The Sebastian County Quorum Court met on Tuesday evening, May 26, at the Greenwood High School safe shelter. The meeting was rescheduled from last week, after technical difficulties forced an early adjournment. Among the items on the agenda, a Constitutional Bill of Rights Sanctuary Ordinance.
District 3 JP Shawn Looper introduced the ordinance. Second Amendment advocate and patriot Wade Dunn spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing it is the duty of the elected to ensure that citizen’s God given rights are protected.
Also present, State Representative Marcus Richmond, who supported an identical ordinance which passed in his district in January. Scott County, was the first Arkansas county to approve such an ordinance.
The ordinance declares that the county would not enforce any law that is considered unconstitutional, a Bill of Rights Sanctuary.
The Sebastian County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, May 26.
Following the declaration in Scott County, Mike Rainwater, an attorney for the Association of Arkansas Counties Risk Management Fund, wrote a letter addressed to all 75 county judges in Arkansas. Rainwater’s letter stated: “Proposed County Sanctuary Ordinances – BEWARE!!…There are county sanctuary ordinance proposals going around that need to be carefully scrutinized…The real effort is to set the county in opposition to the constitutional system that has served us well for 200+ years…There is simply no need for any county to declare itself a sovereign jurisdiction that has stepped forward to create some sort of sanctuary for the protection of the individual rights of its citizens. That is the job of the state and it has already been done by the state of Arkansas. It is the state that is sovereign; not its counties.”
Proponents claim, however, that Rainwater is essentially labeling the constitution, unconstitutional and that the ordinance would curb any attempt to limit the rights of citizens. Members of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition have challenged Rainwater to attend the next quorum court meeting on June 16 and speak publicly regarding the privately addressed letter to county judges. A spokesman for the ALC said “We’re requesting Rainwater’s presence at the meeting, and would like to confirm his attendance in advance so we can ensure time is allotted on the agenda.Also, if he’s going to put his information out in closed meetings then he needs to do it publicly where ALC can present a defense.”
The Sebastian County Quorum Court took no action on the ordinance, and voted to table it until next month’s meeting.
The Sebastian County Quorum Court met on Tuesday evening, May 26, at the Greenwood High School safe shelter. The meeting was rescheduled from last week, after technical difficulties forced an early adjournment. Among the items on the agenda, a Constitutional Bill of Rights Sanctuary Ordinance.
District 3 JP Shawn Looper introduced the ordinance. Second Amendment advocate and patriot Wade Dunn spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing it is the duty of the elected to ensure that citizen’s God given rights are protected.
Also present, State Representative Marcus Richmond, who supported an identical ordinance which passed in his district in January. Scott County, was the first Arkansas county to approve such an ordinance.
The ordinance declares that the county would not enforce any law that is considered unconstitutional, a Bill of Rights Sanctuary.
The Sebastian County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, May 26.
Following the declaration in Scott County, Mike Rainwater, an attorney for the Association of Arkansas Counties Risk Management Fund, wrote a letter addressed to all 75 county judges in Arkansas. Rainwater’s letter stated: “Proposed County Sanctuary Ordinances – BEWARE!!…There are county sanctuary ordinance proposals going around that need to be carefully scrutinized…The real effort is to set the county in opposition to the constitutional system that has served us well for 200+ years…There is simply no need for any county to declare itself a sovereign jurisdiction that has stepped forward to create some sort of sanctuary for the protection of the individual rights of its citizens. That is the job of the state and it has already been done by the state of Arkansas. It is the state that is sovereign; not its counties.”
Proponents claim, however, that Rainwater is essentially labeling the constitution, unconstitutional and that the ordinance would curb any attempt to limit the rights of citizens. Members of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition have challenged Rainwater to attend the next quorum court meeting on June 16 and speak publicly regarding the privately addressed letter to county judges. A spokesman for the ALC said “We’re requesting Rainwater’s presence at the meeting, and would like to confirm his attendance in advance so we can ensure time is allotted on the agenda.Also, if he’s going to put his information out in closed meetings then he needs to do it publicly where ALC can present a defense.”
The Sebastian County Quorum Court took no action on the ordinance, and voted to table it until next month’s meeting.
