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Mansfield Jr Lady Tigers Hang Steady Undefeated

Last Friday, the 2A Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers traveled to Lamar to see if they could ax down the undefeated 3A Jr Lady Warriors. With both teams hitting the hardwood with zero losses under their belts, the ferocious intensity emanated by each team could be felt for miles. By the end of the first quarter, the score stood 9-5 Mansfield. And for the rest of the game, it was only a few points that continued to stand between Mansfield and Lamar and who ultimately would be the victor. The match went into halftime with the Lady Tigers up 22-17.

Kaylee Ward

But just because Mansfield was ahead, the Jr Lady Tigers knew they would have to remain persistent in their gameplay due to the Lady Warriors being on their heels for every play. At the final buzzer, the Jr Lady Tigers managed to skirt away with a 3 point lead taking the win 37-34 and remaining undefeated. Along with Lamar, Mansfield also has Monroe, Hackett, and Booneville on their mantel of successes. With the exciting news continuing, along with the win, a new school record was set as well.

Harlie Fuller

7th-Grader, Kaylee Ward, smacked down the old school record of blocked shots to set her own with 8 in a game. Kaylee also led in scoring with 21 points as well as 5 offensive rebounds, and 2 steals. Alyson Edwards followed with 14 points, 7 offensive rebounds, and 3 steals. Harlie Fuller made 2 points and 3 rebounds. Kynslee Ward got 5 defensive rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Raine Hecox snagged 2 steals. Trinity Triska netted 1 offensive rebound and 2 steals. Cole Smith scored 2 rebounds. And Shelbie Fuller obtained 1 defensive rebound.

Trinity Triska

With hopes of continuing their winning streak, the Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers will host the Mulberry Yellowjackets tonight, December 7 starting at 4 pm.

Arrest Reports 11/29

James Stephen Alderman of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 11:30 p.m. and released on signature bond December 5 at 3:34 a.m. Alderman was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest, and two counts of possession of misbranded drugs.

Randi Leigh Harris of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 30 at 2:17 p.m. and released on signature bond November 30 at 4:13 p.m. Harris was charged with failure to appear – class C felony, and contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)

Shia Moua of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 29 at 12:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Moua was charged with two counts of failure to appear – class C felonies, failure to appear – class B misdemeanor, and contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)

Cory Lee Pierce of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 4 at 3:55 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Pierce was charged with theft of property <$1k, and two counts of failure to appear, both class A misdemeanors.

Corey Justin Turner of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 3 at 1:40 p.m. and released on bond December 5 at 5:03 p.m. Turner was charged with failure to appear – class C felony, and driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked.

Melissa Reni Williams was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 2 at 10:41 a.m. and remains on hold for the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Johnnie Lee Witt of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 1 at 2:40 p.m. and released on signature bond December 1 at 10:13 p.m. Witt was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)

Arresting Agency – Waldron Police Department:
11/22/20 – Eloy Martinez of Waldron was arrested on a felony warrant

11/22/20 – James L. Denney of Waldron was arrested on felony warrant and charged with possession of a controlled substance/schedule I or II

*The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

Scott County Women’s Committee Named Top in the State

On Thursday, December 3, the Scott County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee was announced as the 2020 Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Outstanding Committee.

The announcement came during ArFB’s 86th annual state convention, during the virtual Business Session. The Scott County committee didn’t let a worldwide pandemic keep them from educating students in their county.

They turned a field trip into a live-streaming video adventure, brought their annual Farm Day to the students through pre-recorded videos of the stations they would have attended in person, promoted Ag Week with “7 Days of Exploring Agriculture through Students’ Eyes” and used the Read Across America campaign to talk to students about agriculture.

Well done ladies, what an exemplary team representing our great state! You make Scott County proud!

Tips To Safeguard Your Farm Equipment During the Winter

It’s finally winter, which means all your farming equipment is (hopefully) tucked away in storage. That said, if all you did was drive vehicles into the shed, there are some things you’ll want to do before you completely lock up. From doing maintenance checks to giving them a proper clean, it’s imperative to take proper precautions now so you’ll have a better spring. Explore some of the tips to safeguard your farm equipment during the winter that we’ve compiled below!

Check the Fluids

If you want everything to run smoothly come spring, to pay attention to the fluids in the equipment. For example, all fuel and hydraulic oil tanks should be topped off and have fuel stabilizers added. You don’t want condensation entering unfilled tanks, so topping off is vital.

It’s also important to pay attention to coolant—you wouldn’t let your car run low on coolant in the winter, and you definitely shouldn’t let that happen to your equipment.

