Resident News Network

Sr Lady Tigers Keep South From Rising Again

Sports

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4:29 pm

Sr Lady Tigers Keep South From Rising Again

The Mansfield Sr Lady Tigers wrapped up regular season play on Tuesday, February 9 with a victory over the Lady Rebels of JC Westside. The Lady Tigers were guaranteed a high seed in their District Tournament and an appearance in the Regional Tournament win or lose against JC Westside. The Lady Rebels on the other hand were aiming for a major upset on their senior night. It was the Lady Rebels who were left though upset as Mansfield finished up their conference slate with a 47-37 win over JC Westside.

The Lady Tigers hit the court in a typical high-speed super aggressive manner which jumped them to an early 15-5 lead over the Lady Rebels. Normally, Mansfield would pull away and cash in on steals, fast breaks, and smooth shooting at that point in the game but that was not the case this time. JC Westside was on par and kept the Lady Tigers on their heels and even outscored Mansfield in the second quarter as they hung up 14 points to the Lady Tigers 13 points. Going into the half, the Tigers still held the 28-19 lead, but JC Westside held the momentum.

Mansfield’s woes continued after the half as JC Westside jumped all over the Lady Tigers who seemed extremely out of touch on the court. Mental mistakes and frustration began to take a toll on the Lady Tigers which lead to fouls and missed opportunities to score. Even so, they weren’t about to lose their final regular season game. If JC Westside wanted a battle, they’d for sure get one as the Lady Tigers scrapped their way to a 35-28 third quarter lead. Back and forth the game went with neither team taking a shot without giving back a shot of their own. In the end, though, the Lady Tigers were just too much for JC Westside to handle and the dream of Lady Tigers basketball being a premiere program finally started to feel real as Mansfield won with a 47-37 victory.

Although playing a tough game and running into some foul trouble, the Lady Tigers were still able to put up the points. Senior, Chloe Creekmore, kept her shoes on fire by leading the team again in scoring, this time with 14 points against the Lady Rebels. Senior, Makayla Strutton, and sophomore, Natalie Allison, paired up for 8 hard-fought points apiece. Senior, Danielle Lillie, sank 6 points while sophomore, Skylynn Harris, got back in her scoring groove and knocked down 5 points in the game. Fellow senior, Brook Wright, was able to get 4 points against JC Westside. And closing out the points but opening up her overall game was junior, Kiara Thomas, who rounded up 2 points.

The win was a monumental achievement for the Lady Tigers giving them an amazing 11-1 conference record and an 18-4 overall record so far in the season. It also sets the Sr Lady Tigers up for good positioning in their upcoming District Tournament and Regional Tournament. These Lady Tigers are on track to beat the best team in decades at Mansfield and have already broken multiple school records this season. With all of these achievements that Mansfield has completed this season, it’s safe to say that Mansfield Lady Tiger Basketball is back and better than ever. The Lady Tigers will have a first-round bye to gain some much needed weeks rest before they start their District Tournament next week.

Sr Bulldog, Wagner, Nets 750th Career Point

Sports

Megan Hecox

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4:09 pm

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Sr Bulldog, Wagner, Nets 750th Career Point

Pictured is Gada Wagner

For the third consecutive year, the Waldron Sr Bulldogs have reached a 20 win season. After last night’s 53-38 victory over the Booneville Bearcats, the Bulldogs sit 20-5 in total season play and 12-1 in conference. “Our Bulldogs come away with a home win Tuesday night against a scrappy Booneville team,” stated Coach Josh Brown. “I’m proud of our guys for what they have accomplished this season but we can’t be satisfied! We have a lot of goals still to accomplish!”

Another exciting accomplishment that was achieved during Tuesday’s battle was Bulldog, Gada Wagner, netting his 750th career point. “This was entirely made possible by my team trusting me with the ball. There is no better feeling than knowing that I have teammates who back me 100 percent. The main goal now is to go out there and win every game we play,” expressed Wagner.

Wagner led the Bulldogs with 20 points against the Bearcats followed by Isaac “The Real” Villarreal with 10 points by playing with natural ease on the court. Securing 8 and 7 points were Braden Williams and Jaden Hutchens who are always quick to assists their teammates while also defending the hardwood. And tied with 4 points each was Bryson Bailey and Caden Fuller who struck the court like lighting and never looked back.

