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Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Set to Open Highly Anticipated 2019 Season

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Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Set to Open Highly Anticipated 2019 Season

Charleston volleyball fans have been looking forward to this season for five years, and now, it is here! After just five years in existence, the Charleston volleyball program is set for a highly-anticipated 2019 season. Tigers fans will not have to wait much longer. The Lady Tigers open week one of the high school volleyball season with road games at Clarksville tonight, August 26, and at Ozark on Tuesday, August 27. Charleston will host Huntsville for its home season opener on Thursday, August 29.

Today’s games at Clarksville will be a junior varsity match followed by a varsity match. Clarksville is a familiar program to the Lady Tigers and to Coach Ryan Rachuy. “We played Clarksville last year and we had the opportunity to play them this year at Arkansas Tech’s small school camp. They are a good serving team that plays very hard and never gives up on any rally. Coach Turley does a great job in preparing her girls for every match up that they play.”

The Lady Tigers return to the road tomorrow, August 27, to play at Ozark. “Coach Webb has a young program; this is their second season. They are exited about volleyball in Ozark. They played Clarksville during the benefit week, and even though they didn’t win, they competed and played a very close second set. With the support from their school and community, combined with their enthusiasm for the game, I believe that their program can really progress.”

Charleston will play its first regular season home match this Thursday versus the Huntsville Lady Eagles. The night will include junior “A”, junior varsity, and varsity matches. “They play in the tough 4A northwest conference and are a smart, technically sound team. Coach Williamson’s teams have high volleyball IQs and make you earn every point. They beat us at their place last year, so we know that we have to be on top of our game when they come to Charleston.”

The Lady Tigers are fresh from their final preseason appearance at the 3A Preview Festival that was held in Searcy at Harding Academy. The event featured state playoff teams from a year ago in a “jamboree” format where there was no bracket play or champion named. The Festival, following the Lady Tigers benefit week win over the Hackett Hornets has the team ready for a breakout season that begins tonight. “I think the benefit week was very helpful for our teams. Our junior high girls were able to see the level of play that is necessary to be successful in our conference There is a huge amount of potential with them. Our senior high teams played at a high level of competition during the benefit week. I believe that we understand there is no room or opportunity to slow down from the work we must do every day. To meet the expectations that we set for ourselves, we have to look for ways to become better players, coaches, and teammates, and work toward those ends.”

Tonight begins the new season of high expectations that many, including the players, coaches, and community have for this season. Charleston fans will not have to wait much longer; it all starts tonight at 4:30 p.m. in Clarksville. I think Charleston fans can expect to see the Lady Tigers set to make a strong debut tonight in Clarksville. See you at the game!

Local Church Shows Appreciation for First Responders

Tammy Teague
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Local Church Shows Appreciation for First Responders

First Southern Baptist Church of Central City hosted an appreciation breakfast for first responders on Thursday, August 22.

Pastor Russ Tyler said, “it’s something we talked about a year and a half ago with Chief Phil Beshoner...with his cancer and passing, and then the flood, we moved it to today.”

Although this was an inaugural event, Tyler indicated that they will be planning others in the future. “It is something we will continue to do as our way of saying thank you to those who serve our community so faithfully.”

The First Southern Service Team worked hard to organize and stage the breakfast. That effort did not go unnoticed!

“These law enforcement officers work incredibly hard and often go above and beyond for the communities that they serve,” stated Sebastian County Deputy Mike Burcham. “…really, they expect nothing in return. So when someone or a group gives us a pat on the back and say that they appreciate us, it really brightens our day and puts a smile on our face.”

  • -Photo courtesy of Mike Burcham
  • -Photo courtesy of Mike Burcham
  • -Photo courtesy of Mike Burcham

Labor Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Tammy Teague
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Labor Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

As the Labor Day holiday period approaches, Arkansans will begin to see to see more law enforcement officers patrolling streets and highways prepared to arrest drunk drivers.

Starting this week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will partner with Arkansas State Police, county sheriff’s offices, and local police departments during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization which will continue through Labor Day (September 2nd). Statewide and national advertising that explains the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with the stepped-up DWI enforcement, are part of a plan designed to improve highway safety by going on the offensive against drunk driving.

“Labor Day should be a time for friends and family to enjoy the last days of the summer season,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “We’re asking motorists who may choose to drink, not to drive. Choosing not to drink and drive will result in safer travel for everyone and keep impaired drivers out of jail.”

According to statistical data from NHTSA, there was an increase in the total number of drunk-driving deaths during calendar year 2017. The total number of deaths rose to 10,874 compared to 10,497 lives lost during 2016.
During the 2017 Labor Day holiday period, there were 376 traffic fatalities nationwide. Forty-four percent of those fatalities involved drivers who had been drinking (.01+ BAC). More than one-third (36%) of the fatalities involved drivers who were drunk (.08+ BAC), and more than one-fourth (26%) involved drivers who were driving with a blood alcohol content almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC).

Anyone who plans to drive in the days leading up to the holiday or during the holiday weekend should remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office recommends the following:
• Always plan ahead whenever you expect to drive and consume alcohol.
• Designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
• If you have been drinking, call a taxi, take the bus or call a sober friend or family member to get you to your destination safely.
• Promptly contact law enforcement to report drunk drivers you see on the roadways.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• If you’re on a motorcycle, use protective safety equipment.

For more information on the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on the ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign, visit TZDarkansas.org.

These Hard-Hitting “Spike” Tysons Have Only Just Begun

Megan Hecox
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These Hard-Hitting “Spike” Tysons Have Only Just Begun

For the Hackett Jr High and Sr High Lady Hornets, their benefit game on August 20 against the Charleston Lady Tigers, was just what they needed to get fired back up. With being the first volleyball game on their 2019 season schedule, the coaches and Lady Hornets were able to see what was working and what was going to need improvement.

Sr High players #9 Shayla Foster, #24 Kandace Byrd, and #15 Rain Vaughn

The Jr High squad was first up to the net and through their suppressing aggression, they were able to dominate the entire game. The Lady Hornets won 2-0 against the Lady Tigers with both games ending in a final score of 25-12. Achieving net results in the serves department was Mackenzie Mendenhall and Alona Rothwell with four apiece, Abby McBride with two, and Lilly Slavens with 1 resulting in 11 total team aces. Rounding out the scorecard was Mackenzie Mendenhall with 3 assists, Prairie Vaughn and Makenzie Freeman with 2 assists each, with Vaughn also leading her team in kills with 3, and Alona Rothwell and Tori Blanton securing 2 blocks apiece.

Jr High Lady Hornet #21 Aubree Ruggles

The Sr High Lady Hornets closed out the evening with four speedy and intense matches. Although Hackett lost 1-3, the Sr High team was able to showcase their incredible defensive skills while at the same time, finding the rough patches in their offensive play. Kayla Richardson led the Lady Hornets in the digs category with 21, Shayla Foster had 15, Kandace Byrd and Sarah White both had 7, Madi Taylor had 6 and Brooke Holt had 4.

Sr High Lady Hornet #15 Rain Vaughn

Head Coach, Bridget Freeman, had this to say about what went wrong offensively. “We definitely missed some serves (12 total) and that hurt us in the three games we lost. I don’t feel our hitting was what we are capable of doing, so I’m hoping to get our sets and hits back in sync with practices the rest of this week. We were a little out of position, filling in spots for an injured setter/hitter, but managed to adjust to the new lineup and give Charleston a good game.”

Sr High players (L-R) #1 Sarah White, #9 Shayla Foster, and #24 Kandace Byrd

The next match on the list for the Lady Hornets is on August 27, when they hit the road to face Alpena at 4:30 p.m. Hackett will continue locking down their strong points and fixing their weaknesses in preparation of their next match. “These girls are ready for conference to start. We made team goal sheets and individual goal sheets today, and those will be our focus in the locker room in the future weeks. Alpena was scrappy last year and managed to return a lot of our hits and serves, so we need to be on our toes, ready to play our aggressive game.”

A big Thank You to Mandy Foster for her always awesome picture taking skills!

Waldron Resident Arrested on Drug Charges

Tammy Teague
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Waldron Resident Arrested on Drug Charges

On Wednesday, August 21, the Waldron Police Department, in cooperation with the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force and Probation and Parole, made an arrest at a Waldron residence.

Lisa Howard, 53, was arrested after law enforcement allegedly discovered approximately 1.8 ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription drugs and assorted drug paraphernalia at her residence.

Howard is currently in custody at the Scott County Detention Center pending criminal charges for possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver, possession of schedule 2 controlled substance not methamphetamine with purpose to deliver, possession of schedule 4 controlled substance with purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and proximity to a certain facility. 

Tigers Show Promise In Battle Of Stripes And Spots

Megan Hecox
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Tigers Show Promise In Battle Of Stripes And Spots

After all of last seasons successes on the gridiron, the Mansfield Tigers are out to prove that they aren’t a “One and Done” program. What better way to prove that point than by taking on the 5A De Queen Leopards in an early-season scrimmage. That’s exactly what the Jr High and Sr High Tigers did Tuesday, August 20 as they set out to again show the doubters that they’re a program to be taken seriously.

Sr High Quarterback Ethan Stovall

The Jr High Tigers were first to start the scrimmage as they battled the combination of extreme heat coupled with De Queen’s size advantage. As a result, the Tigers fell short to the Leopards 36-8. Miscues on both sides of the ball might have cost the Tigers the win, but there was plenty of evidence of growth for the young group through their overall execution.

Jr High Running Back Drew Elmore and #58 Braxton Byers

The Tigers offense showed their explosiveness as Quarterbacks Fisher Wilsey and Peyton Martin and Running Back Drew Elmore, took Mansfield on good drives downfield. Tyler Turnipseed set his shoes ablaze blowing up the De Queen defense for the Tigers only score of the game. Although the Jr Tigers defense was beaten by big plays, they were able to stop the Leopards on short-yardage situations and excelled in team tackling.

Jr High Tigers (L-R) Turner Wright, Codee Helms, and Clint Stovall

Mansfields Sr High Tigers didn’t show any offseason rust as they took down De Queen in a 19-0 blowout. Mansfield’s high powered offense struck first and often against the Leopards defense. Balance was the name of the game for the Mansfield offense as the aerial campaign was on target and a hardcore ground game put the De Queen defense on its heels.

Sr High RB/DL Isaac Cothran

Not to be overshadowed, the Tigers defense shut out the Leopards offense with absolute authority all night. There were some issues with penalties against Mansfield that kept the game from being a complete blowout, but scrimmages are made to bring those kinds of things to light so that they can be corrected.

Jr High Quarterback Fisher Wilsey and #22 Tyler Woolbright

On August 27, the Jr High team will face the Hornets in Hackett starting at 5:30 p.m. Head Coach for the Tigers, Tim Cothran, had this to say about the match-up, “We got the first scrimmage down so hopefully that will instill some of the confidence that we need. We have some experience returning from last year and our expectations are becoming more focused now. So hopefully we will continue to improve. Hackett is always well-disciplined and they’ve always had tremendous athletes on the football field. They are a team that is going to be tough and we’re going to have to bring our A-Game to get a shot at beating them.”

Jr High Back-up Quarterback Peyton Martin

The Sr High Tigers will host the Hackett Hornets on Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. “The advantage of playing on our home field is being able to play in front of family and friends, having our community there to support us, and knowing that regardless of the situation they will have our backs. Hackett has new personnel in place and with that, you never know what to expect. The play calling is different and the mindset is different, so you have to be prepared for anything.”

Sr High WR/DB #12 Jaicy Griffin and #1 Layton Howard
Jr High Tiger Tyler Turnipseed

Obituary – Betty Smith (1937- 2019)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Betty Smith (1937- 2019)

Betty Smith of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday August 20th, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Betty was born May 7th, 1937 in Cauthron, Arkansas to Leroy and Edith Harrison. She was 82 years old.

Betty was a remarkable lady. She was a devoted Christian and loved her family with an unconditional love. Mema, as she was affectionately known, had a special bond with each of her kids, their spouses and grandchildren. Mema was a great listener and had a wonderful sense of humor. She had a love for animals and flowers. She enjoyed cooking, garage sales and loved her weekly trip to Dee’s beauty salon. If there was a child around, they could usually be found in Mema’s lap.

Betty leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 63 years, Melvin; one daughter, Debbie Byford and husband David of Waldron, Arkansas; one son, Rick Smith and wife Mandy of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Betty will be missed by all who knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Wanda and brothers Bob and Roy Glen, her son James, and her granddaughter Terry.

Betty’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m Friday, August 23rd 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Pastor George Crump officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Betty’s pallbearers will be Rick Smith, Zak Smith, Jastin Smith, David Byford, Brad Byford, Travis Tabor and Alvin Carnahan.

Betty’s visitation will be Friday, August 23rd, 2019 from 9:00-10:00 am at Heritage Memorial Chapel.

You may leave words of remembrance for Betty’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com

More than $678,000 Available for Wildlife Conservation Education Grants in Arkansas

Tammy Teague
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More than $678,000 Available for Wildlife Conservation Education Grants in Arkansas

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services has announced the Wildlife Conservation Education Grants Program application period is open now through Oct. 4. More than $678,000 is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Funds for these grants come from fines collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“Strong communities are the foundation for economic development, and education plays an important part in those efforts,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “These grants provide needed funds to help us preserve wildlife for future generations as well as support educational opportunities for children. School districts across the state should apply and use the funds to broaden the experiences of our students.”

AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion says the grants can really enhance learning opportunities for youth, especially in rural areas of Arkansas, where education dollars are at a premium.

“Many schools participating in our shooting sports, archery and conservation education programs are able to keep the programs going thanks to this partnership,” Kinion said. “We also hear from many teachers who are able to make conservation-oriented field trips possible thanks to the money we collect from wildlife fines.”

