Resident Press has just learned that the 3A-4 basketball district tournament has been cancelled and the top four seeded teams will move on to the regional tournament in Bergman next week. The decision ends the season for any remaining team in the tournament that was seeded fifth or lower at the start of the tournament.
In the girls bracket, the four teams that will go to regionals are Danville, Cossatot River, Cedarville, and Charleston. In the boys bracket, Waldron, Charleston, Cedarville, and Booneville. The teams will be seeded into the regional brackets and play will begin next week.
In a statement released by the Paris school district, the district announced the cancellation of the remainder of the district tournament by saying, “The 3A-4 district tournament has been cancelled. There was a vote in front of the superintendents to continue the tournament but it didn’t receive enough votes to continue. Teams advancing to regionals will be the ones who finished in the top four in the final conference standings. We are disappointed the season is over for our teams, but glad to know that they both ended the season with a win on their home court.”
As soon as regional tournament brackets are available, Resident Press will publish it for our readers.
Your family might technically spend a lot of time together under the same roof, but you may not actually interact all that much. Individual responsibilities and the lure of electronics can keep everyone isolated for the most part. We provide some ways to bring your family closer together so that you can change this and bond regularly and organically.
Eat Dinner Together
Eating dinner as a family seems so simple and yet many people don’t do it. It could be because the times at which parents finish work differ from the times kids get out of school. It’s also possible that certain family members like to watch television during mealtimes while others don’t. If you create a set dinner time everyone can follow, your family can converse more than you all might get to at other times of the day. Make a rule to set aside devices and other distractions and focus on enjoying each other’s company while sharing stories from the day. Your family will definitely feel more tight-knit this way.
Play Games Together
It’s important to have fun as a way to bring your family closer together so you can create warm, lasting memories. While going out may be restricted at the moment, you can find plenty of activities to do right at home that are enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age. Boardgames and card games are staples; you can collect a variety of them to keep your family occupied for hours. Foosball tables, table tennis tables, and pool tables can also be worthy investments if your home has room. These can give your family an outlet for their competitive spirit and also allow for continual growth of skills. As a result, they remain timeless and engaging.
Do Chores Together
No one truly loves doing bland and difficult chores around the house. On top of that, it can be hard to get children to take care of theirs consistently. However, when you approach chores as a team, they can become far less daunting. Make room in your schedule, perhaps on the weekend, to tackle large chores with every family member. Not only can this make things go much faster, but it’ll also help your family connect as you support each other. Along the way, your kids can learn valuable lessons in responsibility, better preparing them for the future and setting them up to form their own close families one day.
By Ryan McGeeney U of A System Division of Agriculture
Temperatures plunged to record lows across Arkansas Tuesday morning, falling to single digits or even negative numbers, even in the southernmost reaches of the state.
Jeff Hood, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in North Little Rock, said some areas of the state reported lows more than 10 degrees below previous records.
Fayetteville recorded a record low on Tuesday morning of minus 19 degrees, only narrowly beating a record set in 2011 of minus 18 degrees. Similarly, Jonesboro beat its previous low of 2 degrees, sinking to minus 1.
While records were narrowly beaten in the northern tier of Arkansas counties, central and southern Arkansas saw even more drastic temperature drops.
North Little Rock recorded a low of minus 1 degree, down from a previous record of 16 degrees. Texarkana recorded a low of minus 1 degree, falling from its previous low of 9 degrees. El Dorado set a record low of 6 degrees, falling 14 degrees from its previous record low.
“For the last seven to 10 days, the northern United States has experienced significant cold air,” Hood said. “This cold air mass was able to work its way south into the middle part of the country, which is not unheard of, but the intensity of the cold air and the duration the cold air has lingered, is remarkable.”
Extension agents with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service reported significant snowfall in counties throughout Arkansas, with many producers concerned about impacts on poultry and cattle operations. (See our previous story at https://bit.ly/3qD2R2Q.)
Matthew Davis, staff chair for the Jackson County extension office near Newport, said that while he hadn’t received any notice of widespread infrastructure damage in his county, the frozen ground would likely affect any efforts at field preparation that would otherwise be taking place in the month before spring planting typically begins.
