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Way of Life Opens for Business

Jeanette Scott, co-owner of Way of Life Weight Loss Center, had been struggling, longing for a career change. Little did she know, that desire would lead to a business plan, and ultimately Scott would find her calling.

“I knew I wanted a career change,” said Scott. She debated on returning to college or opening her own business. “…At my age it was scary, but a part of me was still up for the challenge,” Scott added. The deciding factor, was me saying out loud what I was struggling with, which was my own health and weight. As a matter of fact, my exact words were, ‘Chris, I need help.'”

Chris Fry, who also co-owns Way of Life, responded that he too would like to become involved in a weight loss program. According to Scott, one conversation led to another, and before long, she had prepared a business plan.

The weight loss center’s goal is to help their customers become more educated and aware of how obesity affects their health. “Studies show a 63 percent obesity rate in the United States. Children and teens are also struggling. Weight can have damaging effects mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”

Specifically, Way of Life, accurately named, is not a diet. The program is about tools that anyone can use to have a healthy way of life. Scott, and Amy Johnson, a health coach at Way of Life, have a unique one-on-one connection with each client, customizing and catering to their individual needs.

In addition to their coaching services, Way of Life also offers Skype and mail order services to their out of town clients and an app to help keep you on track. With the program, clients see an average of 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week.

Way of Life-Greenwood-Arkansas-Business-news-newspaper
Co-owner Jeanette Scott (left), and Amy Johnson, health coach, at Way of Life Weight Loss Center in Greenwood.

“We want to encourage people to get healthy from the inside out, with food, nutrition and wellness,” added Scott.

Way of Life is located at 610 West Center Street in Greenwood. They are open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. You can also find them on Facebook at Way of Life.

Getting Healthy: a Way of Life

Jeanette Scott, co-owner of Way of Life Weight Loss Center, had been struggling, longing for a career change. Little did she know, that desire would lead to a business plan, and ultimately Scott would find her calling.

“I knew I wanted a career change,” said Scott. She debated on returning to college or opening her own business. “…At my age it was scary, but a part of me was still up for the challenge,” Scott added. “The deciding factor, was me saying out loud what I was struggling with, which was my own health and weight. As a matter of fact, my exact words were, ‘Chris, I need help.'”

Chris Fry, who also co-owns Way of Life, responded that he too would like to become involved in a weight loss program. According to Scott, one conversation led to another, and before long, she had prepared a business plan.

The weight loss center’s goal is to help their customers become more educated and aware of how obesity affects their health. “Studies show a 63 percent obesity rate in the United States. Children and teens are also struggling. Weight can have damaging effects mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”

Specifically, Way of Life, accurately named, is not a diet. The program is about tools that anyone can use to have a healthy way of life. Scott, and Amy Johnson, a health coach at Way of Life, have a unique one-on-one connection with each client, customizing and catering to their individual needs.

In addition to their coaching services, Way of Life also offers Skype and mail order services to their out of town clients and an app to help keep you on track. With the program, clients see an average of 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week.

Way-Life-weight-loss
Co-owner Jeanette Scott (left), and Amy Johnson, health coach, at Way of Life Weight Loss Center in Greenwood.

“We want to encourage people to get healthy from the inside out, with food, nutrition and wellness,” added Scott.

Way of Life is located at 610 West Center Street in Greenwood. They are open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. You can also find them on Facebook at Way of Life.

Jr Tigers Conclude First Tournament Of Season

One down, many more to go. The Mansfield Jr High Tigers wrapped up the past weekend by finishing play in the Earl White Classic. The Tigers went toe to toe with the Hackett Hornets for 3rd Place successfully laying down the law and taking the win while the Lady Tigers pounded the boards in the championship round against the Trinity Lady Buffaloes falling short 39-32 earning them Runner-Up.

Tyler Turnipseed led the Jr Tigers with 10 points, Drew Elmore and Austin Quinalty brought in four points each, Peyton Martin made three, and Braxton Byers netted two. “I’m happy to go into the break with a win over Hackett,” expressed Coach Keith Stovall. “The best part of the game came from us being behind the entire time but through determination, we were able to pull out the win in the end. We did a good job on the board.”

#5 Tyler Turnipseed, #32 Austin Quinalty, and #21 Braxton Byers

“Looking down the road, our size is going to give some teams trouble if we will take advantage of it. We have to get more consistent and play complete games. We only lost to the tournament champs, Lavaca, by six points. We also need to be more consistent in scoring. We can’t have players score in double figures in one game and come up with zero in the next. Rebounding and second-chance scoring opportunities will need to be a huge part of our success.”

“We will be tough inside on both offense and defense. We have to cut out the unforced turnovers and the dumb fouls. We also have to do a much better job of defending the perimeter. In the end, those three things cost us against Booneville and Lavaca in the tournament.”

#3 Harlie Fuller

The Jr Lady Tigers and the Lady Buffaloes evenly kept pace with one another the entire game. It was definitely a run for your money kind of match. Mansfield finished with 26 rebounds and 13 steals. Kynslee Ward led with 13 points and Alyson Edwards followed with six. Harlie Fuller brought in five, Skylynn Harris made four, Serenity Brunson grabbed three, and Natalie Allison brought in one.

The Jr High Tigers will rest up during Thanksgiving Break and then get back to work when they host the Magazine Rattlers on December 2 at 4 p.m.

Sr Hornets Prove Successful With First Year Coaching Staff

The Hackett Sr High Hornets proved this 2019-2020 football season that no matter what changes are made to their program, they will accept the challenge and rise to the top. The Hornets saw a complete change to their coaching staff as they welcomed head coach, Michael Meador, and assistant coaches Jordan Shelby, Ryan Pointer, and Stephen McMurray. Their new coaching styles coupled with an anxious football team made for the perfect recipe as the Hornets saw themselves in the first round of State Playoffs and an 8-3 record in total season play.

Valdemar Kokkedal, Alec Janni, Trevor Woody, and Briar Goines

Hackett ended 4-1 in conference play with their only loss coming from their match against Magazine. Although the Hornets would have liked to move past the first round of playoffs where they lost 34-6 to Dierks, they still delivered a top-notch performance. Offensively, Westin Winters made 13 carries for 34 yards, Peyton Hester caught five receptions for 69 yards, and Fischer Shipman grabbed 11 carries also earning the Hornets lone touchdown of the night.

Fischer Shipman

Defensively, Winters made 14 solo tackles and four assists, Shipman spearheaded seven solos and six assists, Hester delivered 15 solo tackles with eight assists, and Mason Oelke served up five solos and six assists. The Hackett Hornets will sadly be saying good-bye to six seniors, Jhonny Aguilar, Dylan Kats, Trevor Woody, Alec Janni, Briar Goines, and Valdemar Kokkedal. When all was said and done, the Hackett Hornets have plenty to be proud of. The entire team worked together to push one another to greatness while earning the respect of those around them.

Final season totals are as follows:

Avery Hester- 76 rushes, 481 yards, 10 TDS, 56 for 112, 1396 yards, and 16 touchdowns. Weston Winters- 157 rushes, 872 yards, 10 TDS, 65 solo tackles, and 28 assists. Fischer Shipman- 47 carries, 222 yards, with 1 TD, 16 receptions, 343 yards, with 5 TDS, 54 solos, 33 assists, and 5 tackles for a loss. Jhonny Aguilar- 2 rushes, 1 yard, and 1 TD. Dylan Kats- 17 receptions, 380 yards, and 2 TDS. Peyton Hester- 31 catches, 696 yards, 6 TDS, 97 solos, 47 assists, and 4 TFL.

Cogan Hester- 12 catches, 247 yards, and 5 TDS. Briar Goines- 9 pancake blocks. Isaiah Carter- 12 pancake blocks. Trevor Woody- 8 pancake blocks. Ty Smith- 37 solos, 29 assists, 3 TFL, and 4 sacks. Jesse Esparaza- 36 solos, 24 assists, and 4 TFL. Mason Oelke- 34 solos and 24 assists. Briar Goines- 22 solos and 14 assists. And Ethan Slavens- 21 solos, 24 assists, and 3 interceptions. 

Fifth Times The Charm For Sr Bulldogs

After taking on such talented teams as Acorn and Ozark in this past week’s Booneville Bearcat Basketball Invitational, the Waldron Sr High Bulldogs finally sealed the deal. Placing runner-up the past four years in a row, the Bulldogs ultimately got it done in the final round of the tournament and walked away Champions! Waldron took on the Prairie Grove Tigers in the championship round and after some intense ball action on the hardwood, the Bulldogs took the win 59-38 putting them 5-0 on the season.

This year the Bearcat Invitational held teams from Acorn, Ozark, Cossatot River, WYC, Prairie Grove, and Paris. But it was the Bulldogs that came out on the top. “We are trying to get better every day and win the day,” explained Head Coach, Joshua Brown. “We talk about having a Championship mindset and winning today! One day at a time. Staying present. Respecting everyone and fearing no one.” With Waldron being undefeated so far, its apparent that kind of thinking is paying off.

The Bulldogs earned seven assists thanks to the help of Jacob Avila, Gada Wagner, Payton Brown, and Ruben Valdez. On the defensive side, there were 12 steals made with Brown taking eight of those, Valdez with two, and Mason Ford and Isaac Villarreal with one each. “Defensively we have played better and that is the place we knew we needed to grow the most. This team is deep with talent and we know we have guys who can come in and play and help us win ball games.” 

Brown led the team in scoring with 36 points with 12 of those points coming from sinking four 3-point shots. Villarreal delivered five points while Ford, Avila, and Wagner made four apiece. Jaden Hutchens brought in three points, Valdez made two, and Sam Slater obtained one. “We are about to go through a gauntlet as we play 4-0 Lavaca on Tuesday, November 26 and come back after Thanksgiving break and play Mena, Bergman, and Shiloh Christian at the UARM Classic on December 3.”

“I believe the game against Prairie Grove was our best defensive effort of the year and we have to build on that effort on Tuesday against Lavaca. They are a very good team and very well coached. They have a lot of quickness on their team. They push tempo and shoot the ball very well as a team. Their posts work very hard and we will have to keep them off the glass. They have a lot of seniors with an abundance of experience.” The Waldron Bulldogs will hit the court starting with Jr High at 4 p.m at Lavaca.

Flu Remains Sporadic Heading into December

For week 46, Arkansas reported “local” activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and “high” or 8 out of 10 in intensity.

Over the last week, the average school absenteeism rate was 6.7 percent among public schools. To date, 3 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported a total of three pediatric deaths nationwide. To date, no nursing homes in Arkansas have reported influenza outbreaks.

The flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

The ADH recommends the flu vaccination for children, the elderly, health care workers and others prone to getting the flu. “Flu vaccine helps your body fight the flu during the height of the flu season, which is generally December through March. cFlu vaccine is available through your local health unit.”

2019-2020 Flu Season

  • For more information about Mass Flu Clinics, click here.
  • For more information and dates on the ADH Public School Flu Clinics, click here.

Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine

  • Seasonal flu is a disease that causes mild to severe illness and is easily spread. Each year in the United States, 25-50 million infections are reported, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 23,600 die due to seasonal flu.
  • The seasonal flu virus is spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching a hard surface with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.
  • Flu vaccine will not give you the flu! The shot is a vaccine that helps protect you against the seasonal flu virus.
  • The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. The vaccine takes one to two weeks to start working. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.

The Importance of Seasonal Flu Vaccine

  • Children can catch the flu more often than adults but they usually aren’t as sick. Parents should keep their sick children at home so they do not spread the flu to others.
  • For older adults and others who are at risk of complications, flu vaccine can reduce hospitalizations by as much as 70 percent and deaths by 85 percent.
  • The best way to protect yourself, your family. 

Last year, several area schools closed their doors to clean and disinfect the buildings during the height of flu season. ADH officials encourage frequent hand washing, and keeping sick children at home to help prevent it’s spead.

Paris Jr. Boys Defeat Little Rock Flames in Consolation Game of Lamar Invitational Tournament

The Paris Junior High Eagles defeated the Little Rock Flames on Saturday to win the consolation game of the Lamar Invitational Tournament. The Jr. Eagles defeated the team of home schoolers from the greater Little Rock area by a score of 46-44. Earlier in the day, the Paris Jr Lady Eagles fell to Dardanelle in the consolation game of the girls bracket by a score of 32-26.

After the game, Eagles coach Mike Foster was pleased with the win, but thought his team made the outcome harder than it had to be. “Our boys played hard and were led by Sam Muldrow with 15 points and 10 rebouds. Jesse Wells had 13 points. We made it hard on ourselves by winning 46-44 and missing 19 free throws. We have to get into the gym and improve on that.”

The Lady Eagles played shorthanded against the Class 4A Lady Sand Lizards. Paris coach Dustin Williams was proud of his team’s effort. “We had five girls out sick today. Two of them are starters and our first player off the bench was another that was sick. I thought the girls that were healthy fought hard against a good Dardanelle team Even though it was a six point loss on the scoreboard, I was proud of how our experienced players, Forst, Wells and O’Neal, played with determination. Also, being able to see some of our younger new pieces step up when needed and player bigger roles ws huge for us and our future. I was proud of all eight girls that touched the floor. We are ready to have some time off and get our team healthy again.”

Both teams will take a break for the Thanksgiving holidays. The break will give the coaches and opportunity to practice their teams and prepare for the end of the non-conference schedule and the upcoming conference schedule that will begin in mid-December. The Eagles and Lady Eagles next games will be at Lamar on December 10.

And as always, Resident Press will take you all the way through the season and post-season tournament action! Stay with Resident Press for your source of Paris Eagles and Lady Eagles basketball coverage!

City Hears From SCSO Representative on Aiding in County Dispatch Services

The Mansfield City Council met on Thursday evening, November 21 at 7 p.m. All members of the council were present, including Julie Thomas, Dave Johnson, Jan Carlton, Beverly Lyons, Rick McDaniel and Sheri Hopkins. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.

After the meeting was called to order, and the October minutes were approved, the council heard the city services reports.

Public Works Director Joe Maness reported that the department had completed two water taps in the rural area, changed the lights and GFI receptacles on the light poles, repaired two water leaks and evaluated a water problem at the Spur Lake spillway.

Additionally, on November 12, both of the city’s trash trucks were operating with the assistance of the city recorder/treasurer. Maness also reported that they had gained and lost a new part-time employee.

During the County Wide Cleanup, held October 19, public works employees helped unload fifty eight trucks and twenty-one trailers on the Sebastian County side and 21 trucks and six trailers from Scott County.

Next, Police Chief Wayne Robb reported that during the month of October, his department issued 22 citations and executed five misdemeanor warrants within Sebastian County. In Scott County, four citations were issued, and one felony and two misdemeanor warrants were executed.

The department answered a total of 66 calls, assisted 34 outside agencies, and had 24 school calls. Officers had a total of 25 incident/arrest reports, one accident report, 83 traffic stops, issued 57 warnings and had 15 animal calls. In total, the department underwent 19 hours of training for the month.

Additionally, Robb shared with members of the council updates on reports of criminal mischief and vehicle break-ins. “We have leads on who they are and where they are coming from,” Robb stated. He went on to share that the events are sporadic throughout the city, and he has launched extensive residential patrols in response.

Fire Chief Michael Smith reported that his department has had a total of 16 calls, four fire and 12 EMS. “We closed out our year this month with total calls at 321, most of the calls were EMS, 277, and fire, 44.”

Smith delivered the Freightliner to Conway for repairs. The total cost is $8,000 with parts and labor. He reminded the council that both trucks, the 1992 GMC and 1999 Freightliner have original tires, and that those need to be replaced. Also, Smith stated that the department doesn’t have enough turnout gear for the volunteer members, and he will be looking into grants to help fund the purchase. Additionally, that he is still searching for a grant to assist with the purchase of a newer brush truck.

Lastly, Smith reported on the new security system that is in place. The new system eliminated keys, and implemented fobs, which records who accesses the building, the time and location.

City Attorney Matt Ketcham was present, but did not have a report for the council.

Next, Captain Philip Pevehouse with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office was present to share information about the proposed funding for two county dispatchers. Pevehouse fielded questions from the council members and mayor on the request by Sebastian County Judge David Hudson and Sheriff Hobe Runion for cities to aid in funding the hiring of two county dispatchers. –See related story

According to Pevehouse, Mansfield is fourth highest in call volume, just under calls for the county, Barling and Greenwood. The cost for the county to continue providing the services the city has been historically dependent on is $2,257.00 annually. Pevehouse added that “When the City of Fort Smith wants to raise the sewer rates, they don’t ask me, they just send a bill.”

Alderman Carlton admitted that she didn’t view the request as a tax, but rather a bill. Other members of the council, including Thomas, resisted the notion stating, “it feels we are being strong-armed.” Lyons commented that they have a job to do when they budget and fund their city, and the Sebastian County Quorum Court bears that same responsibility for the county, and should find a way to fund this need.

