Resident News Network

Golf Dogs Tee Off To Another Win

Sports

-

10:48 am

The Waldron Bulldogs traveled to Cherokee Country Club on Monday to match up with the Charleston Tigers, Booneville Bearcats, and Paris Eagles in a 3A-4 conference golf match. The Bulldogs finished on top with a team score of 117, followed by Paris with 153, and Charleston with 166. Earning medalist for the match was senior Jaden Hutchens who shot a 36 to earn the top score in the match. “Jaden has come a long way since he started playing golf as a freshman. He is only one of two seniors on the squad this year and both of them have been a huge part of our program for the last four years,” stated head coach, Josh Atchley.

Adding to the team score was Drew Owens with a 39, Lane Metcalf and Lane Tallmadge both with 42, Noah Patrick with a 45, and Jesse Dees who finished with a 52. “As far a depth goes for a golf team, we are in pretty good shape. There is strength in numbers and having several guys that can compete with their scores really helps to motivate everyone to keep adding value to their game. These guys have their focus set on the big match at the end of the year.” The Bulldog’s next match will be Tuesday, August 18 at Waldron Country club, before they travel back to Glenwood for a match on Thursday.

Seniors Jesse Dees and Jaden Hutchens as freshmen

Sr Lady Tigers Ready To Rally In 2A Volleyball

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

10:45 am

0

Sr Lady Tigers Ready To Rally In 2A Volleyball

Pictured is captain, Brooke Wright

After spending the summer riddled with the uncertainty of if there would even be a volleyball season, the Mansfield Lady Tigers have officially been given the green light. Spending the last few months perfecting their skills, the Sr High squad is ready for the new territory that lies ahead. “While daily check-ins of taking temperatures and asking questions do affect practice time, the girls have adjusted well to it,” explained head coach, Kaylie Pyles, about handling practice with Covid restrictions. “Coaching in a mask has definitely not been easy. But our summer attendance has been outstanding and the girls have been working very hard. The girls have done an excellent job of following all of the guidelines and rules.”

Last year, the Sr Lady Tigers finished with a total season record of 17-14 and 7-7 in 3A conference play. But this season, the girls are being served up a new area with a new leader. The good news is, Coach Pyles has already been assistant coaching these girls in a number of sports already so the “jell” factor is firmly in place. “I have been with most of these girls going on three years now and I’m blessed to be their coach. This program has some talented hardworking athletes and I’m ecstatic to see what they accomplish this season. I would like to see both Jr High and Sr High compete for conference and district championships, and I want to be in the running for a state title. Our volleyball program has always been successful with several state championships, and I have no doubts that we will continue that tradition.”

The 2020-2021 Lady Tigers at their annual Red and White game

Don’t let the step down in conference play fool you into thinking it will be an easier battle with easier opponents either. Going from 3A to 2A volleyball play will be just as big of a challenge. Three of the seven teams Mansfield will take on this season placed in the Top 15 of the 2A last year. Those teams were Lavaca, Decatur, and Eureka Springs. The teams rounding out the 2A conference this year are Mulberry, Thaden, Ozark Catholic Academy, and Life Way Christian. “I think the 2A will be different and a change for us. We will be seeing new teams that we have not played before. There definitely will be a lot more traveling in this conference, compared to our conference last year.”

After losing six seniors last season, the Sr Lady Tiger roster is still jam-packed with enough talent to paint every team in the 2A red and white. “This year I have four seniors and two of those have never played before, but I think they will bring some much-needed energy and encouragement to the team.” Those seniors are Mikayla Harrison, Chloe Creekmore, Amber Elmore, and captain, Brooke Wright. “Returning All-State Brooke Wright, will be a leader on the court and be a big key to our success this year.”

“Juniors Kiara Thomas, Haylee Helms, and Sadie Roberts are also returning starters from last year who will step up and do big things for us. I have a huge group of sophomores who include Natalie Allison, Skylynn Harris, Madelen Jones, and Brooklyn Adams, whom I expect to be very successful after moving up last year at district as freshmen. Our entire team has worked extremely hard this summer and the atmosphere at our practices is so competitive and intense, I cannot wait to see how our games are!”

That Beautiful Girl in the Church Window: a Tribute to Josie Elmore

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

5:05 am

0

That Beautiful Girl in the Church Window: a Tribute to Josie Elmore

A couple of dashing young fellas were hanging out around the outside of a church building in Huntington some 40 plus years ago. The sight of a beautiful young girl through the church window caught the eye of a teenage Kennith Elmore.

The young woman’s name, Josie Escalante. Kennith knew right away, she was the one. He recounted their first date. He was late, and her father wouldn’t let her go. The next opportunity would prove more successful. The courtship was short and they married September 6, 1958.

Little did they both know, they would later pastor the very church where the two first met.

The couple had four children: Carrol, Becky, Teresa and Melissa. Josie remained the strong matriarch, raising her children and supporting her husband while he worked operating heavy equipment, driving a dump truck and serving as Mayor of the City of Huntington.

Throughout the years the beloved couple would become grandparents and great grandparents. Additionally, Kennith and Josie remained on as pastors at Westside Pentecostal Church.

The bond the couple shared throughout the years was undeniable to anyone who knew them. Often times they would share that when it was their time to go, they hoped it be together. However, that was not to be as God called Josie to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 10.

She often sang specials in church, a few of her favorites included: “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You,” and “Old Gospel Ship.” Josie took that trip. The journey she began so many years ago when she got saved, was complete. She left behind an amazing Christian legacy, her happy hands that clapped with joy in the Spirit and “Hallelujah Jesus” praises. She spent her time outside church calling and checking on the widows and the sick, praying with and for them. Next to her love for Christ, her family. Truly they were the apple of her eye.

Tomorrow will start without her here on this earth. For that we are sorrowful. We know, however, God’s Word is true and that Josie knows no sadness, no suffering or pain. Now, we must pick up where she left off. Continuing in the work of the Lord, praying for her family and supporting them and each other. We know it is not goodbye, but see you again. And one day Kennith will catch a glimpse of her once again, this time just inside the gates of Heaven.

Elmore-Kennith-Josie — Kennith and Josie Elmore with their children.

Josie-Kennith-Elmore — Kennith and Josie with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jr Lady Hornets All Systems Go For 3A VB Liftoff

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

1:29 pm

0

Jr Lady Hornets All Systems Go For 3A VB Liftoff

Pictured are the 2019-2020 Jr High Lady Hornets

With volleyball season literally knock knock knockin’ on Hackett’s door, the Jr Lady Hornets are readier than ever to hit the court in a brand new conference. Last year, the Jr Lady Hornets not only went 21-3 in 2A play but they soared away as District Champions as well. With over half of last season’s Jr High players moving up to senior high play though, some opponents might view this as a weakness. But not the Jr Lady Hornets. There is more than enough fresh talent moving in to assist the already skilled players on this year’s roster.

“I honestly have a great group of girls that all work hard each day on the court,” stated head coach, Bridget Freeman. “I truly couldn’t single anybody out as I feel I’ve had a great group of 7th graders showing up and working hard this summer. My 8th and 9th graders have stepped up immensely and are filling in the holes left from the now 10th graders.”

Saying goodbye to 2A volleyball, the Jr Lady Hornets are fired up to begin their black and gold dominance in their new conference. The 3A isn’t a walk in the park for any program to go through though. With teams like Green Forest, Elkins, Lincoln, Waldron, Paris, Booneville, West Fork, Charleston, and Lavaca, the Hornets know what they’re up against. A move like this might spook some programs, but not the Jr Lady Hornets. That’s because Hackett has been there and done that against most of their upcoming opponents. “Since we are moving up to 3A, that whole conference will be “new” to us even though we played most of the teams last year.”

