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South Sebastian County Historical Society Launches Membership Drive

Networks

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11:09 am

South Sebastian County Historical Society Launches Membership Drive

Submitted by Donna Goldstein
VP, South Sebastian County Historical Society

The South Sebastian County Historical Society is launching its 2020 Membership Drive and they’re inviting history lovers of all ages to join.

The Society maintains and operates the historical properties on the southeast side of Greenwood’s Town Square, including the Old Jail Museum, Redwine Pioneer Schoolhouse, Ole Barn and the 1848 Vineyard Cabin. They present a number of popular annual community events including the Museum Opening which features historical reenactors, Buried Treasure Graveside Tales, Music on the Porch and, with the sponsorship of Alpha Delta Chapter, ESA, the annual Airing of the Quilts show.

Monthly meetings are held the third Monday of each month (January-November) at 7 p.m. at Farmers Bank in Greenwood. They are well-attended and feature well-known authorities speaking on topics of interest to local history lovers.

The Society was organized in 1963 to preserve and promote the history of the southern part of Sebastian County. Memberships are $25 (individual/family), $50 (supporting), $100 (contributing), $250 (lifetime). Checks may be made payable to SSCHS and mailed to P.O. Box 523, Greenwood, AR 72936. South Sebastian County Historical Society is a 501c3 non-profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Treasurer Jeannie Pope at jpope98@gmail.com or leave a message at 479-996-2925.

You can also find them on Facebook or visit their website.

7th Grade Tigers “Pawfect” Against Cedarville

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:45 am

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7th Grade Tigers “Pawfect” Against Cedarville

On Monday, January 13th, the Mansfield 7th Grade Tigers hosted the Cedarville Pirates. Most know that when these two towns face each other in any sport, it’s going to be an intense close battle. And true to form, it was. By halftime, the Tigers led by a mere two points 10-8. After the dust had settled, it was Mansfield that took the “Dub” 18-10.

Offensively, it was Winston Allison who led his team by shooting up and down the court like a Tiger missile scoring 10 points along with three rebounds. Austin Ruiz was like a thief in the night making five steals as well as three rebounds and two points. Cameron Pettus was a smooth criminal earning three points, three rebounds, and one steal. Brandon Raynor was a force under the rim as he sealed three rebounds for his team.

Jeremy Strozier was a defensive earthquake as he beat out the Pirates for four rebounds. Aaron Person stood firm like an oak to get five rebounds along with one steal and one point. And Trey Powell was swift with his plays gaining him two points and two steals. The 7th Grade Tigers will play again on Thursday, January 16th at home against the Charleston Pirates.

Scott County Judge Surveys Flood Damage

Tammy Teague

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5:32 am

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Heavy rains that fell Friday night through Saturday morning left behind heavily damaged roads and bridges throughout Scott County.

Scott County Judge James Forbes said “we are continuing to make emergency repairs and predict that those should be done by Friday. Those repairs will allow the public, school busses and mail services to have a travelable road.”

Forbes went on to note that once the emergency repairs are complete, the county will make more permenent and improved repairs. “It could take up to two to three weeks, depending on the weather,” added Forbes. “We had a large amount of road and bridge washouts, nothing that will require state aid.”

In total, there were 12 weather related accidents across the county. Three of those were swiftwater rescues that occured at Tate, Highway 80 West, and Highway 80 East. There were no fatalities, however.

Judge Forbes encourges the public to continue to call 479-637-2155 to report any damages.

damage-flood-Scott — Damage assessed to Packsaddle Road in Scott County.

Scott County Coon Hunters Association to Host Fundraiser

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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5:49 pm

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Scott County Coon Hunters Association to Host Fundraiser

The Scott County Coon Hunters Association will be hosting a buddy hunt fundraiser for one of their own, Jeremy Yandell, on February 29, 2020.

Yandell was recently diagnosed with cancer, and the club is hoping to help raise money for him and his family.

The hunt is scheduled for February 29. They are currently seeking items that can be auctioned off. Anyone wishing to donate can call 479-227-1694. All monies raised from the fundraiser will go directly to the family.

Razorbacks Baseball Preseason Ranked 7th in D1 College Baseball Publication

Sports

Resident News Network

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5:37 pm

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Razorbacks Baseball Preseason Ranked 7th in D1 College Baseball Publication

The 2020 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team has been ranked seventh in the D1 Baseball’s (d1baseball.com) preseason rankings, making it three top-10 rankings so far as the Hogs prepare for their season-opener against Eastern Illinois. It marks the second time in three years the Razorbacks have received a top-10 ranking from the outlet, beginning the 2018 season in fourth, and in the 2019 season ranked 16th.

The Razorbacks are coming off of a 46-20 season that produced an SEC West division title and the program’s 10th trip to the College World Series. Hogs head coach, Dave Van Horn, is entering his 18th season at the helm of the Razorbacks and has more appearances in the College World Series than any other active coach in the nation with eight.

Arkansas has a number of veteran pitchers with experience, including two-thirds of last year’s rotation with sophomores Connor Noland and Patrick Wicklander. Noland and Wicklander were among the top freshmen arms in the conference in 2019 as the duo combined for a 4.16 ERA and nine wins. Noland was named a Perfect Game Freshman All-American while both garnered SEC All-Freshmen honors.

Offensively, the Razorbacks have plenty of returning firepower, including pre-season All-Americans Heston Kjerstad and Casey Martin. Kjerstad hit .325 or higher in each of his first two season with the Hogs. Martin hit more home runs (15) and more RBIs (57) than his freshman season, finishing with 81 hits overall last season.

Arkansas is set to host 32 games at Baum-Walker Stadium this spring, including SEC series against Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Georgia. During the 2019 season, Arkansas drew 93,868 fans to the stadium, the most of any ballpark in the country. The Razorbacks wrapped up the 2019 season with a 33-7 home record, the second-straight year Arkansas has totaled 30 or more wins at home.

The 2020 slate kicks off with Eastern Illinois for the second-straight season, beginning on Friday, February 14 at 3 p.m. at Baum-Walker Stadium.

No “Falling” Short For This Bulldog Fall Sports Banquet

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:48 am

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No “Falling” Short For This Bulldog Fall Sports Banquet

Recently the Waldron Bulldogs held their annual Fall Sports Banquet and as always it was a big hit. Being recognized by their coaches and peers were members of volleyball, golf, cheer, cross country, and football.

Volleyball Awards L to R: Coach Toby Hollin; Rheagan Sanford – Offensive Player of the Year, 3A-1 All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention; Taylor Stacy – Offensive Player of the Year, 3A-1 All-Conference; Kentucky Spence – Most Improved; Karissa Johnston – 3A-1 All-Conference; And Bayleigh Lipham – 3A-1 All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention. Not pictured: Ashton Young – Defensive Player of the Year

Golf Awards L to R: Coach Josh Atchley; Kaylin Watson – 3A-1 All-Conference; Drew Owens – 3A-1 All-Conference; Jesse Dees – 3A-1 All-Conference; Lane Metcalf – 3A-1 All-Conference; And Jaden Hutchens – 3A-1 All-Conference

Boys’ Cross Country L to R: Coach Angie Bailey; Ethan Martin – All-District 3A-1W, Boys Fastest Time; Bladyn Mays – Newcomer of the Year; And Zach Canada – All-District 3A-1W

Girls’ Cross Country L to R: Coach Angie Bailey; Constance Richmond – All-District 3A-1W; Ryleigh Anschutz – All-District 3A-1W; And Maria Grano – All-District 3A-1W; All-State; Girls’ Fastest Time

Cheer Awards L to R: Coach Crystal Lipham; Bayleigh Lipham – Cheer Captain’s Award; Hannah Owens – Cheer Captain’s Award; Heaven Zuniga – Cheer Captain’s Award; Ethan Martin – Cheer Captain’s Award; And Kennedy Rice – Cheer Award. Not Pictured – Hailey Fletcher – Cheer Captain’s Award

Football Awards L to R: Coach Jonathan Bates; Caden Fuller – 4A-4 All-Conference; Braden Williams – 4A-4 All-Conference; Bryson Bailey – 4A-4 All-Conference Honorable Mention; Gabino Grano – 4A-4 All-Conference; And Matthew Tegtmeyer – 4A-4 All-Conference Honorable Mention. Not Pictured: Rylee Shupert – 4A-4 All-Conference Honorable Mention

As always, thank you so much to Sandy Tull for her awesome photos and dedication to the Waldron Bulldogs!

Mansfield’s Team Velocity Ba-Da-Bing Ba-Da-Boom

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:15 am

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Mansfield’s Team Velocity Ba-Da-Bing Ba-Da-Boom

On January 4th, the Mansfield Velocity 15s volleyball team played in the Fort Smith Border Town Brawl against nine other talented teams. For their first tournament of the year, Velocity went undefeated in pool play taking on Lavaca, Club Net, River Valley 15s and Arkansas Slam 14s before falling short against Extreme Slam 15s in the gold bracket. Team Velocity consist of SkyLynn Harris, Brooklyn Adams, Natalie Allison, Alyson Edwards, Cole Smith, Kinsley Ward, and Alayna Turner.

The girls are feeling good about their first accomplishment and can’t wait to take it to the next level in the tournaments left to come. With more aces than a deck of cards was Smith with nine, Harris and Allison with eight each, Adams with five, Edwards with four, Turner with two and Ward with one.

There were digs for days as Team Velocity bulldozed a total of 137 digs throughout the tournament. Adams led the team with 27 followed by Harris, Allison, and Edwards with 24. Smith delivered 16, Turner made 13, and Ward brought in nine. With more kills than the Game of Thrones was Harris with 43, Edwards with 22, Adams with 17, Allison with 15, and Smith and Ward combining for five. And earning the nickname Chewblocka, was Harris, Allison, Edwards, and Turner who netted a total of 17 blocks on the day.

Jr Lady Hornets Hack Down County Line

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:15 am

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In their most recent victory, the Hackett Jr High Lady Hornets hosted the County Line Lady Indians to some bare-knuckle hand-to-hand combat in which the Lady Hornets earned another notch on their basketball belt. Hackett took a close 22-20 win thanks in part to Alona Rothwell who hit the two-point go-ahead game-winning shot. The win moves the Lady Hornets to 8-3 in total season play.

Also adding to their triumph was Alex Bunch who brought in eight points and three steals. Teonna Best and Abby McBride had five points each. And with one point apiece was Lilly Slavens and Kyleigh Hill. The success of the Jr Lady Hornets is definitely a combined team effort. “I really don’t have one standout,” stated Coach Broc Adams. “In every win, we have had someone different step up and make big plays!”

“I think that has led to some of our success because you can’t just guard one person. I am most impressed with how well they have bought into doing things the way I want them done. We talked about starting a new culture and they have been all in!” If you were to sum this group of girls up into one sentence it would be “We are going to outwork you!”

“We aren’t the strongest. We don’t shoot exceptionally well so we have to outwork every team on the little things (rebounding, deflections, diving for loose balls, etc) and so far they have done all those while continuing to improve on ball handling and shooting. This group wants to be good and is willing to put in the work to get there. That is what makes my job fun!”

The Hackett Jr Lady Hornets will be on the court on Friday, January 17 as they take on the Lady Dragons at Mountainburg.

Sr Bulldogs Lay Claim To Lincolns Court

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:29 am

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The 3A-1 West conference host an immense amount of talented teams but so far this basketball season, none have been able to hold a candle to the Waldron Sr High Bulldogs. On Friday, January 10, in the little town of Lincoln, while the weather outside was delivering its own punches and blows, there was also a storm brewing inside the Wolves den. Waldron had come to town and they were ready to unleash their Bulldog tornado.

And unleash it they did. With a final winning score of 85-71, Waldron upgraded their conference record to an undefeated 4-0 keeping them as the top dogs of their division. The Bulldogs also sit 15-3 in total season play. “The entire team fulfills their roles very well,” explains Coach Joshua Brown. “We have a different guy who steps up every night and helps us with scoring.”

“One night it may be Isaac Villarreal with 15 points and the next night it might be Jacob Avila. Gada Wagner had a career-high record the other night with 20 points against Cossatot. We have guys hitting shots all over the place which makes it hard to key in on just one person. We are scoring the ball a lot better as a whole. Mason Ford does a great job defensively and grabs a lot of boards. We have multiple guys coming off the bench and giving us great minutes.”

Payton Brown was the offensive captain of the Bulldogs ship who delivered 59 points in the game with 5 out of 12 three-pointers. Jacob Avila was a calm and composed tipster who netted 10 points. Isaac “The Real” Villarreal was an orange hurricane using the entire court to his advantage giving him six points on the scoreboard. Braden Williams and Mason Ford brought in four points each by outwitting the Wolves in every play. And Bryson Bailey was able to fly under Lincolns radar to get two points in the books.

Next up for the Waldron Bulldogs is another huge conference game at Charleston on Tuesday, January 14. This game is sure to be packed with plenty of intensity as the Tigers along with Elkins both sit hot on the Bulldogs heels at 3-0 in conference play. “Charleston is always tough at their place and they just have a tradition of winning. We got over the hump last February against them and I think our kids are confident in their ability. Charleston is always a tough-nosed team defensively and they do a good job at their roles. We have to limit Ross and not let them get going from the outside.”

Elks Lodge Makes Donation to Hornets’ Nest

News

Tammy Teague

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5:36 am

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Elks Lodge Makes Donation to Hornets’ Nest

The Fort Smith Elks Lodge 341 used its Gratitude Grant to supply donations to the Hackett Hornets’ Nest Recreation Center on Friday, January 10.

The lodge, who has been dubbed the “greatest little lodge in America,” donated items such as non-perishable foods, paper items, winter clothing, including 316 pairs of socks and 60 pairs of gloves, a television and game controllers.

The Gratitude Grant is an award from the Elks National Foundation, and a thank you to lodge members who meet giving goals in the prior fiscal year. The Fort Smith Elks Lodge used their award to continue in that spirit of giving by making kind and generous donation to the youth recreational center.

Elks Lodge 341 Secretary, Cheryl Higginbotham, and Leading Knight, Don Chavis, were on hand to make the presentation. “We were delighted to help,” stated Higginbotham. The Hornets’ Nest co-founder Kim Henry, was equally appreciative. “Elks Lodge really helped us out. People have been so generous!”

Several of the center’s youth were also in attendance, and were all smiles and gracious during the presentation.

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