Resident News Network

Jr Lady Tigers Unleash Their Roar

Sports

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9:51 am

Almost halfway through the volleyball season and eight games under their belt, the Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers are shaping up to be quite the upstanding competition for any opponent lucky enough to face them at the court. The Lady Tigers force the opposing teams to either shape up or ship out by establishing the mentality of “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

Mansfield engaged in two away matches this past week with the first being against the West Fork Lady Tigers on September 17 and the second one played on September 19 against the Charleston Lady Tigers. It’s safe to say that Mansfield spent the entire week staying busy with plenty of catfights.

Mansfield went 2-0 against West Fork with their matches ending in scores of 25-6 and 25-10. In almost total domination, the Lady Tigers ended the night with Madelen Jones and Skylynn Harris leading the team with 4 aces each with Jones also leading with six digs and eight assists. Brooklyn Adams secured six of the 14 team kills while Harris followed with five. And Kynslee Ward added three digs of the team total of 16.

“These last couple of games, we have played really solid all around,” states Head Coach, Erica McKay. “Our weakness right now is our second set. We put ourselves in tough situations, but the girls find a way to overcome that battle and finish strong. We have been focusing hard on minimizing our errors by setting goals and I’m happy to see our numbers are decreasing in that area.”

Mansfield locked down their second 2-0 win of the week against Charleston with sets ending in 25-9 and 25-19. These two teams are usually evenly matched in almost every sport they come face to face in ensuring an always entertaining experience. And this time it was no different. Both Lady Tiger teams put their minds and bodies through the wringer which turned out to be a well-earned payday for Mansfield.

Alyson Edwards led her team with five aces. Natalie Allison led with six of the total 25 team digs with Edwards contributing five and Kynslee Ward and Brooklyn Adams combining for eight. Skylynn Harris led with 10 kills followed by Adams having six. And Allison along with Madelen Jones combined for 15 assists.

The Jr High Lady Tigers are sitting with a 7-1 total season record and a record of 5-1 in conference play. The girls will participate in the Mena Volleyball Tournament this upcoming weekend on September 21 starting at 9 a.m. Mansfield will kick off the day with three pool play games against Mena, Arkansas High, and Jessieville followed by bracket play in gold and silver categories.

Obituary – Thurman McDaniel (1936- 2019)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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8:28 am

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Obituary – Thurman McDaniel (1936- 2019)

Thurman “Bo” McDaniel of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his loving family by his side. Bo was born December 6, 1936 to Frank and Edna McDaniel in Waldron, Arkansas. He was 82 years, 9 months and 13 days old. Bo was a member of The Rock Pentecostal Church of God in Y-City, Arkansas.

As a young man of 21, Bo met and married his bride, Wanda Abbott. Together they cherished 62 years of hard work, dedication and family. They have seen the good and the bad but together they conquered it all and remained strong and committed to each other. Bo enjoyed his cows and working in the hay field. When he wasn’t chasing around after a grandchild or great grandchild on a ball field he was always busy hunting, fishing or building things in his shop. The grandchildren have cedar chest to cherish. Bo was a practical joker and loved to have fun, however his love for his family was undeniable. He treasured the time he spent his grands and great grands, they were the light of his life.

Bo leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Wanda McDaniel of the home, two daughters: Pam Mason and husband James of West Fork, Arkansas and Debra Kesterson and husband Keith of Waldron, Arkansas and one son Thurman McDaniel Jr and wife Peggy of Waldron, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: William Mason, Trenton McDaniel, Kimberly Welch, Casey Mason, Stephanie Copeland, Kyle Kesterson, Jillian Franklin and great grandchildren: Hayden Shores, Bailee Mason, Heaven McDaniel, Teesa Mason, Marlen Ball, Lexee Kesterson, Branson Mick, James Mason, Paige McDaniel, Karmen Kesterson, Noah McDaniel, Mathew Franklin, Hunter Copeland Aveline Franklin and Trent Copeland. Bo is also survived by two brothers: Jimmy (Bud) McDaniel and James McDaniel. Bo will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Bo was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna, and his siblings: Coleman McDaniel, Mack McDaniel, Henry McDaniel, JoAnn Yancey, Hazel Trozzi and Jane Newman as well as two nieces, Brenda Payne and Mary Bard.

