By Randy Zellers, Assistant Chief of Communications
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission nature and education centers may have had to shut their doors to the public because of the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean our educators can’t continue introducing families to the outdoors. Thanks to collaboration between nature centers, regional educators, program coordinators and other AGFC staff, a virtual nature center is open at www.agfcnaturecenter.com to keep the conservation message alive.
“Since the centers were closed to the public, our educators have shown some real creativity with how they can continue teaching people about the outdoors,” said Chris Colclasure, deputy director of the AGFC. “With over half a million students at home, this is a great time to launch an online nature center.”
The virtual nature center combines some previously existing content with new material developed from years of popular education workshops at nature centers. Subjects run the gamut from how to get started crappie fishing, to searching for morel mushrooms, to recipe segments from the Emmy-nominated Arkansas Wildlife Televisionshow.
“Some people may be familiar with the older content, and some of the new content has already seen some excellent response through Facebook,” said Spencer Griffith, marketing director for the AGFC.
The nature center content will continue to evolve, showcasing topics relevant to the current season.
“AGFC staff is hard at work producing new videos and programs for the virtual nature center. Make sure to check back for new content every couple of days or drop us an email at askagfc@agfc.ar.gov if you have a program request,” Griffith said.
In addition to the virtual center work, many staff have been able to make improvements around the physical nature center sites, including the removal of invasive privet on nature center grounds and the continued renovation of the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith.
“Schools have had to close, organized sports are canceled or postponed, but the outdoors is always open,” Colclasure said. “Even when some cities and states have issued stay-at-home orders, getting outside for exercise and fresh air is recommended as long as people are not gathering in large groups while they’re doing it. We want to offer people ideas on what all is possible now and after this period of social distancing is over.”
When the 2019 Mansfield Tiger season began, everyone had questions about how it would go. Would the loss of former Coach Craig Bentley be too much to overcome? Would new head coach Tim Cothran be up to the task? Could the Tigers hang in a conference loaded with some of the states top tier teams? Could the Tigers break the back to back losing streak to Cedarville? Was the 2018 season merely a Cinderella season or was Mansfield Tiger Football back, like really BACK?
Blayne Bryant
Actions speak louder than words and the 2019 Tigers coaching staff answered the questions of every fan not with words, but on the field. Head Coach Tim Cothran was not only up for the task but never skipped a beat from where the 2018 Tigers left off. Cothran led the Tigers to their second consecutive State Playoff appearance, helped them to match their 2018 regular-season record, coached the Tigers past the pesky Pirates of Cedarville, and all the while with style. At the end of the season, it became very apparent that Coach Cothran was the man for the job.
#79 Jacob Brown
As for the Tigers, they were the showstoppers of the gridiron. It didn’t matter who they were facing, fans knew that they were capable of blowing the roof off at any given moment. From shocking Charleston at Charleston with a literal last-second pick-six for the win to a comeback in Paris deeming them Playoff eligible, the Tigers showed everyone they would not lay down for anyone. Even in their Playoff loss to State Runner-Up Camden Harmony Grove, Mansfield gave every ounce of effort and heart into the game.
Clay James
Although the team as a whole is what made the 2019 season a success, there were individual players who seemed to stand out. On offense, the Tigers held arguably the states’ best triple threat at wide receiver, a gunslinger quarterback, and a pair of ground and pound running backs which made it hard for opponents to narrow down how to defend the Tigers. Defensively, Mansfield held headhunters in the secondary and brick walls on the line that forced every opponent to be mistake free if they wanted to beat the Tigers. So we got with the man himself, Coach Cothran, and got his thoughts on these “Supa’ Stars”.