Double-Check the Engine

Engines can get beaten up throughout the farming season. Make sure you’re doing a thorough maintenance check on equipment before putting it away. Take drive shafts, for example. Drive shafts, motors, and engines can become effected depending on their age and how much they’ve been used.. Make sure you’re getting agricultural drive shafts repaired, or get new ones customized before spring rolls around.

Clean It Thoroughly

Farmers make huge mistakes when they don’t clean their equipment. Truth be told, equipment should get cleaned after each use, but pre-storage means an even deeper clean. Many experts advise thoroughly cleaning exteriors of all dirt and debris that could attract moisture. Why? Because it could cause corrosion-related damage.

But it’s not just the exterior that you need to scrub down. Make sure you wipe down the interiors of cabs, the planters, drills, grain tanks, and every other aspect of the equipment. You don’t want anything to attract rodents. The vermin could damage wires, seats, and other essential elements.

Don’t Forget About Lubrication

Once you’ve done all of the above, then you can lubricate. It’s simply best practice to ensure efficiency and smooth sailing come spring. Lubricate unpainted metal parts, bearings, drawbars, rods and joints, and a variety of other areas. You can always check the owner’s manual on hand to see what else they suggest.

Store Equipment Safely

The final step to safeguard your farm equipment during the winter is to store it away! Keep it away from the elements—rain snow, sleet, heavy winds—and even pests! Otherwise you allow the chance of rust, cracks, and other irritating damage.

The Health Benefits of Volunteering

As the holidays encroach, people look for ways to share with more than just their families. Generosity tends to boost the last couple of months of the year. People get inspired to find ways to contribute to good causes during the holidays, increasing donations.

If you plan to donate your time, there are more perks to it than improving others’ welfare. The health benefits of volunteering are a significant reason to spend some time toward a meaningful cause this year.

Decreases Risk of Depression

Volunteering has proven to lower rates of depression. For those aged 65 and older, volunteering has proven especially helpful to diminish the risk of depression. Volunteer organizations encourage socializing with folks with common interests. The gradual build of another support system in life through volunteering can lead to a better sense of self and belonging, two factors associated with lower rates of depression.

Provides Sense of Purpose

Volunteer expectations and standards hold volunteers accountable for their work. The obligations of a volunteer position give individuals a strong sense of purpose that builds confidence. Greater confidence and feelings of purpose can reduce depressive moods.

Teaches Valuable Life Skills

Volunteers fulfill a variety of roles within organizations. The responsibilities that come with volunteering equip volunteers with remarkable professional and personal skills. Notable skills are also confidence boosters, helpful to fight the risk of depression.

Keep Physically and Mentally Active

People can stay active by volunteering in a role that involves physical movement. The social interaction that occurs while volunteering keeps the mind sharp and social skills intact. Studies have found that people aged 60 and older found the health benefits of volunteering considerable. Donating time can inspire other positive changes to lifestyle, improving physical and mental health even further.

Can Reduce Stress Levels

With the inevitable stress that comes with holiday preparation, it is important to enjoy the things that de-stress us. Time spent doing a service for others promotes sensations of gratitude that help calm our worries. The feelings we experience from donating time or money are akin to the sensations we get from eating, exercising, and hugging—all activities that elate us. Center yourself this season by giving back to your community.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to donate this year, consider giving your time. Organizations are nearly always in need of volunteers. Find an organization that aligns with your values and a cause that is meaningful to you. Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community while improving personal health.

Types of Unique Fishing Techniques

Not many can ignore the call of the Arkansas River or the promise of a three-pound catch. Even in winter, you’ll have luck with whites and saugers. But if all you’re doing is basic angling, you’re missing out on an entire spectrum of new challenges. Try any of these types of unique fishing techniques for an experience you won’t soon forget.

Hogging and Noodling

Who needs a rod and reel? Not bears, who have grabbed fish straight out of the water for centuries. Hands are better equipment than paws, and you don’t even need a boat. Just grope around the muddy bottom of shallow waters for holes, and wait for a good bite—on your hand. There’s a bit of wrestling involved, so bragging rights are well-earned. Just make sure you check local regulations and limit your prey to buffalo, catfish, carp, and drum.

Jugging

You don’t need expensive gadgetry for this old-school method—just an empty soda jug with a hook and line tied to the neck. You’ll need up to 20 jugs, because this will be a free-floating flotilla you need to follow. When a catfish makes a bid for the bait, the jug starts racing away. It’s up to you to get to the jug before the catfish pulls it under for good. Make sure you label your “equipment” with your name, address, and driver’s license number, per regulation.

Gigging

You’ll use a multi-pronged spear to nab those fish that can be elusive when using other equipment. Use a flat-bottomed boat equipped with lights, because it’s a lot more fun to gig after dark. You can only gig rough fish unless you’ve got a permit for alligator gar. After you’ve been doing it for a few years, you’ll graduate to throwing your gig like a spear, and eventually to the big show: full-fledged spearfishing.

Bowfishing

One of the more physical types of unique fishing techniques, bowfishing requires hunting skills and a lot of hit-and-miss. You’ll need some new equipment because adapting a typical crossbow can be tricky. You can bowfish on land, by boat, or wading in the shallows; take a stab at invasive species like Asian carp, and you’ll be doing everyone a favor. You can go for catfish, too, between July 15 and May 1, but there are limits. Pro tip: Aim low, because the water refraction makes the fish seem higher than they really are.

All In

I am sure that you have heard of three guys from the Old Testament, Hananiah, Mishael, and Meshach. To quote: “Then the king told Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom there was no impairment, who were good-looking, suitable for instruction in every kind of expertise, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability to serve in the king’s court; and he ordered Ashpenaz to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king also allotted for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and ordered that they be educated for three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service.” So, they were smart, handsome, and something not mentioned in the scripture, wise. They were compelled to forsake the food and riches of the king and remain true to their God. Now these three young men, and the author of the tale, at the end of the training were found to be ten times better than all the others tasked with service to the king. As the years went on, they further distinguished themselves in service to the king by interpreting dreams, sharing sage and wise council, but they drew the line at worshiping the king. That honor was reserved for the One True King and no threat could make them bow before the golden image of the earthy king. This king was a little unstable and he told the three young men that if they did not worship his gods and golden statue, well, they would thrown into a blazing hot furnace. He said they could talk it over and give him their answer. They replied to the king; “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” Now you may recognize their story by the names given to them by the king; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. They did not burn up in the fiery furnace, and in fact king Nebuchadnezzar was astounded to see four men in the furnace of blazing fire. After calling the three from the furnace and seeing that not even their clothes were damaged or even smelled of smoke, he decreed that anyone who spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego would be torn asunder and their property destroyed. These three friends were All-In on serving the Lord. They did not tell the king “IF God protects us, we will praise Him,” they said “even if He does NOT save us, we will serve Him unto death if it comes to that.

I have a friend and mentor, Terry All-In Hamilton, yes, All-In is really his middle name. His dad was a Vegas gambler. Terry himself spent a good portion of his life living up to his dad and his name with sex, drugs, alcohol, and gambling. But now, and for many years, Terry has been All-In for Christ. I have seen his dedication to serving others and using the avenues and opportunities that God presented to him from boardrooms of the top 1% in the United States to the homeless and the needy. Terry has called me up just to check in and pray for me. He has been an inspiration and blessing many times over.  

In today’s world it seems like many people are All-In but for the wrong things. Things of this world that are going to pass away. Political candidates and policies. Global warming, or cooling, depending on what decade is being referenced. Black Lives Matter. White Lives Matter. Blue Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. Saving Whales. Saving Owls. Saving money. Garnering ‘Likes,’ ‘Shares,’ Views,’ and comments on social media. These and more are all extracurricular to the truth that we need to be All-In for; God loves us, and we are called to love others. Some All-In’s that have helped me this year are reading and dialoging about God’s word every day. Praying the Lord’s prayer, out loud, every morning. I am a fallen and sinful man, forgiven by Jesus the Christ. I am amazed just how far off track I can get in just 24 hours, but I am blessed by the truth that we all are granted new mercies every morning and I am All-In on receiving that grace and mercy.

Saving Sanity While Parenting

There are a few things about becoming a mom there is no way to anticipate the difficulty of. Even if people warn you, until you go through it there’s just no comparison. The sudden change in hormones that goes on for weeks, the amount of love you instantly feel, and how easy it is to lose yourself as a mother.

When my first was five weeks I went back to work. Everyday I got a “break” from being mom and went to work. As much as I longed to be a stay at home mom, I really wasn’t mentally prepared for it. It wasn’t my normal. Now of course I couldn’t imagine leaving these two and returning to a regular job.

The biggest shock was me having to realize sometimes I want away from my kids. Honestly, sometimes my three year old wants away from me, too. Growing up did you ever spend a couple nights with your best friend and by the end of the experience you were just done with each other? Our kids probably feel that way about us.

It’s not everyday, it’s not every week; but every once in a while, I’m ready for someone else to have my kids for a couple hours. And I’ve found that’s normal among most parents.