Pictured is Sadie Roberts who received an All-State certificate for Indoor Track and Field
Accolades continue for a pair of Mansfield Lady Tiger track athletes. Recently, the Arkansas Track Coaches Association made its presence known with a letter and two certificates for Lady Tigers, Skylynn Harris, and Sadie Roberts.
The letter informed the pair that they had been nominated by the ATCA for an award for the 2019-2020 school year. That award was based upon their performances at the Class 3A Indoor State Track and Field Championships. Along with the letter was two individualized All-State certificates for the Mansfield performers.
Harris won the Class 3A shot put at the indoor finals back in February. She was also the overall small school shot put winner with a throw of 33 feet 8.75 inches. Harris was a freshman last season when the competition was held.
Roberts, a sophomore at the time of the small school indoor track finals, won the high jump. She was the Class 3A winner with a leap of five feet. She was the only competitor in her classification to clear that high of a bar.
The pair were on schedule for a promising outdoor season when the Covid-19 pandemic closed the door on the competition for all spring sports. In limited action, the pair had already won events in the first few outdoor meets that they had attended.
Mansfield Track coach, John Mackey, awards Skylynn Harris an All-State certificate from the ATCA
The 2020 edition of Azahares, the Spanish literary magazine published by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith launched this month, featuring local, regional, national and international contributors, hailing from Fort Smith to Brazil and Spain. This year’s publication is the magazine’s 12th edition.
The Spanish literary magazine is produced by UAFS students, faculty, and alumni who comprise an editorial board, a design team, and contributing authors and artists. The publication includes poetry, short fiction, photography, and art that share a theme of Latinx culture and the Spanish language. The year, the production of Azahares was funded in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“For all of us who love the literary and visual arts, Azahares is a source of pleasure and enjoyment, a light shining on the soulfulness and beauty of the Latino experience, in all its many forms,” said Dr. Mary Sobhani, associate professor and head of the World Languages Department at UAFS. “Particularly in this time of COVID-19 challenges and crises, the crafting of poetry, short stories and art is a gift. The arts have the power to promote well-being and harmony, to uplift hearts, and to advance the affairs of humankind, and deserve great appreciation.”
UAFS students Makaela Swinney, Roxy Wylie and Alexandria Dormois contributed artistic pieces and poetry to the publication, while senior Spanish major Yamilet Vargas Toledano served on the editorial board, gaining practical experience in bilingual copy editing as well as the logistics of producing a literary publication.
“I was so thrilled and honored when I found out that Azahares was going to publish my poem,” said Wylie. “Self-expression is especially important during this time when so many feel alone and disconnected from friends or family. It’s important to feel heard and understood – known. By providing the opportunity for publication, Azahares has opened doors for me as a student that I would not have had the courage to try on my own. As a university student, it has opened the door for publication. As a human being, it has opened the door to my heart.”
Students from the Print and Publication Design class taught by Katie Harper, associate professor of graphic design, worked to create the cover art and layout design for this year’s edition. Student designers were Jasmin Vorabouth, lead designer; Megan Taylor, cover illustrator; and team members Paul Easley, Ashley Floyd, Faith Greenfield and Josh Medley.
In addition to Sobhani, the Azahares editorial board includes Dr. Ana Maria Romo Blas, assistant professor; Dr. Francesco Tarelli, assistant professor; Madeline Martinez-Santiago, instructor; Gray Langston and Lynda McClellan, adjunct faculty, all with the World Languages Department; as well as student board member Yamilet Vargas Toledano.
By Jeff Williams Editor, Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
A friend of mine who grew up in Yell County was a regular visitor of the creeks that zig-zag through the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. One of his favorite fishing, swimming and paddling spots was Big Piney Creek in Pope County.
Big Piney’s Long Pool Recreation Area is popular among folks who canoe and kayak, and this young man knew well the 5-mile run down to Twin Bridges.
Big Piney can be a beast when its narrow watershed is raging after a downpour, although it wasn’t particularly rowdy that spring day. After my friend began his paddle at Long Pool, he dropped through a fast chute, was turned sideways and his canoe wrapped around a rock he had paddled by many times before. His boat – weighted down by the stream – trapped him underwater, within sight of people on the bank. By the time they were able to reach him, he had drowned in less than 4 feet of water before his 30th birthday.
