Resident News Network

Students Honored in VOD and Patriot’s Pen Ceremony

Networks

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6:20 pm

Students Honored in VOD and Patriot’s Pen Ceremony

State and local VFW leaders gathered among distinguished guests and students in a ceremony to honor the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contest.

VFW Post 2330 Master of Ceremonies, Teddy Pipkin, asked that the altered setting via Zoom and Facebook live not put a damper on the spirit of the ceremony. “We are proud of each of the youth before us…”

Distinguished guests and VIP’s included VFW Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman Tommy Hughes, Auxiliary Secretary Karlene Beams, VFW Department of Arkansas Auxiliary President Martha Cothren-Ivy, VFW Department of Arkansas sponsor and presenter from Post 9095 – Little Rock Comrade Robert Fureigh, Department of Arkansas Patriot’s Pen Chairman Rodney Wood, Sponsor and presenter, past State Commander and National Council member Ashley A. Little, National Representative from the VFW of the United States, National Chief of Staff Rosalynn Cox, VFW Department of Arkansas Commander Donald Barnes.

According to Pipkin the number of entrants were down statewide, presumably because of the pandemic. Statewide, there were 580 entries for the Patriot’s Pen and 241 for the Voice of Democracy.

“Remember, America is the city on the hill,” shared Auxiliary President Martha Cothren-Ivy. “We want you to be the leaders of our country, thank you for your participation, keep up the good work and good luck today…” VFW Department of Arkansas Commander Donald Barnes echoed Ivy’s sentiment, quoting former NCAA basketball player John Wooden. “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of being.” Barnes went on to thank the students, parents and teachers for their efforts in the competition.

VFW of the United States, National Chief of Staff Rosalynn Cox expressed gratitude towards the post commanders for sponsoring the students as well as the districts. “The young people we honor today are the future of our country,” stated Cox. “They carry with them the same spirit that launched this great nation and that is what these programs are all about…What these students are today, America will be tomorrow and I know I am not alone when I say that I welcome that future with open arms.”

Ivy once again took the podium to declare the “Buddy Poppy” program winner. Ivy explained the history, importance and significance of the Buddy Poppy. Since 1922, the Buddy Poppy has been an integral part of the VFW as a memorial flower. The color represents the blood shed by American service members. It reiterates that the VFW will not forget their sacrifices. Disabled veterans assembly the poppies, and the VFW pays them for their work. Proceeds from the poppy distribution are used for veteran’s welfare, well-being or needs of the veteran’s dependents or orphans of veterans. There was a buddy competition among the posts and auxiliaries for category one, promotion of the campaign. The winner was from Post 2278 in Hot Springs.

This year’s Patriot’s Pen topic: “What is patriotism to me?” The following participants will receive a citation, and $50 gift card:
District 4 Post 4679, Harrisburg – Jerry Richmond
District 9 Post 2256, Benton – Nicholas Miller
District 1 Post 9834, Decatur – Catelynn Stearman
District 5 Post 4501, Batesville – Kimberly Stolarik
District 2 Post 8042, Evening Shade – Eli Higginbottom
District 10 Post 4124, Tayor – Makayla Roberts

The Patriot’s Pen third place winner, District Post 1322, Van Buren – Gianna Perreault, will receive a citation and a check totaling $150 from the VFW and Auxiliary. The second place winner, District 13 Post 4548, Jacksonville – Shaylynn Jackson, received a citation and a check totaling $300 from the VFW and its Auxiliary.

The Patriot’s Pen first place winner is forwarded on to nationals to compete for a $5,000 scholarship. The winner receives a plaque and a $500 scholarship sponsored by Ashley and Melissa Little. The family sponsors the scholarship in memory of Little’s cousin, U.S. Marine Corp Corporal Paul Alvin Harrison, who was killed in action May 2, 1968 in the Vietnam War. The recipient of the the Corporal Paul Alvin Harrison Memorial Scholarship and first place Patriot’s Pen essay winner was Morgan Hughs. He was sponsored by Kemp Bradford Memorial VFW Post 4764, Choctaw and District 6.

