Resident News Network

Paris Hosts Mayflower Friday in Conference Opener

Sports

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2:59 pm

Paris Hosts Mayflower Friday in Conference Opener

After a fast 3-0 start in the non-conference portion of the Paris Eagles’ football schedule, it is now time to focus on conference play and making the playoffs for the first time since 2017. After defeating West Fork two weeks ago, the Eagles have had their bye week and should be healthy, rested, and prepared to begin conference play. Mayflower (0-3, 0-0) will be looking for their first win of the 2020 season. Paris (3-0, 0-0) had their first test of the season at West Fork on September 11, winning a hard-fought game on the road against a much improved West Fork team.

I asked Paris head football coach Tyler Clark how the past week has been during the bye week in the schedule. Coach Clark commented, “We had a very good week in practice last week even though it was an off week, and our kids are ready. I always like having that bye week right there (just before the conference games begin). After three weeks, you can tell your groups that need work and your groups that are excelling, kind of fix your issues. But at the same time, I feel like everyone is playing good enough right now that I wouldn’t have minded to have played Friday.”

Photo Credit: Facebook / Paris Eagles Sports

Mayflower, winless in the past three games, now faces a horrendous portion of their schedule in which they begin conference play with three consecutive road games at Paris, Little Rock Baptist Prep, and Booneville. Mayflower could find themselves on the brink of not making the playoffs before they ever return to Mayflower to play a home conference game. Friday’s game in Paris is extremely important to both schools and their chances to make the playoffs. In any given year, the first conference game often makes the difference on whether a team makes the playoffs, or, how high their seeding will be. Teams do not want to start the conference schedule with a loss on the opening weekend of conference play. If they do, they face an uphill battle for the rest of the season, having to “leap frog” other teams in front of them.

With Booneville and Atkins favored to play for the conference championship and the top seeds going into the state playoffs, that leaves the rest of the conference battling for the remaining three playoff spots. In all likelihood, Paris, Perryville, Danville, and Mayflower will be battling for the three, four, and five spots. So a head-to-head win on Friday against Mayflower would give Paris the early advantage in the playoff race for one of the remaining seeds. The same is true for Mayflower, so both teams should be sky high for Friday’s game.

According to Hooten’s Arkansas Football publication, Mayflower has a good nucleus of players with experience and who have returned to play this year. Hooten’s goes on to say that their weakness may be “lack of size”. Mayflower will undoubtedly be concerned about the size of the Paris offensive and defensive lines, as well as their fast and physical running backs.

The Mayflower Eagles are coached by Austin Emerson and were 2-8 a year ago. Their last state playoff appearance was in 2018. On the 2020 season to this point, Mayflower has scored 40 points and have given up 98 points. The Mayflower defense will be challenged by the balanced Paris offensive attack.

Coach Clark is impressed with the athletes on the Mayflower team and their coach. “I have heard really good things about their coach; I have never met him, but I have heard very good things. They’ve got some athletes. They’ve got some pretty good looking football players. The fact that they are 0-3 is not too big of a deal. They’ve played some pretty good teams.”

Across Class 3A in Arkansas, Paris ranks second after the first three games behind McGehee. That is certainly an accomplishment for Paris head coach Tyler Clark and his Eagles football program, but Paris will face much stiffer competition as the season progresses. The most important thing for Paris is that they are 3-0, are healthy, and have key conference games ahead of them that will be played at home. The real test for Paris will be road games October 16 at Atkins, October 23 at Perryville and their final home game of the year October 30 against Booneville. If Paris stays healthy, the Eagles could make a serious run in conference play. Paris has all of the tools in each phase of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. In their last outing against West Fork, the team played tough, physical football. That will be the brand of football they will have to play against the top contenders in the conference. The Eagles showed in West Fork that they can play physical football; not just relying on making big plays in each phase of the game as they have done so far this season.