With the already mile-long list of rules for the 2020 sports season, adding one more fictional rule wouldn’t hurt so why not have some fun with it. The fictional rule will flow with every fans’ favorite part of sporting events. The concession. When asked if she were forced to partake in a fictional rule that would require the head coach to eat and drink something during a match, Coach Freeman had the perfect response. “How fun! It would definitely be popcorn and sweet tea!!”

Area High School Football & Volleyball Teams to Play Preseason Benefit Scrimmage Games This Week

Sports

Resident News Network

-

11:05 am

0

As area high school teams continue their preparation for the start of the fall seasons, most will take the next step this week with preseason scrimmages that will be held to benefit the Arkansas Activities Association’s catastrophic injury fund. Of local interest, the Paris football program will host Magazine tomorrow at 6 p.m., and the Lady Eagles volleyball teams will host Fountain Lake on Thursday. The junior high volleyball scrimmage will start Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and the varsity scrimmage will be played immediately afterwards.

In nearby Charleston, the Tigers football team will play Booneville tomorrow at 6 p.m. The Tigers scrimmage with the Bearcats will feature 10 plays for both first team offenses. The second teams will also receive 10 plays, and then, two 12 minute running quarters will be played. The 7th grade and junior teams will scrimmage on Thursday starting at 6 p.m. The format of the junior high scrimmages has not yet been finalized.

On an important note, only parents, siblings, and grandparents will be allowed to attend the Tigers scrimmage in Charleston. This is a precaution that is being taken to reduce the possible exposure of fans to the COVID virus.

The Eagles scrimmage with Magazine will feature both senior high and junior high scrimmages. Junior high will run 15 plays on offense and defense in between senior high sets. In the senior high portion of the scrimmage, the first teams will run 20 plays on both offense and defense. The second teams will run 10 plays each on offense and defense. After a small break, the senior high will play a one-quarter scrimmage.

As a reminder to all fans, COVID regulations involving face coverings, social distancing, and reduced menu items at concession stands will be in effect. Let’s all work together to comply with the COVID guidances to protect all of us throughout the seasons.

Resident Press will have complete coverage of the Paris vs. Magazine scrimmage in its Wednesday edition. RP will also have coverage of the Paris vs. Fountain Lake scrimmage in the Friday edition.

Stay with RP for complete coverage of River Valley sports throughout the new school year!

Ways to Keep Your Living Room Clean

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

10:42 am

0

Cleaning your living room is already a chore that you may not enjoy all that much. But there may also be certain aspects of your setup that prevent you from attaining the neat look you’re after. Perhaps the living room has areas that are extra-difficult to tidy up, or maybe you have trouble with miscellaneous items collecting on your coffee table over time. Read on and see if any of the ways to keep your living room clean we offer here can help you.

Have Set Storage for Items

Many people have the habit of placing papers, books, and magazines around the living room and leaving them there for long periods of time. If you are one of them, you should set dedicated storage areas for these kinds of items so that they don’t become clutter. While it’s a simpler matter to throw away snack wrappers and other pieces of trash immediately, you may want to return to those books or papers later. By having baskets under a table or on a shelf, you can place them out of sight in the meantime, and your living room will look much more orderly.

Reduce the Number of Decorations

Decorations are necessary to give your living room personality, but too many can make it harder when it comes time to dust and wipe down the surfaces they sit on. Because of this, one way to keep your living room clean is to reduce the number of decorations you keep there. You might have multiples of a single type of jar, potted plant, or sculpture that you can reduce to clear up the space. It’s also possible that you’ve covered every mantel and tabletop with many different decorative pieces. Pick out those that are most important to you or that you like the best, and keep those out. Put the rest away. You can rotate decoration periodically if you want, keeping the number of decorations out at a given time to a minimum. With this done, you won’t need to pick up and move multitudes of belongings just to clean.

Know How to Cleanse Fibers

You may have trouble keeping your sofa and rug clean because they are composed of woven fabric and pile fibers. This makes it easy for them to absorb staining liquids, but you can’t typically throw them in the washing machine like you can with clothes. To keep your living room clean, though, you shouldn’t neglect these pieces, since they play such a large role in the space. Check what the manufacturer recommends you do to clean stains. Often, they may instruct you to brush or spot-clean with a specific cleaning agent, but some may be even more particular if the material is delicate. For instance, cleaning a wool rug is much more involved than cleaning one made of plastic-derived fibers.

Police Reports 8/9

Police Reports

Resident News Network

-

9:40 am

0

Billy Gene Boyster of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 14 at 9:17 p.m. and was released on signature bond August 14 at 11:59 p.m. Boyster was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)

Andrea Elena Breeden of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 11 at 8:13 p.m. and released on August 11 at 8:59 p.m. Breeden was charged with contempt of court (child support), FTAS, FTRespond subpoena, FTComply with court order.

John Allen Gipson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 13 at 10:15 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Gipson was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine,) and contempt of court–disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior committed during court.

Christene Marie Kuykendall of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 12 at 3 p.m. and released on bond August 12 at 11:03 p.m. Kuykendall was charged with possession of [schedule I/II controlled substance] with the purpose to deliver >2g, possession of [schedule IV/V controlled substance] with the purpose to deliver >200g, possession of controlled substance – schedule I/II felony <2g, and possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest meth/cocaine.

Brian Douglas Pruitt of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 13 at 6:20 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond August 13 at 9:38 p.m. Pruitt was charged with battery in the second degree – serious injury.

Brandon Ralph Wiley Davis, 41 of Van Buren, was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 15 at 1:05 p.m. and released on cash bond August 15 at 3:35 p.m. Davis was arrested by the Greenwood Police Department, and charged with petition to revoke – felony, and assist outside agency-misdemeanor.

Tabatha Lynn Risner, 39 of Greenwood, was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 16 at 5:25 p.m. and released on signature bond August 16 at 8:32 p.m. Risner was arrested by the Greenwood Police Department, and charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

Mansfield Athletic Passes Soon Ready For 2020-2021

Sports

Resident News Network

-

8:56 am

0

Mansfield Athletic Passes Soon Ready For 2020-2021

Adult Athletic passes, Student Discount cards, and Senior Citizen passes for the 2020-2021 school year for Mansfield Athletics will be available beginning August 19, 2020.

Adult athletic passes are $65 each. Upon presentation at the gate, cardholders will be admitted free to most all Mansfield regular season athletic home contests for grades 7-12 for the current sports calendar. Free admission will be limited to regular season football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, and track contests. MHS athletic passes will not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions hosted by Mansfield. This is in accordance with AAA and conference guidelines.

Current Mansfield Public School students (K-12^th grade) may purchase a Student Discount Card to attend regular-season home games for $15. Presentation of this personalized photo ID card at the gate of any regular season contest will allow the cardholder $1 admission. Student discount cards must be ordered with payment by September 11, 2020. Students will be issued a temporary card until a date for producing photo cards is established. Student discount passes will not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions hosted by Mansfield.

Patrons 55 years of age or older may pick up a free senior citizen’s pass. Simply provide proof of age at the high school office during regular business hours to receive your pass. Upon presentation at the gate, senior citizen pass holders will be admitted free to most all MHS sporting events. Restrictions may apply to conference tournaments, regional or state competitions hosted by Mansfield.

Arrangements to purchase adult athletic passes or pick up senior citizen passes must be made with the high school office during regular business hours beginning August 19. Purchases of student discount cards may be made by contacting either the Mansfield Elementary, Middle School, or High School offices. Student discount cards will only be available for purchase from August 19, 2020, to September 11, 2020.

Should unforeseen circumstances cancel all or part of the Mansfield athletic schedule, purchases of adult passes and student discount cards will be non-refundable.