The Voice of Democracy awards were given out next. The topic was “this country that our founders envisioned.” The following fourth place participants will receive a citation and a $100 gift card:
District 13 Post 1316, Little Rock – Jane Landrum
District 2 Post 977, Salem – Trinity Sherrill
District 10 Post 4124, Taylor – Calie Grey
District 1 Post 2952, Springdale – Hailey Curbo
District 7 Post 1322, Van Buren – Noah Dieter
District 4 Post 5225, West Memphis – Mary Deese

The third place winner of the Voice of Democracy, District 5 Post 7514, Quitman – Evan Johnson. He received a citation, $1,000 scholarship and $25 from the Auxiliary. The second place winner, District 6 Post 4764 Choctaw – Luke Permenter, will receive a citation, $1,500 scholarship and $50 from the Auxiliary.

The first place Voice of Democracy winner, District 9 – Post 10483, Hot Springs Village – Sophia Wright, will advance on to compete nationally for additional scholarships up to $30,000. She received a plaque, $3,000 scholarship and $100 from the Auxiliary.

A congratulatory round of applause went out to all in attendance, as well as the students who showed extraordinary effort in the competition.

Students Honored in VOD and Patriot’s Pen Ceremony

Networks

Tammy Teague

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6:16 pm

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State and local VFW leaders gathered among distinguished guests and students in a ceremony to honor the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contest on Saturday, January 23.

VFW Post 2330 Master of Ceremonies, Teddy Pipkin, asked that the altered setting via Zoom and Facebook live not put a damper on the spirit of the ceremony. “We are proud of each of the youth before us…”

Distinguished guests and VIP’s included VFW Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman Tommy Hughes, Auxiliary Secretary Karlene Beams, VFW Department of Arkansas Auxiliary President Martha Cothren-Ivy, VFW Department of Arkansas sponsor and presenter from Post 9095 – Little Rock Comrade Robert Fureigh, Department of Arkansas Patriot’s Pen Chairman Rodney Wood, Sponsor and presenter, past State Commander and National Council member Ashley A. Little, National Representative from the VFW of the United States, National Chief of Staff Rosalynn Cox, VFW Department of Arkansas Commander Donald Barnes.

According to Pipkin the number of entrants were down statewide, presumably because of the pandemic. Statewide, there were 580 entries for the Patriot’s Pen and 241 for the Voice of Democracy.

“Remember, America is the city on the hill,” shared Auxiliary President Martha Cothren-Ivy. “We want you to be the leaders of our country, thank you for your participation, keep up the good work and good luck today…” VFW Department of Arkansas Commander Donald Barnes echoed Ivy’s sentiment, quoting former NCAA basketball player John Wooden. “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of being.” Barnes went on to thank the students, parents and teachers for their efforts in the competition.

VFW of the United States, National Chief of Staff Rosalynn Cox expressed gratitude towards the post commanders for sponsoring the students as well as the districts. “The young people we honor today are the future of our country,” stated Cox. “They carry with them the same spirit that launched this great nation and that is what these programs are all about…What these students are today, America will be tomorrow and I know I am not alone when I say that I welcome that future with open arms.”

Ivy once again took the podium to declare the “Buddy Poppy” program winner. Ivy explained the history, importance and significance of the Buddy Poppy. Since 1922, the Buddy Poppy has been an integral part of the VFW as a memorial flower. The color represents the blood shed by American service members. It reiterates that the VFW will not forget their sacrifices. Disabled veterans assembly the poppies, and the VFW pays them for their work. Proceeds from the poppy distribution are used for veteran’s welfare, well-being or needs of the veteran’s dependents or orphans of veterans. There was a buddy competition among the posts and auxiliaries for category one, promotion of the campaign. The winner was from Post 2278 in Hot Springs.

This year’s Patriot’s Pen topic: “What is patriotism to me?” The following participants will receive a citation, and $50 gift card:
District 4 Post 4679, Harrisburg – Jerry Richmond
District 9 Post 2256, Benton – Nicholas Miller
District 1 Post 9834, Decatur – Catelynn Stearman
District 5 Post 4501, Batesville – Kimberly Stolarik
District 2 Post 8042, Evening Shade – Eli Higginbottom
District 10 Post 4124, Tayor – Makayla Roberts

The Patriot’s Pen third place winner, District Post 1322, Van Buren – Gianna Perreault, will receive a citation and a check totaling $150 from the VFW and Auxiliary. The second place winner, District 13 Post 4548, Jacksonville – Shaylynn Jackson, will receive a citation and a check totaling $300 from the VFW and its Auxiliary.

The Patriot’s Pen first place winner is forwarded on to nationals to compete for a $5,000 scholarship. The winner receives a plaque and a $500 scholarship sponsored by Ashley and Melissa Little. The family sponsors the scholarship in memory of Little’s cousin, U.S. Marine Corp Corporal Paul Alvin Harrison, who was killed in action May 2, 1968 in the Vietnam War. The recipient of the the Corporal Paul Alvin Harrison Memorial Scholarship and first place Patriot’s Pen essay winner was Morgan Hughs. He was sponsored by Kemp Bradford Memorial VFW Post 4764, Choctaw and District 6.

The Voice of Democracy awards were given out next. The topic was “this country that our founders envisioned.” The following fourth place participants will receive a citation and a $100 gift card:
District 13 Post 1316, Little Rock – Jane Landrum
District 2 Post 977, Salem – Trinity Sherrill
District 10 Post 4124, Taylor – Calie Grey
District 1 Post 2952, Springdale – Hailey Curbo
District 7 Post 1322, Van Buren – Noah Dieter
District 4 Post 5225, West Memphis – Mary Deese

The third place winner of the Voice of Democracy, District 5 Post 7514, Quitman – Evan Johnson. He will receive a citation, $1,000 scholarship and $25 from the Auxiliary. The second place winner, District 6 Post 4764 Choctaw – Luke Permenter, will receive a citation, $1,500 scholarship and $50 from the Auxiliary.

The first place Voice of Democracy winner, District 9 – Post 10483, Hot Springs Village – Sophia Wright, will advance on to compete nationally for additional scholarships up to $30,000. She will receive a plaque, $3,000 scholarship and $100 from the Auxiliary.

A congratulatory round of applause went out to all in attendance, as well as the students who showed extraordinary effort in the competition.

Tiger Trio Race For Amelia’s Gift

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:43 am

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Pictured are Mansfield distance runners Hope Rainwater, Faith Rainwater, and Darby Jones at the Amelia’s Gift 5K in Greenwood

In most sporting arenas, combatants wage war with a winner takes all attitude. Although cross country runners also have that killer instinct to win, the commandery between opponents isn’t always adversarial. Truth be known, most runners pull for each other as the course is the true enemy.

This past weekend, three Mansfield Lady Tigers joined forces with a rival runner. Headlined as Amelia’s Gift, the cause was an effort to support the birthday wishes of 15-year-old cross country runner Amelia Morgan of Greenwood.

Amelia’s Gift was a 5K race directed by Jennifer Morgan, Amelia’s mother, per the wishes of her teenage daughter. In lieu of personalized birthday gifts, Amelia requested a fundraising event to benefit Grace School in Uganda.

Mansfield juniors Faith Rainwater, Hope Rainwater, and Darby Jones answered the call as word of the unselfish act spread throughout the cross country community. Lady Tiger Katlynn Moore also registered for the race but was unable to attend.

The Mansfield distance racers, all members of the 2020 2A State Runner-up Team, love to compete and found the opportunity to join in the “Gift” equally exciting.

Money raised through entry fees for the 5K race around Shadow Lake in Greenwood was earmarked to support the Morgan’s Pastor, Graig Smith, in his Village 2 Village ministry and Grace School. The Tiger trio along with several local runners scheduled race times throughout the morning and afternoon of Saturday, January 23, the day after Amelia’s birthday.