Going into Friday’s conference opening weekend, the non-conference standings for the 3A-4 conference are:

Paris 3-0, 0-0

Booneville 3-0, 0-0

Baptist Prep 3-1, 0-0

Atkins 2-1, 0-0

Perryville 2-1, 0-0

Danville 0-2, 0-0

Mayflower 0-3, 0-0

Two Rivers 0-3, 0-0

Fans should not take too much from the standings at this early point in the season. There are many variances in strengths of non-conference schedules for all of the teams. However, you can see some trends starting to appear, particularly in the bottom half of the conference. We will all know a lot more after Friday night with respect to who the contenders in the conference may be.

Around the conference, these are the games that will be played Friday:

Paris vs Mayflower

Booneville at Two Rivers

Atkins vs. LR Baptist Prep

Danville at Perryville

After this Friday’s opening night in conference play, it is very well possible that the four top contenders could emerge as Paris, Booneville, Perryville and Atkins. Coach Clark commented, “When you look at the scores around our conference, even this past weekend, Baptist Prep losing to Marvell surprised me. Atkins losing to Waldron surprised me, as well. There is no telling what will happen this week. I do think our conference is going to be more competitive than people may think. So the mindset for me and our staff is that we need to keep getting better at what we need to do.” This underscores how important it is to win in week one of the conference season. Paris must be focused on Mayflower, and nothing else. Coach Clark added, “We remind them (players) that while it is nice to be 3-0, as far as playoffs and all of those goals that we want to attain, whether you are 3-0 or 0-3, all of those goals are still in sight for every single team in the state going into this week. Non-conference games don’t count; they count on our record, but they don’t count in playoffs or seedings. No doubt everything we want is still out there for us, but it is for everybody else, as well. It’s important for us to start out 1-0 (in conference play), but it is important for Mayflower, as well.” Both teams should come out excited and ready to play at 7 p.m. Friday night.

It should be a beautiful night for high school football. The Weather Bug forecast calls for highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and the low temperature approximately 65 degrees. There is a slight chance (20 percent) chance of showers during the day, but the temperature should be around 74 degrees at kickoff. Great weather for what should be a great football game!

So, get your tickets this week and Resident Press will see you at Eagles Stadium for the conference opener! Watch for Resident Press on Saturday for a recap of Friday’s game with Mayflower!

Resident Press…your best source for Paris Eagles and River Valley sports coverage!

All Things Pumpkin…Pie

Food

Tammy Teague

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5:29 pm

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I warned you last week, the pumpkinfest has begun! This is not my recipe, in fact someone shared it on my timeline and I tried it out this weekend. No bake, pumpkin, cream cheese…you had me at no bake!

Triple Layer No Bake Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

2 Graham Cracker Pie Crusts
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 can Pumpkin Puree
2 small packages Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
12 oz. Cool-Whip
2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
1 cup Milk
1/2 cup Sugar

Instructions:

Blend together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread mixture on pie crust. Whisk together 1 cup milk and pudding mixes. Add in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and whisk until blended. Spread over cream cheese layer. Place in refrigerator for at least one hour until set. Top with remaining Cool Whip.

Sr Bulldogs Douse Red Devils Fire

Sports

Megan Hecox

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4:53 pm

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Pictured is #1 Gabino “The Rhino” Grano

The Waldron Bulldogs have achieved a task that has not been done by a Sr Bulldog team in two decades. They have beaten Gentry and Mansfield, and on Friday, September 19^th they defeated the Atkins Red Devils to start the season with a 3-0 record. This isn’t a lucky shot or merely by chance. Head Coach Doug Powell has the Waldron football program whipped into shape and has built a confidence that cannot be shaken in these young men. That confidence is something that seems as new to Waldron as Powell is and the Bulldog community is ecstatic about it.

Both Waldron and Atkins entered last night’s contest at Bulldog Stadium with a 2-0 record. Last year, the Red Devils ended their season with a 9-3 total play record while the Bulldogs fared less at 2-8. So it’s safe to say that Atkins had a little more pep in their step due to the fact that they assumed this would be a quick win and they’d be back home in no time. But as more people are coming to find out the hard way, it is never a good idea to count your chickens before they hatch. And when all was said and done, the Red Devils walked away with that memo too.

