are now available at Paris Eagles Sports, as well. Fans from both teams can copy the photos at no charge.
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So, enjoy your spring break, and Resident Press will see you at the ball park on Monday, May 29 for the baseball Eagles’ game with Mulberry. Coverage of the Mulberry game will be in the Tuesday evening, May 30, online edition of Resident Press.
Resident Press Photo
Enjoy the break, March Madness, and the great weather!
It was a very hot July day in 1938. Thousands of people surrounded the Booneville train depot, sweltering in the hot sunshine while trying to inch closer and closer to the track. The train whistled in the distance and slowed to the cheers of the crowd.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, accompanied by Senators Hattie Caraway and John Miller, emerged from the rear of the train. Standing on the ramp at the back of the train, Caraway introduced the president who then gave a short speech to the waiting crowd. In the speech, Roosevelt praised the local leaders, acknowledged the beauty of Magazine Mountain, and spoke about the future of western Arkansas. The campaign was a part of the whistle-stop train campaign for the President. During the heyday of train travel, it became quite popular for politicians to board a train, stop at each station, and present a short speech to supporters.
In his third campaign for president, FDR realized the importance of gathering support from the solidly Democratic South. Facing a tough campaign and running for an unheard-of third term, he needed solid support for his reelection and for his economic recovery act. His campaign committee had announced his plans to travel across the state on a trip that would eventually terminate on the west coast.
Hearing about the president’s plan, local civic groups and politicians sent an invitation to his campaign committee and became one of the four-stop locations in the state. Local newspapers reported that the president appeared in a light grey suit and appeared tanned and trim as he addressed the crowd.
Little did most people know that FDR was afflicted by polio and required a wheelchair. To stand, he used canes to push himself up and to get into position to deliver his speech. After his short speech, of which I have a copy, he was presented a bouquet of flowers by the local garden club.
As the train pulled away, the Booneville high school band accompanied his departure with a rendition of “America.” Even greater than the kind words by the President, the two senators remained behind and meet with the county judge and other local politicians.
Through their efforts and that of FDR, the area received $1,004,000 dollars for the WPA to construct to assist in the 2-million-dollar construction of the state sanatorium. FDR went on to win the election, followed by his fourth election during WWII. He became the only president to serve more than two terms. He died during the fourth term, leaving his final years in office to VP Harry Truman.
Whistlestop campaigns are no more, the train station, as well as the tracks, has disappeared. Small town America no longer attracts big-city politicians. On a positive side, the sanatorium still stands, the band still sounds great, and local politicians and businessmen still work to make their community thrive.
On Sunday mornings, his deep, sonorous voice could be heard throughout the Gray Rock community as he expounded upon the word of God. Rolling across the flat bottomland, his bass tones resonated with the congregation who joined with him in worship. The Gray Rock church really just got going about the time church services concluded in surrounding towns. Worship usually consisted of warming up for an hour or so with Sunday school, congregational singing, special songs, and testimonies, and then letting Brother Logan preach till he got tired. As he warmed up, he would take his suit coat off, wipe his glistening face with the handkerchief from his back pocket, and exhort the crowd to live in a manner pleasing to God.
Accompanied by amen’s, hallelujah’s, and hand-clapping, he delivered the word of God to his congregation. Born in Logan County in 1906, he was eventually able to acquire several acres of prime farmland near Cotton Town and produced some of the best cotton crops in the region. An August 17, 1954, Paris Express photo shows him and Mayor Guy Conley at the Conley gin where Buford had just produced the first bale of cotton for the year. The week before, he had delivered a load of cotton to Dardanelle, the first bale produced in Yell County. At that time, he expected to produce a half-bale of cotton per acre on his farm. During the 1950’s, he employed many area farmworkers who helped weed the cotton in the spring and harvest it in the fall. As he grew older, in addition to preaching, he worked part-time at several jobs in Paris. He ran his own business cleaning several stores including Dillon’s grocery and Warehouse Market after hours. He also assisted in running the produce market and other general jobs around the store. Customers loved him and would catch him the aisles to chat.
