Wanda Dean Maxell, age 87 of Cross Creek, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 25, 2020.
She was a member of the Winfield Baptist Church, a homemaker who diligently worked beside her husband running their ranch, and retired from the Waldron Public School. Her greatest love, besides the love she had for her Lord and her family, was her love of gardening. You could always find her working in her garden or her flowerbeds.
She was preceded in death by her husband and childhood sweetheart, RC “Bo” Maxell, and her parents, Oscar and Elida Stringer.
Wanda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family who will miss her tremendously. She is survived by her two daughters, Connie Sue Maxell of Waldron and Melitta Maxell McCorkle of Greenwood, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Dawn McCorkle of Greenwood, Arkansas and Christopher Dan McCorkle and wife Olivia of Brownsville, Tennessee and two great-grandchildren, Declan Christopher McCorkle and Eden Grace McCorkle.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor William Crelia officiating; interment to follow at Sehorn Cemetery in Winfield, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Her pallbearers will be Scott Clemons, David Byford, Tony Suttles, Dan Ridenhour, Ron Hale, and Don Hambleton.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
On a cold, gray, overcast day in February, passers by in the town of Paris could hear the crack of bats, players laughing, and parents having a good time as they cheered on their sons and daughters as they played the great sports of baseball and softball. The Paris Eagles baseball team and the Lady Eagles softball teams were at home in their ballparks on Tuesday playing preseason Blue / White intrasquad games. The Blue / White games were the final scrimmages of the preseason for both teams before they open their schedules next week.
As with the case of Major League baseball spring training every year, hope springs eternal as teams are optimistic about the upcoming seasons and are anxious to jump into their schedules and begin their quest for the coveted spots of regional tournament births that are the pathways to the state tournament and a possible state championship.
But as also the case with Major League baseball, only a few teams will actually make the playoffs and have the opportunities to compete for championships. Injuries, breaks in games that come at key moments, weather conditions, etc., can all have a significant effect on who actually makes the post-season tournaments.
Paris coach Josh Hart is optimistic about his team’s season going into next week. “We’ve got seven seniors this year. We return everybody. We’ve had a couple of younger kids come up, Mason Bradley being one of them; he is going to contribute this year. Mason plays shortstop, pitches, second base; I can pretty well move him anywhere I need him. He has good speed and can also play the outfield. All of our pitching staff from last year is back. So, pitching-wise, we have about eight or nine arms that are available and that I feel like I can go to in a game. From that standpoint we are pretty good. Senior Patrick Richardson will be available this year. He will be our catcher. We also have a returning outfield, so, we should have a pretty good chance of doing pretty good in conference.”
I asked Coach Hart if he felt the Eagles are a potential first, second, or third place team in the conference. Coach Hart responded, “I feel like we can be in the top four. Definitely want to make it to regionals this year; we were a little shy last year. So, I feel like what we have added, how much we have developed over the off season, I think we can do that.”
Tuesday’s scrimmage was a five inning game. “We ran it just like a season game. I split them up as evenly as I could. We gave our pitchers a limited amount of work, about 35 pitches each, just about like a bullpen session. I wanted to work some of our top pitchers who will be getting some starts.”
The Eagles open the season on Monday, March 2 at Dover. “We open at Dover as long as it is not rained out. We go to Scranton on Wednesday, and Friday will be our first conference game against Two Rivers here.” When asked who Coach Hart thought would be the top contenders in conference this season, he said, “Fountain Lake, Atkins, Perryville, and Lamar (in addition to Paris). Really, there are some there that we are going to have to beat them out (of playoff contention) that were in the top group of teams last year. Fountain Lake has as many returning players as we do. I think Atkins is returning several. I am pretty sure Lamar is returning their best player, but we had a close game with them last year. I feel like we should be able to beat them this year.”
Tuesday’s Blue / White game was the final dress rehearsal for the Eagles before the start of regular season play. “We lost a benefit game that was supposed to be held at Subiaco. So this has become our scrimmage game before the season starts.”
Lady Eagles coach Donald Hart was pleased overall with his team’s performance on Tuesday. “It’s good when you can get outside and get going. I thought both squads competed really well. We’ve got some that are new and don’t have much experience. They got a little bit of experience today and I thought there were some bright spots and some kids that surprised me. Our veterans came out and did what they were supposed to do. We’re not near mid-season form yet, but we’re getting close to being ready. Overall I was impressed with how we did.
Coach Hart divided his players as equally as possible to make the game competitive. “I did divide them equally the best I could. I did give a little bit more offense to the white team because I thought Jadyn (Hart) was a little bit better on the pitching end. Karsyn did a really good job; I think she got a little tired in the sixth inning, but other than that, she did a very good job.” When asked about how he managed his pitchers, Coach Hart said, “With girls, we just go until we can’t go anymore. I let the catchers call the pitches versus me; I’ll call them in a game. My rule is if they walk two in a row, I’m going to pull them. I managed it today just like it was a season game.”
Going into the season, Coach Hart believes his team will be near the top of the conference standings among schools competing for the regional tournament. “We should be there right at the top of our conference. We only lost three players from last year’s team, but they were three big seniors. We have some young talent, but we’re a little bit inexperienced. We’re going to have great pitching. It’s basically going to be how well we gel together. Right now, I’ve only got nine days with the entire squad, even though some of them have been working on it along with basketball. So, we’re not just going to jump out of the box into mid-season form. But I really feel like we should be competing for a conference title.”
The start to the season is just around the corner for the Lady Eagles. Paris will host Mansfield on Monday, March 2. “We host Mansfield here on Monday, and then we have two JV games next week; at Ft Smith Northside and at Greenwood.”
When asked about who Coach Hart believed were going to be the contenders in conference this year, Coach Hart responded that in addition to Paris, “Perryville is going to be tough; they have everybody back. Atkins is always tough. Booneville is improved, and I really feel like us and those three are going to be the four teams at the top, but you can’t take anyone for granted.”
The team should be a full strength on Monday to start the season. “We are going into the season healthy. We have some bumps and bruises from basketball season, but I have our pitchers and catchers running right now and we’re getting there. Hopefully we are going to stay healthy. We are going to work really hard over the next three days to get ready for Monday.”
The cool weather was not a factor for the team on Tuesday. Coach Hart believes in working in all types of conditions to prepare the team for any possibility during the season. “You just have to be able to play out in the elements. The mentality you have to have to play in conditions like today during the season is very important. We practiced Sunday for over two hours in a misty rain just because we may play in conditions like that during the season. The only thing that may change may be during the state tournament and if heat becomes a factor. Heat has an effect on players.”
Next week’s slate for the Eagles baseball team is a road game at Dover on March 2, followed by another road, non-conference game at Scranton on Wednesday, March 4. The Eagles first conference game will be held on Friday, March 6 versus Two Rivers at Paris City Park. The Lamar Warriors will come to Paris on Tuesday, March 10.
The Lady Eagles schedule for next week will include games with Mansfield at home on Monday, March 2. The home stand will continue when the Lady Eagles host Two Rivers on Thursday, March 6. It won’t get any easier for Paris when they host Lamar on Tuesday, March 10.
So, Paris fans, it looks like a great season ahead for both teams. Come out to the ballparks and support both of these teams as they compete this season to earn births in the post-season. And don’t forget your rain gear on Monday!
It may be hard to believe with temperatures in the 40s, rain, wet grounds, and basketball in post-season play, but today marks the beginning of the springs sports seasons at Paris High School. The Paris Eagles and Lady Eagles baseball and softball teams will play their pre-season blue / white intrasquad games today in Paris. The games are part of the final preparation for the official start of season games that will begin next week.
Baseball will begin today at City Park at 4 p.m. Softball will begin at their park at 4:30 p.m. Resident Press will be there to provide photos and highlights of both games in tomorrow afternoon’s edition of Resident Press.
Good luck to both teams as they begin their 2020 campaigns!
They might not have gotten the win in the semi-final round of District play against the Mountainburg Lady Dragons but the Hackett Sr High Lady Hornets still finished as winners. The Lady Hornets will go into 2A West Regional play with an 8-17 total play record. The Lady Hornets ended the District Tournament with a final score of 47-29 Mountainburg. “Rain Vaughn led us with 10 points followed by Madi Taylor with nine, Faith Thomas with six, and Autum Neal and Kayla Richardson had two points each,” said coach, Broc Adams.