“The amount of snow we have gotten [and] will get will leave ground wet for a while,” Davis said. “Unless we have a drastic change in weather patterns, it could delay some early fieldwork that is typically going on at the first of March for row crop farmers.
“Livestock producers are hit hardest,” Davis said. “Moving hay, providing shelter, keeping water thawed and dealing with the birthing of livestock, etc. Conditions like this make things very tough. They have no choice but to keep on working.”
Amanda McWhirt, extension horticulture crops specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said that there will likely be damage to annual and perennial fruit crops in Northwest Arkansas. A full assessment of that damage will be forthcoming, she said.
Hood said the temperatures, while dire, will likely be short-lived.
“By the end of the week, we’re going to start to see things go in the other direction,” he said. “It won’t be overnight; it won’t be at the flip of a switch. In some locations, we’ve got 10-20 inches of snow on the ground, so it’s not like we’re just going to start over, and spring’s going to be right around the corner. It is going to take some time.”
Jeremy Ross, extension soybean agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, said early soybean planting in the southernmost Arkansas counties, which typically begins in mid-March, will likely be unaffected.
“We’re supposed to be in the mid-50s by next week,” Ross said. “Everything’s at a standstill right now anyway. We’ve still got plenty of time.”
As part of the information released by Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson in his daily COVID briefings, the Governor cleared the way for multi-team tournaments and events to again be held on single sites within the state. Schools have been conducting post-season tournaments in all sports in multiple locations to avoid the convergence of teams and their fans from around conferences and regions to a single location. The actions have been implemented as a response to the COVID pandemic and required prior approval from the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) and the Governor’s COVID task force on the safe implementation of scholastic and club sports within Arkansas. The Governor stated that multi-team tournaments for “close-contact school and community teams sports” would be allowed with approval by the site organizers with the Arkansas Department of Health”. Governor Hutchinson further stated that the site organizers would be responsible for COVID compliance during the events.
COVID infection rates continue to decline in the state as well as the total number of citizens who have been vaccinated has also increased. Governor Hutchinson also announced that he anticipates that the state will soon receive a significantly increased supply of vaccine within the next several days, increasing again the number of people who will have access to the vaccine.
Athletes in both fall and spring sports have been leaving the state to play club sports during the off seasons of their scholastic sports to play where restrictions have not been as stringent as they have been in Arkansas. Today’s announcement will also clear the way for club sports to play this spring and into the summer in Arkansas. And of course, as more time passes into the spring and the approaching summer, one would think that the COVID infection rate will continue to decline due to increased numbers of people having received the vaccine.
In the 3A-4 basketball conference, the regional tournament is scheduled to be held at Bergman High School next week. As of the time of this story, it is not known if today’s announcement by the Governor’s Office will clear the way for the regional tournament to be played exclusively in Bergman, or, if the AAA and the member schools of the regional tournament will elect to continue playing at the sites of the higher seeded teams in each pairing. As soon as this is known, Resident Press will bring it to you.
Today’s announcement is a positive development for many reasons for all people in Arkansas. It is also very welcomed news for high school athletes across the state. Hopefully, all of us are on track for a healthier 2021.
The Mansfield Jr Lady Tigers program is well on its way to becoming a dynasty. After a 33-21 District Championship win over 2A powerhouse the Acorn Lady Tigers on Saturday, February 13, the Jr Lady Tigers now hold conference and district titles in the 3A-4 and the 2A-4. Being able to earn those titles is good in a career, but winning them in back-to-back seasons is top-notch.
Harlie Fuller
The Lady Tigers definitely had confidence on their side as they entered in the District Championship round with a 13-1 overall record, a 5-0 conference record, and a previous 37-25 win over Acorn at Acorn earlier in the month. Add in an explosive home crowd packed in the Jungle and this should’ve been an automatic win right? But Acorn wasn’t about to just hand the District Championship over. The tip-off went to Mansfield and the two sets of Lady Tigers went to work. Mansfield’s offense had problems getting the ball down low to their dominant posts, Alyson Edwards and Kaylee Ward, which hindered their scoring. Their defense on the other hand played lights out holding Acorn to only 2 points the first quarter ending with a score of 7-2 Mansfield.
