85.7 F
Fort Smith
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Home Blog Page 665

MHS Sports Continue After Fourth of July

The majority of Mansfield athletes put in three straight weeks of acclimatization workouts through the month of June. Players and coaches were to take the week of Fourth of July off before resuming sport-specific workouts on July 6.

Through June the emphasis was on getting players back to a certain level of conditioning with some limited sport skill training. The emphasis will shift in July to include more sport-specific skill training and teaching with continued sport-specific fitness.

Practice times for most teams will now include athletes from grades seven through twelve. 

Football, volleyball, and cross country increase their level of activity since those team sports start the fall season. Incoming seventh-graders wishing to participate in those sports will be included in the July schedule issued by Mansfield coaches. 

For the month of July volleyball will have practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with the following check-in times. Senior high report at 7:15 a.m., junior high comes at 9:30 a.m., and seventh-grade check-in at 11:30 a.m. Practices are at the high school gym.

Girls basketball will report to the high school gym on Mondays and Fridays with senior high check-in at 7:30 a.m. and junior high at 9:50 a.m. Those basketball players not involved in volleyball can also report for extra shooting practice at the middle gym on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.

Cross country for girls and boys from seventh through twelfth grades will be in the evenings on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Those practices will be at the Mansfield City Lake Park with check-in at 7:00 p.m. and concluding around 8:30 p.m.

Mansfield’s boy athletes will move to Monday through Thursday practices in the month of July with no practices on Fridays. Senior high will report at 8:00 a.m. and be done by 9:45 a.m. Junior high and seventh-grade will check-in at 10:15 a.m. and conclude by noon.

Boys basketball will be held at the middle school. Monday and Thursday has junior high practicing at 11:30-1:30 and senior high practicing 2-3:30. Tuesdays will remain the same with senior high practicing at 8-10 and junior high practicing 10-12:30. Wednesday will be open gym at the middle school from 12-2.

All athletes are reminded they must report to check-in times with face masks and complete the daily screening questions. They should have their own water, towels, clothes, shoes, or other items necessary for practice.

Contact the athletic department through the high school office (479-928-1105) should you have questions.

The Cup Runneth Over, Sippin’ Success

The Cup Runneth Over, the new coffee shop in Greenwood, held its grand opening today, Monday, June 29.

Donna Presnell, the shop’s owner was delighted to visit with Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow on the opening day.

The Cup Runneth Over is located at 624 W. Center Street, across from The Dari.

Former Scott County Man Discovers Wife’s Headstone Missing

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint on Friday, June 26 of a theft at Pilot Cemetery.

According to the complaint filed by Fred Potter, he had visited the gravesite of his late wife, Betty L. Potter and discovered that the headstone was missing. Additionally, that the plot next to his wife, where Potter was to be buried, had been used to bury the remains of Thomas Wright.

“…the tombstone with my wife’s name on one side and my name on the other…is missing. In addition, the plot where I am to be buried has the remains of Thomas Wright (father of Cassaundra Holmes.)”

The complaint also stated that Holmes had spoken with the cemetery’s board director, claiming that Potter wished to be cremated and “sent back to California.” A statement Potter claims as “totally false.”

Potter also claimed that “I learned the grave digger was told by Kevin Wright, brother of Cassaundra Holmes, to put the tombstone on his trailer and was taken off.”

Martin Funeral Home in Waldron had “no comment at this time” regarding the report.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the complaint. The alleged act is criminal under Arkansas Code 5-39-401.

2010 Arkansas Code Title 5 – Criminal Offenses Subtitle 4 – Offenses Against Property Chapter 39 – Burglary, Trespass, and Other Intrusions Subchapter 4 – Offenses Involving Cemetery or Grave Markers § 5-39-401 – Destruction or removal of a cemetery or grave marker. 5-39-401. Destruction or removal of a cemetery or grave marker.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, corporation, company, or other entity to destroy or carry away any cemetery marker or grave marker.
(b) Destruction or removal of a cemetery marker or grave marker is a Class C felony.

You can view the complaint filed with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office
HERE

Dayton Baptist Church Vandalized

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the individual(s) responsible for vandalizing Dayton Baptist Church.

The SCSO was dispatched to the church, located at 2305 Apple Blossom Loop on Sunday morning, June 28. Vandal(s) had spray painted pentagrams on the side of the church, the van and sign. They also wrote “God Left Me On Read” on the sidewalk.

The total damage to the church and vehicle is estimated at $2,000. Pastor Robert Presson stated, “our faith is not shaken by all of this. We are praying the conviction of the Holy Spirit on those responsible and that they come to know Christ.”

Presson added, “evil hasn’t changed one bit. When I was notified, I was reading in Luke: ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.’

The church has been active in the outreach ministry, giving out Bibles and sponsoring the backpack program for kids. In fact, Presson stated that they will be hosting a Bible study this evening at 6:45 p.m.

