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Pesticide Applicator Training Course Scheduled for Scott County

A pesticide applicator training course will be held at the Scott County Courthouse in the Courtroom on Monday, February 10 beginning at 6 p.m. The course will provide you with the necessary training needed to receive a restricted use pesticide license from the State Plant Board. This license is necessary to purchase and apply many of the pasture and brush herbicides that are commonly used on Arkansas pastures. The cost of the course is $20 and will be collected at the training.

This meeting is open to all eligible persons without regard torace, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the county Extension office at 479-637-2173 as soon as possible prior to the activity.

Cedarville Senior Wants to Give All Students the “Chance to Dance”

Cedarville High School Senior Kennedy Vinson has completed many projects as a member of EAST (Education Accelerated by Service and Technology), but last year she started a project that is fulfilling the needs of many Cedarville High School students.

Vinson came up with the idea for her project after some brain-storming and sending out a survey. “I just started brain storming ideas. I have been a homecoming maid every year so I know how expensive dresses can get. I knew that Cedarville High School has a very high poverty rate so I knew it had to be difficult for parents to just drop $100-$400 on a dress for their child. I sent out a survey throughout my school asking girls if they would benefit from a free prom dress. After getting my results, I was certain that this was the project I wanted to do. I came up with ‘Chance to Dance’. I made a flyer asking for dress donations and I was overwhelmed with all of the support from the community. I partnered with the teacher of our Special Education class and made sure that all of her girls were able to get a dress of their dreams. Last year we had over 100 dresses donated and I was able to help around 20 girls get a free prom dress through out my school. To see the smiles on the girls faces when trying them on made my heart so happy. I couldn’t wait for this year!”

“Chance to Dance” has become even bigger this year. “Over the past year I also came up with the idea to have hair and makeup stylists come in to do girls hair and makeup for free. I have contacted many people and been amazed at the support I am receiving. Our community has always been the best at helping those in need so I knew that getting donations wouldn’t be a problem. One thing we are running into is shoes and jewelry for the girls. But I have also expanded to get free prom attire for boys in need throughout the school. Suits can also be expensive. We haven’t received much for the guys either so any donations for that would be wonderful!” Vinson adds, “Overall, my main goal for ‘Chance to Dance’ is for every student that is able to go to prom have all of their dream attire, head to toe, with no financial stress.”

For more information, contact Kennedy at the Cedarville High School Chance to Dance Facebook page.

2019 Chance to Dance Participants
2019 Chance to Dance Participants

7th Grade Tigers Use Cedarville As Clawing Post

Pictured is James Olinghouse

After taking their first loss of the season last week against the Charleston Tigers, the Mansfield 7th Grade Tigers said “No More”! So when they stepped onto the court to take on the Cedarville Pirates at the beginning of the week, the Tigers had an even more intense fire burning inside of them. Determined to put everything in the past, Mansfield was refocused, recharged, and ready for an all-out hijack of the Pirates ship.

Aaron Person

And hijack they did. Although the game got off to a slow start with the halftime score reading 8-5 Mansfield, it became apparent that the Tigers were just playing possum. Mansfield shot into the second half of the game like a rocket setting the court ablaze and leaving every Pirate running and trembling with fear.

Cameron Pettus

The Tigers ended the game holding Cedarville to only nine points as Mansfield sauntered away with 23. The Tigers showed more stealth than a cat burglar as they netted 13 total steals in the game with Jeremy Strozier leading with four. Trey Powell led the Tigers offensively with six points as he blew through every Pirate in his path. Bringing in four points apiece was Winston Allison, Aaron Person, and Austin Ruiz.

Jeremy Strozier

Combining for five points was Cameron Pettus, Jeremy Strozier, and Boston Elmore. And finishing the night with a grand total of 14 rebounds, the Tigers were led by Pettus and Strozier who earned three each. The 7th Grade Tigers will be in action again on Saturday, January 25 for the Lavaca Basketball Tournament.

Trey Powell

Photos courtesy of Malinda Mizell

City of Hackett Honors Volleyball Team with Model Citizen Award

During the Hackett City Council meeting on Thursday evening, January 24, Mayor Trini Harper announced they would be honoring the Lady Hornets Volleyball team with the city’s Model Citizen Award.

Alderman Mike Opolka stated that the city would also be purchasing and erecting signs at both ends of the city noting the city champions.

Mayor Harper stated:

“Tonight, the City of Hackett is proud to recognize the Hackett Schools Lady Hornets Volleyball team for winning the 2019 Arkansas State class AA Volleyball Championship. By working together as a team and continuing to work hard at making themselves better, all around individuals, it helps teach the youth and residents of the community that they too can achieve their goals. This team has brought a sense of pride to the city and surrounding communities, as well as being positive role models, for which we are thankful…

Harper presented the Model Citizen award to the following players: Madi Taylor, Rain Vaughn, Chloie Patton, Monica Rangel, Kadence Glass, Emma Infalt, Hannah Clark, Kandace Byrd, Sophia Neal, Kayla Richardson, Kenadi Wright, Sarah White, Sarah Moss, Shayla Foster, Madeline Freeman, Jamye Durham, Jordyn Null and Brook Holt. Also to managers, Faith Thomas and Elisa Fox. Lastly, to Coaches Bridget Freeman and Broc Adams.

The team of girls, managers and coaches were all smiles as they received their award. Together they expressed their gratitude to the city and the mayor for the honorable recognition.

7th Grade Lady Tigers Caught In Pirates Undertow

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.

Photo contributions by Malinda Mizell

RP Presents SCSO with Media Award

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.

SCSO-award-RP
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.

SCSO-award-RP
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.

SCSO-award-RP
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.

SCSO-award-RP
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!

Jr Lady Tigers Whoop Pirates “Booty”

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.

Competitors Brace For Bulldogs Wrath

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.

Parker Granted Another Continuance

With the pre-trial behind him, Scott County defendant Jay Parker was set to face a jury on Tuesday, January 21.

However, Parker’s attorney sought a last minute continuance, asking the court for more time to prepare his case.

Judge Jerry Don Ramey granted that request, and has set Parker’s new trial date for Tuesday, February 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Parker has been charged with 379 counts of animal cruelty and two charges of theft of property.

Obituary- Juan Ozuna Sr. (1960-2020)

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.