Michael Ray Gunter of Boles, Arkansas passed from this life, Monday, August 3, 2020, with his wife, Millie and his daughter, Michelle by his side. Mike was born October 16, 1960, in Dinuba, California to Kenneth George Gunter and Wilma Jean Gunter. He was 59 years old.
Mike was a long time employee of Tyson Foods in Waldron, Arkansas where he had made many friends over the years. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed ATV riding. He enjoyed spending time with his family and having a good time.
Mike leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Millie of the home, one daughter: Michelle Johnson of Springdale, Arkansas, one son, Anton Kremer of Fresno, California and step sons: William “T” McMurray of Booneville, Arkansas, Robert McMurry and Shawn McMurry both of California. Grandpa Mike will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Kairi Johnson, Jade, Mariah, Damian, Woody, Wizdom, and Rozie as well as numerous great grandchildren. Mike is also survived by one brother, Mickey Gunter, 2 nephews, Matthew Gunter and John Poytress and one niece, Nicole Poytress. Mike will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of friends and loved ones he cherished.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Wilma Gunter and 2 sisters, Sheryl Gunter and Sheila Poytress.
Mike’s visitation will be Friday, August 7, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Obituary- Michael Ray Gunter (1960-2020)
Hartford City Council Meets, Discusses Proposed Dollar General
The Hartford City Council met in special session on Tuesday evening, August 4.
The first item of business, changing the meeting date to the third Monday of every month beginning in September. The motion passed unanimously.
Next, Mayor Richard Hartsfield sought the approval of the council to hire a seasonal city employee for 20-24 hours a week. Duties will include mowing, weed eating and picking up trash, among others. The employee will be hired by the mayor and work under the supervision of City Superintendent Rich Galyen.
The last item of business, the proposed purchase of city property. Galyen presented the proposal from Tyler Wilson with Commercial Realty LLC. The firm has offered the city $66,000 to purchase the land behind city hall, which includes Alexander Park. The plan includes the construction of a Dollar General store at that location. No action was taken, but the matter will be discussed further at the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 10 at 6 p.m.
Waldron School Board Meets, Talks Back to School
The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held at the Central Office building Monday, August 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Tammye Sherrill, Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, and Christi Johnston. Board member Mac Davis was not present at the meeting. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Ryan Walker, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Josh Atchley, Josh Brown, Keith Brigance, Kim Solomon, Toni Dozier, Zack Taylor and Chris Lipham.
President Sherrill called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Sherrill welcomed everyone, Woodall began the meeting with a word of prayer, and Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Johnston to move Item C) Approve Purchase Order to Todd Hunsucker under the consent agenda items to Item G. under New Business. Motion carried 4:0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Hunsucker to approve
the consent agenda items: A) approval of the July 13 minutes; B) approve purchase order to ingenuity; C) approve purchase order to Scott County Hardware/True Value; D) approve milk bid for food service; G) approve bread bid for food service. Motion carried 4:0.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Woodall to adopt the resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of the $7,575,000, Waldron School District No.45 of Scott County, Arkansas, refunding bonds dated August 1, 2020 and other documents pertaining thereto as prepared by the Friday, Eldredge & Clark Law Firm. Motion carried 4:0.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Johnston to adopt the resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of the $1,345,000, Waldron School District No. 45 of Scott County, Arkansas, refunding bonds dated August 20, 2020 and other documents pertaining thereto as prepared by the Friday, Eldredge & Clark Law Firm. Motion carried 4:0.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Hunsucker to adopt the continuing disclosure dissemination agreement with First Security. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Woodall to employ First Security Beardsley as Financial Advisor for a period of three (3) years effective as of the date of adoption. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Johnston to approve the petition for the transfer of a student. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to approve the school calendar for 2020/2021. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Woodall to discuss and approve the mask policy. Motion carried 4-0.
Superintendent Fielding provided a slideshow while discussing the Waldron Ready for Learning Plan.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to discuss and approve the ASBA policy recommendations and updates. The following policies were approved: 1.6, 1.8, 1.9, 1.17, 1.18,1.21, 3.4, 3.7, 3.19, 3.21, 3.25, 3.26, 3.32, 3.36, 3.40, 3.54, 4.2, 4.5, 4.5F, 4.6, 4.8, 4.11, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.23, 4.24, 4.27, 4.45 (replaced), 4.45.1, 4.47, 4.49, 4.52, 4.54, 4.55, 4.57, 5.2, 5.3, 5.13, 5.20, 5.22, 7.3, 7.5, 7.15, 7.18, 8.4, 8.13, 8.15, 8.19, 8.20, 8.23, 8.30, 8.34, 8.37. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Woodall to approve the purchase order to Todd Hunsucker. Angela Hunsucker stepped out during voting of this item. Motion carried 3:0.
Each of the principals reported that they are gearing up to start the new school year and working through the challenges that Covid-19 has brought with it. Each of them stated they are looking forward to school starting and the kids returning. At the elementary, there will be a kindergarten Meet the Teacher night at the field next to the elementary school on Wednesday, August 12, new students will get a chance to meet their teachers as well. Walker has also been accepted into Phase 3 of the Master Principal program. Lipham at the middle school will be hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Friday, August 7 from 9-9:30 on Facebook. He also wanted to add that the 5th graders will be having their orientation during the first few days of school and that they will be taken care of. Solomon spoke on social distancing at the high school and plans during lunches. She also stated that students will be able to park in the parking lot of the high school for remote learning if they need to. The new expectations of custodians were discussed and how their duties will be changed during this pandemic.
Superintendent Daniel Fielding wants everyone to be aware that we are in an impossible situation and a lot will be learned as we go. He asked that we all exercise patience for all the unknown that will be coming throughout the school year.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Woodall to accept the resignation of Erin Curtis, as of July 28, 2020. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Hunsucker to hire Jessica Brockman and Rosemary Diamond for Food Service. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Johnston to hire Liliana Banderas as ABC Teacher. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to hire Abby Clemmer as HS Para. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Police Reports 7/26
On July 27 a Greenwood officer was stationary in the work zone located on Highway 71, between Mt. Zion and Hwy 10. He observed a vehicle approaching above the posted speed limit and a male subject on the phone. The officer activated his emergency lights and caught up to the
vehicle. The driver made numerous furtive movements towards the
passenger side of the car. The subject also continually looked in the side mirror at me and exited his car. I told him to get back in the car and asked for an additional officer. The officer made contact with driver David Roten, 30 of Greenwood. The driver stated that he had got a call from his girlfriend saying her water had broke and that she was in labor. He also informed the officer that he didn’t have a license and was trying to get there to help her or he wouldn’t be driving. The officer obtained Roten’s license and the information on his girlfriend. The officer asked the county to go to the residence to check the welfare on the female subject, and ran Roten through the Sebastian County Dispatch. Dispatch advised that Roten had
two outstanding warrants and was an absconder from parole. Mansfield Police responded to the address and made contact with the girlfriend, who was also the owner of the vehicle. She stated that she was not pregnant and had only known Roten for about two weeks. She further stated that he stole the car or took it without asking. Roten was placed into custody. Located in his front pocket, a pair of brass knuckles and suspected marijuana debris was located in the area where he was reaching. found to be in
possession of a pair of brass knuckles that were located in his front pocket. Suspected marijuana debris was located in the area where he was reaching. Roten was transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center and was booked in on the two warrants and an absconding charge. Roten was issued citations for driving with license revoked, speeding, and using a handheld device in a work zone.
On July 28 at 5:58 p.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle whose license plate did not match. The officer made contact with the driver, Autumn Summit, 20 of Coal Hill. After explaining the reason for the stop, Summit stated she did not have her license with her and provided a false name and date of birth. After speaking with Summit further, she provided the officer with the correct information. The officer sought consent to search the vehicle. In that search the officer located a glass smoking pipe with suspected methamphetamine inside. This item was
located in a plastic bag, sunk inside a McDonald’s coffee, in the center console. Additionally, a multicolored smoking pipe with marijuana residue and marijuana roaches were located. These items were located in a shopping style bag in the front passenger area of the vehicle. On the front passenger seat, the officer located a butane lighter. In the back seat of the
vehicle were Summit’s four year old boy and three year old daughter.
A check of Summit’s information revealed her license was suspended and she had a Felony warrant for her arrest out of Pope County for contempt. Summit contacted someone to come and take possession of her vehicle and custody of her children. Summit was placed under arrest and transported to the Sebastian County Detention Center. While en-route, Summit complained of the cuffs hurting. The officer stopped and adjusted them. Once at the jail she was booked on the following charges:
27-14-307 – Fictitious Tags
27-14-314(a)(2)(A) – Failure to Register Vehicle
5-54-102 – Obstructing Governmental Operations
27-16-303 – Driving While License Suspended
5-64-443(a)(1) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)
5-64-443(a)(2) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Felony)
5-64-419(b)(2)(A) – Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance LT 2g
5-27-207 – Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 3rd Degree 2x
Pope County Warrant
On July 28 at 11:55 p.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle that did not have a functioning license plate light. The occupants of that vehicle were, driver Jonathan Nave 36 of Fort Smith, and passenger Lewis McFarland, 28 of Pocola, OK. Dispatch located two warrants for
McFarland’s arrest. Both were failure to appear cash bonds, one out of the City of Greenwood and one out of the City of Fort Smith. Additionally, Dispatch located a warrant for Nave’s arrest. The warrant was for contempt – failure to pay fines and out of the City of Fort Smith. Both were placed under arrest and transported to the Sebastian County Detention Center
without incident.
On July 29 at approximately 1:12 a.m., a Greenwood officer was traveling east on East Center Street when he observed a SUV travel left of center. After observing the violation, he initiated a traffic stop. The
vehicle came to a stop on East Center Street, near its intersection with Aster Street. The officer made contact with the driver, Michael Suttles, 40 of Greenwood. He advised Suttles of the reason for the stop. Suttles stated he knew he went left of center, but was on his way home from work. Suttles failed to provide the officer with either a driver’s license or insurance.
He did provide an Arkansas ID card. ACIC/NCIC and Sebastian County Dispatch confirmed a warrant his arrest. Suttles was placed under arrest and transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center without incident.
On July 31 at approximately 9:05 p.m., an officer was traveling west on West Center Street behind a maroon Mitsubishi Montero bearing Arkansas license plate 041ZIJ. He ran the license plate and it returned to
Nickalas Turner, 39, from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Turner also showed to have two outstanding warrants. The officer initiated a traffic stop on West Center Street, near its intersection with Ulmer Street. The officer made contact with the driver and observed his hands trembling and his voice shaking. After running Turner’s information through ACIC/NCIC, Sebastian County Dispatch advised of one warrant from Farmington, but was outside extradition. The officer asked for the Fayetteville warrant to be confirmed through the Fayetteville Police Department. Based on Turner’s demeanor, the officer asked him to exit the vehicle and for consent to search the vehicle, which he denied. The officer asked if he had ever been arrested and he advised that he had not. The officer had reasonable suspicion to detain Turner due to his behavior, lying and the pending response from the Fayetteville PD. The officer asked for an available K9. While waiting for the K9, the officer was advised by dispatch that Fayetteville PD would confirm the warrant if charges were established in Greenwood. Once the K9 unit arrived, the handling officer ran the K9 around the exterior of the vehicle and advised of a positive alert. A probable cause search of the vehicle was then executed. During the search, the officer discovered a white crystal like substance, believed to be methamphetamine, in a plastic bag in a cigarette
pack in the center console. He also discovered a plastic bag containing 5 ½ orange pills with the imprint 1-2 on them believed to be Clonazepam and 3 white pills with the imprint 377 on them believed to be Tramadol. Once establishing charges in Greenwood, Fayetteville PD confirmed the warrant for Turner’s arrest. After completing the search, Turner was placed under arrest and transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center without incident.
On July 31, at 10:13 p.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on vehicle that had plates that did not match. Driver, Nicholas Evans, 39 of Parks was driving on a suspended license. He was issued a criminal citation to appear for Driving On a Suspended License
On August 1 at 3:37 a.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having a license plate light. Driver Joshua Joslin was driving with a suspended license and was issued a criminal citation to appear for driving on a suspended license.
