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Jr Lady Dogs Collard By Charleston

The Waldron Jr High Lady Bulldogs made a valiant effort in last night’s game against the Charleston Lady Tigers. But in the end, the cats beat the dogs 27-17. The Lady Bulldogs remained consistent in both halves of the game bringing in nine and eight points respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs were led offensively by Jasmine Nelson who netted eight points while staying cool as a cucumber under the Tigers pressure. Vivian Holmes played the game with ease and skill bringing in five points. Katy Stringer who is a master at working both sides of the court to her advantage brought in three points. And Reagan Adams who plays with the same focus used by chess players obtained one point.

The Jr High Lady Bulldogs will be back on the hardwood on Tuesday, January 7 as they host the Cedarville Pirates starting at 4 p.m.

Local Realtor Receives Memorable Gift

Although several years have passed, Greenwood realtor Larry Stanfill continues to treasure a memorable gift from a childhood friend.

Huntington native, Jerry Harris Moore, constructed a lamp out of old street lights from his hometown. Those lights, owned by SWEPCO, were special and this one was quite unique.

“He donated it to us in memory of my dad who retired from SWEPCO,” said Stanfill. Stanfill’s father retired from the company after 39 years of employment.

The lamp serves as a constant reminder of his father, and his friend!

Jr Hornets Pluck Yellow Jackets Stinger

Monday, January 6 was a huge night for both Hackett Jr High Hornet boys and girls teams. With their first game of the new decade, the Hornets and Lady Hornets were ready to lay down the law as they hosted the Mulberry Yellow Jackets. Hackett has been putting in long practice hours on the court while establishing a formula they hope will fly them to the top.

Last night, Hackett got to reap the benefits of all their hard work as both teams were victorious against the Yellow Jackets. The Lady Hornets went first and were fast and furious right out of the gate. Never missing a beat, Hackett set the offensive bar high and the Lady Yellow Jackets never could quit catch up. Ending with a final blow-out score of 32-13, Kyleigh Hill led her team in scoring with nine points while also earning four steals.

Lilly Slavens and Alex Bunch followed with five points apiece with Bunch gaining four steals as well. Tori Blanton logged four points along with seven rebounds. Abby McBride, Hannah Fox, and Aaliyah Escoffier combined for seven points. And Alona Rothwell netted two points, four rebounds, and three steals on the game.

Defense was the name of the game for the Jr Hornets. Both Hackett and Mulberry kept control of their side of the court and what the game boiled down to was who had enough fire left in them to push through till the end. With the closing of the fourth quarter, it was the Hornets that wanted the win more ending the game on top 18-14.

Making 13 of those points was Wyatt Hester trailed by Cole Ketchum and Seth Crane with two each and Josh Atchley with one. With this victory, the Hornets move to 3-6 on the year. Up next for the Jr Hornets will be County Line at home on Thursday, January 9 with 7th grade starting at 4:30 p.m.

Jr Dogs Leave Charleston In Hardwood Carnage

There’s no chaining up these dogs. Although many contenders have tried, the Waldron Jr High Bulldogs prove to be too powerful a force to take down. In their most recent showdown, Waldron hosted the Charleston Tigers and despite the fact that the Tigers ferociously clawed their way till the end, it was not enough to conquer the Bulldogs bite.

Offensively, the Bulldogs held the keys to the kingdom as they ran the court unrestrained by the Tigers defense. Waldron racked-up 46 total points while holding Charleston to just 22 points upgrading the Bulldogs to 15-2 in total season play. Leading the offensive charge in scoring was Lidge Stinson with 17 points. The Bulldogs collected seven three-point shots with Stinson sinking three of those.

Also helping to shut down the Tigers was Peyton Lipham, Trevor Hunt, and Trenton Hunt who each brought in six points with Trevors points coming from two in your face three-point buckets. Jacob Daggs and Forrest Efurd each set the scoreboard on fire with a thrilling three-point shot. And accounting for a combined five points was Ethan Mayberry, Petey Justice, and Kason Davis.

