Resident News Network

Sr Hornets Take Throne Back From Little Johns

Sports

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12:33 pm

Sr Hornets Take Throne Back From Little Johns

Pictured is #00 Cash Oliver

Last week, the Hackett Sr Hornets and the Danville Little Johns competed in two back-to-back throwdowns with each other. For round one, it was the Little Johns who were victorious 42-41 in a heart stoppin’ nail bitin’ buzzer-beater match. But the Hornets aren’t big fans of deja-vu so for round 2 last Friday night, they decided to shake things up like Dairy Queen during happy hour. With each team already knowing what the other was bringing to the table, Hackett still had a few unknown tricks up their sleeve.

Although Danville tried to speed things up towards the end of the match even creating some turnovers, Hackett remained calm and stuck to their game plan earning themselves a 56-44 victory. “We are starting to put pieces together but we still have some growth areas to improve on,” stated Coach Kent Elmore. “The mistakes we had in the game are easy fixes and we are looking forward to getting back at it.” Ty Smith was the Big Kahuna of the game with 18 points due to his uncatchable jumpin’ jack flash moves on the court. Close behind him was Jake Fisher with 13 points and Cash Oliver with 8.

Up next for the Sr Hornets is conference game 2/2 with the Paris Eagles. In their first go-round, the Eagles kept flight 59-36. Hackett will go into this match with a 4-8 total play record and 3-5 in conference play.

Photos courtesy of Mandy Foster

Jr Lady Bulldogs Refuse To Be Broken

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:22 am

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Pictured is Katie Stringer

After losing point guard, Reagan Adams, to an injury within the first two possessions in their meeting with the Paris Jr Lady Eagles, the Waldron Jr Lady Bulldogs knew they were going to have to come together tighter than Velcro straps on a pair of Sketchers if they were going to have a chance at sealing a win. The Jr Lady Bulldogs gave Paris a good game but unfortunately, the Lady Eagles were able to pull ahead for the win 25-16. Waldron’s Emily Powell netted 5 points while Emilee McConnell scored four.

The Jr Lady Bulldogs are now staring an eight-game losing streak in the face after getting punched by Covid’s right hook in the two weeks prior. But where most teams would lose confidence and sink into the quicksand, Waldron continues to prevail. “First we are thankful to have gotten to play,” expressed head coach Tracie Adams. “Second, Covid reared its ugly head on our team more than our share. The Lady Bulldogs opened the season 3-1 playing really good ball…till covid hit”

“This team as a whole have been quarantined the max days 2 times and many individuals have been quarantined 3 and 4 times. It has been difficult to get continuity and stay in playing shape. I’m very proud of the leadership of our ninth graders. They have continued to work hard every day and hold our team together. This is the tightest team I have ever coached. There is zero drama. They love and respect each other, on and off the court. They are true friends. They make my heart smile! When the season began they decided to start a group chat which keeps them connected all day and night. This team is consistently encouraging each other, laughing, and enjoying this journey.”

While it’s not always easy to keep your head held high when faced with a rough season, it sure does make it a whole lot easier when your coach plays a huge part in your support system. “The girls know I care, we work hard and have fun. I have tried to instill this year that a winner isn’t’ a score, it’s who you! Each person on this squad is important. You treat the manager just like your number one player. We have built a bond together as a family team. I think I’m naturally blessed to be a motivator, I want to push the players to get the best from themselves and not to settle for anything but their best.”

“I want these girls to be better people, have a great work ethic, work with others, and against all adversity stand up and respond. I’m not asking to win every game although you will not find anyone on earth more competitive and who wants to win more than me! It’s a beautiful gift and responsibility to coach student-athletes. I truly believe we are helping raise adults, not kids and sports play a vital role in real-life experiences. I lay goals out for these girls and we work toward those every day. We preach ADD VALUE no matter your role.”

With just three games left until District play, the Jr Lady Bulldogs aren’t in the clear yet. The girls still have conference games with Hackett, Cedarville, and Charleston ontop of still not being 100 percent. “We have several starters and players out because of close contact in a class and family testing positive. We will adjust and move on, someone will get their time to shine and add value. We will take these last three games and give it what we have, and at the end of the night, we leave knowing we are winners.”

Two players that remain diligent in their roles as Co-Captians are freshmen Katie Stringer and Reagan Adams. “Stringer moved from a 2 guard to an inside 4 player and really stepped up her game. At 5’4 she is quick to the bucket and a tough rebounder. Katie is a hard worker and loves the game. If the gym is open she is there! She is averaging 10 points, 5 boards, and has taken 8 chargers. Katie has raised her level of play from last year and is a standout for our team!”

“Adams moved from the 4 player inside to our point guard. Reagan averages 5 points per game. She runs our offense and gets the ball up the floor. Reagan has worked hard to change her game and learn the ins and outs of being a point guard. She has taken 5 charges and is a defensive player and rebounder.” Reagan concluded, “Playing for my mom sometimes is hard because she doesn’t cut me any slack at all, but when we go home she is just mom and we talk very little basketball. I know when the pressure is on though, that she is making me into a better player.” The Waldron Jr Lady Bulldogs will next travel to Hackett on Thursday, January 28.

Photo courtesy of Bridget Freeman

Obituary – Billy Bates (1943 – 2021)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:02 am

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Billy Andrew Bates, better known as “Bo” went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday January 21, 2021 in Pasadena, Texas, after a long battle with cancer. Bo was born November 25, 1943 to Gene and Edith Bates in Waldron, Arkansas. He was 77 years old.

Bo was hard headed and stubborn. You never knew what to expect when you were with him. He worked hard and played harder. He always wanted everyone to have fun and a good time. He loved being with his family and friends. He enjoyed being outside and listening to the radio. When you saw Bo, you always saw a “cold one” in his hand. In his last months, he traded that “cold one”, outside, and the radio, for his couch, old westerns, Joel Osteen sermons, and chocolate milkshakes. If you told him you were bringing him one at 3:00, you had better be there, because at 3:01 you were late and he was going to let you know it.

He always said he just didn’t think he could make the ride back home, well dad you finally made it just fine.

Bo is survived by his children, Daughter Kimberly Wetuski and husband Tommy of Pasadena, Texas, son Billy Bates and wife Tammy of Pasadena, Texas, Darcy Cunningham of Boise, Idaho, Heather Vogt of Crosby, Texas, Jeremy Flowers and wife Amanda of Highlands, Texas, grandchildren; Quinten Vance of Pasadena, Texas, Presley Bates of Pasadena, Texas, Justin Johnson of Boise, Idaho, Chance Jackson of Boise, Idaho, Joey Johnson of Boise, Idaho, Dominick Vogt of League City, Texas, Nic Calo of Crosby, Texas, sisters; Treva Coffey and husband Ralph of Waldron, Arkansas, Lucille Carpenter and husband Donald of Waldron, Arkansas, his brother Scotty Bates of Fort Smith, Arkansas, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and the mother of his children.

Bo is preceded in death by his wife Belinda Bates, his parents Gene and Edith Bates, brother Thomas Bates, nephew Cody Carpenter, and son-in-law Glen Vance.

Bo’s life celebration will be at 11:00 a.m. on January 26, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Larry Free, officiating. Internment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Bo’s visitation will be January 26, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

You may leave words of remembrance for Bo’s family by visiting www.heritagememorialfh.com.

There is no expiration date on the love between a father and his child.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy Andrew Bates, please visit our floral store.

Students Honored in VOD and Patriot’s Pen Ceremony

Networks

Tammy Teague

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6:20 pm

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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.

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