The deputy visited with neighbors and nearby parties, and are seeking additional assistance from the public. If you have any information about the incident, you are asked to contact the Sebastian Sheriff’s Office at 479-783-1051.

Arkansas Anglers Accept Invite to National Professional Fishing League

Within the last two years, the sport of professional fishing has seen its share of changes, merging trails and anglers looking for something new. In some ways, it’s common place where others it’s a way of legitimizing the passions of thousands of anglers.

The National Professional Fishing League took a step out and in a new direction with the announcement of their newly formed trail to begin in 2021.

Anglers submitted their resumes, and the long process of filling available spots went into motion. Three of those anglers were notable names among Arkansas fishing circles.

Hunter Baughman, of Judsonia, Paul Browning of Morrilton and Josh Ray, of Little Rock were accepted and are now poised to take their fishing careers to a new level. A level where their expertise and talents will be tested among the best of the best on a national level.

Hunter Baughman runs down the Arkansas River near Little Rock.

Baughman grew up in a typical rural Arkansas home centered around a love for the outdoors. His accomplishments range from wins on multiple levels including team trails, and Pro-Am level such as Mr. Bass of Arkansas.

If you have been near Baughman, you’ll know his unique personality shines for spreading his faith, his love of family and friends.

My lifelong goal is to fish professionally and the opportunity to compete at this level happened at the perfect timing.

Baughman is approaching the NPFL series with a mindset same as he would with a Pro-Am event. But, he knows with the full field competing three days, he’s going to have to tweak his game plan and mental strategy.

Paul Browning taking off at a Bassmaster Central Open
Photo courtesy of Bassmaster

Browning has competed on numerous levels within the Arkansas fishing circles, notably winning the American Bass Anglers District 50 championship, and recently making his Top 12 appearance in a Bassmaster Central Open at Muskogee.

The NPFL is a great opportunity to get my name out there and compete against guys who work for a living like myself.

Browning and Baughman will be travel partners for the 2021 NPFL season.

Josh Ray after a successful day on Arkansas waters.

Ray, who is a constant threat on any body of water made the jump and commitment to the NPFL after realizing it’s where he felt its where he needed to be.

Beginning his fishing career, Ray competed in the McHenry Bass Club based out of Little Rock where they fished Lake Maumelle and oxbow lakes from a flat bottom boat.

I never felt like fishing as a co-angler was for me. I was going to learn from my mistakes from the front of the boat.

Ray won the 2016 Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional on Lake Guntersville in Alabama. It was that event, and win that taught Ray the important lessons of “time on the water” and the confidence to be more consistent.

A title is a good thing, and getting a check is great but I felt like the NPFL offered me something on a national level which is something all anglers want.

These anglers are the quality of sportsman both on and off the water that will not only make Arkansas proud, but showcase the National Professional Fishing Leagues top tier of athletes.

For more information on the National Professional Fishing League, or to follow them on social media, visit their website HERE

Not-So-Obvious Things Every Household Should Have

In every house, you can expect to find certain things: stove, couches, toilets, refrigerators, etc. They are necessary and practical for living, and they’re at the forefront of the mind for most people when they move into a new house. But there are some not-so-obvious things every household should have. They tend to be things that are needed in an emergency but are good to have around all the time.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Every house comes equipped with smoke alarms, but most don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, especially old ones. A good CO2 monitor will plug into any outlet and warn you and your family of an odorless and colorless killer in your home.

An Evacuation Plan

When an emergency hits, there won’t be time to think about how to get out of the house. Fires in the home will cause panic and lead to poor decisions. Devise and implement an evacuation plan for every room in your house. Map out the best ways to get out of the house and practice doing it. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s a necessary plan to have.

Toilet Plunger

This is without a doubt an emergency-type situation in a list of not-so-obvious things every household should have. Go ahead and giggle—it’s funny. People never think about a toilet plunger until the worst has happened. A toilet plunger is cheaper than calling a plumber to come over and having to explain what’s in there and why the water won’t go down. Anyone who didn’t have a plunger when needed will never be without one again.

Pocket Lighters

Even if you don’t smoke, it’s good to have a few lighters in the house. When the power goes out, they are great for lighting candles. You also need them for lighting the fireplace in the winter and the grill in the summer. Lighting a fire is our most basic of survival instincts, yet we ignore that instinct in the modern world.

Portable Charger

Cell phones are as important a survival tool as fire these days. If the power goes out or some other calamity befalls you in your house, you will need your phone to stay in communication and call for help. With the phone, you can search for information and find answers in an emergency. You can take advantage of the flashlight app on a phone too if you are without a real one.

Fire Extinguishers

Grease fires in the kitchen are at the top of the house fire causation list. Keep a few fire extinguishers in the house in areas likely to have a fire. Places like the kitchen, garage, and utility room are more likely to have a fire in them. Hang them in a spot they are easy to access in an emergency.

Scott County Judge Cautions Citizens to Remain Vigilant

As of Monday morning, June 29, there have been a total of 10 positive cases in Scott County, four active, six recovered and no deaths.

“Most of our cases were caused from outside sources,” stated Scott County Judge James Forbes. “Even though things are being open up more we must still be cautious.”

He added that he is proud of the citizens of Scott county, “we have done really well compared to a lot of other counties,” Forbes added. “I do think that we need to continue being proactive in preventing the spread of this virus. Wear a mask when around crowds of people, wear a mask anytime you are in public buildings, and wash your hands numerous times a day.”

There have been a total of 435 cases in neighboring Sebastian County, 232 active positive, 198 recovered and five deaths.

COVID-status-map-Sebastian

Additionally, Yell County with 582 total positive cases, 231 active, 348 recovered and three deaths. And, Polk County with 72 total positive, 12 active, 60 recovered and no deaths.

Cross Country Tryouts Set For July Timeline

Experienced and beginning runners are being welcomed to start Mansfield Cross Country tryouts with team training sessions starting Monday, July 6.

Mansfield Coach John Mackey has released his July calendar for any boy or girl from grades 7th through 12th that would like to run cross country. Sessions are open for returning runners, new runners that have enrolled into the district, and seventh graders just entering athletics.

Athletes are reminded that they must have a copy of their sports physical taken within the last 12 to 15 months on file with the school before practicing. State and local return to team activity protocols will also be strictly enforced.

“We’ve had several players already following their individual summer plans,” Mackey stated. “As a team we usually wait until July to begin group sessions. Those sessions will begin at the Mansfield City Lake Park starting at 7 PM on the Monday after the Fourth of July.”

Mackey applauded several of the Tiger athletes that have continued their individual training since school dismissed due to the pandemic. He also cited how a large portion of the Mansfield athletes from all sports have returned to on-campus early morning acclimatization workouts since June 8.

The Tigers are looking for any boy or girl that qualifies academically, has an interest in becoming physically fit, wants to develop self confidence, expand team comradery, and earn recognition. Incoming seventh graders in particular that are not sure of what sport skills they might have are encouraged to join.

“Our new seventh graders don’t always realize Mansfield offers multiple sport opportunities,” the veteran coach emphasized. “You can do football, volleyball, cheerleading, and cross country at the same time if you’d like. Coaches here work well with each other to give kids opportunities.”

The coach continued. “For example, last season we had at least three cross country runners earn all-district or all-region honors while juggling cheer, volleyball, or softball.”

Team sessions will be conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays through the month of July. Participants should arrive at the park pavilion wearing face guards around 7 PM for screening/check-in procedures. Practices will proceed roughly between 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM depending on runners’ fitness levels.

Statement from Secretary of State on Absentee Ballot Procedures for 2020 General Election

As Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer for the State of Arkansas, I have been receiving many questions and have listened to the many concerns of the citizens of Arkansas as to the upcoming November election. We are fortunate in Arkansas that we have in place the means by which registered voters may request an absentee ballot. According to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 7-5-402 and 7-5-404, a voter may request an absentee ballot due to one of the following reasons:

• You will be unavoidably absent from your polling site on Election Day, OR
• You will be unable to attend your polling site on election day due to illness or physical disability, OR
• You are a member of the Uniformed Services, merchant marines or the spouse or a dependent family member and are away from your polling location due to the member’s active duty status, OR
• A U.S. citizen whose residence is in Arkansas but is temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the United States.

Those provisions, as provided by state law, allow the voters of the state to contact their local County Clerk, and request an absentee ballot for one of the stated reasons. I understand many of our citizens may be assisting loved ones or are fearful of exposing a vulnerable family member to the virus. I understand that many are fearful of contacting or passing along the virus to others in the community. While my office continues to work with county officials to prepare polling locations, we are also anticipating and preparing for an increase in Absentee Ballot requests due to the COVID-19 virus.

It is my opinion and belief, that our current laws are sufficient to allow the registered voters of Arkansas the choice of going to their local polling location or requesting an absentee ballot from their local County Clerk. We are fortunate that our lawmakers had the foresight in crafting our election laws to allow for times of being unavoidably absent whether by natural disaster, war, or global pandemic.

“Pay it forward” Tradition Happening at Greenwood’s McDonalds

By Lindsay LaChapelle

At McDonalds and surrounding businesses around Greenwood, the tradition of “Paying it Forward” has been going on where the car pays for the order of the car behind them in the drive thru, or while in line inside the restaurant. 

General Manager David Dusenbury has been working there since last October and has seen it happening for as long as he has been here.  “Oh, I’d say its happened two or three times a day sometimes,” stated Dusenbury. “I’ve worked in other places that don’t have this sort of hometown kind of a feel and it didn’t happen there, but Greenwood really likes to take care of each other” 

The Summer of Smiles t-shirts are available –here–  

Greenwood-McDonalds