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.
LITTLE ROCK — Spring is in the air, and many Arkansans are looking for reasons to break away from the house and explore The Natural State. According to Karen Rowe, nongame bird program leader for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, birdwatching (called “birding” by those who pursue the interest in earnest) is not only a fun way to beat cabin fever, but it also can help conservation efforts.
“Enjoying birdwatching is the first step to becoming an active conservationist,” Rowe said. “Once people get an appreciation for our winged friends, many start doing things to help them with their struggles. Birding is very therapeutic.”
According to a recent article in Science magazine, results of researchers from seven institutions, the populations of birds throughout North America have plummeted by more than 2.9 billion adult birds since 1970. Birds in every ecosystem have been impacted to some degree. From Eastern and Western meadowlarks to the sweet-singing white-throated sparrow, much fewer of our feathered friends are gracing feeders, birdbaths and native habitat than a few decades ago.
One great resource to get people started birdwatching is the Wings Over Arkansas Program. Now in its 20th year, this backyard birding program offers awards for participants based on the number of different species they identify outdoors. People can send in a copy of their lists (called “life lists” by the indoctrinated) and receive a pin for each level of birding they’ve attained. If you’d like to take it to the next level, set up an account at eBird.com and become a citizen scientist. Your bird lists become a part of a world-wide set of data.
“It’s a great way to get kids and adults outside, and right now is a great time to be out with the warming weather,” said Kirsten Bartlow, watchable wildlife program coordinator for the AGFC. “It’s also when many of our Neotropical migratory species are making their way back into the state after spending winter in Central and South America.”
Bartlow and Rowe agree that birding can be done practically anywhere. Backyards in subdivisions, park ponds and even native gardens in the middle of cities still attract many birds, but the varieties of species you’ll encounter can grow with a little travel. The AGFC’s nature centers may be closed to the public, but their trails are still open for exploring. The AGFC’s many watchable wildlife trails, water trails and wildlife management areas also are great places to start searching for the more active.
“It can be as simple or as much of an adventure as you want to put into it,” Bartlow said. “A pair of binoculars and a pocket guide like the AGFC’s “Arkansas Backyard Birds” can be helpful, but they’re not necessary. The main thing is to get outside and enjoy some fresh air while we’re all trying to practice physical distancing.”
Rowe also suggests downloading free bird identification apps to your smartphone instead of carrying a cumbersome bird field guide. “Merlin Bird ID and Audubon Bird Guide are free and invaluable when trying to identify our returning spring migrants,” Rowe said.
Visit 3billionbirds.org for more information about the 3 Billion Birds initiative to combat the decline of bird species in North America.
For more information about the Wings Over Arkansas Program, including Arkansas bird checklists and brochures, visit www.agfc.com/wingsoverarkansas.
Bettie Jo Sisk, 71, of Mansfield went to her Heavenly home on March 19th, 2020.
Bettie was the daughter of William Elmer and Ella Mae Allen of Arkoma. Bettie is proceeded in death by her husband of 51 years Neal Sisk.
Bettie was a retired Nurse’s Aide and was a homemaker. She loved to take care of her family and loved cooking lunch for them on Sunday. Bettie was loved by all, her kind word, her caring ways, her sweet smile and most of all her pink cancer hat she wore all the time. Bettie was a supporter of finding a cure for cancer.
Bettie is survived by two daughters: Teresa Ann Peterson (Keith) of Mansfield, Terre Lin Traylor (Ray) of Mansfield, three grandchildren: William Wayne Traylor (Victoria) of Mansfield, Oren Ray Traylor of Mansfield and Niki Peterson (Rob) of Huntington, four great grandchildren: Conner Bryce and Genevie Ann Traylor of Mansfield and Hailie Nicole and Abbigail Mae Pratter of Huntington.
A Celebration of Life will be in the springtime. All family and friends will be contacted for a further date. Cremation under direction of Lewis funeral Chapel, Fort Smith. To place an online tribute, go to www.lewisfuneralchapel.net
Yesterday I posted about rainfall chances for today, as of this evening that rainfall is in full swing and has swept into the area. Although it’s wet and soggy out there, it will make for some perfect sleeping conditions tonight! Temperatures will linger this evening into the overnight in the low 50’s and high 40’s around the viewing area.
By Tuesday, we should eventually dry out by mid-day. Cloud cover should also disperse giving way to some much needed sunshine by Tuesday evening! In fact, Tuesday evening looks gorgeous with temperatures in the mid 60’s.
State Wide Temperatures (Tuesday Afternoon)
Enjoy the break Tuesday evening into Wednesday, as it appears another round of showers and thunderstorms may arrive by Thursday/Friday. Looking over data tonight, some of those storms could be on the stronger side. Just something to monitor for now.
As you go about your week, please remember our friends in eastern Arkansas, specifically in Jonesboro. If you didn’t already know, the city was struck by a large and violent tornado on Saturday afternoon. They have a TON of work and cleanup to do and could use any support possible.
Large EF-3 Tornado Moving Through Jonesboro, Arkansas
Thanks for reading and remember you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter for continuous Arkansas weather related information.
On Monday, March 30, Scott County Judge James Forbes issued a “Health Declaration.”
“This does not mean we have a positive case in Scott County,” stated Forbes. “As of March 30, we still have 0 positive cases. This proclamation will allow the county to receive state and federal assistance if the state proclaims and is approved at the federal level. If there is a state declaration for Covid-19 we will inform you what individual assistance will be available by state and federal government. Let’s not get lazy or complacent and forget our biggest defense is being proactive. Keep taking all those recommended precautions from the Arkansas Health Department and the CDC. Wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, don’t touch your face, cover your mouth when you cough, proactive social distancing, and stay at home if you can. I know this is hard but when you feel the need to get out do this in a responsible manner. Dining in has been prohibited, please don’t risk not complying. If you are ordering carry out, don’t congregate outside, use social distancing. Let’s all work together to be safe. Continue to pray for our county and all those who have been affected by this virus. Have faith in the good Lord and He will get us through this.”
People confused about how far to stand from others when social distancing could learn a lot from an angler. Just act like you’re casting a fishing rod.
Most common fishing rods are between 6 and 7 feet long, the distance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend to space apart from others in public. Of course, the best way to practice this technique is to get outside and enjoy some angling.
And there’s no better time to get outside than this week. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has waived all fishing license and trout permit requirements through midnight March 29 for everyone to get out and enjoy some time on the water. Here are a few hotspots to try during the extended spring break:
Lake Maumelle white bass run The white bass have begun to move into the creeks that feed reservoirs where they spend most of the year. This is the best time of year to find concentrations of this feisty fighter, and one of the best places to try is Lake Maumelle just west of Little Rock. The lake is fed by the Maumelle River, and anglers can reach some of the best white bass locations by taking a short walk from Sleepy Hollow Access and the Bringle Creek Access, both just west of where Arkansas Highway 10 crosses the far end of the lake. Try casting small Beetle Spins, Road Runner jigs and ⅛-oz. jigheads with white or chartreuse twister tail grubs for the best results. Many other lakes throughout the state enjoy fantastic white bass runs as well, including:
Millwood Lake – Try Little River upstream of U.S. Highway 71
Lake Greeson – Star of the West Recreation Area and Self Creek offer excellent opportunities.
Beaver Lake – Typical locations include the Highway 45 Access (Twin Bridges) and War Eagle Creek below War Eagle Mill
Lake Catherine walleye Spring walleye runs are at their peak right now, and you won’t find a better time to catch these tasty fish concentrated in the upstream arms of some of Arkansas’s larger reservoirs. The area just below Capenter Dam is a perfect location to catch a few of these nighttime predators during their spawning run. The dam prevents the fish from going any further upstream, so many will congregate along the rocks just below it to conduct their spawning ritual. While walleye are a big target for northern and midwestern anglers, they really never have taken off except as a temporary target in southern impoundments. To cash in on the walleye run, anglers should try to fish in the early morning and late evening, and even at night. The walleye have a special reflective membrane in their large eyes that allow them to see in low-light much better than bass or crappie. As a result, some of the best feeding times for these fish is just after the sun goes down. Anglers should cast stickbaits like Smithwick Rattling Rogues, Storm Thundersticks and the Original Floating Rapala along the face of the rocks, where walleye will be looking for a meal. Pay attention to any water releases and practice some common sense if you see the water begin to rise.
