Resident News Network

Sr Lady Tigers Untouchable at 13-0

Sports

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9:22 am

The Mansfield Sr Lady Tigers will be charging into a new week of volleyball play with records of 13-0 and 11-0. The Sr Lady Tigers wrapped up the past week with two conference wins. One against the Thaden Lady Barnstormers who are out of Bentonville and the other against the Ozark Catholic Academy Lady Griffins from Springdale making 3-0 sweeps in each match.

In their game against Thaden, each team delivered back and forth action shots in their first set with Mansfield taking it 25-20. But the Lady Barnstormers lost steam as the Lady Tigers finished the last two sets victoriously 25-16 and 25-15. Senior captain, Brooke Wright finished with 17 kills and 1 assist. Sophomore, Skylynn Harris earned 15 kills, 1 ace, the only 2 blocks of the game, and 1 dig. Senior libero, Kiara Thomas made 8 assists, 3 digs, 1 ace, and 4 kills. Sophomore, Brooklyn Adams picked up 3 kills, 5 aces, and 5 digs. Sophomore, Alayna Turner netted 1 ace, 2 kills, and 3 digs. Junior, Haylee Helms grabbed 20 digs and 1 assist. And Sophomore, Madelen Jones, who after being out for a few weeks, got back into action obtaining 13 digs, 25 assists, and 3 aces.

For their match against Ozark Catholic Academy, the girls were able to slow down their pace some to pick up three triumphant sets of 25-18, 25-8, and 25-6. After two weeks of zero play, Natalie Allison rejoined her girls to grab 5 kills, 3 aces, 1 dig, and 12 assists. Wright got 12 kills, 1 assist, 4 aces, and 2 digs. Harris made 11 kills and 4 aces. Junior, Sadie Roberts scored 9 kills. Adams got 10 digs, 1 assist, 1 kill, and 7 aces. Thomas made 1 kill, 1 ace, 2 assists, and 12 digs. Jones got 1 dig, 18 assists, 6 aces, and 1 kill. And Helms ended with 2 digs.

The Sr Lady Tigers will kick off the week on Monday, October 5 to take on non-conference contenders the 3A Charleston Lady Tigers at home. Then the girls will finish with two conference matches at home as well on Tuesday, October 6 against Life Way Christian and Thursday, October 8 against Decatur.

Sr Lady Hornets Silence Lady Bulldogs Bark

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:37 am

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Sr Lady Hornets Silence Lady Bulldogs Bark

With only one loss on the season, the Hackett Sr High Lady Hornets are now sitting 10-1 and 9-1. Their lone “L” came at the hands of the Paris Lady Eagles with a score of 3-2. Taking wins from a plethora of talented teams, the Sr Lady Hornets are successfully earning their way towards the top of Victory Mountain. With only two weeks left until district, things are looking good for the Sr Lady Hornets for the chance to be crowned Queens of the Court. This past week, after a canceled game with Lincoln, Hackett went on to chain up the Waldron Lady Bulldogs with three hard-fought sets of 25-18, 25-19, and 25-20.

Senior libero, Kayla Richardson finished the match with 6 assists and 9 digs. Senior setter, Madi Taylor earned 5 digs and 11 assists. Junior setter, Madeline Freeman made 9 aces, 10 kills, 11 assists, 8 digs, and 2 blocks. Senior outside hitter, Rain Vaughn obtained 11 kills and 1 dig. Junior outside hitter, Shayla Foster picked up 1 kill, 1 assist, 7 digs, and 3 blocks. Senior outside hitter, Kandace Byrd snagged 3 aces, 3 kills, 5 digs, and 3 assists. Junior middle blocker, Kenadi Wright secured 7 kills, 1 dig, and 2 blocks. And filling in for Jamye Durham was sophomore, Mackenzie Mendenhall, who acquired 1 ace, 5 kills, 5 digs, and 3 blocks.

Hackett will host two matches in the upcoming week. On October 5, the girls will hit the block party with non-conference opponents the Lavaca Lady Arrows. And on October 8, the Lady Hornets will go for a round two victory as they step up to the Booneville Lady Bearcats. Both matches will start at 4.

Photo by Mandy Foster

Potter Sues Holmes, Wright; Seeks Millions in Damages

Tammy Teague

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5:33 am

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Potter Sues Holmes, Wright; Seeks Millions in Damages

Former Scott County resident Fred Potter filed a lawsuit against his niece, the executor of his late wife’s estate, on Thursday, September 3.

