Resident News Network

Jr High Pirates Earn Football Paydirt

Sports

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12:26 pm

Photos courtesy of Malinda Mizell

Sitting on a 2-0 undefeated football season, the Jr High Cedarville Pirates are making a big splash in an even bigger ocean. In Thursday nights smash-up, the Pirates set sail against the Mountainburg Dragons. Proving no task is too big, the Pirates left the Dragons grounded with a final score of 22-2.

Unfazed by the Dragons fire, Hayden Morton held tight to 10 carries for the Pirates totaling 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. Colton Arnold performed his own victory dance also delivering a touchdown for the board. And a high-flying 30-yard pass from Lane Hightower to Dillyn Pearcy set Morton up in perfect position for endzone glory.

The two points that Mountainburg acquired came from a fumbled snap on the Pirates punt team that resulted in a safety. “I am very proud of our team. Although it was hot, our team stayed focused and kept playing hard,” exclaimed Head Coach, Max Washausen. The Jr High Pirates are ready for their game against Bigelow when they host the Panthers on September 12 at 7 p.m.

Jr Lady Bulldogs “Serve-iving” The Game

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:30 am

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With the volleyball season in full bloom, the Jr High Lady Bulldogs are shaping up to be quite the competitors. Although they fell short to the Mansfield Lady Tigers in Thursday nights match, the Lady Bulldogs continue to fine-tune and refocus until they find their rightful spot in the volleyball world.

“We have improved immensely on our middles,” explains Head Coach, Toby Hollin. “We have some growing room this season. Every day these girls come in and put in the work and are improving tremendously! We will continue to practice on getting those big swings!”

Establishing some huge block plays against the Lady Tigers were Peyton Boyd and Lily Woodard. Libero, Kaile Brewer, covered the back of the Bulldog court with style and ease as she flawlessly dug the Lady Tigers heavy hitters. The Waldron Lady Bulldogs will hit the road to take on the Charleston Lady Tigers next on September 9 starting at 4 p.m.

Jr Lady Tigers Attack The Court

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:12 am

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The Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers hosted the Waldron Lady Bulldogs in a straight down sugar and spike volleyball match on Thursday night. The Lady Tigers kept the Lady Bulldogs constantly guessing and on their toes during two action-packed sets. The intensity paid off because Mansfield walked away with double wins of 25-8 and 25-16. “We had multiple athletes contributing positive plays last night and that’s what needs to happen to be successful. It will take each and every one of them to step up in their position to earn every point,” expressed Head Coach, Erica McKay.

Leading with kills was Skylynn Harris with 8 and Alyson Edwards and Brooklyn Adams combining for 7. The Lady Tigers combined 11 aces total with Madelen Jones and Alayna Turner leading with 3 each. Combining for a total of 17 assists was Madelen Jones and Natalie Allison. Defensively, the team had a total of 16 digs with Brooklyn Adams leading with 6 and Kynslee Ward with her contribution of 4.

The Jr High Lady Tigers are back in court on September 9 when they host the Hackett Lady Hornets. “In facing Hackett we are going to have to minimize the consecutive mistakes we make. Mistakes are going to happen, but we have to do a better job of focusing on the next play and getting the momentum back on our side.” The games start at 4 p.m.

Mansfield 7th Grade Defends Tiger Territory

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:40 am

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Mansfield 7th Grade Defends Tiger Territory

The 7th grade Mansfield Tigers kicked off their first game of the football season against the Waldron Bulldogs with a too hot to handle 24-14 victory. The Tigers wasted no time proving they meant business by throwing points on the board right out of the gate and putting the Bulldogs back in their doghouse.

Quarterback, Jeremy Strozier, led his team with graceful authority by making precise passes and smooth handoffs the entire length of the game. Austin Oldham was too quick for the Bulldogs to catch as he lit the field on fire bringing in two touchdowns and a two-point conversion for Mansfield.

A handoff from Strozier to Trey Powell put a touchdown on the board as Powell bobbed and weaved out of the Bulldogs grasp making sure Mansfield stayed on the top. Also contributing to the Tigers final score was Winston Allison and Toby Towe each bringing in a two-point conversion. Defensively, the powerful contributions from Dakota Deer, Brandon Raynor, Austin Ruiz, James Olinghouse, and Camden Nottingham, helped to ensure that the Bulldog playmakers were shut down at every door.

Head Coach, Tim Cothran, had this to say about the Tigers “I am very pleased with the seventh graders’ effort on the field. Their execution was good and their ability to adjust to their surroundings was great. This team has excellent heart and determination.” Up next on the agenda for the Tigers are the Golden Arrows on September 12 at Lavaca with 7th grade starting at 5:30 p.m.

Paris Defeats Charleston for First Volleyball Loss of the Season

Sports

Resident News Network

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7:02 am

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Paris Defeats Charleston for First Volleyball Loss of the Season

In case you didn’t know, Paris is the defending state champions in class 3A volleyball, and it doesn’t look like they are ready to relinquish the title anytime soon. The Lady Eagles (4-0, 2-0) came out and looked like state champions on Thursday night with an impressive 3-0 sweep of Charleston (4-1, 1-1).

Paris coach Jordan Devine was giddy over her team’s performance. “I was really proud of them. There was nothing that any of us coaches said to them. It was the girls being dialed in with one goal and they made it happen. We have two sophomores on the outside, one sophomore in the middle, a senior in the middle, and a senior on the right side. I was real proud of the young ones stepping up and getting it done. It’s a huge front line. A lot of it tonight was the opponent on the floor. It’s a big rival for us, because, if you watched us Tuesday, we didn’t look like this. So, it’s a testament to them, keeping them focused, especially against a team like this. It doesn’t take much against a team like Charleston, a good team too.”

Not many teams have beaten or will beat Paris this year. As was mentioned earlier, the good news is the Lady Tigers will not face anyone as tough as Paris for the remainder of the season. But to a proud group of Lady Tigers, Coach Ryan Rachuy put this loss on his shoulders, not his players. “The program here (Paris) is amazing. The coaching that goes on here is amazing. The support they have here is amazing. They executed almost flawlessly. I’m not going to take anything away from them. We had some unforced errors that we have to overcome. But really, tonight it is about me. I have to do a better job preparing my girls. I have to get my girls ready to go out there and play at that height. That means pushing them in practice, being sure that we have a good idea of what is going on out there, and that’s on me. I did a poor job of getting ready for Paris. So, this is a coaching thing.”

Charleston suffered sweep loses in each of its junior high, senior high junior varsity, and varsity matches. It was a tough night on the road playing perhaps the best volleyball program in Arkansas. Not many schools have had success against the Lady Eagles.

The silver lining for Charleston is simple. It is early in the season, and as bad as it felt on Thursday night, the Lady Tigers have plenty in front of them to play for. After having played just one home match all season, Charleston will return home for two home matches next week before going on the road again to West Fork next Thursday. The team is playing for an all important high seed in the district tournament at the end of the season. It will have a return engagement in Charleston with the Lady Eagles later in the season. Looking down the road, if Charleston qualifies for the state tournament, the first three rounds of state will be played in Paris. So for the Lady Tigers, they gained valuable experience Thursday night in Paris that could payoff at the end of the season.

It was a tough night for Charleston. Paris looked like true state champions. But now, it is time to move on and focus on next week’s opponents. The Lady Tigers still have everything in front of them if they want to accomplish their goals for this season.

Bloggers in the News

Networks

Tammy Teague

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8:35 am

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At the risk of sounding crass, it is offensive to journalists witnessing “bloggers” charading around as a new source.

I know it’s a rather direct and bold statement to make, but hey, as I mentioned last week, the press gets a bad enough rap. Couple that with the haphazard notion of folks signing up for a free site, and a Facebook page and calling themselves reputable news. It really ruffles my feathers.

You see it makes this job that much more difficult. I’ll give you an example. There are “bloggers” who literally comb through the arrest records to post for website traffic. We try to promote positive news, but at the same time, unfortunately, the untimely arrests and drug busts do occur. It is our job to report anything that affects our readership.

In order to verify and ultimately report, we must maintain tight knit relationships within municipalities and law enforcement.

Couple that with the commission of being an informer to the people, and reporting things just as they are. The job can be tough. Again, as I stated last week, we must always do the right thing!

Knowledge, experience and trust, that’s the very foundation of a solid news source. Thank you for trusting in us, we promise to continue to work at maintaining that confidence!

Obituary – Deborah Coleen Johnston (1957- 2019)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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5:53 pm

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Obituary – Deborah Coleen Johnston (1957- 2019)

Deborah Coleen Johnston of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Debbie was born March 17, 1957 to Charles Ted Johnston and Kathleen Mary (Adams) in Bates, Arkansas. She was 62 years old.

Debbie was a fun loving, family oriented woman. She cherished time with her family and made the most of each opportunity. Her nieces and nephews were like her own. Each one had a special place in her heart. When she wasn’t making memories with family, Debbie loved to read and fish. Some of her greatest times were spent on the softball field with good friends. She leaves a legacy of love, kindness and will be remembered for her big smile.

Debbie leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother, Kathleen M. Higgins of Waldron, Arkansas, her life long partner, Chris Silvey of Waldron, one son, Jason Silvey and wife Shannon. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her 2 grandchildren: Aiden and Aspen. Debbie is also survived by one favorite sister, Diana Hattabaugh and husband Jerald of Mansfield, Arkansas, 4 brothers: Ted Johnston and wife Janie of Bates, Arkansas, Snuffy Johnston and wife Sheila, Kenny Johnston and wife Kathy, and Terry Johnston all of Waldron, Arkansas. Debbie will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors dear to her heart.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Bud Johnston and one niece, Ginger Johnston.

Debbie’s memorial life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday September 6, 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Mike Galinato officiating. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Debbie’s family will visit with friends Friday, September 6, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

New Daycare and Preschool Opens in Waldron

Tammy Teague

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5:02 pm

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New Daycare and Preschool Opens in Waldron

Dawna Young has been caring for children in her home for the past two decades. That care and dedication is the foundation of the new child care center in Waldron, Primrose Path Daycare and Preschool.

She and her daughter, Danielle Stover, spent the month prior to opening by renovating the historic building located at 650 West 4th Street in Waldron.

Young recalled some of the history behind the building. “It was once a fire department and the city’s water department. It was built sometime in the 1930’s and there are records of a worker using a chisel and a hammer on the corners of the building, earning $.10 cents per hour.”

After the closure of the ARVAC daycare, Young knew it was time to open her own child care center. Currently, Primrose provides care for 12 children, and has six before and after school students. “We can have up to 36, and we are hoping to grow into that,” Young added.

With that growth, she and Stover hope to be able to hire additional staff members. The center boasts a spacious and safe environment for learning and fun. Additionally, the location is a routine school bus stop.

Together this mother-daughter duo are working to ensure that the children of Waldron and Scott County continue to get quality daycare and preschool services. “I love it, it’s my life!” Young concluded.

Lady Tigers Bump Bump Bump It Up

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:58 pm

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In their first game of the volleyball season, the Mansfield Sr High Lady Tigers hit a small bump in the road as they fell to the Lavaca Lady Golden Arrows. Not one to be kicked when down, the Lady Tigers got back up on the horse that bucked them and brought home the win from their match against the Lincoln Lady Wolves. The victory puts Mansfield at 1-1 overall on the season and 1-0 in conference play.

The Lady Tigers game against Lincoln on September 3 was an intense five-set face-off. The first two sets ended with the Lady Wolves taking the victory by a mere two points. But once Mansfield got warmed-up it was through the roof from there with the Lady Tigers stealing the win from the last three sets and coming out on top 3-2. Leading the Lady Tigers with Kills and Blocks was Brooke Wright with 5 and 3 respectively. Kiara Thomas with 2 Aces, 15 Digs, and 17 Receptions. And Vanessa Noblitt with 5 Assists.

Mansfield will stay home and host rivals the Waldron Lady Bulldogs on Thursday, September 5 starting at 4 p.m. The Lady Bulldogs are sitting 2-0 on their season and 1-0 in conference play. Last season, the Lady Tigers and the Lady Bulldogs split the win/loss category 1-1 in conference play. This battle is sure to be an eventful one considering both of these teams are evenly matched in their skill set and well-coached with their tough-as-nails no-holds-barred coaching staff.

Lady Hornets Volleyball Defies Gravity

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:48 am

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With only three games under their belt, the Hackett Lady Hornets are already flexing their volleyball muscle and letting it be known that they mean business. With their second week of conference play behind them, Hackett sits comfortably at the top with a conference play record of 3-0. In week one, the Lady Hornets owned Alpena and Eureka Springs in two “close but no cookie” volleyball matches. And on September 3, the girls overpowered their latest victims, the Mulberry Lady Yellowjackets, with a scorecard reading 25-13, 25-4, and 25-13.

Bringing in a top-notch kill record for their Mulberry face-off was Rain Vaughn with 8, Kandace Byrd with 3, Madeline Freeman with 2, and combining for a total of 6 with one each was Kayla Richardson, Kenadi Wright, Jamye Durham, Jordyn Null, Kadence Glass, and Sophia Neal. When it comes to the “Aces” department, these Lady Hornets have no problem telling the competition “You’ve Been Served.” Shayla Foster earned 7, Madeline Freeman and Rain Vaughn each obtained 5, Kandace Byrd netted 3 and bringing in a combined total of 7 was Kayla Richardson, Kenadi Wright, Sarah White, and Emma Infalt.

The Sr High Lady Hornets will hit the court again this Saturday, September 7 for the 2019 Alma Invitational. Hackett will enter into pool play with Paris, Farmington, and Clarksville and will have their first match at 9:30 a.m. against Farmington.

Photos courtesy of Tanya White

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