Described by her mother as a girl that “has a very giving heart and loves to help other people”, Amelia has been instrumental in requesting various fundraising scenarios since her eighth birthday. Rather than receive gifts for that particular birthday celebration, the forward-thinking little girl gathered shoes for an orphanage in Haiti. Every year since it has been one project or another to help others.

The Mansfield runners have been extremely motivated since their highly successful cross country season. Since the second semester of school resumed, Faith Rainwater and Darby Jones in particular have been logging extra miles to stay in shape for their upcoming track season. In fact, just two weeks ago the pair each recorded at least 40 miles of distance racing for the seven-day period.

Despite a numbing 28 degrees Fahrenheit the morning of the race, the urge to compete while supporting a worthy cause was all that was needed for those that participated in Amelia’s Gift.

Veteran’s Salute: SSG Michael Anderson

Networks

Tammy Teague

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6:39 am

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

This month, we are featuring hometown veteran SSG Michael G. Anderson. He and his wife Kayleigh have two children, Alec Wayne and Taylyn Rose.

Anderson, 34, is a 2004 graduate of Greenwood High School. Additionally, he is a 2012 graduate of Arkansas Tech University and holds a technical degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

The staff sergeant has spent the past 16 years in the United States Army. That time includes one year, 2009-2010, at Contingency Operating Base (COB), Basrah, Iraq, as well as one year at Camp Casey, Korea from 2006-2007.

Anderson’s career in the Army began in 2004, following high school. He graduated from basic training and was stationed at Fort Sill, OK, where he served as a Fire Direction Specialist. He was then sent to Korea, where he continued serving as a Fire Direction Specialist. After completing that tour, Anderson was sent to Fort Lewis, WA, where he served as a Fire Direction Chief/Platoon Sergeant.

In 2009, Anderson was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011, he joined the United States Army Reserve, where he served as Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic until 2019.

He is currently serving as an instructor in the Army Reserve, teaching soldiers how to operate Army supply systems. Anderson and his family continue to call the City of Greenwood home. “I have spent a lot of time in the Army, and the Army has been my family for the last 16 years,” said Anderson. “When I put on my uniform I wear it with pride, and love serving my country. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have learned so much over the last 16 years. Fighting to preserve our freedoms is what I joined for! All I ask is, when you see a soldier, thank them. This job is not easy and I can say I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family and friends.”

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

Bulldogs Sweep Paris at the Waldron Events Center

Sports

Resident News Network

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8:22 pm

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Bulldogs Sweep Paris at the Waldron Events Center

As if the Paris basketball program has not had enough challenges with its young teams playing varsity basketball for the first year, the Lady Eagles and Eagles senior teams traveled to Waldron to play another set of important conference games. Waldron is tough on their home floor, and Paris knew it would have to play extremely well to be competitive with Waldron.

The Lady Eagles led Waldron for most of the game and looked as if they had a chance to defeat the Lady Bulldogs for the second time this season. But a much-improved Waldron team battled tough and managed to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, the game came down to a foul called on Paris with one second remaining in the game that put Waldron on the foul line with the game tied. Waldron hit the first free throw to take the lead, and after missing the second, Paris was able to call time out with 0.6 seconds remaining in the game. The Lady Eagles attempted a long, full-court pass that went awry and the game was over. It was a heart-breaking loss for the Lady Eagles who have struggled the entire month of January in conference play.

A last second Paris desperation pass goes awry (Resident Press Photo)

After the game, Paris coach Donald Hart said, “We’ve got to continue working on getting better at scoring the basketball. Hopefully, we can get back on the right track before heading into the district tournament.” And that is what remains for this young group of Lady Eagles; Paris has to continue to focus and play hard to improve as much as they can before the season ends. As we have presented in previous stories, the higher seeding the Lady Eagles can achieve before the season ends, the more favorable first round match-up the Lady Eagles will have in the district tournament in February.