Defensively, Waldron showered Charleston with pure court dominance. Never letting up on the Tigers offense, the Bulldogs were fast-footed fugitives with their seven steals and 12 defensive rebounds. On Tuesday, January 7, the Jr High Bulldogs will be back to breakin’ ankles and rackin’ up digits as they host the Cedarville Pirates with the Jr Lady Bulldogs starting off the night at 4 p.m.

AGFC Seeks Public Input on Deer Management Plan Revision

LITTLE ROCK — Biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are seeking public input on the current revision to Arkansas’s White-tailed Deer Strategic Management Plan. This is the first review and revision of the plan since 2013.

The plan is reviewed every five to seven years to adapt to changing needs by developments in Arkansas’s deer herd and available habitat.

“Obviously, the discovery of chronic wasting disease in Arkansas is a major factor that has changed Arkansas’s deer management strategies since the last version of the plan,” Ralph Meeker, AGFC Deer Program Coordinator, said during a presentation to the Commission about the revision. “We also have an upcoming review of our CWD management plan that focuses solely on that part of our deer management. However, this strategic plan takes a deep look at trends in harvest, biological, and observation data for each deer zone. From that we are able to draft regulation proposals intended to reach target deer densities.”

The plan was drafted by the agency’s deer program coordinator and assistant deer program coordinator with considerable input from the agency’s Deer Management Team, a collection of biologists and enforcement personnel from every region of the state. Additional review was provided by Wildlife Management Division administration as well as representatives from the agency’s Research, Evaluation, and Compliance Division and Communications Division before being submitted to the Commissioners for their review.

“A lot of work goes into the development of this plan. Once the nuts and bolts of the plan are in place, we try to get as much input from staff that work regularly with both deer and the public in order to ensure that we submit a quality document for public review. Once the public is able to submit their comments through the online survey, we will try and incorporate pertinent changes before the plan is presented to the Commission for final approval,” Meeker said. “We try to be as transparent as possible about the plan, and we try to do what we can to adjust it to what the majority of our hunters want as long as it is something that makes sound biological sense. We do realize and appreciate that hunters are our biggest partner in the management of white-tailed deer in Arkansas.”
The draft of the plan and a public comment survey are available at www.agfc.com/en/hunting/big-game/deer/2019-strategic-deer-management-plan/. Comments will be accepted until Jan. 20th. The Deer Management Team will then make needed revisions and submit the final draft to the Commission at its regularly scheduled February meeting.

Obituary- Joel Earl “Jody” Potts (1960-2020)

Joel Earl “Jody” Potts of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Friday, January 3, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas with his family by his side. Jody was born July 30, 1960 in San Bernardo, California to Joel Layfette Potts and Mary Francis (Reed) Potts. Jody was 59 years old.

Jody enjoyed wood working and fishing. Mostly he looked forward to spending time with his family and making memories.

Jody leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Charlotte of the home, one daughter, Jodi Evans of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, one sister, Pam Keeler and husband Kevin of Norman, Oklahoma, two brothers: Lonnie Potts of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Tommy Potts and wife Tonya of Norman, Oklahoma, and two sisters in law: Judy Anderson of Hommie, Oklahoma and Brenda Fagan of Poteau, Oklahoma. Paw Paw will forever remain in the hearts of his three grandson, three granddaughters and 2 great grandchildren. Jody will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Jody was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Mary Potts, one daughter, Marissa Potts, one granddaughter, Taylynn Briggs and one sister, Connie Marsh.

A memorial life celebration will be held Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the home of Jody and Charlotte Potts . Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

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

Obituary- Joyce Lea Thompson (1940-2019)

Joyce Lea Thompson of Parks, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, December 27, 2019, in Waldron, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Joyce was born August 31, 1940, in Waldron, Arkansas to her parents George W. Blalock and Addie (Brazil) Blalock. She was 79 years old.

Joyce married the love of her life, Henry Bell Thompson when she was just a young woman. Together they spent 54 years, making a life together, raising their children, had the honor of being grandparents and then great grandparents. Joyce was a homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her loved ones. Family was the most precious gift to Joyce. She was a loving and kind Granny. She enjoyed children and doing anything that involved them. When she had the time Joyce loved to read and watch the Atlanta Braves play.

Joyce leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Lucinda Wagner and one son, Chris Thompson and wife Paula of Parks. Granny will forever be in the hearts of her grandchildren: Claude Thompson and wife Amanda, Josie Thompson and wife C.J., Kinnley Wagner and fiance’ Dalton Miles, Janie Rhyne. as well as her great grandchildren: Nicholas, Colton and BoJessie Thompson, Samual Nobles, Adilyn Thompson, Delilah Edgar, Oliver Bell Thompson and 3 future great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters: Lydia Butler and husband Ralph of Waldron, Arkansas and Mary Rudnicki of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Joyce will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and loved ones dear to her heart.

Joyce’s was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Henry Bell Thompson, her parents George and Addie Blalock, one son Jance Thompson and one daughter, Lana Vell Thompson.

Joyce’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2019, at the Keener Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Joyce’s pallbearers will be Daniel Butler, Matt Butler, Phillp Casey, Bob Lovett, Mark Isham, Nathan Hunt, Zach Kelley and Phillip Casey.

Joyce’s visitation will be Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Pittman Completes Hogs Football Coaching Staff

For new Arkansas head football coach Sam Pittman, the first of two major and immediate tasks he was faced with after being named head coach was to recruit players before the early and February national signing dates, and to put together a coaching staff. One of those tasks is now complete with the announcement of the final four position coaches that will be part of his on-field staff. The Razorbacks sports information and communications department has announced that new assistants Jon Cooper, Scott Fountain, Derrick LeBlanc and Jimmy Smith will now join offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and defensive coordinator Barry Odom on Pittman’s staff.

Cooper will coach tight ends for the Hogs after serving in the same capacity at Central Florida for the last two years. At UCF, the Knights 2019 offense finished the regular season in the top 10 nationally in total offense. Prior to UCF, Cooper spent two seasons as an offensive analyst for then-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel at Missouri. The Tigers offense exploded to lead the Southeastern Conference in yards per game in 2017 and points per game, while ranking second in passing yards. Prior to Missouri, Cooper was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Oklahoma, where the program defeated Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. He played four seasons in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans.

Fountain comes to Arkansas as the special teams coach after spending 2019 at Georgia in the same capacity. Georgia saw immediate improvement with Fountain as special teams coach, led by kicker Rodrigo Blakenship. Punter Jake Camarda improved in 2019, upping his average to 46.8 yards per punt to rank sixth nationally. Prior to Georgia, Fountain spent eight years at Auburn as player personnel director and as tight ends and special teams coach. Fountain has coached in four national championship games (1997, 2010, 2013, and 2017).

LeBlanc brings SEC experience from LSU and Kentucky and ties to the state of Arkansas having coached at Henderson State and Arkansas Tech. He will coach the defensive line at Arkansas. At Kentucky, he helped build the Wildcats into a solid program, going to three straight bowl games. Kentucky was 25-14 over the three seasons he was on the Kentucky staff. LeBlanc begain coaching in college as a graduate assistant at LSU. He assisted then-defensive line coach Pete Jenkins as well as assisting the strength and conditioning staff.

Smith will coach the Arkansas running backs after spending last season as the running backs coach at Georgia State. The Panthers featured one of the best running attacks in the Sun Belt Conference led by first team All-Sun Belt running back Tra Barnett, who led the league and ranked 11th nationally. The Panthers running attack was ranked 13th nationally.

Pittman’s on-field coaching staff is now complete with the four joining the offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and defensive coordinator Barry Odom, as well as offensive line coach Brad Davis, wide receivers coach Justin Stepp who was retained from Chad Morris’s staff, linebackers coach Rion Rhoades, and cornerbacks coach Sam Carter.

The new staff brings to Arkansas a track record of success both inside and outside of the Southeastern Conference. The next step for Coach Pittman and his new staff will be to gain as many committments as possible from targeted recruits for the upcoming February national signing day for college football players. How much the staff can improve the quality and rating of the 2020 signing class will be the first indicator of the success of the new coaching staff.

As Razorbacks fans, let’s hope the new assistants will have similar recruiting success to that of their head coach, Sam Pittman.

Waldron Bulldogs Collapse Cossatot Eagles

As the Cossatot River Eagles flew into Waldron on January 3, its safe to say that they were expecting a different outcome than what they walked away from. Although the Eagles tried hard to keep flight with the Bulldogs accelerated pace, it just wasn’t meant to be. In the first half of the game alone, Waldron secured 53 of their 76 total points while holding Cossatot to a mere 29 points.

With such a big lead, the Bulldogs were able to slow down the pace of the second half of the game while getting in some beneficial reps for the rest of the roster. After ending the match victoriously 76-47, Waldron moved to 13-3 in total season play. This year, the Eagles are a non-conference foe. But next season 2A Cossatot will be moving up to 3A and joining the Bulldogs in the 3A-4 basketball division. Waldron currently plays hoops in 3A-1.

The Waldron Bulldogs hit a season-high during this match-up netting 12 three-point buckets. Gada Wagner was on fire as he earned six of those 3-pointers also earning a personal best this season of 20 points on the game. Untouchable Payton Brown snagged 28 points with 15 of those coming from three-point shots. And Isaac “The Real” Villarreal sent the Eagles away shaking as he logged 12 points while also hitting a three-pointer.

Jacob Avila and Camdon Holcomb were offensive outlaws as they each obtained three points. And rounding out the Bulldog cast of All-Stars was Bryson Bailey, Braden Williams, Tyler Wright, Ruben Valdez, and Caden Fuller with two points apiece. Defensively, the Bulldogs kept the Eagles grounded as they earned 13 steals in the game and 19 defensive rebounds.

Conference season starts back up in Waldron on Tuesday, January 7 as the undefeated 2-0 Bulldogs host the 1-1 Cedarville Pirates with Jr High starting at 4 p.m. Last season, Waldron sunk the Pirates in three games taking all three wins. This year, the Bulldogs are Locked In and ready to yet again blow a hole in the Pirates ship.

Sr Lady Bulldogs Edge Out Lady Eagles

On January 3, for their first game of the new year, the Waldron Lady Bulldogs hosted the Cossatot Lady Eagles. With the Lady Eagles being 11-5 in total season play and undefeated 4-0 in conference, the Lady Bulldogs came into the game ready to engage in some smash-mouth basketball because they knew that was the kind of game that the Lady Eagles were bringing to the court.

“I am so proud of the girls for not giving up,” exclaims Coach Josh Atchley. “We found ourselves down five points with just under a minute left in the game and we managed to go on an 8-0 run to successfully win the match 42-39.” The MVP of the game was junior, Jessica Ozuna. With time winding down to 30 seconds and Waldron behind, Ozuna came out of the shadows with a flawless 3-point bucket, putting the team back on top. She finished the game with a total of six points.

“Sophomore, Hailey Stidman, carried the Lady Bulldogs offensively early and finished with 19 points. Rheagan Sanford iced the game at the free-throw line and Chelsea Stidman and Kadance Espinoza both came up with big steals to seal the win.” Sanford and Stidman each ended the match with six points while Molly Richmond netted four and Espinoza grabbed one.

Up next for the (7-8) Waldron Lady Bulldogs will be a huge at-home conference game on Tuesday, January 7 against the (6-7) Cedarville Lady Pirates. Both teams currently sit evenly matched 1-1 in conference play. Last season, Waldron and Cedarville split the columns with the Lady Pirates first taking a 60-24 win followed by the Lady Bulldogs returning the favor in their second match-up with a 37-35 victory. Since the beginning of basketball season, the Waldron Lady Bulldogs “Epic Eight” have proven that there’s really not much that they cant accomplish. So don’t expect any neeeeerves from these girrrrls when the Lady Pirates sail into town.