Buyers should also be aware that “capacity limits” established by the Arkansas Department of Health will be enforced at Mansfield venues. Most MHS venues are quite spacious and can easily admit average size crowds even under partial capacity limits. However, due to ADH directives, it is possible school officials may find it necessary to deny admission to any individuals wishing to enter a venue after controlled limits have been met even if a MHS pass is presented.

As a courtesy to Mansfield citizens in these uncertain times, those that purchased an athletic pass or student discount card last school year will have those 2019-2020 passes be honored for any Mansfield home contest up through Labor Day weekend of this year.

An attempt to answer questions or concerns related to athletic pass policies can be had by contacting the high school office at (479)-928-1105.

CSCDC/Strategic Realty Break Ground for Affordable Housing Neighborhood in Chaffee Crossing

News

Tammy Teague

-

8:03 am

0

CSCDC/Strategic Realty Break Ground for Affordable Housing Neighborhood in Chaffee Crossing

Despite rainy weather and muddy conditions, a dedicated group broke ground Thursday, August 13, for StoneRidge of Fort Smith, a new single-family, affordable housing neighborhood in Chaffee Crossing. The $8.3 million project located at 10401 South Chad Colley Blvd., Fort Smith, AR, will include 50 rental homes of quality construction and attractive architectural design plus a management/maintenance office. The project is a joint effort of Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council (CSCDC) and Strategic Realty Company of Van Buren.

StoneRidge of Fort Smith will be a very nice neighborhood of single-family homes with three- and four bedroom plans ranging from 1,400-1,600 square feet. Each home will have a unique elevation and color scheme with maintenance free exteriors and finishes. The majority of the exteriors will be brick, resulting in a very attractive neighborhood with covenants that complement other developments in Chaffee Crossing.

CSCDC executive director Marc Baker says there is nothing like StoneRidge in the area. “These homes will be high quality, energy efficient construction with Energy Star rating. Our board vetted this project and we are very proud to make the investment with assistance from Arkansas Development Finance Administration, WNC, and Strategic Realty for many reasons. In the short term, it will create construction, contractor, and material supplier jobs for the regional community. In the long term, this development provides affordable living options for working families in a growth area that has a lot of great job opportunities in close proximity to their homes.”

The property will be professionally managed by Strategic Realty Management Inc (SRM) of Van Buren. All rental applicants will adhere to credit and background screening to ensure they meet a predetermined rental criterion. There will also be an on-site management team to oversee day-to-day operations of the property. Strategic Realty (SR) President Jim Petty says his company has been “looking forward to bringing this unique product to the market. StoneRidge Homes will be an asset to the surrounding neighborhoods and to Chaffee Crossing. It is going to be a very nice place to call home.”

Leasing is expected to begin mid-2021. FCRA sold the 15 acres for StoneRidge of Fort Smith Housing Partners (an SRC holding entity) in 2017 according to Daniel Mann, FCRA president and CEO. Mann complimented Strategic Realty for their diligence to design and build such a high-quality product. “We are pleased that these will be attractive, energy efficient homes and that SRC will be a long-term partner assuring the quality appearance of the neighborhood will be maintained over time. This is going to be a great development that gives even more people the opportunity to live in and enjoy Chaffee Crossing.”

River Valley Regional Food Bank, Goodwill to Host Food Giveaway

News

Tammy Teague

-

7:30 am

0

The River Valley Regional Food Bank, in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Fort Smith, will host a pop-up pantry giveaway of GoFresh products on Monday, August 17 at 8:30 a.m. at the Goodwill location, 3225 S 74th St. on South 74th in Fort Smith.

The distribution, of assorted fresh produce, dairy products, and hand sanitizer, will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and will go while supplies last. The products are available to anyone who needs them. Supply is limited, so boxes will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are no requirements and no documentation is needed.

The food bank will also be debuting its new box truck and truck wrap, which were purchased thanks to a grant from Feeding America, of which the RVRFB is a proud member agency.

R

Have Set Storage for Items

Reduce the Number of Decorations

Know How to Cleanse Fibers

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK