A couch is usually the most popular piece of furniture in a home, since it’s the place where you get to unwind after a long day. However, some people don’t know when it’s time to get a new couch. An old, worn couch can affect your comfort and the interior design of your home. Become well-versed with the signs it’s time for a new couch listed below.
You Sink into It
The easiest way to tell it’s time for a new couch is when you start to sink into it. Couches should be comfortable, but they shouldn’t eat you, either. Sinking into a couch can lead to back problems and make it harder for you to comfortably position yourself. Over time, the cushions of your couch are bound to wear down, so when this eventually happens—make the move and replace the couch.
Its Appearance Has Changed
You can also pinpoint the need for a new couch if you notice some drastic changes in its appearance. The color of the couch might be fading, the fabric may be fraying, or the leather might be cracking. Couches can take a beating, and a change in appearance is nothing unusual, but it’s definitely a signal that it’s time for a new one.
You Don’t Have Not Enough Space for It
Not having enough space in your home is another sign it’s time for a new couch. You usually run into this issue when you move into a new home and you’re looking to take your old furniture with you. However, you might have underestimated the new space, and having furniture that’s too big can make it difficult for you to navigate the area.
There Are Strange Odors
Another problem you might run into with your couch is strange odors. As we mentioned earlier, your furniture can go through a lot with how much use can come from it, and this can result in strange odors living underneath the cushions. This is where regular cleaning and care comes in handy, but sometimes the damage has already been done and there’s no saving your stinky couch.
You Hear Creaking Noises
Some loud sounds might also be coming from your couch. Creaking noises usually come from structural damage. If you find structural damage with your couch, you can go the repair route, but you could also replace it, which can be a more affordable option in some cases.
Your Décor Has Changed
You might run into an issue where your interior decorating has changed and your couch no longer fits with the look you’re going for. This sign might be a harder one to detect, but taking a step back and observing how aesthetically pleasing the room looks can be the best way to identify if you need new furniture.
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.
Going into Week 5, every program in the West Central Football League had a shot at making the playoffs. As a very competitive league, this is nothing new for the WCFL programs. Week 5 was the dividing factor though as teams began to separate from just being one of the six teams making the playoffs, to the seeding process.
On the 3rd and 4th Grade level, Week 5 ended with two undefeated teams as Mansfield and Mountainburg aim to make another run for the WCFL Championship. The last time these two mixed things up, it was in the 2019 WCFL Championship game where Mansfield edged out the Dragons. Since that game, both programs have been on a roll like butta. The Tigers hosted JC Westside last Saturday and ran away with a 38-0 victory over the JC Westside Rebels. Not to be outdone, the Dragons rolled into West Fork and won 28-0. Both teams will put their 4-0 winning streaks on the line Saturday, October 17th when Mountainburg heads south into Tiger territory in what should be an epic game. After this clash of the 3rd and 4th Grade Titans, both teams will travel away from home to face their rivals as Mountainburg will head to Cedarville in a battle for the Little League Treasure Chest and Mansfield will go west to battle for the Sebastian County Rivalry Trophy against Hackett.
Photo courtesy of Brian Mott
The Hackett Hornets currently sit in 3rd place having only lost to Mountainburg. The Hornets were able to narrowly swarm past Cedarville 14-6 last Saturday. Hackett currently has a record of 3-1 but still has a tough road ahead as they travel to Lavaca this week and then host the Mansfield Tigers for the end of regular seasons Rivalry Week on Saturday, October 24th. Hackett is always a tough card to draw for anyone so although their remaining games may seem difficult, never count out the Hornets. Sitting in the middle of the pack is JC Westside. The Rebels currently have a 2-3 record, but don’t let that fool you. They have lost two of those three games in a very close fashion and their other loss was to Mansfield last Saturday. With their final week of regular season play being a bye week due to Magazine being out this season, Saturday’s game will solidify the Rebels playoff stance.
