As community COVID-19 cases are on the rise, so are the number of quarantined, and positive cases within area school districts.
As of Friday, November 13, the Mansfield School District had three positive cases and 70 quarantined for being probable close contacts. According to District Superintendent Joe Staton, “it is the highest we have seen, however, it is close to what other districts are experiencing.” He added, at this point it is too early to tell if the district will pivot from in-classroom to online learning.
In Hackett, the district is reporting four students and three staff in quarantine at the elementary, and 22 students and one staff member in quarantine at the high school. Two students at the high school are confirmed positive cases.
The Waldron School District is seeing comparable numbers. “Waldron Public Schools continues to work toward keeping our schools and community safe during this pandemic,” shared District Superintendent Daniel Fielding. “As of this moment our entire school district has nine positive cases. This number is very low when taking into consideration that the school district has just under 2,000 total students and staff in pre-k-12 grade. When a positive case is identified we very quickly work with the department of health to determine if other individuals require a quarantine period. Individuals who are quarantined are not positive cases, this seems to sometimes confusing for some. In fact the percentage of individuals quarantined who ultimately develop into a positive case is very very low. We will continue to take all precautions, and will continue our diligence with cleaning and disinfecting our facilities throughout this challenging time and beyond.”
All three districts continue to work hard protecting and educating our most precious commodity, our children, our future.
Military servicemen are highly respected for the sacrifices they make and their dedication to the country. These brave men and women have donated their time and lives as an investment in the safety of the nation and the people who live in it. If you ever wanted to give back to them in any way, here are some the best ways you can show your gratitude to veterans.
Visit Memorial Parks
Visiting veteran memorial parks is a great way to not only pay your respects to the veterans, but a great way to educate yourself on the military’s history. This allows you to obtain a better understanding of what veterans have done for the nation and recognize the veterans that paid the ultimate sacrifice. Your gratitude will be more meaningful if you take the time to understand a little more about what veterans have gone through.
Create Care Packages
If you would like to direct your gratitude towards the men and women still currently serving, a care package is a popular and effective way to remind those serving that the people they protect are thinking of them. Little snacks like beef jerky or necessities such as socks are greatly appreciated by service members.
Give a Gift
If there’s a veteran in your life, a more personal option than a care package is a gift. Luckily, there are gifts tailored towards veterans to help you find something that is not only meaningful, but you can be confident your veteran will love. This small gesture will show your appreciation while reminding your veteran they are loved and recognized for their service.
Volunteer Your Time
If you’d prefer a more active option, a good way to volunteer your time is through Veteran Affairs. Veteran Affairs is a government program that aids veterans in acquiring healthcare, benefits for financial assistance, and burial and memorial services. Volunteering with Veteran Affairs will also save the program money that is then re-invested into funding research towards aiding veterans with PTSD.
Military Discounts
If you run a business, and can afford it, another small way to show your support for veterans is by offering a military discount. It’s one of the more common ways you can show your gratitude to veterans because it leaves a lasting impression of your support with just a humble discount. Much like a small “thank you,” these simple acts are enough that many veterans will be moved by just the acknowledgement.
Pictured is #4 Wyatt Hester and #1 Brylen Hamilton
The Hackett Jr High Hornets and Lady Hornets spent their opening week of basketball season hosting the Lavaca Golden Arrows on Tuesday, November 10, and the Mansfield Tigers on Thursday, November 12. In their game against Lavaca, the Jr Lady Hornets “came out with a big win,” exclaimed coach, Broc Adams of the 31-29 final score. “We obviously have plenty to clean up, but man we are scrappy and not afraid of anyone and I love it! I’m so proud of how well they played considering the circumstances in the last few weeks.”
Jr Lady Hornets
On Thursday however, the Lady Hornets fought hard but was unable to gain traction against the Lady Tigers as they fell 43-17 to Mansfield. Jessie Mendenhall led her team with 6 points while Aaliyah Escoffier made 3, and Alex Bunch, Ashley Rodriguez, Michaelyn Freeman, and Camryn Stiles each brought in 2.
Michaelyn Freeman
The Hornets switched the results of their final scores from the week as they took a 40-25 loss against the Arrows. Coach Kent Elmore stated “We missed a lot of shots that will normally fall. But it’s good to get the season going!” And true to his word, those shots fell when the Hornets secured the win Thursday against the Tigers 27-24. “It was a good team win over Mansfield last night. Coming right out of football though we still have a lot to improve on.” Eli Slavens dominated with 15 points with Cole Ketchum bringing in 6 and Dawson Clay, Brylen Hamilton, and Hayden Foster making 2 points apiece. On Monday, November 16, Hackett will next host Trinity starting at 4:30 pm.
Reminiscent to the days of Razorback basketball, Nolan Richardson, and Mike Anderson, the Paris Eagles unveiled their own version of “40 minutes of Hell” in a season opening victory at Dover. The Eagles new head coach, Blain Brewington, a former graduate assistant coach under Arkansas’s Mike Anderson, rolled out a stifling defense that applied relentless pressure all night and kept the Eagles in the lead for the entire game.
Resident Press Photo
In the first game of the session, the Paris Lady Eagles, playing their first game of the season, lost a comeback bid in overtime to the Lady Pirates after tying the game with approximately one second remaining in regulation on a three point shot by sophomore Brailey Forst. The opportunity for the shot was made possible by an in-bounds steal with just three seconds in the game. Trailing by 3 points, Jacee Hart intercepted the inbounds pass from Dover to set up the game-tying shot.
The Lady Eagles’ Jacee Hart (2) intercepts an in-bounds pass with just three seconds remaining in regulation (Resident Press Photo)
Both teams played extremely hard against a very good basketball program. In their first games of the season, the Paris boys and girls teams went on the road with some of the Lady Eagles having just completed volleyball season, and the boys not having some of its players available due to the Eagles football team still playing in the state playoffs. Both coaches, Donald Hart and Blain Brewington were very excited about the effort of their teams and the prospects for a successful season this year.
Resident Press Photos
Lady Eagles coach Donald Hart, in his first year at the helm as their new head coach, commented, “We were very proud of the team’s effort offensively and defensively for 36 minutes. They put us in a good spot to win the game. Turnovers, free throws, and shots falling will improve as we get our legs. Senior point guard Jadyn Hart played exceptionally well scoring 30 points. Sophomore forward Brailey Forst was big with ten points and eight rebounds; one of them being a three-point shot with less than five seconds to tie the game. This group has a high ceiling and I am excited to see what they can do. As pieces fall into place, this will be a fun team to watch.” The Lady Eagles eventually lost the game 50-44 in overtime.
Resident Press Photo
New Paris boys coach Blain Brewington was also very happy with his team’s performance on Thursday night. Coach Brewington praised his team who got their first win of the season by saying, “Very pleased with the effort for the first game. Guys played extremely hard and battled the whole game. We have a lot to clean up; must be better on the boards, must take better care of the basketball, can’t get lost defensively late in the game, and we have to finish at the rim. Our kids will improve everyday. They are a group that works hard everyday. So proud of their effort of how they guarded the basketball. We had nine assists on 18 made baskets. At times we tried to force some passes and got relaxed with the basketball and had some silly turnovers. We found a way to pull out the win. We will continue to work hard everyday to improve on what we need to do. So proud of the kids’ effort; especially on the defensive end. Cayden McDaniel was a warrior guarding their best player for most of the game even though the kid was six inches taller than him. Sam Muldrow and Jesse Wells played will in their senior high debut. Juan Santos was steady and just solid for us and played within himself. Dylan Krigbaum and Caleb Cunningham kept us calm, cool, and collected during crunch time which wis what we need with their experience. Great to win always, but even better with us being short handed with our football kids still in the playoffs competing for a state championship.”
Resident Press Photo
Both teams will return to the road on Monday, November 16, when Paris travels to West Fork to play the Tigers. Games will begin at 5 p.m with senior girls junior varsity, senior boys junior varsity, senior girls varsity and senior boys varsity games. Paris will return home on Tuesday night November 17 for their first home games of the new season. Paris will host Lamar on Tuesday night starting at 5:30 p.m. with junior high boys, senior high girls and senior high boys games.
So Eagles fans, basketball is underway, and your Paris Eagles and Lady Eagles are set to have big years and possibly qualify both teams in the regional and state tournaments. There is a lot of basketball to be played, but as Coach Hart said, these teams have a high ceiling of how good they can potentially become this year.
If you have met Clay Dyer, watched his YouTube videos, or heard his testimony, you won’t forgot it. That’s guaranteed.
If you haven’t, you should. In fact you’ll have a perfect chance this coming Saturday night at the First Annual Fishers of Men Rally. The rally is slated to begin at 6 p.m. at the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club.
Why? Clay is known as a staple of his own motto, “if I can do it, you can do it,” supported by his profound belief in his faith. He was created on purpose, for purpose to achieve a purpose.
Professional fishing is his platform that illustrates his faith, which in turn allows him to be a heavily sought after motivational speaker. Dyer is a bass fishing tournament angler who has no limits.
By nature, you want to help him. Yet he needs very little assistance. Clay is completely capable of almost everything. To add to that, in balance, you will never hear him complain. Ever. His humor and positive demeanor silences the potential for any negativity.
Bringing his message of faith, Dyer isn’t shy about it. In fact, he brings it in a vehicle you can’t mistake, and puts it right in front of you. There’s no time for popcorn, or a sugary coating. It is what it is, and that is cold hard facts of faith, and unwavering belief.
Personally speaking, Clay is the perfect choice for this event. He will speak to all age groups, have a demanding presence, and carry a voice that will be heard.
Dyer will bring a dynamic to this event that will be talked about for weeks, even months, as well as the basis for which this event was founded.
Greenwood realtor, Ethan Adams’ infectious faith, and family centered demeanor is hard to miss. In fact, it’s a gift he’s utilizing to help organize the First Annual Fishers of Men Rally on November 21, 6 p.m. at the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club.
The event itself will be open to all ages of men, with free admission, free dinner, giveaways and will feature guest speaker, Clay Dyer.
Clay Dyer, professional angler
Dyer, a professional angler and popular motivational speaker is well-known for his “if I can do it, you can do it” attitude.
The FOM rally will be the first of its kind in this area, and is gaining increased attention through social media.
This is something I felt led to do to support men being more centered on Faith in their daily lives.There’s nothing like it, nor close to it and it’s time to make it happen.
Ethan Adams
For more information on the event, visit event HERE, or call Ethan Adams at (479) 252-0548.
Opportunities to donate door prizes, and contributions are also available.
*This outdoor event will be managed for social distancing, with indoor facilities prepared should weather conditions abruptly change.
For their second basketball match of the week and the season, the Mansfield Jr High Tigers and Lady Tigers traveled to Hackett to take on the Hornets and Lady Hornets Thursday night. “The Jr Lady Tigers had a great game yesterday against Hackett,” expressed coach, Joshua Bryan. Although Mansfield was down a starter for the game and another one after halftime, the Lady Tigers still got the job done with a 43-17 win over Hackett keeping them undefeated 2-0.
Presley Curry
Freshman, Kynslee Ward, lead the team in points with 18 and steals with 11 earning her first double-double of the season. Bringing in 6 points apiece were Kaylee Ward, Alyson Edwards, and Ambria Whittaker. Presley Curry made 3 points. And Raine Hecox and Kaylie Lowery each earned 2. “Our girls really stepped up in last night’s game knowing we had two of our key players out. I’m very proud of their effort, hustle, and determination to win. The Junior High Lady Tigers’ future is looking very bright!”
Travis Tobey
The Jr Tigers finished the night a few points short of a win with a final score of 27-24 Hackett. “I thought the defense was lights out for the night, particularly in the 2nd half,” explained coach, Keith Stovall. “We struggled with our open shots in the paint throughout the game. In the 1st half, we lost approximately 10 points on open shots in the lane. Mental mistakes also took its toll. And we committed 3 turnovers.”