On August 2 at 2:06 a.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on driver Gregory Hohimer, 60 of Booneville. Hohimer was driving with a suspended license. The officer confirmed with dispatch that Hohimer had two outstanding warrants, one out of Greenwood for failure to appear, and the other out of Barling for failure to pay (fine.) Hohimer was arrested and
transported to the Sebastian County Detention Center, without incident.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
Arrest Records 7/26
Zachary Wayne Boyd of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 29 at 4:15 a.m. and released on signature bond July 29 at 5:34 a.m. Boyd was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)
Danie Ray Brown of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 30 at 7:15 p.m. Brown remains at the SCADC. He was charged with petition to revoke bond, violation of a protection order misdemeanor, contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)
Melissa Rae Davis-Cundiff of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 29 at 11:45 p.m. and released on a legally sufficient bond August 3 at 5:19 p.m. Cundiff was charged with failure to appear-class C felony, and failure to appear-class B misdemeanor.
Nikita Latrell Evans of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 29 at 8:30 p.m. and was released on bon July 30 at 6:44 a.m. Evans was charged with theft of property <$1k, and contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)
Thomas David Hagy of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 27 at 8:08 p.m. and was released on signature bond July 27 at 10:38 p.m. Hagy was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)
Kyle Elliott Henderson of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 29 at 4:15 a.m. and was released on signature bond on July 29 at 5:45 a.m. Henderson was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)
Thomas Ivery of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 26 at 11:25 a.m. and released on signature bond July 28 at 11:13 p.m. Ivery was charged with domestic battering in the third degree-purposely.
Robert Eugene Izell of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 12:46 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond on August 1. Izell was charged with criminal mischief in the first degree-$1,000 or less, and aggravated assault on a family or household member.
Thomas Norris of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 3:15 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond on August 1 at 3:42 p.m. Norris was charged with driving while intoxicated-1st offense, possession of open container, and leaving the scene of an accident-property damage.
George Bradley Pfeifer of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 26 at 8:05 a.m. and released on signature bond on July 26 at 12:40 p.m. Pfeifer was charged with failure to appear-class C felony.
Rebecca Ann White of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on August 1 at 5:05 a.m. and released on bond August 3 at 4:58 p.m. White was charged with domestic battering in the third degree-purposely, aggravated assault on a family or household member, and public intoxication-annoyance.
Mathew Edward Wilson of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 30 at 6:15 p.m. and released on cash bond July 30 at 8:10 p.m. Wilson was charged with petition to revoke-felony.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
Eagles Football Team Prepares for Season in Helmets After Governor’s OK
On an uncommonly cool August morning, the Paris Eagles football team practiced in shorts and helmets in preparation for the 2020 season. Paris is scheduled to open with a preseason scrimmage game against Magazine on August 18. The Eagles open the season on August 28 when they host the Lavaca Golden Arrows.
Once again, due to COVID-19 restrictions on the media during practice sessions, the photos in this story were taken from outside the practice field using a telephoto lens. As soon as restrictions are lifted and the media is permitted inside gymnasiums, RP will bring you a story on the Paris Lady Eagles volleyball team and their preparation for the upcoming fall season.
Today’s story is more about how the players and coaches are adapting to practice under the governor’s guidelines this week. As high school football teams are excited to return to the practice field for the normal progression of practice from workouts to practice sessions in helmets, my observation today was how fragile all of this is with the constant threat of the COVID virus changing our lives each day. In today’s practice, I observed masks being worn. Thinking back to my childhood days and playing the sport, it is unimaginable for me to think about wearing a mask in the August heat of preseason practice. And although today was unseasonably cool, we know that the hot days are coming, and once again, high school football players will be making an enormous sacrifice to play.
Football requires a sacrifice to play that is a little different than other sports. Not to say that any other sport does not require sacrifice and commitment; they all do. But few other sports require their athletes to don head-to-toe protective gear in blazing August heat and then go out on the field and run and hit each other. It tests the true love of each athlete. And those who truly love playing the game, are willing to make the sacrifice.
You have to admire high school athletes who are willing to work as hard as they do, and this year, with little assurance that they will have the opportunity to play. My heart breaks for each one of them to think about the possibility of the spread of the virus worsening, and their chances lessening to play the game that they love and have worked so hard for the chance to play.
So as the Paris Eagles and every other high school team across the state continues to work, practice, and hope that they will have the opportunity to play, I hope that all Arkansans will do their part to control the virus for the benefit of everyone. Regardless of where you stand on the prospects of sports continuing this fall, we owe it to these players to give them the best chance possible to pursue their dreams.
This week is critical for high school sports. The helmets-only conditioning period will end on August 7. And as the governor has said, if we want sports, we have to wear our masks and maintain social distancing. The Eagles are doing their part. Numerous times I heard coaches tell their players, “maintain six feet.”
