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Lady Tigers Ready To Cause Complete And “Putter” Madness

Sports

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12:44 pm

Lady Tigers Ready To Cause Complete And “Putter” Madness

With one match left in the golf season, the Mansfield Lady Tigers are staying focused on what they need to do in order to be successful at District and ultimately at State. On August 22, the four Lady Tigers that make up the Manfield golf team took to the Cherokee Creek Country Club golf course in Booneville, to show competitors how far they have come since the beginning of the season.

Freshmen Brooklyn Adams, Natalie Allison, and Skylynn Harris along with senior Maggie Strunk competed as individuals during the tournament. Strunk walked away in second place with a 49, Harris and Adams tied with a 59, and Allison scored a 60. The Lady Tigers will play their final match on Tuesday, August 27 in Waldron and then prepare for their District meet on September 23. Coach Layton Robinson adds, “I hope individually we just stay positive while working to get better every time we are out there. As a team, I hope we can go into District and give ourselves a shot at making it to State.”

Bulldogs Golf Season Moves To Fore-0

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:39 am

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At Cherokee Creek Country Club in Booneville on Thursday, August 22, the Waldron Bulldogs golf teams kept up their winning ways and now upgrade to 4-0 on the season.

Kaylin Watson and Kylee Day competed as individuals on the girls’ side of things. Watson carded a 51 which took fifth overall and Day added a 53. “We didn’t have our best days but the girls still found ways to work on their games. I’m proud of them, especially having to endure being the only two girls,” added Coach Josh Atchley.

Jaden Hutchens finished second in the match with a 41, with Drew Owens matching his best score of the season at a 43. Lane Metcalf rounded out the scorers with a 46, which brought the boys’ team total to a 130. That score outpaced second by 13 strokes and added to the Bulldogs win total. “I was impressed with all my guys. We had six golfers compete and all of them had decent outings. I really need some of the guys who are just outside the top four averages to challenge some of those current scorers. If that starts to happen, we become a team that could really make a run at some championships.”

It’s been a good week for the Bulldogs with two wins and two golfers celebrating birthdays. Jaden Hutchens celebrated his 16 birthday on Tuesday the 20th and Lane Metcalf will turn 15 on Saturday the 24th. Maybe the Bulldogs can keep the birthday magic at their next match Tuesday, August 27 at the Waldron Country Club.

Lady Bulldogs Prepare To “Set” It And Forget It

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:57 am

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Lady Bulldogs Prepare To “Set” It And Forget It

It was double the fun for the Waldron Lady Bulldogs as they took on not one but two opponents during their Benefit Game on August 20. Playing in Lavaca, the Sr High volleyball team set sail on a Slamtastic Voyage against the Lady Golden Arrows and Union Christian Academy. The Lady Bulldogs played seven starters for their Tuesday night match-ups. One sophomore, four juniors including their libero, and seniors Bayleigh Lipham and Taylor Stacy.

In their first game against UCA, offensively Waldron hit the court fast and fierce delivering king-sized blocks and stellar serves. The Lady Bulldogs provided plenty of sufficient court coverage defensively but in the end, the girls fell late to the Lady Eagles by mere points. In their last game against the Lavaca Lady Golden Arrows, the Lady Bulldogs suffered a rocky start. But once the game got going, the girls were on fire.

The Lady Bulldogs kept pace with the Lady Arrows back and forth court action giving onlookers a first-hand glimpse of what Waldron was bringing to the table. Although the Lady Bulldogs ended falling short to Lavaca, it was just the warm-up they needed to get their feet under them. On Monday, August 26, Waldron will host the Arkadelphia Lady Badgers. Last season, the Lady Bulldogs took a 3-1 loss against the Lady Badgers but this time around, Arkadelphia’s not gonna know what hit em. “With what we learned from the benefit game, we will be ready,” exclaims Coach Toby Hollin. “If we come out with the intensity that we possess and hold it the entire game, we will have a great season!”

Original photo courtesy of Sandy Tull

2019 Marching Band Season Preview

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Resident News Network

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8:01 am

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In just a week, marching season will step off for 16 area high school bands. Area band programs have been preparing since the end of the 2018-2019 school year. Over the summer, students have attended band camps, practiced their instruments at home, and work on their show at summer practices. As we look forward to the coming season, here is a quick preview of what each band has been working on and is preparing for the season.

Cedarville

This year the Cedarville High School Pirate Band plans to continue their excellence. Last year they earned a 2^nd Division rating at the Region IIIV Marching Assessment and 2nd Division Rating at Charleston Marching Contest. I do not know much about what the Cedarville Band has planned for this year’s marching show but I know it will be great. Catch the Cedarville Band’s first performance on August 30^th at JC Westside. Their first home performance will be September 6^th.

Charleston

The Charleston Band is setting up for another great marching season. This summer their color guard attended the Frontlines Camp at Williams Baptist Walnut Ridge where new and veteran members learned new skills. Members of the band also attended the Arkansas Tech Band Camp in July. I was invited to attend one of their summer practices and I could tell the band was off to a great start. Director Jessica Holt has a great group of students this year. This year’s show will be exciting to watch and hear. The Charleston Band will be debuting their show on August 30^th at home.

Hackett

After a strong year and placing 2^nd in 2A State, the Hackett Band is in a rebuilding stage. But do not let that fool you, they will still perform a quality show this season. While at their summer rehearsal, I got to see how hard the band works each night. They practice their music first and then head outside for marching fundamentals and some PT. They may be small with a total of 19 members and young with 9 freshmen and no seniors, but do not count out the Hackett Band this year. They are working hard to prove that this year is more than just a rebuilding year. The Hackett Band will be debuting their show on August 29^th at Mansfield. Their first home show of the season will be September 6^th.

Lavaca

The Lavaca Band has been hard at work this summer. Students started practice at 8 am with marching fundamentals. It takes dedication to wake up early during summer break to attend practice. I was able to attend one of their practices and they all had smiles on their faces with positive attitudes. They are ready to rock marching season this year. You just might want to bring your cowbell with you for this show. You can catch the first performance of the Lavaca Band on August 30^th at home.

Magazine

Last year the Magazine Band brought to use a show about a little shop with some unforgettable plants. I personally like the monster plant, which I got to meet at the Lavaca game. I do not know what the Magazine band has planned for this season but you can look forward to another great show. The first performance of Magazine’s show will be August 30^th at home.

Mansfield

The Mansfield Band recently went through some transitions and now have a new Band Director. Michael Parker will be directing the band this year. I personally am excited to see what is to come from the Mansfield Band this year. Since under a new director, I do not know what he has planned for this year’s marching show but I know it will be great. You can catch the Mansfield Band’s show premiere on August 29^th at home.

Mountainburg

The Mountainburg Band is ready for another great season. During this summer their Color Guard and Drum Majors were able to attend the Grizzly Color Guard and Drum Major Camp. While at their summer rehearsal, the band uses some of those skills to work on technique and fundamentals with the whole band. Students are very excited for this year’s marching season and what all it has in store. The Mountainburg Band will kick off their season on August 30^th at Lavaca. Their first home game will be on September 24^th.

Waldron

This year I am excited to add the Waldron Band into our coverage. Last year I heard the band at the Charleston Marching Contest, the band sounded great and plans to continue it. I do not know much about what the Waldron Band has planned for this year’s marching show but I look forward to meeting the students and staff down in Waldron. They will start their season on September 6^th at home.

ARVBands 2019 Friday Night Feature Schedule

	Home	Away
Week 1(Aug. 29)	Mansfield	Hackett
Week 1 (Aug. 30)	Lavaca	Mountainburg
Week 2 (Sept. 6)	Waldron	Mansfield
Week 3 (Sept. 13)	Northside	Van Buren
Week 4 (Sept. 20)	Ozark	Charleston
Week 5 (Sept. 27)	Booneville	Paris
Week 6 (Oct. 4)	Greenwood	El Dorado
Week 7 (Oct. 11)	Southside	North Little Rock
Week 8 (Oct. 18)	Magazine	Lavaca
Week 9 (Oct. 25)	Cedarville	Greenland
Week 10 (Nov. 1)	Alma	Greenbrier

Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Set to Open Highly Anticipated 2019 Season

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Resident News Network

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2:22 pm

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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

News

Tammy Teague

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1:03 pm

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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

News

Tammy Teague

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11:09 am

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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

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:54 am

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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.

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.

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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9:37 am

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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

Sports

Megan Hecox

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7:34 pm

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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.

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.

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.”

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