The family has been involved in several long and drawn out court battles over issues of the estate. Recently, however, the headstone of Fred’s wife, Betty Potter, was removed from the gravesite at Pilot Cemetery near Waldron without the knowledge or consent of Fred Potter. That headstone, paid for by Betty Potter’s trust, had the names of both Fred and Betty engraved. To date, no criminal charges have been charged in the case. Fred Potter has filed suit in a Scott County Circuit Court.

In that lawsuit, Potter’s attorney, Kenneth Osborne states: “Betty Holmes passed away January 3, 2013…and that on or about April of 2013, Fredrick Potter and Cassaundra Holmes went to Ocker Monument Co. in Van Buren… Potter picked out the headstone he wanted and designated the dual engraving Fred Potter and Betty Potter…Holmes as trustee…paid 50% up front for the purchase of the headstone…Ocker Monument delivered the completed headstone on July 22, 2013…family members were present at the graveside…That headstone was placed on the occupied gravesite of Betty Potter and the adjacent graveside which was reserved for Fredrick Potter to be his final resting place…July 22, 2013 Cassaundra Holmes, Trustee…paid Ocker Monument Co. the remaining balance…Subsequent to this date, the parties became entangled in a hotly contested legal battle. On June 26, 2020 Fredrick Potter drove to the Pilot Cemetery and discovered that the dual headstone was gone. He further discovered that Thomas Wright was buried next to his wife in the gravesite that had been reserved to be Fredrick’s final resting place. The gravesites to the left and right of Betty Potter are taken. Fredrick Potter would have to exhume his wife’s body and remove it to another cemetery in order to be buried next to his wife…Thomas Wright, Cassaundra Holmes’ father…prior to his death had already reserved a plot for himself in another part of the cemetery…Holmes caused the dual tombstone to be removed from Betty and Fredrick’s gravesite and had her father buried next to Betty Potter in Fredrick’s spot out of spite. Kevin Holmes (Cassaundra Holmes’ brother) was present when the headstone was removed. Kevin Wright assisted Cassaundra Holmes in removing the headstone and directed the grave digger to put the headstone on his trailer. Kevin Wright then hauled the headstone away and no one has seen the headstone since. Cassaundra Holmes ordered a new headstone using funds from Betty Potter’s trust. Cassaundra Holmes is using funds from Betty Potter’s trust to finance her spiteful actions against Fredrick Potter…Holmes has proudly boasted about the above actions going so far as releasing a public statement admitting her conduct.”

The lawsuit goes on to express the outrage, damages and violation of Potter’s rights because of these alleged actions. Potter is seeking $1.5m in compensatory damages and $2m in punitive damages.

A summons was issued to both Holmes and Wright on September 3, 2020. To date, there has been no response filed by the defendants.

Potter has filed another case in Crawford County petitioning the court for an order allowing exhumation of his late wife.

Potter’s Attorney Files Motion for Equitable Relief; Public Auction Set

Tammy Teague

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9:00 pm

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Potter’s Attorney Files Motion for Equitable Relief; Public Auction Set

Fred Potter’s attorney Kevin Hickey filed a motion for equitable relief in a Scott County Circuit Court on September 28, 2020.

In that motion Hickey acknowledges that Potter, a former Scott County resident, has been found in contempt on multiple occasions, and that he is asking the court to grant him equitable relief “purging himself from contempt” and bringing a final resolution to the matter.

–See related story

In June of 2018, the court ordered Potter to provide such items as gold bullion and a rare and valuable Stradivarius violin. However, Potter contends he cannot produce “what he doesn’t have.” Because Potter failed to produce those items, Judge David McCormick held Potter in contempt and fined him $1,000 daily.

According to court documents, “In order to purge himself of contempt on the failure to pay the daily fine, the plaintiff would be required to liquidate and drain his entire trust account. And he still would not be out of contempt because the fine would continue to accumulate thereafter until he returns items he does not have…The plaintiff stands ready to liquidate his trust assets to pay the fine that has been imposed by the court. However, he asks that court makes an equitable ruling such that he can purge himself from contempt by other means, or at the very least, purge himself permanently of these contempt charges by making said payment.” Hickey has requested that the court set a hearing on this matter.

As ordered in December of 2017, there will be a public auction to the highest bidder at the Scott County Courthouse in Waldron on October 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. for the sale of the property located at 2151 West 6th Street in Waldron.

A Parade of Christmas Coming to Mansfield

Tammy Teague

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4:13 pm

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A Parade of Christmas Coming to Mansfield

The Mansfield Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday afternoon, October 1. Seven members and guests were present for the meeting, including Clyde Traylor of the Antique Tractor Club and Angela Solylo with Area Agency on Aging.

