Billy John Franklin, age 89, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021. At the time of his passing, Bill was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his home in Parks, Arkansas. Bill was born on January 21, 1932 in Boles, Arkansas to Rufus (Jim) Franklin and Pearl (Edwards) Franklin. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Parks, Arkansas, the place he would call home for the rest of his life.
Growing up, Bill worked in the log woods and on the family farm, where his love of farming began. When he returned home after serving in the U.S. Army for two years (1953-1955), he met his future wife, Patsy Gililland. They married on July 29, 1956, and together began their life’s work as farmers, laboring side-by-side to create the farm where they have worked hard and lived happily for many years.
Bill loved all aspects of farm life, whether he was haying, looking after his cattle, riding horses, or just enjoying the view from his house on the hill. He planted a large garden every year until his health began to fail, and for many of those years he plowed his garden with a mule. His hard work was usually rewarded with a bountiful harvest, enough to feed his family and gladly share with friends and neighbors. In his spare time, he enjoyed quail hunting and training his bird dogs. His sport of choice was baseball, and he particularly enjoyed watching the Braves play; ask him about the Braves, and he could quote stats past and present. In his later years, most mornings he could be found at the Parks store enjoying coffee with the gang and pulling pranks at every opportunity.
Bill received such joy in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play. When they came to visit his face would light up, as they walked into the room.
During his last years, Bill was blessed to have special caregivers, Carla Brigance, Karen Ward, Vicki House, Betty Atchley, Dawn Payne, and Amber Atchley, as well as his Hospice Team. These wonderful people made his homebound time easier.
Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 64 years, Pat Franklin of Parks, AR, his children: Brenda and Carlton McConnell of Y-City, AR; Billy Pat and Debbie Franklin of Parks, AR. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his 4 grandchildren: Shauna (McConnell) & Trent Cox; Rhys Franklin; Heather (Franklin) & Jackie Davis; Chad Franklin & Jill as well as 8 Great-grandchildren: Braiden Franklin, Brycen Cox, Caleb Cox, Landon Franklin, Parker Davis, Jaxson Davis, Matthew Franklin & Aveline Franklin. Bill will be remembered as a good friend to many people.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandson, Brett McConnell; his brother, Bobby Franklin; and sister, Melbalene McCraw.
Bill’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 1, 2021, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Elmore officiating. Interment will follow in the Parks Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas.
Bill’s pallbearers will be Rhys Franklin, Chad Franklin, Trent Cox, Jackie Davis, Nathan Franklin.
Bill’s visitation will be Monday, February 1, 2021, from 1:15 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to 12376 Bellevue Road, Parks, AR c/o Parks Cemetery at Parks, 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.
Obituary – Billy John Franklin (1932 – 2021)
Mansfield’s Sister Sister
The Mansfield Lady Tigers basketball program has held a mass amount of talented and skilled players in the past with that trend continuing strong full speed ahead! Amongst that accomplished list is two sets of sisters that are quickly rising to fame status. The Lady Tiger Jr High squad currently holds freshmen, Harlie Fuller and Kynslee Ward and their younger sister counterparts eighth-grader Shelbie Fuller and seventh-grader Kaylee Ward.
Shooting Guard, Harlie, is one of the more natural shooters in the school district. Many girls in both the Sr High and Jr High compliment her ability to score from just about anywhere on the floor. Last season Harlie earned All-Conference and this season, although she had to miss 3 games due to quarantine, she has already acquired 62 points, 22 rebounds, 10 assists, 20 steals, and has been the Jr Lady Tigers leading scorer three times this season.
“One goal I set for Harlie this season is to shoot the ball more,” explained Coach Josh Bryan. “Harlie has a knack for finding the open spot and hitting the open jumper at the critical time for our team both last season and this season. Specifically, I can remember last season in the semi-final round of the district tournament, we were having a tough time scoring and Elkins just went ahead of us by one with a big 3-pointer from their best player. Harlie didn’t even hesitate. We came down the floor and she hit one from the left-wing sucking the wind back out of Elkins sails. On the very next trip down the floor, two players sailed out to block her shot and she sidestepped them both and hit another one really boosting the momentum for us to win that game. Harlie is one of my best shooters. If the game is on the line, Harlie is the one who I know will give us the best chance at knocking down the game-winning shot.”
