Earlier this week, the Mansfield 7th Grade Lady Tigers once again took on the undefeated Cedarville Lady Pirates. The last time these two teams faced, Cedarville took home the win, holding the Lady Tigers to only nine points in the game. And although the outcome was still the same with the Lady Pirates earning the victory 24-19, Mansfield was able to more than double their points this time around, proving to anyone that has doubted them that hard work and determination do pay off.
Ambria Whittaker
“There was more good than bad in our game against Cedarville,” explained coach, Joshua Bryan. “The Lady Pirates just capitalized on our bad moments.” Growing stronger and faster every day, the Lady Tigers continue to improve their basketball skills while laying down the foundation to greatness and preparing for Jr High play next year.
Shelbie Fuller
Shelbie Fuller took charge of the hardwood with her speed and finesse putting 12 points on the board thanks in part to not one but two three-pointers. Fuller also netted one rebound. Ambria Whittaker who has only been playing ball a few short years, in one to keep an eye on as she has a natural ability to run the court. Whittaker ended the night with five points and one rebound.
Maylei Rogers
Maylei Rogers was a modern-day Rim Reaper as she was unstoppable under the basket bringing in six rebounds along with two points. And rounding out the stat book was Trinity Triska, Presley Curry, Kaylie Lowery, and Azlynn Nelson who combined for five rebounds and three steals. The 7th Grade Lady Tigers will play next at the Lavaca Tournament on Saturday, January 25 at 10 and 11.
Resident Press presented their Media Award on Thursday, January 23. This year’s recipient, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office.
The award was a first for RP, and according to Sheriff Hobe Runion, a first for their department. Publisher and Owner Jason Baggett shared, “We appreciate and value the trust and working relationship with the SCSO. We both honor the commitment to the public we serve. Without the tremendous cooperation you’ve shown, we would not be able to do what we do.”
Awards were presented on behalf of the department, and to Sheriff Hobe Runion, “the People’s Sheriff,” Chief Deputy Kevin Nickson, Captain Philip Pevehouse, and Deputy Mike Burcham.
2019 Media Award recipient Sheriff Hobe Runion.
Hobe Runion: Since our first meeting, I knew your heart was for the people, and dubbed you “the People’s Sheriff.” Thank you for your leadership and professionalism.
2019 Media Award recipient Chief Deputy Kevin Nickson.
Chief Deputy Kevin Nickson: Your approachability and heart for the community you serve is evident. Coming out of retirement as you did demonstrates your passion for community policing.
2019 Media Award recipient Captain Philip Pevehouse.
Captain Philip Pevehouse: Your trust, commitment and dedication are irreplaceable. You’ve answered my calls and texts on off and inconvenient days. Thank you for always being so extremely helpful.
2019 Media Award recipient Deputy Mike Burcham.
Deputy Mike Burcham: I’ve been blessed to witness first hand the compassion you have for your community. Those times have touched my heart, and I feel blessed to know you. Thank you for your heart to serve.
The Sheriff’s Department was chosen indisputably for this year’s Media Award. Resident Press is grateful for the working professional relationship and friendships within the department. Together, we will continue working to serve the people!
One thing evident about Monday nights match-up between the Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers and the Cedarville Lady Pirates was that there was no lack of aggression that’s for sure. On January 20, the Lady Tigers took home another conference win after they sunk the Lady Pirates ship 34-15. “We looked great in the first half getting out of the first quarter up 9-0,” explained Coach Joshua Bryan.
Seven Sanderson
“We relaxed a bit in the second half but kept the game out of reach for the Lady Pirates.” The Jr Lady Tigers are on top of the leader boards as they have now won 11 consecutive games placing them with a 14-2 season record. “Eleven of the 14 wins have been by double digits.” Helping put Mansfield in gold standings was Natalie Allison and Alyson Edwards who ended the game with 10 points each. Seven Sanderson netted six points in the game. And with two points apiece was Kynslee Ward, Harlie Fuller, Brooklyn Adams, and Cassidy Carlton.
Alyson Edwards
The Jr Lady Tigers will shoot for their 12th victorious game in a row as they take on the Lady Bulldogs in Waldron on Monday, January 27 starting at 4:30 p.m.
The Waldron Sr High Bulldogs were already six games into their 2019-2020 basketball season when they suffered their first loss against Lavaca by a mere four points. That momentum has only intensified as the days go by with the Bulldogs leaving a trail of carnage behind them. As of now, Waldron sits 17-4 in total season play and 6-1 in their 3A-1 conference division with the one loss coming at the hands of the Charleston Tigers on January 14.