Bo’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Shaddon officiating. Interment will follow in the Centerpoint Cemetery in Hon, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Bo’s pallbearers will be Loyd McDaniel, Lonny McDaniel, Henry McDaniel, Keith Kesterson, Dennis Copeland and Hayden Shores. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Nevills, Alvin Carnahan, Melvin Smith and James Stuart.

Bo’s visitation will be Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Lynn Marie (Epperson) Walker (1981- 2019)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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7:17 am

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Obituary – Lynn Marie (Epperson) Walker (1981- 2019)

Lynn Marie (Epperson) Walker of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas, passed from this life, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Lynn was born March 4,1981 in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina to her parents, Gary Epperson and Helen Marie Charton. She was 38 years, 6 months and 5 days old.

Lynn was quite a spunky and fierce woman. She loved with her whole heart, and was ever so loyal to her family and friends. To know her was to love her and probably see a little stubborn come out from time to time. It’s been said she could and would hold her own with anyone that wanted to have a heated discussion (or an argument). Lynn enjoyed anything to do with horses. She would travel miles upon miles to participate in events from showing, roping, riding however, she especially loved the chuck wagon races. As much as she loved and enjoyed her horses, the love for her children far exceeded anything else. She treasured time and memories with each of them. Lynn leaves a legacy with her family of a beautiful woman inside and out with a smile to match and a big hug for each of them.

Lynn leaves behind to cherish her memory, three children: Hunter Robinson, Jade Robinson of Oklahoma and Brady Walker of Mississippi, as well as her parents, Gary Epperson and wife Jolene of Waldron, Arkansas and Helen Charton and husband Jerry of Morrillton, Arkansas. Lynn is also survived by her siblings: Richard Epperson, Bryant Epperson, Wendy Henderson, Jesse Charton, Joey Charton and Jason Charton. Lynn will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends, and fellow horseman that were very dear to her heart.

Lynn was preceded in death by her grandparents: Alvin and Ruth Epperson, LD and Avenell Casey, Bud and Verna Charton, and one sister, Katrina Sowell.

Lynn’s life celebration will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Jerry Grimes officiating. Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Lynn’s pallbearers will be Hunter Robinson, Richard Epperson, Bryant Epperson, Jesse Charton, Jason Charton and Joey Charton.

Lynn’s visitation will be Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Battle of the Tigers! Charleston Defeats Mansfield 3-0

Sports

Resident News Network

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7:32 pm

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Battle of the Tigers! Charleston Defeats Mansfield 3-0

It was the battle of the Tigers as the sixth ranked Charleston Lady Tigers hosted the Mansfield Lady Tigers Thursday night at the Charleston gymnasium. Charleston battled to a conference win over Mansfield to improve their record to 5-1 in conference play and 9-1 overall.

Mansfield went after Charleston in the first set and fell just short, 25-20. From that point, Charleston settled down and took advantage of some unforced serving errors by Mansfield. Charleston went on to win the second and third sets. Coach Ryan Rachuy paid respect to the competitiveness and the tradition of the Mansfield volleyball program. “The first set was a little bit rough. Had a few errors, but it came down to Mansfield, came in here and they’re not afraid of anybody. They gave Paris a good run in the first set against them. So, they’re going to come in and swing. Brooke Wright, #17, she hits from every position. Tonight she hit from the outside, she hit from the middle, from the opposite, and she puts balls down. She’s very athletic, gets up really high, blocks the ball really well, and had a number of kills in that first set. She was their main point getter all night long. What we did is we finally settled down and started to find the little spots, had better communication on the court. A few of our girls, Jaydn and Khiley, were communicating with our girls on where the open spots were.”