“What I love about basketball is the bond that I get to build with everyone,” stated Harlie. “Not only are they my teammates but they are family too and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I love the competitiveness of basketball. It makes me want to better myself every day and try harder every time I’m on the court and I’m thankful I get the chance to play the sport I love. I’ve been playing basketball for 5 years and it was my mom who first got me interested to play. I had known when I moved to Mansfield that my mom had graduated from here and I knew she was really good at basketball. I knew I was talented enough to give it a try so when Little League started, I began playing. From then on out I just fell in love with the game. In school, my mom had set a record as a 3 point shooter so that’s now my goal to reach and have my name on the wall for 3’s in a season. Playing with my sister, of course, we’re very competitive but we both know we have each other’s back.”
“I love being able to watch Shelbie grow as a person and a basketball player. She enjoys the game just as much as I do and we both want to be the best we can. I say we’re both very competitive and we both want to have our name on the wall along with our mom’s. The main thing is that we push each other to do better and not to give up. We both know that we both share a huge love for the game and the time we get to share with our teammates. Shelbie and I are very thankful not only for the girls on the team but to have an incredible coach like Coach Bryan. I’m very thankful that when we moved to Mansfield he took the time to better me and my sister. Not only as athletes but as a person as a whole knowing God has big plans. We’re all ready for our next game and ready for another undefeated season!”
Kynslee plays Point Guard for the Jr Lady Tigers and after being unstoppable last year, she has continued that same intense momentum into this season. For the 2019-2020 basketball season, Kynslee not only earned All-District and All-Conference but she’s breaking multiple school records in the process. Last year Kynslee netted steals in a game with 14, deflections in a game with 16, steals in a season with 124, and deflections in a season with 125. And so far this season, Kynslee has pick-up 68 steals, 100 points, 38 assists, 27 rebounds, 27 deflections, and has had 2 double-doubles.
If the Jr Lady Tigers would have had a regular-season like last year, it’s fairly certain that Kynslee could’ve broken her seasonal steals record. Currently, she sits with 68 steals with five games left this season and only playing in 10 games. This time last year the Jr Lady Tigers had already played 18 games. “If my math is correct,” said Coach Bryan. “Based on her current average, she would have around 122 steals. That’s an incredible feat for someone at any age. Kynslee is truly a great defensive player and specifically an on-ball defender. Kynslee has a bright future in the sport and we are expecting great things from her throughout her career. The steals in a season record for the high school is 115, something Kynslee will be looking to rewrite over the next three years.”
“Kynslee is my go-to girl for energy. She’s full of it. Every team needs a player like her, but to have one that is quick, aggressive, and loves the sport is someone who can be a focal point for your program, Kynslee is just that. Kynslee’s greatest improvement from last season is her shot. She’s still got some work to do but she’s been working hard to score more from the outside and it’s showing more and more every game. Even though Kynslee rarely stops talking, she’s missed when she’s not around. As her Coach, I will be expecting more and more out of her each and every day because I know she still hasn’t reached her full potential!”
Kynslee has been playing basketball since she was four or five in the UPWARD program. “I just always loved the sport and I love the group of girls that I get to play with while also making new friends on the court. My parents were the ones that helped kick start my love for basketball. And as far as playing on the same team with my sister Kaylee, it really pushes me to try and get more points than her! We are really competitive when it comes to the sports we play together and we both push each other to do better every game. I am just happy I get to play this year with my sister!”
The big little sister to Harlie, Shooting Guard, and Small Forward, Shelbie, is defining herself as one of Mansfield’s better shooters as well. With such a stacked Jr High team, Shelbie works in her playing time when the opportunity arises. Just like her sister, Shelbie will be the Lady Tigers’ go-to shooter next season on the Jr High team. Even though Shelbie has great shooting capabilities she also has the size to really help out around the rim. Just since last season, she has grown 3-4 inches. If she continues to grow, her role on the team will be defined as a Forward with Guard like abilities.
“One task that has been difficult for me this season is figuring out who will be starting,” expressed Coach Bryan. “One reason is COVID but the other is that we have a lot of talent in the junior high program. Shelbie is another whom I trust to take the last shot. At Magazine this season, Shelbie hit one from very deep, at least 4 feet behind the arc. I thought that was a good shot, but then she did it again just a few minutes later. This showed me that she’s developing a more keen eye for the basket. With a little more time in the gym, Shelbie could be one of the best shooters around.”
Currently, Shelbie holds 27 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 steals. Playing for only four short years, Shelbie says, “Basketball is a fast-paced sport and requires physical skill which is one of the reasons why it is my favorite sport. Watching my sister when I was younger really made me want to play. Basketball runs in my family, and my mom coached me and my friends my first year which helped us not only get to know each other but better develop our basketball skills. Playing on the same team with my sister isn’t bad at all! We always joke around and have fun. Harlie and I have a really close bond and we push each other to get better. We do get aggravated a little about certain things, but we can never stay mad at each other. And having the fam on the team really makes it worth it!”
The youngest player on the team, Kaylee plays Center and Power Forward. Kaylee is the big gentle giant in the middle of the Jr Lady Tiger pack. Kaylee had some big shoes to fill this season with last year’s freshmen now moved up to the Sr High team. She has filled them well though and has even started to grow out of them. Kaylee is a natural at basketball and plays well beyond her age range. Only a seventh-grader, Kaylee has already broken two of Mansfield’s Jr High records. Blocked Shots in a game with 8 and blocked shots in a season with currently 52 (because we know this number is going to continue to increase over the next 5 games)!
“I have been playing basketball since I was 5 years old and started with the UPWARD program,” explained Kaylee. “My parents got me into playing ball and once I tried it I never wanted to stop playing. Being on the same team as Kynslee is pretty good overall. It’s challenging at some points but it all ends up working out. It’s also very fun playing with your sister cause it doesn’t happen often. We are a bit competitive when it comes to games. She likes to try and score more points than me, but that doesn’t happen most of the time, but that’s ok. We will always push each other to the limit and we make sure to never give up.”
Kaylee, along with a few of the other Mansfield starters on the Jr High team, have only played about 2.5 quarters average throughout the season. These girls are outscoring their opponents 24.2 to 6.8 points in the first half alone and most of the time have a 20+ point lead at the halfway mark of the third quarter. For the Jr Lady Tigers to be putting up these numbers compared to the amount of time they are playing is just unreal. Kaylee almost had a triple-double this season at Booneville with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 steals. Throw in her 7 blocked shots and she’s just a few away from a quadruple-double. Kaylee has had two double-doubles this season and has earned 131 points, 78 rebounds, 52 blocked shots, 33 steals, 9 assists so far.
Coach Bryan concluded, “Kaylee is a special young lady that only comes around once in a blue moon. She’s athletic and 6’2″, something you don’t typically get in unison, much less at her age. I will be expecting greater and greater things from Kaylee as she gets older. Kaylee is very coachable and wants to be better tomorrow than she is today. That type of mentality in a player with her potential is deadly for opposing teams. I recall a summer game where she guarded seniors as a 5th grader. They had a hard time scoring on her then and she’ll only get better as time moves on. I enjoy having both the Ward girls on the same team. Even though they argue and pick as sisters do, they work incredibly well on the court together. Kaylee has a bright future ahead of her and I look forward to seeing what doors open for her!”
Composting for Beginners
Jensen asks hard questions. Jensen is my three year old. He’s incredibly smart for his age. I’m hopeful I am raising a child who will a leader someday. For now though, I have to live through the rough questions and odd demands.
