Resident News Network

Jr Pirates Caught Off Guard By West Fork Storm

Sports

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9:48 am

Jr Pirates Caught Off Guard By West Fork Storm

Although the Cedarville Jr High Pirates have encountered some rough waters during their football season, it hasn’t been enough to break their spirit. After Thursday nights 28-14 loss to the West Fork Tigers, the Jr Pirates now sit with a 2-5 record. Freshman, Colton Arnold, is one player that shouldn’t be overlooked. If he continues on, Arnold will be a household name during his next three years of senior high play. In Thursday’s match, Colton earned 22 carries for 240 yards and 2 TDs. He currently has 122 carries for 786 yards and 6 TDs.

“Bryson Turner, Braxton Bentley, and Briley Small have also all played well,” stated coach, Max Washausen. “Overall, I’m proud of the entire group. Due to the current situation and injuries, we have played with only 17-18 kids all year. In a day in age when kids can choose to do a lot of other things, these guys are playing football and learning valuable life lessons such as discipline and toughness. I’m very proud to be their coach!”

Photos courtesy of Malinda Mizell

What To Include in a Home Game Room

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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9:22 am

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Creating a game room can come in handy when you want to have more indoor entertainment in your house. It can also become a center for bonding with your kids. That said, you may not know what features might appeal to everyone and make it a fun place to spend time as a family. In this article, we’ll provide some suggestions for what to include in a home game room to give you some ideas.

A Projector and Screen

While the living room is the more typical location for watching television and movies, you may want to upgrade your experience by getting a projector and screen. This feature might not be ideal in your living room because a visible overhead projector might interfere with the room’s general aesthetic. It’s also inconvenient to turn off the lights and block out any windows every time you want to watch something. However, since your game room is a space that you set apart explicitly for amusement, you can install a projector and screen without much trouble. It’ll then provide an upgraded viewing experience with a larger picture than normal. It can also prove useful for multiplayer video games where the screen splits.

A Foosball Table

A foosball table is a fun item to include in a home game room because it is easy to get into and difficult to master. People of all ages can participate since the rules of the game aren’t complex. At the same time, it gives you space to use some strategy and improve your reflexes. Furthermore, with a foosball table, your kids can let out some of their excess energy because of the fast-paced nature of the game. For families who love some lighthearted competition, it’s clear to see why this can make an excellent addition to the game room.

A Pool Table

Alongside the foosball table, the pool table is a classic feature in game rooms across the country. Billiards is a highly enjoyable game that you can lose yourself in for hours. It’s definitely slower than foosball, but this means that you can engage in it casually while watching sports in the background or talking with others. If you choose to, you can also turn a game into a highly involved affair where the plethora of techniques at your disposal and the strategy that you put into every move give it a satisfying depth. This range of approaches makes billiards another approachable activity that your whole family can partake in.

Magazine Makes Bulldogs Tap In 2A-4 Showdown

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:38 am

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Magazine Makes Bulldogs Tap In 2A-4 Showdown

Year in and year out, the Magazine Sr High Rattlers start their football seasons as the overlooked underdogs. And year in and year out, the Sr Rattlers prove the naysayers wrong. With a 3-1 conference record in the 2A-4 division, Magazine continues to climb that stairway to pigskin heaven. The Sr Rattlers won their most recent match, which also coupled as homecoming, this past Friday night against Quitman forcing the Bulldogs to yell “I Quit” after taking the “L” under Magazine.

“I feel really good about Friday nights win against Quitman,” stated first-year head coach, Ryan Chambers. “We held their pass game in check until the last few minutes of the game. It was 30-8 midway in the 4th. Offensively, Kobe Faughn really gave us a spark in the 4th quarter. He had 95 yards rushing going into the 4th and ended with 227.”

With a 0-0 first quarter finish, the action really started for the Rattlers in the second quarter. Magazine put 22 points on the board holding Quitman to just 8 going into the half. With another stalemate quarter in the third, both teams pushed hard to finish the game with the Bulldogs sealing 23 more points which just wasn’t enough to top the Rattlers 21 extra points ending the game 43-31. So far this season, Magazine has laid a total of 157 points on their opponents.