“This has been a tough year,” stated Chamber President Sheri Hopkins. Events normally sponsored by the chamber, cancelled due to COVID-19. Looking ahead, the Chamber discussed the annual Tree Lighting ceremony and the Christmas parade.

It was discussed and members felt it was not possible to have a “normal” parade this year. “There is no way to socially distance,” shared Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black. Additionally, with the number of “living” floats it would be “irresponsible.”

After a brief discussion, it was determined that the tree lighting ceremony could go on as in year’s past, with the ability to allow families to spread out and socially distance on the square near the gazebo. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 4, 2020 at 6 p.m.

Then, on December 5, the city will host “Parade of Christmas.” Citizens are encouraged to decorate their cars and trucks for a festive cruise around the square. Prizes will be given, $100, $75 and $50 gift cards to first, second and third place. Traditional candy sacks will be handed out during the drive-by. Everyone is asked to stay inside their vehicle for this event.

Traylor concurred that it was difficult for members of the tractor club to adjust to any last minute changes due to COVID-19. The chamber asked Traylor to be a judge for “Parade of Christmas,” and he agreed.

Next Solylo spoke on the increasing number in cases of elderly abuse. Elder abuse can be verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. It can also include intentional or unintentional neglect. Every year, an estimated one in 10 Americans 60-years-old and older are victims of elder abuse.

Cases are significantly under-reported, in fact, research suggests as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities. Why? Many elderly victims may be embarrassed or ashamed that they were taken advantage of, they don’t want their family or loved ones to be prosecuted, and/or they are concerned about retaliation and losing their belongings.

Now, elders face contact tracing scams. Those pretending to be health officials ask for social security numbers to help track Coronavirus cases. Elderly people are very trusting, and they want to believe that no one would harm them. Unfortunately, it is just not true.

One of the biggest risk factors for elder abuse is social isolation, which can be especially concerning with physical distancing because of COVID-19. As this pandemic continues, criminals and fraudsters are still hard at work.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime? The Elder Victims of Crime program, or EVOC, can help. They offer:
⦁ Emergency shelter
⦁ Emergency transportation
⦁ Emergency clothing and food
⦁ Window and lock replacement
⦁ Legal aid assistance
⦁ One on One support
⦁ Weekly support group meetings
⦁ Weekly educational meetings on strategies to avoid crime and/or safety planning

To qualify, individuals must meet 3 requirements:
⦁ Be at least 50 years old,
⦁ Live in Crawford, Franklin or Sebastian County, and
⦁ Self- identify as a victim of crime.

Qualifying crimes include (but are not limited to) theft, scams, and all violent crimes. The victim is not required to file a police report or even name their offender to be eligible for services.

If requested, an EVOC employee can speak to your organization, group, or church on several targeting topics, e.g. Elder Abuse and Neglect, Fraud, Spotting Scams, and Financial Exploitation. Please contact the EVOC Coordinator at (479) 424-2021 or (800) 320-6667.

With no other items of business to discuss, the meeting of the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce was adjourned. The chamber will meet again Thursday, November 5 at noon, Mansfield City Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

As First Frost of the Season Likely Approaches, Keep an Eye on Forage

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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3:18 pm

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By the U of A System Division of Agriculture

Arkansas’ summer has surrendered to fall, and within a few weeks, the first nights of frost will likely begin to occur. Pasture managers should begin making plans to care for grasses that may be susceptible to damage.

Dirk Philipp, associate professor of animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that, depending on plant physiology and morphology, commonly used forages have different degrees of suitability for winter grazing.

“For now, most forages are still actively growing, although some, such as bermudagrass, already are slowing due to shorter day length and much cooler nights,” Philipp said. “Perennial cool season grasses are right in the middle of their fall growth bump.”

Different approaches, he said, should be taken for cool season perennials, warm season grasses and other pasture favorites.

Tall fescue and orchardgrass, both cool season perennials, are well suited for winter grazing, and both can be stockpiled. Fescue is more common in Arkansas and thus more familiar to local producers.

“Fescue is highly palatable after frost and keeps a relatively high amount of nutrient value,” Philipp said. “The ideal grazing method is strip grazing, to avoid trampling of forage and ensure high rates of forage utilization.”

If there are still warm season grasses in your field, the clock is ticking, Philipp said.

“The solution here is to graze bermudagrass before the first frost occurs,” he said. “Cattle simply are not exactly fond of senesced, dormant bermudagrass.”

Grazing bermudagrass down before frost will also ensure a low canopy, should a producer decide to plant annual forages into it, Philipp said.

“This is going to be a requirement for planting anything into it,” he said.

Grazing a canopy down will save the cost of bushhogging, he said, and winter annuals will save hay expenses at certain times during the cold season.

Philipp said that some forages — especially Johnsongrass — require additional care after a frost.

“This perennial warm season grass is still growing as of September,” he said, but will die back immediately if affected by frost.

“Unfortunately, Johnsongrass will accumulate prussic acid when under stress, especially under drought and after a killing frost,” he said. “When leaves appear wilted, brownish and dry, avoid grazing.”

Philipp said to remember that, as a general rule, native grasses should not be grazed between September 1 and a first killing frost, to allow the plants to accumulate enough energy to make it through the winter.

“They are, however, grazeable during dormancy,” he said.

Grazing during the winter requires enough senesced material to be on the plants, however, and supplementation if producers want to keep the weight of their livestock even throughout the season.

Cooperative Extension Service agents throughout Arkansas can help pasture managers determine the actual nutritive value of any forage stand, and to develop a cost-effective supplementation strategy, based on the business goals of their respective operations. A directory of agents by county can be found at https://www.uaex.edu/counties/default.aspx.

“After all, cattle eat what we can’t eat, and dormant-yet-leafy winter forage is a great way to make use of ruminants,” Philipp said.

To learn more about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

Ordinance to Convert Four Rural Fire Departments into Fire Protection District

Tammy Teague

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3:03 pm

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The Sebastian County Quorum Court voted in September to convert four rural volunteer fire departments into one fire protection district.

County Judge David Hudson has been working with Prosecuting Attorney Dan Shue over the past two years to convert the non-profit fire organizations into a fire protection district. “The primary goal and motivation for the fire department to convert to a fire protection district is to have the cost of operating the fire department assessed, levied and collected by the County Tax Collector on County Real Estate Tax Statements,” stated Judge Hudson.

Ordinance 2020-14 was passed by the Sebastian County Quorum Court on September 22, 2020. The ordinance converts the following rural fire departments into a fire district: Big Creek, Riverdale, Milltown-Washburn and Greenwood Rural.

Judge Hudson will set a time and place for a meeting to appoint members of the fire district’s Board of Commissioners.

Those elected Board of Commissioners will in turn appoint three assessors to assess the annual benefits, which will accrue to the real property within the district from the providing of fire protection services.

Assessments following the implementation of the fire district will set forth a levy to be added to all property owners within those districts.

Ordinance 2020-14 changes the way fire dues are paid. Once voluntary, now, those levies must be paid before property owners can pay their taxes or be charged a 10% penalty.

For more information on the Fire Protection District Ordinance, you can access the September 2020 Sebastian County Quorum Court documents HERE.

Read Ordinance 2020-14 in its entirety

Bulldogs Handle Bombers

Sports

Resident News Network

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11:09 am

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The Greenwood Bulldogs take a business trip to northern Arkansas and come home victorious.

The Bulldogs received the ball to start the game and wasted no time establishing their up-tempo dominance. Sr. Bulldog Hunter Wilkinson would break off several large runs on the opening drive. These strong runs up the middle would set up a screen pass to Greenwood’s Luke Brewer for a large gain down the right side. The Bulldogs would score two plays later on a QB option to the left by LD Richmond for a 2-yard touchdown run. With over 9 minutes left in the first quarter the Bulldogs would lead 7-0 over Mountain Home.

Less than 3 minutes would click off the clock before the Bulldogs would find the end zone again. After an impressive stand by the Bulldog defense, Sr. L.D. Richmond would find fellow Sr. Hunter Wilkinson on a go route up the middle for a 33-yard touchdown.

On the next Bulldog possession they found themselves in a 3rd and very long from their own 11 yard line. Richmond would find Sr. receiver Peyton Carter on a crossing route that looked like it would be for minimal gain but Carter shed a tackle and picked up amazing blocks from Wilkinson and Sr. Caden Brown on the sideline that allowed the speedy receiver to flash down the sideline for a 25-yard gain. Caden Brown would be immediately rewarded for his efforts when he hauls in a 63-yard touchdown pass from Richmond on the next snap. Brown completely out ran his defender to get open and then showed his yards-after-catch ability by pulling away on his way to the end zone. With just over 3:00 minutes left in the 1st quarter, the Bulldogs go up 20-0.

On their fourth possession of the game the Bulldogs were not looking to let off the gas. After a strong 4th down stand by the defense, the speedy Bulldog offense would need only 5 plays to move down the field and score on an 18-yard touchdown run by Hunter Wilkinson. After the extra point by Sr. Angel Hernandez, Greenwood would go up 27-0 with 10:53 left in the 2nd quarter.

With just over 9 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, the Bulldog defense would eliminate any idea of a Mountain Home drive when they forced a fumble and returned it to the Bomber 30-yard line. Richmond would score his second rushing touchdown of the night on a designed quarterback run up the middle for a 1-yard score. With 7:36 left in the 1st half, the Bulldogs would lead 33-0 after trying for a 2-point conversion.

Luke Brewer is fast. In case anybody doubted that statement, with just over 4 minutes left in the half, Brewer would take a screen pass from Richmond and just leave all defenders behind on his way to a 52-yard touchdown. Just as impressive was the execution by the entire offense on the play. Sr. receiver Peyton Carter would lock down his defender with a skillful pass block and the offensive line were exactly where they needed to be. Sr. center Ethan Cole would seal off the final defender with an impressive downfield block and allow Brewer to remain untouched all the way to the end zone.

The Bombers would put one touchdown on the board in the second half but that would be all the points scored for the remainder of the game. The Bulldogs did enough in the first half to coast to a 40-7 victory over Mountain Home.

Greenwood moves to 4-0 on the season and is scheduled to travel to Siloam Springs next week to take on the Panthers who currently site at 3-2.

Connecticut Man Arrested in Witcherville

Tammy Teague

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5:08 pm

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Connecticut Man Arrested in Witcherville

Brandon Dijon Jones of Stratford, CT was arrested on Thursday afternoon, October 1 in Witcherville after law enforcement officials discovered the vehicle he was driving was stolen.

The vehicle Jones was driving was registered as stolen out of New York.

Jones was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center at 2:15 p.m., and remains at the SCADC. Jones was charged with theft by receiving >$5k and granted a $1,000 legally sufficient bond.

Types of Equipment You Need on Your Farm

Networks

Resident News Network

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2:58 pm

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Maintenance is essential to running a small farm. To keep up with your farm’s maintenance needs, there are a few essential pieces of equipment you’ll need to have the best farm in town.

Here are a few types of equipment you need on your farm.

A Pickup Truck

Pickups are built for hauling, whether it’s a load in the truck bed or a trailer on the hitch. A truck is also best equipped for hauling heavier loads that a traditional vehicle can’t, such as building supplies, fencing, tools, feed, and trailers.

As a farmer, you can’t let the weather stop you from doing your job. Pickups are usually equipped with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which is a necessity for dealing with muddy, snowy, or wet weather.

A Utility Vehicle

UTVs offer many of the same benefits of a truck, just at a smaller scale and a lower expense. For spots on your farm you can’t quite reach with your pickup, UTVs come in handy. With a cargo box, hitch, low center of gravity, lightweight body, and rugged tires, a UTV can go anywhere a pickup can go and beyond.

UTVs can even be equipped with a trailer attachment to haul supplies around like a pickup truck.

Tractors

To keep your farm going, you’re going to need a few tractors. The best types of tractors to invest in for your farm are a utility tractor and lawn tractor.

Compact utility tractors are smaller than traditional tractors but still have the equivalent horsepower for heavy lifting. With a quick hitch on both the front and back, you can add any accessory you need, including a mower, box blade, box scraper, aerator, mulch finisher, or rear blade on the back. These attachments make these tractors extremely versatile.

If you have a smaller acreage or a lot of lawn, a lawn tractor can provide a more manicured look than a compact tractor with a mower attachment.

Lawn tractors are bigger than riding mowers but don’t disturb the turf like compact utility tractors. You can even put a blade or shovel on the front for the tough jobs a compact tractor might normally handle.

UTV and Tractor Attachments

There are numerous attachments you’ll want to consider for your farming equipment. As previously mentioned, trailer attachments, front-end loader attachments, and blades are a few must-have attachments for your UTV or tractors.

Basic Tools

When running a small farm, stocking up on the necessities is the perfect starting point before investing in large and expensive harvesting tools. Add tools such as shovels, rotary tillers, a post hole digger, rakes, and hoes to your tool collection.

There are many types of equipment you need on your farm to keep it up and running. Having the right vehicles and basic tools is a good place to start for a small farm; after all, it’s never too early to start planning and preparing.

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A Pickup Truck

A Utility Vehicle

Tractors

UTV and Tractor Attachments

Basic Tools

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