Resident News Network

COVID-19 Cases Peak in Scott County

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5:19 pm

For the first time since the pandemic began, Scott County is seeing triple digit numbers of active cases. As of January 3, the county has 108 total active cases with 11 total deaths.

Although these are the highest numbers the county has seen, they are still relatively low compared to bordering counties, like Sebastian, which has 1,089 cases with 158 deaths.

Scott County Judge Forbes reminds citizens to remain vigilant, and to use common sense. “Remember to wash your hands, do not touch your face, wear a mask when out in the public where others are present and keep a safe six foot distance. If you are showing any of the symptoms of Covid-19, please call the Scott County Health Department at 637-2165. They do have free testing available. Follow all Arkansas Department of Health guidelines.”

Staff at long term care facilities such as Dalton’s Place and the Waldron Nursing Center have worked diligently to protect their residents. The Waldron School District has also made modifications to aid in the fight against COVID-19. With everyone doing their part, we can slow the spread of this virus.

Barling Police Department Makes Arrest Following Investigation into Runaway Case

Tammy Teague

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3:26 pm

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Barling Police Department Makes Arrest Following Investigation into Runaway Case

On December 30, 2020, the Barling Police Department received a call from the Mulberry Police Department regarding a juvenile who had run away and was believed to be in Barling.

Officers arrived at a residence on H Street in Barling and located the juvenile who was then safely turned over to the custody of Mulberry Police Department.

While on scene, officers made contact with Jacob Stevens, age 27, of Barling. During the investigation into the runaway juvenile, evidence was obtained leading investigators to believe that the juvenile may have been sexually assaulted during their time with Stevens.

On the evening of December 30, 2020, Jacob Stevens was placed under arrest at the Barling Police Department for the following charges: sexual assault 2^nd degree, and possession of explicit material. According to Barling Police Chief Darrell Spells, additional charges are possible.

Strutton Redrawing Lady Tigers Stripes

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:02 pm

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The Mansfield Sr Lady Tigers have been igniting the hardwood all season long and breaking records to boot. The Lady Tigers are sitting with a 9-3 season play record and if Mansfield can pick up a win in their next match on Tuesday, January 5 against Ozark Catholic, it’ll put the girls at a 10 win season which is something that hasn’t been done in almost a decade! One Lady Tiger leading the ambush is senior, Makayla Strutton. In just 12 games, Strutton has accumulated 189 points along with 59 rebounds, 66 deflections, 62 steals, 38 assists, and 1 charge taken.

Basketball has been Strutton’s passion since the third grade. “I was always around my older cousins when I was little and they always liked basketball so any chance I would get, I would play with them because I wanted to be like them,” explained Strutton. “We were really close and I looked up to them in the sports they played. When I got into sports at school, I realized I wasn’t as into all the other sports like I was basketball.”

With Makayla competing in her final year of high school basketball, she has a go big or go home attitude. “I’ve realized it’s my last year of high school ball and I don’t want to disappoint in my last year. Also, Coach Bryan always tells us “you never know when your last game is going to be so give it all you got” and I’ve been sticking by that this year.” Sitting at the halfway mark of her season, there is one game that Strutton is most pleased with. “The best game so far has been the one against Acorn. We practiced for that game for so long to come out with a win. Our hard work paid off and I’m proud of my team for that. “Next I’m looking forward to when we play Magazine this Friday. We will be competing for the number one spot in conference if they lose to Acorn on Tuesday.”

Apart from having a winning season, the next best thing about being a Lady Tiger is the opportunity to be coached under Josh Bryan. “I couldn’t be more thankful for a coach like him! The teams’ chemistry on the court this year I feel has been much better than the past season and I’m grateful for that. I hope to keep all our hard work going throughout the rest of the season.”

“Makayla is a bubbly player in practice and enjoys joking and having fun,” expressed Coach Bryan. “But when it is time to play, she’s 100% focused. Being able to make that switch is the sign of a maturing player. Makayla has increasingly been getting better as the season has gone on. She’s playing at a much higher level this season and it’s helping Mansfield to one of the better seasons we’ve had in recent years.”

Coach Bryan continues, “Key areas of improvement this season have been her jump shot and ability to read an opponent’s ball handling. If you haven’t been to watch Makayla and the rest of the Lady Tigers, you’re missing out. In the last two games alone, Makayla has scored 53 points and had over a dozen assists, steals, deflections, and rebounds and also broke the single-game record for steals with ten in our previous game against Hackett. Makayla has even received interest at the next level by 7 different colleges around Arkansas and the surrounding states.”

“After high school, I’m hoping to go to college and play basketball,” Strutton added. “I have a couple of schools looking at me, but I’m not certain where I will go yet. Out of the colleges that are looking at me, I would love to attend National Park College in Hot Springs or Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould.” The basketball season isn’t over yet and Makayla and the rest of the Lady Tigers still want to continue making their Tiger community proud!

Jr Bulldogs Chairmen Of The Boards

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:14 am

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On Monday, December 28, the Waldron Jr Bulldogs picked up their fourth win of the season after nearly dominating the Horatio Lions with a final score of 41-14. Although the Jr Bulldogs had to endure a two-week shutdown due to Covid misfortune, it wasn’t enough to halt their skillful basketball presence on the hardwood. The boys picked back up right where they had left off racking up three out of four wins. Waldron scored 55-29 against Mulberry on their first night back after quarantine on December 14 and then preceded to grab another win versus Cedarville 38-23 on December 18. The Jr Bulldogs took a hard-fought 33-36 loss against Lavaca on the 21st before getting back in the winners circle against the Lions to finish out 2020.

Freshmen, Chris Lopez (14), Kason Davis (8), and Brayden Mays (5), played hotter than a bowl of chili at a Fourth of July picnic by offensively helping to lead the Bulldogs to a victory. Lopez has spent all season on the top side of the stats book and this game was no different. He also picked up 5 rebounds, 11 deflections, 8 steals, and 4 assists. Davis is a player who doesn’t know the definition of defeat. Every time he steps onto the court, he continues to rise to the occasion which helped him earn 7 rebounds, 1 block, 3 steals, 1 assist, and 4 deflections as well.

And Brayden Mays is one of the Bulldogs’ best kept secret weapons. Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you though because once Coach Josh Atchley unleashes him, Mays fly’s up and down the court faster than new socks on a waxed floor. Not only did he net points, but he also garnered 2 rebounds, 4 deflections, 1 assist, and 3 steals too. Defensively, Scout Young, Noah Patrick, Steven Newman, and Cole Bailey combined for 10 deflections, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals by consistently keeping pressure on their opponents. Next up for the 4-3 Waldron Jr Bulldogs will be the Eagles at Cossatot on January 5th.

2023 Annual Rural Fire Dues

Tammy Teague

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7:35 am

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The City of Mansfield is collecting 2023 annual rural fire dues now!

Dues are $40. If you are unsure what district you are in, please call 479-928-5552.

Payments can be mailed to:
City of Mansfield
Attn.: Becky Walker
P.O. Box 307
Mansfield, AR 72944

Please make checks payable to the Mansfield Fire Department. Please include your 911 address with your payment.

Remember, your fire dues pay for things like: fire trucks, firefighter equipment, building maintenance, and other necessary fire related items. Anyone who has not paid their annual dues could be charged if the department is dispatched to your residence. Your support of the fire department is critically important!

Clean Cookin’ Partners with RVRFB to Distribute 1,700 Meals

News

Tammy Teague

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7:04 am

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Clean Cookin’ Partners with RVRFB to Distribute 1,700 Meals

On Thursday, December 31, Stu’s Clean Cookin’ partnered with the River Valley Regional Food Bank to give away 1,700 meals to families in need.