On the offensive side of the ball, it was the Rattlers run game that was on fire with a total of 567 offensive yards with 506 of those yards stemming from rushes. QB, Tatum Scott earned 2 passes for 61 yards, 1 interception, and 1 TD as well as 12 rushes for 62 yards, and 1 TD. Kobe Faughn made 26 rushes for 227 yards (a career-high) and 3 TDs. Ashton Droemer caught 2 receptions for 61 yards and 1 TD and 20 rushes for 148 yards (also a career-high). Brad Price rushed 7 times for a career-high 69 yards and 1 TD. And kicker, Trace Nichols, earned his first career PAT.

“William King and Cameron Raggio are really good on the defensive front. Both play defensive end and do a really good job for us.” On the defensive side of the ball, Faughn made 4 solo tackles and 4 assists. Price earned 4 solo and 3 assists. Droemer picked up 2 solo, 2 assists, and 1 interception. Cole Gilbert and Cameron Mattson each made 2 solo tackles and 1 assist. Scott got 1 solo, 2 assists, and 1 INT. Nichols, King, and Austin Krigbaum combined for 2 solos and 2 assists. And Raggio knocked-out 1 assist and one out of this world one-handed interception.

“We are gelling very well as a team. After our rough conference game loss with Bigelow, the offense has put up huge numbers in the last 3 weeks. To prepare this week, we will be doing some film work on Yellville since we haven’t watched much from them so far.” The Sr Rattlers will be facing the Panthers on Friday, October 23 at Yellville. The Panthers will be entering the match with a 1-3 conference record.

Homecoming Queen, Jordyn Krigbaum with escorts Kobe Faughn and Cole Gilbert

Photo courtesy of LaWaynea Cox

Council Meets, Talks City Business

Tammy Teague

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6:03 pm

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The Mansfield City Council met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday evening, October 15 at 6 p.m.

Council members present were Jan Carlton, Dave Johnson, Julie Thomas, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins and Rick McDaniel. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After approving the minutes of the September meeting and the financial reports, the council heard the city services reports. Public Works Director Joe Manes was not present. Mayor Black reported on the work done throughout the month, the hiring of a new employee, Lyndon Bryan, and on those who attended a chemical spill response training class.

Next, the council heard the fire report. Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 16 calls, two fire and 14 EMS. Also, that work has been ongoing to inside of the station in preparation for election day. Scott County voters will use the station to vote, as it will accommodate the need for social distancing. Smith also reported that he, too, attended the hazmat class, that all trucks are up and running, and that he has worked a total of 198 hours this month. Smith concluded by thanking Jim Sher for his donation of $500 to the fire department.

Police Chief Wayne Robb was present to give the departmental report. For the month of September, the department wrote six citations in Scott County, and 18 in Sebastian. There were two misdemeanor warrants executed in Sebastian County. In total, there were 47 calls, 23 agency assists, two school calls, four accident reports, 14 incident arrest reports, 96 traffic stops, 73 warnings, one DWI arrest and thirteen animal calls. Lastly, the department had 14 total training hours.

In matters of unfinished business, the council heard an update from Mayor Black on the planned installation of the waste water security gates, roof and air conditioning repairs to the police department.

The council approved the motion to adopt an ordinance to close the alley on Gipson lane. In a vote of 5-1, with Carlton abstaining, the council approved the planning commission’s recommendation to close the alley.

In matters of new business, the council voted unanimously to purchase new water meters and voted to close Cole Street from Bowman Street East. Additionally, the council approved of the mayor seeking donations to go towards the purchase of a new city sign. Black proposed getting businesses to help fund the purchase, and in return, advertise that business on an affixed plaque below sign. The proposed LED sign will serve as an information point for the citizens of Mansfield.

Mayor Black spoke regarding the need for electrical work at the fire department. That work is now underway and includes the installation of new LED lighting at the station. The council also voted unanimously to add Mike Winters back onto the fire department.