Earlier in the week, Waldron took to the courts in Greenland to try their hand at plundering the Pirates. And in true Bulldog fashion, the boys were successful in their mission 68-52. With the conclusion of this game, Waldron is left holding 1,405 points in their hands with plenty of room left to spare.
True to form, Payton Brown climbed out of the Pirates wreckage with 23 points on the game followed by Isaac “The Real” Villarreal with his over the top shots earning him 12 points. Braden Williams owned every play he laid at Greenland’s feet gaining him 10 points while Jacob Avila once again delivered his lightning-fast moves breaking Pirate ankles and putting eight points on the board. Gada Wagner earned five points by patiently hiding in the shadows like a lion before ferociously striking his prey.
Mason Ford and Caden Fuller were able to meticulously follow through in every play with their knowledgeable court moves netting them four points each. And always able to spot his opponent’s flaws on the court with his eagle eye vision was Ruben Valdez who snagged two points for his team.
The Waldron Bulldogs will be back on the road on Friday, January 24 as they look to outshine yet again the (6-11) West Fork Tigers. The Bulldogs have already done this song and dance with the Tigers in their first conference game of the season where Waldron was victorious 74-57. West Fork currently holds a 1-5 conference record.
Juan Ozuna Sr. of Heavener, Oklahoma passed from this life, Monday, January 20, 2020, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Juan was born July 4, 1960 in Los Angeles, California to Guillermo Ozuna and Zaragoza Sara (Gonzalez) Ozuna. He was 59 years old.
Juan leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Criselda Ozuna of Heavener, Oklahoma and two sons: Juan Ozuna Jr. and Martin Ozuna both of Heavener, Oklahoma and one grandson John Ozuna III of Bonanza, Arkansas. Juan is also survived by one brother Guillermo Ozuna Jr. of Waldron, Arkansas and his sisters: Rita Cantu of Texas, Odilia Banderas of Waldron, Arkansas, Saraelia Pompa of California and Silvia Diaz of Waldron, Arkansas Juan will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends he loved dearly.
Juan was preceded in death by his parents: Guillermo Ozuna and Sara Ozuna, one daughter, Yolanda Ozuna and two brothers: Guadalupe Ozuna and Gilibaldo Ozuna.
Juan’s life celebration will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Centro Cristiano Hispano N.V. in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jose Banderas officiating. Interment will follow in the Bush Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Juan’s pallbearers will be Guillermo Ozuna III, Lupe Ozuna, Freddy Ozuna, Jose Banderas Jr., Ozzie Ozuna, Joel Diaz, Eduardo Cantu and Leonardo Cantu.
Juan’s visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Juan’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.
The Scott County Quorum Court met in regular session on Tuesday evening, January 21 at 7 p.m. All nine members of the court were present including Justice Bates, Justice Brigance, Justice Hattabaugh, Justice Hill, Justice Luttrell, Justice Roberson, Justice Thompson, Justice Vaughn and Justice Wagner. Also present, Scott County Judge James Forbes, Treasurer Teresa Scantling, Sheriff Randy Shores, Assessor Terri Churchill, legal representative Travis Plummer, and County Clerk Barbara Whiteley.
After the reading, correction and disposition of the minutes from the December meeting, the court went into executive session at 7:02 p.m. Upon reconvening at 7:10 p.m., Judge Forbes informed the audience that the nurse at the jail had resigned, and that the quorum members were in support of hiring a replacement.
Next, reports were given by the treasurer and sheriff. Shores’ report included the following:
Felony warrants – 15
Misdemeanor warrants – 25
Warrants from other jurisdictions – 1
Body attachments (child support) – 4
Civil papers – 29
Traffic citations – 31
Criminal citations – 16
DWI – 2
Juvenile citations – 0
Accident reports – 3
Offense and arrest reports – 28
Incident reports – 18
Prisoner transport miles (not USMS) – 1394
Prisoner transport hours (not USMS) – 50
During the month of December, 86 people were held at the county jail. Twenty seven of those were women.
67 detainees were held for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department for a total of 666 days
17 detainees were held for the Waldron Police Department for a total of 40 days
2 ADC 309 were held for a total of 62 days
1 US Marshal was held for 31 days
8 inmates were sentenced to ADC (Arkansas Department of Corrections)
4 inmates were sentenced to ACC (Arkansas Community Corrections)
2 probation and parole were held for 90 days
Forbes then opened the floor to public comment. Steve Holland addressed the court “not as an elected commissioner, but as a citizen and member of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition.”
In his address, Holland outlined the importance of the Bill of Rights Ordinance before the court members. With no other comments, Judge Forbes read a statement in support of that same ordinance. Ultimately, each member of the Scott County Quorum Court sponsored the ordinance, which passed unanimously.
Members of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition, the group who introduced the Bill of Rights ordinance to County Judge James Forbes, gathered in the foyer of the courthouse. Spokesman Dan Borum spoke with conviction stating, “…There is no such thing as a given right. These are rights you are born with.”
Members of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition and speaker Dan Borum.
ALC member Steve Holland addressed the Quorum Court seeking the consideration and approval of the ordinance. Judge Forbes, who co-wrote the ordinance responded stating:
“Our fore fathers put in place a Constitution and Bill of Rights that protects the people. This Constitution is not to give power to the government, but protection to the people from the over bearing hand of the government. The Constitution represents our forefathers desire to be free of a government that is unjust and oppressive. Also, the Constitution reserves the right of the citizens to decide on matters which concern their lives, liberty, and property in the ordinary course of affairs. The Constitution needs no explanation. It has been enacted and enforced 200+ years. It says what it means, and means what it says. As written in the Declaration of Independence (we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.) Nothing in this ordinance is contrary to the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. This ordinance, simply put, is a declaration that Scott County stands with the citizens of Scott County, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. This, to protect their God given rights as declared in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I ask that the Quorum Court stand with the people we represent and publicly declare that we will uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.”
Representative of Patriots of Act 746, Gary Epperson.
Also present at the meeting, State Senator Terry Rice, Representative Marcus Richmond as well as several political hopefuls.
Richmond stated, “Today’s vote by the Scott County Quorum Court to make Scott County a Bill of Rights Sanctuary County was a historic event. They are leading the way in protecting our Constitutional rights against any future regulation or law that would violate our God given rights that are protected by the Constitution our forefathers founded. You may wonder if such a bold move was necessary? I say absolutely! All you have to do is look at the situation in Virginia. There, two high population areas determine the policies of the whole state and recently those policies have been in direct conflict with the liberties and freedoms protected by the Constitution. Here in Arkansas, we have two growing areas with changing demographics that may someday be politically powerful enough to disregard the will of the less populated areas. The passage of today’s resolution will be an obstacle to any state or federal effort to violate our rights. I hope other counties will follow Scott County’s lead!”
All nine members of the Scott County Quorum Court elected to sponsor the following ordinance, which passed unanimously:
ORDINANCE NO 2020-2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF THE COUNTY OF SCOTT, STATE OF ARKANSAS, AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED,( Bill of Rights Sanctuary for Scott County)
SECTION 1. The Quorum Court of Scott County hereby Finds and declares:
SECTION 2. A. In order to insure the rights of the citizens of Scott County which are protected by the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights of that Constitution, which reserves the right of the citizens to decide on matters which concern their lives, liberty, and property in the ordinary course of affairs.
Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner; nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV The right of the people to secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in a militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
Amendment VI Inall criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of common law.
Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
B. The Quorum Court further finds that section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. (Passed by Congress June 13, 1866, Ratified July 9, 1868.)
C. The right of the people is further protected from infringement by State, Federal and local governments under the ninth, tenth, and fourteenth amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
D. Scott County has the right to be free from the commanding hand of the State and Federal government and has the right to refuse to cooperate with state and federal government officials in response to unconstitutional state and federal government measures, and to proclaim a Bill of Rights Sanctuary for law-abiding citizens in their cities and county.
E. Therefore, through the enactment of this document, Scott County Arkansas is hereby declared to be a BILL of Rights Sanctuary County.
SECTION 3
a. Notwithstanding any law, regulation, rule or order to the contrary, no agent, department, employee or official of Scott County, a political subdivision of the State of Arkansas, while acting in their official capacity, shall.
b. Knowingly and willingly, participate in any way in the enforcement of any unlawful or unconstitutional act, as defined herein, regarding Freedom of religion, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the people to peaceably assemble, Freedom of the press, Freedom to petition the government for a redress of grievances, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, will not be infringed and Amendment 1-27 of the Bill of Rights.
SECTION 4
An “Unlawful Act” shall consist of any federal, state or local act, law, order, rule, or regulation, which restricts an individual’s Constitutional rights. Any such “unlawful act” is invalid in Scott County and shall not be recognized by Scott County, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in Scott County, Arkansas, and this shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:
Any tax, levy, fee, or stamp imposed on firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition not common to all other goods and services on the purchase or ownership of those items by citizens;
Any registration or tracking of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition;
Any registration or tracking of the owners of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition;
Any act forbidding the possession, manner of carry, ownership, or use or transfer of any type of firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by citizens of the legal age;
Any act ordering the confiscation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition from citizens;
Any prohibition, regulation, and or use restriction related to ownership or the constitutionally guaranteed lawful use or carry of firearms;
Any use of County funds or funds given to the County by any entity, to participate in a “gun buyback” program or event is hereby illegal;
Any use of County Funds, or funds given to the county by any entity to any other government official or entity that violates or has violated any individual’s rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights;
This Ordinance upon passage will be attached to the Counties Personnel Policy. Once passed all new and renewed County employees will read and sign that they understand this ordinance;
Any employee who refuses to adhere to this ordinance after passage is subject to termination; and
Any official, Department head, or employee who is in violation of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine of up to $500.00 and or termination.