West Fork and Lavaca are tied, having a record of 1-3 each. With both teams having two of their three losses being against Mansfield and Mountainburg, they could be able to split the tie this weekend or when they square off against each other on Saturday, October 17th when the Golden Arrows head due north to play the Tigers. The Pirates of Cedarville currently sit in last place in the 3rd and 4th level with a record of 0-4, but with only six teams in the 3rd and 4th Grade this season, the Pirates will still make the playoffs. That being said, they are not going to just lay down. Cedarville will look to take down JC Westside this weekend and then head to Dragon territory to try to upset their rivals, Mountainburg.
At the 5th and 6th Grade level of the WCFL, it’s every team for themselves as the shake-up for the playoffs continues into Week 6. Mansfield sits alone at the top with a 5-0 record. The Tigers have taken the league by storm this season after coming up short in the 2019 Championship against Magazine. With a high powered offense and punishing defense, Mansfield aims to finish the season with a win against Mountainburg and then retain the Mackey/Campbell Rivalry Trophy when they square off against the Hackett Hornets. Records almost don’t count when the Tigers and Hornets play because no matter what, that matchup is always a slobber knocker of a game. Hot on the Tiger’s tail is Lavaca who has taken a winning run since their loss to Mansfield. That being their only loss in the season, the Golden Arrows will take aim at finishing the season at the #2 seed. That will be quite the test though as Lavaca still has Hackett this upcoming Saturday then faceoff against a hot West Fork team to close out the regular season.
Right on the heels of the Golden Arrows is West Fork and Mountainburg. Both sit at a record of 3-2 with the Dragons holding the tiebreaker after last week’s 22-0 victory over the Tigers. There’s still a lot of football to play though as both teams could mathematically have a shot at the #3 seed. The Dragons have lost to Mansfield and Lavaca and West Fork fell to Mansfield and Mountainburg. The Tigers still have a feisty Magazine team this week and Lavaca in the final week. They would have to win both games and have a Mountainburg loss to solidify their spot at the #3 seed while the Dragons can hold onto the #3 seed by winning out-beating Mansfield and Cedarville or go 1-1 if West Fork loses a game in the next two weeks. Either way you look at it, the #3 seed is a battle. This could become even more intriguing if Lavaca drops both of their next two games possibly opening the #2 slot for either West Fork or Mountainburg.
Photo courtesy of Karen Nichols-Campbell
Both the JC Westside Rebels and the Cedarville Pirates are tied up at 2-3 this season. The easiest way to solve that tie is on the field and that will happen this Saturday as the Rebels take their camp to the stormy seas of Cedarville. Both teams have had their fair share of nail-biting games this season with the solid defenses holding the line for the programs. On the outside looking in is Hackett who with a couple of wins and some help from those ahead of them, could crash someone’s party and make it in the top 6 teams. The Hornets have the top two teams to close out their schedule as they will go to Lavaca this weekend and will try to use home-field advantage and some hard-nosed football to take back the Mackey/Campbell Rivalry Trophy from Mansfield on October 24th. The 2019 defending WCFL Champs, the Magazine Rattlers, will have a rough road to make the playoffs this season as they sit at 0-5. The Rattlers will have to step up and travel to beat both West Fork and JC Westside while also needing Hackett, Cedarville, and JC Westside to drop all of their final games to have a chance to make it into the final 6. With Cedarville holding the tiebreaker and West Fork and JC Westside left on their schedule, it’s a chance they’ll gladly take. Although the champs are down, Magazine is a team that can strike without warning so it’s not impossible.
With only two weeks left in regular season play, as amazing as it seems, it’s still anyone’s game at both levels of the WCFL to make the playoffs. The league was made for small schools to play in a competitive league. That being said, this is about as competitive as it gets. Now we just wait to see what Week 6 and these great programs bring us.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month! That means we will look at the law on bullying. Surprised there is one? The most important words in the law below are: EVERY student in the state has the right to receive an education free from intimidation, harassment or threats. Kids learn from adults’ actions – (That’s you!)
By treating others with kindness and respect, you show the kids in your life that there is no place for bullying. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, your kids are watching how you manage stress and conflict, as well as how you treat your friends, colleagues, and families. Do your part to STOP the bullying.
