On Wednesday, May 27, 5A President Luke Mattingly sent letters addressed to Arkansas Senior Center Providers from the Arkansas Association of Area Agency on Aging for a phased reopening of senior centers.
Mattingly’s letter recommended that centers not attempt to open prior to phase two being declared, and not before July 1, 2020. “The CDC recommends vulnerable populations not gather together until phase three has been achieved. Arkansas is still considered to be in phase one. However, there has been some suggestion from various centers that since other segments of commerce are beginning to reopen that centers should also begin to reopen.”
He went on to add that centers that insist on opening may do so with the cooperation of the provider overseeing their operations for Older Americans Act funding, after July 1, and once phase two has been declared.
“As it stands now we will continue to stay closed the month of June,” stated Sebastian County Area Agency Director Deanna Rice. “I will continue to monitor our situation and follow the guidelines given to me by our DAAS Older Americans Act.”
Mattingly warned that even after phase two begins and centers re-open there will be new norms, including capacity restrictions and distancing between tables. Patrons will also be required to wear masks until drinks are served. Employees must also wear a masks. “There can be no communal devices like saltshakers or coffee pots,” stated Mattingly. “…Fitness activities will need to follow guidelines for gyms and fitness facilities. Classroom instruction or presentations will need to adapt to guidelines for churches or other venues that have similar activities. There will need to be physical markings indicating safe social distancing, required postings on doors and paperwork or devices used to collect required information will need to be thoughtfully reconsidered. For example, a single pen available for all to use to sign in is no longer acceptable.”
Rice stated that Sebastian County senior centers will continue offering curbside meal pickup, Monday through Fridays from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Last week, we shared with you Kool-Aid slushies to serve by the poolside. This week, we are bringing you guilt free slushies if you are watching the calories. So, break out the blender and get ready for a guilt-free treat! Ingredients 1 Cup of Cold Water 1 Crystal Light Drop In of Your Choice 2 Cups of Ice Fruit of Your Choice
Directions First, pour your cold water into the blender. Next, add your Crystal Light Drop-In. I used Wild Strawberry for my flavoring. These possibilities are endless! The stores sell so many different kinds of sugar free drop-ins. Now, add your ice. Blend until smooth. Last, before serving, drop in some pieces of your favorite fruit! Enjoy!
Last week, we shared with you Kool-Aid slushies to serve by the poolside. This week, we are bringing you guilt free slushies if you are watching the calories. So, break out the blender and get ready for a guilt-free treat! Ingredients 1 Cup of Cold Water 1 Crystal Light Drop In of Your Choice 2 Cups of Ice Fruit of Your Choice
Directions First, pour your cold water into the blender. Next, add your Crystal Light Drop-In. I used Wild Strawberry for my flavoring. These possibilities are endless! The stores sell so many different kinds of sugar free drop-ins. Now, add your ice. Blend until smooth. Last, before serving, drop in some pieces of your favorite fruit! Enjoy!
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission voted today to approve many changes to the Commission’s Code of Regulations, including many wildlife regulations that may impact hunters during the 2020-21 hunting seasons. The proposals were presented to the public through an online survey in March and were formally proposed to the Commission during its April 23 meeting.
Some of the more notable regulations changes in the 100 proposals include:
Adding Independence and Jackson counties to the AGFC’s Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone beginning Sept. 1, 2020.
Moving the private land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Deer Hunt to Dec. 29-31, immediately following the Christmas Modern Gun Deer Hunt.
Combining deer zones 8 and 8A; deer zones 1A, 6 and 6A; deer zones 4 and 4B, and deer zones 5 and 5B to reduce zones.
Increasing deer bag limits in deer zones 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13 to five deer.
Reducing deer bag limits in deer zones 12 and 17 to five deer. Reducing the number of turkey zones from 18 to two, and base turkey zone lines on county lines.
Allowing hunters to harvest only one turkey during the first seven days of turkey season and allow youth hunters only one turkey during the youth turkey hunt.
Reducing bag limits for wild turkey on each wildlife management area to one bird.
Prohibiting the take of bearded hen turkeys.
Increasing the bear quota in Bear Zone 1 (Ozarks) from 340 to 500 bears.
Instituting a quota system for private land alligator hunting similar to that used for private land elk hunting. Public land alligator hunting would still be conducted via draw.
Create Cedar Mountain Leased Land WMA within the existing Winona WMA. This 14,000-acre WMA would require a $40 leased land permit to hunt, trap or camp and would be composed of all land the AGFC currently leases from private landowners to provide these areas for public hunting.
Allowing all-day waterfowl hunting on WMAs only during the last day of regular duck season and during special youth and veteran waterfowl hunts.
Restricting boat access all day on waterfowl-focused WMAs for five days before waterfowl season and during splits in season segments to reduce disturbance to ducks using the areas outside of hunting times.
Implementing a draw hunt at the Red Cut Slough Tract of Cypress Bayou WMA on weekends during waterfowl season.
Extended current July 1, 2020 deadline to July 1, 2021 for individuals to apply for Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permits for animals that do not meet standard documentation requirements and the deadline by which a Venomous Reptile Permit has to be obtained for those possessing these medically significant venomous species. Also extended the deadline to July 1, 2021 for certain caging, facility and transport requirements for those with medically significant venomous reptiles kept under the native wildlife pet code.
Added various mammal, reptile, amphibian and bird species to existing lists for Unrestricted Captive Wildlife, Permitted Captive Wildlife, and Prohibited Captive Wildlife, plus updated and clarified additional regulations pertaining to exotic captive wildlife species in Arkansas.
A regulation for hunters to end hunting and be off water-inundated areas by noon on Dave Donaldson Black River and George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMAs also passed, despite a motion from commissioner Bobby Martin of Springdale to maintain current hunting and exit times on the WMA.
Another proposal to define which types of electric bicycles could be used on WMAs was tabled by a motion from vice-chairman Andrew Parker of Little Rock to allow more time to be more specific and consistent with proposals currently being considered by Arkansas State Parks.
Along with the changes, the Commission approved the season dates for the 2020-21 white-fronted goose season to be Oct. 31-Nov. 16, Nov. 21-Dec. 4 and Dec. 6-Jan. 31. This season structure is an increase from 74 to 88 days of hunting, but the daily limit was reduced from three to two birds to stay in line with federal frameworks for this option.
Today’s meeting also heard proposals to change many fishing and fisheries-related regulations. AGFC Chief of Fisheries Ben Batten presented 48 changes to general fishing regulations as well as regulations changes to the aquaculture industry in Arkansas. These regulations changes will be presented through a public survey, which will be available beginning next week. They will then go back before the Commission for a formal first reading at their August Commission meeting depending on public input.
“This is the first set of fisheries regulations presented since the Commission went to a two-year regulations cycle,” Batten said. “We get many requests from the public for regulation proposals and we consider all of them. Additionally, our biologists also provide potential regulation proposals that are backed up by both sampling data and social science. We also have been working to simplify and reduce regulations where possible to make it easier for the public to understand them.”
Kendall Moles, the AGFC’s malacologist and lead on commercial fishing regulations also presented many changes to restructure portions of the agency’s current commercial fishing regulations. These changes also will be presented in the public comment survey which will be available next week.
Four additional changes to captive wildlife regulations were presented by Batten as well, which will be voted on at the Commission’s June 18 meeting.
Heard the first reading of a proposal to modify the second Youth and Veteran Waterfowl Hunt to occur on the first Saturday in February.
Authorized AGFC Director Pat Fitts to enter into a nonexclusive permanent access easement affecting a road along the White River on Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area in exchange for a permanent easement over adjacent private land to ensure public access to an 80-acre portion of AGFC property that is separated from the main body of the WMA.
Authorized Fitts to authorize a right-of-way to Entergy Arkansas, Inc. for electronic transmission lines in anticipation of the widening of Highway 89 near Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir in Faulkner County.
Awarded retiring AGFC Wildlife Officer Cpl. Clayton Rogers his service sidearm after 36 years of service.
Heard from guest speakers Adam Hogan and Robert Neal in opposition to proposals to prohibit some species of large constrictors in Arkansas.
Heard from guest speaker Chris Horton with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in opposition to a proposal to adjust hunting and scouting times for waterfowl hunters on Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area and George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA.