Most recently he needed to know why we don’t have a compost pile like Mimzee (my mom). I didn’t have a good answer because until that moment it had never occurred to me that we needed one. He also informed me Curious George has a compost pile, so we need one. Like any good mother would do, I gathered my scraps and dumped them on the ground off the back porch. Boom, our compost pile was born!
To make my life easier I found a container with a lid to hold the peelings, egg shells, etc. that comes out of the kitchen. This keeps me from running out the back door several times a day, but also keeps gnats and odors out of the kitchen. When the container gets full I go dump it in our small but growing pile.
Additionally we will add dead leaves and hay to our compost, as well as some newspapers. Coffee grounds, tea bags, brown paper bags, grass clippings, saw dust, and garden waste can all be added as well!
Make sure not to compost meats or other foods that are not primarily vegetables/fruit. Anything treated with herbicide or pesticides, diseased plants, or weeds should not be added to the pile.
Where you place your pile should be a big enough area for turning the pile and adding more. It’s also good to remember this is not an overnight way to reap rich soil, it does take time. Despite that, it will produce excellent nutrient rich dirt for your garden.
Home is Where the Heart is for Greenwood Law Firm
Passionate people providing quality legal representation in a responsive and affordable manner, that’s the mission of The Plummer Firm.
With Scott County roots, Attorney Travis Plummer and his wife Shannon moved to Greenwood to ensure their children had the best possible education. According to them, what better place than Greenwood. “We decided that since we live in Greenwood we should have an office in Greenwood,” said Shannon Plummer. “We are so glad we made this decision.”
In addition to Plummer’s private practice, he is also the in-house counsel for Western Arkansas Title Services, a prosecutor for Scott County, and serves as City Attorney for both Hartford and Mansfield.
The firm has four other locations in addition to Greenwood, including Waldron, Fort Smith, Booneville, and Van Buren. Their legal services include contract drafting and disputes, estates, wills, trusts and probate, family law, personal injury/wrongful death, and property. “Each client we serve deserves dignified, customizable, and prompt attention to their needs. Our goal is to meet and exceed client expectations,” added Shannon Plummer.
For more information about The Plummer Firm, visit their website: theplummerfirm.com, or contact them by phone: (479) 252-6232.
Signs Your Home Plumbing Needs an Upgrade
When it comes to maintaining the overall functioning of your home, one of the most crucial components to consider is your current plumbing. Not only are these systems essential for providing us the necessary drinking water to survive, but they’re also responsible for establishing our standard quality of life. As such, should your own pipes fail, it can leave you in a difficult living and financial position. These are some signs your home plumbing needs an upgrade, so you can get this renovation done before major problems occur.
There’s Evidence of a Leak
Water leaks are a common occurrence when pipes don’t have proper insulation or receive necessary maintenance. However, should these leaks happen frequently and in varying parts of the home, it’s no longer a small issue that you can quickly fix. This pattern means that your pipes are no longer strong enough to withstand the home’s overall water pressure, and they’ll continue to break and cause water damage. So, if you notice puddles or wet spots near your major systems, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Your Water Is Oddly-Colored
Discolored water can also mean something’s wrong with your pipes. When a home’s pipes are clean and functioning correctly, the tap water will appear clear and free of sediment. However, should your pipes sustain rust build-up, this could begin to affect the look, smell, and taste of your water supply. As such, should you notice a change in any of these features, it’s vital that you think of your old pipes as a potential source.
Water Pressure Is Low
Another important sign your home plumbing needs an upgrade is if your water pressure is lessening over time. Pipes suffering from frequent clogs or leaks often experience a disrupted water flow. This reduces the amount of pressure used to push the water through them. In severe cases, your water flow could turn into a little trickle. As such, it’s crucial that you’re regularly testing for poor water pressure and getting your pipes replaced before bigger problems can develop.
Your Pipes Are Older
You should consider getting a pipe upgrade as well if you know your system is older. While certain types of pipes can last for a long time, they’re still exposed to large amounts of stress over several years of frequent use. So, if you’re living in an older home, the chances are good that you’re due for a newer system anyway. Acting preemptively is a great way to avoid potential pipe bursts as well as ensure that everything remains up to code.