Will Meadows
Senior, Ethan Stovall: Quarterback
Stovall completed 175/264 passes for 2488 yards and 32 TDs to five different receivers while only throwing seven interceptions last year. Ethan has been a three-year starter only missing two games due to a knee injury as a sophomore. He had grown into this offense and was a tremendous leader. For his career, Ethan has completed 451/731 passes for 5908 yds and 70 TDs while only throwing 21 interceptions. Ethan has played in 31 games so that is less than one interception per game. His career rushing stats are 244 attempts for 1057 yds and 15 TDs. “Ethan has been a tremendous asset to this team. As a coach, I became very dependent on Ethan because he could make something out of nothing. He is a fierce competitor that fights to win. I trusted Ethan and never second-guessed him because he had my absolute confidence. Of course, being a coaches kid helps too. He was a coach on the field, knew the offense and knew where everyone was supposed to be. A true captain.”
Ethan Stovall
Senior, Tyler Holmes: Wide Receiver
Tyler has been a consistent deep-ball threat throughout the last three seasons. He caught 46 balls last year for 722 yards and nine TDs, including a 99 yarder against West Fork tying a state record. For his career, he is second only to Layton Howard in the last three seasons, with 104 catches and 22 TDs. He also had a leading eight interceptions last year, giving him a total of 13 for his career. “Tyler may be the most humble kid I’ve ever coached. In an interview earlier last year, he was asked how many interceptions he had. Tyler honestly had no idea. Tyler had a work ethic and a desire to win and he would do whatever it took to get there. Some of his best plays, from a coaching viewpoint, was when he never even touched the ball. He was a fierce blocker on the edge allowing his teammates to be successful. The only number Tyler was ever interested in, was if the Tigers had more points than their opponents on Friday nights.”
Tyler Holmes
Junior, Randy Claude: Offensive Linebacker
“Defensively, Randy lined up just about anywhere. His speed and his sure tackling ability allowed Randy to be the leading tackler on the team. His biggest play may have been the game-winning QB sack vs Waldron to secure a hard-fought win. Randy had 146 total tackles, three of those for losses. Randy recovered three fumbles while causing one. He also blocked two punts. Randy will certainly be a team leader moving into next season. Randy also helped on offense at RB, gaining 110 yds on 22 carries. Randy leads by example on and off the field. We are looking forward to some exciting things from Randy in the upcoming season.”
#6 Randy Claude
Senior, Isaac Cothran: Middle Linebacker
“Isaac was the second leading tackler on the team. He played a lot of roles last year, including RB where he scored six times. Isaac’s strength was in his leadership. He studied film a lot and worked very hard to make sure he was ready for Friday nights. Isaac had 137 total tackles, five of those for losses. Isaac also recovered three fumbles while causing two more. Teams always had to plan for Isaac and he was often double-teamed or cut blocked to keep him from causing havoc. QB’s could often be seen pointing Isaac out and calling him out on his blitzes. As with Ethan, Isaac was a classic coach’s kid. He was our defensive captain. He knew the defense inside and out and he knew where everyone was supposed to be. His extensive film study helped him diagnose plays and get where he was supposed to be.”
Isaac Cothran
Senior, Layton Howard: WR/DB/RET SPEC
“Layton was Mr. Electric! Anytime he touched the ball, you knew it had a chance to get in the end zone. No one will ever forget the game-winning pick-six at Charleston that went 101 yds. Layton led us in multiple offensive categories. He is one of the most naturally gifted athletes I have ever had the good pleasure of coaching. He is just an incredibly God-gifted athlete. Layton led the team in receiving last year with 70 catches for 1168 yds and 16 TDs. Over the span of his three-year career, he led us with 147 catches for 1967 yds and 21 TDs. He rushed the ball 21 times for 75 yds, finishing his career with 56 carries and 324 yds while adding two more TDs. Layton even threw the ball at times completing one pass last year for 26 yds while throwing only one interception. For his career, he completed three passes for 21 total yds. His return game was just as electric. Layton returned four punts last year for 82 yds and a TD (he had one called back vs West Fork). He returned 11 kicks for 510 yds and four TDs. As his reputation grew, teams worked to avoid him by not kicking him the ball. In the last two seasons, Layton had 14 kickoff returns for 763 yds and seven TDs.”