On Friday, May 29, rural mail carriers Lana Owens and Linda Lowery delivered a special birthday surprise to Ryan Weaver from members of the Mansfield community.
Weaver, 28, is the son of Bill and Sidney Weaver of Mansfield. The family is well-loved and respected in the community.
Both Owens and Lowery were aware of Weaver’s love for mail. Owens stated, “he stands at the mailbox waiting for the mail to be delivered.” So, as his birthday approached, the duo decided to involve the community, and ask for cards for Weaver’s birthday.
Over 75 cards were delivered to Weaver, and he received parcels of birthday wishes everyday for two weeks. On his birthday, the mail carriers bundled up the cards and attached balloons to make the delivery even more special.
“He was thankful, and so was his family for all the cards,” Owens added. “He was very grateful for the kindness that was shown.”
Happy Birthday Ryan, we hope your birthday was as special as you are!
Ryan Weaver (center) receives a special birthday wish from mail carrier Linda Lowery’s daughters, Kaylie and Danielle.
Carla Michele Harrison of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, May 29, 2020, in Fort Smith, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Carla was born October 23, 1961, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Charles Ray Jeffery Sr. and Anita (Lewis) Jeffery. Carla attended Temple Baptist Church in Waldron. She was a faithful follower of Jesus, and she stood strong in her beliefs.
Carla grew up in Waldron and graduated from WHS. She married the love of her life, Danny Harrison, on March 16, 1979. They spent their 41 years together, raising one daughter but helping and caring for so many more. Carla was the epitome of caring for others. She could always be found visiting the sick, making sure everyone had what they needed and going above and beyond to show her love. Carla worked for the Waldron News and the Scott County Advertiser for many years. She also worked for The Times Record. She served in many positions but was currently a sales associate. Carla enjoyed her work and especially cherished her work colleagues. Carla never met a stranger and really enjoyed visiting with everyone. When she wasn’t at her job, she enjoyed working in her yard, being outdoors and going to Christian Concerts. She was always smiling and laughing. Carla enjoyed a lot of things but her family was her life. She loved them and enjoyed every minute she got to spend with them making forever memories.
Carla leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Danny Harrison of the home, one daughter, Shawna Harrison of Waldron, Arkansas and her siblings: Debbie Holland and husband Phillip of Mansfield, Arkansas and Jim Jeffery and wife Beverly of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Carla will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and loved one’s dear to her heart.
Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anita Jeffery and one brother Charles R. Jeffery Jr..
Carla’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Ray Reynolds, Rev. Rickey Hunt and Dale Stovall officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Carla’s pallbearers will be Robert Lewis, Don Jones, Jeremy Holland, Arnold Williams, Paul Williams, Allan Williams and Cody Fowler. Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Billings, Roger Lipham, Dane Millard and James Richmond.
Carla’s visitation will be Sunday, May 31,2020, from 3:00 p,m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
During these trying and difficult times, we must follow the guidelines we have been given to do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. We must limit public gatherings to 50 people. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but everyone must wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet apart. For those who want to attend the service but wish to remain in your vehicles, the funeral service will be live streamed on our website and the graveside service can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at 87.9 FM.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carla Michele Harrison, please visit our floral store.
During the 2019 Legislative Session, the Republican Women Legislative Caucus developed “Dream BIG For Arkansas: Bold Initiatives for the Good of Arkansas” which resulted in legislation in five key areas: healthcare, broadband, childcare, education and juvenile justice reform. All of these bills became Acts with nearly unanimous support from the General Assembly.
Yesterday during the Governor’s daily COVID-19 update, Governor Hutchinson outlined a number of recommendations from the Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force chaired by Steuart Walton. Three of the key issues they identified as important to Arkansas’s economic recovery and growth are completely in line with legislation our caucus passed: broadband, childcare, and healthcare.
Senator Missy Irvin (R- Mountain View) released the following statement: “Dream BIG for Arkansas successfully designed and passed “game-changing” legislation of policies that would dramatically advance Arkansas’s economic standing in our country. The leadership of these women in their communities and our shared experiences and passion for our citizens, led to great work during the past session. This work continues everyday as we respond to our constituents’ experiences and circumstances. Dream BIG strives to make Arkansans’ lives better. We have a lot of work left to do!”
