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We’re Half Way to the Top News Story for 2019

This week we are half way to our top news story for 2019!

Coming in at number six, a sports feature that was shared over 1,000 times on social media! “Mansfield Football Has A New ‘Top Tiger,'” was published back in July.

After a unanimous vote by the Mansfield School Board, Assistant Football Coach Tim Cothran was promoted to the head coaching position for the Tigers. The move came as former coach, Craig Bentley, accepted a head coaching position with Mena, Bentley’s hometown.

And, at number five, a top news story highlighting proposed gun-free zone legislation.

House bill 1694, introduced on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, was submitted by District 18 Representative Richard Womack and District 6 Senator Gary Don Stubblefield. Proponents of the bill maintain that eliminating gun-free zones will provide a safer environment for the public by allowing citizens the right to carry a weapon to defend themselves in public places.

Statistics show that 97.8 percent of mass shootings occur in gun-free zones. Those who fought for the bill claim that gun-free zones are illusionary, noting that criminals have no regard for the law. Furthermore, that the effect of gun free zones is making law abiding citizens needless targets.

Up next, we are two places closer to finding out the top story for the year!

Sr Lady Bulldogs Clawed Down By West Fork

The Waldron Sr High Lady Bulldogs don’t mess around when it comes to basketball. They practice hard and play even harder. So when they pick up a loss, instead of throwing in the towel and quitting, they pick themselves up, brush themselves off and get back in the game. Monday night was the first conference game of the season for the Lady Bulldogs. Hosting the West Fork Lady Tigers, the Lady Bulldogs knew they were going to have a fight on their hands.

“We got up seven points in the third quarter but then let it slip away at the end, falling 43-47,” explains Coach Josh Atchley. “Kudos to West Fork and Coach Selph. They were able to hit four big three’s in the second half.” The Lady Bulldogs now hold a 3-7 total season record.

Offensively, Chelsea Stidman ran the Lady Bulldog ship bringing in nearly half of the total points on the night with 21 along with three assists and seven rebounds. Stidman was followed by Rheagan Sanford with nine who also took three steals. And Hailey Stidman brought in eight points as well as being quick to the ball with 16 rebounds and one steal.

On Friday, December 20, the Lady Bulldogs will head north to Mansfield to take on the (3-4) Lady Tigers for the always entertaining “Battle for Scott County” rivalry game. Last season ended with each team taking two wins and two losses against one another with each final score gap merely points apart. So what is the weather forecast for this Friday night? It looks to be raining cats and dogs!

Community Rallies Behind Officer Mourton with Fundraiser

The love and support for Greenwood Police Officer Josh Mourton spans hundreds of miles as he continues treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Mourton has battled cancer for the past three years, and most recently has undergone extensive surgery. His wife, Ashley, reports that he is improving and doing well.

Mourton’s family and friends are thankful for the care he’s been able to receive, but realize it comes at a cost. Residents of Scott County saw the need of their former deputy and wanted to help.

The Charbroiler in Waldron is selling sliced smoked turkey breast and baby back ribs for your Christmas dinner. All of the proceeds will go to the Mourton family.

1lb. of smoked turkey breast $12 (feeds 3-4 people)
Rack of ribs $22

To order, call the Charbroiler in Waldron at 479-637-3163. Today, Wednesday, December 18, at 2 p.m. is the deadline for all orders. Pickup will be available December 20-23.

Fundraiser Held for Beloved Community Member

The love and support for Greenwood Police Officer Josh Mourton spans hundreds of miles as he continues treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Mourton has battled cancer for the past three years, and most recently has undergone extensive surgery. His wife, Ashley, reports that he is improving and doing well.

Mourton’s family and friends are thankful for the care he’s been able to receive, but realize it comes at a cost. Residents of Scott County saw the need of their former deputy and wanted to help.

The Charbroiler in Waldron is selling sliced smoked turkey breast and baby back ribs for your Christmas dinner. All of the proceeds will go to the Mourton family.

1lb. of smoked turkey breast $12 (feeds 3-4 people)
Rack of ribs $22

To order, call the Charbroiler in Waldron at 479-637-3163. Today, Wednesday, December 18, at 2 p.m. is the deadline for all orders. Pickup will be available December 20-23.

Obituary- Donald Alvin Fosnaugh (1934-2019)

Donald Alvin Fosnaugh of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, December 13, 2019, in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his loving family by his side. Don was born April 8, 1934, in Sanger California to Salem and Verda Fosnaugh. He was 85 years old. Donald was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. He was strong in his faith, and he led by example. Donald served as a Deacon at Temple Baptist Church.

Donald proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Donald was married to the love of his life, Rose for 58 years. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family. He loved making memories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Donald leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Rose of the home, and two daughters: Kim Defoor and husband Tim of Union Hill, Arkansas and Donna Rose Wood of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Pa will forever be missed by his grandchildren: Michael Defoor and wife Sheena, Jonathan Defoor and wife Tiffany and Amy Dismukes and husband Kyle and his great grandchildren: Chayse Nelson, Landon Defoor, Kimmy Defoor, Iwan Dismukes, Stella Defoor, Cassidee Tucker and Rowdy Tucker. He is also survived by one brother, Ralph Fosnaugh. Donald will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of friends, neighbors and church family.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Salem and Verda and siblings: Martha, Lorraine, Salem, Harold, Fred, Ernest, Charles, Arnold and two brothers that passed as children.

Donald’s visitation will be Sunday, December 15, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Hackett’s Stinger Glances Off Dragons Scales

Monday night saw a bevy of many talented basketball matches. One of those games consisted of the Hackett Jr High Hornets hosting the Mountainburg Dragons. The Hornets and the Dragons always have much to offer when they step out onto the court. And in true fashion, last night didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and at the sound of the final buzzer, it was the Hornets that took the “L” 30-25. With nine games under their belt, Hackett now sits with a 3-6 season record.

While taking on the Dragons, Cole Ketchum made sure Mountainburg knew his name as he meticulously danced circles around the Dragons putting up 12 points for the Hornets. Also laying claim to bucket paradise was Eli Slavens as he netted 6 points. Josh Atchley, Seth Crone, and Dawson Clay lit up the board with two points apiece. And Gabe Hice put his name on one point.

Not yet done putting the finishing touches on, Coach Kent Elmore had this to say about his Hornets. “They are coming along nicely. I start four eighth-graders and they have really started to understand the concepts we are trying to teach. We still have to step up on our defensive intensity though. We are giving up too many offensive rebounds. We are a small team and we have everyone bought in, in order to be a good rebounding team!” The Jr Hornets will play again on Friday, December 20 at home against the Lavaca Golden Arrows starting at 5 p.m.

Jr Bulldogs Take Tigers By The Tail

There’s basketball. And then there is Waldron Jr High Bulldog basketball. The Jr Dogs possess a basketball maturity that most don’t see until high school. Their skills and ability to control the game are a step above the rest. And after last night’s game against the West Fork Tigers, the Jr Bulldogs yet again brought to life these characteristics. Waldron reigned in their twelfth win of the season and first conference win making them 12-2 and 1-0.

The Bulldogs started the first quarter taking their time feeling out the situation before sinking their teeth into the Tigers. Waldron went on to put the cats back in the cradle by taking the win 47-34. The Bulldogs ended with four assists and 14 steals with Trenton Hunt taking seven of those.

Lidge Stinson was the offensive guru racking up 18 points followed by Hunt with 16. Peyton Lipham was too quick to be touched as he secured six points. And Trevor Hunt and Chris Lopez combined for seven points. With a total of 27 rebounds, the Bulldogs weren’t afraid to get right up in all the action.

Trenton led with eight rebounds, Trevor trailed with six. Stinson delivered three. Lopez, Petey Justice, and Dristen Hill snagged two each. And Lipham and Jon Jon Valdez netted one apiece. The Jr Bulldogs will next stay home and host rivals the Mansfield Tigers on Thursday, December 19 with 7th grade starting at 4:30 p.m.

Waldron Sends West Fork South On The Scoreboard

For their first conference game of the season, the Waldron Sr High Bulldogs did what they do best and that’s winning. Staying home, the Bulldogs invited the West Forks Tigers to join them in a little hardwood tango. The first-quarter showed both teams having equally matched dance moves but come the second quarter, the Bulldogs were dancing solo.

Waldron took the lead and never let up sending the Tigers packing with a 74-57 loss. This win puts the Bulldogs 1-0 in conference play and 8-3 on the season. Waldron ended their night with an 80.6 two-point percentage making 25 out of their 31 attempts. The Bulldogs also earned a 75 percent in free throws.

