I watched my mother sleeping, But she probably couldn’t tell, Nor would she know my name, Her mind is hidden beneath a veil. I know she is in there somewhere, But disease has robbed her mind. Oh, I wish that she would kiss me And hug me, please, just one more time. While I feel the hot tears coming, Rolling down both cheeks unchecked, I wish I could turn back time now, Before her memories turned to Black. Just one more conversation, Just one more “stopping by” Just one more, “Mom, I love you.” Before this Long Goodbye. Now when I see her sleeping, For her, there is sweet release, And so I begin my prayer, “Oh Lord, just give her peace.”
The City of Hartford has started issuing warnings and tickets for unmowed and unkept lawns. Some of the push back from the citizens is about the city not taking care of the alleyways and ditches. The city does not own the alleyways or the ditches. The alleyways are city easements. It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep them up. We do realize though, that in the past the city did take care of some of it. So this fall, after the first hard frost, the city will brush hog what it can of the alleyways as a courtesy to our citizens, but it will be the property owners responsibility for it’s continuing care.
We are also updating some of the existing city ordinances and are going to enforce these and other existing ordinances that have previously been ignored. The city leaders want everyone to know that we are serious about cleaning up our city and that it is in the best interest of all the property owners to improve our city.
On Tuesday, October 1, Hackett’s new youth recreational center, the Hackett Hornet’s Nest was all abuzz!
The center, located 206 Williams Street, opened their doors for the first time to students after school. Founders Todd and Renee Johnson and Kevin and Kim Henry have spent countless hours preparing for the big day. They are quick, however, to give credit to those who have helped them get where they are. With the expense of a non-profit start up, with no financial assistance, Kim Henry shared that they have depended greatly on donations.
Generous donations from a Greenwood resident, and a local Hackett business have been welcomed and appreciated. Kim Henry shared that they have filed for their 501c non-profit status, and it is pending approval. Currently, they are absorbing all the costs personally, and welcome any assistance or donations. Costs including rent, insurance, utilities, food and upkeep, all add up and prove that the center is a labor of love for these couples.
In fact, the center is more of a divine calling. Renee Johnson felt the need to open the youth center after the community lost four to suicide. Renee’s friend, Kim Henry, was a mother to one of those young men. Together, with the support of their husbands, have worked tirelessly to fulfill that calling.
The Hornet’s Nest is open from 3:30-9 p.m., and offers a safe, youth-friendly space. It is staffed with two volunteers, who have passed background checks. The staff will also be providing a daily evening meal.
The center boasts lots of kid-appealing fun, including arcade games, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, board games and so much more.
The center’s rules are simple and straightforward. The staff retains the right to ban anyone who does not follow the rules, or is disruptive.
If you are interested in learning more about the youth center, wish to donate or volunteer please contact Renee Johnson at 479-650-5183.
It seems that very few games, in any sport, that receive a lot of publicity and build up before the game ever turn out to be half as good as advertised. But this was not the case for last night’s barn burner in Charleston. Paris, once again, showed why they are the defending state champions. Missing a key player due to injury, playing away from home in a hostile environment, and playing against a top five ranked team in class 3A, the Lady Eagles were forced to go five sets before pulling out the victory. Paris defeated the spirited Charleston Lady Tigers three sets to two. And in the end, the defending state champions found a way to win. That is what great teams do.
It was truly one of those games where you hated to see any team lose Both teams left everything on the floor. It was a showcase for high school volleyball. Both teams have a lot to be proud of, and both coaches were very emotional at the end of the game when asked about their players’ performances.
The tone for the night was established in the first set. Both teams came out swinging, and from the very start, everyone in attendance knew it was going to be a battle of two heavyweights. The teams battled back and forth like a prize fight until Charleston shocked the Lady Eagles with a 28-26 first set victory.
But like true champions, Paris came roaring back, winning both the second and third sets. It appeared that the Lady Eagles had recaptured the momentum. Perhaps the Lady Eagles had taken Charleston’s best shot and had survived, and the fourth set would be the clincher for Paris.
But showing great character, grit, and determination, Charleston battled back and shocked Paris again by winning the fourth set. As the crowd went crazy in the historic Charleston gym, many Charleston fans must have taken a moment to reminisce about the long list of barn burner basketball games that had been played in the old gym up until February of 2004 when it saw its last game. Charleston volleyball has brought new life to a proud, old facility, and this match would prove to be one for the ages.