Antibullying policies(a) The General Assembly finds that every public school student in this state has the right to receive his or her public education in a public school educational environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat of harm by another student.(b) As used in this section:(1) “Attribute” means an actual or perceived personal characteristic including without limitation race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity, physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation;(2) “Bullying” means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable:(A) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee’s or student’s property;(B) Substantial interference with a student’s education or with a public school employee’s role in education;(C) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or(D) Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment;(3) “Electronic act” means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager;(4) “Harassment” means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person’s constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other’s performance in the school environment; and(5) “Substantial disruption” means without limitation that any one (1) or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying:(A) Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities;(B) Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment;(C) Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or(D) Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.(c) Bullying of a public school student or a public school employee is prohibited.(d) A school principal or his or her designee who receives a credible report or complaint of bullying shall promptly investigate the complaint or report and make a record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation.(e)(1) The board of directors of every school district shall adopt policies to prevent bullying.(2) The policies shall:(A)(i) Clearly define conduct that constitutes bullying.(ii) The definition shall include without limitation the definition contained in subsection (b) of this section;(B) Prohibit bullying:(i) While in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, at school-sanctioned events; or(ii)(a) By an electronic act that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment.(b) This section shall apply to an electronic act whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose;(C) State the consequences for engaging in the prohibited conduct, which may vary depending on the age or grade of the student involved;(D) Require that a school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been a victim of bullying as defined by the district shall report the incident to the principal;(E) Require that the person or persons who file a complaint will not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form;(F) Require that notice of what constitutes bullying, that bullying is prohibited, and that the consequences of engaging in bullying be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus in the district; and(G) Require that copies of the notice of what constitutes bullying, that bullying is prohibited, and that the consequences of engaging in bullying be provided to parents, students, school volunteers, and employees. Each policy shall require that a full copy of the policy be made available upon request.(f) A school district shall provide training on compliance with the antibullying policies to all public school district employees responsible for reporting or investigating bullying under this section.(g) A school employee who has reported violations under the school district’s policy shall be immune from any tort liability that may arise from the failure to remedy the reported incident.(h) The board of directors of a school district may provide opportunities for school employees to participate in programs or other activities designed to develop the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to acts covered by this policy.(i) The school district shall provide the Department of Education with the website address at which a copy of the policies adopted in compliance with this section may be found.
The undefeated Greenwood Bulldogs welcome in a 1-5 Russellville team this Friday evening at Smith Robinson Stadium.
The Cyclones may be shouldering a 1-5 record by they are no strangers to the end zone as they come in averaging 26 points per contest. The Bulldogs are holding their opponents to an average of 10 points per contest and will look to continue that success on Friday.
On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs are scoring an impressive 37 points per game while Russellville is allowing it’s opponents to score 33 points per contest.
Sr. QB LD Richmond comes in with an outstanding 79% completion percentage and is surrounded by weapons in Luke Brewer, who has accumulated 463 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, as well as Caden Brown who has hauled in 30 receptions for 364 yards this year.
Another staple of the offense is Sr. RB Hunter Wilkinson. Wilkinson has established himself as a power running back that can muscle his way into the end zone. Wilkinson has 6 rushing touchdowns and is averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Look for this prolific Bulldog offense to put up large numbers and for the defense to force turnovers. Russellville likes to put it in the air and their QB has already accumulated 1637 yards passing on 222 attempts. Greenwood has a forced turnover ratio near the top of 6A football and will look to disrupt the Cyclones’ passing attack.
Greenwood Bulldogs vs Russellville Cyclones – 7:00 p.m. Smith Robinson Stadium
After their final conference victory this past Monday against Ozark Catholic Academy, the Mansfield Sr High Lady Tigers have been crowned the Queens of the Court. “Sr High we will be named Conference Champions and District Champions based upon our undefeated conference record and the covid guidelines for not having a district tournament,” explained head coach, Kaylie Pyles. “These plaques will be given out Thursday, October 15 after the Jr High game and presentation.”
The Sr Lady Tigers are 17-0 overall and 14-0 in conference. “We are the #1 seed in the 2A West conference going into the State Tournament. It will probably be next week before the State bracket is finalized with who we will play because some conferences still need to have District Tournaments. Right now we will play on October 27th at 9:00 am at Cutter Morning Star in Hot Springs.”
The Hackett Sr High Lady Hornets had a quartet of matches set up for them this week and with two games already finished, the Sr Lady Hornets are still flying high. On Monday, Hackett took the Elkins Lady Elks to court and walked away with a winning verdict due to the set scores of 25-17, 25-13, and 25-17. Then on Tuesday, Hackett turned around and faced the West Fork Lady Tigers and achieved net results with victory sets of 25-18, 25-4, and 25-20. The Sr Lady Hornets are now upgraded to 14-1 on the season and 12-1 in conference play.
On Monday and Tuesday combined, Kenadi Wright brought in 8 kills, 3 digs, and 1 assist. Kayla Richardson earned 5 assists and 26 digs. Madi Taylor made 2 kills, 2 aces, 13 assists, and 10 digs. Brooke Holt scored 5 assists, 3 digs, 1 ace, and 1 block. Sarah Moss netted 1 kill and 1 assist. Rain Vaughn obtained 15 kills, 9 digs, and 1 assist. Kandace Byrd acquired 7 kills, 7 aces, 3 assists, 10 digs, and 2 blocks. Madeline Freeman made 10 kills, 10 aces, 23 assists, and 11 digs. Jamye Durham got 13 kills, 2 digs, 8 blocks, 1 ace, and 2 assists. Emma Infalt made 1 kill and 3 assists. Shayla Foster snagged 6 kills, 5 aces, 15 digs, and 2 assists. Chloie Patton earned 1 kill and 4 digs. And Sarah White picked up 2 digs.
Tonight, the Hackett Sr Lady Hornets will host the Lincoln Lady Wolves starting at 4, and Thursday, October 15, Hackett will play in Charleston with games starting at 4:30.
The Greenwood Education Foundation is pleased to announce that the induction of the 2020 Hall of Honor will be held on Friday, October 16 on the field at Smith-Robinson Stadium beginning 6:45 p.m., pregame of the Greenwood-Russellville football game.
A reception honoring the inductees will be held in the GHS Student Union from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The members of the 2020 Hall of Honor Class for the Greenwood Education Foundation are: Dr. Ken Hamilton Dr. Lee Johnson Mr. Curtis Weaver
Dr. Ken Hamilton is a 1967 honor graduate from Greenwood High School and a member of the 1967 GHS Hall of Fame. Coming from a family with a widowed mother, he was the first in his family to attend college. He carried his academic successes and desire to achieve from high school to college and graduated with a B.A. Biology and B.S. Medical Technology from Arkansas Tech University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri/Kansas City. While many GHS graduates were looking elsewhere to start their careers, Dr. Hamilton was drawn back to Greenwood. He practiced dentistry in Greenwood and at St. Edwards Mercy Hospital from 1978-1989 until he was forced to quit due to a congenital neck condition. But this did not slow him down in his desire to use his education and skills in the medical community.
At the age of 40, he was hired at Westark Community College to start and direct a Medical Laboratory Technician program. He started a legacy of success with a 100% pass rate as he raised the program to national recognition. He became a site visitor for the accrediting association (NAACLS) and was instrumental in the review for accreditation for other nationwide programs. Dr. Hamilton was a tenured faculty member who was nominated for an excellence in teaching award before leaving Westark in 1997. After leaving the Westark faculty, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for Westark Community College and served four years. He was on the board as vice president during the transition from Westark Community College to University of Arkansas/Fort Smith.
He joined the staff of the Arkansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in 1997 and served until 2012 when he retired as the State Director. During this time he visited coaches and student-athletes across Arkansas to encourage them to “make a difference” in their local schools and communities. As state director, he also organized summer sport camps, One Way to Play-Drug Free programs in secondary schools, and the First Serve Tennis Program in Sebastian and Crawford Counties. Although he has retired from FCA, his legacy as a leader is still felt throughout the state, and the programs he organized still continue to thrive.