The Waldron Bulldogs will host the Hackett Hornets on Thursday, February 11 for Senior Night will activities starting at 5:30. For their last go-round with the Hornets, the Bulldogs strutted away with a 55-28 win.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Tull

Lady Eagles Upset Cedarville 53-52

Sports

Resident News Network

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2:20 pm

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River Valley basketball fans were treated to a great night of high school basketball as Paris hosted Cedarville on Tuesday night. Cedarville, ranked 8th in Class 3A girls basketball and leading the 3A-4 conference, entered the game against Paris having soundly defeating the Lady Eagles in Cedarville earlier in the season.

Paris, having shown significant improvement over the past three weeks dating back to home wins against Hackett and Charleston, and followed by a last-minute loss on the road at Cossatot River, was a different team than the team that played the Lady Pirates in January. And on this night, senior Jadyn Hart was playing her final regular season home game.

At times it seemed that Hart was determined to put the Lady Eagles on her back and carry them to victory. On offense and defense, Hart was tenacious and took the game to Cedarville. As the game went along, several players stepped up and hit big shots, created turnovers on defense, rebounded well, and made good passes to open players for shots in the low post.

With approximately three seconds to go in the game, Brailey Forst was fouled on a defensive rebound. The foul sent Forst to the free throw line for a one-and-one opportunity with the score tied. Forst hit the first shot and missed the second. Cedarville rebounded the missed shot and launched a desperation last second shot that fell short, and the Lady Eagles had hung on for the upset win over Cedarville.

Paris will travel to Booneville on Thursday for their final regular season game. In a time of the year when anything can happen, the Lady Bearcats will go into Thursday’s game fresh off of their upset of the then conference leading Danville Lady Little Johns. Paris has now beaten Charleston and Cedarville, as well as having taken Cossatot River to the wire. Thursday’s game in Booneville should be a good one!

In the second game of the session, the Paris senior boys took the court following the exciting win by the Lady Eagles. Paris, having been soundly defeated in Cedarville, was anxious to show the Pirates that they too are a different team than the one that the Pirates played in January.

The Eagles’ Caleb Cunningham was also playing his last regular season home game as a senior, and Caleb played his heart out all night. The Eagles’ pressure defense and inside game that has taken off in weeks with the emergence of Mequeil Ellingberg in the low post and the slashing drives to the basket by sophomore Sam Muldrow, played the Pirates tough and by the end of the first half, the Eagles who had been blown out in Cedarville, had built a five point lead.

The second half was a continuation of the furiously-paced first half. With just over five minutes to play in the game, Cedarville had overcame the Paris lead and had a two-point lead. Then the turnover bug that was present in Cedarville made its late appearance in Paris, and the Eagles fell behind by as many as ten points. Cedarville ran the four corners offense and stalled for the remainder of the game, running the clock out on the way to a 50-42 conference victory. It was a frustrating loss for Paris, but it was also another indication of how much the team has improved since January.

After the game, Paris coach Blain Brewington said of his team’s performance, “I thought our kids played hard. We guarded well for most of the game. Thought we lost our composure in the fourth quarter. We didn’t run our offense and quit being patient and got sped up (caught up in the Cedarville transition game) and that was the difference in the game.”

Both the Eagles and Lady Eagles’ future has been on display the past three weeks with signs of improved play and becoming competitive in a very tough conference. Cedarville has excellent basketball teams and both the Pirates and Lady Pirates will advance through the district tournament and on to regional and perhaps state tournament play. They are well-coached and have good, experienced talent on both teams. I look for them to compete in both sides of the tournament for the championships and number one seeds going to regionals.

And for Paris, one game at a time is more than a cliche, it is reality for the Eagles and Lady Eagles. And that one game is now at Booneville against very good senior boys and girls teams on their floor. A win at Booneville would be huge, but it will not be easy. I look for both games to be barn burners Thursday night. Senior girls and boys games will be played. The girls game will start at 6 p.m. with the boys game to immediately follow.

It is a very special time of the year when teams look to finish the season and re-focus on the “second season” of tournament play. Will Cinderella make an appearance in this year’s post-season? Every year, there is one team that nobody expects to make a run through the post season…could it be Paris?

But first things first. Resident Press will see you tomorrow night in Booneville for the exciting conclusion to the 3A-4 regular season!

Former Pharmacist Faces Felony Drug Charges

Tammy Teague

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1:55 pm

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Former Pharmacist Faces Felony Drug Charges

The Waldron Police Department made an announcement on Wednesday, February 10 regarding an ongoing investigation into a former local pharmacist.

William Doles, 35, of Waldron was arrested on three warrants and faces six felony drug charges. The arrest stems from incidents that occurred while Doles was employed as a pharmacist at Health-Wise Pharmacy in Waldron. The charges include two counts of delivery of a schedule I/II controlled substance/not methamphetamine, three counts of controlled substance/fraudulent practices, and one count of delivery of a schedule III controlled substance.

