Resident News Network

Mansfield Police Department: Operation Warrant Sweep

News

-

6:57 pm

Mansfield Police Department: Operation Warrant Sweep

Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb has made the announcement that the department will begin a warrant sweep throughout the city.

The district clerk submitted five pages to Robb with individual’s names and information. The sweep will affect those with outstanding warrants who live within either Scott or Sebastian County, with a Mansfield address.

Currently, there are over $87,000 in outstanding fines. Robb said this will be an opportunity for those with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in. However, failing to do so will result in an arrest as the warrant sweep gets under way.

Waldron Volleyball Small But Walking Tall

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

1:19 pm

0

Waldron Volleyball Small But Walking Tall

Photo by Sandy Tull

After falling short of the District Tournament last season, the Waldron Lady Bulldogs Volleyball team could be what some may consider a 2019 underdog. They come into this season playing a rough schedule and are undersized in the height category. But that’s from those on the outside looking in. What those on the outside don’t see is that the Lady Bulldogs are oozing with two intangibles so important that they cannot be measured……Intelligence and a fierce determination to succeed.

Leading the Waldron Sr and Jr Lady Bulldogs on the court this season will be seventh year Head Coach, Toby Hollin. Coach Hollin started volleyball with about as much knowledge of the game as anyone else. “When I started, I had never had the opportunity to coach volleyball before. This was such a great learning experience. After becoming much more familiar with the sport, I have truly come to love it,” Hollin said. Not only has Coach Hollin grown to love the sport but she’s also growing a program that has the capability to dominate the volleyball hardwoods. She has developed her squad into the definition of what student-athletes should be. They pride themselves in being ferocious competitors on the court, upstanding citizens off of the court, and leaders in the classroom.

Coach Hollin adds, “We had a good season last year but fell short in the district tournament. Our goal for every season is to do better than the last. We have worked extremely hard on being a better defensive team. While our main team goal is to win, of course, we will be breaking down game moments to improve on an individual level more so than we have in the past. We are continuing to head in a positive direction with not only some of the best athletes but the best all-around kids and students.”

The Lady Bulldogs have their work cut out for them in the 3A West this season. Conference foes like Booneville, Charleston, Elkins, Lincoln, Mansfield, Paris, and West Fork are no pushovers, but neither are the Bulldogs. They may be small, but dynamite comes in small packages.

It’s almost time to pack the stands in support of the Lady Bulldogs. Waldron will head to Lavaca on August 20th for a Sr High Benefit Game to warm things up and then on August 26th at 4:00 p.m. the Lady Bulldogs will open up their home court to Arkadelphia. “We hope to have a much bigger student section and fan base this year. We would love to see everyone come out and support the Lady Bulldogs. They make me proud to be a Bulldog and they will the town too!”

Judge Orders Continuance in Parker Trial

News

Tammy Teague

-

10:46 am

0

Judge Orders Continuance in Parker Trial

On August 6 in a Scott County Court, defendant Jay Parker was granted a continuance on his pre-trial hearing. Parker is facing 379 counts of cruelty to animals and two counts of theft of leased or rented property.
–See related story

Circuit Judge Jerry Don Ramey ordered the continuance to allow Parker and his attorney, Derick Allison, time to prepare.

Parker’s new pre-trial hearing is set for October 1, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The trial is set to begin on October 15, 2019 at 9:30.

2019: The Year Of The Bulldog

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

9:47 am

0

Starting his second season with the Waldron Bulldogs is head football coach, Jonathan Bates. Prior to his position at Waldron, Bates was the head football coach at Dierks High School. From the moment Coach Bates stepped onto the Bulldogs field, he made quite the impression. To the outside world, Jonathan Bates is just another person. But to the Waldron community, he is the heart of the Bulldogs.

In 2017, the Waldron football program was seeing great success in having made it to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Coach Bates knew he had big shoes to fill but it has been a challenge that he has risen up to from day one. Coach Bates, along with his world-class skilled coaching staff of Mark Brigance, Nick Stovall, Cory Chambers, Chance Tanner, Garett Lazenby, and newcomer Robert Coker, has been putting in long hours all summer to ensure that their Bulldogs see success in the upcoming season.

The 2019-2020 Waldron football season is sitting in the 4A-4 conference with Dardanelle, Dover, Elkins, Mena, Ozark, Pottsville, and Subiaco Academy. The Bulldogs possess a senior-laden roster and are returning all six of last seasons starters. Although last year Waldron didn’t quite have the season they were hoping for due to a few mental errors, this year is a whole ‘nother ballgame.

Not looking to repeat last season, the Bulldogs have an overwhelming desire to win and they will take down anyone who stands in their way. Waldron holds an abundance of depth in their skilled positions and a team of players who hold enough horsepower and determination to take down a Mack truck.

A few key players to keep your eye on this upcoming season is junior Quarterback and Linebacker, Braden Williams, junior Running Backs and Safeties, Caden Fuller and Bryson Bailey, senior Running Back and Cornerback, Carson Pyles, junior Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Ethan Slater, senior Running Back and Linebacker, Kennedy Rice, and senior Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Rylee Shupert and Joey Cardenas.

The Bulldogs are going to continue working day in and day out so that when their time to shine gets here on opening day, they will then be able to prove that Waldron will sit in the shadows no more. The Bulldogs will hold their annual Orange and Black Scrimmage on August 16 with the Jr High playing at 530 p.m. and Sr High playing at 730 p.m.

Charleston Dog Shelter

Networks

Resident News Network

-

9:01 pm

0

Charleston Dog Shelter

If you are not a dog lover when you go to the Charleston Dog Shelter, you will be one before you leave! So many dogs of so many ages and breeds are there begging for a hug, a scratch, and attention. All of these little guys are heartbreakers!

These animals are so precious! Last Tuesday, a camera club from Fort Smith was busy taking photos of the dogs. The dogs were posing and putting on the charm! Of all the dogs there as of Tuesday, the two photos show the ones who melted hearts. The one photo is of two of the three siblings, Dolly, Linda, and Emmylou. Only two could be caught in one photo! Their breed isn’t known but they are gentle, loving ladies who will melt your heart in an instant! On the right photo, you’ll find Jack and Dian! The markings on this brother and sister can’t get justice without seeing them for yourselves! They were so sweet and loving and fun. All of these pups and many others are looking for a family to love and take them home.

It isn’t easily located by us out-of-town folks. Take a left off of Highway 22 (if you are headed east) onto Crestview Drive. Turn to the right on Lee Western Drive and when the road fish hooks to the left, you are there!

Dana Boland was on hand. She is the director of the shelter. When asked what she wanted the public to know, she quickly replied, “Spay and Neuter! Spay and Neuter! If people would spay and neuter their pets, we wouldn’t have shelters like this one.” Dana lives in Fort Smith and travels to Charleston. After thinking about it, she remarked how only one of the volunteers lives inside the city.

The Charleston Dog Shelter is an all-volunteer organization working to provide shelter and find forever, loving homes for the dogs that are brought in by the local animal control agency. Since the Shelter is run by volunteers so you must make an appointment to visit to make sure someone can help you. Call 479-965-3591 for an appointment or make contact through the email address on their Facebook site. The shelter CANNOT take dogs so please, don’t ask or drop them off. They are not equipped to handle that.

The adoption fee for any dog is $60. All of the dogs are spayed or neutered prior to their adoption. You can’t beat the price because the veterinarian service would be more than that. They may ask for references and may even ask to do a home visit. They are a very rescue friendly shelter with approved references.

Donations are taken through the City of Charleston and designated “Dog Shelter” are tax-deductible. They are supported totally by private donations. The shelter always needs food, treats, bleach, kennel-stable flying insect spray, Adams Flea Control, Frontline Plus, and weenies. Yes, weenies! This helps them train dogs to behave and make better pets!

I hope to be featuring one or two or more of these sweet animals every couple of weeks, so look for that! Think carefully about making a donation to help support this great cause.

Lady Hornets Ready To Block n’ Roll

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

3:41 pm

0

The Hackett Lady Hornets have been preparing all summer long for their upcoming volleyball season. Gaining experience through multiple team camps while also putting a considerable amount of time into workouts and practices, the Lady Hornets are ready to embark on a Slamtastic Voyage. Last season, Hackett senior high volleyball ended with an overall record of 22-10-1, a conference record of 11-1, and made it to the second round of state.

The Lady Hornets are headed by coaches Bridget Freeman and Broc Adams. Last season the team only lost three seniors and this year their roster numbers continue to climb. Coach Bridget Freeman explains, “Going into our fifth year for junior high and our fourth year for senior high, we have so many more girls involved in this program. We have 20 girls on the senior team, 25 girls on the junior team, and eight 7th graders. We are now able to practice on more specifics of the game and the older girls are great about coaching the younger incoming players.”

The Lady Hornets continue to improve daily through their “willingness to work hard, positive attitudes, and a plethora of dedicated parents who see to it that our program continues to thrive.” Although Hackett volleyball is still a young program, they will continue to climb the hill and do whatever it takes to get better.

For the upcoming season, the Lady Hornets will compete in the 2A West conference with teams from Alpena, Decatur, Eureka Springs, Lavaca, Mulberry, and Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy. The girls already have their goals set in place in hopes of ensuring a winning season, “The work ethic is great and I know that will continue. I want us to serve more aggressively, cut down on the hitting errors, and continue to improve on our defensive game.”