Mansfield has steadily improved as a team over the course of the season and could be a factor in the district tournament. Mansfield coach Kaylie Pyles has her team on an upward trajectory for not only this year but for next year, as well. When I asked Coach Pyles for her reaction to last night’s match, she said, “I thought we came out strong and competed in the first set. But, we have got to make less errors, consecutive errors, and finish throughout the set. Charleston is always a competitive team and game for us to play. I thought it was a good competitive game going back and forth, we just have to work on our second set. We always come out strong in the first set, and then, depending on how the game goes, we tend to relax in the second set. We really need to work on that. We have improved from the beginning of the season, and I see us continuing to improve with every game like we have been. I believe that our team continues to fight no matter what the outcome of a set or match may be, but, the girls work hard every day and they compete in each game and I think we will continue to do that. I think we will surprise some people in the district tournament.” Coach Pyles went on to mention Charleston hitter Jadyn Womack. “She’s (Womack) a great player. We had issues getting out and getting touches on her. She deserves the credit of being a great player. And that’s what I see and expect from Brooke Wright (Mansfield). She (Wright) has great work ethic, she’ll continue to improve, and be in the gym as much as she can. She is a junior and I think next year she will have an outstanding senior year.”

Charleston faced two regional teams this week in Lavaca and Mansfield who brought their best efforts against Charleston. Charleston responded well and was up to the challenge. “There’s good volleyball all around our state. The history that Mansfield has, the teams that Paris has, this area has really good volleyball. If you don’t play good volleyball you are going to get run out of the gym very quickly. We spotted them four points in the third set again, and I am not happy about that. I feel like we relax a little bit. We have spotted teams this season by two, three, or four points, and we have settled down and played well. We’ve just got to stop those little runs at the beginning of games. Teams like Mansfield, you are just a few mistakes away from losing sets.”

The second half of the conference season starts next Thursday after a Tuesday conference game at Elkins. “We’re trying to push practices a little bit, make them go a little bit harder, and a little bit longer. We are going to be playing some tough teams and tough matches every time. We’ve got to be ready to do that each night.”

At the beginning of the season, I asked Coach Rachuy about his team. He spoke very respectfully and affectionately about each player, particularly his seniors. As the season has progressed it is very apparent that this team is special. Although it may be premature to discuss this team’s accomplishments, it is a point in the season where Charleston fans can reflect on what a special group of girls, particularly the seniors, are on this team. They are having a good season, and if they keep their focus, it could be a historical season for this young program. “Our seniors are coming in, and when they are not playing their best, they are still cheering on the girls out there. They’re trying to keep that family atmosphere, that “we” before “me” attitude. Whoever is on the court are the girls we cheer for. One player can’t hit every ball. One player can’t pass to everybody. One player can’t serve every time. Everybody has got to do their part. I am very proud of our girls, very proud of every one of them.”

Charleston fans, if you have not had a chance to watch this team in action, you need to do so before the season ends. This is truly a very special team that is led by a very special group of seniors.

Miss Arkansas to Visit Lavaca High School

Networks

Tammy Teague

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12:28 pm

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Miss Arkansas to Visit Lavaca High School

Miss Arkansas, Darynne Dahlem, will be speaking to Lavaca High School students in an assembly Thursday, September 26 in the Lavaca Performing Arts Center on the Lavaca School District Campus at 10 a.m.

Dahlem is the 22 year old daughter of Ron and Traci Lewellen of Greenwood. She is an Honors Graduate of Greenwood High School and is also a Cum Laude Honors Graduate at the University of Arkansas with a degree in Animal Science.

Dahlem will be speaking to students at LHS and sharing an encouraging and positive message.

Four Juveniles Jailed Following Altercation at MJTC

Tammy Teague

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8:09 am

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Four Juveniles Jailed Following Altercation at MJTC

At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, multiple law enforcement agencies were dispatched to the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Facility.

According to one member of law enforcement, several boys from one bungalow, MJTC’s housing, approached another group and a fight ensued.

SCSO’s Captain Philip Pevehouse described the altercation as a “large fight,” and confirmed that four youth were taken into custody.

The newly awarded contract holder, Youth Opportunity Investments has recently hosted a job fair to recruit new workers. This, after loosing many long-time employees, including the Director, Mark Barton.

We reached out to Arkansas State Director for YOI Stacy Williams for comment, but have not received a call back.