Pageant Winner Ursula Carter: Aiming to Make the World a Better Place
Greenwood’s own Ursula Carter won in her group during the “World’s Universal Princess” pageant last week after first winning the regional and state competitions held in 2020. As a winner of multiple pageants that are often centered around community service, Carter spoke with the Greenwood Resident about the ministries she takes part in throughout the Greenwood community.
After spending more than twenty years in Greenwood, Carter has seen the area’s growing need for basic items, such as food. After joining First Assembly of God, 725 Park Drive, Greenwood, she felt called to assist with the food bank and has managed it for the last four years. With an empowering new way to provide nutritional assistance through the food bank, and realizing that not all recipients could eat what was in a mass-produced box, the ministry team decided to provide food based on a points value system. This, according to Carter, allows for a more shopping-based experience, and a more dignified method of delivering these needed items.
“ We stand on Matthew 25:40 when it comes to the food bank…” said Carter. “Truly I tell you, whatever you have done for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done for me…We want to give back and help people in the best way we can, and for our church, it was this food bank…When you think about it, almost 20% of the residents of Sebastian County are food insecure, and so even though we are not the only food source for some of Greenwood, we might be the only weekly food source”
This ministry involves the work of many volunteers, and the residents that need these services are often elderly and disabled. They typically have food items such as bread and canned goods. Carter added, however, that there is often a need for baby items. To acquire the food they hand out, the church purchases the food at a lower price. With the increase in food distribution, donations are always appreciated.
Carter is also the managing director of an accredited Bible College that is taught through the First Assembly of God Church location. The college also offers a remote learning option, which extends the school’s outreach.
During the month of December, Carter manages the area drop-off location “Project Shoebox,” which provides shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts that are delivered all over the world. It is the Western Arkansas Community and Church Relations contact for Operation Christmas Child. Carter remarked how important this ministry is to her because “These gifts are a representation of love, and Jesus is love. Every child deserves to feel that.”
With her success on stage and commitment to community service, Carter’s true crowning achievement is her compassionate spirit and servant’s heart!
SCSO Responds to Incident at Hackett High School
On Wednesday afternoon, January 27, a Sebastian County deputy was dispatched to Hackett High School for an alleged threat.
According to the report, the responding deputy attempted to make contact with Hackett Police Chief Ricci Pyle. However, the deputy was unable to reach Pyle. The high school principal informed the deputy that he had contacted the chief, but “was told that he (Pyle) was at home and would not come out” and instructed the school to contact the county.
The report also stated that the deputy then contacted Mayor Trini Harper to inform her of the situation. “She stated that she would try to get in contact with him (Chief Pyle).”
The school incident, which is being described as “communicating a false alarm,” involved two juveniles, and currently remains under investigation.
We reached out to Mayor Harper for comment on this incident, however, we have not received a response.
Danville Wins Emotionally Charged Game Over Paris
It was less than a week ago when I mentioned that a player from the Hackett senior boys team had left the game due to what appeared to be a knee injury. I commented that significant injuries are the fear of every athlete, not only for their personal safety, but the adverse effect it can have on their short time to play the games that they love. And for the second time this week, a significant injury occurred during the Paris senior boys game.
Danvlle’s Solomon Gilkey, a very talented and athletic player for the Danville senior boys team went high to the basket late in the fourth quarter for a “put in” shot off of a lob pass on the baseline. It was a beautiful move that had been repeated several times off of back door passes that had been very successful for the Little Johns. But this time, as Gilkey went up to take the shot, his legs were inadvertantly taken out and he fell from from near basket level to the floor, landing on his back and neck.
Since the time of the accident, social media posts have indicated that Gilkey did not sustain any severe injuries from the fall and is recovering well today. Since that good news has been shared among all who have been concerned about the talented athlete’s recovery, I have posted the sequence of photos from the game that show how the fall occurred. You don’t have to look long to know that Gilkey is a very fortunate young man, and we are all very relieved that he is recovering without having suffered severe injury.