Coming off of a bye week, the Bulldogs took to the turf ready to terrorize, pulverize, and mesmerize. The entirety of the game was jam-packed with plenty of action around every corner. This football tango got underway with Atkins possessing the ball first. But unfortunately for the Red Devils, it was started on the wrong foot. In what would have been a massive pass play for Atkins, Caden Fuller blindsided the Red Devils receiver jarring the ball loose and stopping the play. When the Bulldogs offense took to the field, QB Braden Williams catapulted the ball downfield to Bryson Bailey for an 18-yard reception. Positioned nicely in Bulldog territory, the Williams/Bailey duo connected again with a 51-yard pass reception for a TD at 8:19 in the first quarter. With the two-point no good, the score was set at 6-0 Waldron.

Waldron continued their hammering of Atkins when they recovered a Red Devils fumble crushing any hopes Atkins might have had of earning any points. The first quarter ended with Waldron up 6-0. Starting the second quarter, senior Isaac “The Real” Villarreal nailed the first punt of the night with his 53-yard kick to Atkins offense. Three minutes later, Villarreal was once more in the punting spotlight this time bagging 59-yards. At 4:46 left in the half, Williams handed the ball off to Gabino “The Rhino” Grano who drove the pigskin in for a second Bulldog TD. With an unsuccessful PAT, the scoreboard was upgraded to 12-0 Waldron which is where it stayed going into halftime.

#13 QB Braden Williams, #23 Trenton Hunt, and #54 Dayton Lovett

Things picked up even more in the second half of the game when at the 6:30 mark in the third, Grano had the stadium feeling like they were experiencing deja vu when he bulldozed the ball down the middle for another TD. With better kicks than Route 66, sophomore, Leo Lopez, secured the extra point putting the Bulldogs to 19-0. After Atkins failed to make magic happen, the ball was back in Waldrons hands. With 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Williams left the Red Devils scratching their heads in confusion when he hit paydirt with a QB keeper for a TD. As the Bulldogs continued inflating the score, Atkins continued having trouble possessing the ball. During a Red Devils pass with 3 seconds left, the receiver found himself with butterfingers as the ball slipped through his hands and right into the hands of waiting Bulldog Villarreal for an interception.

The match went into the final quarter with Waldron dominating the board 25-0. Waldron remained relentless as they made sure the Red Devils felt the burn from the Bulldogs backdraft. At 9:09, Willaims gave the handoff to Grano who obtained a 38-yard running TD. And with kicking help from Lopez, the board was set ablaze 32-0. Sophomore, Matthew Brigance, was swapped in as QB and immediately started taking the cake by earning positive yardage with blocking help from Villarreal and Trevor Hunt. After a Bulldog fumble bumble, Atkins gained possession, which allowed them to trade in their goose egg for a TD. In closing up shop, Villarreal laid claim to his third punt of the evening which acquired him 34-yards. The stadium went black with the scoreboard lights shining brightly into the night reading 32-6 Waldron.

Everyone loves to cheer a touchdown, but the Dogs’ defense has been a big-time game changer. Defensive Coordinator Mark Brigance has the Bulldogs defense rompin’ and chompin’ their opponents like never before. After giving up 73 points in their first three games last year, the Bulldogs have only yielded an impressive 35 points this season. The Bulldogs beefy D Line consisting of Patrick Poor, Brayden Houston, Dayton Lovett, Jesse Dees, and Cody Starr have dug deep in the trenches in each game and dared teams to run into their steel jaws.

It seems that Powell Power mixed with a deep Waldron talent pool has been a recipe for success. That success will soon be put to the test though. The (3-0) Waldron Sr High Bulldogs will open conference play next Friday, September, 25th when they host the (1-3) Mena Bearcats for Homecoming. Mena has owned the Bulldogs for well over 15 years. The Bulldogs have broken two steaks though by beating Mansfield and going 3-0. Mena’s streak over Waldron very well could be the next streak snapped.

Pictures courtesy of the always awesome, wonderful, awe-inspiring Sandy Tull

AAA Covid-19 Basketball Guidelines

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:35 pm

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In accordance with the Directives Regarding Large Outdoor Venues/Large Indoor Venue Plans for School Sponsored Team Sports, all athletic events must follow the requirements linked below. EACH SUPERINTENDENT MUST RETURN A SIGNED COPY TO ADH (ONLY ONE FORM PER DISTRICT IS REQUIRED).

DIRECTIVES FOR LARGE OUTDOOR/INDOOR VENUE PLANS

Facility Modifications

Family groups must be spaced 6 feet apart.

Have a separate entrance and exit point for facilities to avoid congestion and aid in social distancing.

Create and display COVID-19 information signage throughout the venue.

Use tape, paint, and signage within the bleachers and around the facility to mark areas where spectators may gather to maintain social distancing. Specify where spectators and participants may sit.

Everyone inside the facility is required to wear a mask at all times, except for players that are actively participating.

Appropriate social distancing must be maintained on sidelines and benches during contests and events. Bench personnel must sit with a minimum distance.

of 6 feet apart and must be separated from the audience by a minimum of 12 feet.

Appropriate locker room space should be provided to officials for social distancing (i.e. larger room or separate rooms). The space(s) must be sanitized prior to arrival.

Each player should use their own towel and water bottle to avoid sharing.

Concession Stands may operate but must follow all applicable sections of the Directive for Resuming Restaurant Dine-In Operations.

Modifications to Regular Season

BENEFIT GAMES – will only be allowed between two teams.
NO MULTI SCHOOL EVENTS IN OR OUT OF STATE – such as tournaments, classics, showcases, etc. This does not preclude two schools junior and senior high teams participating at a venue.
NUMBER OF COMPETITIVE EVENTS:
- Non-Football schools are allowed:
  - 34 high school varsity games
  - 28 junior high school varsity games
- Football schools are allowed
  - 26 high school varsity games
  - 24 junior high school varsity games
Junior varsity limitations remain the same as listed in the 2020-2021 AAA Handbook for high school and junior high school (except no tournament)
Save the last week before the regional tournament for 1A-4A schools and the last week before the state tournament for 5A-6A schools for a conference tournament if needed.

Return to Competition

Basketball Rules Considerations

Pregame Protocol (2019-2021 NFHS Officials Manual, page 16, 1.8
- Limit attendees to the referee and the head coach from each team with each coach standing on the center circle on each side of the division line.

All individuals maintain a social distance of 6 feet or greater at the center circle.
Suspend handshakes prior to and following the Pregame Conference.
Team Benches (1-13-1) Includes: Coaches, players, and managers
- Social distancing should be practiced when possible. Below are some suggestions.
  - Limit the number of bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater.
  - Consider limiting game rosters to 15 students.
  - Additional chairs or rows may be added to allow bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater.
  - Create separation by a minimum of 12 feet between the team bench and the spectator seating behind the bench.
  - Limit contact between players when substituting.
  - Personnel not in the game shall wear face coverings.
Officials Table (2-1-3)
- The host should sanitize the table before the game and at half time.
- Place the official’s table sufficiently away from the sideline to allow for additional space for substitutes.
- Limit seats at the table to essential personnel which includes home team scorer and timer with a recommended distance of 6 feet or greater between individuals. Other personnel (visiting scorer, statisticians, media, etc.) may not be deemed essential personnel and consider an alternate location for them.
- Table personnel shall wear a face covering.

Pre and Post Game Ceremony

Suspend the pregame introduction handshakes.
Suspend post-game protocol of shaking hands.

Basketball Rules Interpretations

Equipment and Accessories
- Sanitizer should be provided by the host team at the table.
- Cloth face coverings are permissible for players.

Officials Uniform and Equipment
- Long-sleeved shirts are permissible.
- Officials should not be required to wear jackets during pregame court/player observation.
- Electronic whistles are permissible (supplies are limited).
  - Choose a whistle whose tone will carry inside.
  - Check the market for choices.
- Cloth face coverings are permissible.
- Gloves are permissible.

Other Considerations

Throw-in
Officials may stand 6 feet or greater away from a player making the throw-in and bounce the ball to that player on a frontcourt throw-in.
Free Throw Administration
The lead official shall stand on the end line and bounce the ball to the free thrower.

Time Out

Coaches should limit the number of individuals in huddles during time outs.