Autumn Walk Across Arkansas

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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5:08 am

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Taking the first steps toward improved fitness may be as easy as registering for the fall edition of Walk Across Arkansas, a program that rang up an estimated quarter million dollars in healthcare savings during its eight-week run in the spring.

Fall Walk Across Arkansas begins Sept. 29. Participants may register online at www.walk.uaex.edu or at their county extension office if they don’t have internet access.

More than 1,100 Arkansans took part in Walk Across Arkansas in the spring, recording more than 2.5 million minutes of exercise.

This year’s program includes a new option, brought by Laura Balis, the extension health specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Balis wants to better understand the effects of Walk Across Arkansas on increasing participants’ physical activity levels, as well as find ways to improve the program.

Walkers who want to contribute to improving Walk Across Arkansas can do so by agreeing to fill out evaluations after the event, in addition to logging their minutes.

“I’m excited to be involved with Walk Across Arkansas. I know this is a very popular program, and I’m looking forward to supporting agents in helping Arkansans meet their physical activity goals,” she said.

Participants will be asked to answer two post-program evaluation questions, and answer a follow-up program evaluation question six months after the program ends. The post-program and six-month follow-up evaluation questions will be sent via email, or via mail if the walker doesn’t provide an email address. For details, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office.

Everyone is invited to be part of Walk Across Arkansas, even if they opt out of the evaluation. Participants can walk on their own or form a team of three to eight members.

“Having a team helps provide a little friendly competition, not to mention the encouragement you get from teammates who want to help each other succeed,” said Addie Wilson, extension program associate, health for the Division of Agriculture. “And it’s a great way to get in some quality time with your friends.”

Youth participants are also invited and have teams up to 20 members.

To learn about Extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service office or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

Fall Fires Enhance Wildlife Habitat

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:43 am

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LITTLE ROCK — Habitat work for wildlife occurs nearly year-around for biologists at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and fall is no exception. Hunting enthusiasts have their sights set on deer season and are already out scouting in hopes of harvesting this year’s big buck. While most stick close to food plots, there can be some additional places to focus on this fall. One of these ‘hotspots’ looks much different than a traditional hunting location.

Randy Brents, AGFC Prescribed Fire Manager, is working with staff across the state to provide valuable habitat for wildlife outside of food plots.

“Prescribed fire areas on wildlife management areas, no matter the season, attract wildlife almost instantly,” Brents said. “Habitat goals dictate where we apply prescribed fire to accomplish desirable conditions for the foreseeable future and the instant benefit we see is a bonus.’

Applying prescribed fire in the fall entices a response from the seed bank vastly different than spring. Spring burns promote grasses in the understory while fall burning tends to promote broad-leaved plants. The variety of responses by plants carries long-term benefits for all sorts of wildlife.

Traditionally, prescribed fire has been applied across public land from January through March. According to Brents, there is a much wider window.

“We have implemented just 10 percent of our agency prescribed burns from September through December across the state,” Brents said. “There are numerous considerations that have led to this typical rotation, but looking at historical fire patterns, we see that fire occurred often during the drier periods including late summer and early fall. These fires helped shape the natural communities that provide valuable resources that support a diversity of wildlife. Looking to the future, we see the opportunity to break loose from this traditional pattern and apply fire at times that will help to meet habitat management objectives within that historical timeframe. Accomplishing prescribed fire across the seasonal spectrum promotes diversity, and wildlife need diversity.”

With specific goals in mind, areas have been identified across the state that will be targeted with prescribed fire. These areas have been selected to combat or promote certain plant species that could either harm or help our wildlife from a habitat standpoint. With these areas identified, it is important to have a few additional considerations this fall.

“When placing deer stands, cameras or other hunting equipment please be aware that the area may be subject to a prescribed fire this fall,” Brents said. “While implementation will not occur during any permitted hunts, it is very likely these prescribed fires will be implemented immediately before, in between, or immediately after permit hunt dates. On areas without special permit hunts, prescribed fire could occur any time during the season.”

A hunter himself, Brents understands that many hunters on public land may see the timing of these burns as an inconvenience and may think deer and other wildlife have vacated the area, but the new growth that springs up almost immediately after a burn will actually attract many animals.

“I realize this may seem like an inconvenience to some of our sportsmen,” Brents said. “But I encourage you to follow these areas where prescribed fire has been implemented. Wildlife will most certainly do so.”

For more information about planned prescribed fires in a specific area, contact the local area manager or biologist at one of the AGFC’s regional offices, or Brents at 877-967-7577.

The Cost of News

Jason Baggett

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5:17 pm

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We live in a world where news is expected to be free, especially online and throughout social media. But, nothing is truly free. There’s always a cost.

Since beginning Resident Press, we’ve attempted to create a free source of local and regional news. Trust me, the potential to close the doors is always present and a never-ending thought.

News Costs

Some perspectives think that online news have no costs and are free from expenditures. That’s entirely not true. In fact, it’s far from the truth.

URL’s, server space, email addresses, software costs, minor overhead (office expenses), and long list of daily expenses are a few examples. Just because articles are online, does not mean they don’t cost.

Newspaper Costs

Paper, printers, ink, shipping, delivery (gas), newspaper boxes that are sometimes used as ashtrays….. ALL COST!

Theft!

Theft is slowly becoming the biggest nuisance. From disappearing newspapers that cost $1.00, to theft of online photos (you know who you are news people).

That’s one reason why we place our logo on every photo. Want the photo? JUST ASK! We’re always happy to email the originals. We’ve done that since the beginning.

Would You Pay?

Would you pay for news? If not, why? If so, what’s a fair price? I know from doing massive amounts of research there are several news sources looking at, and implementing measures to create financial stability.

Regardless of opinion, something has to change. For our sake, and for the sake of journalism.

Currently, we are looking at several different options to assist in the above issues. We’re not corporate media with deep pockets who receive the red carpet treatment when they enter a football game after not covering it until someone else does….which is off topic and another topic all together.

Resident Press truly hopes to continue being locally owned, and locally focused.

We look forward to your feedback. Good, and Bad. But, we need your honest opinion.

LL Hornets Nest Rattled But Still Swarming

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:40 pm

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LL Hornets Nest Rattled But Still Swarming

Header picture courtesy of LaWaynea Cox

The Hackett Little League Hornets hosted the Magazine Rattlers on September 14 knowing full well that this was going to be a war seeing as the Hornets and Rattlers have a history of close games with each other. Last season the Hornets were the victors of all of their matches against Magazine but those victories came in mere inches.

Hackett’s 3^rd and 4^th grade started the evening off with a bang putting home fans on their feet. The Hornets speed and determination to score on offense was ever-present for most of the game. Magazine did cross the goal line twice on Hackett’s defense, but the Hornet D held strong for the most part as Hackett thumped Magazine 26-12. The victory puts the Hornets in the driver’s seat at a 2-0 record tied with Mansfield and JC Westside at the top of the league.

The Hornet 5^th and 6^th grade game was a nail biter for all spectators at Mills Field. Hackett and Magazine took turns giving it all they had trying to wear each other down the entire game. The defensive battle led to only 12 total points between the teams in the games regular time forcing not one, but two overtimes. Magazine was able to find a slight gap in the Hornets defensive hive in the second game which led to a score of 12-6 giving Hackett their first loss of the year.

Hackett’s 5^th and 6^th grade coach, Chuck Hamilton, stated “It was a tough loss for us. I returned many kids from last year and they aren’t used to losing. Magazine played great. All my boys played there heart out. It was the hardest hitting little league game I’ve ever seen. Hats off to Magazine as they outplayed us in the second OT. We look forward to seeing them in the playoffs. We’re going to learn from this loss and be better for it.”

Hackett will travel to JC Westside to face off against the Rebels on Saturday, September 21 with game time starting at 6 p.m. With Hackett and JC Westside’s 3^rd and 4^th grade teams both being undefeated at 2-0, the Hornets will be fighting to remain at the top of the league in their grade level. The Hackett 5^th and 6^th grade will learn from their narrow loss and look to regain traction as they take on the 1-1 Rebels.

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