Layton Howard
2019 MANSFIELD TIGERS FOOTBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS:
ALL-STATE:
Layton Howard*
(*All Area SWTR prep team, KFSM
CHANNEL 5 #1 SWEETEST PLAY OF THE YEAR)
Isaac Cothran
ALL-STATE HONORABLE MENTION:
Ethan Stovall*
(*All Area SWTR prep team, KFSM
CHANNEL 5 #7 SWEETEST PLAY OF THE YEAR)
ALL-CONFERENCE:
Jacob Brown
Randy Claude
Jaicy Griffin
Tyler Holmes*
(*All Area SWTR prep team, KFSM
CHANNEL 5 all area defensive team, KFSM CHANNEL 5 #7 SWEETEST PLAY OF THE YEAR)
Joe Staton, Superintendent of Mansfield Schools made the following announcement on Thursday, April 2:
The Mansfield School Board met on April 1, 2020, and voted to declare that students in the Class of 2020 as meeting the requirements for graduation if all requirements were met at the end of the 3rd 9 weeks and you are in “good standing” for graduation. If you were passing your classes at the end of the 3rd 9 weeks, no additional AMI work is required. Effective April 2, 2020.
IMPORTANT: Not in “good standing”: Students who need credit recovery will still continue to work on those subjects. Students failing a class at third nine weeks will continue to work to improve those grades. Mrs. Duvall and Mr. Eveld will contact those students directly to discuss your education plan. Seniors may choose to do work in classes they wish to improve their grade in.
Concurrent credit students will continue to finish those college courses to earn college credit according to the University requirements. AP students will have the opportunity to test online to earn AP credit for those courses. Your concurrent teacher, facilitator, or AP teacher will contact those students to discuss.
Mrs. Duvall and Mr. Eveld will be available for questions pertaining to scholarships and graduation. Our goal is to eventually have Prom and Graduation ceremonies for our students. Each student will be contacted directly with specific information in the coming weeks. More information will be available soon.
Mansfield Mayor Black announced further city operation closures on Thursday, April 2.
Starting tomorrow, Friday, April 3, the drive-thru at the Mansfield Water Department will be closed. Customers can still utilize the drop box for payments, pay by phone or sign up for auto pay. Black stated that anyone interested in auto pay would need to contact the water department by phone so that arrangements could be made for necessary paperwork. To utilize the pay by phone option, customers can call 855-483-5729 and use the ID code: 7294411. SoftelPay is also available online at pay.softelpay.com.
Black also announced that the tentative reopening date of the Mansfield Recycling Center is set for April 20. However, that date is subject to change.
The Mayor assured residents that he will continue to relay any upcoming changes within the city.
James D. Trumble, better known as Jim, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, March 29, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with his loving wife at his side. Jim was born October 16,1951, to Charlie and Ruth (Seymore) Trumble in Dumas, Arkansas. He was 68 years old. Jim was of the Baptist faith.
Jim was an outdoor man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He especially loved spending time with his family. He looked forward to making forever memories with his loved ones.
Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Nan of the home, two sons: Mark Trumble of Van Buren, Arkansas and Jason Trumble. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his granddaughters: Saundra, Rebecca and Heather. Jim will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Ruth Trumble, brothers, T.J. Trumble, Leroy Trumble, Bob Trumble and sisters: Doris Bruton and Peggy Rose.
Jim’s graveside life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2020, at the Chant Lane Cemetery with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
The family would like to invite everyone to sign the online guestbook for Jim at www.heritagememorialfh.com. During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings and do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. If you are attending his life celebration service please, remain in your vehicle where Jim’s service can be heard on radio channel 87.9. Jim’s life celebration will be available for viewing online the following day on Jim’s obituary page at www.heritagememorialfh.com.
Jim’s honorary pallbearers will be Matt Rose, Randy Jones, Col Browder, Brian Pierce, Stanley Holleman and Ronnie Bruton.
Leave it to the creative minds of Greenwood School District staff to envision, plan and execute a parade that would allow students to see the faces of their beloved teachers.
That’s exactly what happened this afternoon when vehicles adorned with personal messages carried GSD staff along a planned travel route. Smiles were readily present, and maybe a few joyful tears.
All in all this is what community is truly about….coming together, which has a unique meaning now, even in the midst of the current circumstances.
Teachers, principals and a town always come through. Even if it’s for a brief moment of joy that will become a memory. What an amazing memory it will be.
“The kids miss their teachers and the teachers miss the kids. This put a smile on their faces which lifted every ones spirits. We’re blessed to have such an amazing group of teachers.”
Cows from all over the state gathered Tuesday night to hold an emergency bovine meeting concerning the ever-increasing night time tipping dilemma. President of the “Cows for a Cause” chapter, Mrs. Ineda Bunn, spearheaded the get-together in hopes to get a solution to this inconvenience. “For decades, we have been cheap entertainment for small-town youth but tonight, the fun stops here,” exclaimed Bunn. “No more will we allow these children to disrupt our much-needed beauty sleep!”
As the night wore on, more and more cows came forward to express their dismay for the situation. Angus cow, Leonardo DiCowprio, took to the podium to deliver an emotional tipping recollection that still haunts him to this day. “Although this incident took place three years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just finished my nightly graze and retreated to my favorite area of pasture. I was just drifting off to sleep when all of a sudden, I felt four hands on my side. I remember hearing giggling and next thing I know, I’m careening towards the ground.”
“After a couple of attempts of rocking back and forth, I was able to get to my hooves just in time to see a truck speed away. It took me weeks to be able to finally sleep with both eyes closed but I will never be the same.” After the testimonies were heard, a decision was made to establish round the clock security in every field. Any violators caught would be subject to ten face lickings while standing on one leg and singing only the cow verse of Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
On Saturday, March 7th the West Central Football League board met for their 2020 spring meeting. After another successful year of Little League football, the WCFL Board was ready to continue improving the league for their respective programs and most importantly, for the players themselves. However, it was the review of the 2019 season that stole the show.
Greenland Pirates
Although the 2019 season has been over for quite a while now, there are some things that many may not have noticed about the seasons end. One thing that stood out to the WCFL Board was that every program in the league made the playoffs. This wasn’t because the league has an “everyone makes it” rule either. With nine teams in the league and only six playoff spots, the math adds up to where at least three teams would be left out. So not every team made the cut, but every program did.
Mansfield Tigers
In the 3rd and 4th grade division was Mansfield, Hackett, Mountainburg, Lavaca, JC Westside, and Cedarville. That left West Fork and Greenland out of the 3rd and 4th grade Playoffs. As fate would have it, Greenland and West Fork got their fair share in the 5th and 6th grade Playoffs as they joined Mansfield, Hackett, Lavaca, and Magazine. With nothing given and everything earned by each program, the WCFL as a whole proved by definition what a competitive and balanced league can be at its very best.
JC Westside Rebels
Another point of emphasis was the growth in all of the programs in the league. In its first two years, the WCFL has seen three different programs win league Championships. Mansfield has won back to back championships in the 3rd and 4th grade while Hackett and Magazine have successfully brought home the gold in the 5th and 6th grade. A key team to take note of was the 2019 3rd and 4th grade Mountainburg Dragons. The Dragons struggled to make the Playoffs with a 4-3 regular-season record which gave them the final slot in the Playoffs as the #6 seed. Mountainburg then rolled past rivals #4 Cedarville in Pirates territory and beat #2 Hackett to punch their ticket to their first WCFL Championship game. Although the Dragons lost to Mansfield in the championship round, they proved that anyone in the WCFL can succeed.