Carpenter Dam isn’t the only place to find a walleye run. Practically any dam on the Ouachita River will hold a few just below it as the walleye try to move upstream. Here are a few options:
Lake Hamilton – Below Blakely Mountain Dam in Lake Hamilton
Saline River – Below Remmel Dam at the south end of Lake Catherine
Beaver Lake – Twin Bridges and War Eagle Creek
Table Rock Lake – The tributaries of Table Rock have excellent populations of walleye in them right now, according to biologists sampling for this year’s spawning project. Beaver Tailwater and the Kings River are the two best tributaries to look for ‘eyes.
Greers Ferry – Try to get as far upstream as possible in the South Fork, Middle Fork and Devil’s Fork of the Little Red River that feed the lake from the north.
Lake Conway crappie spawn Crappie too are headed to the shallows for their annual spawning run. Fisheries biologists conducting spring electrofishing samples have witnessed many slab-sized crappie decked out in their darker spawning colors in the last week. This is one of the best times for anglers to chase the king of the southern fish fry before they move out deep again for summer. On AGFC lakes, the entire shoreline is open to public access. However, some shorebound anglers feel uncomfortable walking through what appears to be someone’s backyard when houses are present. For those folks, the AGFC has some excellent fishing piers and bank fishing accesses on many of its popular crappie lakes. On Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir in Mayflower, staff recently constructed parking area and access right where U.S. Highway 89 crosses the south end of the lake. The access has space for up to 30 cars to park, and there’s plenty of shoreline to spread out within 50 feet of the pavement.
Other top spots to consider for crappie include:
Lake Overcup – Biologists have seen an abundance of 2-pound male crappie moving into the shallows for the spawn.
White Oak Lake – Just below Upper White Oak Lake Dam is one of the best publicly known crappie hot spots in the state called, “The Old Folks Hole.”
Cane Creek Lake – Below the spillway is good, and the levee wraps around much of the lake to offer easy walking access.
Beaver Lake – By far the best crappie population in the northwest corner of the state. Focus on areas in the upper end of the lake.
For many years we’ve heard it, we need revival in our churches, revival across our country. These past few weeks, something strange has happened. People have begun searching for a peace, finding faith.
We are witnessing an amazing thing, preachers, teachers and singers sharing the Word of God online. People who haven’t been to church in years, or perhaps ever, are tuning in.
Why? In the midst of the turmoil, in the middle of this crisis, people are searching for some peace, people are looking to God!
Could this be the beginning of the revival Christians for generations have prayed for? It could very well be!
Sarah Bailey said “I love seeing all of the church services on Facebook. Satan wants to fill our hearts with fear and worry, but social media has been flooded with God’s Word and so many are finding strength to be overcomers through Christ.”
With the closure of sanctuaries across the country, many churches have turned to online broadcasting.
One local church, Abbott Baptist, has found alternative ways to continue in the ministry. The church offers a “drive-in” setting, where the congregation can tune in via radio while still visualizing the service.
Others are holding services on lawns, porches and pavilions. “…God is not quarantined. He is still working,” stated Gerri Biggs, who attends Boles Freewill Baptist Church.
The Coronavirus may have forced the closure of the churches, but no doubt about it, God’s Word continues to go forth and saturates the hearts of those who hunger and thirst for Him, our Hope, our Peace. The church is not the building. The people, we the believers, are the church!
I recall my grandmother saying, “…there may be a time where our Bibles are taken from us, so memorize the scriptures and hide the Word in your heart.” I couldn’t help but remember her words as we face such uncertain times.
Regardless of what the ‘morrow holds, we can find solace just as Corrie Ten Boom did in the German Concentration Camp: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
If your church is hosting services online, we invite you to share those services in the comments below!