I think the girls have already set their expectations high. The Jr High team motto is “R3PEAT” which is them trying to repeat conference and district champs for the 3rd year in a row. Sr Highs is “UFB” which stands for unfinished business which is what they feel they have from when we lost out of state last year.”

The Lady Hornets are excited and looking forward to their upcoming matches at the Harrison and River Valley tournaments because of the new opponents they get to face and the challenges the girls are given. “One of the reasons we are successful is because of our balance of talent in each position on the floor.”

Hackett is still working on their line up but as of now, the outside hitters are juniors Rain Vaughn and Kandace Byrd. The middles are junior Jamye Durham and sophomore Kenadi Wright. The setters are junior Madi Taylor and sophomore Madeline Freeman. And the right sides are junior Kayla Richardson and sophomore Shayla Foster. Picked as the libero is sophomore Sarah White. Several subs are also ready to step in and help out at the sound of go.

The Lady Hornets volleyball season is set to take off first with their annual Black and Gold Game on August 15 at 5 p.m. and then on August 20 Hackett will play in a Benefit Game at Charleston at 4:30 p.m.

It’s A Party Of “FORE” For Mansfield Golf

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

3:03 pm

0

It’s A Party Of “FORE” For Mansfield Golf

The Mansfield Tigers have officially swung into their 2019 Golf Season. Last season, the Tigers golf team consisted of lone golfer, Maggie Strunk. This season Strunk, who is in her senior year, is joined by three new freshman recruits, Skylynn Harris, Natalie Allison, and Brooklyn Adams. Also new to the team, is first-year golf coach, Layton Robinson.

The first match of the season was held at the Waldron Country Club and consisted of teams from Lincoln, Charleston, Mena, Booneville, Waldron, and Mansfield. Considering the heat index was hot enough to melt the tires off the golf carts, the Lady Tigers pushed through and made a strong finish. Skylynn Harris finished with a 53, Maggie Strunk achieved a 54, Natalie Allison pulled in a 59, and Brooklyn Adams picked up a 60. Next up for the Lady Tigers golf team, they will compete in Booneville on August 15.

Bulldog Golf Swings Into Action

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

1:52 pm

0

The 2019 Waldron Bulldogs Golf Season has teed off and started with a win for the Bulldogs at the Waldron Country Club. The first match of the season featured golfers from Booneville, Charleston, Mansfield, Mena, Lincoln, and Waldron.

On the boys’ side, the Bulldogs finished first with a team score of 123, Charleston was second at 138, Mena finished with a 145, and Lincoln scored a 163. Coach Josh Atchley added, “All 10 of the boys competed in the match with Jaden Hutchens being the medalist with a 37, and Lane Metcalf and Drew Owens each adding a 43. Hopefully, we can keep improving our game and keep our team score around 115. Should be an exciting year for Bulldog golf!”

Kaylin Watson and Kylee Day competed as individuals on the girls’ side and both had good showings. “The heat got to Kaylin a bit and she ended up not finishing but had hit some good shots to start the match. I was very impressed with freshman Kylee Day who finished with a 49 which was third best for the match. Those two girls will continue to work on their game because they both want to play in the state tournament.”

In addition to the first match of the season, all 44 golfers that played at Waldron Country Club were treated to a spaghetti and chicken dinner by Mrs. Jeanette Byford. “Mrs. Jeanette is a ROCK STAR at Waldron Country Club and takes such good care of all the golfers. We play matches all over and nobody feeds the kids, except Mrs. Jeanette. She absolutely loves our kids.” The Bulldogs will travel to Booneville on Thursday, August 15 for their next match.

Waldron-Arkansas-Hwy 71-Tire-Service-Automotive

Waldron to Host Back to School Prayer Walk

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

7:18 pm

0

Waldron to Host Back to School Prayer Walk

As the Waldron Public Schools prepare for the 2019-2020 school year, one thing they won’t be without, prayer. Individuals within the district organized a prayer walk for Sunday, August 11 at 2 p.m.

Anyone who wants to participate in the walk is welcome. There are plans to walk the school grounds, parking lots, bus line, football field/track, ALA and ABC/First Step campus. The goal is to cover the campus, students faculty and staff with prayer.

There are no structured activities planned, just a time set aside to pray for the school and to fellowship.

City of Hackett Hires Police Chief

Tammy Teague

-

6:59 pm

0

The City of Hackett has been without a chief of police ever since Darrell Spells resigned in June. However, Mayor Trini Harper said they recently hired someone to fill the position.

Ricci Pyle Jr. of Pennsylvania will assume his new position as Hackett Police Chief on September 1.

Pyle will have large shoes to fill following Spells departure, but the city is looking forward to making his acquaintance and are eager to welcome him.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK