80.5 F
Fort Smith
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Home Blog Page 717

Area Band Students Earn All-Region Honor

Since the start of the school year, area band students have spent their time practicing for All-Region Auditions. Students have to practice three etudes along with a list of major and minor scales. During the audition, judges will select three scales, a few short sections from the etudes, and a short line of music for sight reading. Students compete on an individual basis against other students across the region.

On Wednesday, January 15th, area high school band students traveled to Fort Smith Southside High School to audition for a spot in the Region 8 All-Region Band. Twelve students were selected to be apart of three bands that make up the All-Region Concert. This concert will take place on January 25 at the ArcBest Performing Art Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Cedarville
Brandon Smith – 2nd Band 12th Chair Flute
Angel Burkhart – 3rd Band 3rd Chair Flute
Cara Swaim – 3rd Ban 10th Chair Clarinet
Matthew Schmitz – 3rd Alternate Trombone

Charleston
Keegan Hice – 2nd Band 24th Chair Clarinet
Aryana Robison – 3rd Band 23rd Chair Clarinet
Elijah Slaton – 2nd Band 3rd Chair Percussion

Hackett
Jadi Perez – 3rd Band 25th Chair Clarinet
Josh Dunkerson – 2nd Band 2nd Chair Trumpet

Lavaca
Wanda Sengkomyong – 2nd Band 4th Chair Oboe

Waldron
Lupita Morales – 3rd Band 3rd Chair Clarinet
Evan Chang – 3rd Band 22nd Chair Clarinet

Elijah Slanton of Charleston and Josh Dunkerson of Hackett are eligible to audition for the All-State Band in February.

Congratulations to all the students who made All-Region and to all those students who auditioned. It takes several hours of hard work to practice for All-Region. Hold your head high and be proud of yourself.

Perfect Scores, Boys!

In November, third and fourth grade students took the ACT ASPIRE Interim tests to help prepare them for the ACT ASPIRE Summative test coming in April. The Interim test is multiple choice and is taken online. The scores are a predictor for teachers to know how the student might score on the upcoming test in April.

We would like to congratulate four students at Mansfield Elementary who scored a perfect 100% in the reading section of the ACT ASPIRE Interim. Although some other students still scored a 97% in this subject as well as others, these four students were the only ones with a perfect score. Congratulations to third grader, Thomas Boyd, and fourth graders, Travis Gilmer, Hunter Whittaker, and Cosmo Whiley, for scoring 100% on the ACT ASPIRE Interim reading section!

Aspire scores help determine if a student is performing at a level that will have them ready to attend college by the time they graduate and compares their skills to other students in their grade level who take the ACT ASPIRE across the United States. Students will take the ACT ASPIRE Summative test in the spring.

Paris Junior Eagles Improve Record to 12-4 With 51-28 Win at Lamar

The Paris junior Eagles boys team improved its season record to 12-4 with a dominating 51-28 performance on Monday night at Lamar. The Eagles pressed the Warriors from the opening tip-off and jumped out to a big lead early and never looked back.

In junior girls action, it was the opposite outcome for the Lady Eagles as they had no answer for the press defense employed by the Lady Warriors. The Lady Eagles dropped the game at Warrior Gymnasium by the score of 44-29.

Eagles coach Mike Foster stated after the game, “We got on them early with a full court press and opened up a 19-5 first quarter lead and went on to win 51-28.” Jesse Wells lead Paris with 15 points. Juan Santos, Konnor Edwards, and Sam Muldrow each added 10 points in the Paris victory.

Paris coach Dustin Williams commented, “We got behind early in the game. Lamar is undefeated and they showed why. They came out on fire behind the three point line. We gave into their pressure and had some turnovers in the open court that we aren’t used to committing. We cut the lead to single digits several times but just could not get the score close enough to make a final push to take the lead. I thought our girls played extremely hard and did not give up. We played well as a team, but we have to get better on the offensive and defensive glass and minimize turnovers in transition.”

Paris was affected by the press, especially by Lamar’s 7th grade guard, Cori Sanders (#30 in photo below.) Sanders is the younger sister of Lamar senior high guard Lakyn Sanders. Lakyn will play tonight for Lamar in the senior Lady Eagles game versus Lamar.

For Paris, Brailey Forst led the Lady Eagles with 15 points. Jayden Wells had 9 points. Rachel O’Neal had 3 points and Annabelle Perry added 2 points.

Tonight, Lamar travels to Paris for an important senior high conference match-up. For the senior high Lady Eagles, the team has been on a great stretch having surprised conference opponents both at home and on the road. Paris has improved its conference record to 4-3 and appears to be solidifying as a team going down the stretch. Guards Jadyn Hart and Harlie Watts have stepped up and have become a productive back court for the Lady Eagles.

Lamar will enter Paris gymnasium tonight with a conference leading 7-0 record. Paris, now 4-3 in conference, looks to pull the upset to maintain their momentum and to bring the rest of the conference into play in the standings with Lamar. In key games around the conference tonight, second place Perryville (6-1) hosts Two Rivers (3-4), and Jessieville (5-2 ) hosts Fountain Lake. It is a big week for the Lady Eagles as they host Lamar and Two Rivers in Paris. Looking down the schedule, Paris will have an important road game with Jessieville on February 7. The Lady Eagles have to take care of a lot of basketball between now and then, but, Paris has a legitimate shot to finish third, and perhaps as high as second in the conference. A high regular season finish is critical to conference tournament seeding and perhaps an easier path to the regional tournament. So, a lot of basketball is yet to be played, but, the Lady Eagles have played themselves into position where many good things are possible if they continue their focus on each game between now and the end of the regular season.

The Paris Eagles senior boys team will look to continue its improvement as it targets the senior district tournament that will be played in February. The boys team has been competitive all season but has not found a way to close out wins in the fourth quarter. The team continues to play hard and is always in its games until late in the fourth quarter.

Both teams need Paris fans to show up big this week at home to fill the gym and support the Eagles and Lady Eagles.

Mansfield Mayor Recalls First Year in Office

Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black presented a summary of his first year to the council at their last meeting on Thursday, January 16.

In his report, he recalled the initial obstacles facing the city such as the fraudulent check scheme that affected the entire state. Some of the items included on that list, such as talks with DHS on treating the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center’s waste, remain a work in progress.

Other items included:

  • Removing pine trees from the west side of city hall. The needles were stopping up the gutters and drains, and their roots were infiltrating the sewer system.
  • Purchased 10 refurbished oxygen cylinders.
  • Replaced heat exchanger in the Senior Centers HVAC unit.
  • Smoke and dye test on the sewer system revealed infiltration. Landmark Engineering recommended raising all manholes that are currently below flood elevations.
  • Bought new police unit and sold two old Crown Victorias.
  • A new slide was purchased and donated by Darlene Boyd to the Connie McConnell Memorial Park.
  • Tony Gregory and Arnold Elmore made repairs at the wastewater plant that saved approximately $25,000.
  • Public works employees supplied with uniforms.
  • Roof repairs on the police department, and a partial new roof added to the fire department.
  • Started trash pickup at the City of Hartford with added revenue of over $31,000 per year.
  • Bought a total of 20 new dumpsters to rent out at $32.40 each, this will add approximately $700 in additional revenue each month.
  • Numerous water leaks repaired.
  • Auto pay implemented at the water department.
  • Installed telemetry for the water system at a cost of approximately $33,000.
  • In talks with State Senator Terry Rice, U.S. Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman, and representatives in obtaining grants for new bridges on Walnut Street and Caldwell Street.
  • Hired a new police chief, two officers, public works director and fire chief.
  • Georgia Poultry, a supplier for poultry and swine growers, opened for business.
  • Changed from overtime to comp-time. Overtime pay went from $22,000 in 2018 to $2,800 in 2019.
  • DHS is installing a fence two feet taller with barbed wire around 75 percent of the MJTC. They are also placing lights on all the buildings.
  • Replaced waterline hazard on Tut Hill Road.
  • Upgraded the computers at the police department and some at city hall.
  • Worked with ARDOT to dig out some ditches and culverts on Highway 96 and 378 to alleviate flooding.
  • New signage was added at Highway 96 and Huntington Avenue to detour semis away from side streets.
  • Installed guard rail on a sidewalk on Broadway Street.

Black stated that moving forward, he wants to encourage cross-training in all departments, and additional education and licensure for all public works employees. This includes water licensure, CDL’s, etc.

Lastly, Black shared that he wants to continue building on the Christmas lights display on the square, and working to get new businesses into the City of Mansfield.

Florida Quarterback Felipe Franks to Transfer to Arkansas

Coveted Florida transfer quarterback Felipe Franks announced tonight that he plans to transfer to Arkansas for the 2020 season. Franks will have one year of eligibility remaining to play for the Razorbacks.

Franks was at one time considered to be leaning toward transferring to Kansas to play for Les Miles. Kansas was considered to be a near lock as late as December for the former Florida starting quarterback. But in an apparent recruiting win for new Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman, Franks announced tonight his intent to transfer to Arkansas via Twitter.

According to Dylan Murrell of the internet publication, “Fansided”, “The highly coveted Florida transfer announced his final decision tonight after visiting Arkansas last weekend. This comes as a significant blow to Les Miles and Kansas football. The Jayhawks seemed to have a great shot at landing Franks after he visited Lawrence back in December. The rumors were swirling on Twitteer that Franks was a lock for Kansas, but then the Razorbacks stole the show.”

Franks will join the Razorbacks quarterback room that will include K. J. Jefferson, John Stephen Jones and Jack Lindsey. The four will be under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Kendall Briles. All in all, it promises to be an exciting spring as the new-look Razorbacks begin to develop under new head football coach, Sam Pittman.

Stay with Resident Press for more Razorbacks news as events occur.

Obituary- Shirley Ann Rogers (1943-2020)

Shirley Ann Rogers of Waldron, Arkansas, formerly of Lufkin, Texas passed from this life, Friday, January 17, 2020 in Waldron, Arkansas with her daughter by her side. Shirley was born October 19, 1943 to Amos and Bennie Lee (Tucker) Rogers in Beaumont, Texas. She was 76 years old.

Shirley was a full blood Texas country girl plum down to her sassiness. She loved to laugh and make people around her laugh. She enjoyed fishing and then reaping the benefits by having a fish fry with her family. She enjoyed the pretty flowers in her yard and just spending time outside. With all that said, she was always up for a good ol’ John Wayne movie any time. Shirley’s favorite time as that she had the privilege of sharing with family and friends, making treasured memories.

Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Debbie Freeby and husband Bob of Hartford, Arkansas, and her grandchildren: Stephanie Wood of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jason Helm of Atlanta, Georgia, Erica Matthieson of Perry, Oklahoma and Erin Freeby of Abbington, Pennsylvania, 8 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She will forever remain in the hearts of her siblings: Linda Davis and husband George, Harold Rogers and wife Louise, Billy Rogers and sister in law Michelle Rogers all of Nacogdoches, Texas. Shirley will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and loved ones.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: Amos and Bennie Rogers, one brother, Joe T. Rogers and one sister in law Bobbie Rogers.

Shirley’s memorial life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Douglass Cemetery in Douglass, Texas. Interment will follow. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary- William Thurman Mahaffey (1943-2020)

William Thurman Mahaffey, better known as Billy, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas with his family by his side. Billy was born June 13, 1943, in Warm Springs, Arkansas to William Thomas Mahaffey and Lola Mae (Hill) Mahaffey. He was 76 years old.

Billy was an outdoor person. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing and camping. He also enjoyed listening to country music, watching old movies, and he especially loved time with his family.

Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory, two daughters: Linda Sue McCleland of Ft. Smith, Arkansas and Brenda Lou Mahaffey of Waldron, Arkansas. Poppa Billy will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren:Martin Myers Jr., Celeste Ingle, Clarissa Grimes, Jackie Ingle, Tyler Inge and Jedidiah Carter as well as his great grandchildren: Malachi Allen, Kayla Grimes, Nevaeh Ingle and Leah Grimes. Billy is also survived by his siblings: Floraine Valentine, Wilma Butler and Elaine Mahaffey. William will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews and extended family he loved dearly.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lola Mae Mahaffey and two brothers: Lowell Mahaffey and James Mahaffey.

Billy’s memorial life celebration will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Bobby White officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Billy’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

Obituary- John Douglas Cox (1951-2020)

John Douglas Cox of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, January 16, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. John was born May 13, 1951, in Waldron. Arlamsas to John Sidney Cox and Bessie Juanita (Himes) Cox. He was 68 years old. John was of the Pentecostal faith. He had a faith like no other, and he served God whole heartedly.

John married the love of his life when he was just a young man. Together they grew up, raised a family and made a life of love, laughter and happiness. John was a hard worker, honest and was a man of his word. He was a jack of all trades including electrical work, lumber yard, logging and production at the poultry plant. He could do anything he set his mind to. John enjoyed hunting and fishing but frustration would set in when his wife would out fish him. He had a knack for gardening, and he enjoyed watching his wife’s flower garden bloom. John never met a stranger and loved visiting with people. He couldn’t go anywhere in a hurry for needing to talk and catch up with someone. With all the things John did in his life, nothing surpassed how he loved his family. The memories created with his children and grandchildren will be forever treasured. His love was unquestionable and everyone knew how he felt.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory, his adoring wife of 45 years, Wilma Jean Cox of the home, his children: John Robert Cox and wife Regina, Juanita Atchley and husband Larry all of Waldron, Arkansas and Adam Cox and wife Sue all of Harvey, Arkansas. PaPa will forever remain in the hearts of his nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. John leaves a lasting legacy with one sister Marie Payton of Waldron, Arkansas. John will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors and friends he dearly loved.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Bessie Cox and a daughter in law, Lorie Cox.

John’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2020 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Pilot Prairie Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

John’s pallbearers will be Thomas Adamson, James Adamson, Bill Bates, Frankie Williams, Bobby Cagle and Hayden Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Brown, Logan Cox and Larry Atchley.

John’s visitation will be Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Lady Pirates Overpower Arrows in Tight Matchup

By Jaclyn Almanza

The Cedarville Junior High Lady Pirates battled it out in a tight matchup against the Junior High Lady Arrows on Monday evening, January 13.

The Lady Arrows played well, but were overpowered by the Lady Pirate’s athletic aggressiveness.

The Lady Arrows found themselves in defensive rebounding territory, which led the Lady Pirates to the free throw line. The Lady Arrows held Cedarville to just 24 points and the Lady Pirates only gave up 18 points to the Arrows.

The Arrows and Pirates scrimmaged over the summer, and the Lady Arrows defeated the Lady Pirates, who are now in a battle for first place in conference play. The Pirate team continues to show improvement in the season with a new coach. It’s evident they are back to take the win!

Jr Lady Tigers Slash Their Way Past Charleston

With multiple Tiger teams in the same conference, many started naming them the Charleston Tigers and the Mansfield “Red” Tigers to set them apart.  It almost seemed like Mansfield was below Charleston by having a color put before their prized Tiger mascot. On Thursday, January 16th, the Mansfield Jr Lady Tigers showed that it was time for the “Red Tigers” to be replaced with “The Tigers” with a 51-39 victory over the Charleston “Gold” Tigers.

In most of their games, the Jr Lady Tigers would take the first quarter to study their opponents. This usually creates not only a close first half score but also a fingernail munch fest for fans. But this was Mansfield vs Charleston. Both teams knew they had to either get on top quick or ultimately lose. That is just what the Lady Tigers did as they pounced on Charleston with a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. As the battle ensued, both teams battled it out with some back and forth breakaway plays closing the score to a 22-16 Mansfield lead going into the half.

After halftime, both teams came out with a chip on their shoulder and the REAL game began. The Lady Tigers bought up real-estate at every corner of the basketball court. The perimeter, backboard, in the paint, it didn’t matter. If it was in bounds, Mansfield made sure they owned it. The third quarter ended 38-25 in the Lady Tigers’ favor.

As the fourth quarter began, Mansfield must have recalled their one-point loss at Charleston earlier in the season. The Lady Tigers would not allow the same to happen in this game as they surged ahead giving every player on the team an opportunity to touch the court in their 51-39 victory over their Tiger foes.

Skylynn Harris and Alyson Edwards led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 13 points each. Alyson scored mostly by battling on the backboards while Skylynn was able to strike from the perimeters. Harlie Fuller knocked down 11 points with her quick feet and got the fans to say “OHHH” multiple times with her ankle-breaking moves. Natalie Allison showed how dangerous she is anywhere on the court by scoring six points against the boards, from the perimeter, and driving in for a basket. Charleston held Kynslee Ward and Seven Sanderson to four points apiece, but Ward and Sanderson showed excellent teamwork by unselfishly getting the rock to their teammates for scores.

“If you missed the Jr High Lady Tigers game against Charleston, you missed a great one,” said Coach Joshua Bryan. “What an exciting win in front of a big crowd. We want to thank all the fans for coming out and supporting us. It was shared glory as multiple Lady Tigers scored in the double digits. This win moves us to 13-2 on the season and 6-1 in conference play. Also, we have a new leader in all-time steals for a single season. Eighth-grader Kynslee Ward earned her 84th steal of the season in our game against Greenland surpassing a shared title by Christa Clark and Dana Johnson with 83 steals each. Congratulations to Kynslee for her record-setting performance!”

The Jr Lady Tigers will be back at it on Monday, January 20th at Cedarville against the Lady Pirates with games starting at 4:30 p.m.