The play occurred with 5:33 remaining in the game. The game was delayed approximately 20 minutes after emergency personnel stabilized Gilkey and eventually moved him from the court on a back board and stretcher. The large crowd of both Danville and Paris fans gave Gilkey a standing ovation as he left the floor. Both teams showed great sportsmanship by kneeling and praying for the safety of Gilkey. The game had been hotly contested all night, and the Little John’s gym was a loud and fun atmosphere all night. When the accident occurred, an eerie silence fell upon the entire facility.
Coaches will tell you that one of the most difficult things to do with any team is to collect them and attempt to restart a game after such an injury occurs. Both teams and their coaches did a good job with this last night, but it was apparent that the Little Johns, emotional from the loss of Gilkey, were determined to get the win for their fallen teammate. And for the final five minutes of the game, the Little Johns played extremely hard with an edge provided by their coach who was obviously very emotional from the injury of one of his players.
Playing on less than 24 hours rest, the Paris Eagles were playing on the road following an emotional and draining effort and win the night before at home versus Cossatot River. After perhaps their best performance of the year on Thursday, it remained to be seen how the Eagles would play the next night on the road.
Paris, just as in Thursday’s game, got off to a slow start and fell behind early. And once again, it was a furious second quarter rally that kept the Eagles within striking range of Danville. The high-flying Little Johns, who had scored on numerous lob passes to the basket and on one slam dunk, brought great energy and the Eagles had to play hard to keep up. But the Eagles continued to play hard and eventually took a one point lead late in the game. But unlike Thursday’s game, Paris was unable to stretch the lead and put the game out of reach. Danville went on to win the game 54-49.
Eagles coach Blain Brewington commented after the game, “Our kids battled after a major deficit early. We couldn’t hang on and get the win. We can’t dig ourselves in a hole and use the energy to get back into the game. I am proud of their effort and for battling back. We have to continue to learn and grow.”
For Paris, there are positives for the team that can be taken away from the game at Danville. Paris played with great energy on just 24 hours rest, as they have played all season. Defensively, the Eagles continue to excel, but will need to continue to improve as the season moves into February. Scoring has been inconsistent, and moving to next year, the Eagles will need to find consistent scoring ability on offense to take the next step in their development. But the team was very impressive, both in how they represented Paris last night during a difficult situation, and how hard they competed, almost pulling out their third consecutive win for the week. There is a lot to build on with this young and talented team.
The Lady Eagles went into Danville to play the conference-leading Lady Little Johns who were and remain undefeated in conference play. And it did not take Danville long to show why they are leading the conference. Behind precision offensive sets, great shooting, and good defense, Danville dominated Paris for the entire game.
After the game, Lady Eagles coach Donald Hart commented, “Not the outcome we were hoping for. Even after giving up 20 points in the first quarter, we only allowed 23 for the rest of the game. We just couldn’t knock down shots.” Scoring has been an issue with this team next year, and with the graduation of Jadyn Hart this year, the Lady Eagles will have to find a way to score next year.
Danville is a well-coached, talented, and experienced team that has played together for many years, both scholastically and during the off season in club sports. Danville appears to be the clear favorite to win the conference regular season, district tournament, and move on to regionals and state tournaments to compete for a state championship.
Paris ends the week by splitting with a win over Hackett and a loss to Danville on the road. The Lady Eagles will host Charleston on Tuesday night at Paris Gymnasium. The Lady Tigers handed Paris a lopsided loss early in January at Tiger Center. The Lady Eagles need to come out strong and compete Tuesday with Charleston to build some momentum going into the district tournament. The regular season ends on February 9 and time is running out to make a run before the first round of the district tournament.
But just like the senior boys team, the Lady Eagles are young and talented and have the chance to be a very good team over the next two years. This year’s off-season will be very important to the Lady Eagles as they need to continue to develop and get more court time before next November.
The junior Lady Eagles defeated Danville 16-8 in the first game of the night. There is talented coming that will add to the already young and talented roster at the varsity level for Paris. Time, practice, and development are all of the elements that are needed to bring them together for future success.