“Food insecurity doesn’t stop just because it’s the holidays,” shared owner Stuart Rowland. “As a matter of fact, it’s more present than ever…2020 has been so hard on everyone. Let’s bring in 2021 with our focus on adding health instead of losing weight.”

Rowland, along with team members from the Greenwood location, Keith Dake and Caleb Bauer, participated in the distribution of the donated meals and fresh boxes of milk and produce. “It was such a wonderful experience to be out there giving back to the people within our community and surrounding area. This is what we do, we pride ourselves on helping others. That is the framework in which Stu has built this brand off of. So keep in mind, every dollar you spend with us, a portion is going back to feed those people who may be struggling with a variety of issues that life tends to throw at us. Just another reason to support local businesses, we actually care about the people around us and want to continue to support our community and it’s people.”

Although the brand continues to expand, Rowland has continued to keep community and charity at the heart of the operation. “Elisa Smiles,” a suicide prevention campaign, is part of that outreach. Others include donations to emergency services and food for those in need.

Stu’s Clean Cookin’ has several locations, including Greenwood and Fort Smith. To learn more, and to check out their menu, visit their Facebook page. They offer 24-hour ordering for scheduled curbside pickup through their website.

Everything Cookies

Food

Madison VanRavensway

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9:08 am

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Before we begin, let me say when I started this recipe I wasn’t planning on sharing. So please don’t mind how ugly my cookies are. They taste heavenly.

When I share a baking recipe it is my adjustment on someone else’s recipe. This one is completely mine. I came up with the measurements, and I am so excited to share! We had shredded coconut from Christmas baking, and candy from stockings that I wanted to use up. Cookies are relatively forgiving so I decided to whip some up. I am thinking of these as a kind of monster cookies.

Ingredients

-2 cups flour -1 1/4 cup brown sugar -1 teaspoon baking powder -1/4 teaspoon salt -2 eggs -1 and a half sticks of butter (softened) -1 tablespoon vanilla extract -2 cups of chopped candy/chocolate chips/coconut/etc!

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400*.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix in eggs.

3. Chop candy as needed, add in to mix. Add remaining ingredients.

4. Form into balls, place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes at 400*.

My cookies included chopped candies and coconut. This recipe would work with just chocolate chips or with peanut butter added to the dough. They are really easy to tweak to fit your taste!

Obituary – Dennis Jones (1961 – 2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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5:41 pm

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Dennis Nelson Jones, age 59, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with the Lord, December 26, 2020. He was born June 16, 1961 to Bobbie and Ezeal Jones. Dennis was the oldest of four children.

Dennis loved the outdoors. He worked as a logger, poultry contractor, and a general contractor. He and his wife were owners of D&S Poultry Contractors.

He is preceded in death by his father Ezeal Jones.

Dennis leaves behind to cherish his memories; his wife, Sherill Jones of the home, his children, Chrissy (Donald) Trampp of Keener, Arkansas, and Hannah (Jerad) Owens of Hindsville, Arkansas, his mother Bobbie, brothers Lanney Dale (Dawn) Jones of Gravelly, Arkansas, Randy (Sheila) Jones of Gravelly, Arkansas, and sister Carolyn (Ken) Hastings of Colcord, Oklahoma, three grandchildren, Lauren Trampp, Logan Trumpp, Ashlynn Owens, sister in law Sammye (Sheryl) Hudgens, brother in laws Shannon Hudgens and Sheldon (Nicole) Hudgens, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis’ life celebration will be held Monday, January 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Internment will follow at Parks Cemetery in Nola, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Dennis’ pallbearers will be John MaKenzie, Gary Mead, Jeff Dillard, Matt White, Richie Root, and Mike Austin.

