Resident News Network

Christmas in Bell Park

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7:16 am

If you’ve never been to Bell Park in Greenwood at Christmas time, you simply must go! It’s a beautiful drive-thru display of lights, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.

Every year, following the Thanksgiving holiday, members of Focus on Greenwood work tirelessly to create the display. And, every year, they have added a new feature for loyal patrons to enjoy. The light tunnel, the newest addition, has been popular for visitors and photographers.

There are still several more days to enjoy the display before it closes on December 26. Friday, December 20, is movie night. “The Grinch” will be featured from 6-7:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday, December 21, there will be a hayride, cocoa and live music from 6-7 p.m.

Proceeds from the Trail of Lights benefit Greenwood families in need through the charitable organization, Focus on Greenwood.

Other seasonal activities for the family include visiting the Santa House on the square. The event is limited to the first 20 children each night. The Santa House will be open on Tuesday, December 17, Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20. Storytime begins at 5:30 p.m., and children can visit with Santa from 6-7:30 p.m. To receive a free pass to the Santa house, contact Stephanie Griffith at 479-597-0170 or email her at stephanie.griffith@greenwoodk12.com.

City of Hartford Hosts Tree Lighting and Parade

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Tammy Teague

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9:29 pm

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City of Hartford Hosts Tree Lighting and Parade

On Saturday, December 14, the City of Hartford celebrated by bringing back a tradition to the town with a Christmas parade.

The festivities kicked off with breakfast at the Masonic Lodge at 7 a.m. Emergency responders from Monroe, OK, Midland, Huntington and Mansfield joined Hartford fire and police. The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, and the mounted patrol was a unique addition to the parade.

Everyone had a great time, and the parade was a huge success. Following the parade, the community once again came together to witness the lighting of the town’s tree.

Kinslow Credits Team Effort in Success of Special Election

Tammy Teague

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2:19 pm

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Kinslow Credits Team Effort in Success of Special Election

It’s no secret that the traffic in Greenwood has been an issue for drivers and commuters for years. As the city has continued to grow and expand, the problem has continued to worsen.

Mayor Doug Kinslow celebrated as voters passed a traffic relief measure, 3-to-1, last week. He is quick, however, to give credit to all who made its passage possible.

“It was a huge team effort,” stated Kinslow. Adding that Finance Director Tom Marsh, Dr. James Burgess, Senator Mathew Pitsch and former Representative Charlotte Douglas helped push the proposal.

Kinslow wasn’t the first mayor to search for answers to the age-old problem. He was, however, the one who was able to get the job done and submit a feasible plan to the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Furthermore, Kinslow’s plan was put together without asking for any new tax.

In order to formulate that plan, ARDOT recommended Kinslow have available four things: money, easements, right of ways, and be willing to take over the section of highway. Burgess, whom Kinslow dubbed “Mr. Greenwood,” was one of the land owners who made the plan possible. “He was clear, he wanted to see the traffic relief proposal pass,” added Kinslow. “It was very important to him. He wanted it for the future of Greenwood…and at 88 years of age, he let me know that he wants this to be done in his lifetime.”

The city held several town hall meetings to help the residents understand how the plan will be implemented. “I was not confronted by a single business person downtown who was afraid they would be shut down.” In fact, he recognizes that business owners could very well benefit from the bypass, noting that drivers often avoid pulling out of traffic to grab a bite to eat or shop out of concern that they won’t be able to get back onto the highway.

The plan will help disperse traffic. For example, a semi-trailor truck will be able to bypass Greenwood on their way to or from Booneville. Drivers won’t be out of the way if they need to access a street back into the city, but the bypass will provide them a way around for the work commute.

The preliminary surveying has already been done, but now the real work begins. Kinslow estimated that the “shovel will go in the ground within two years.”

Although the mayor hadn’t yet spoken with Burgess, he admitted that the pair will most likely “hug and shed a tear or two.” Congratulations to Kinslow, and to all who played a part in accomplishing the passage of this traffic relief plan. The future is bright for the City of Greenwood!

Waldron PD and SCSO Team Up For Shop with a Cop

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Tammy Teague

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12:12 pm

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Waldron PD and SCSO Team Up For Shop with a Cop

On Saturday morning, December 14, the Waldron Police Department partnered with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for Shop with a Cop. Officers and deputies assisted 45 children in fulfilling their Christmas wish lists.

It’s an annual tradition for both departments, who partner with the school district. The event takes a great deal of planning and financial assistance from the community, but the payoff is well worth it, seeing the smiles brought to children’s faces.

One officer recalled a child from a previous trip who wanted to shop for members of his family instead of himself. “It was truly heartwarming,” he stated.

Driver Ken Overturf bussed the children to the Walmart in Greenwood. Associates there greeted and entertained the kids as each eagerly waited their turn to shop. Also attending, Mayor David Millard, who has spent many years himself alongside children at these events as a former police officer and chief.

The Waldron Police Department was gracious to those who made Shop with a Cop possible. “Many thanks for the generous donations from businesses and individuals, which made this event possible! Thanks also to the Walmart associates for hosting the event and for helping entertain the kids as they waited their turn to shop…We also want to recognize Sherry Johnston, Waldron Schools, Ken Overturf (our brave bus driver) and Linda Vaughn for their efforts in coordinating this event each year. This is a wonderful opportunity for our officers to build relationships in our community and spread the joy of Christmas!”

Lady Hornets Are Taking Cheer All The Way To The Top

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:34 pm

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Lady Hornets Are Taking Cheer All The Way To The Top

The Hackett Hornet Cheerleaders continue to improve with every competition that passes. One example is that they’re scoring 20 points higher than they were at the beginning of the tournament season. “On November 16, Hackett placed 3rd at Hot Springs with the team that placed first having won State in our division for the last two years,” explained Coach Courtney Sangster. “The team that placed 2nd has made it to finals the last 2-3 years. To even be close to teams like that our first year makes me so proud!”

On December 14, the Lady Hornets brought home TWO first place trophies at the Bentonville Invitational. The girls had to perform their cheer in prelims, then the whole routine in the finals. This set up is to help teams prep for State. Hackett won 1st in prelims and 1st in finals.

Next, they’ll head to Hot Springs for State on December 21 with plans on continuing their Hornet takeover. At State, Hackett will have to perform all three components of their routine (cheer, fight song, and band dance) individually. Based on those scores, the top teams will move onto the finals where they’ll perform their routines as a whole. There are 24 teams in the 1-3A Game Day Division this year so the bar is definitely set high.

“Coach Katey and I are so excited for state. We could not be any prouder. These girls have worked so hard this competition season. They have fought to prove that cheer IS a sport and they are a force to be reckoned with. We are looking forward to State and the future of the Hackett Hornet cheer squads!”

2019 Arvest Invitational A Success

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:00 pm

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The 2019 Arvest Invitational did not disappoint this week as it featured some thrilling basketball games, great performances, and big-time shots. The Acorn Tigers, Mansfield Tigers, Ozark Hillbillies, and Waldron Bulldogs all showcased their talent and crowned two teams champions.

The girls’ side of the action featured the Lady Tigers of Acorn and Mansfield battling it out for the title. The game was close throughout but saw Mansfield finishing on top to be awarded the 2019 Arvest Invitational Championship and the Acorn Lady Tigers bringing home the runner-up plaque. In addition to the team awards this year, the tournament included the “Lacey Pollard MVP” award. This award is in remembrance of Lacey who was a Lady Bulldog basketball player who approached life with determination and an infectious smile. That same determination was displayed by Natalie Allison of Mansfield as she was awarded the MVP award.

The boys’ championship game matched the Ozark Hillbillies against the Waldron Bulldogs. The Hillbillies, which features a squad packed with young talent, flew to the Bulldogs behind some solid defense and good guard play. The boys’ MVP award is in remembrance of Josh Waddle whose hard work, commitment, and no-quit attitude was just a few of the characteristics that made him an impact on the Waldron community. This year’s MVP displayed those same traits and was awarded to Trenton Hunt of Waldron.

“I would like to offer a tremendous ‘Thank You’ to the Arvest family and especially Mrs. Shelley Buckles,” expressed Coach Josh Atchley. “Her desire to support the area kiddos and mine are aligned, and she is the facilitator of a phenomenal Jr High tournament. This week could not be possible without her and all the ladies at Arvest. There are a lot of moving parts to run a successful tournament and several people stepped up to rock this past week. Rogers Sparks, Ray Jett, Mac Davis, Cody Mahar, and Kerry Barnett are some of the best score table people around, along with Mrs. Gina Efurd and Kristen Atchley running the hospitality room, and Coach Brown doing whatever needed to be done. We are so blessed as a community to have people ‘step up’ and help our kiddos. Thank You!”

Jr Lady Tigers Crowned Champions At Arvest Invitational

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:18 pm

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Jr Lady Tigers Crowned Champions At Arvest Invitational

This past week, the Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers kept themselves busy participating in the 2019 Arvest Basketball Invitational held at Waldron. The Lady Tigers started gameplay on Wednesday, December 11 against the Waldron Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Tigers wanted to start the tournament off with a dominant victory and that’s just what they did pummeling Waldron 48-23. Skylynn Harris was on fire as she led the ambush with not one, not two, but four nothing but net 3-point shots and ending with a grand total of 20 points.

Also helping the scoreboard light up was Kynslee Ward and Harlie Fuller with 10 points each. Natalie Allison, Alyson Edwards, and Seven Sanderson combined for the remaining eight points. And Harris and Serenity Brunson each snagged six rebounds. The Lady Tigers should have worn ski masks to the game as they brought in a total of 19 steals also.

The next night on December 12, the Lady Tigers were chomping at the bit to square up against a much larger Ozark Lady Hillbillies squad. The matchup wound up being a walk in the park for Mansfield as they were firing on all cylinders to take their second victory of the tournament 41-13. The Lady Tigers defensively owned the Lady Hillbillies as the team racked up 22 rebounds, seven assists, and 23 steals. Offensively, Allison and Edwards mopped the floor with the Hillbillies and led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 10 points apiece. It was a breakout game for Sanderson as she made her presence known by powering her way to eight points along with multiple rebounds.

Fuller secured five buckets for the Lady Tigers while Ward, Harris, and Raine Hecox combined for eight. The final day of the Invitational came on Saturday, December 14 and the Lady Tigers were slated to play the Acorn Lady Tigers in the championship round. Both teams were in this spot for a reason. They were equally matched in skill and determination. Getting the win was going to come down to who could achieve the final push.

The entirety of the game was back and forth hardwood madness. Both Lady Tiger teams delivered incredible speed offensively and pure grit defensively. Scoring was a team effort in this one as Mansfield had seven different players making buckets. Harris started out strong with nine points, but Acorn forced foul trouble on the Tigers star to keep her in check. That’s where teamwork made the dream work for Mansfield. Natalie Allison led the team with 11 points. Ward and Edwards combined for four points each. And Sanderson, Fuller, and Brunson combined for 12 points on the game.

In the end, Mansfield was able to pull ahead and take the win 37-30 along with the championship. Natalie Allison racked up a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in the game. Allison was also named girls MVP of the 2019 Arvest Invitational. Next up for the Jr High Lady Tigers will be the Lady Wolves at Lincoln on Tuesday, December 17 starting at 4 p.m.

Waldron Falls In Dardanelle Sand Storm

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:12 am

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After falling 60-64 against the Dardanelle Sand Lizards on the road this past Friday, December 13, the Waldron Sr High Bulldogs are ready to focus on their upcoming conference play. The Bulldogs sit with a 7-3 total season record and come December 16, prepare to watch the first column start spiraling out of control.

Helping to secure the 60 points from Friday nights game versus the Sand Lizards was Payton Brown with 38. Gada Wagner with seven. Jacob Avila with four. And Mason Ford, Bryson Bailey, Braden Williams, Isaac Villarreal, and Ruben Valdez combining for 11. Waldron earned a 47.7 field goal percentage also making 28 of their points in the paint. The Bulldogs snagged five steals, seven assists, and 36 total rebounds with Ford leading with 11.

For the first time in a month, the Bulldogs will be playing back at home on Monday, December 16 when they open conference play against the (4-4) West Fork Tigers. During the 2018 basketball season, Waldron took a close one-point victory of 68-67 on West Forks’ home court. This time around, the Bulldogs plan to vastly improve on the point gap when the Tigers come to town. Games start with Jr High at 4 p.m.

Charleston Loses Hard Fought Games at Hot Springs Lake Hamilton

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Resident News Network

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3:43 pm

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Charleston Loses Hard Fought Games at Hot Springs Lake Hamilton

Anybody…anywhere…anytime.

The Charleston Tigers have never been afraid to play anyone, and that certainly held true Friday night as the Tigers made the long trip to Hot Springs Lake Hamilton to play the Class 6A Lake Hamilton Wolves at the new Wolf Arena. Although the boys and varsity teams were not able to leave Hot Springs with a victory, they left with valuable experience against very talented teams that will certainly pay dividends for the Tigers during conference and post season play.