Kaylee Ward
The second quarter started out as the same old song and dance as neither team could really pull away from the other. This was aggressive basketball at its finest and neither team held back. The Lady Tigers though kept inching closer and closer to a sizable gap on Acorn on the scoreboard. Starters Kynslee Ward, Harlie Fuller, Alyson Edwards, Ambria Whittaker, and Kylee Ward began to sync offensively which spelled out trouble for Acorn as Mansfield went into the half with a 13-8 lead.
Alyson Edwards
The rest of the game was a blur for all in the stands as The Jungle erupted in the third quarter. Mansfield brought the home crowd to their feet throughout the 3rd quarter with quick steals, powerful blocked shots, sweet assists, and smooth shots. Acorn tried to shut out the noise and maintain focus, but they couldn’t stop the onslaught of Red and White on the court. The 4th quarter started with a score of 21-13 and there was one thing left to do. Finish Acorn off.
Donnie Eveld presenting the Jr Lady Tigers captain, Alyson Edwards, the District Championship plaque
Halfway through the quarter, Coach Joshua Bryan paid his respect to those who had stuck with the program over the years by putting in his full 9th-grade squad on the court to close out the game. Mansfield had only had five freshmen on the team this season and those five have been a team since Little League so the move by Bryan was perfect. Kynslee Ward, Alyson Edwards, Harlie Fuller, Raine Hecox, and Cole Smith finished what they started years ago and ended the season with a 33-21 victory and yet another Mansfield Lady Tiger Championship.
Freshmen: Harlie, Cole, Alyson, Kynslee, and Raine
Harvey Newton “Newt” Roberson age 84 of Bluffton went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, February 11, 2021, at his daughter’s house in Waldron.
Newt was born September 12, 1936, in Little Texas, Arkansas to the late William Harvey and Elsie Brown Roberson. He was a member of the Mulberry Freewill Baptist Church. Newt was a hard-working man who truly loved to work. He retired from Weyerhaeuser after 28 years as a Road Construction Foreman, for the Arkansas State Highway Department in Danville where he retired after 15 years. After his two retirements, he started his own lawn care service. He was preceded in death by his wife; Veaora Roberson, parents; brothers R.B., R.C. and Dan Roberson, sister; Martha Defoor.
His greatest passion was being outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, and trap hogs and beavers. He truly loved and enjoyed the outdoors even if it was only just sitting there and listening. He also enjoyed spending time with his tight knitted family. He was a meek and gentle man who could be firm at times. He was very well respected by his family and friends. Everyone that knew Newt knew he was a man that was always true to his word and full of integrity. He will be missed by all that knew him and the many lives he impacted including a host of extended family, neighbors, and friends.
Newt leaves behind to cherish his memory his children; LaDonna and Tommy Franklin of Waldron, Lanny and Alesia Roberson of Booneville, Gretta and David Millard of Waldron, Valerie Abernathy of Bluffton siblings; Jim and Vickie Roberson of Bluffton, Mary Blackwell of Jessieville, Tommy and Mary Roberson of Bluffton grandchildren; Tanoka and Chris Milligan, Lana and Edgar Yates, Kayla Casey, Randi and Kirk Levisee, Joshua Millard, Candace and John Hildreth III, Brandon and Katlyn Millard, Heather and Steven Duncan, Justin and Hannah Abernathy great-grandchildren; C.J. Milligan, Matthew Milligan, Aaron Levisee, Ross Millard, Bella Hildreth, Lincoln Hildreth, Cash Millard, Eli Duncan, Amelia Duncan and Hunter Duncan.
Pallbearers will be Len Cullins, Larry Ennis, Tommy Franklin, Randy Jones, Jim Roberson, and Butch Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Kindred Hospice.
Newt’s life celebration will be Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2 pm at Mulberry Freewill Baptist Church in Gravelly with burial at Parks Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, February 21, 2021, from 6 pm – 8 pm at Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville. Online guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.
Margie Heydenreich, 101, of Keller, Texas passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 in Keller, Texas. She was a homemaker.
The funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Friday, February 12 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at Mount Zion Cemetery.