Additional photos from last night’s games will be available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Saturday night. Photos from the Paris junior Lady Eagles victory over Danville will be available on Sunday night.
On behalf of Resident Press, all of us are thankful and relieved that Danville’s Solomon Gilkey is apparently going to be ok. We will be in Paris on Tuesday when the Charleston Tigers come to Paris Gymnasium. Finally, look for a special preview on Sunday night in Resident Press on this game that will recap the Charleston Tigers and will look forward to Tuesday’s game.
Thanks to all of our readers for making Resident Press the best source of small town high school sports in western Arkansas! See you Tuesday!
Sr Lady Hornets Play Tougher Than Pine Knots Against Cossatot
Pictured is Madeline Freeman
“It is the size of one’s will that determines success.” This statement couldn’t ring any truer than for the Hackett Sr Lady Hornets. The girls have only won one game so far this season, but day after day and match after match, the Sr Lady Hornets continue to hit the court with a winning attitude and a positive outlook on things. And anybody who has ever found themselves having a rough go at things knows how difficult this can be especially at a young age. But the Lady Hornets wake up every day dripping with determination and the mindset that if Plan A doesn’t work, there are still 25 other letters in the alphabet.
On Friday night, Hackett hosted the Cossatot Lady Eagles. The first half of the game ended with the Lady Eagles taking a slight lead 31-22 over the Lady Hornets but as the second half of the game got underway, Cossatot shot across the board earning the win 61-40. “This group is continuing to improve and gain confidence,” expressed Coach Broc Adams. “They still believe we can make some moves come district tourney time so we are using every game as extra practice!”
Flying in and leading the team was Faith Thomas who scored 10 points by chopping her opponents down like George Washington and the cherry tree. Melting the competition faster than butter in a frying pan was Madi Taylor who netted 8 points. Mackenzie Mendenhall old school ruled the court with 7 points that even Run-D.M.C. would be proud of. Making the Lady Eagles look slower than a Sunday afternoon was Teonna “Better Than” Best and Madeline Freeman who each grabbed 4 points. And combining for 7 points was Kyleigh Hill, Lilly Slavens, and Brooke Holt who were livin’ in high cotton after their hardwood play.
“Seeing the progression from these girls this year has been awesome! They continue to work so hard and they never quit. We are in our second round of conference and through all 3 games, we have improved scores from the first time we played those 3 teams. I love the never go away attitude and I’m excited to see how far this team can go the rest of the season!” Up next, the Sr Lady Hornets will travel to Cedarville on Tuesday, February 2 to take on the Lady Pirates.
Photos courtesy of Bridget Freeman
Scott County Extension Homemakers Donate to Local Food Pantries
In 2019, Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council began a long term food drive across the state of Arkansas. Each county council was encouraged to collect money or food to go to their local food banks or food pantries. With COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the food collection and fundraising stalled. During the fall district meetings, State Chair Roberta Shankle encouraged county councils to do a reverse advent calendar. Members were encouraged to collect 16 items over 16 days and donate to their local food pantries.
Scott County Extension Homemakers Council President Betty Overturf asked Debra Miller, Scott County Extension Agent to mail a copy of the reverse advent calendar to members of the Scott County Extension Homemakers council to request and encourage members to participate. Through texting and Facebook, six members and Betty Overturf and Debra Miller, committed to delivering their food to First Baptist Church Waldron to distribute to three local food pantries on December 16, 2020. Lynn Landon, Reita Plummer, and Clara Duncan arranged to have their food picked up or delivered to Betty Overturf prior to December 16. Betty also received the remainder of the food and a cash donation from member Sharon Rice.
The food included 86 items totaling 87.5 pounds. Betty delivered two boxes to Waldron Pentacostal Church of God. Robin Yandell and Janette Garrison received the donation. Two boxes were also delivered to Waldron Methodist Church food pantry with Diane Miller receiving the donation. First Baptist Church Waldron Food Pantry Director Linda Vaughn received one box and the donation of $20 for that food pantry.