Programs eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, the study of general fish and wildlife conservation issues, Project WILD Workshops, Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program, Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, Fishing in the Natural State, Arkansas Stream Team, School Yard Habitat Site Development, and specialized AGFC conservation education/educator training workshops focused on the programs above. Funds may also be used for field trips to AGFC Nature Centers, Conservation Education Centers and Wildlife Management Areas.

For a county-by-county listing of available funds and an application, www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.

Charleston Tigers Host Hackett in Preseason Football Scrimmage

Resident News Network
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Charleston Tigers Host Hackett in Preseason Football Scrimmage

It was a football / volleyball double-header night with Charleston hosting Hackett for both sports’ preseason AAA benefit games with the Hornets. The football Tigers played an abbreviated scrimmage game with the Hornets that lasted just two quarters. As both coaching staffs focused on preparation for the start of next week’s season, both were interested in getting in some final work while preventing injuries before the start of the season. Hackett will open the 2019 season at Mansfield on Thursday, August 29. The Charleston Tigers will open the season versus the Melbourne Bearkatz on Friday, August 30. The game will be played on a neutral site at Hendrix College in Conway.

Coach May was pleased overall with the way his Tigers played. “I thought we played well at times. Just had a few mental breakdowns that we have to fix. Obviously, when we get that fixed we will be ok. I felt like we played fast. I feel like the kids got after it pretty good on offense and defense. We just have to get better.”

As the summer workouts conclude, Coach May admitted that it felt good for his players to get to play someone else. “I think that was the biggest thing. They saw a different colored jersey and they got a little bit more excited about it, a little more enthused. And now we are in game prep mode.”

With the start of the regular season now just a little more than one week away, the Charleston coaching staff turns their attention to the firs week opponent, Melbourne. “Now we can kind of get into a routine, so we are excited about that part.”

Several Tigers impressed the coaches with their performances last evening. “Breckon Ketter looked really good running the football. Jeff Scott and Kaden Benge played really well on defense. Offensively, Brayden Ross made some good reads, made one bad one, but that’s why we have a scrimmage. He came back the next series and connected and did well.”

With approximately ten days before the start of the season, Coach May indicated that he is going to get some rest in for his Tigers before game preparations begin. “We’re going to rest a little bit tomorrow, do a little running, and then come back Thursday and really get after it again.”

So, Tigers fans, the start of the new season is just around the corner. Football is back!

Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Defeats Hackett in Preseason Benefit Match

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Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Defeats Hackett in Preseason Benefit Match

Perhaps an indication of the tough schedule that awaits, two highly-competitive volleyball teams waged a friendly but intense battle Tuesday night at the Charleston volleyball gymnasium. The Lady Tigers took a big preseason step to the start of the 2019 season with a 3-1 victory over the Hackett Hornets.

The night featured two high school volleyball programs that are very similar in almost every respect. Both programs are relatively young but have become conference and state contenders virtually overnight. Both programs featured two of the more outstanding volleyball coaches in Arkansas; Coach Bridget Freeman of Hackett, and Coach Ryan Rachuy of Charleston. Both coaches had their teams ready to play.

On a night that was held to benefit the Arkansas Activities Association’s catastrophic injury fund, fans from both communities were treated to outstanding, high level volleyball. Junior high, senior high junior varsity, and senior high varsity matches were played. Hackett swept the junior high match with a 2-0 victory. Charleston returned with a junior varsity sweep of 2-0, and a varsity win by the score of 3-1. Every game was played at high intensity and showed both teams to be poised and ready for the start of the upcoming season that begins next week.

    Charleston coach Ryan Rachuy was ecstatic over his teams’ effort and performances. “I thought we came out with good intensity. Our girls, when their energy is up, their intensity is up, our effort is there. They really came after a really excellent Hackett team and was able to take the first two sets from them. Dropped the third set, made some mistakes, had some unforced errors, our serve-receive was not near as good as it was in the first two sets, but we cleaned that up in that fourth set. We got on a couple of really good serve-receive runs and was able to pull it out.”

    Commenting on the strength of volleyball, Coach Rachuy said, “I honestly believe that Hackett is going to be one of if not the top team in their conference. Coach Freeman pushes them in every camp they play in; they want to play the toughest team there. She has the same philosophy I do that you have to play tough teams.”

    Charleston’s final preseason matches will take place at the 3A Preview Festival at Harding Academy in Searcy on August 24. The Lady Tigers first match will be versus Central Arkansas Christian Academy (CAC). That match is tentatively scheduled to start at 2:15 p.m. “For us, it doesn’t get any easier. Some of the top teams in 3A; it just gets tougher. So you’ve got to be ready to play.”

    The Lady Tigers open the 2019 season at Clarksville on Monday, August 26. First match will begin at 4:30 p.m. Based on last evening’s team performance, Coach Rachuy will have his Lady Tigers ready to play!

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