Christopher Lee Carter of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 9:46 a.m. and released on signature bond July 20 at 11:19 a.m. Carter was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.
Tyler Lane Chappell of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 24 at 12:52 a.m. and released on signature bond July 24 at 1:35 a.m. Chappell was charged with public intoxication – danger to self or others.
Tomina Rachelle Danner of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 25 at 4:42 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Danner was charged with petition to revoke – felony, and contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)
James Edward Goines of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 24 at 3:30 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Goines was charged with aggravated assault on a household or family member.
Manuel Grantham of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 24 at 10:03 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Grantham was charged with drug court sanctions.
Shannon Monroe Haysmer of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 22 at 9:30 p.m. and released on cash bond July July 22 at 10:17 p.m. Haysmer was charged with petition to revoke – misdemeanor.
Jason Lee Hicks of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 25 at 4:30 p.m. and released on signature bond July 26 at 1 a.m. Hicks was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest meth/cocaine, possession of controlled substance – schedule I/II felony <2g, and assist outside agency – felony.
Ivery Thomas of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 26 at 11:25 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Thomas was charged with battery in the third degree – purpose.
Billy Ray Johnson of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 10:30 a.m. and released on bond July 23 at 3:05 p.m. Johnson was charged with criminal trespass, and aggravated assault on a family or household member.
Roy Alvin Lewis of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 9:30 p.m. and released on signature bond July 21 at 1:33 p.m. Lewis was charged with contempt of court – child support, and contempt willful disobedience to pay fine.
Lynn Eschol McAnelly of Mountainburg was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 21 at 2:10 p.m. and released on signature bond July 21 at 3:21 p.m. McAnelly was charged with contempt willful disobedience to pay fine.
Roger Dale Norris of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 21 at 11:10 p.m. and released on signature bond July 22 at 1:16 a.m. Norris was charged with public intoxication – danger to self or others.
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 July 26 at 12:40 p.m. Pfeifer was charged with failure to appear – class C felony.
Justin Tirrell Robbins of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 25 at 10:55 a.m. and released on signature bond July 25 at 3:22 p.m. Robbins was charged with failure to appear, class A misdemeanor, and failure to appear, class B misdemeanor.
Lance Daniel Smith of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 2:21 a.m. and released on signature bond July 20 at 3:02 a.m. Smith was charged with failure to appear, class B misdemeanor.
Peter Samuel Spanel of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 20 at 7:40 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Spanel was charged with contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine,) contempt of court – child support, forgery in the second degree, and assist outside agency – misdemeanor.
Brandon Ray Spence of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 21 at 10:43 p.m. and released on bond July 22 at 8:38 a.m. Spence was charged with fleeing on foot – misdemeanor, failure to appear – class B misdemeanor, and assist outside agency – misdemeanor.
Jeffery B Ward of Parks was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 23 at 10:13 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Ward was charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor, aggravated assault, domestic battering in the third degree – purposely, and criminal use of prohibited weapons – brass knuckles.
Clifford Louis West of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 24 at 6:45 p.m. and released on signature bond July 25 at 1:53 a.m. West was charged with two counts of failure to appear – class B misdemeanor and an assist to an outside agency – felony.
Heather Denise White of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 26 at 12:53 a.m. and released on bond July 26. White was charged with driving while intoxicated – first offense, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Martez Williams of Barling was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on July 26 at 11:25 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Williams was charged with domestic battering in the third degree – purposefully.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
There are a few people in this world who make it a better place simply by being who they are. This month’s Hometown Highlight features just such a couple.
Paul and Donna Crelia of Huntington are some of the most humble, and good hearted people you will ever meet. Paul’s laugh and Donna’s smile make you feel like all is right in the world. They quietly serve in their community and church, making a difference wherever, and whenever they can.
Members of Dayton Baptist Church, Paul and Donna minister faithfully with the annual backpack program. Each Friday throughout the summer, the Crelias, along with other church volunteers, hand out sacks of food to children at the park in Mansfield. The local church has been stepping up to the plate over the past few years to help meet the needs of children facing food insecurity.
In addition to the ministry in the church, the couple also cherishes time spent with family. This patriarch and matriarch are the very center of their children and grandchildren’s lives.
It is a great honor and privilege to feature the Crelias in our Hometown Highlight. If you know of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things, we want to feature them – contact us!
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.
It is with great pleasure we feature Franklin in our Hometown Highlight. If you know of an ordinary citizen doing extraordinary things, we want to hear about them! You can send your nomination -HERE.-
Janice Franklin is pictured with her daughters Sandra (left) and Raylene, son-in-law Kevin Brock and niece Sue Moore.
It is important to be vigilant and do your homework when donating to a new charity for the first time. Scammers have been stealing money from Arkansans by posing as veterans’ charities and often requesting charitable donations. Even though these bad actors can leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth, it is important to note that there are still many well intentioned military and veterans charities across Arkansas and the country doing tireless work for our nation’s heroes.
“Arkansas is just one big small town and the fantastic people of our state have a giving spirit, especially when it comes to our men and women in uniform,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “But, I want to make sure Arkansans’ generosity is not taken for granted by con artists looking to make a quick buck posing as a fake military or veteran’s charity.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to help consumers ensure an organization’s legitimacy before giving money:
Ask questions before giving. Only give when comfortable that the donation will support a trustworthy organization or activity. Refuse high-pressure appeals. Legitimate charities will not rush a donation.
Ask for written information or research the organization online. A legitimate charity will send information that provides the organization’s mission and how the donation will be used, along with proof that the contribution is tax deductible.
Call the charity directly. To avoid falling victim to sham solicitors, personally contact the charity before giving a donation by email, to the person knocking at the front door or to a telephone solicitor to ensure it is not a scam.
Do not send cash. For security and tax records, make donations by check or credit card.
Search the Arkansas Charities Database for more information on charities in Arkansas, including those benefiting service members and their families.
The FTC has released a video to highlight tips on how to research charities on giving wisely to veterans organizations.
In 2015, Rutledge launched the first-ever Military and Veterans Initiative at the Attorney General’s office to assist active duty military service members, reservists, veterans and their families with consumer-related issues and many other collaborative efforts.
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982, consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov.
The first of fraternal twin sisters arrived with little complication at 11:36 PM. The second inadvertently flipped in the wrong direction making it much more difficult to meet the world. Anxious moments persisted before the younger sibling would join her big sister. By stopwatch, the two births were 1 hour and 39 minutes apart. By calendar, it was the next day. The official birth time of baby number two was 1:15 AM.
Sixteen years have passed since that frightening yet wonderful two days in late June brought Mansfield Lady Tiger cross country runners Faith and Hope Rainwater into the world. Faith, the oldest, accepts the mantle of big sister with pride. Hope, technically the youngest by a day, settles into her role quite nicely as well. Together the two fit perfectly into the plans of Mansfield long-distance runners.
“I remember when they came into junior high a few years ago,” Mansfield cross country coach John Mackey explained. “I was checking birthdays for AAA eligibility and thought there was a clerical mistake. They said they were twins but their birth dates were different.” As it turned out, Mackey was not the first to assume the two Lady Tigers were born on the same day. A common misperception, given that twins are most commonly born within the same 24 hour period.
“When you think about it, it’s pretty cool,” the coach insisted. “It’s a fascinating story about two terrific talents.” When asked if Faith plays the part of the big sister well, Hope responded with an unexpected comparison. “She more or less mothers me,” Hope admitted with a sheepish grin. “She wakes me up, fixes my food, and does my hair. Pretty much anything a mother would do, she does it.”
Mackey admits he sees the motherly instinct in the older of the two siblings. Not just in regard to the relationship between sisters but with the team as well. “Faith is a natural-born leader,” the coach expressed. “She doesn’t mind being in charge. I put a lot on her shoulders as far as team responsibilities. I guess she got that motherly instinct on day one.”
Hope did say the two share a common trait experienced by many multiple birth babies. The two routinely can finish each other’s sentences and often say the same thing at the exact moment. “It happens all the time,” Hope confessed when asked about the phenomenon. “Although I’m nocturnal and Faith is a morning person, we think and do a lot of things the same.”
“It takes the whole world to get her up in the morning,” Faith declared when speaking about her younger sister by one calendar day. “It’s a love-hate relationship. We do share a lot of the same thoughts, but I do most of the prodding.” As far as the Lady Tiger long distance team, the two sisters have found summer practice sessions another commonality. Working out with teammates on a regular basis since the start of preseason training in early July, the junior classified athletes have made real progress.
“I feel like I’m getting a lot accomplished,” Faith divulged after one particularly hard practice last week at Mansfield City Lake Park. “I’ve been more motivated this year because both of my seasons got cut short last year.” Faith experienced plantar fasciitis along the sole of her foot during her sophomore cross country season. That injury took her away from the sport for several weeks before a modest return to the state finals closed the 2019 season. Not quite the outcome the former All-State athlete expected after a highly successful freshman season.
Another bitter pill saw the Covid-19 crisis cancel both Rainwaters’ track seasons. Like other athletes around the nation, the pair were unexpectedly sent home unable to complete their spring sport. “I think this year we are gonna have a killer cross country team,” the older sibling announced. “Both the senior and junior high teams are going to be good.”
“Personally, I’d like to run 22 minutes for the 3 miles,” the collegiate hopeful continued. “I’d like to get first place overall sometime this season as well.” Hope, who favors track season’s 4x800m relay over the long-distance racing of cross country, had a more immediate goal for the upcoming season. “My goal is to not get hurt,” the younger and equally talented runner exclaimed with a slight giggle. “Seriously, I want to just help out and share the load.”
Hope took an innocent looking tumble last season just days before the first cross country meet. The result was an unfortunate head injury that took her away from running competition for nearly all of the fall season. Although her injury was on the opposite end of the body from her sister’s, Hope’s dreams elevated by last fall’s rigorous conditioning routine were dashed. The derailment was an eerily, twin-like fate similar to Faith’s.
Along with the twins, Mansfield’s senior girls return last year’s Player of the Year, McKenzie Griffin. They also have River Valley All-Stars Darby Jones, Katlynn Moore, and Jadelynn Wood in the fold. Cassidy Carlton, Lita Hecox, and Alyssa James, a trio of sophomores Mackey says are reaching their best conditioning, complete the high school roster.
The junior girls are headlined by All-Region and All-District eighth-grader Trinity Triska and All-Region eighth-grader Laney Wood. They are supported by rising talents Addison Bowman, Aidan Fildes, Azlynn Stover, and Summer Frazier. Adding the marks produced by Tiger men John Branche, Ashton Hinkle, and Jonah Martin, the Mansfield cross country teams collectively ran 283.7 miles last week. “Faith says we are going to be good,” Mackey summarized the message expressed by the motherly twin and team leader. “Baby sister and the rest of the team usually take her lead. Right now they are doing the things it takes to accomplish our goals.”
Mansfield eighth graders Addison Bowman, Azlynn Stover, and Aidan Fildes pose a cross country run
Alyssa James, Ashton Hinkle, and John Branche practice social distancing as part of their MHS cross country pre-season workouts
Mansfield cross country runners work on their abs before practice
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.
Don’t Forget Your Personality
Finally, remember this is your home. Add your own personal touch to your exterior or interior. Consider different landscaping options, siding, roofing, or door colors that make it stand out. Also, opt for any interior design trends that speak to you. These include contrasting décor, sustainable materials, neutral colors, or even art. Any of these add pleasing aesthetics and value to a freshly built home.
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.