Homecoming Victory For The Bulldogs

Sports

Resident News Network

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10:10 am

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It was Homecoming for the Greenwood Bulldogs last night and they looked to deliver for the hometown crowd. The Bulldogs welcomed in the Choctaw Yellowjackets from Oklahoma and promised to show them what the #1 6A team in Arkansas could do. The Bulldogs are sitting at 2-0 after defeating Fort Smith Southside to open the season and shutting out Springdale Har-Ber last week 33-0. Choctaw entered the game 1-1 after playing a handful of Arkansas teams. They opened their season with a loss to Springdale but bounced back with a win at home against Van Buren last week.

The Yellowjackets won the opening toss and stalled on their opening drive after a long touchdown run was called back on a clipping violation. Greenwood would force the punt but be unable to move the ball downfield on their opening drive. After a Greenwood punt, Choctaw had the ball for 3^rd and long on their own 36-yard line when Bulldog junior, Colt Owenby, picked off a rushed pass by the Yellowjacket QB to end the drive.

On the following possession, the Bulldogs would strike first when sophomore quarterback, Hunter Houston, roped a laser to senior Caden Brown in the corner of the endzone. Brown showed his speed and route-running abilities when he was left standing all alone in the blue turf. Greenwood would make the extra point and with just over 2 minutes to go in the 1^st quarter the Bulldogs were up 7-0.

Midway through the 2^nd quarter, it looked as if the Yellowjackets were going to get on the board. Choctaw was 4^th and 1 from the Greenwood 2-yard line. But they lost yardage on their 4^th down play when Bulldog junior, Seth Stephens, broke through the line and busted the option read play before the Yellowjackets could move an inch.

The teams would continue to exchange possessions throughout the 2^nd quarter and the Bulldogs would take their 7-0 lead into halftime.

On the opening possession of the 2^nd half, Bulldog QB, Hunter Houston, showed off his arm by driving the offense clear to the Yellowjacket 7-yard line. However, the drive would end there with an interception in the endzone that was returned to the Yellowjacket 1-yard line. The swarming Bulldog defense would make them pay for bringing the interception out of the endzone. On the first play of the drive, the running back was met by almost every member of the Bulldog defense to force a safety. A testament to the pride this defense carries showed in their excitement for forcing the rare 2-point play. Greenwood took a 9-0 lead with 9:02 left in the 3^rd quarter.

Following the free kick, Bulldog QB, Hunter Houston, would again prove his throwing power by hitting senior wide receiver, Peyton Carter, with a beautiful pass down the middle. Carter found a soft spot in the zone and ran his route to perfection to set up a big play down to the Yellowjacket 22-yard line. In classic Bulldog fashion, they hustled to the line, and again Houston connected with Carter on a 22-yard touchdown pass on a streaking route down the right side. The blocking, route running, and passing was executed so well that it almost appeared effortless for this prolific Bulldog offense. With the extra point, the Bulldogs took the 16-0 lead with 8:40 left in the 3^rd quarter.

The Yellowjackets made good use of their next possession by scoring on a long pass down the right side of the field for a touchdown bringing the score to 16-6 with 6:26 left in the 3^rd. They would miss a 2-point conversion attempt.

With just over 5 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter, Bulldog, Hunter Houston, would lose his helmet on a QB run up the middle forcing sophomore QB, Joe Trusty, to enter the game for the next snap. Trusty would take advantage of his opportunity and hit a streaking Bulldog receiver down the right side for a 38-yard completion to the Bulldog 6-yard line. Houston would reenter the game and, after a few penalties on both teams, senior Caden Brown was found wide open to deliver a 12-yard touchdown pass on 4^th and 12. Brown showed his athleticism by beating Yellowjacket senior Free Safety, Jordan Mukes, to the corner of the endzone. Mukes is a 3-star recruit who is currently committed to Oklahoma University. The Bulldogs would make their extra point upgrading them to 23-6 with 2:45 left in the 3^rd quarter.

Choctaw would answer back on the following possession by delivering a 77-yard touchdown run up the middle. They would again miss the 2-point conversion attempt bringing the score to 23-12 with 2:21 left in the 3^rd quarter.

Both teams would exchange possessions with neither team finding the endzone in the 4^th quarter. The Bulldogs would run out the clock with the ball on the Yellowjacket 1-yard line showing their sportsmanship after their toughest battle of the season. Greenwood takes the homecoming victory over a very talented Choctaw team 23-12. Next week the Bulldogs will host the undefeated Parkview Patriots from Little Rock in the 6A conference opener.

Photo credit: Kyle Dart

Jr Bulldogs Can’t Climb Hillbillies Hill In Loss

Sports

Megan Hecox

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6:04 pm

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Jr Bulldogs Can’t Climb Hillbillies Hill In Loss

Pictured is #55 Zayden Jones, #22 Logan Young, #14 Ambrose Poor, and #3 Chris Lopez

Author, Stephen Richards once said, “The true measure of success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.”

This quote couldn’t ring any truer for the Waldron Jr Bulldogs who after a good fight, ended falling short 36-14 to the Ozark Jr Hillbillies Thursday night. For years, Ozark has been considered one of the best contenders in 4A football. Where other teams go on weekly winning streaks, the Jr Hillbillies go on yearly winning streaks. The mere fact that other teams cant even put points up when facing Ozark is a massive victory in itself for the Jr Bulldogs considering they landed 14. But last night’s game was more than a win or loss. It was a showing of growth for the Jr Bulldogs because they never backed down and never gave up at any point. With three games down, the Jr High Bulldogs sit 1-2 on their season.

The first quarter of the game resembled Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” video with each team showing off their best moves in an effort to prove who the alpha was. Blow for blow and run for run, the Jr Bulldogs and Jr Hillbillies matched each other so well that the quarter ended with a 0-0 score. Helping to put a freeze on Ozark due to their relentless bulldozer mentality was Zayden Jones, Joseph Rogers, and Steve Grano. The second quarter is when things started to heat up. Just as Ozark was preparing to go in for the kill, an “oopsie” Hillbillie fumble allowed Lucas Nix to hurl his body on the ball giving the Jr Bulldogs their momentum back.

Unfortunately, Waldron faced some difficulty lighting up the scoreboard and Ozark took possession of the ball. The Hillbillies QB was itching to make a big play and after he found an open receiver downfield who graciously took the pass, Michael Grano was there with the takedown successfully crushing the Hillbillies dreams like the Grinch on Christmas morning. Ozark was close enough to paydirt though permitting the Hillbillies to snag the first touchdown of the night. Ozark went on to finish the first half with one more touchdown along with both two-point conversions and the Jr Bulldogs and Jr Hillbillies hit halftime with a 16-0 score.

The third quarter opened with Damion Dickens flying down the field like a wig in a windstorm for an 18-yard KO return. The Bulldogs offense did everything they could to make magic happen but it just wasn’t their time yet. Ozark managed to bring home the bacon with two more touchdowns and a conversion for a 30-0 score. With time running out for the Bulldogs to showdown in the Hillibillies hoedown, Joseph Rogers took the handoff from QB Brayden Mays and was gone faster than pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day, giving Waldron their first TD in the game. Mays snuck in with a QB keeper for the two-point conversion and the Jr Bulldogs were on the board 30-8. As the clock hovered around the four-minute mark, Ozark garnered yet another TD but not without the Jr Bulldogs having the final say. Chris Lopez would end the match with a colossal run for a TD finishing the game with a final score of 36-14 Ozark.

“I was impressed by how hard the kids played. We just ran out of gas in the second half. We have to work on finishing the second half,” stated Coach Garett Lazenby. On September 24, the Jr Bulldogs will travel to Mena to face the Jr Bearcats. Last year, Waldron won the argument of which is better, dogs or cats, with a score of 33-8. This time, the Jr Bulldogs plan to prove yet again that every dog has his day.

Sebastian County Forest Ranger Among Firefighters Headed to Oregon

Tammy Teague

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4:10 pm

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Sebastian County Forest Ranger Among Firefighters Headed to Oregon

A crew of 20 firefighters, including five employees of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, left Fort Smith September 16 to work wildfires in Oregon. Wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington have burned over 2 million acres this year, causing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

In addition to the five employees of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, the crew, named the “Razorback Crew”, is composed of eight employees from the US Forest Service, two from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, two from the National Parks Service, and three from of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The crew chief is Les Miller, a Forestry Division Ranger from Conway County. Other Forestry Division crew members are Russell Huskey, Sebastian Co.; Caitlin Mann, Johnson Co.; Shane Cooper, Franklin Co.; and Deric Franks, Fulton Co.

This team of firefighters will be working as an initial attack crew that will be sent to prevent new starts to wildfires. The non-federal crew members are being contracted by the US Forest Service to work in Oregon. The US Forest Service will be directing the crew to the areas of the state in most need of their service. Wes McKinney, Conway Co.; and Mike Mowery, Stone Co., have also worked on fires in California recently and have returned.

Mansfield Officer Receives Lifesaving Award

Tammy Teague

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2:42 pm

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Mansfield Officer Receives Lifesaving Award

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, September 17 at city hall. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. Council members present were: Jan Carlton, Dave Johnson, Beverly Lyons, Rick McDaniel, and Sheri Hopkins. Council woman Julie Thomas arrived at 6:10 p.m. Also present, City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker and Mayor Buddy Black.

After approving the minutes and financials from the previous meeting, the council heard the city services reports.

The public works report included: 162 work orders, four water leaks, assistance with traffic control during high water, and work with engineers and contractors.

Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 20 calls, six fire and 14 EMS. Smith assisted Officer White in the Scott County swift water rescue near Elm Park, and provided traffic control on Highway 71 when water covered the roadway. Lastly, the department has been working home sporting events at the high school.

Police Chief Wayne Robb reported that the department received a total of 44 calls, and had 22 agency assists. There were a total of 17 incident/arrest reports, three accident reports, 168 traffic stops, issued 133 warnings, 28 citations in Scott County and 13 in Sebastian County. The department executed one felony warrant in Scott County, and two felony and four misdemeanor warrants in Sebastian County. There were a total of 11 animal calls for the month.

Mayor Buddy Black presented Officer Sean White with a “Lifesaving Award.” White was given the award following his actions, which ultimately led to the swift water rescue of a Scott County woman. Flood victim, Beverly Bonds, stated that White was her “knight in shining armor.” White responded that he was “just in the right place at the right time.”

In items of unfinished business, the council took action on a new dog ordinance. Ordinance number 2020-3 repealed and replaced ordinances 92-1, 95-2, and 2007-3. The council had reviewed the proposed ordinance in a recent study session and voted unanimously on Thursday to approve it. Ordinance 2020-3 regulates licensing, housing and maintenance of animals, animal noise, ownership and maintenance of dangerous and/or vicious animals within the City of Mansfield. A copy of the ordinance in its entirety will be available at city hall.

In items of new business, the council approved the proposal from Black to install an electric gate at the waste water plant. The estimated project cost is $9,849.68. The city will be responsible for providing the 110v electricity to the operator pad.

Next, the council heard from Mansfield resident Kari Dickinson. The council approved the proposal for Dickinson to design and maintain a City of Mansfield website. The city will pay Dickinson $200 to set up the website and will pay her monthly at a rate to be determined.

Mayor Black read resolution 2020-4: a resolution by the City of Mansfield supporting the house joint resolution 1018 of 2019 (HJR 1018 of 2019,) proposing an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to continue a levy of a 1/2 percent sales and use tax for state highways and bridges; county roads, bridges and other surface transportation; and city streets, bridges, and other surface transportation after the retirement of the bonds authorized in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 91, as special revenue to be distributed under the Arkansas Highway Revenue Distribution Law. The council voted unanimously to to support the legal proposals found in HJR 1018 of 2019, as well as its adoption by the people of the State of Arkansas at the next general election.

Next, the council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2020-5, calling on Congress to allocate fair and direct federal support to all of America’s communities, regardless of population and size. Furthermore, it called on funding for expenses incurred by communities in response to the pandemic emergency. The resolution declared that “Mansfield has been part of the emergency response and now calls on Congress to build a united national partnership for a safe, healthy, prosperous life.”

Ordinance 2020-4, a continuance of property assessments in the city, was read and approved unanimously by the council. The ordinance is to continue assessments for property located in the City of Mansfield.

In the last two items of business, the council voted unanimously to eliminate employee comp time and return to regular overtime pay, and to revise the personnel policy manual.