Resident Press will keep you updated this week as teams move forward beyond August 7 in hopes of being able to practice in full pads next week.
Stay with RP for the latest in River Valley sports.
4 DIY Projects to Improve the Value of Your Home
When looking for ways to increase your home’s market value, it’s easy to get caught up in the projects that cost half of your budget or are way beyond your skill level. Fortunately, you don’t have to resort to expensive professional services to spruce up your house. There are plenty of renovations that you can do yourself to freshen up the look or function of your home. Check out these DIY projects to improve the value of your home.
Treat Your Windows
It’s easy to keep your old, standard blinds or shutters without thinking much of how they affect the rest of your home’s appearance. In actuality, though, your windows play a huge role in your house’s curb appeal and the first impression it makes. Transform your home with new window treatments. You can replace or repaint the shutters, install attractive wooden blinds, or add the perfect curtains or drapes to a room. New window treatments can make your home stand out and impress potential buyers.
Spruce Up the Front Door
You want everyone who steps foot in your home—whether they’re buyers, guests, or your own family—to receive a warm welcome. A stylish front entrance can do just that. If your door is showing some wear and tear, it might be time for a fresh coat of paint. You can also replace the door completely to find a newer option that better fits your home’s style. Potted plants and other entrance decorations also add some style and create an excellent first impression for your home.
Try Some New Floors
The type of flooring you have is a huge determiner of your home’s market value. Hardwood floors are elegant, durable additions to any room, but they aren’t always easy or affordable to install. However, you can still get the look of solid hardwood by installing engineered hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood is a lasting option that adds value to both the function and beauty of a room, making it an excellent way to catch the eye of any potential buyer.
Upgrade the Bathroom
There are several DIY projects to improve the value of your home that take place in the bathroom, and each one makes your home far more appealing. To start simple, replace the hardware on cabinets or drawers. If you want to devote a little more time to the project, add a fresh coat of paint to the room. You can even add a new light fixture, shower head, or sink faucet. Replacing outdated or unoriginal features with stylish upgrades will help your bathroom sparkle with personality and appeal.
Jr High Pirates Batten Down The Hatches For Upcoming Season
Pictured is #3 Colton Arnold
With the first game of the Cedarville Pirates Jr High season less than a month away, to say that the Jr High squad was “chomping at the bit” to not only take out old foes but new nemesis as well would be an understatement. At the helm of the Pirate’s ship is head coach, Max Washausen. He along with coaching staff Matt Chandler and Jarrod Remer, are primed and ready this year to turn Cedarville football into a household name.
So far during summer workouts, the 7th-9th grade teams combined have consistently had upwards of 20 players showing up to practice. This is great news for the Pirates football program but not so great news for this season’s opponents. Last year the Jr High squad did an immaculate job at holding their own on the field against their opponent teams in their division. But with this past offseasons 3A-1 conference shake-up, can the Jr Pirates repeat the same success from 2019? The shake-up saw the departure of conference heavyweights Booneville, Lamar, and Paris. Those spots will be void by no means though as Lincoln, Hackett, and Lavaca, look to stake claim in the Jr High 3A-1. Tack on Cedarville’s annual foes Greenland, Mansfield, Charleston, and West Fork and the Jr Pirates face quite an onslaught on the schedule. But a schedule is totally different than the field and the field is where the Jr Pirates set schedules ablaze.
One player coming back to do a little football tango in the Jr High department is freshman running back, Colton Arnold. Playing football for the last eight years, Colton will definitely be adding a power punch to the season. “This upcoming football season means a lot to my class in particular,” explains Arnold. “We have had the goal to be Conference Champions since we were all in seventh grade and although we came close last year, we did not achieve it. With us being the upperclassmen this year in Jr High, we have set the goal of Champions. With new teams in our conference that we have not faced before, we have to be prepared for anything. If it is the ground game or teams taking to the pass, we have set a mindset to be winners this year and to do whatever it takes.”
Also looking to shine alongside Arnold are linemen Briley Small and Braxton Bentley. “We have two quarterbacks, Kendal Hightower and Chasyn Oden, that have been working hard during summer workouts as well,” says Coach Washausen. “We will have a lot of new faces and a lot of spots to fill from last year. We are always wanting to build our numbers. As far as our 7th-grade team goes, Jayden Carter is going to be a very good back along with two solid linemen who have been showing up all summer, Levi Crowley and Justice Workman.”