“I was very impressed with the attitude they had all week, they weren’t scared of the competition. We just went out and played!” The Lady Hornets are gearing up to face the Flippin Lady Bobcats in the 2A West Regionals on Wednesday, February 26 at 4 p.m. in Eureka Springs. Flippin sits with a season record of 18-15 in the 2A-1 division. “Flippin is an extremely talented team. We lost to them earlier in the year, but we are playing much better basketball, so we are going up there with the mindset that we are going to compete! We want to control the things we can and see what happens. It’s a one-game season at this point and we are going to give it everything we have!” The winner of this game will go on to face either Mountainburg or Eureka Springs on Friday, February 28 at 4 p.m.
The #3 seeded Hackett Sr High Hornets made it to the semi-final round of the 2A-4 District Tournament to face the #2 seeded Hector Wildcats. Both teams hit the court hungry for a championship title and both teams were more than willing to fight for it. The game was all tied up with a few minutes left on the clock but unfortunately, Hector was able to pull away and come out on top with a 44-35 final score. “I am extremely proud of my guys! They played with so much grit and left zero gas in the tank.We were all square with Hector with 2:30 left to play and a couple of untuned turnovers were the difference in the game,” explained coach, Kent Elmore.
Zach Gragg led the Hornets with 13 points followed by Cash Oliver with 12, Dylan Kats with eight, and Jake Fisher with two. “The best thing about it is we still get to get after it and prepare for a regional tournament! The growth my guys have shown throughout the year is beyond words. I really felt like we played a great two games during district. I’m proud of my guys and really like our chances to advance in the regional tournament. My guys have proven that they will stick to a game plan no matter what it may be. We have a few days left to prepare and with my guys’ focus, we will be ready to play.”
The Hackett Hornets will face the Yellville Panthers in the 2A West Regional Tournament which is being held this year in Eureka Springs. The Hornets are going into regional play with a 9-15 season record and will be representing the 2A-4 district while the Panthers are 18-7 and going to bat for the 2A-1. This match-up will take place on Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 p.m. “The growth of our team since November has been a joy to watch. My guys don’t want the season to be over. That kind of buy-in goes a long way. Our goal is to win and advance! The Hornets will be ready for the battle!” The winner of this game will advance on to face either Lavaca or Decatur on Friday, February 28.
The Hackett Schools Gifted and Talented Education program was recently named the best program of its kind in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Governor’s Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education selected the Hackett School District to receive this year’s Act. 56 award for the most outstanding Gifted and Talented Education program in Arkansas in schools of less than 1000 students.
The award comes with $3000 to be used for the Gifted and Talented Education program at Hackett.
Hackett Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator Gayla Edwards accepted the award at the annual AGATE (Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education) conference awards luncheon in Hot Springs.
Edwards stated: “We have outstanding Gifted and Talented Education programs in our school districts across Arkansas. I am proud to teach Gifted and Talented Education in Arkansas, and honored to accept this award for the Hackett School District. This achievement is due to support from school administration, teachers, all staff, students, parents, and community members. Thank you for your support for our school!”
Two Waldron Elementary student scientists, Kazyah Kinney and Justi Hunsucker, recently won first place at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain’s 5th Annual Science Fair held at the college campus in Mena.
Their project was: “Do Dogs have a Color Preference?” and the girls proved that dogs do, in fact, have a color preference through experimentation, application and collecting and charting data.
Kinney and Hunsucker won first place in the Rich Mountain Elementary Student category and brought home a giant $250 prize money check and a plaque.
Congratulations to these two WES student scientists, who no doubt have a very bright future ahead of them!
One of the items of unfinished business before the Mansfield City Council during their regularly scheduled meeting on February 20, was new building permit fees.
The proposed fees discussed by the council during a recent study session included the following increases:
Residential $150 (old fee $100)
Commercial $.25 x sq. ft. (old fee $.04 x sq. ft.)
HVAC/R contractor $125 (old fee $75)
Plumbing contractor $125 (old fee $100)
Gas contractor $75 (old fee $25)
Electrical contractor $125 (old fee $75)
The new building permit fees were approved unanimously by the council.