Dennis Baltz of Warehouse Market enjoyed having him to work simply because he was the ideal greeter and brought in customers who enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very jumpy person. Employees loved to slip up behind him and “goose” him in the ribs. In his seventies, he would still jump straight into the air and oomph in his loud voice. Good-natured, he would smile from ear to ear, “I’m a gonna watch out for you son,” he would state with a big smile, “can’t let you be slipping up on me like that.” Buford Logan was an esteemed man of God and did much to bridge the gap between the black and white communities of the region. His bright smile would light up his entire face and he beamed with the joys of life. With his warm heart, positive attitude, and sense of humor, he influenced generations. Every community has these individuals. People who accentuate the positives and find good in others. Let us celebrate the contributions of the Buford Logan’s’ in our midst.
The Mansfield Library is OPEN, and with some exciting changes!
The library, located at 200 N Sebascott Ave., will be open four days a week: Monday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday noon-3 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday noon-4 p.m.
A new library clerk, Penny Boatright, brings her expertise to assist the community in Genealogy and is currently working on a local cemetery project.
The library has activities planned for children and families to participate in during the week of Spring Break, March 22-26.
The library will continue to issue library cards, check out books, and allow the community to utilize the computer, and get copies/prints for a small fee.
The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, March 18. All members of the council were present including Jan Carlton, Julie Thomas, James Steele, Beverly Lyons and Sheri Hopkins. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
Following the reading and approval of the February meeting minutes and financial reports, the council heard the city services reports.
Mansfield Fire Chief Michael Smith reported 25 total calls, two fire and 23 EMS. Smith noted that the number of calls had decreased over last month. He went on to inform the council that Scott Jones from EVS attended the last fire meeting to fit and size members for new turnouts. Lastly, Smith reported that the Freightliner had some brake and frame issues and that the roof still leaks over the north wall into the bay area. Smith has worked a total of 150+ hours for the month.
Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb presented his departmental report, stating there were 46 total calls, five school calls, and 14 agency assists. There were 18 arrest reports, one accident report, and 114 traffic stops with 79 total warnings issued. The department made 10 adult arrests, five drug arrests and responded to 11 animal calls. Officers underwent a total of 6.5 hours of training for the month.
Officer First Class Sean White
The council approved a recommendation by Chief Robb to promote Sean White to officer First Class.
Next, Public Works Director Joe Manes presented his report, which included 50 work orders and the installation of the new motor at the waste water plant.
City Attorney Travis Plummer was present and reported on the status of the Carlton de-annexation. Additionally, on the two ordinances regarding water rates. Mayor Black stated that the increase is “something that the people aren’t going to like, but it is necessary…and should be increasing every year.” Black added that they are currently awaiting a water rate structure study by Arkansas Rural Water Association.
The next item on the agenda, an approval to remove bats from the municipal building. The council approved the bid by Professional Pest Solutions to remove the bats and the subsequent clean up.
Mayor Black reported on the city’s new digital sign and the council took action, voting to approve the payment of $3,600 to ABC Printing and Signs. Black projects a total of $6,000 in donations towards the overall project.
The council then adjourned to executive session to discuss the appointment to fill the vacancy left by the late Rick McDaniel. The city received three letters of interest for Ward 3 Position 1: Deanna Hanley, Adam Hecox, and Bobby Musgrove. Both Hanley and Musgrove were present at the meeting.
Upon reconvening, the motion was made by Councilman Steele to appoint Musgrove to fill the vacant seat. Thomas seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Musgrove will serve out the remainder of McDaniel’s term, approximately 22 months, and will be eligible to run for re-election. “I will do my very best, thank you,” responded Musgrove.
In the last item of new business, the approval of a new city logo. Before adjourning, Black made the announcement that the Culpepper Merriweather Circus had expressed interest in coming to Mansfield. He added that the circus will set up at Johnny Cake Park for two shows on Wednesday, May 26.
With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council adjourned.
The River Valley Regional Food Bank will donate a pallet of cat food to Jen’s Kitty Rehab (3123 Jenny Lind) in Fort Smith on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 2 p.m.
The donation is made in preparation of the cat rescue facility’s grand opening on Saturday. This food will be used to provide nourishment to the cats under the care of the facility.
The River Valley Regional Food Bank will donate a pallet of cat food to Jen’s Kitty Rehab (3123 Jenny Lind) in Fort Smith on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 2 p.m.
The donation is made in preparation of the cat rescue facility’s grand opening on Saturday. This food will be used to provide nourishment to the cats under the care of the facility.
The River Valley Regional Food Bank, in partnership with Stu’s Clean Cookin’, will host a community food giveaway on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the food bank location at 1617 South Zero Street in Fort Smith.
Stu’s Clean Cookin’ and the food bank will be distributing 200 hot Clean Cookin’ meals to the public, and will donate 50 cases of the company’s frozen meals to the food bank, as well.
Four Mansfield Elementary Teachers have an astounding level of dedication to both the district and students with a total of 101 years combined experience.
The photo, taken five years ago, features the four celebrating 81 years. MES educator Mary Jane Brewer has taught kindergarten for 28 years. Shelly Nicodemus has been a kindergarten teacher for the past 26 years. Tamachia Barton has taught second grade for 10 years, 14 years in kindergarten, and two years reading intervention. Lastly, Carla Sharp has taught kindergarten for one year, first grade for five years, third grade for three years, fifth grade for eight years, and reading intervention for four years.
Mansfield Schools Superintendent Joe Staton said, “the dedication and commitment these educators have to Mansfield Schools is what sets our district apart.”
During a March 2 meeting of the Greenwood Parks Commission, members voted unanimously to proceed with civil litigation against a property owner on Mount Harmony Road for cutting a 20-foot wide swath of trees from their property to the Greenwood City Lake.
According to the minutes of that meeting, the commission chair read the following excerpt from the city ordinance regarding the damage, destruction, or mutilation of any tree in a public right-of-way or on other public grounds: “any person violating the provision of the ordinance shall be, upon conviction or plea of guilty, subject to fine not to exceed $500 for each separate offense.”
Tammy Briley, the Parks Director for the City of Greenwood, informed the commission that all of the trees damaged, including saplings, would be counted.
The damage took place on the upper loop of the east side trail at Greenwood City lake. “An adjacent property owner to the upper trail off Mount Harmony Road cut an approximately 20 foot wide clear cut swath from their property across the upper trail to below the lower trail all the way to the lake.”
Because the property owner cut a path through city property, the city is seeking to recuperate damages. According to City Attorney Mike Hamby, there is an Arkansas Statute stating that if one wrongfully cuts another’s timber, that individual is entitled to treble damages, therefore three times the amount. Briley provided Hamby with an estimate from Sharum’s Garden Center in Fort Smith totaling $10,499.75. “…So this would be multiplied times three, per the statute, which would be what the city would be entitled to, plus a discretionary award of attorney’s fees.” The public record of the meeting went on to state that Hamby did not believe the city ordinance could be enforced because, although it was city property, it was not inside of the city limits at the time of the violation.
Property owner, Kathy Shepard, made an offer of $3,000 to the city in an attempt to provide restitution for damages. According to her, she also takes responsibility for her actions. “…The property owner had hired an individual to do some yard cleaning, and….claims she did not authorize it, but knows it is her fault.”
The matter currently remains under investigation by the Arkansas Forestry Department.
According to Arkansas Code under civil action 18-60-102, injuring, destroying, or carrying away property of another: "A person trespassing as follows shall pay a person injured treble the value of a thing damaged, broken, destroyed, or carried away, with costs, if the person shall: (1) Cut down, injure, destroy, or carry away any tree placed or growing for use or shade or any timber, rails, or wood, standing, being, or growing on the land of another person...(b) If any person trespasses upon land in violation of the provisions of this section and if the land is owned by several joint tenants, tenants in common, coparceners, or other co-owners, then any co-owner who has not given consent to the trespass shall be entitled to treble the value of the thing so damaged, broken, destroyed, or carried away, with costs, the treble damages to be computed according to the amount of the undivided interest of the co-owner. (c) If on the trial of any action brought under the provisions of this section it shall appear that the defendant had probable cause to believe that the land on which the trespass is alleged to have been committed, or that the thing so taken, carried away, injured, or destroyed, was his or her own, the plaintiff in the action shall recover single damages only, with cost."
Additionally, Arkansas Code under criminal action, 5-38-203, criminal mischief: "(a) A person commits the offense of criminal mischief in the first degree if he or she purposely and without legal justification destroys or causes damage to any: (1) Property of another; or (2) Property, whether his or her own or property of another, for the purpose of collecting any insurance for the property...(c) In an action under this section involving cutting and removing timber from the property of another person: (1) The following create a presumption of a purpose to commit the offense of criminal mischief in the first degree: (A) The failure to obtain the survey as required by § 15-32-101; or (B) The purposeful misrepresentation of the ownership or origin of the timber; and (2) (A) There is imposed in addition to a penalty in subsection (b) of this section a fine of not more than two (2) times the value of the timber destroyed or damaged. (B) However, in addition to subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section, the court may require the defendant to make restitution to the owner of the timber..."
Shepard moved into the home located on Mount Harmony Road in the summer of last year. “The property needed a lot of clean-up when I looked at it. In fact, I asked that some of it be cleaned before we closed,” Shepard stated. She went on to add that moving into a rural area outside of town was important to her as she raised her kids. “I wanted my children to be around a natural setting, have room to run around, to hear the crickets, and learn about raising chickens and working in a garden. I wanted them to know the joy of reaping the rewards that come from hard work…”
Because of the unkempt land, Shepard was concerned about the conditions, particularly when her chickens were being killed by wildlife dwelling in the cluster of wooded debris in the area. “I fell in love with this place, I sincerely love the beauty, nature, and the view of the ridge…I only wanted to clean up the trash and debris…an old well-pump, toilet, and old traps…”
The landowner went on to add that she was unaware of where her property lines were as some clearing had been done previously. She described it as a “horrible, horrible situation.” Adding that it was “miscommunication regarding the direction of cutting some trees…”
An agent with the Department of Agriculture made contact with Shepard regarding the complaint by the city. Shepard took full responsibility and was compliant with his request to stop any cleaning and or clearing until the issue had been settled.
Shepard stated that she is proud to live in the Greenwood community, and is particularly impressed with her children’s school. However, Shepard stated she now feels “bullied.”
Kathy Shepard submitted the following statement to the Greenwood Resident:
The Department of Agriculture agent that came out to advise me that what I had done wasn’t right, was kind and respectful. But yesterday (Tuesday, March 9), at approximately 4:30 p.m., a woman came up the hill from the trail while I was standing outside on my patio. She began waving a paper at my face that she said she had found on the internet regarding my property lines. She yelled at me and said that she ran the park service for the City of Greenwood. I was a victim of her bullying attacks and angry interaction for an hour and a half. She wanted to know what kind of mother would bring kids up out here. The woman exclaimed that I would be hearing from their attorney and that they were coming after me for every single twig. She further proceeded to tell me that the city had a special relationship with the previous owner. That he had cut the grass around the lake at the end of his access road, which he left open. I told her I had mowed and kept up the area by the lake as well, and that my family and I pick up trash along the highway, including what is left behind by hikers, campers, and fishermen. She replied, her boys, while upset the fence would be shut, could use the smaller access area and that I needed to keep my fence locked and put up no trespassing signs. At this point, it became painfully apparent to me that ‘special relationship’ involved the previous owner doing whatever he wanted with his trash on the city’s property or fishing with traps in the lake in exchange for the unlimited use of his access road. I did not mean to insult the city with the offer of $3,000, as I and did not know what the value of the four mature oak trees and saplings were. I don’t know how it escalated to it, but she scoffed at the $3,000 and said try $300,000. By the time she left, she had cooled down, but it was shocking to see this type of behavior from a city employee. She wants to run us (the family) out by means of intimidation because we are not your typical home. I don’t golf or socialize with the right people, or perhaps my life does not fit her ideal Greenwood resident family profile, but I do want to be a good neighbor.
Shepard concluded that in addition to the financial restitution she has offered to replant trees and perform community service, but the offers were rejected.
On Wednesday, March 10, Shepard went to visit with the mayor about the issue, however, he was unavailable. “I need to face him and I wasn’t able to see him, but I will keep trying.”
Shepard stated she has filed a report with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office regarding the March 9 interaction, which she describes as “harassment and an abuse of power.” Additionally, that she is retaining legal counsel regarding the entire matter.
Parks Director Tammy Briley stated the city is letting their attorney handle the correspondence. “I just hope no one else decides to do that. It is a black eye on the natural preservation of the land and it will take at least 30 years for it to grow back.” She added that there will be a lot of manpower involved in the upkeep and establishment of replanted trees. “It’s just sad to me that someone would think that was ok,” Briley concluded.