As far as upcoming games go, Arnold has his eye set on Charleston. “They have been an old adversary to my group of guys for a long time. It would mean a lot for us to get a win against them.” Coach Washausen is looking forward to facing non-conference rivals the Mountainburg Dragons and conference competitors the Mansfield Tigers. Although it seems at times that 7th-grade football and Jr High football fall in the shadows of Sr High play, when it comes to building a successful program, they are the most important building blocks.
“I believe 7th and JR High is extremely important to the program which is why when I took over I wanted to be the head coach at all levels,” stats Washausen. “From 7th grade, Jr High, and Sr High football, I think we are really starting to see a program being built with improvements year to year. Everything starts from the ground up if you want to have sustained success.” When it comes to proving Coach Washausen’s theory, Colton Arnold is the perfect example of how focusing on the younger squads can successfully impact your Sr High team.
Arnold continues, “What inspires me to play is that I know that my teammates go 110% every play and push me to be my best every single play. Coach Washausen has always inspired me to try and take my game to another level. He has worked with the program to make us what we are. Cedarville Football! Some teams may count us out, but that just pushes us even more. No matter what anyone says about us, we always have a passion for the game to put in the work in the weight room and off the field. My team, my coaches, and Cedarville Football IS the reason I wake up every morning and eat, sweat, and bleed football. I believe we have the potential and the talent this year to be great.”
With the right mindset and work ethic, anyone old or young can make things happen. For the Jr High Pirates along with their coaches, this season could very well be the one to put this program over the top. And when all is said and done and the Pirates have accomplished their goals for the 2020 football season, Arnold’s gonna celebrate the only way he knows how. With his favorite concession stand food, Nachos! “Why nachos? Because besides the fact that I sneak them to the Sr High players when I run the endzone camera, nothin’s better at warming you up than hot cheese and chips!”
Pictures courtesy of Malinda Mizell
Community Teacher Appreciation Project
With back to school events being cancelled due to Covid-19, Jade Graves, mother of 3, felt the need to show appreciation to teachers within the Greenwood school district.
“One of my very best friends is a teacher,” stated Graves. “We wore our little masks and went for pedicures and were just chatting about the upcoming school year sharing concerns and such. The news that the annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet was cancelled had just been announced. I know the teachers look forward to it. I completely agree with the reasons it was cancelled but my heart just couldn’t let it go.”
That heart tug would soon give way to an idea, a fund set up to provide gifts for teachers within the district. “Our goal is to give every teacher and support staff in the school district a gift card to a local Greenwood business,” added Graves. “We will host a Facebook live event with a drawing for several larger gifts. We are hoping to have at least five larger gifts for each campus.”
Graves enlisted the help of her neighbors to assist with the logistics. Autumn Mendenhall, Kelly Mizell and Melissa Jones assisted in planning for the project. Erin Bartlett will serve as treasurer, managing the donations. “We want to make sure that the teachers feel loved and appreciated, and we as a community, recognize what a difficult job they have in the face of Covid-19.”
After seeking the blessing of the district, the team went to work, putting together a promotional video and publicizing the project.
The Community Teacher Appreciation Project has a minimum goal of $3,000. “We do not plan to solicit any area business,” Graves concluded. “We know this has been tough on them. If a business wants to donate, great, but we will not be asking directly for contributions.”
If you are interested in donating to the Community Teacher Appreciation Project you can do so –HERE–
Local Woman Shines with Positive Spirit
Tucked away on a quiet street in the City of Greenwood, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who despite her age and physical limitations continues to care selflessly for her family.
Janice Franklin will tell anyone, she’s lived a blessed life. Her children and extended family treasure her, and her greatest moments in life have been spent with them. Particularly, gathered around the table filled with homecooked food. Fluffy homemade biscuits, breakfast ham, gravy and some of the best chocolate pie you’ve ever eaten.
Franklin is also the caregiver for her adult disabled daughter, Sandra. Although her own health has continued to deteriorate, she has found strength in her faith and as a mother to care for the daily needs of her daughter.
She finds no sacrifice in her day-to-day life, but rather continues to shine with joy and a positive spirit.