Ultimately, the council chose to table the measure. However, after March 1, 2020 any city who has not paid their portion for the service, will no longer receive non-emergency assistance from the county. “We will always assist in emergency situations,” stated Pevehouse.

In items of new business, the council discussed a new building and the hiring of an employee for the recycle program. Also, voted to pass along credit card fees to water department customers. Lastly, the council tenatively approved the proposed 2020 budget. Mayor Black stated that it will most likely be amended in the December and/or January meeting. Proposed changes that the council discussed included employee raises. “We will look at other things as well,” concluded Black.

In public comments and announcements, the Christmas tree lighting will be December 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by cookies and hot chocolate. Then, on Saturday, December 7, the annual Christmas parade will begin at 2 p.m. Lastly, Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes will perform on Saturday, December 14 at the Dixie Theater. There will be two shows, one at 3 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. The admission is $5 per person.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.

Four Hackett Residents Honored with Model Citizen Award

On Thursday evening, November 21, four Hackett residents were honored with a Model Citizen Award.

Hackett Hornet’s Nest founders Todd and Renee Johnson, and Kevin and Kim Henry were presented with a certificate and medal by Mayor Trini Harper.

Harper said, “…the City of Hackett is proud to recognize a group of individuals for their combined effort in creating the Hornet’s Nest…Roughly one year ago, Renee Johnson, Todd Johnson, Kim Henry and Kevin Henry came together after realizing that the youth in the community did not have a place to go where they could interact with one another outside of school. Due to the rising depression of youth in the community and believing that some of the depression derived from boredom, this group began to devise a plan to create a community center for them. This group made it possible for them to procure a building, donations of video games, table games, board games, movies, books and other community center necessities. Without their time and effort, the creation of the Hornet’s Nest would not have been possible.”

Their vision became a reality on October 1, when the Hornet’s Nest opened their doors. Since that time, the youth center has faithfully welcomed area kids and provided them a place to belong.

The two couples donate much of their time to the youth center, staffing and working to ensure that it is a safe, and fun environment. Because of their dedication, Harper stated, “the award was given as a small token of the city’s appreciation for all that they have done and continue to do for our community.”

Renee-Johnson-Hackett
City of Hackett Model Citizen Award recipient Renee Johnson.
model-citizen-award
City of Hackett Model Citizen Award recipient Todd Johnson.
citizen-award-Henry
City of Hackett Model Citizen Award recipient Kim Henry.
model-citizen-award-Kevin
City of Hackett Model Citizen Award recipient Kevin Henry.

Sr Bulldogs Blowin’ The Nets Off Every Hoop They Touch

275. That’s the total number of points that the Waldron Sr High Bulldogs have put on their basketball season with only four games played. But the icing on the cake is that all four games have been won, putting the Bulldogs with an undefeated 4-0 season record. What a way to get the ball rolling. On Monday, November 18, Waldron took to the hardwoods to face Acorn in Round 1 of the Booneville Bearcat Invitational.

The Bulldogs ended with an 82-67 victory and a 57.1 field goal percentage. The Bulldogs earned 38 offensive and defensive rebounds combined, 17 assists, and nine steals. Senior Guard, Payton Brown led the team with 33 points while Jacob Avila followed with 15. Gada Wagner and Isaac Villarreal put up eight points each and Mason Ford and Caden Fuller putting up six.

Waldron advanced to the semi-final round on Wednesday, November 20 and competed against the always talented Ozark Hillbillies. Just as fans expected, this match was truly a game for the ages. Both teams stepped onto the court with one goal in mind. To make it to the championship round. During the back and forth action, there were 18 ties/lead changes with neither team taking a lead of more than five points. But as time was winding down, it was the Bulldogs who mustered up the strength to pull ahead for the victory 52-48.

Waldron finished with 33 total rebounds, 13 assists, and two steals which were made by Wagner and Villarreal who also scored two and 10 points respectively. Avila pulled in 14 points with Brown bringing in 11 and Fuller making six. Ruben Valdez netted five and Ford and Braden Williams earned two apiece. The Bulldogs will now head to the Bearcat Invitational Finals on Saturday, November 23 to take on Prairie Grove at 6:30 p.m.