An investigation of Doles was initiated by the WPD, along with the Arkansas 15^th Drug Task Force (DTF) in August of 2020, after the department received an anonymous tip that Doles was distributing controlled substances, without prescriptions, while at the pharmacy.

Doles is currently in custody at the Scott County Detention Center with bond set at $100k. His arraignment is scheduled for March 2, 2021.

Burgess Nominated for Arkansas County Music’s Entertainer of the Year

Tammy Teague

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1:28 pm

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Greenwood’s own Jabe Burgess has been nominated as Entertainer of the Year at the 2021 Arkansas Country Music Awards. Accompanying him on the ballot, four other nominees: David Adam Byrnes, Erin Enderlin, Lance Carpenter, and Maybe April.

Burgess is nominated for Country Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for “Everything But Us,” and for Song of the Year for “Dianne’s Song.”

Voting will begin March 1st at ArkansasMusic.org and conclude at end of the day, March 14. The Arkansas Country Music Awards ceremony will be held Monday, June 7 at the Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

See the full list of nominees HERE

A New Command

Lifestyle

Madison VanRavensway

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10:29 am

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Valentines Day is just around the corner, and with it I am realizing my three year old has no concept of days or weeks. We are working on days of the week and months, but time is still so abstract. He likes to tell us what he thinks he wants to be for Halloween often. When we try to explain all the time between us and Halloween he just sort of zones out. To him Halloween is as soon as tomorrow, and far away as forever, simultaneously. He is learning. Currently my focus is on Valentine’s Day and how to model the love it is about towards my children and everyone else around me.

Something I have observed from my two is that loving people comes easy for them. The youngest is only 8 months, but he gives smiles and giggles freely. The older one is always okay with me giving away his toys, something I try to use as a threat that just doesn’t work with him. He’s fine with all his toys finding new homes because other kids might like them.

Personally I feel myself not loving others so freely because I can hide behind a mask in the store, and the rest of the time I am at home with my children. Truthfully I enjoy wearing a mask for the ability it gives me to hide in plain site. Sometimes being home I have no concept of time just like my three year old. Sometimes I don’t know what day of the week it is.

As I look forward to February 14th, and the lesson I will teach my children about the day; I come to the verse “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34. As we continue trekking through 2021, whether we have a good concept of the day or month or even year it is with all the crazy around us- remember to love.

ARDOT Announces Summer Construction Plans

Tammy Teague

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10:27 am

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ARDOT Announces Summer Construction Plans

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has announced plans for upcoming summer construction projects.

Construction is set to take place in the areas of Barling, Central City, Greenwood, Huntington, Lavaca, and Mansfield.

• 040771 – Hwy 71 pavement preservation/resurfacing job let in January (awarded to Forsgren)
• 040772 – Hwy 22 pavement preservation/resurfacing job let in January (awarded to Forsgren)
• 040794 – Hwy 255 pavement preservation/resurfacing job to be let this month
• 040765 – Hwy 71 pavement preservation/resurfacing job to be let this month

GHS Musical Theatre Recognized by BroadwayWorld

Networks

Tammy Teague

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12:20 pm

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GHS Musical Theatre Recognized by BroadwayWorld

Greenwood High School Musical Theatre has been recognized by BroadwayWorld for their hard work over the past decade.

The following awards have been won by members:
Arts Educator of the Decade – Tim Peerbolte
Best Ensemble – GHS Production of Matilda
Performer of the Decade – Reece McDaniel (for his performance in Newsies with YAG)
Production of the Decade – GHS’s production of Matilda
Sound Designer of the Decade – Patrick Shownes for GHS’s production of Matilda
Top Arts Supporting Organization – Greenwood PAC

Congratulations to GHS on this national recognition!

You are encouraged to come out and support the GHS students in their production of “Our Town” on Thursday, February 18, 6:30 p.m., at the GHS Performing Arts Center.

Sr Lady Tigers Walk The Swords Edge Against Dragons

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:14 am

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Sr Lady Tigers Walk The Swords Edge Against Dragons

Pictured is Chloe Creekmore

It’s hard enough to beat a solid team to start with. If you do succeed though, facing them a second-time lines up multiple challenges. Your opponent now knows your players, tendencies, key players to stop, and they have plenty of time to change their game plan. The only thing that could make it harder is if your opponent has home-court advantage in game two. That’s exactly what the Mansfield Sr Lady Tigers faced as they took on the Lady Dragons of Mountainburg on Friday, February 5.

Mansfield had to fend off a late-game comeback by the Lady Dragons in their first meeting at Mansfield earlier in the season but still came out with a narrow win. The pressure was all on Mansfield as they remembered that game along with knowing that a victory would solidify the Lady Tigers the #2 seed for the District Tournament and a guaranteed spot in Regionals. Tiger fans sucked up all of the oxygen in the gym at the tip-off of the game as the battle ensued. The Lady Dragons set the nets ablaze with perfect 3 point shots. Mansfield came back with board bashing layups and chip shots. At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Tigers kept their claws on a 16-12 lead.

Mansfield was able to pull ahead a little more in the second quarter. With fast break scores and aggressive rebounding, the Lady Tigers were able to get the Lady Dragons to start tripping on their own tails. By doing so, Mountainburg got into foul trouble putting the Lady Tigers at the free-throw line to extend their lead to a 33-21 halftime score. As both teams headed to their locker rooms, one thing was evident. This game was going to have one heck of a second half.

The Lady Tigers continued to surge in the 3^rd quarter building up a 37-29 gap on the scoreboard. Then deja vu began to kick in for the Lady Tigers. Just like in their first meeting, Mountainburg began to get red hot on the court. That’s when Tiger fans began to take their aspirin and break out the AEDs. With 2:46 in the 4th quarter, the game was tied at 41-41. At 1:56 it was 43-43 and then 46-46 with 1:09 left on the clock. Hearts were racing out of control on both sides of the gym. The Lady Tigers scored with 22.8 seconds left in the game to pull ahead by two points forcing Mountainburg to foul to stop the clock.

Months of practicing their shooting was about to pay off for Mansfield as they went to the free-throw line. By hitting 5 final free throws, Mansfield was able to finally breathe a sigh of relief closing the game out with a 51-46 final score. Chloe Creekmore played one of her best games leading the Lady Tigers with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Makayla Strutton and Danielle Lillie followed with 14 and 13 points respectively. And tied with 4 points each were Natalie Allison and Seven Sanderson.

The battle-weary Lady Tigers have officially cashed in the check that they earned this season. The victory puts Mansfield at an amazing 17-4 overall record on the season and places them not only as the #2 seed in the District Tournament with a 10-1 conference record but also puts them in a guaranteed spot in the Regional Tournament. With all of the prestige and honors of their success, the Lady Tigers still have one more game before closing the book on their conference schedule. Mansfield will travel to Johnson County Westside on February 9 to attempt to finish their regular season with a BANG!

Obituary – Trenton Luke Keener (1999 – 2021)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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6:54 pm

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Obituary – Trenton Luke Keener (1999 – 2021)

Trenton Luke Keener went to be with the Lord on February 5, 2021, at the age of 21. He was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas to John Keener and Michelle Rose on June 13, 1999.

Trenton was loved by many, from classes in school to peewee to school sports, field trials, and everything in between. He was a friend that could be counted on to bring a listening ear or a positive light in situations where it was needed. He loved back roads and singing along to the radio. He was one of the “Keener Boys” when he worked for the City of Waldron and he most recently became a part of history as he has spent time helping to build Trumps’ Wall.

He is survived by his mother Michelle Rose of Wister, Oklahoma, his father John and wife Kim Keener of Waldron, Arkansas, his twin brother, Taylor Keener of Waldron, Arkansas and sister, Kaitlin Keener of Ozark, Arkansas, maternal grandparents Herbert and Pat Rose, paternal grandmothers Flo Frost and Gladys Keener, and Debbie Taff all of Waldron, Arkansas. Trenton also leaves lasting memories with aunts LeAnn Cummins and husband Jason of Joplin, Missouri, Becky Frost, and April Nelson and husband Wes of Waldron, Arkansas, uncles Bruce Keener and wife Sherri of Waldron, Arkansas, Larry Keener of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alan Brigance and wife Joy of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Travis Taff of Waldron, Arkansas, loving cousins Jennifer, Jordan, Jack, Brantley, Ayzlen, Jasmine, Easton, and a host of many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfathers Leo Keener and Robert Frost.

Trenton’s honorary pallbearers are Taylor Keener, Jack Brigance, Keaton Brown, Deagan Keener, Clayton Crump, Nick Ison.

Trenton’s memorial life celebration will be 2:00 p.m, Saturday, February 13, 2021, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

During these trying and difficult times, we must follow the guidelines we have been given to do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but everyone must wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet apart. For those who want to view the service but can not be in attendance, the funeral service will be live-streamed on our website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Trenton Luke Keener, please visit our floral store.

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK