Greenwood High School Head Baseball Coach Chad Mercado and returning Coach Shannon Rhea undoubtedly know talent when they see it. This year the duo became abundantly aware of the number of skilled players on their hands.
“(We) noticed how much talent we had at tryouts,” stated Mercado. “Rhea was like me, we’re both excited about it!”
However the limited facility was a challenge. “When he mentioned the idea of bussing the younger guys to a different field so we could keep more of them and see how they’d develop, I thought it was a great idea,” added Mercado. “Every coach wants to give younger guys a chance to develop, but we also have to keep our varsity squad sharp. We have unbelievable facilities, but no matter how you look at it, 45 kids and one baseball field is a challenge.”
The dream would soon become a reality for those up- and-coming players. “Fortunately we had just helped out Kenny Sunde with their baseball tournament and based on our conversations, I felt like he’d be interested in the idea,” Mercado added.
Sunde, the Director of the Boys and Girls Club, had done extensive work on the field and offered to transform Field 6 from a softball field to a baseball field. The work would entail cutting sod from what will now become a softball field, and transferring it to Field 6.
He then contacted Athletic Director Dr. Dustin Smith, who fully supported the notion and helped get the ball rolling. “(He) always supports doing whatever we can to give as many kids as possible an opportunity, and the ball quickly began to move.”
Workers removed a fence to expand the outfield and designed the infield so it can service 12U competition with 50’/70′ mound distance and bases, as well as high school regulations of 60’/90′.
“This was some serious work that wouldn’t have been possible without our upperclassmen,” stated Mercado. “They may never field a ground ball on that field again, but they know how much it’s going to benefit our young guys, and I think that just says a lot about what kind of kids we have at Greenwood”
The field work was a community effort and made possible by volunteers such as Arkansas Select Coach Phillip Karnes.
“Once we finish expanding the infield and getting the fences to 300 feet, the Karnes’ are going to donate a batting cage frame so we can hang a net and have a full size batting cage. We should be able to build bullpen mounds right next to the cage, and there you have it.”
The field will play host to young baseball talent for years to come. As Mercado concluded, “we think we’ll have a really solid facility that can host freshmen-sophomore games and practices, and also give the community another quality field to play on all year. Program wise, I think it’s going to be really cool to have Coach Rhea and our young guys out there representing the high school and giving young players and families a chance to see the day in and day out of high school baseball. Most importantly though, we feel like it gives our program an even more grass roots approach and gives us an opportunity to invest in the future. Obviously the field will service us, but we want the community to benefit from it just as much.”
On Thursday, July 23, the office of Secretary of State John Thurston issued a statement regarding recently denied petitions.
“There have been several comments and questions recently regarding the petitions that my office has denied. As Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer, it is my duty to follow the statutes and laws passed by the Arkansas State Legislature. I have taken a sworn oath to uphold the law and Constitution and my office will continue to follow the law as written. My office has filed a response in the lawsuit and we have nothing further to add at this time.”
Arkansas’ top election official rejected the petitions for three initiatives vying for spots on the November ballot, citing issues with background checks.
Secretary of State John Thurston on Tuesday said his office could not count the signatures turned in for the proposals to overhaul Arkansas’ redistricting process, create an open primary system and expand casino gambling.
Thurston said the groups did not comply with a state law requiring them to certify that their signature gatherers passed criminal background checks.
The campaigns submitted thousands of signatures last week in hopes of qualifying their proposals for the ballot. The proposals need at least 89,151 valid signatures from registered voters to qualify.
All three campaigns criticized Thurston’s decision. Arkansas Wins in 2020, the group behind the casino expansion effort, said it would file a petition for review with the state Supreme Court over the state’s move.
Perhaps no single play call has epitomized pulling out a victory in the most desperate of situations than that of the “Hail Mary” pass. That long pass down the field, often on the last play of the game that has very little chance of being completed, but is called out of complete desperation to win a game with no time remaining.
One of the most dramatic “Hail Mary” calls occurred in a 1984 NCAA game between Boston College and Miami. In that game, BC quarterback Doug Flutie connected on a desperation bomb to teammate Gerrard Phelan for the game winning touchdown over the Hurricanes on the game’s last play.
Boston College’s Doug Flute Connects with Gerrard Phelan on Last Play with No Time Remaining to Defeat Miami in 1984. Video courtesy of Youtube.com
Time is running out for the summer and a decision to play or not to play high school sports in Arkansas this fall. And as time runs out, it will be up to Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison to make a “Hail Mary” call to save the fall sports seasons, both in Arkansas high schools and colleges, as well. There is no time remaining for a slow, methodical drive toward the winning decision to play. We are out of time outs, and we are behind. Players and coaches have not had the opportunity to prepare their teams this summer, but it is still possible to play if the decision is made soon. But, our players and coaches are out of time, and it is time for the governor to make the call.
With some in the media predicting an announcement on or before July 31st from the Arkansas Governor’s Office, time is drawing near for perhaps a much clearer picture on what may or may not happen with Arkansas high school sports this fall. And just as in the case of the “Hail Mary” pass having a low percentage chance to work, it is a call that has to be made to win the game. The same is true for Governor Hutchison; the task may seem impossible, but the decision to play sports must be made for our kids to have a chance to win.
The common belief among many is that if the decision were solely in the hands of the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA), the decision would have been made by now to play football and volleyball in the fall with certain safeguards in place to provide as much protection as possible for the players, coaches, fans, and all others involved in the sports. In fact, the AAA released its third press release in the recent weeks regarding policies and statements that have made reference to preparing to play in the fall. The latest was this week in which the AAA clarified how eligibility will be determined for high school athletes who are taking advantage of virtual (online) learning during the fall in lieu of traditional attendance of classes held on campuses.
Arkansas Activities Association Press Release, July 21, 2020
In short, the AAA’s announcement of July 21 waives the current rule that students must attend classes “at least one period per day at the school” if enrolled in an online program. As explained by the AAA, this waiver became necessary for those students who choose to attend online classes due to COVID-19 concerns and still remain eligible to play high school sports. As in many cases, as rules may be necessary and adopted in the spirit of what is intended to be fair and applicable to the student-athlete, it is hoped that it will not be misused as a way to recruit or otherwise circumvent rules on high school eligibility.
While fans wait for the decisions that will affect both high school and collegiate sports in Arkansas, the University of Arkansas released a draft plan for the continuance of football this fall should the state and the Southeastern Conference decides to play football this fall. Major points to the U of A plan include: a cap on fan capacity at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium of under 33,000 fans (stadium capacity is 76,212) that would be prioritized to season ticket holders, no on-field presentations such as pregame and halftime ceremonies and shows, no presence of the band or other spirit groups, the players’ sidelines extended from the 15 yard line to the opposite end 15 yard line, and sideline personnel limited to players, coaches, essential team support personnel and media only. This is just a draft list at this point, but it does give fans a glimpse into what sports could look like in both high school and collegiate sports this fall.
As the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, its effects on schools and students continues, as well. Some states have cancelled fall marching band seasons. Some states have moved fall sports to the spring semester. Some have postponed the start of fall sports to August 31. There is no common direction or movement among states and colleges, and states’ governors, conference commissioners, and extracurricular governing associations face the toughest decisions in their recent histories with respect to the question of play or no play this fall. On the publication date of this story, perhaps we will all finally know what is going to happen a little more than a week from today. One of many coaches who anxiously awaits that decision is Paris High School head football coach Tyler Clark.
Tyler Clark, Paris Head Football Coach
Coach Clark appeared on Tuesday’s Sports Brew Show along with four of his offensive and defensive linemen for the upcoming season. Coach Clark and the Eagles have a lot of experienced talent returning in 2020, and everyone in the program wants the chance to play this fall.
Adam Chandler
Jimmy Dikeman
Speaking about his talented and experienced linemen, Coach Clark said, “Anything good that happens to us this year will be because of these guys. Things are going really good. We’ve talked to our kids day in and day out about we can’t control the future; we don’t know what is going to happen. All we can do is keep showing up and keep getting after it until they make us close the doors. Our kids have done a really good job of showing up. There is only so much we can do, so, when you do that for six weeks there becomes a point where our guys get tired of doing the same thing over and over again. Any kid would. But doing those things repetitively will pay huge dividends in the fourth quarter when we are wore out. What I am most excited about is our team is showing up and working their tails off every day because they know we are fixing to be a really good football team.”
Mequell Ellingburg
Ryan Post
As the summer conditioning program continues, there is evidence that the Eagles are developing depth at their skill positions, as well. Coach Clark said, “There is nothing but good things going on with our football team. Our linemen, have worked with our skill positions players. And having Jude Simmons continue to develop as a quality player at quarterback, to be able to run the offense and have some success moving us forward is only going to help us. We are giving Jude as many reps as we can. And our linemen’s number one job is protecting Chase Watts. They (offensive linemen) are the key to what we are doing. Chase can sling it, but he knows our offense. He knows exactly what we are trying to do when we call plays. Our receivers are playing well. We’re fast, we’re big, and hopefully we will find out that we are pretty physical, too.”
Protecting Chase Watts’s blindside (his back to the rush from his left side) will be senior Ryan Post. Ryan’s number one responsibility will be to protect his quarterback’s blindside. Chase will be in good hands with Ryan’s work at left tackle.
Coach Clark feels really good about his defense too. “We expect the offensive line to be our strong point. On defense, we expect those same kids who are playing the defensive line to be the strong point of our defense. It’s a little bit different on offense and defense; on offense, if those guys make a mistake, there is no second player (the defensive rusher pressures the quarterback). On defense, we still have to do our jobs, but there are layers behind them. We have linebackers playing behind them, and secondary behind the linebackers. So, I am just going to be honest…we are going to dominate both lines of scrimmage. They are going to be tired, no doubt.” A lesson learned in last year’s game versus Mansfield when the Eagles jumped out to a sizable lead but lost the game in the second half when the Eagles got tired. That is something that Coach Clark has not let his team forget, and appears to be a prime motivator in the off-season conditioning and preparation for the 2020 team.
Appearing on the show with Coach Clark were linemen Adam Chandler, Jimmy Dikeman, Mequell Ellingburg, and Ryan Post. Four very impressive players who will be the key to the Eagles success in 2020.
According to the website “Next College Student Athlete”, Chandler is listed as 6’2″, 260 lbs. Since that publication, the team now lists him as 6’3″, 230 lbs. He is an offensive and defensive tackle. He runs a 5.3 40 yard dash and bench presses 290 lbs. This will be Adam’s senior year. He and the rest of the Eagles are working out like the season will start tomorrow. As Adam prepares for a season of unknowns, he said, “I want to play in a conference championship game. I think all of us do. We have been working a lot. Hopefully, we will have football. It would be terrible if we didn’t. It is our last year; me and Jimmy (Dikeman). We have put too much time and effort in to not having it. It would hurt my chances to go to college, too.” Chandler, like the other three Paris linemen who appeared on the show, all have legitimate chances to play college football on some level. It is very important to them and every other high school player to have the chance to play this fall.
Chandler paid his coach, Tyler Clark, a big complement on the show. In a poignant moment, Adam said that his coach has had his back and has supported him all the way. “I wasn’t feeling so good about some home life and he told me every single time that if you ever needed me he would be there. I keep that in mind.”
Thus the case for high school sports. So many of our players in all sports need the opportunity to be reunited with their coaches and have the chance to play the sports they love and receive the guidance from their coaches that can be life changing experiences for so many.
Jimmy Dikeman may be the biggest of the group affectionately known as the “big uglies.” Jimmy has worked hard over the past three years to get his body ready for his senior season. Dikeman commented, “The main thing is that you have to show up and work. I just worked out in the weight room 24/7, ate a lot healthier, and I’m losing weight in body fat and gaining it back in muscle. I am still working on that. I have lost 30 lbs. this summer so far. I am trying to lose more and gain it back in muscle. I weigh 304 right now.”
For Jimmy Dikeman, he too will be playing his senior season at Paris High School. Jimmy said, “Pretty much the same thing that Adam said. I hope we can play in a playoff game. I am not going to look too far into the future, because right now it is every day of working hard. You really can’t look into the future. You need to set out on a path, but there is always that one thing that may bump you off of it. So you have to be prepared for anything. It is just like a road you have never been on before. You don’t know what is going to be a mile down the road. Don’t know anything. One month from now, it will be we can play football or we can’t. It would be very bad if we don’t. It would be heartbreaking. But that is just another obstacle and we can’t control it.”
If Adam’s and Jimmy’s comments are any indication of the level of senior leadership that they and the rest of the seniors will bring to this team, the Eagles are in very good hands with this group of leaders. One can not help but to be impressed with their maturity and winning attitudes that have to be infectious throughout the team.
As mentioned earlier, junior Ryan Post will play left tackle for the Eagles. Left tackle may be the prime position on offensive lines at any level as they have a big responsibility to protect the quarterback’s back side from the rush he cannot see. Chase Watts will be in good hands with the 6’3, 285 lb tackle protecting him. Ryan is primarily slated to be an offensive lineman, but could contribute some on defense. His teammate, Miquell Ellingburg, who is listed as 6’1″, 235 lbs., will play offensive guard and defensive end. Ellingburg loves playing multiple positions, as he commented, “I just like being able to make an impact and help the team win. I can’t kick the ball very well, but if you want me to work on field goals I will do my best. I like winning more than anything.”
Ryan spoke about the work he has invested in his preparation to play this season. “I’m a country boy. I haul hay, chicken feed, and do things that keep me pretty strong and in shape. Coach sends us our workout papers (training plans and routines) each week. I think just doing all of that and running in the back yard a little bit has helped.”
So, Governor Hutchison, give these fine young men, as well as all of the athletes in boys and girls high school sports across the state the chance to play this fall, on time, and with complete schedules. Time is getting late, but it is not too late for that “Hail Mary” call to give all of our student-athletes the chance to win this fall.
Jimmy Dikeman (72) Blocking Downfield Last Season vs. Charleston (Resident Press File Photo)
Some people move into previously built homes from the 1950s or even later. Others prefer a freshly constructed home tailored to their preferences. Those who decide to build their house from scratch must know some important tips to avoid any issues. Here are some of the most essential tips for building a home. Consider the builder, location, budget, and personal touches that go into home design. Each of these factors affects how your home is constructed from top to bottom.
Consider the Builder
Always select a builder with experience and familiarity with the area. Avoid selecting one solely based on the highest or lowest bid. In fact, high bids don’t ensure a quality home just like how a low bid doesn’t ensure inexpensive costs. There might be hidden costs with additional labor or materials. With a local builder, you can see their previous work in nearby neighborhoods. You can even follow up with their subcontractors and suppliers for further references.
Know the Area
When purchasing land, make sure you scout the area first. Never develop land situated near a bad school district or high criminal activity. You also want to avoid building near highways or other high traffic areas. Instead, pay attention to its proximity to malls, stores, schools, healthcare facilities, libraries, and other places you may often visit. When you find a location, don’t overbuild. Compare your future home to others in the area. While your home should replicate your desires and needs, keep it appropriate to the neighborhood. Being too flashy or high-end could diminish its market value in the long-term.
Keep It Affordable
One essential tip for building a new home istoalways have a budget appropriate to your lifestyle. You might have to take out a construction home loan for the proper funding. This usually amounts to periodic payments allocated to the builder based on the estimated finished home’s value. All in all, keep your project affordable. If this is your first house, avoid going overboard on expensive technologies or appliances. Take your time and create a reasonable budget based on the mortgage, property taxes, maintenance, and utilities it requires.
Lois Faye Simmons of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, July 20, 2020 with loved ones by her side. Lois was born November 6, 1932 in Wollum, Arkansas to John Hodges and Ella (Morris) Hodges. She was 87 years old.She was a member of Winfield Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a faithful, strong Christian woman that lived by her beliefs and taught her children the same.
Lois was the oldest child of 5 and the only girl. So needless to say with 4 brothers it was only natural for to be caring, kind, resilient and a little stubborn. Lois graduated from WHS with honors. She got her first job by writing a letter to the President of the Bank of Waldron who hired her immediately. Lois worked there until she married and had her children. Lois was married to the love of her life, Earl Simmons for over 40 years. She was a homemaker who loved to garden, can, sew and was a wonderful cook. When her children got older and had families of their own, she was very involved in helping raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She later went to work for the Waldron Public Schools in the lunch room. She impacted many young children’s lives with her warm and welcoming smile. After retirement, she worked as a home health aide and it was only natural for her because she was always helping her neighbors or anyone she knew in one way or another. She later went on to run and work 2 chicken houses. She never let anything slow her down. When she wasn’t working, Lois enjoyed being surrounded by family.
Lois leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children: Susan Spence and husband Ed of Waldron, Arkansas, Judy Tucker and husband Douglas of Mansfield, Arkansas and Robert Simmons and wife Lynette of Waldron, Arkansas. Granny will forever remain in the hearts of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 brothers, Roy Hodges and wife Lida of Rogers, Arkansas and Jerry Hodges and wife Carlene of South Carolina. Lois will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including an extended family of nieces, nephews, friends, loved ones and her church family.
Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband Earl Simmons, her parents, John and Ella Hodges and two brothers: Rex Hodges and Joe Hodges.
Lois’ life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. William Crelia officiating. Interment will follow in the Sehorn Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
Lois’ pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons.
Lois’ visitation will be Thursday, July 23, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
The Waldron Police Department apprehended a suspect on Wednesday, July 22, following a break-in at the Waldron Elementary School.
WPD Detective Horatio Gonzalez stated that once they arrived, they began processing the scene. After viewing surveillance videos, the suspect was tracked to the Country Express in Waldron. Further investigation led authorities to the Southern Nights Motel, 1622 Rice Street in Waldron.
“We made contact with the suspect, Brandon Duncan,” stated Gonzalez. “He was mirandized, and questioned. Following a search, I discovered several suspicious checks out of Polk County.”
Duncan allegedly admitted to the break-in and stated he was “only trying to make some money.”
Gonzalez made contact with the Polk County Sheriff, Scott Sawyer. Sawyer informed Gonzalez that Duncan was wanted in numerous felony theft cases.
Duncan is being charged with commercial burglary and felony criminal mischief.
Doris June (Hawkins) Lamon went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, July 17, 2020, in Booneville, Arkansas. Doris was born May 4, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana to James William Hawkins and Elsie Bell(Barker) Hawkins. She was 83 years old.
Doris was beautiful, kind and loving She worked hard to keep herself and things around her beautiful, She was proud of her home and spent tireless hours keeping things that way. She enjoyed working in her yard. She created her own flair. She would mix colors and had all kinds of flowers. Doris also enjoyed fishing and golfing. She was a child of God and believed God sent Jesus to forgive us of our sins and be saved.
Doris leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Kelly Young and husband James of Paris, Arkansas, grandchildren: Brooke Sanders and husband Tony of Mt. Home, Arkansas and Hoyt Sizell and wife Lacey of Tulsa, Oklahoma along with her great grandchildren, McKensi Hughes of Mt. Home and Grayson Sizell of Tulsa, Oklahoma as well as her siblings: Billy L. Hawkins of Little Rock, Arkansas, Paul W. Hawkins of Waldron, Arkansas, Geneviene Daily of Waldron, Arkansas and step sister, Elgivia Lisle of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Doris will be missed by all that knew her and the many lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elsie Hawkins.
Doris’ graveside life celebration was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas with Rev. Wally Beckman officiating.Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hawkins Cemetery,
You may leave words of remembrance for Doris’ family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.
George Ernest Harris, better known as Butch of Waldron, Arkansas (formerly of Waller, Texas) passed from this life on Saturday, July 18, 2020 with loved ones by his side. He was 73 years old.
Butch was born December 1, 1946 in Houston, Texas to George Earl Harris and Ellen Zetterquist Harris. He was a skilled farmer, photographer, and talented woodworker. He was well known for his craftsmanship. He was meticulous in his art and loved sharing his pieces with his family and friends. Butch enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Butch was a kind and loving man and leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 36 years Rosemary Parker Harris, and his children: Scotty Harris, Jamie Haley, Jerry Hashaw, Kelly Hashaw, and Jason Hashaw. Butch also leaves behind loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin sister, Ernestine Zimmerman of Hondo, Texas. Butch will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ellen Harris and sister Barbara Garrett.
A memorial life celebration will be held later. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elite Hospice, 602 DeQueen St., Mena, AR 71953.
The Sebastian Retired Citizen’s Association Board of Directors met on Monday, July 20. The board voted unanimously to keep area senior centers closed until the state enters phase three of reopening.
“The vote was unanimous, however it was not an easy vote,” stated Executive Director Deanna Rice. “All directors were able to voice their concerns on how to re-open safely with all the distancing in place.”
The Sebastian County senior centers have been closed since March. They have, however, been supplying curbside meal pickup and deliveries to the homebound.
Rice can be reached at 479-648-9970 with any questions or concerns regarding the decision.
The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of a three-year-old girl and injury to her 15 month old sister. Both are the apparent victims of heat while they were inside a car parked outside their mother’s home in Booneville yesterday (July 20th).   Kaylee Petchenik, 21, of 482 West 5th Street in Booneville contacted local police about 2 p.m. stating that when she awoke from a nap, her children were missing. A Booneville police officer who responded to the residence found the children, both unconscious, lying on the car’s back floorboard.   Laykn Petchenik was later pronounced dead at a Booneville hospital.  Her body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for purposes of an autopsy. Olivia Petchenik remains hospitalized in Little Rock. She is in stable, but critical condition.    Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are leading the investigation and will submit a case file to the Logan County prosecuting attorney for consideration.