While being very involved with Westark Community College, he championed other causes within the community. He has served on the Sebastian County Library Board for over 30 years, endeavoring to maintain and increase library services in South Sebastian County. He has been the recipient of an American Cancer Association award as well as the recipient of a Community Leadership Award in the area of religion from Leadership Fort Smith in 2009.
For the last 20 years, Hamilton has served as a volunteer coach for the GHS Boys and Girls Tennis Teams. Under his tenure, GHS Tennis has achieved statewide recognition and respect, winning 15 conference championships, three state titles, and three overall championships. He has been named Conference Coach of the Year 15 times. A member of the 1966 state championship GHS baseball team, he is the only GHS graduate to play for a state championship team as well as be the head coach for GHS state championship teams.
Ken and his wife Ann have three children, Audrey, Kasey, and Jessica. Although he is considered “retired”, his grandchildren, his family and his biblical studies continue to fill his days. Complete retirement from coaching the GHS tennis teams is still a future focus.
Through his mentorship and dedication to programs for young men and women, Dr. Kenneth Hamilton’s legacy will continue to grow through future generations who will continue to be affected by his impact. The Greenwood Education Foundation is honored to have Dr. Ken Hamilton as part of the 2020 Hall of Honor.
The Hackett Jr High Lady Hornets knew they were going to be faced with 4 days of volleyball matches when they started the week. With 2 days down, the Jr Lady Hornets remain undefeated 13-0 in conference play and 15-0 overall. On Monday, Hackett hosted the Elkins Lady Elks but quickly sent them packing as the Lady Hornets successfully took both sets 25-8 and 25-16. Then on Tuesday, Hackett traveled to West Fork and nearly crippled the Jr Lady Tigers in winning sets of 25-4 and 25-1.
From both matches combined, Prairie Vaughn made 3 aces, 1 kill, 1 block, 16 assists, and 1 dig. Makenzie Freeman earned 4 kills, 3 digs, 11 aces, and 2 assists. Lexi Gann got 5 aces, 6 kills, and 6 assists. Aubree Ruggles netted 1 ace, 9 kills, 1 block, 1 assist, and 1 dig. Alona Rothwell got 1 ace, 6 kills, 3 blocks, and 5 digs. Michaelyn Freeman scored 4 aces, 6 kills, 1 block, and 5 digs. And Addison Nemeth made 1 kill.
With two days of volleyball left for the Jr Lady Hornets, the girls are ready to host the Lincoln Lady Wolves tonight and then wrap things up tomorrow, October 15 at Charleston.
The Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers sat undefeated 13-0 before heading into the semifinals of the 2A West District Tournament Tuesday, October 13. Last night, #1 Mansfield took on #4 Life Way Christian to battle it out for a chance in the championship round. And in true Jr Lady Tiger volleyball fashion, Mansfield won with two sets of 25-10 and 25-10 upgrading their record to 14-0 and sealing their spot to compete for District greatness. “Jr High has not lost a single set all year,” expressed coach, Kaylie Pyles. “This is a great opportunity for the Mansfield volleyball program to win a District title which has not been done in 6 years!”
Cole Smith walked away from the semifinals match with 1 ace and 8 assists. Harlie Fuller got 7 aces, 1 kill, and 5 assists. Kaylee Ward got 2 aces and 4 kills. Alyson Edwards earned 5 aces, 7 kills, 3 assists, and 4 digs. Kynslee Ward netted 6 aces, 3 kills, and 7 digs. Rachel Johnson obtained 2 aces, 4 kills, and 3 digs. And Trinity Triska got 3 digs.
The Jr Lady Tigers will take on the #2 Lavaca Jr Lady Arrows on Thursday, October 15 at 6 pm for the District Championship. Plaques will be presented to the Jr Conference Champions and the District Champions following the game.