The Lady Tigers played very well against a Lake Hamilton team that included three players that have been offered college basketball scholarships. The tall and athletic Lady Wolves proved to be too much for Charleston, but the grit and determination that was shown by the Lady Tigers was inspiring to watch. The good news for the Lady Tigers is that they will play few, if any teams in their remaining schedule that will be as good and talented as Lake Hamilton. Timely three-point shooting and good transitional basketball where the Lady Tigers often beat Lake Hamilton down the floor after defensive rebounds kept Charleston in the game. The final score was 68-56; a very respectable score that should give every Charleston fan reason to be optimistic as the Lady Tigers move into conference play.

The same held true for the Charleston Tigers as they played an inspirational game against a Lake Hamilton team that last year defeated Jonesboro on their court. The Tigers, down just one point at the end of the first quarter, stayed in the game with tough inside play and defense that often frustrated the Wolves. The athletic Lake Hamilton Wolves held Charleston to just 37 points on the night, while the Tigers only gave up 52 to the 6A Wolves. A loss is still a loss, but, as with the Lady Tigers, Charleston played inspirational basketball and should feel good about themselves as they prepare to enter conference play.

Both Jason Rucker and B. J. Ross indicated during the pre-season that their early November and December records may not reflect how good their teams would be playing. Both coached believe in playing a tough non-conference schedule to prepare for conference play. With the exception of a brief schedule in Christmas holiday tournaments later this month, the Charleston basketball program will move into conference play starting this Tuesday at Cedarville. Cedarville is historically a very tough place for visiting teams to play, and the Pirates home court atmosphere combined with a talented team will make for a tough opening game for Charleston. It is hard to win on the road in conference play. If the Tigers and Lady Tigers can win at Cedarville, they will be off to a great start in the conference as they would have one road victory secured on the season. The Cedarville match-up is a big game for the Tigers and Lady Tigers.

The Lady Tigers are now 6-2-1 on the season with their only losses being to Class 4A Pea Ridge and Class 6A Lake Hamilton. According to Max Preps, Charleston is ranked 9th in Class 3A in Arkansas and 37th in the state across all classifications.

The Charleston Tigers boys team is now 3-2 on the season. Their losses have been to Class 4A Dardanelle and Class 6A Lake Hamilton. Rankings for the Tigers are not available by Max Preps. Rankings were last updated on Friday, December 13, and a minimum of five games is required by Max Preps for rankings. The Tigers Class 3A and overall state rankings should be published next week by Max Preps.

Tigers fans can be very proud of how their teams represented Charleston last evening at Lake Hamilton. Charleston earned the respect of all fans in the arena. In late February, Charleston will look back on Friday the 13th in Lake Hamilton when both the Lady Tigers and the Tigers came together and laid the foundation for a post season, state tournament run.

Charleston Band Ready for Midwest Clinic

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Resident News Network

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9:16 am

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The Charleston High School Band is working hard preparing for the Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra, and Music Conference. The Midwest Clinic will take place December 18th through the 21st in Chicago, Illinois. More than 18,000 composers, musicians, educators, and students from all 50 states and more than 30 countries will be in attendance at the International Conference.

The Charleston Band was asked by Richard Crain, President of the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors, if they would like to participate in the Conference. They were asked to be apart of the Conference’s Small School Initiative. When asked how they were chosen, Director Jessica Holt stated, “I believe he heard part of our concert at the Arkansas All-State Music Conference in February.”

The Charleston Band will be participating in what is called a rehearsal lab. This is essentially an open rehearsal for the conference attendees. Composer Richard Saucedo will lead the rehearsal lab. during the lab, Suacedo will demonstrate techniques for making a small band sound good, including cultivating good tone quality, tuning, balance, blend, articulation, and playing in time. He will also demonstrate ways to edit students’ parts for playability and how to isolate these skills when rehearsing musical literature.

At the end of the rehearsal lab, the Charleston Band will preform, “Awakening Hills”, which is one of Mr. Richard Saucedo’s pieces. The band recently previewed “Awakening Hills” at their annual Christmas Concert on December 8th. You can watch their preview performance on our YouTube page.

Charleston High School Band 2019 Midwest Preview

Jessica Holt ended our interview with this statement,

“At Charleston, we believe that small bands have the potential to sound every bit as good as large bands. The students, Mr. Uhrich, and I are excited and proud to be able to represent Arkansas and small bands everywhere at the Midwest Clinic!”

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