Tyler Turnipseed
Tyler Turnipseed led the team with 10 points trailed by Dakota Langford and Peyton Martin with 6 points each and Travis Tobey with 2. “Overall, I was pleased with our performance. We did a great job executing our man offense but struggled at the free-throw line. One week out of football and we go on the road to Hackett to play at a tough place with a well-coached athletic team.” On Monday, November 16, Mansfield will play the Bearcats at Booneville with a 4:30 pm start time.
Arkansas families have begun making their Thanksgiving holiday preparations. For many Arkansans, the plans include highway travel across the state or nation. Local and state law enforcement officers always wish the safest travels for all, but inevitably the festivities are cut short for some as the result of a motor vehicle crash. The importance of seat belt use is greater than ever and that’s why Arkansas law enforcement agencies are reminding all drivers and their passengers to always buckle-up. It can make the difference between an everlasting tragedy and living to celebrate next year.
Beginning Monday (November 16th) the annual U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement plan begins and will be operational for two weeks. Aimed at enforcing seat belt use laws to help keep people safe, the national seat belt campaign runs concurrent with the upcoming travel season which typically includes an uptick in traffic volume.
“During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll join forces with other law enforcement agencies across local and state lines to ensure the seat belt safety message gets out to all drivers and passengers,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “By far, buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. The loss of life and devastating injuries that could’ve been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt is saddening when all anyone had to do was obey the law.”
According to NHTSA, in 2018, there were 9,778 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 56 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. The staggering statistics associated with nighttime travel has prompted the Click It or Ticket campaign to place added emphasis on evening enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.
For more information about highway safety during Thanksgiving, go to www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org.
Jimmy Neil Barker Jr., better known as Jimbo, passed from this life, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Jimbo was born September 20, 1967 in Waldron, Arkansas to Jim and Velma (McPherson) Barker. Jimbo was 53 years old. Jimbo enjoyed watching movies of all kinds. He had quite a collection to be treasured. He looked forward to family get togethers. Jimbo loved more than anything being an uncle to Easton and Luci Mai. He loved all his cousins and extended family. Jimbo leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Velma Barker of Boles, Arkansas, one nephew, Easton Evans and wife Courtney of Waldron, Arkansas, Uncle Jimbo will forever be cherished by one great niece Luci Mai. Jimbo is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Joe Taylor, Becky Parks and husband Ronald, Paula Helton and husband Brian, Park Barker and wife Diane, John Barker and wife Judy, Joe Barker, Mary Louise Milligan and Cecil Earl McPherson. Jimbo will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of cousins, extended family, friends and loved ones. Jimbo is preceded in death by his father, Jim Barker, one sister, Doris Barker Oliver, grandparents, William Park Barker Sr. and Jean Barker, Trudie Clayton and Curvie Alvin McPherson and one aunt, Brenda Taylor. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
Just two games into the 2020 basketball season and the Waldron Jr Lady Bulldogs are already breakin’ backboards and sinkin’ records. On Tuesday, November 10, the Lady Bulldogs opened the season with an away game against Fountain Lake. Although they didn’t take the win, they did pick up 22 points to get things rolling. On Thursday, the girls turned around and got back on the bus to take on the Jr Lady Gators of Two Rivers. The Lady Bulldogs stood firm in their court skills leading them to their first win in three years.
“The girls played hard and aggressive despite being in foul trouble,” explained coach, Tracie Adams, as she tried to contain her excitement from the 23-17 win. “Our leading scorer was freshman Guard, Daileigh Hunt, with 8 points followed by Reagan Adams and Katie Stringer. Emily Powell came off the bench to have 3 steals and 4 rebounds which was a big difference maker!”
Representing the freshmen Lady Bulldogs are Kaylee Redmon, Daileigh Hunt, Emily Powell, Reagan Adams, Alicia Sher, Katie Stringer, Kaylee Underwood, Darian Hunt, and Macee Ballance. And on the 8th-grade roster, Lauren Shores, Havien King, Pari Bharat, Emilee McConnell, Randa Rhodes, and Macee Owens. Up next for the Waldron Jr Lady Bulldogs will be the Lady Rattlers at Magazine on Tuesday, November 17 at 4 pm.