Dennis’ visitation will be Sunday, January 3, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

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

Chick Top Of Basketball Pecking Order

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:07 pm

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Pictured is Codi Chick

Mansfield Tiger senior, Codi Chick, has been playing basketball since the age of four. “I have always enjoyed playing basketball. Even when I was little I used to play outside with a basketball before I could even make any baskets,” Chick said. All season, Chick has been the driving force behind the Tigers who have been averaging 51 points a game. Most recently, Codi had an explosive offensive performance against the Hackett Hornets, finishing the night with 31 points from a total winning score of 62-53.

“My teammates trust in me to go out there and produce good numbers and guide them to victory. Being a senior, this is my last year and I’m trying to make it last as long as I can.” Rounding out the points in the Hackett match was JoJo Bailey and Tyler Escalante with 8 each, Bri Sanderson with 6, Ethan Pettus with 5, and Zayne Dugan with 4. Coach Keith Stovall added, “This was a great win for us on the road against a huge rival. Not to mention a well-coached team. On the negative, we committed 6 offensive fouls which are the same as 6 turnovers. We’ve got to improve our rebounding and stop giving up second-chance opportunities.”

“The Hackett game has so far been my favorite,” exclaimed Chick. “It’s always good playing them especially since they have been our rivals for so long! The next game I’m looking forward to is Lavaca. We both match up really well and we’re both pretty solid across the board so it should be a good game every time we play.” Most recently the Tigers took a close loss against the Golden Arrows so for their next battle at the end of January, Mansfield will be looking to settle the score.

With the season sitting at the halfway mark, Codi Chick is making the most of every chance on the hardwood, taking nothing for granted. “Since this is my last year, I’m trying to cherish a lot of these moments. The goal is to play college ball after high school but who knows what the future holds for me. For now, I’m trying to help this team make a run deep in the Regional Tournament and possibly to State, which is something that hasn’t be done in boys basketball in a very long time!”

With the Hackett victory, the Mansfield Sr Tigers will be going into the New Year on a positive note. For their first battle of 2021, the Tigers will take on conference foes, the Rattlers, at Magazine on January 8th.

Jr Lady Bulldogs Play Heroic In OT Loss To Horatio

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:30 am

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Jr Lady Bulldogs Play Heroic In OT Loss To Horatio

Pictured is Lauren Shores

Although it’s been a bumpy ride for the Waldron Jr Lady Bulldogs, the girls are determined not to let any of those bumps ruin their season. The Jr Lady Bulldogs were 3-1 before having to endure the Covid curse. They had to say goodbye to six games but have since been slowly but surely getting their feet back under them. The Jr Lady Bulldogs have a tenacious will power that has kept them hungry in the fight since being back on the court on December 14th.

The Jr Lady Bulldogs have taken losses in their last four games but they are consistently closing the final score gap proving that they might be down but they are not out. The girls took a score of 23-24 against Mulberry, 9-23 against Danville, 16-22 against Lavaca, and most recently 26-29 in overtime against the Horatio Jr Lady Lions. “We took a hit from the 14-day quarantine but these girls continue to work hard and never quit! They are super awesome kids and win or lose, they make me proud,” expressed head coach, Tracie Adams.

All season, freshmen duo, Katie Stringer and Reagan Adams have been automatic offensive shotgun shooters blasting each net they come across. Stringer, who earned 8 points in the Horatio match, has stepped up this year and taken charge on and off the court. Her style of play is advanced beyond her years and this season it’s really been shining through. Adams, who netted 6 points, laid in waiting in the shadows last year but this season, she has been zealously letting the competition know she is there.

Defensively, freshmen, Daileigh Hunt, Alicia Sher, and Kaylee Redmon have been unyielding obstacles for their opponents. They stay persistent in persuading the ball often times leaving the other team exhausted in trying to offensively keep control of the hardwood. The Jr Lady Bulldogs are not afraid of a little hard work and unfortunately for their opponents, Waldron is about to take back control of their schedule. The Jr Lady Bulldogs will kick open the doors of 2021 when they next take on Cossatot on January 5th.

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