It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to find a hobby that your kids can’t participate in, and it’s okay to find a hobby and force your kids to participate because it brings you joy. The most important thing for our children is that they have parents who love them first and foremost, but also parents who are happy.

For me I enjoy walking, photography, and deer hunting. My kids participate in all three of these hobbies of mine. They go for walks with me, are the subjects in my photos, and the oldest enjoys tagging along on hunts.

If you are simply unable to leave your kiddos consider how you can take time for yourself while they nap or after they go to bed at night. There has to be something you would enjoy doing- take a bubble bath or use a bath bomb, shop or peruse stores online, bake, heck take up smoking cigars if that’s your thing! Find something you are doing for yourself. If possible hire a sitter and go somewhere by yourself, have a date night with your spouse, find some way to get out of the house and do something for yourself. A friend shared she goes to Sonic and leaves the kid with her husband to get a milkshake-great idea!

Happy parents raise happy kids, make sure you are a happy parent. Asking for time away from your children does not mean you are a bad parent, it means you are a normal human. No matter how much you love someone, sometimes you just want to spend a few minutes doing something without them. It is healthy to have your own time- find the opportunities and make time for you. Your kids will be better for it.

Tips for Fixing Up a Foreclosure

Don’t make the house hunting process even more stressful by eliminating foreclosures. In some foreclosure situations, the house might be in bad condition—however, that is not always the case. Some houses might just need a little love and TLC. If you see the potential for a home and like the price, take a chance on it. Once you follow the tips for fixing up a foreclosure listed below, you will be happy and loving your new home.

Promptly Fix Any Big Issues

You should prioritize identifying and fixing any big issues promptly. Allowing big issues and problems to linger will only cause more damage and cost more down the line. For example, if there are numerous cracks in the foundation, you need to quickly find the best foundation repair company around to get it fixed promptly and efficiently. Ignoring this will could result in issues such as your basement flooding or your home not being structurally sound. Finding and handling these big issues first will pave the way for the rest of the process.

Add Fresh Paint

It is seriously impressive how much a fresh coat of paint can change a room. Not only does it make the room look clean, but it could change the overall look of the room depending on the difference in color. Doing this to every room before moving anything into the house might be your best course of action. By the time you finish painting, you aren’t even going to recognize the place!

Pick the Most Important Projects First

You don’t need to do everything at once. Instead, make a list of all the projects and renovations you want to complete and prioritize them. By doing this you will be able to complete the projects that are more important and will have the biggest impact on your new home and allow for the smaller more irrelevant projects to be completed at a later date. This will be great for keeping focused and not spending a ton of money at once.

Identifying these tips for fixing up a foreclosure and sharing them with you will hopefully help you find success in creating your dream home. Fixing big issues promptly to avoid safety concerns, adding fresh paint, and identifying what projects you should complete sooner rather than later will make a big difference. Our hope is that by the time you have fixed up the foreclosure, you are happy and in love with your new home!

Waldron Chamber of Commerce Honors Area Businesses

On Saturday, December 5, the Waldron Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards for 2020 Business of the Year and New Business of the Year. Additionally, the Chamber also presented a Frontline Hero Award.

2020 Business of the Year, Sharla’s Selectables

Business of the Year: Sharla’s Selectables
New Business of the Year: Scott County Hardware/True Value
Frontline Hero Award: Waldron Nursing Center

New Business of the Year, Scott County Hardware/True Value
The Frontline Hero Award was presented to the Waldron Nursing Center

With COVID-19 restrictions, the Chamber opted to cancel their annual banquet. They honored and thanked each of their members:

  • Community National Bank
  • Hwy 71 Tire & Service Center
  • Ed’s Service Center
  • Scott County Hardware
  • Blythe’s Museum
  • Waldron Auto Parts
  • Blythe’s Gun and Pawn
  • Chamber’s Bank
  • Terrel’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service
  • Mercy Hospital
  • Southern Nights
  • Dalton’s Place
  • Country Express
  • Cassaundra Holmes Ins Agency
  • Waldron Gun & Pawn
  • R Mark Bailey DDS
  • STI CEMS Services
  • Sharla’s Selectables
  • Rice Furniture
  • Ann Crossett
  • Arvest Bank
  • Waldron Nursing Center
  • Farm Credit Services
  • Roger Simon
  • Catlett Brothers Feed
  • Sonic
  • Coachman’s Inn
  • Ebie’s Gift Box
  • Martin Funeral Home
  • Administrative Secretary
  • Waldron Public Schools
  • Farm Bureau
  • Harp’s
  • Waldron School District
  • Scott County Sr. Citizens Inc.
  • UARM
  • Farmers Co-op