Payton Brown was the ringleader both offensively and defensively for the Bulldogs bringing in 37 points, seven of the 16 total team assists, and seven defensive rebounds. Isaac Villarreal mopped the floor with the Tigers earning him 11 points. Gada Wagner was hot on his trail with 10 points. Jacob Avila and Mason Ford earned five and four points respectively with Ford also sealing the deal on seven defensive rebounds. And combining for seven points was Braden Williams, Ruben Valdez, and Caden Fuller.

The Bulldogs were faster than a thief in the night taking 11 steals with Valdez leading the pack with four. Waldron also pulled in a total of nine offensive rebounds and 25 defensive rebounds. Coach Joshua Brown fills us in on his team, “We can’t take possessions off. Defensively, we have to continue to improve and make sure that we finish possessions. We also have to start limiting our turnovers.”

Next up for the Bulldogs is the always entertaining match-up with the Mansfield Tigers. It’s always a hardcore battle when these two towns face each other in any sport so this is one you don’t want to miss. Last season, Waldron took all three wins against Mansfield and this time around, the Bulldogs plan to continue the tradition. Waldron plays in Mansfield on Friday, December 20 with a 5 p.m. start time.

Hackett School District Sets New Vaping Policy

When Hackett students return to school following Christmas break, there will be a new policy in place by school officials, who hope to curb the vaping epidemic.

The policy, which was adopted at the last school board meeting, will be in effect on January 6. High School principal Michael Freeman said “as a district, we feel that vaping has serious immediate negative health effects on students, as well as harmful long-term effects. The new policy has stronger consequences for students that possess or use vape products on school campus or school trips. We will continue to look for ways to keep our students safe and hope this policy will encourage students to avoid vaping.”

The new policy adopted by the board reads as follows:

E-CIGARETTE (VAPING) PRODUCTS

Since it is generally understood that e-cigarette (vape) use can be harmful to one’s health, it shall be the policy of the Hackett Board of Education that all students shall be aware of the physical/mental effects of the use of e-cigarette (vape) products.

The smoking, use, or possession of e-cigarette (vape) products in any form in or on any property owned or leased by a public school district, including buses or at any location on a school-sponsored trip at any time is prohibited. Prohibition on the school campus includes use by students, staff, and school visitors. The prohibition includes any product that is manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, or under any other name or descriptor.

ACT 1331 authorizes school personnel to confiscate and immediately destroy e-cigarette (vaping) products in the possession of persons under the age of 21.

Students who violate this policy may be subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary measures. The following penalties will result:

1st offense: 2 days out-of-school suspension and 2 days in-school suspension.
2nd offense: 3 days out-of-school suspension and 3 days in-school suspension, police will be notified with student subject to legal proceedings in addition to any student disciplinary measures.
3rd offense: 5 days out-of-school suspension and 5 days in-school suspension, police will be notified with student subject to legal proceedings in addition to any student disciplinary measures.
Additional offenses: disciplinary measures as determined by the principal, police notification, and/or expulsion.

Additionally, the school has a new emergency hotline set up. This allows anyone to submit confidential tips regarding self-harm, weapons on campus and/or serious threats of violence toward students and staff. The school urges anyone who is aware of such threats, to text “hacketttips” to 226787.

Sr Rattlers Add Wolverines To Their Winter Fur Collection

The Magazine Sr High Rattlers got their first win of the season on December 13 when they hosted the Western Yell County Wolverines. With a final score of 57-45, this game puts the Rattlers on the map with a 1-4 season record. The fire in the snake pit was ignited after WYC hit a three-pointer giving Magazine the push that they needed. Once the Rattlers found their place on top, they never relinquished the power.

Cameron Raggio kept a strong offensive pace the entire game leading the Rattlers with 23 points. Josh Brackett gave the boot to the Wolverines by putting up 14 points. Ashton Droemer lit up the board with six points. Jacob Hall and Brady Watson made their presence known with five points each. And Jack Kirbo and Nate Bryan secured two buckets apiece.

“The boys are really starting to come together as a team,” stated Head Coach Buck Chappell. “With a previous turnover average of 23 a game, the Rattlers were able to knock that down to 13. We played without Kaeden Trejo but he is planning to be back in action in our next game.” The Magazine Rattlers will next face the Golden Arrows at Lavaca on Tuesday, December 17 for their first conference game of the season. Games will start at 5 p.m.