Paddlers with wide ranges of skill levels drown for various reasons every year in Arkansas’s lakes, rivers and streams; a few have lost their lives this spring. The rapid rise in sales of recreational paddle boats, especially kayaks, means it’s likely more people with little experience are on the water. Experienced paddlers carry no guarantee of safety but their inexperienced colleagues certainly stand less chance of survival when trouble suddenly appears.
With a little forethought, preparation and practice, some of those disasters can be avoided.
Above all, wear a well-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket with the proper amount of buoyancy. It’s no guarantee, but no matter a paddler’s skill level, this is the best way to avoid drowning.
Assume you will be immersed at some point during your adventure. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, which leads to this advice: In cool weather, always pack dry clothes in a waterproof container to avoid hypothermia. Also pack an extra paddle with someone in your party.
Research the water where you’ll be paddling. Many small streams can become raging torrents with only a slight bit of rain in the watershed. Rain miles upstream can cause sudden rises in water level and current. Be prepared to change locations or cancel if the forecast calls for rough conditions.
Paddle water suited to your skill. This goes hand-in-hand with knowing the water you plan to paddle. Do not rely on someone else in your party to know all the details about the water level, where the put-in is and where the take-out is. Who will you call in a dangerous situation? Know this information before you go.
If you’re a novice, paddle with someone who’s experienced and don’t paddle alone. Watch what they do and ask questions.
File a float plan; let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Don’t get a ticket – According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket; everyone else must have one ready to use. Canoes and kayaks 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver aboard. Glass containers are illegal in canoes and kayaks. Cooler lids must be securely fastened, each boat must have an attached, closeable trash container, and beverages must be in floating holders.
Are you thinking about buying your first new or used kayak? Here are some tips to consider.
Buy a boat that fits what you intend to do. If you plan to learn to spend your time on whitewater, buy a whitewater boat. The same goes for recreational boats, made for slower streams and flat water, and longer kayaks built for speed. All these boats have characteristics that suit them to different types of water.
Take your boat to a calm, shallow lake or pond and become familiar with it, preferably with an experienced paddler. Fill it with water to see how it changes (notice how heavy it is). Get in it and turn yourself over with someone nearby to help – it’s going to happen sooner or later and it’s best to learn how to deal with capsizing before you’re on moving water.
Learn how to get back in, which is called self-rescue. This could save your life.
After you’ve taken these steps on still water, do the same thing in a slow-moving creek. Work your way up to faster currents slowly; there’s plenty to enjoy along the way.
If paddling is for you and you’d like to learn various strokes and rescue techniques, take a class. Local groups such as the Arkansas Canoe Club welcome new members who are interested in learning. The American Canoe Association and the American Red Cross websites offer training videos, books and information about everything from paddling strokes to essentials for a float trip.
Mansfield athletes entering the 7th through 12th grade next school year have an opportunity to get a free sports physical at Mercy Family Medicine located next to the Mansfield Elementary School campus.
Parents or guardians of Mansfield athletes will need to call the clinic at (479)-928-4404 and make an appointment. You must tell the clinic that the appointment is for an athletic physical for the Mansfield school. Appointments are being made immediately and will continue until July 31, 2020.
Once an appointment date has been established, be prepared to arrive early enough on that date to complete a brief medical history. Also, be mindful of directives issued by the Secretary of Health while taking proactive measures to safeguard.
Athletes must receive a new sports physical annually before they are allowed to participate in any of the sports activities available through the school. Activities include summer practice, camps, schooltime practice, or games.
As most MHS athletes got last year’s physical in May of 2019, many of those are set to expire soon. Athletes will need to have an updated physical on file as part of the protocol to return to team activities.
Additional questions may be answered through the Mansfield High School Athletic Department by calling (479)-928-1105. Mansfield High School and Mansfield Middle School offer a wide variety of sports-related activities. Those include cross country, football, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field.
Waldron City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston has been a mainstay for over two decades. In that time, she’s witnessed a lot of changes. Some good, some bad. But one thing that has never changed, her devotion to the city and its residents.
If you ask anyone at city hall, they would agree that much of the city’s progress and success has been due to Johnston’s efforts. Unfortunately, as they say, all good things must come to an end. Johnston announced that she plans to retire, effective June 30.