On the positive side, the Lady Eagles are young and very talented, and the young sophomores on this team have gained valuable court experience this season that should pay dividends over the next two seasons. But if you are a player or anyone closely associated with the program, that is difficult to keep in perspective at the moment. The team has struggled all season, and defensively, critical fouls throughout the game, especially following failed offensive possessions that have resulted from frustration on the offensive end, have carried over to fouls on the defensive end.

In the senior boys game, the Eagles took on perhaps the best team in the league, the Waldron Bulldogs. Waldron handed Paris a lopsided defeat in Paris earlier in the season, and the Bulldogs are even tougher playing in front of the home fans.

Paris never threatened in the game to take a lead or be a threat to the Bulldogs. But, the Eagles played hard and showed significant improvement on defense with respect to guarding the outside shooters of Waldron. The Eagles clawed their way within seven points at halftime, and again played hard in the second half. But when it was all over, Paris just did not have the experience to play with the high-flying Bulldogs.

Following the game, Paris head coach Blain Brewington commented, “Our kids battled and competed well with the number one team in our league. I thought we rebounded the ball extremely well on the defensive end. Too many mistakes on the offensive end that led to easy transition baskets for Waldron. Our kids are getting better each and every day. We must continue to learn from mistakes and grow daily.”

Both the senior boys and girls teams for Paris are playing extremely hard and do not like coming up short each night on the scoreboard. But their time is coming, and better days are ahead for both teams. Now is a time of test for character and seeing who wants to continue playing hard and getting better each time out. And one thing I have recognized with the players on both teams is that they are competitors and will come to play every time the ball is thrown up.

Paris will return home on Tuesday night to play the Hackett Hornets. Scheduled games for Tuesday include junior varsity girls and boys games, as well as senior varsity girls and boys games. First game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. And as it has been all year with the COVID pandemic, there is always the possibility that junior varsity games could be cancelled. I recommend that you check the information in the live feed on the Paris school district website before you head out Tuesday to Paris Gymnasium. Games and start times are always subject to change.

So Paris fans, your teams are growing and maturing before your eyes. Keep supporting them and know that better days are ahead for the Eagles and Lady Eagles!

See you Tuesday night!

ASP/CID Agents Assigned to Suspected Scott County Homicide Case

Tammy Teague

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3:07 pm

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Arkansas State Police Special Agents are investigating an apparent homicide reported to the Scott County Sheriff’s Department earlier today.

A resident at 1091 Ross Creek Road south of Waldron contacted the sheriff’s department at 4:10 AM to report hearing gunshots. Upon their arrival outside the home, deputies found a deceased female sitting in a pick-up truck passenger seat.

State Police special agents later today identified the victim as Brehana Lee Duran, 24, of Booneville. The body will be examined at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death.

A man who attempted to flee from Waldron police officers earlier today and who matches the description of the driver last seen in the truck found on Ross Creek Road is being questioned by state police.

Sr Tigers Unable To Cross County Line

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:00 pm

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The Mansfield Sr Tigers have seen the ups and downs this season. They have had close wins paired with close losses. They’ve seen blowout wins coupled with blowout losses. They’ve lost players and regained others. If one thing is for sure though, it’s that nothing is for sure. The Tigers went into County Line on Friday, January 22nd to rebound against the Indians but wound up being rebounded instead in a 68-47 loss.

With a premiere program each year, County Line for sure isn’t a team to shake a stick at. Mansfield jumped out early but the Indians quickly got back on track to get to a narrow 12-11 lead over the Tigers in the first quarter. Mansfield had trouble with every aspect of offense against the smothering Indian’s defense. The Tigers were only able to score 10 points in the second quarter as they went into the half down 32-21.

Greyson Baggett cuts through the Indians like a Tiger tomahawk.

The Tigers were left spinning their wheels in the second half as mental mistakes began to flood the team. Offensive poor passes, missed shots, and foul trouble landed the Tigers directly into the Indian’s hands. Defensively, County Line out hustled Mansfield and exploded the scoreboard in the second half which led to the inevitable close out to the game as the Tigers fell 68-47 to the Indians.

Drew Elmore fights through the County Line pressure for the bucket.

Codi Chick, the team leader in points per game, was shut down against the Indians but still scored 12 points. Clint Stovall was able to get 7 points in the game. The Backboard Beast team of Bri Sanderson and Zayne Dugan put up 4 points each in the game while Drew Elmore put his Backboard Beast application in by hanging up 5 hard-fought points. JoJo Bailey was County Line’s favorite target as they held Bailey to an uncharacteristic 2 points in the game. The Tigers bench played a pivotal role in scoring as Greyson Baggett cashed in 5 points and the returning Braxton Byers was on fire from the perimeter swishing 8 points in the game.

Braxton Byers giving generously with a Mansfield Make-A-Swish donation.

With back to back losses for Mansfield, the Tigers must find their groove again. The great talent, depth, and coaching are all still there. They just have to put some WD40 back in the team to clear out the rust of previous losses. They’ll have to work out all of their kinks fast though as they look to avenge their loss to the Lavaca Golden Arrows earlier in the season. This time though, the Tigers will play the Golden Arrows in The Jungle as they host Lavaca on Tuesday, January 26th.

Jr Bulldogs Closing The Gap On Scoreboards

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:30 pm

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Jr Bulldogs Closing The Gap On Scoreboards

The Waldron Jr Bulldogs aren’t digging a hole anymore. Instead, they’re working together as a team to build ladders to send them high into the future. All one has to do is look at this past week’s handful of games. A two-point 42-40 loss to Booneville and a two-point 28-26 loss to Cossatot. Both losses were razor’s edge games against top-notch teams. Then came yet another top team knocking at Waldron’s door. The Paris Eagles.

On Thursday, January 21st, the Bulldogs fell to Paris 42-30. The score may look like the Bulldogs slipped on their improving ways, but taking into account that the Eagles were Waldron’s third conference game of the week, the Bulldogs naturally were exhausted. Exhausted or not, the Bulldogs still gave Paris all they could handle. Chris Lopez didn’t lope on the court as he led the Bulldogs in scoring with 13 points against the Eagles. Kason Davis was able to work his way past Paris’s defense to hang 8 points up on the scoreboard. Kaden Rogers scored 3 points while Scout Young, Noah Patrick, and Logan Young scored by committee 2 points each.

Defensively the Bulldogs poured tar on the Eagle’s wings to prevent what could have been an otherwise blowout. Waldron rolled up 26 rebounds, 7 steals, and a whopping 16 deflections in the game. Head Coach Josh Atchley said, “Our team lost three hard-fought conference games this past week. We have loads of potential in this Jr High bunch, just have to figure out a way to consistently put it together for the games. If we are wanting to have a good showing against Danville then we have to get our minds right and approach each day trying to kick yesterday’s rear.”

The Jr Bulldogs are headed in the right direction, there are just some growing pains in the win/loss column for now. Waldron will not have a cupcake opponent for their next game either as they play the Danville Little Johns in what will be a far cry from a little game on January 26.

Sr Lady Tigers Reroute Indians War Path

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:02 pm

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Pictured is “Super” Sarah Fisher laying down a layup

After a fall from grace against Acorn on Tuesday, the Lady Tigers could have merely hung their heads and moped around until their next conference game. That would be how cowards play though, not pure-blooded Mansfield Tigers. The Lady Tigers instead arranged a game against the County Line Lady Indians on Friday, January 22rd, and got back to their winning ways with a 57-27 victory.

Danielle Lillie goin’ in for a lofty Lillie layup

One would’ve thought that Mansfield was still hungover from their earlier loss in the first quarter as the Lady Indians stayed in the game due to missed shots and poor passes by Mansfield. The slow start gave the Lady Tigers a slim 15-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. But once the Lady Tigers got their feet warm, it was game on. Led by seniors Chloe Creekmore, Danielle Lillie, Makayla Strutton, and Brook Wright, Mansfield went on a shooting spree hanging 17 points in the second quarter and only allowing County Line to put up 3 points. Going into the half, the Lady Tigers led with a score of 32-12 but still weren’t happy with their performance.

Seven Sanderson makes County Line player cash in their frequent flyer miles

In the past, Mansfield has had problems closing games out and allowing teams to get the edge in the second half. Not this time. Mansfield came out of the locker room like a Tiger with rabies both offensively and defensively. To top things off, the Lady Tigers had a pair of subs who stepped up like StairMasters. Seven Sanderson and Sara Fisher were challenged in their Acorn game and took offense to that challenge as they circled the wagons around the Lady Indians offense. Mansfield’s offense then took charge as the Lady Tigers cruised past County Line with a top geared 57-27 win.

Chole Creekmore smothers an Indian offensive player like gravy on a biscuit

Leading the Lady Tigers in scoring was none other than Makayla Strutton who put up 18 points in the game while also gauging the Indians for seven steals. If County Line focused on Strutton, they paid dearly with a right hook from Danielle Lillie as Lillie lit up 17 points and 4 steals in the game. But wait, there’s more. Natalie Allison signed up for sniper camp after the Acorn game and went two for two on her 3 point shots, scored 8 total points, and pulled down 9 total rebounds. Brooke Wright and Chloe Creekmore weren’t about to play second fiddle against the Lady Indians as they pounded the backboards combining for 7 points and 10 rebounds. Seven Sanderson led the team in rebounds with 10 total and sank 3 points in the game as she went 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. And Sara Fisher was a short fuse that went off on County Line. Fisher hit nearly every mark in the stat book scoring 4 points, 3 offensive rebounds, 1 defensive rebound, and exposed the Lady Indians with a dominant breakaway layup.

Natalie “All In” Allison with a quick pass

The non-conference victory was just what the doctor ordered for Mansfield as they improve to 14-4 on the season. With the Lady Tigers still short on players, they still have games to play and most importantly, win. Their showing at County Line with great performances from the starters and bench alike show that the Lady Tigers are becoming more well rounded. Mansfield will take their newly founded and rounded game to a point next against a round two matchup with the Lavaca Lady Golden Arrows on Tuesday, January 26th. Lavaca can beat anyone at any time and the Lady Tigers know it, but Mansfield will not be detoured. Not this time.

Free Family Fun

Madison VanRavensway

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10:34 am

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Anything that is family friendly piques my interest. It really gets me interested if the family friendly place or event is free! I have known the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center existed for a long time. However, I had never been aside from a trip in school many, many moons ago.

We needed to get out of the house since the baby was yelling at bubba constantly, and the bubba was yelling at, well, everyone. The Nature Center’s current hours are 10:00-4:00 Wednesday through Saturday. We went about 2:00 on Friday and were met with little traffic through the building.

Jensen was so excited about the live animals, and the salamander seemed excited about him too. We learned about how plateaus are made (a little advanced for a 3 year old and I’m certain he thought I was nuts), used the snakes in the building as a reference point for bad snakes, and got to see wild animals up close!

We were free to walk around, and since there wasn’t anyone in the building with us we looped through several times. A quick trip outside, and we found several families enjoying the sunshine and lake. The deck along the back of the building was empty and we enjoyed walking around looking at the birds and people below.

A great display exhibiting owls native to Arkansas.

If you are looking for something to occupy some time and make some memories we recommend the Nature Center! The center sits on 120 acres complete with a lake and many hiking trails varying in lengths. While we didn’t get to those on our first visit we have intentions to go back and check out all there is to experience!

Things to note- social distancing is recommended, and masks are required indoors on all people over the age of TWO. Bring your fishing poles, or borrow one inside! Also inside you may purchase a fishing license. The 12 acre lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout.

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