D. Exceptions:
The right to bear arms protection as provided to citizens by this ordinance does not apply to persons who have been, or may be in the future, convicted of felony crimes.
This ordinance is not intended to prohibit or affect in any way the prosecution of any crime for which the use of, or possession of, a firearm is an aggravating factor or enhancement to an otherwise independent crime, unless such crimes have been expunged by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY
A. The provisions of this act are hereby declared to be severable, and if any provision of this act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
SECTION 6. Emergency Clause
It is found by the Quorum Court of Scott County that the citizens of Scott County, Arkansas have taken notice and voiced concerns for their rights under the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this ordinance known as the Bill of Rights Sanctuary Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from the date of passage and approval.
The 24th season of Arkansas softball is nearly here, and the Razorbacks are entering their 2020 campaign ranked 21st by D1 Softball (D1Softball.com)
The Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with ten teams ranked in the Top 25. The Pacific 12 is next with five teams, followed by the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences with four each. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Sun Belt Conference each have one team in the rankings.
The D1 Softball Top 25 rankings are compiled by polling 10 sportswriters, broadcasters, analysts and coaches from across the nation, and are lead by writers Rhiannon Potkey and Tara Henry.
The Razorbacks head softball coach, Courtney Deifel and the Razorbacks were picked earlier this month to finish seventh in the SEC after a vote of th 13 head coaches in the annual preseason poll.
The Razorbacks are scheduled to begin play on Friday, February 7 in Las Cruces, New Mexico against UTEP and Bradley. Arkansas returns to Bogle Park February 20 for the Razorback Invitational that includes Boston University, South Dakota State, Marist, and Montana.
The 2020 schedule features two home tournaments, four SEC weekend series and eight additional non-conference games for a total of 32 home games.
Returning All-SEC selections, senior Autumn Storms and junior Hannah McEwen have been named to the 13th annual SEC Preseason All-SEC Team as announced by the league this morning. Storms was a 2019 second team All-SEC selection and a second team All-American, as well. Storms had a team-best 1.54 regular season ERA against SEC opponents. She dominated the circle in conference play, ranking first among SEC pitchers for walks allowed per seven innings and strikeouts to walks ratio. McEwen was only one of two players to start all 58 games of the 2019 season, finishing her sophomore year as the SEC regular season hits leader (73).
Arkansas was one of four SEC teams to have multiple players honored, joining Alabama (3), LSU (2) and Tennessee (2).
Article contributed by Mansfield Middle School student, Raine Hecox
The Mansfield Jr High Tigers took to the hardwood and forced the Cedarville Pirates to walk their own plank during Monday nights basketball madness. On January 20, the Mansfield Tigers strolled onto the Pirates ship with nothing but victory on their minds. Denying all penetrating Pirate passes the Tigers were quick on their defensive foot. With the first quarter finishing with a 3-1 score, many would have thought the boys were asleep at the wheel but they were only getting started.
Drew Elmore
Good enough was not good enough for the Mansfield Tigers though. At halftime, Mansfield was up 10-7 and ready to send Cedarville to the check-out lane. Walking back onto the court with their heads held high and in it to win it, the Tigers went into the second half ready to steal the loot. Each steal for the Tigers was rewarding and with four total, Mansfield was one step closer to victory. Some wish for greatness but the Tigers worked hard and achieved it by taking home the treasure with a final score of 25-17.
Tyler Turnipseed and Braxton Byers
Helping the Tigers master glory was Darton Hoopengarner as he sailed to the rim with an immense amount of speed earning one rebound. Aiming high with his expectations and points, Drew Elmore led the team scoring nine points total along with 14 rebounds. Tyler Turnipseed helped mop up the mess that the Pirates left by netting five points, one rebound, and two steals. Clint Stovall was soarin’ and explorin’ the Pirates ship ending the night with five points, six rebounds, and one steal. And the savage duo themselves, Braxton Byers and Austin Quinalty, definitely had some unfinished business with the Pirates scoring a combined total of six points, seven rebounds, and one steal.
Darton Hoopengarner
The Mansfield Jr High Tigers will be back on the court again on Monday, January 27, against an always entertaining face-off with the Waldron Bulldogs starting at 4:30 p.m.