Mountainburg Dragons
With the past behind the league now, the meeting shifted to business where there was a board shakeup. Shortly after the 2019 season ended, Cedarville’s Keith Ridgeway and Greenland’s Jeremy Selvey stepped down from their WCFL Representative positions. At the meeting itself, President Doug Powell (Magazine), Vice President Adam Hamilton (Mountainburg), Treasurer Josh Scott (Magazine), Secretary Adam Hecox (Mansfield), and Dave Slavens (Hackett) stepped down from their respective positions also.
Hackett Hornets
Founder of the league, Powell, stepped down due to his change in schools as he was hired by the Waldron School District as their high school head football coach. Slavens, Ridgeway, and Selvey stepped down for personal and family reasons. Hecox and Scott merely shuffled to new positions on the board and Hamilton solely maintained his Representative spot for Mountainburg. With those positions vacated, the league gained some fresh blood to help it move into the future as David Moore (Mansfield), Aaron Lanning (Cedarville), and Stormy Swinson (Greenland) stepped up to fill the representative voids. Slavens replacement for the Hackett representative is still to be determined.
Magazine Rattlers
With fresh faces at the table and positions available, the WCFL Board voted on board positions to close out the meeting. Adam Hecox (Mansfield) replaced Doug Powell as the WCFL President, Aaron Lanning (Cedarville) replaced Adam Hamilton (Mountainburg) as Vice President, Stormy Swinson (Greenland) replaced Josh Scott (Magazine) as Treasurer, and Scott replaced Hecox as Secretary. Along with Moore, Lanning, and Swinson, town representatives will be, Adam Hamilton (Mountainburg), Josh Scott (Magazine), Clay Bryant (JC Westside), Taylor Genz (West Fork), and Alanna Brunson (Lavaca).
Cedarville Pirates
Although the WCFL is only going into its third season, the league has made quite an impact on the programs and communities. Vice President Aaron Lanning said “The WCFL has been great for our program. All of the teams we are competing against are the same size schools which creates a perfect kind of competition for our kids. The teams in the league have around the same size and amount of players as us. When we played bigger conferences in the area (mainly being Van Buren) it was hard to keep kids interested in the sport of football. Cedarville has always had smaller kids and smaller numbers so in the Van Buren league kids are just getting beat down. We have had a record number of kids signing up since joining the league two years ago which is great for Cedarville’s football program as a whole from elementary up to high school. We signed up over 100 kids last year for football and cheerleading as well as also having a 1st and 2nd grade football and cheerleading team which helps with our numbers.”
West Fork Tigers
Magazine resident and #1 Rattler fan, Brandy Moore, had this to say about the West Central Football League “Ever since Magazine joined the WCFL, I have seen our players’ confidence and sense of school pride grow tremendously. It has been such a blessing to be a part of a league and program that pushes our athletes to be better players as well as better students and citizens.”
The past couple of weeks have been very trying on most people. Shortages at the stores, kids at home instead of school, lay offs, and the anxiety of the unknown.
But we just have to have faith that it will all be for the best and we will be better than we were before. One thing better is all of the cities and towns now have a clear plan if this ever happens again. You the people the people will know what to do and you can now prepare.
Maybe we can all start saving back a little bit of money each month for that emergency fund or buy just a small amount of extra food every month. I don’t know, I don’t even pretend to know. But, when this is behind us, each one needs to look back on this and make our own decision on what we are in need of for the next time.
There will be a next time! So remember this and prepare!
The Sebastian County Judge’s Office Department of Emergency Management in partnership with the City of Fort Smith, United Way of Fort Smith Area, UAMS, Arkansas Department of Health and both Baptist and Mercy Hospitals are opening a regional call center to address the COVID 19 Virus.
The call center will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and will be staffed with medical professionals. The call takers will be asking specific questions and will direct those who need assistance to the appropriate facility to address their concerns.
If you have questions or need resources, you may contact 211, where a skilled person will direct you to the right location or service.