In closing remarks, Mayor Black asked that everyone please respond to the census. With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

Band Opens Doors for Bryd at Charleston

Networks

Resident News Network

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12:59 pm

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In 5th grade, someone suggested to Krystal that she would be good in band. That suggestion made a major impact on her life. Since 6th grade, she has been playing the flute and piccolo. She has auditioned for All-Region and performed at the Arkansas State Band Convention as a member of a Honor Band. And this year she has been name the Drum Major for the 2020 Charleston High School Marching Band. In her life, nothing has stopped her, not even her disability.

When you meet Krystal Byrd, you will notice that she is extremely kind and confident. You may notice that she is in a wheelchair. She was born with spina bifida, which is where the nerves in her back did not form properly and she is unable to walk. Her handicap has not stopped her from working hard and being devoted to what she loves, and that is band.

I first saw Krystal perform with the Charleston Band two years ago at our 2018 Week 4 Friday Night Features. She marched in the halftime show with the assistance of her Band Director, Jessica Holt. This spoke volumes about Krystal and the Band Program at Charleston. Krystal did not let her disability stop her from marching or becoming Drum Major.

During her time at Charleston, Krystal became interested in being Drum Major. As she saw upper class men conducting and leading the band, she decided that is something she wanted to also do. During her Junior year, she auditioned for Durm Major but was not selected. Did that stop her? No! She took her success and faults and learned from them and prepared for next years audition.

This is what Ms Holt had to say about Byrd, “Krystal tried out for drum major last year against some really tough competitors. She took our feedback to heart and she’s been methodically preparing for this year’s audition for over a year now. She made unbelievable progress over the summer and during our drum major training last week! I’m excited for the community to see her in action and I know that she will inspire so many other band students in our program and across Arkansas this marching season.”

Now a Senior in band and Drum Major, Krystal looks forward to the most about this upcoming marching season is the football games, where she will be conducting and leading the band in the stands and on the field. She is upset that the band is unable to travel to away games to to the pandemic but she is grateful for the time she has with her band family and new leadership role. In her spare time, Krystal enjoyed the outdoor, spending time with friends, and painting. After High School, she plans to attend Arkansas Tech at Ozark and major in Nursing with a minor in music.

During our interview, Krystal had the honor of being the first student to participate in our “ARVBands’ Quick 5”.

What is your favorite High School Marching Show?
Spiro High School 2019 Show “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

What is the best meal that you have ever had?
Her mom’s Spaghetti

What annoys you the most in band?
Ms Holt’s amplifier

If you could do anything, what would be your dream career?
A Band Director

What is your best memory in your band career?
Traveling to away football games with the band

Ms Holt had this to add about Krystal,
“Krystal has shown such grit and determination throughout her entire six-year band career. She chooses to face every day with a positive attitude and that’s not always easy for a teenager to do! She is, and always has been, an excellent ambassador for our band program and I’m proud for her to be the face of the high school band this year.”

I wish Krystal the best of luck with this upcoming marching season and her senior year. Charleston has an extremely hardworking an methodical Drum Major leading their band. And that is what every band hopes for in this time of uncertainty .

Obituary- Earl Blanton (1949 – 2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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Earl Blanton of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Tuesday, September 15, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas. Earl was born September 16, 1949, in Fox Town, Kentucky to Buddy Blanton and Alpha (Baker) Blanton. He was 70 years old.

Earl was a member of Winfield Baptist Church. He was a truck driver for Tyson Foods for many years before retiring. He was a hard worker and loved his family.

Earl leaves behind to cherish his memory two grandchildren: Audra Blanton and Katelyn Ferren and numerous great grandchildren. Earl is also survived by his siblings: Mary Walton, Kathy Yarber, Geraldean Biggs, Ada Taylor, Vess Blanton and Cecil Blanton. Earl will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends and neighbors.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Alpha, his wife Brenda, one daughter, Lasha Johnson, one son Richard Blanton and one brother Don Blanton.

Earl’s graveside life celebration will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2020, at the Kirk Cemetery in Cauthron, Arkansas with Rev. William Crelia officiating. Interment will follow.

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