She is survived by one son, Russell Heydenreich, Jr. of Aubrey, Texas, one daughter, Evelyn Bone of Keller, Texas, one grandson, Wade Heydenreich of Midland, Texas, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Heydenreich, and one granddaughter, Lori McGiboney.
Margie called the City of Mansfield home for many years and was a pillar of the community. She was a regular patron of the Mansfield Senior Center and a faithful Christian. She often requested the song “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” to be played by the pianist at the center.
On Margie’s 100th birthday, Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black declared August 27 as Margie Heydenrich day.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
At around 5:30 a.m. on February 14, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a home invasion and shots being fired in the 300 block of Plum Street in Hackett. Deputies arrived and discovered the victim, Stephen D, Basham, 34, dead.
Another victim was injured with a baseball bat. Three juveniles, ages nine to 15, and a woman were also found at the apartment but were uninjured.
Witnesses at the residence reported an unidentified tall, white male wearing a hoodie covering his head enter the home by kicking in the front door. The suspect confronted an adult male in the downstairs portion of the residence and struck the male with a baseball bat.
According to Captain Philip Pevehouse, a murder suspect was developed and arrested late on Sunday, February 14. Jeffrey Allen Workman, 46, of Fort Smith was arrested and charged with 1st-degree murder, 1st-degree battery, aggravated residential burglary, possession of a firearm by certain persons, and a parole violation. He is currently being held at the Sebastian County Detention Center with no bond.
Also arrested, Jennifer Martin, 39, of Fort Smith. She was charged with conspiracy to commit 1st-degree battery. She is currently being held at SCADC on a $150,000 cash bond.
Both the gun and the baseball bat were recovered by SCSO at another location in Fort Smith. Three search warrants were obtained and executed in the investigation, and multiple interviews were conducted in this case.
Tomorrow night’s 3A-4 boys’ quarterfinal games have been postponed indefinitely due to winter weather. Like the girls announcement earlier in the day, the boys bracket will not resume play until safe travel conditions exists for teams and their fans. With another severe winter weather front forecasted for tonight and Wednesday, it does not appear that the tournament will resume play in the next few days. Temperatures are not forecasted to rise above the freezing mark until Friday.
Watch for future news and developments on the 3A-4 tournament in Resident Press. As soon as more information is known, we will pass it along to our readers.
As you spend more time inside, you may gradually notice more and more things around the house you’d like to change. Perhaps it’s an awkward light fixture, a worn furnishing, or a dull wall that sparks the home improver in you. If you’re looking to spruce up your abode, you can never go wrong with a striking accent wall. Learn how to choose a fitting accent wall color to end up with the ideal dining, living, or working space—wherever you need some design flavor in your home.
Select the Right Wall
Painting the wrong wall with an accent color is the stuff that makes up interior designers’ nightmares. When it comes to selecting the best wall to give a pop of color to, a good rule of thumb is to use the first wall you notice when you enter the room. This wall will likely have a feature that draws attention to it, such as your bed’s headboard, a fireplace, or a bookcase. Applying a unique color to a wall that already catches folks’ attention will prevent the layout of the room from clashing and feeling too overwhelming.
Apply a Color Scheme to the Entire Room
When you’re learning how to choose a fitting accent wall color, a color scheme will prevent youfrom overdoing that color. Many homeowners utilize the 60-30-10 rule to strike a comforting balance of color in any room. This guideline suggests that 60 percent of the room be a neutral color, 30 percent showcase a second color, and the remaining 10 percent highlight your chosen accent color.
Match the Accent Color with the Room
An accent color is supposed to stand out, but you want to avoid selecting a color that appears out of place or that’s jarring with the rest of the room. To make the accent wall color feel cohesive, you can place décor with a touch of the distinctive hue throughout the room.
Your preferred color is also likely to differ based upon the room in which you’re putting it. For example, your kitchen may get more natural light than your bedroom, warranting a more vibrant color.
Choose a Color You Like
Painting an accent wall is one of the easiest ways to personalize your kitchen, your bedroom, and really any room you want to represent your personality. Researching popular paint hues is sure to be helpful in the brainstorming process, but the right choice ultimately depends on your personal taste.