The next item of business, employee boot replacement. This includes the public works department and police department. “This is a fringe benefit that will be added to our personnel policy manual,” stated Mayor Buddy Black. The fringe benefit addition states that “city employees required to wear boots shall be allowed, at the city’s expense, to purchase one pair of boots per 12 month period. The maximum amount the city will pay is $100 with replacement being issued at the end of a 12 month period from each purchase date. Any amount exceeding $100 will be at the employee’s expense.” The motion passed unanimously by the council.
In items of new business, the council voted to add an expiration date on city issued checks. Any city issued checks will be void after 90 days. Next, the discussion of increasing the fuel surcharge on water bills. Currently the city charges $2, and according to Mayor Black there hasn’t been an increase in “forever.” The proposed new fee is $4. “Mansfield does not charge for trash pickup, and all the other towns around do…We have to recoup some of our losses in sanitation.” The motion to increase the fuel surcharge passed unanimously. Also discussed, the increased dumping fee at the public works department for roll-off containers. The council voted to increase the fee from $10 to $15 per load.
Next, the council discussed the price increase for the City of Hartford’s waste water fees. “We were supposed to, according to the contract, look at it one year after the agreement. That has never been done, so we’re doing it now,” stated Black. Currently, both the City of Hartford and the City of Midland pay Mansfield $1.19 per thousand gallons of waste. The proposed new cost is $1.40 per thousand gallons. The council will have to revisit the City of Midland’s agreement at next month’s meeting. Black added that in a new contract, it will be noted that the costs will be looked at two years later, and every year after that. The motion to increase Hartford’s waste fee from $1.19 to $1.40 per thousand gallons passed unanimously.
One final item of new business, the city was offered eight acres of land near the City Lake property at $65,000. The council, however, declined to take any action on that offer.
At the Mansfield City Council meeting held on the evening February 20, council members voted unanimously to repeal and replace yard sale ordinance 2019-7 with ordinance 2020-1.
In the first section of that ordinance, the city sets forth definitions of garage, or yard sales. “‘Yard sale’ or ‘garage sale’ shall mean and include all general sales, open to the public, conducted from or any premises in any residential or commercial zone, as defined by the zoning ordinance…for the purpose of disposing of personal property including, but not limited to, all sales entitled ‘garage,’ ‘lawn,’ ‘yard,’ ‘attic,’ ‘porch,’ ‘room,’ ‘backyard,’ ‘patio,’ ‘flea market,’ or ‘rummage sale.'” This does not include businesses in a commercial zone where sales occur on a day to day business.
The ordinance goes on to define personal property, property owned, utilized or maintained by an individual or member of his or her residence and acquired in the normal course of living or in maintaining residence.
According to ordinance 2020-1, a permit is still required in order to conduct such a sale. That permit can be picked up at the public works department, and “members of more than one residence may join in obtaining a permit for a yard or garage sale.”
In order to obtain a permit, you must fill out an application within at least one day in advance of the proposed sale. That application requires the name, address, location and dates of the sale.
No more than five permits may be issued to one residential location, residence and/or family household during any calendar year. “If members or more than one residence join in requesting a permit, then such permit shall be considered as having been issued for each and all of such residences. No more than five permits may be issued for any commercial location during any calendar year.”
Additionally, sales cannot occur any earlier than 7 a.m., and last no longer than 6 p.m. on three consecutive days.
“Personal property offered for sale may be displayed within the residence, in a garage, carport, driveway, and/or in a front side or rear yard, but only in such areas. No personal property offered for sale at a yard/garage sale shall be displayed at any public right-of-way.”
The permit is to be posted on the premises in a place so it can be seen by the public, or any city official. Two signs of not more than four square feet shall be permitted to be displayed on the property of the residence or commercial site where the sale is being conducted. Signs are not allowed on the city right-of-way. Those signs, according to the ordinance, must be removed at the close of sale, but no longer than one day after the last day of the sale. No sign, or any other form of advertisement can be exhibited for more than two days before the sale.
Anyone found in violation of the ordinance will be subject to a penalty of $25 per day for each offense.