Charleston began the fifth and deciding set on fire by going out to a quick lead. Momentum was on the Lady Tigers side. Charleston built a lead to 11-7 in a 15-point deciding set. Victory was so close for the Lady Tigers.
But at that point, Paris proved why they are state champions. The Lady Eagles took over the set, scoring the final points, and won the set 15-11.
When the game was over, both teams were completely drained. Every player on both sides had left everything on the court. A disappointed Charleston team was left to think about the ” what ifs” in a game that was full of opportunities. Paris was relieved to get out of Charleston with the win, although in some aspects, it almost felt like a loss to some of the players.
Paris coach Jordan Devine was both emotional and proud of her players’ performance, “It was awesome. Charleston played great. I’m just glad we came out with the last eight points of the game. We told them (the Paris players), Coach Fulmer actually told them in the locker room, true statement of how good you are. How you pull games out when your not your best, and they did that. I was proud of them. In the locker room, they’re like, we almost didn’t win that one, but I was proud of the way they came out and fought.”
When I asked Coach Devine about any concerns of a let down against West Fork on Thursday, she replied, “Yeah, it’s going to be tough. We’re really going to have to focus in practice tomorrow, to kind of almost put this behind us for now, and re-focus on what we have in front of us in the last few weeks of the season, and then the district tournament. If we meet them again (in the district tournament) it’s going to be this kind of atmosphere.” Coach Devine indicated that she hopes to have her team healthy and at full strength by district tournament time.
With the win, Paris now has a two game lead over Charleston in the conference race. Paris (21-1, 9-0) will return home on Thursday to play West Fork. Charleston (11-2, 7-2) will travel to Lincoln on Thursday. Both teams will be guarded from the potential emotional let down after playing such an emotional and grueling game.
Charleston coach Ryan Rachuy, although disappointed with being so close in pulling off the upset win, was beaming with pride for his players after their gutty performance. After the match, it was an emotional Charleston coached that talked to me. “When we played them at Paris, we just didn’t show up. We were not mentally prepared. That was on me, and I really worked to try to get it a lot better today. I think they (Charleston) showed the level of volleyball that they can play. Even though we lost our second outside, I am very proud of them. I can’t put into words how proud I am of those girls and of all they did. It’s pretty awesome.” In conference play, the Lady Tigers gave Paris their only set losses of the season. “Paris truly is an all-around team. They really are. They were a little short-handed tonight, and I know they had a player that was also injured and gutted it out and played, and she did a great job. But I really think our girls, they gritted their teeth and ground it out. The first set, its like, OK, what is possible? Then we lost the next two. A lot of teams, not just around our conference, but around the state, they dropped the next two and then it is done. You get your emotions down. This was the first 4 or 5 set match for my girls, too. And, I just can’t tell you how proud I am of our girls coming out in the fourth set and going back in forth. Getting to the back end of the set and saying, OK, who is going to score those two points that’s going to end up winning the set? And then, came out in the fifth set and started like a house on fire and really did seem like we tried to do too much in the end.” With tears in his eyes, it was obvious that Coach Rachuy loves his team and their effort in what was one of the best high school volleyball matches this reporter has witnessed.
Paris was clearly missing its dominant middle due to injury and it had a significant effect on the team. The Lady Eagles have good quality depth and it paid off for Paris Tuesday night. If Paris can weather the remaining conference schedule and get their key players healthy by district or state tournament time, the Lady Eagles should be in good shape for a title defense in the state tournament.
Charleston was not out for a moral victory Tuesday night, but although they did not win the game, they gained a great deal from the performance. The Lady Tigers will not play anyone in the state tournament that is any better than who they played Tuesday night. They now know they can compete with anyone. The game will go a long way to erasing the bad memories of the first match in Paris in which the Lady Tigers were swept in dominant fashion. They must find a way to put this difficult loss behind them and focus on the remaining schedule. After Tuesday’s inspired all-out effort, it would be a tragedy for this team to lose a game down the line that they should win due to not being ready to play mentally. Charleston has had great senior leadership all season, and I believe this group of seniors will keep the team focused on their opponents. The Lady Tigers proved Tuesday that they still have a lot to play for this season.
Anytime the Waldron Little League Bulldogs take the field, they put everything behind them except football. On Saturday, September 28th there was no exception to that as they took on the Paris Eagles. With both of the Bulldog teams lacking in upperclassmen, the younger players showed that they were and still are ready and willing to challenge anyone.
Waldrons 3rd and 4th grade aimed high and plucked the Paris Eagles from the sky with a 20-14 thriller of a game. The Bulldogs no doubt are a scrappy bunch on both sides of the ball. Their determined defense crashed into the Eagles giving Paris fits all evening. Although Paris scored on two occasions, those scores were not given up easily by no means. Waldrons offense played lights out with speed and precision finding enough open field to scorch the Eagles defense. The 3rd and 4th grade Bulldogs improved their record to 2-1 on the season with their triumphant victory.
Little League Coach, Thomas B Mays said “The 3rd and 4th are firing on all 8 cylinders and they keep getting the big W. Our players are hungry and are playing great as a complete team. They have great coaches that know how to win. We’re so proud of them and they’re only getting better.”
The Bulldogs 5th and 6th grade fell to Paris 26-6 but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. The Bulldogs came out of the gate chomping at the bit giving Paris all they could handle. Waldron kept the first half of the game close grounding the Eagles high powered offense and pounding Paris’s defense with some good ol ground and pound football. The second half proved to be too much for Waldron as Pairs got their offensive wings under them and snatched the win away from the Bulldogs 26-6.
“I’m so proud of our 5th and 6th graders. Our boys gave maximum effort and it showed. We dominated the first half of the game but then turnovers plagued us in the fourth quarter. We will come out firing against Booneville. This is a young Waldron team but we are going to be a force to be reckoned with,” stated Mays.
Waldron will put it all on the line on Saturday, October 5th as they travel to Booneville to go toe to toe with the perineal powerhouse Bearcats.
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Our featured Hometown Highlight for the month of October is Todd Johnson. Johnson, 48 of Hackett, has spent a lifetime serving others. Whether it be throughout his military, fire, or law enforcement career, he’s known for being a good Samaritan.
Originally from Watertown, New York, Johnson married his wife Renee in 1994. The couple have two children, Braden Johnson, who will graduate from college in December, and Ashley Johnson who is a junior at Hackett High School.
Johnson spent one tour in Iraq in 2005, and remained enlisted for five years. He also served in the Air Guard until 2009. Throughout his military career, Johnson served as a firefighter.
Subsequently, Johnson worked in several different areas of Sebastian County with the fire service. Those include Jenny Lind, Greenwood Rural and Hackett. Currently, he remains with the Hackett Fire Department, and serves as a training officer and first responder.
“I got into the fire service because my dad had a heart attack,” stated Johnson. He wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, and he certainly has.
His life’s work has left a legacy for others. Students, who were once aspiring firefighters, have now gone on to achieve full time careers in the fire service.
That same desire to serve led him into the field of law enforcement. For the past four years, Johnson has served as a reserve officer for the City of Hackett. According to him, this was another way he could serve the community, and provide new challenges.
“I still believe in helping others when they need help,” Johnson added. “It’s more than the shirt. Somebody’s gotta give.”
Lastly, and most recently, Johnson and his wife have been dedicated pioneers at the Hackett recreation center, the Hornet’s nest. Renee Johnson felt the need to open the youth center after the community lost four to suicide. Renee’s friend, Kim Henry, was a mother to one of those young men. Together, with the support of their husbands, have worked tirelessly to fulfill that calling.
Johnson’s life work, and his desire to teach and mentor others demonstrates not only his desire to make a difference, but that he’s building a life legacy.
We are proud to feature Johnson as this month’s Hometown Highlight. If you know an ordinary citizen who is doing extraordinary things, please nominate them!
The trial of a Scott County man, who plead not guilty to 379 counts of animal cruelty and two counts of theft of leased/rented property, was delayed in court on Tuesday, October 1.
Jay Parker, of Waldron, was arrested back in May. The charges against Parker go back to December 2017. The alleged 379 missing head of cattle, according to the affidavit, died on his property or on property he had leased. Authorities allegedly observed several hundred dead cattle on Parker’s property. The affidavit claims the bodies were “in different stages of decomposition…there was no way to get an accurate count due to the number of scavengers scattering bones and some dead cattle stacked on top of each other.”
The animal cruelty charges are class A misdemeanors, and the theft of leased/rented property are class B felonies. Scott County Circuit Judge Jerry Don Ramey granted the continuance to allow Parker more time to prepare for trial. Parker’s jury trial is now set for November 25, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
For a young team loaded with sophomores and juniors while only holding two seniors, the Waldron Lady Bulldogs have spent their volleyball season proving naysayers wrong. They show up to each game with a drive unmatched by any opponent. The Lady Bulldogs set out at the beginning of their season with one purpose and that was to go big or go home. With Monday nights 3-0 win against the Mansfield Lady Tigers, Waldron has upgraded their season play record to 8-7 and now sits 7-2 in conference play.
Taylor Stacy
Ending the match with set wins of 25-18, 25-16, and 25-18, it was a close hard-fought battle. Nonetheless, the Lady Bulldogs consistently kept the upper hand in each set always managing to find that little bit of steam needed to pull ahead. Leading the team in digs was Ashton Young with 13. Senior, Taylor Stacy, followed with 10 digs, along with five blocks, and one ace.
Karissa Johnston
Kentucky Spence came out on top with six blocks also earning two kills, and one dig. Senior, Bayleigh Lipham was on fire with her seven digs. Rheagan Sanford took charge with 15 kills, five digs, and one block. Karissa Johnston made two digs and one block. Jessica Ozuna earned three digs. Anastasia Lynch grabbed one dig and one block. And Molly Richmond brought in one block.
Bayleigh Lipham
“Last night was awesome,” exclaimed Head Coach, Toby Hollin. “We showed up determined and the girls played well together. They were more vocal and it paid off big time. I am so proud of them!” The Waldron Lady Bulldogs are excited to keep their momentum going as they next face the 4-4 Booneville Lady Bearcats on Thursday, October 3 at 4 p.m.
As Lavaca is preparing to celebrate it’s Centennial this coming weekend, a sweet little lady is quietly looking toward her own Centennial celebration. Vauda Odell McMillen Lee will turn 100 years old this coming December! When she was born, women couldn’t vote. Lavaca was just two-months-old. Woodrow Wilson was President. She remembers President Hoover.
Mrs. Lee leads a quiet life in her home in Lavaca. Her daughter Ginger and son-in-law Myrle Smithson attached a one-bedroom apartment onto their house where she can live independently while with her family. I met her recently and found her cozy little home with all of her photos and memories surrounding her. She is bright as the sun and sharp as a tack. When you visit with her, her sweet eyes glisten with life that people half of age don’t possess.
Vauda was born in December of 1919 to Jeff and Zoe Henryetta McMillen. She was one of ten children, an even split of five boys and five girls. Vauda was the last of the litter. She was born into a world that was still recovering from World War I. Her oldest brother, Sam (Uncle Sam!) was in WWI and was returning home by train through the United States. He was attacked on the train and hit in the head and died from his injuries.
She recalled how at the age of only four-years-old, she had to build a fire in the wood-burning cookstove, mix the ingredients for cornbread in a very large bowl. It took Vauda and her sister to lift the heavy bowl and pour it into two hot pans and put it in the oven. She helped with the farm and with the clothes washing. They built a fire beneath a large cast-iron kettle and boiled their white clothing. Most people don’t even let their four-year-olds run a microwave today.
She was a daddy’s girl, shadowing him just about where ever he went. She was also very fond of her brother Arvil who took her with him every time he left in the buggy, even on his dates. They spent time climbing up into the loft of the barn, shelling peanuts and playing cards at night by lantern-light. Her brother Daniel Green “Dee” McMillen went on to play professional baseball for the White Sox as a third baseman and shortstop.
Vauda took a job working for her cousin, Lois Young and Lois’s husband, who owned a general store on Highway 65 north of Conway, Arkansas, and that sold gasoline, work tools and just about everything. She was working one day when a truck driver named James Franklin Lee stopped to purchase a box of matches. The truck driver took one look at Vauda and fell in love at first sight. Soon, he was dropping by every time he was in the area. It wasn’t long before love struck the two of them and they married in November of 1938. (They celebrated 57 years of marriage before her husband passed.)
James and Vauda moved to California where he tried to join the service but his hearing loss made him ineligible. Vauda went to work at the Douglas Aircraft Company where she became an actual Rosie the Riveter, helping to build airplanes during World War II. They moved several times but ended up back in this area or at least surrounding counties.
Sometime after her husband, James had passed, she moved in with her daughter in Lavaca, where she as lived for the past ten years. She spends her time with her family, reading God’s word, praying and loving on her granddog Gidget, the cutest and most spoiled little Yorkie anyone has ever seen.
Vauda is a strong woman in the Lord. She is a devout Pentecostal and an unashamed follower of Christ. She doesn’t take any prescription medication or even goes to the doctor. Instead, she confidently prays and denies any ailment through the promises of the Holy Bible. The only advice she has when asked how she’s made it to this age is no surprise: “Live for the Lord.”
We should all have what she has. It was my honor to meet this sweet and remarkable lady. I look forward to visiting with her again soon and reminiscing some more in the very near future.