Act 198: An Act to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013; to provide additional access to Federal Communications Commission-Defined Broadband Service. This Act laid the foundation for the Rural Broadband ID Program that was passed this past fiscal session. Many members of the General Assembly – from both parties – have requested for this program to be fully funded as soon as possible. This program assists local communities along with their internet service providers with grants to meet the federal grant requirements available for expanding rural broadband access for federally eligible rural areas. It is a companion program for Governor Hutchinson’s AR Rural Connect Program, which has been fully funded. Now more than ever, our state must focus on increasing broadband access to the home for students, businesses, and patients.
Act 131: An Act to encourage Child Care Facility Entrepreneurship in Arkansas conferencing the duties of the Division of Child Care and Early Education within the Department of Human Services. This act lays the foundation for the reconnections of the Task Force. This legislation was designed to expand childcare options, especially in underserved areas, by making information more available through a website, reducing regulations as much as possible, and finding ways to fund and support entrepreneurship for child care facilities.
Act 181: An Act concerning the pursuit of a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center at the Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; to create the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences National Cancer Institute Designation Trust Fund. Clearly with the current pandemic, there is a great need for UAMS to be fully engaged in ALL areas of research and assistance In order to advance healthcare in Arkansas. UAMS has been a key partner with the Arkansas Department of Health in all areas of dealing with the Coronavirus Pandemic. Pursuing NCI designation has already brought great talent to UAMS and will raise our states opportunities for greater engagement for research and funding for these efforts. This legislation launched UAMS into a higher level of recognition and opportunities. This will be incredibly important for our citizens not just in cancer treatment, but in all areas of improving their health.
The Republican Women’s Legislative Caucus is working to continue our bold initiatives for the Good of Arkansas by building on these key areas of economic recovery and growth as identified by the Task Force, as well as education and workforce sustainability and development. We applaud their work and recommendations and are encouraged to continue our work for the good of Arkansas.
Vester Dewey Hutchens, age 96, of Waldron, AR., went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday morning, May 27, 2020. He was born October 25, 1923, to Arch and Lola Hutchens, the oldest of nine children.
After growing up in a large, hard-working family Vester left Waldron and spent several years working on a sheep farm in Wyoming. After returning to Scott County, he met and married Dorothy Ferguson and began farming and raising his children. During their years of farming Vester and Dorothy were named as the Scott County Farm Family of the Year in 1961. Never a stranger to hard work, Vester was an expert gardener and also was well-known for raising and butchering cattle and hogs. He showed by example that work and fun can go hand in hand, leaving a legacy for his children and grandchildren to follow. For those who knew him, his laugh was both recognizable and contagious (hee-hee-hee) and he was always up for a good joke, story, or yarn. Many residents of Scott County will remember Vester peddling his famous fruits and vegetables wearing bib overalls and straw hat. In his later years, he loved spending time at the Scott County Senior Citizens Center where he would challenge his friends to a game of pool or a friendly game of Pitch. Of course, his favorite days were when he would WIN. The friendships formed at the Center were meaningful to him; we loved to hear his stories of those special days.
Vester is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Marie (Ferguson) Hutchens; infant daughter, Vesty Marie Hutchens; grandsons Kenneth Wayne Hargrove and Jesse Lee Parsons; granddaughter LouAnna Marie (Brigance) Gaines; an unnamed infant sister; brother Jerry Bob Hutchens; sister Doris (Hutchens) Ferguson; and his fiancée, Rosamond (Rose) Osborn.
He is survived by his children: Vestal Lee Hutchens and wife Judy of Waldron, AR; Louella Brigance and husband Jay of Lamar, AR; Mary Hargrove and husband Larry of Cameron, OK; Georgeanna Mabry and husband Bill of Mansfield, AR; Archie Edward Hutchens and wife Robbie of Pocola, OK; Claudia Travis and husband Brett of McAlister, OK. He is also survived by three brothers: JT Hutchens and wife Josephine of North Fork, CA, Darvin (Fuss) Hutchens and wife Glenda of Waldron, AR, Bill Hutchens of Waldron, AR and two sisters, Iva Darling and Shirley Johnson both of Waldron. Great-Papa, as he is affectionately known, also leaves behind to cherish his memory 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Blessed by such a large family, Vester will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and loved ones in Scott County.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday May 29, 2020 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron.
Vester’s funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday May 30, 2020 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mark Ward and Rev. Doyle Reynolds officiating. Burial will take place at Pilot Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home in Waldron.
The family would like to express their most sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Waldron Nursing Center for the outstanding care they have provided to Vester.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scott County Senior Citizens Center or the Pilot Prairie Cemetery fund.
Pallbearers are his many grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are his many great-grandchildren.
Due to state guidelines for large public gatherings only 67 people (1/3) of the occupancy of our chapel will be permitted in for the funeral. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vester Dewey Hutchens please visit our Tribute Store.
For a season like no other, the Paris Lady Eagles and their coach, Jordan Devine, find themselves “preparing in the dark” for a fall season of unknowns. Like all high school teams in Arkansas, the Lady Eagles are uncertain of if the season will be played, and if so, what it will look like. Sports programs are creatures of habit, using the same year-around calendar of events each year to prepare their teams with all planning targeted for their teams to peak at the start of the new season. And now, Paris coach Jordan Devine finds herself preparing for if and how the 2020 season will take place. Devine spoke on this in her internet sportscast interview Thursday on “The Sports Brew Show.”
Coach Devine answered questions and talked about the Lady Eagles volleyball program’s past success as well as the outlook for the upcoming season. It was very apparent that everyone concerned was excited to switch their attentions to the topic of sports after months of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The interview lasted a little more than one hour, and throughout the time on the air, Coach Devine’s love and enthusiasm for her players and the sport were clearly evident. It was truly a breath of fresh air to be talking about sports again. It is apparent that sports have been missed dearly by fans, coaches, and players.
Turning a negative into a positive, Coach spoke about the positive time of the dead period being that of having more time with her family. “You definitely have to look on the positive side of what you are given, and that (spending time with her family) has definitely been a positive for us throughout the last 8-10 weeks.”
Handling all of the changes and uncertainties of coaching a sport during the Arkansas Activities Association’s (AAA) mandatory no contact, dead period is not without its challenges. When asked how she has handled these circumstances with the team, Coach Devine responded, “I think we are just trying to do the best that we can. Since we left, I have sent workouts to the girls to do each week. We have been in constant communication and have tried not to put too much on them. You want your athletes to stay in the best shape possible, but it is hard to do stuff at home. It’s not like coming to the gym everyday. For the most part, I have faith that they are doing a good job with their workouts.”
Looking back at last year, Coach Devine spoke of her great senior class that had been so successful throughout their playing careers at Paris. “We (Coach Devine and her graduating seniors) have stayed in contact. My heart just hurts for them because they did not get the last part of their senior year that they deserved. You look forward to your senior year, and the last couple of months things at school are usually winding down, and you are enjoying your last months at school, and it just came to such an abrupt stop. So, my heart just hurts for them. Robyn made the All Star team and they did not get to have the All Star game. I am glad she got the recognition for making the team, but I just hate that she didn’t get the chance to show everybody that she can play with the best in the state.”
The Lady Eagles volleyball team was 36-2 in the 2019 season. Although, by Paris standards, the season did not end well for the team, the season’s success was truly magical for the Lady Eagles and last year’s senior class. “
Four great seniors combined with a group of talented younger players that produced a dominant record that included district and district tournament championships. “It was a very special season. It was a great year; great record, and it is just unfortunate that everybody remembers that last loss (just one of two losses on the entire season). It’s going to be hard to replace the senior leadership of Mainer, Forbis, Boswell, and Gossard. You graduate seniors every year that have big roles, and that was such a great group in terms of leadership, which that young sophomore group really needed. They needed those seniors to step in and say this is how we are going to run things. The seniors that are graduating expected the younger players to step up and take that role.”
The young sophomores did step up last year, making the future bright for the Lady Eagles. “We all knew they were going to have to take on some pretty important roles last season. I thought throughout the season they did really well. I am confident they will bring that to the team again this season.”
Coach Devine, in two years as head coach of the Lady Eagles, has amassed an overall record of 71-4, including one state title. “That’s a great record, but I would never have had it without girls that were willing to show up everyday and put the work in that they have. So, it is really a testament to them, their work ethic, and their abilities.”
The theme of the show was “The Drive for Five is Still Alive”, and Coach Devine spoke about this upcoming season and the hunger for the program to return to the state finals. “There is going to be a lot of competition for the four spots vacated by graduating seniors. We have a lot of girls who could be in any of those positions. So, it is going to be fun for us to come into the gym and see who’s hungry for it.” The program has a wealth of talent from the 7th grade players through the senior varsity. Inclusive of last year’s talent who will have another year of playing experience, the varsity will have a strong 9th grade junior high team that will play as sophomores this season. In that class, sophomore Brailey Forst, who was moved to the varsity at the conclusion of the junior high district tournament, is expected to contribute in a significant role as a sophomore this year. “That entire ninth grade group (last year) would be in the gym for hours at a time if they could be; everyday. That’s the group that if the gym is open, they are there. If you just throw a ball up, they are going to go after it and have a good time. Reagan Lowery, she has more potential than she knows what to do with. I think she could be big for us this year, as well. Maggie Ritchie has put in a lot of work. Faith Sanders has put in a lot of work. Rachel O’Neal, who looks like a completely different player; as she did in the short travel season we had this spring. Overall, a great group, and I think they are going to push those juniors and seniors.”
The Lady Eagles will be tested early in next season’s schedule. Away games in the first month of the season at Farmington, Fort Smith Southside, and Mena, are just a few of the tough matches that will test Paris and their ability to play quality opponents on the road. The tough early schedule should benefit the team as they move into conference season and on to the district and state tournaments. Paris’s conference will be expanded this season to include nine conference teams with Green Forest (just outside of Harrison) being added to the conference. The Tigers have made perennial state tournament appearances and will be a tough opponent. Mansfield has dropped to Class 2A and they will be replaced by last year’s Class 2A state champions, the Hackett Hornets. So, the season will not be an easy one for the Lady Eagles, but this is what Paris has become accustomed to as it has built a state championship culture in the program over the past several years.
“We open at Farmington and at Fort Smith Southside the first week of the season. I’m pretty pumped about that first week. And, we also start conference play that first week versus Charleston on August 25. I’ve got Mena on the schedule a little bit down the road in September, and I have Fountain Lake on the schedule, as well.” Fountain Lake played in the state match last spring in Hot Springs, losing to Little Rock Episcopal for the state title.
So, with the daunting schedule that awaits the Lady Tigers, Coach Devine, like other Arkansas coaches, finds herself “preparing in the dark” for a season of unknowns in 2020.
It’s a little bit different coaching volleyball at Paris. The standard is high, and it may be one of the few schools where any season that ends in less than a state title, well, may feel as a let down, or a failure to the players and fans. That is unfortunate; last year’s team certainly has nothing to feel bad about. The Lady Eagles had a season last year that most schools would love to have. Coach Devine commented, “I embrace it (the expectation to compete for a state title every year). You have to, or it will eat you up. I’m a pretty competitive person. Wes (former Paris coach Wes Davis) was a great mentor to me, so it just kind of fit in well.”
Going back to the last dark day in October, the Lady Eagles had just lost in the quarterfinals of the state to eventual state champion Little Rock Episcopal. The next day, Coach Devine and her player were in the stands to watch Episcopal play in the semi-finals. That was the day that the preparation began for this season. “Yeah, we never want to experience that feeling again. The girls wanted to watch that game.”
That tough loss from the state tournament is a big part of the motivation for the program as it proceeds through the off-season and into the August schedule. “I think it has to be. Again, when you realize what just happened, you don’t ever want to feel that again. I don’t think they need a constant reminder, but I do think we will focus on our mindset; what is our purpose of being here, what is our mindset going into practice, our mindset going into this ballgame, etc.”
The unexpected layoff due to the pandemic has made Coach Devine and her players even more eager to get back onto the floor and begin practice for the upcoming season. This could be significant for a talented group that was already hungry to return to the state finals. Motivation should not be a problem for this team next season. “I think this break has shown everybody how much we miss the sport.”
At the time of the sudden stop to the school year and the enactment of the AAA dead period, the team had been in off-season workouts and had played some travel team matches in Oklahoma. “We worked out a couple of days a week and we had “skull sessions” a couple of days a week. In April, I usually opened up the gym a couple of days a week after school for anyone who wanted to show up and play. That’s what we would have done in April and going into May. As soon as school was out, we would have conducted our normal June practices. We had several groups playing travel ball at that time and one group only played part of one season. We missed the March 14 Little Rock tournament that is usually the largest tournament we play in.”
But all Arkansas coaches are in the same boat with respect to the dead period and the effects it has had on their programs. “We’re all dealing with the same restrictions and we are doing the best we can.”
The AAA has released guidances for coaches in reaction to the governor’s announcement on how sports in Arkansas will be allowed to resume practices and workouts. “We (Paris coaches) had a meeting today to discuss how to go about those restrictions and what is the best way to go. So, we will start back on June 1. It will be an interesting June. It will be quite different for us.”
All of the adjustments for practices in the transition period and those leading up to the first of August will hopefully prepare the team for the daunting early schedule that awaits the Lady Eagles. That schedule will begin with the first game of the year on August 27 when Paris travels to Farmington to open the season. Clearly a lot of work is needed to prepare for a tough non-conference, conference, and playoff schedule for the Lady Eagles. And that road will begin with the resumption of workouts on June 1.
Paris and coach Jordan Devine have built a championship culture that started under Wes Davis and has been taken to the next level by Coach Devine. With a young and talented group this year, that championship pedigree should continue for the next several years,
Next week’s Sports Brew Show will feature new Paris boys basketball coach Blain Brewington. The topic of the show will be “A New Era in Paris Basketball with Coach Blain Brewington” Paris fans will not want to miss this interview! Just go to thesportsbrew.net to listen to the interview live, or to listen at anytime to the recorded interview with Coach Brewington.
New Paris Basketball Coach Blain Brewington will be the Special Guest on The Sports Brew Show on June 2
The Sports Brew Show will air again on Tuesday, June 2 in its final one hour format. Listeners can hear the show live on June 2, or can go to The Sports Brew website to listen to the recorded version of the show. The show will officially begin on June 9 in its summer-long two hour format from 4:00 -6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
To catch Coach Brewington’s June 2 interview, go to thesportsbrew.net at 4:00 p.m. to hear the interview from the new Paris boys basketball coach.
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith was recently named the safest university in Arkansas, earning praise from online safety resource YourLocalSecurity.com.
Publishing annual reviews on the safest college campuses in America since 2016, Your Local Security uses data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report to inform their findings.
“We are proud of the work of everybody on campus in support of the University Police Department and our outreach efforts,” explained UAFS University Police Chief Ray Ottman. “Through our community-based policing and partnerships with our campus community partners, the Fort Smith Police Department and the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department, we can build on the priority of safety on campus.”
UAFS reports drastically lower crime rates than the national averages, and UPD goes above and beyond the call of duty, implementing proactive safety measures across campus.
UAFS has blue light safety stations equipped with emergency phones placed throughout campus and utilizes the Rave Guardian personal safety app, which provides an additional layer of security for employees, students, faculty and staff through opt-in GPS tracking, emergency assistance, two-way communication and other resources.
UPD also performs police escorts by request at any time and hosts outreach events such as Cocoa with the PoPo, Weekend Waffles with UPD, and Stress Less events during finals. The department also provides Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training, and officers give presentations throughout the year on dating violence, safe and healthy relationships, home safety and more.
“I really feel the benefits of our outreach efforts pay us the most dividends,” Ottman said with pride.
Throughout campus Ottman and his team also perform routine assessments of ways to improve campus safety, recently having implemented a lighting upgrade for the interior of campus. Lighting improvements are ongoing campus-wide.
“Safety is a priority of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, not just for current students, but also for our incoming students, parents, staff and faculty,” Ottman continued. “Safety is a team effort, and I am happy and proud to be part of this team.”
According to YourLocalSecurity, colleges were evaluated based on violent crimes, property crimes and hate crimes per 10,000 people, as well as the number of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offenses per 10,000 people. The full article with each state’s top campus is available at https://www.yourlocalsecurity.com/blog/the-safest-colleges-campuses-in-america/#state