She began working for the city January 1, 1991. She served two, four year terms. In 1998, she made the decision to run for mayor. Johnston was defeated by former Mayor Troy Anderson. After that time she worked for eight years outside the city.
In 2006 Johnston ran for the clerk and treasurer’s position. She took office on January 1, 2007. She has filled that office for the past 13 and a half years. “While elected as Clerk and Treasurer, I have had the opportunity to fulfill many roles at the City and in my community,” shared Johnston. “I think anytime you are in an environment with a small staff, you do whatever needs to be done. Being at the city has also provided many opportunities to be involved in community outreach and community development, my most favorite parts of the job.”
Johnston, 68, has served with six mayors during her time as clerk and treasurer. “Jimmy Lassiter was mayor during my first term and Patrick Travers during my second term. I enjoyed working with each of them. The city employees were like family to Jimmy and he really cared about each one. Patrick was very active and progressive. He brought a lot of needed changes to the city. During the next two terms, I wasn’t in office and Troy Anderson served as mayor. He appeared to be a very good administrator during this time. I was elected and returned as the City Clerk and Treasurer in 2007 with newly elected Mayor Randy Butler. Randy, his wife Pam, and I graduated together. Randy brought a lot of energy to the city and he launched several improvement projects and construction during his term. Don Owens began his term in 2011 and continued the earlier improvements. He possessed a good sense of business and brought structure to the workforce. Neil Cherry’s term began in 2015 and he served through 2018. Under his leadership, the city continued to grow and additional improvement projects were begun. In 2019, we welcomed former Police Chief David Millard as Mayor. It was an easy transition since he was already familiar with the departments and much of the business of the city. He has brought a good sense of direction to the city and I really enjoy working with him.”
Johnston stated that one of the things she has enjoyed most about working for the city is that it allowed her to accomplish a great mission in life. “I do enjoy being the City Clerk and Treasurer, but I enjoy even more how I have been able to manifest God’s will in my life. I believe we are all called to a life of service and being at the city has brought me to places and people where I have been able to serve that I otherwise would not have.”
Throughout her years of service, Johnston has been fortunate to be a part of many construction projects and community improvements. In fact, she shared that it was one of the most rewarding parts of her job. One project in particular, the new city park. “It’s very rewarding to see a large construction project come together, be well orchestrated, and have a great result that will serve the city for many years to come. The new City Park tops the list for that for me. Although we still have another phase to add, the City Park has been my favorite project and the most rewarding. I have enjoyed working with our City Superintendent, Brandon Nelson, and the other city employees to design a beautiful park. I know it’s something that our community will enjoy for many years to come. I love driving by and seeing families together enjoying the activities. The park is also a key ingredient in the baseline of community development that has been missing from our community.”
Following retirement, Johnston plans to remain engaged with the community. She plans to serve on community boards and attend meetings. She also plans to spend more time with family, for camping and at Lake Ouachita. “I also have a few other things I’m needing to do. They are calling me and I can hear the faint whisper. They just haven’t fully manifested yet.”
Johnston met and married her high school sweetheart, Butch Johnston in 1970. The couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 29. The Johnstons have two married children, a daughter, Andrea, 41, and a son Mikey, 38. Butch and Sherry are also grandparents to Claydin, Willie, and Karissa.
“I look forward to continuing my friendship and business relationship with Mayor Dave,” Johnston concluded. “I have been blessed to work with some amazing people. That has made it difficult to find a stopping place!”
Johnston’s coworkers feel equally blessed. “She truly is a great mentor,” shared City Administrative Secretary Regina Oliver. “She always told me about amazing things she wanted to do once she retires and now she can do them all. Yet there is something I will miss, a wonderful colleague at the office. Having Sherry around is always nice, she was great at giving me advice, not only for work, but for my every day life.” Oliver, who has worked side by side with Johnston over many years, added: “No more long work hours, nor deadline warnings. Now it’s her time to chill and relax. We will miss her smiling face, her silly jokes and gags! Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and enjoy your retirement Mrs. Sherry, you will be missed!”
Waldron Mayor David, “Dave,” Millard shared the same sentiments. “I’ve worked with Sherry since 1992. She pinned my name Dave and even put that on my payroll check for a long time! Throughout the years she has often said ‘I have an idea! It may not be a good one, but it’s an idea.’ She has never had a bad idea, and her ideas have brought this city to where it is today. I love this lady and will miss working with her a great deal!”
With heartfelt gratitude we say thank you Sherry Johnston for your years of service to the City of Waldron. Wishing you years of continued happiness and blessings!
Retiring Waldron City Clerk and Treasurer Sherry Johnston will be greatly missed by her co-workers at City Hall. Pictured with Johnston (seated) is Mayor David Millard. Standing, from left, Carleva Jones, LaVada Allen, Brandon Nelson, Regina Oliver and Amanda Falconer.
BENTONVILLE- Dennis “D.J.” Crane, former head football coach at Danville High School, is leaving the school to take a position on the Bentonville High School football staff for next fall. Crane is the son of famous Paris High School football coach, Dennis Crane. The Crane family coaching tradition and legacy will continue in his new position as secondary coach and special teams coordinator for the Bentonville Tigers.
Coach Crane is the son of legendary Paris football coach, Dennis Crane. “D.J.”, or Dennis Crane, Jr., grew up in the coaching world of his father from both his playing days and his coaching career. I had the pleasure of visiting with Coach Crane in a recent phone call just after the announcement of his move to Bentonville. In our call, Coach Crane recounted the surreal world of living in the world of his father’s college and professional career as both a player and as a coach. “I grew up around my dad and my uncles. My uncle Jim O’Bar, was a really good athlete, and my uncle Ron, my dad’s brother, Ron Crane, played at Brigham Young University and then was drafted by the Denver Broncos to play football, but went into the military instead to serve in Vietnam. Of course my Uncle Jim O’Bar was a long-time resident in Paris, and was head of the City of Paris for a long time. He was a great athlete and was a really good baseball pitcher. That’s kind of where I got my love for baseball. My love for football came from my dad and my uncle Ron.”
Dennis Crane Photo Credit: Nasjerseys.com
D.J.’s father had a big career both in college and in professional football. Coach Crane Sr. played at the University of Southern California in the decade of the sixties. He played on famous USC teams that included Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson and All-American Ron Yary. Crane played on the 1967 USC team that won a national championship. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1968 NFL draft, and was the 94th overall pick in draft. “Dad played for USC legendary coach John McKay. Dad was drafted by the Washington Redskins and played defensive tackle for NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi. He also played for the New York Giants under another NFL Hall of Famer, Otto Graham. So, you know, that’s what I grew up with. I heard stories about Dick Butkus, Johnny Unitas, Fran Tarkenton, and other NFL greats, just like it was nothing! I heard stories like that all of the time. I hung out with a lot of people. He (Dad) was a liaison for the Washington Redskins when he played for them, so that meant he went to the White House and went to a lot of those dinners. He hung out with them; he received Christmas cards from the Kennedys; it’s crazy! It was crazy just the kind of life that he led. It was surreal growing up with him. He was just bigger than life. Big, huge man, and then he just had stories like that. He had pictures of Joe Namath, and all kinds of stuff around the house. You look at that and you think that everybody has that. But no; not everybody’s dad played professional football!”
So, there is no doubt that D.J. was influenced by his father. “When you grow up with an uncle that was a Division 1 football player, and a dad that was a professional football player, there’s not pressure from them, but, there is pressure within yourself to try and live up to certain expectations, and it kind of put a drive in me to be good at sports.” Dawn Rainwater, D.J.’s twin sister, is also a coach. She coaches volleyball at Charleston High School and has made a big impact there.
D.J.’s father came to Paris around 1980 from Arkansas Tech. Coach Crane took a job in Paris as an assistant coach, and the family moved to Scranton to reside, and D.J. began school in Paris. Crane had previously coached high school football for two years in California. The family moved to Scranton where D.J.’s grandparents lived.
” We lived in San Bernadino and it was growing a little too fast for my parents’ liking, so we moved to Arkansas. We decided we needed a little slower pace and moved to Arkansas. My dad took a job at Arkansas Tech. Bob Pledger was the head coach at Arkansas Tech, one of the legends from Danville, and he eventually took the job at Danville and my dad took his place at Arkansas Tech. And then, some 20 or 30 years later, I go to Danville.”
Coach Crane passed away in 2003 in the town of Scranton, the same place where he and his family moved to in 1980 when they left California.
D.J. was with his dad at practices, games, in the locker rooms, and all aspects of sports throughout his childhood. “I grew up in locker rooms and around other coaches. There were a lot of Paris coaches over the years that influenced me, as well.” So, I asked D.J. at what point did he know he wanted to follow as a coach in his father’s footsteps. D.J. replied, “I liked being around the game; I loved playing it. But I had never really thought about coaching. I actually started in the business field, and wanted to own my own gym at one point. Then I had a chance to train some kids and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed coaching them. So, I decided to get into coaching. I went back to school and received my coaching licenses. I got into coaching once I stopped playing at Arkansas Tech. I didn’t go straight into coaching; I played Arena Football.”
Arkansas football fans may remember the Arena 2 indoor professional football league that was formed around 1999-2000. Little Rock was awarded a franchise that became the Arkansas Twisters. The team played in what was called at the time, Alltel Arena (now Verizon Arena in North Little Rock). The team averaged 8,500 fans per game in 2002 when Crane played for the Twisters. The team went 11-5 on the season before losing to Tulsa in the playoffs. The franchise’s last season was in 2009. “I trained for a while right after college and played (Arena Football) for a year. Then I took the job at Danville as an assistant coach in 2002 and played Arena Football and coached that same year. The next year, I was promoted to the head job at Danville and played that summer in 2003 and then decided I couldn’t do both. So I gave up on trying to play professionally to concentrate my career on coaching at Danville.” Crane may have been the only Arkansas high school coach at the time that was actively coaching and playing at a professional level at the same time. He was able to tell his players everyday that he was not asking them to do anything that he was not willing to do himself.
D.J. started a tenure at Danville high school as head football coach that lasted from 2003 to the end of the 2019 season. D.J. invested heart and soul in the Danville program. For high school football fans, Class 3A football can be challenging. Not just for Danville, but any other 3A school. D.J. and the Little Johns had a successful run together over 17 years as head coach, and 18 total in the Danville program. Football is a manpower sport, requiring numbers of athletes, talent, and size. Class 3A coaches across the state are often challenged with low numbers of athletes, and talent that goes in cycles. Coaches must develop players in the absence of talent. And many 3A players have to play both ways on offense and defense. So, the world of coaching is much more challenging for 3A coaches. That is just my opinion, and perhaps it is tainted by my experience as a 3A high school administrator who has worked with many dedicated coaches who work tirelessly to meet their players’, parents’, and communities’ expectations for a successful program. It is a tribute to D.J. that in this world where coaches remain in Class 3A for a short time and stair-step into larger classifications, D.J. Crane remained devoted to his 3A program for so many years. You have to admire a person for his dedication and hard work, and when the opportunity comes along to advance his career and provide for his family, you also have to be happy for his opportunity.
DJ was recently named to the 7A Bentonville Tigers football staff as defensive secondary coach and special teams. The Bentonville football program and its head coach, Jody Grant, recently tweeted this message on Twitter regarding the hire of D.J. Crane to its staff:
Want to welcome @DJCrane1 to Bentonville Football. Coach Crane will serve as our Safeties coach as well as Special Teams coordinator.
Coach Crane has spent the last 18 years at Danville and we are honored to have hired such a great coach and man!
I asked D.J. about the cultural changes he expects to see moving from Class 3A to 7A next fall. “For me, I will have more time to focus on football. At Danville, you did everything (like all coaches do in Class 3A). I called the offense, the defense, and soon as football season was over, I got ready for track season. At Bentonville, it will not be like that. I am responsible for the defensive secondary and for special teams. So, I have a lot more time to actually focus on that part of football. And in the spring, I will have a lot more time with my family because I will not have any spring sports responsibilities. From the culture difference aspect, we will have a lot more resources in Bentonville. That is the biggest change. How hard the kids work, and how much effort they put into it, their time, etc., is pretty much the same. But from a standpoint of resources, we will have everything we need. From facilities to an administration that understands how important athletics is to academics, that’s really the biggest change.”
D.J. and his new Bentonville head coach, Jody Grant, played college football together at Arkansas Tech. The two also continued their connection when they were both named to the Arkansas High School All Star football staff in 2015. The two coaches coached the West All Star football team.
D.J. speaks fondly of his time spent in Danville. He loves his players and everyone who he had the pleasure of working with in the Danville community. It was a tough decision for him to leave, but one that he wanted to make in a way that was fair to his players and coaches. He resigned at the end of the 2019 season and was quickly hired by Bentonville.
The Paris Eagles football team will play this fall in a new conference that will include Danville. The Little Johns will be coached by first year head coach, Drew Smiley. Smiley moved to Danville to take the head coaching job after having served at Wynne as defensive coordinator. The northeast Arkansas coach is expected to have plenty of talent, especially on the offensive side, in his first year in Danville. Paris fans will be eager to see their Eagles compete against the new-era of Danville football in 2020.
I hope Paris fans have enjoyed reading about their beloved legendary coach, Dennis Crane, and the legacy of his son, D.J., who is carrying on the family coaching tradition. I want to extend my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to coach D.J. Crane for taking time to share these wonderful memories of his father and the influence he had on D.J.’s coaching career. I did not have the privilege to know D.J.’s father, and I have never met D.J. in person. I did, however, have the pleasure of visiting with him for approximately 30 minutes on the telephone. And my impression of D.J. is this: I believe his father would have been very proud of the man and the coach D.J. has become. The Danville school district recently posted the following statement from D.J., and I think it sums up his love for Danville and the people associated with that great town and school district.
Thanks to coach DJ Crane for 18 great years at Danville, and best wishes to a new chapter in his career at another great program and community. I will check-in with DJ in mid season next fall to see how he is doing in Bentonville. My guess is that, like his father, DJ will be continuing to put together a great legacy of his own, and another great chapter to the Crane family.
On behalf of everyone at Resident Press, and from the communities of Danville and Paris, we wish coach D.J. Crane the best of success in his new coaching position with the Bentonville Tigers.
5/9 On May 9, 2020 at approximately 8:45 p.m., a Greenwood officer made a traffic stop on US Hwy. 71 and AR Hwy 10 Spur. The vehicle, a red Pontiac Firebird, with Oklahoma tags, was traveling southbound. The officer observed the vehicle as having a defective tag and break light. The driver also failed to signal, and crossed the white line. As that vehicle turned onto Mount Zion Road, the officer made a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed. The officer advised dispatch of a pursuit. Shortly thereafter, the officer witnessed a muzzle flash from the driver’s side window and heard a “pop.” After advising dispatch of the gunfire, the officer backed off the pursuit, but continued to follow the suspect. As the chase neared Cliffside Lane, the officer discovered the vehicle turned upside down and two people fleeing the scene. A homeowner on Mt. Zineche Road called and advised that a female with muddy and dirty clothing had knocked on his door and told him that she slept in his shed the night before. The address given was approximately one quarter of a mile from the crash scene. The Greenwood Police Department responded, along with several deputies and the Arkansas Highway Police. Law enforcement located a white female, Krystina Hefner, 28, walking on Mt. Zineche Road. Hefner was reportedly uncooperative and refused to identify herself. After verifying her identity utilizing the Arkansas State Police fingerprint scanner, law enforcement discovered Hefner had a warrant out of Oklahoma. Hefner was charged by Sebastian County with breaking and entering. On Sunday evening, the Greenwood Police Department received a phone call about a man walking east along State Highway 10. The caller gave a description of a man fitting that of the suspect. A fingerprint scanner positively identified the suspect as Jacob Jeffrey, 29. Additional charges include fleeing by means of vehicle and aggravated assault, both felonies, reckless driving, defective signal or stop lamps, improper lane usage, two counts of fleeing by foot, obstructing governmental operations, and refusal to provide information, all misdemenors.