The last item of new business, a change in the retirement funds deposit. The council spoke at length on the matter. Mayor Black informed the council that he had spoken with the auditor and “was told we cannot take money from the water and street fund, and that it must be paid back pretty quickly.” Currently, according to Black, “we (the city) take money from the general, water, street and waste management funds at $1,000 each to put into the retirement fund. We can’t do that.” The city has, for the past seven years, been taking the funds from those accounts and depositing the money into the retirement plan. Th council voted unanimously to refund the amount totaling $121,000. Funds will be repaid by taking half the amount owed from the retirement fund and half from the waste management fund. –see related story

With no other items on the agenda, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

City Forced to Pay Back Retirement Fund Deposits

Tammy Teague

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6:00 pm

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City Forced to Pay Back Retirement Fund Deposits

The Mansfield City Council met on Thursday evening, October 15. One item of new business, a change in the retirement fund deposits.

In 2008, under former Mayor Glen Hurt, the council voted to approve a retirement plan for qualified elected officials and the city attorney. It wasn’t until five years later that provisions were made to fund that plan. At that time, the council voted to take $500 each monthly from: general, water, street and waste management to be deposit into the retirement fund.

Then, in January of 2018, the council voted to increase those deposits to $1,000 each, “to ensure it was being funded.” Deposits into the retirement fund went from $2,000-$4,000 monthly.

The city has, for the past seven years, been taking the funds from those accounts and depositing the money into the retirement plan. However, on Thursday evening, the current council was informed of an issue with those retirement deposits. Mayor Buddy Black informed the council that he had spoken with the auditor and “was told we cannot take money from the water and street fund, and that it must be paid back pretty quickly.”

“It is sad no one thought to begin putting money into that plan,” stated Councilwoman Beverly Lyons. Councilwoman Sheri Hopkins agreed, stating, “I’ve never heard of a retirement plan you don’t contribute to.”

Councilman Dave Johnson asked, “did we just figure this out after seven years?” City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker informed Johnson that it was not mentioned to her in the audit response. Black added that “everyone thought they were doing the right thing…”

Black verified the information with the auditor, the auditor’s supervisor, the Arkansas Municipal League and an opinion rendered by former Attorney General Winston Bryant. Bryant, stated “revenues derived from county road tax shall be used for the sole purpose of constructing and repairing public roads and bridges within the county wherein levied.” Bryant was clear in his opinion that those funds may not be used for other purposes such as funding retirement accounts.

“We need to get this paid back, and we need to get it done now,” added Lyons. The council discussed ways in which the $121,000 would be paid back. Ultimately, it was decided that half would come from the retirement fund, and the other half would come from waste management.

Going forward, the deposits will be reduced by half. The council will be reviewing a new budget at the next meeting, and Mayor Black stated “at that time we will make all necessary adjustments.”

The council voted in May to nix automatic 3% raises for retirees. Currently, former Mayor Glen Hurt is the only recipient of the plan. However, three others are, or will be eligible: current City Attorney Matt Ketcham, former Recorder/Treasurer Anna Sterling and current Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

Jr Tigers Have Trouble Keeping Up With Wolf Pack

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:52 pm

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Jr Tigers Have Trouble Keeping Up With Wolf Pack

The Mansfield Jr Tigers hosted the Lincoln Wolves on Thursday, October 15^th with the intent of tanning the Wolves’ hide. Knowing that Lincoln was freshly moved down from the 4A to 3A, the Tigers weren’t overlooking the Wolves’ capabilities. Mansfield wanted to make sure that this would surely be a cat and dog fight until the end.

Lincoln jumped out on top with a quick touchdown with seven minutes still left in the first quarter. With the Tigers defense burnt early, Mansfield’s offense took over with intentions of embarrassing the Wolves. That didn’t take too long at all as Peyton Martin took the Tigers downtown for the touchdown bringing the game to an 8-8 tie at the 6:50 mark. Merely twenty-six seconds later, Lincoln jumped ahead as they lit up the scoreboard again. Lincoln would score again before Tyler Turnipseed played whack a mole with the Wolves as he turned on the afterburners to score and close the gap for the Tigers. The Wolves weren’t done yet though as the Tigers let another Wolves score slip through their fingers. With a score of 30-14 with 0:58 remaining in the first quarter, the game was starting to look like an offensive leapfrog match.

Mansfield started the second quarter with plenty of fight still in them. Martin found his favorite target in Turnipseed who again took the Tigers into the endzone. Jeremy Strozier punched in the two-point conversion bringing the scoreboard to 30-22. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the smallest mistakes began adding up in the second quarter. A missed tackle here, a turnover there, and a few penalties put the Wolves in the driver’s seat for the rest of the half. Lincoln would score two more times before the half leaving the Tigers heading to the sidelines down 44-22 at halftime.

The Tigers came out in at the beginning of the second half with more emphasis on stopping the Wolves from getting easy scores. The battle was back and forth as the Tigers claws were out and the Wolves teeth were gnashing. Mansfield held the Wolves to a single score in the third quarter. Still one score too many, it was a drastic improvement from the first quarter defensively. The Tigers continued that stride into the fourth quarter defensively and their offense took note. Trey Powell boot, scoot, and boogied past the Wolves defense to put the Tigers back on the scoreboard bringing the game to a 52-28 score with 3:51 left in the contest. Down three scores, the Tigers pulled the curtains off the moon as they squibbed off an onside kick. While the Wolves were looking up mesmerized by the moon, the Tigers pounced on the ball recovering the onside kick and sent their offense back on the field. It was again Tyler Turnipseed who got the Tigers back into the endzone bringing the game to 52-34. Mansfield’s offense and defense held strong, but father time waits for no one as the final horn went off handing the Tigers a 52-34 loss.

Mansfield’s offense put on a show that was the best of their season thus far rounding up 391 total yards and five touchdowns. Best of all, that was all done with a balanced pass/run offense where multiple players touched the ball. Quarterback, Peyton Martin, completed eight passes for 182 yards while fellow QB, Jeremy Strozier, made his only completion count as it went for 46 yards and a score. The wide receiving core was led by Tyler Turnipseed who caught four passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns. Helping the Tigers receiving stats were Strozier, Toby Towe, and Dakota Langford who combined for 5 catches and 56 yards. The rushing attack was led by the dual-threat quarterback Martin who rolled up eight runs for 65 yards and a touchdown. Trey Powell had four carries for 26 yards and a score of his own. Aaron Person took three handles and took the ball for a total of 35 yards averaging 11.6 yards per carry. Strozier and Turnipseed teamed up with eight carries for 38 yards. And Martin also had 2 defensive interceptions.

#30 Dakota Langford and #79 Sammy Sellers

Although a loss is a loss, the Jr Tigers looked quite good at times Thursday night. They have to correct the minor mistakes and sure up their game as they look to aim for the ankles of the Lavaca Golden Arrows on Thursday, October 22^nd. Lavaca is a tough team, especially on their home field. But Mansfield’s Jr High loves a good challenge and don’t “quiver” against any opponent.

Bulldogs Run Past Cyclones

Sports

Resident News Network

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10:35 am

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On a chilly, fall night, the Greenwood Bulldogs hosted the Russellville Cyclones for a 6A Conference match up. Russellville head coach Jeff Weaver returns to Smith Robinson Stadium as a Greenwood alumni and hoping to dethrone his alma mater.

With 9:39 left in the first quarter, the Bulldog defense forces a punt from the Cyclones. Sr. Jayden Jasna would field the kick at the Greenwood 33-yard line and shake tackles laterally before sprinting down the sideline for a huge gain to the Cyclone 37-yard line. The offense would go to work with great field position for their first possession.

On the second play of the drive Sr. Q.B. LD Richmond would find his wide receiver Luke Brewer on an out route to the sideline. Brewer would shake tackles rumble downfield for a 24 yard gain to the Cyclone 9 yard line. Two plays later, Sr. RB Hunter Wilkinson would take a swing pass to the left and bust through tackles for an 8-yard touchdown to put the Bulldogs up 7-0 with 8:22 left in the first quarter.

The Greenwood defense would again hold and the Bulldog offense starts their second drive of the game at their own 35-yard line. With 6:29 left in first quarter, Richmond would find Soph. receiver Aiden Kennon on a go route down the right seam and Kennon would scamper into the end zone untouched for a 24-yard touchdown. With 2 perfect drives for the Bulldog offense, Greenwood takes a 14-0 lead.

