Resident News Network

Battle of the Tigers! Charleston Defeats Mansfield 3-0

Sports

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7:32 pm

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.

LL Dragons Fight Fire With Fire Against Rebels

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:53 am

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LL Dragons Fight Fire With Fire Against Rebels

Mountainburg hosted the JC Westside Rebels on Saturday, September 21 in what could be considered a tale of two games. Both Dragon teams gave it their all on the field as they showed their home field fans that there is a lot to look forward to in regards to the future of Mountainburg Football.

The Dragons 3rd and 4th grade started off the evening with a tough back and forth game against the Rebels. With an unwavering tenacity, Mountainburg kept JC Westside on their heels not letting the Rebels close the game out. Although Mountainburg made a few mistakes causing them to fall at the sword of the Rebels 28-16, they never lowered their level of play on the field. Eddie Jones, 3rd and 4th grade Dragon coach, said “I thought our team showed great improvement from our first game to now. We had some costly turnovers in the game that hurt us and we were without one of our key players. Even with the high temperatures, they never stopped. Overall I was very proud of how hard they played.”

As the night moved on and the weather cooled off, Mountainburg was ready to heat things back up by setting the scoreboard on fire. Mountainburg’s 5th and 6th grade had one thing in mind when they stepped on their home field Saturday night and that was to pound their opponents. On both sides of the ball, the Dragons physically dominated JC Westside. Defensively, the Mountainburg players kept the Rebels running backs in check with hard hits and team tackles.

Offensively, it was the Dragons ground and pound rushing attack that lit up 26 points on the scoreboard. The 5th and 6th grade Dragons improved their record to 1-1 with their 26-6 victory over JC Westside. Mountainburg 5th and 6th grade coach, Matthew Byron, summed the game up perfectly by stating “It was smashmouth football. Bottom line. We got all of our points running the ball up the gut.”

The Dragons will have a week to rest and regroup with the upcoming bye week before hosting the Magazine Rattlers on September 28th starting at 6 p.m.

Sr Lady Bulldogs Prepare For High Impact

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:35 am

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Sr Lady Bulldogs Prepare For High Impact

Pictured from L-R are Bayleigh Lipham and Molly Richmond

The Waldron Lady Bulldogs endured a tough start to their volleyball week. Hosting the Hackett Lady Hornets, the Lady Bulldogs engaged in three top skilled mano-a-mano sets and although it was a close finish, Hackett took the nonconference win 3-0. The match ended with scores of 25-18, 25-11, and 25-17. After this equally balanced face-off, the Lady Bulldogs sit with an overall record of 5-5.

Leading her team in kills was Kentucky Spence with two followed by Molly Richmond, Anastasia Lynch, and Rheagan Sanford with one each. Karissa Johnston led with one block and two aces followed by Sanford with one ace. And in the digs department was Sanford with nine, Ashton Young with eight, Taylor Stacy with seven, Bayleigh Lipham with five, Johnston with three, Richmond and Spence with two apiece, and Lynch with one.

Up next for the Lady Bulldogs is a home conference game on Thursday, September 19 against the 1-4 Elkins Lady Elks. As it stands, the Lady Bulldogs are in the top three of the 3A West Conference Volleyball Standings alongside Charleston and Paris. The games will kick off at 4 p.m.

Sr Hornets Devastate Bears 40-0

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:22 am

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There’s no better way to end your football homecoming game than with a final score explosion of 40-0. The venue at Hackett was jam-packed with moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and out of town fans who were there to support the Hornets. Hackett hosted the Spring Hill Bears for their homecoming and boy was it somethin’.

With the energy at an all-time high, the Hornets dominated the Bears completely by shutting down both offenses and defenses. For the Hornets offense, Avery Hester completed two long-winded catapults for 111 yards with two touchdowns and two rushes for 43 yards earning one touchdown. Fischer Shipman ignited the field with 6 carries for a total of 58 yards. Peyton Hester was gone in the blink of an eye with an 83-yard catch adding another Hornet touchdown to the board. And helping to keep the momentum going was Ty Smith with a 28-yard reception for a touchdown.

“I thought we played pretty good,” expressed Head Coach, Michael Meador. “We made several defensive stops and also scored two touchdowns on defense. Our offensive line blocked really well and opened up holes for our running backs, our quarterback completed several balls, and our receivers made some defenders miss to gain more yards.”

The Hornets defense came in like a wrecking ball, smearing the Bears all up and down the field. Peyton Hester nailed down six solo tackles and four assists. Ty Smith stopped Spring Hill in their tracks with four solo tackles, one assist, and two forced fumbles. Juan Farjado secured four solos and four assists. Briar Goines was a beast with 10 solo tackles and one assist. And Cogan Hester logged two solo tackles, one assist, 2 fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown.

“Several guys that have not scored this year, were able to score on Friday night. We are getting in better shape to be able to go a full game without anybody cramping. We are trying to make our practices as close as we can to mimic a Friday night football game.”

This Friday night, the Hackett Hornets will compete in their last nonconference game of the season. Sitting 2-1 overall, the Hornets will hit the road to face the undefeated 2-0 Panama Razorbacks. Last season, Panama played on the Hornets home turf and forced Hackett to take the 32-24 loss. This season though, the Hornets would like to return the favor. The game will be played on September 20 in Panama at 7 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Mandy Foster

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