5/10 On Sunday, May 10 at approximately 9:45 p.m., a Greenwood Police Officer was traveling northbound on US Hwy. 71 and noticed a dark colored SUV traveling 35 m.p.h. in a 55 m.p.h. zone. The officer witnessed the vehicle travel down the middle of both lanes. At that time, the officer made a traffic stop. The driver of that vehicle, Kristopher Boggs, 41, of Lavaca, advised the officer that he was attempting to open a drink he had purchased from Murphy USA gas station. When asked, Boggs denied having had anything to drink. The officer asked Boggs to exit the vehicle, and for consent to search. The officer discovered Boggs’ wallet with a plastic bag inside. The bag contained a dusting of a crystal like substance, which the officer believed to be meth. Boggs also had a small bag of marijuana in his jean pocket. Boggs was arrested and transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center where he faces charges of felony possession of drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor charge of a possession of a scheduled VI substance less than 4 oz.
5/10 On Sunday, May 10, two Greenwood police officers were dispatched to the area between Walmart and the AT&T store for suspicious activity. The suspects were described as a white male with a grey shirt and a male with a blue hoodie. Officers located the two suspects, Matthew Chrisman and Jace Chrisman. As the officer was performing a pat down of the two males, he noticed the smell of marijuana coming from Jace Chrisman, 25 , of Waldron. He admitted to being in possession of a roach, and officers located a small burnt end of a roach with the odor of marijuana. Also discovered during the search, two small plastic baggies with crystal like substances and a white cut plastic tube with crystal like residue in it. Jace Chrisman was placed under arrest and was transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center without incident. He was charged with possession of schedule I/II less than 2 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, both felonies.
5/11 On Monday, May 11, a Greenwood police officer was dispatched to Casey’s gas station. Upon arrival, the officer observed the described vehicle, a silver Nissan Titan, parked in front of the store, with the brake lights on, engine running and a female slumped over the steering wheel. The officer opened the driver door of the vehicle and woke the female, identified as Regina Daws, 44. After speaking with Daws, who claimed to be heading to work, the officer noticed her routinely falling asleep. First responders and EMS arrived and conducted a physical assessment of Daws, and found her to be “medically sound.” The officer questioned Daws about her condition, and she stated she had no medical conditions. Daws did admit to taking two 10 mg hydrocodone and two-three .5 mg of Ativan. Daws also stated she had gotten the medication from someone else. The officer asked Daws to perform the SFST testing battery. Daws was placed into custody and into the back of another officer’s vehicle. Upon searching Daws’ vehicle, the officer located a small brown glass container filled to the top with a crystal-like substance in a pouch with feminine products. Also in the pouch, a metal tube, approximately 3-4″ long, with a white residue inside. After being transported to the Greenwood Police department, Daws reportedly acknowledged having the methamphetamine in a brown glass jar, and the metal straw that she used to snort the methamphetamine. Daws was asked to take a urine sample, however, she refused. She was arrested and transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center where she was booked on charges of driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test, both misdemeanors. Also, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, both felonies.
Leaders from the Enrollment Management and Student Life offices at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith are developing new ways to engage and inform students and parents online, through digital support sessions called OnLion Orientations.
Dave Stevens, dean of students at UAFS, has already led two OnLion information sessions for incoming UAFS students, focusing on areas of enrollment and student life, and led an OnLion panel discussion connecting parents with current university students.
“These sessions have been very successful,” said Stevens, who noted that more than 50 students attended the enrollment session. Stevens has also hosted a series of OnLion sessions this spring featuring academic leadership during which he interviewed college deans and executive directors with live student participants in the audience.
Next week the university will begin a three-week slate of OnLion sessions meant to help parents and families plan for their student’s transition to college.
“Going from high school to college is a huge transition,” said Jennifer Holland, executive director of student retention, “and this time is also a huge transition for the parents and families of our students. We hope to ease their transition by offering several OnLion parent and family orientation sessions via Zoom. We’ve been offering similar sessions for students over the past few weeks, and we’ve had a great time meeting our incoming students and sharing valuable information about their upcoming UAFS experience.”
The first week of OnLion parent sessions will focus on paying for college.
“College is expensive, and we want to provide information about financial aid, payment deadlines, payment plans, and more,” said Holland.
“The second week will help parents learn more about the resources available to ensure their student is able to be successful. We’ll talk about tutoring services, working with faculty, and important academic policies. We’ll also provide some tips for parents during their student’s first year on campus!”
The third week, Holland said, will focus on campus life and safety. Guests from the Student Activities Office will speak about all the social and learning opportunities outside the classroom at UAFS, and University Police Chief Ray Ottman will discuss campus safety.