Russellville would get on the board to briefly bring the score to 14-7 but it wouldn’t remain for long. With 1:43 left in the first quarter, Richmond would connect with Sr. receiver Peyton Carter for a 23-yard touchdown pass and catch. Carter would use his 6 foot 5 inch length to pluck the ball out of the air in what looked like a big brother keeping a toy away from the little brother. Bulldogs would take the lead 21-7.

The Cyclones would get a FG as time expired on the 1st quarter and the score moves to 21-10. On the ensuing kick off to start the 2nd quarter, Russellville would convert an onside kick to retain possession. The Bulldog defense would stand tough yet again, not allowing any points and turning the ball over on downs.

The Bulldog offense looked to move quickly and Richmond would connect with Luke Brewer again for a 47-yard touchdown. Brewer would out run his defender and catch the perfectly thrown Richmond pass on a go route down the sideline. The defender would shove Brewer inside the 5-yard line but the steady feet of Luke Brewer stay in bounds and he dives for the end zone for the score. It would be Richmond’s 4th touchdown throw of the night to bring the score to 28-10.

After another defensive stop, the Bulldog offense would not slow down. They march down the field and Richmond would connect with Sr. receiver Jase Strozier in the middle of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown and Richmond’s 5th touchdown pass of the night. The Bulldogs take a 34-10 lead with 8:13 left in the second quarter.

With 2:11 left in the second quarter, the Bulldog offense would take over still leading 34-10 and sitting at the Cyclone 34 yard line. Sr. running back Hunter Wilkinson would take the first snap for a 20-yard gain. He would take the 2nd snap for another 9-yards to the 4-yard line. Richmond would do the rest and cap off the drive with a 4-yard Q.B. draw for the rushing touchdown. After Sr. kicker Luis Morales converts the extra point, the score favors Greenwood 41-10 with just over 1 minute to go in the 1st half.

The Bulldogs would have the ball to start the half and after a long completion to Peyton Carter, Richmond would take another one in to the end zone. On a QB rush up the middle for a, staggering, seventh touchdown of the night, Greenwood would go on top 48-10 with just over 11 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter.

This would conclude the scoring for both teams. As outstanding as the offense was, the defense was the key take away in this game. The Bulldog defense averages only 10 points allowed for the year and they met that average against a Russellville team that enjoys throwing the football and scoring points.

Seniors Angel Hernandez, Connor Marvin, Jordan Hannah, Tatum Sadler and Jayden Jasna and the rest of that strong defensive unit for the Bulldogs are some of the best in the state.

LD Richmond would finish 16/20 284-yards and 5 TD. He would add 2 rushing touchdowns to finish with 7 total TD.

Peyton Carter would lead the team and finish with 5 receptions for 110-yards and 1 touchdown. Luke Brewer would also have an impressive game with 3 catches for 69-yards and 1 touchdown.

Greenwood moves to 6-0 and turns their focus to a highly talented Benton team that will come in to town next week. Both teams are undefeated in conference play. That game kicks off next Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Invisible Home Improvements That Add Value to a Property

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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8:34 am

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When aiming to increase the value of their homes, many homeowners think about making obvious improvements that will change the appearance of their homes. For example, they may coat their walls in fresh paint or install new appliances. However, many types of home improvements that aren’t as plain to the eye can also increase property value. DIY renovators often forget about such invisible improvements, but they’re highly attractive to potential buyers. To learn about some of the best invisible home improvements that add value to a property, continue reading.

Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

Upgrading your home’s insulation is one of the best invisible home improvements you can make to increase the value of your property. Investing in high-quality insulation will improve the comfort of a space by preventing warm air from entering or exiting the area. As a result, your home will be able to maintain a consistent temperature without any random drafts or hot spots.

In addition to improving comfort, quality insulation can also greatly increase the energy-efficiency of a space. By reducing the amount of air that enters or leaves the home, the amount of energy your air conditioner or heater has to expend to keep the home at a comfortable temperature decreases. As a result, your monthly energy bill may greatly decrease.

Soundproofing Your Walls and Ceiling

Another invisible home improvement that adds value to a property is soundproofing the walls and ceiling. A home with paper-thin walls that allows you to hear every small noise that occurs throughout the house will likely be unattractive to potential buyers. Thin walls are especially unappealing if your home is located in a noisy area—such as next to a busy road—where outside sounds can become highly distracting. In any case, taking the time to soundproof your home by investing in acoustic panels, adding a layer of drywall, or replacing thin doors and windows can create a more comfortable and appealing environment for buyers, which will likely be reflected in the property’s overall value.

Installing a State-of-the-Art Security System

Installing a quality security system is also highly attractive to many buyers, and it can increase the value of one’s home. Investing in a state-of-the-art security system is especially beneficial if your property is in the luxury market or in an area that isn’t particularly safe.

In addition to providing an added sense of safety for the homeowner, having a quality security system in place can also lower insurance premiums, as many insurance companies prefer to insure homes that are more secure. Such benefits will likely increase the value of your property and help your home sell more quickly when the time comes.

Perfect Sunset Photos

Madison VanRavensway

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8:27 am

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The perfect end to a day- a beautiful sunset. Whether it’s been a good or a bad day, a colorful sunset is likely to catch attention and have us reaching for our phones to snap a photo.

All sunset photos aren’t made the same, though, some are awe-inspiring to look at and some are just blah. There are a few things to keep in mind to help every sunset lover get the perfect photo.

Ideally, a perfect sunset will be planned, and there are signs to look for to know if today is the day for photos. If there are clouds on the horizon, that’s a good sign there will be watercolors in the sunset.

Once the determination that the sunset will be a good one is made, where to take the photo from becomes the question. Putting something between the camera and the sunset adds more visual interest. Trees, a person, a body of water- any of these make for a more interesting photo.

With someone or something in the photo it’s important to get a silhouette effect rather than the object being brightly lit if the sunset is the main focus. To achieve this tap on the screen on the light from the sunset rather than on the subject. This will pull the focus to the colors of the sunset and off the subject being the lit object. For reflection photos in a body of water click on the water rather than the sky, that way both will be evenly lit.

Notice my thumb is tapping the colors of the sunset to create a silhouette and make the clouds and sun the focal point of the image.

The last thing to consider is the rule of thirds in photography. Rather than having the trees, boat, person, whatever is serving as the subject of the photo as smack in the middle of the photo pull the camera so the object is to the left side or the right side. This causes the eye to travel all around the photo.

Knowing when the sun is going to set, getting in a position, and readying the camera will allow anyone to get a gorgeous sunset photo every time! These same tips work just as well for sunrises! Once the sun starts setting or rising, stay ready, it’s hard to tell what beauty awaits and what colors will form as the day begins or ends!

Abbott Homeowner Foils Robbery Attempt

Tammy Teague

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8:19 am

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The Scott County Sheriff’s office received a call from a homeowner on Sunday evening, October 11, notifying them of a robbery in progress.

Scott County Chief Deputy Billy Carnahan stated that the call came into dispatch from a residence on Rock Island Road. “The caller stated that she was in her home when she heard her 4-wheeler start outside,” stated Carnahan. “When she went to investigate she saw a man attempting to steal her 4-wheeler. In addition to calling our office she contacted her father, who lived nearby, and other neighbors. They came to her aid and stopped the man from leaving the property with her 4-wheeler. Additionally, they observed a handgun protruding from one of the man’s pockets and removed it from his possession. When our deputy arrived on scene the man, identified as 29 year-old Benjamin Deer, was taken into custody without incident.”

Carnahan added that Deer was found to be in possession of additional items taken from the caller’s property. “Another handgun was discovered in a bag that Deer was carrying. Both handguns match descriptions of firearms taken in a residential burglary in northern Scott County and that matter remains under investigation.”

Deer was taken into custody and transported to the Scott County Detention Center on charges of residential burglary, breaking or entering, and possession of firearm by certain persons. No bond has been set at this time.

The homeowner extended their gratitude towards the dispatcher and Scott County Deputy Ethan Millard.

R

A Projector and Screen

A Foosball Table

A Pool Table

Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

Soundproofing Your Walls and Ceiling

Installing a State-of-the-Art Security System

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK