Resident News Network

Hornets Add Extra Sting To Coaching Staff

Sports

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11:34 am

Hornets Add Extra Sting To Coaching Staff

The Hackett School District has picked up another talented Hornet for their upcoming school year. New hire, Coach Jordan Shelby, comes to black and gold territory from Marshall, Arkansas. There, he spent two years coaching football, basketball, and baseball. Shelby will be assistant coaching Hornet football, head coaching Hornet baseball, and teaching Arkansas History.

Growing up in Charleston, Jordan Shelby knew from a young age that coaching was what he wanted to do with his life. “I loved being around sports growing up and the values and accountability it taught me. My mom was a teacher and so that had some influence on me as well,” adds Coach Shelby.

Shelby graduated from Charleston High School in 2009 where he played basketball, baseball, and won a State Championship in football. Later he went on to graduate from UAFS in 2016. Moving to Hackett to help coach the Hornets was destined to happen. “I’ve known Coach Meador since we were kids and I knew we would work well together.” Head Football Coach, Michael Meador, joined the Hornets at the end of the 2018-2019 school year, replacing Coach Lonnie Hester.

Coach Jordan Shelby is a wonderful fit for the Hackett community. “It’s really fun teaching new skills to my students and then when you finally see everything clicking for them, it gives you a good feeling. It’s also great to have a chance to be a positive and influential role model in the lives of my student-athletes and to help them develop for life after high school. I hope to help bring a winning culture to this already successful program.”

Local Man Arrested for Selling Alcohol to a Minor

Tammy Teague

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9:08 am

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Local Man Arrested for Selling Alcohol to a Minor

On Tuesday, August 6, Kevin Boyd of Mansfield was arrested and charged with one felony count of knowingly selling intoxicating liquor to a minor.

According to Mansfield Police Chief Wayne Robb, the investigation had been ongoing since last year. An officer with the Alcohol Beverage Commission began working the case jointly with the Mansfield Police Department, under the direction of former Chief Boyd Farmer.

In March of this year, the Mansfield Police Department assisted the officer from the Alcohol Beverage Commission in the continued investigation. That investigation led to a control buy with an under aged individual, where Boyd allegedly sold an intoxicating beverage to the minor.

Boyd, 58, was arrested and taken to the Scott County Jail, where he is currently awaiting a bond hearing.

Reapers Eager To Wreak Havoc On 2020

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:03 am

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With the first-year jitters out of their system, local semi-pro football team, the Ouachita Reapers, are ready to break out big in their 2020 season. Hosting players from all over the River Valley, this minor league team succeeded nicely in making a name for themselves in year one. The Reapers partnered up with Waldron to make the Bulldog territory their home playing field.

Last season the Reapers played in a league with teams from Hope, Little Rock, Louisiana, and Texas. The 2020 season will see the addition of the Little Rock Patriots, Jonesboro Gladiators, and Tahlequah City Vipers, with the possibility of more teams joining closer to the beginning of league play in March of 2020.

The Reapers will be kicking off their first practice on August 10, in preparation of their upcoming season. Ready to take the team to the next level is Head Coach, Rick Landry, from Heavener, Oklahoma. With many players returning, the Reapers will be showing off some added talent as well. Of course, there is still plenty of time to get signed up to partake in the Reaper experience. There is still a huge need for both Offensive and Defensive Lineman. To play, you must be 18 years or older, able to purchase your own uniforms and gear, and be able to travel to games and practices.

Ouachita Reaper owner, Wesley Allen Schuller, is beyond ecstatic in what the upcoming 2020 season holds. Importantly, the Reapers are still looking for sponsors to support them in their fast-approaching football season. So if your itchin’ to put the pads on and get back on the field, now is your chance to join the Reaper brotherhood while making incredible memories in the process.

2019 Donation Game: Mo’ Money, Mo’ Equipment

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:43 pm

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2019 Donation Game: Mo’ Money, Mo’ Equipment

Last year, the Mansfield and Waldron Little League football teams joined forces in trying to find a way to help alleviate their programs growing equipment needs. It was a gamble but both the Tigers and Bulldogs needed to do something. So the two programs decided to set up an Annual Donation Game to where instead of a gate fee, donations would be accepted instead. This wild shot that the programs took must’ve come from a world champion sniper because not only did they hit the bullseye, they blew the entire target up.

Each town put up a bucket at the front gate representing the Mansfield teams and the Waldron teams. Little League fans from both communities poured into Tiger Stadium, showing an incredible amount of support for BOTH of the football programs. There were even donations from State Representatives. Both programs raised a little over $1,000 each. As the old saying goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. So now the Little League Tigers and Bulldogs are excited to announce their 2nd Annual Donation Game. On August 17th, the fun will kick off with the third and fourth grade teams playing at 6 p.m. followed by the fifth and sixth grade teams at 7 p.m. The games are being played in Waldron at Sawer Wright Field.

Waldron’s Little League Co-Commissioner, Thomas B Mays, is fired up and ready for this friendly face-off, “The upcoming Donation Scrimmage between Waldron and Mansfield is a fun way to raise money for both programs. The money we raise helps us buy much needed new equipment so our kids can go out there and play while avoiding getting hurt. We appreciate Mansfield and look forward to our upcoming event. I hope everyone gets to come out and support both teams.”

Also eager to watch the Tigers and the Bulldogs square off is Mansfield’s Little League President, Josh Strozier. “We knew that we wouldn’t be in the same league as Waldron at the beginning of last year but we still wanted to keep the teams playing each other somehow. Waldron was very gracious and instrumental in helping us set up this scrimmage between the two programs. Equipment isn’t cheap by any means and both programs rely heavily on donations to keep the kids in proper and safe equipment. I was amazed at the support from these two communities at last seasons game. We hope we can repeat this success with Waldron year in and year out for a very long time.”

River Valley Primary Care Comes to Lavaca

Resident News Network

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9:23 pm

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Big changes, yet no real changes, will be coming to medical help in Lavaca. River Valley Primary Care Services will be taking the place of the Lavaca Wellness Clinic on October 1, 2019.

In a presentation made this week by Mike Blaylock, Assistant Executive Director of River Valley Primary Care, it was announced to the senior citizen that changes would be made in the fall. In his speech, Blaylock said that Dr. Bob Sanders called RVPC and told them that he was retiring. He sought them out to keep quality healthcare in our local clinic. The fit was a good one.

River Valley Primary Care headquarters are in Ratcliff, Arkansas and they will have locations: Fort Smith (2), Mountainburg, Mulberry, Eastside (previously Barling), Lamar (school based), Waldron, Clarksville and now Lavaca. In their mission statement, they pledge to “provide quality, comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to all residents of the area without regard to their ability to pay.” Blaylock stated that while they accept all traditional insurance plans, they will also introduce a “Sliding Fee Discount Program.” RVPC is federally funded. So, in this program, eligibility will be based on your gross household income, household size, and calculated using a federal poverty guideline.

Some of the changes will include access to more physicians and provide family practice medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, and dentistry. You will be able to contact your clinic after hours, on weekend’s or holidays. They will provide bilingual services through a language line and auxiliary aids and services will be available at our clinic as well.

Dr. Bob Sanders retirement from medical practice allows him the chance of serving in a different area of the medical field. He will soon be an instructor at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine at Chaffee Crossing.

If the name Mike Blaylock sounds familiar to some of you, Mike is a 1988 graduate of Lavaca High School. “I definitely have a passion for what I do to serve small communities like this one that I grew up in,” Blaylock told the crowd. Wansley Harrison, LTSW, also spoke, assuring the people that “we are keeping things the same for you but bringing new things that you didn’t have before.”

Addressing Our Identity

Jason Baggett

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5:51 pm

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Resident Press is well known for fact-based reporting, our tangible personalities, and our reputation for being more than what news has become in recent years. For us it’s personal. The intent of this post is to state our identity and to distance ourselves from anyone who claims to be a part of our staff, or a sister-site in neighboring areas. If it doesn’t say “Resident Press,” know that it is not in any way affiliated with our site or those who are currently employed by Resident Press. With that being said, Resident Press will take any steps, and/or actions to protect our identity with this statement being the first. Our relationships are built on value, not hope. Our perspective is unbiased, not bought. Our work ethic is professionally seasoned, and taken seriously. With Sincere Appreciation, Jason and Lesli Baggett Owners, Resident Press ^TM

2019 NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet

Outdoors

Resident News Network

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11:53 am

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It’s time for the annual NWTF Banquet for Sebastian County hosted by the Arkansas Boss Gobblers Chapter.

Come support the conservation efforts of the National Wild Turkey Federation here in Arkansas with live and silent auctions, raffles, and dinner.

Corporate tables are available, as well as single, couples and sponsor tickets!

For more information please contact Kassim Wallace 479-651-0642

View the event on Facebook HERE

Lady Tigers Prepare To Ignite At Red And White

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:52 am

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Lady Tigers Prepare To Ignite At Red And White

It’s that time of year again. When summer comes to an end and another school year begins. And we all know what that means. SPORTS!!!!!! On August 16th, the Mansfield Lady Tigers are planning to show the community what they can expect in the upcoming volleyball season. The night will kick off at 5 p.m. with the Lady Tigers Jr High Scrimmage.

Then at 6 p.m., the Sr High squad will play in their always exciting annual Red and White Game. Admission is free but as always donations are greatly appreciated. All money raised will go to the Mansfield Volleyball Program. Concession will also be available. You’re going to want to stick around because directly after the Red and White game, FCA will be hosting a movie night featuring a showing of the film, Woodlawn.

Increased Security Measures Taken at MJTC

News

Tammy Teague

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7:19 am

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Increased Security Measures Taken at MJTC

Contractors have been working to erect an anti-climb fence around the perimeter of the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center.

As of August 1, Michael Crump, Director of the Division of Youth Services, said they had the poles in the ground and that, “installation was going well.” Department of Human Services Deputy Director Keesa Smith said “we have advised our contractor that the fence needs to be completed sooner rather than later.”

In addition to the fencing project, private contractor Youth Opportunity Investments, implemented protocols with their staff to prevent AWOLs. Furthermore, according to Smith, locks have been installed on the cottages.

“We have spoken with our treatment team, who handles the placement of children, and reinforced that no youth that has a history of running, or who has run from Mansfield, should be placed at Mansfield,” added Smith. “YOI and I are walking through protocols with DYS to address Sheriff Runion’s concern about having to keep youth in the county jail. We want to make sure that, if a child runs, the child comes back to Mansfield and we will place the child in a juvenile detention center.”

Smith’s statement comes in response to Sheriff Runion raising concern over housing wards of the state in the county jail. –See related story

DHS and YOI have been working diligently to address concerns from local officials. Admittedly, they assumed most of the added security measures would have been completed before the July 1 takeover. However, these past few week’s have proven to be productive, and there have not been any recent escapes from the facility.

Lady Bulldogs Serve Up Skills Drills And Thrills

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:12 pm

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Lady Bulldogs Serve Up Skills Drills And Thrills

As most softball players are relaxing and enjoying their offseason, it seems that the Waldron Lady Bulldogs Softball Team is just as busy as when they are in season if not busier. Over the course of three days from July 30-August 1, the Lady Bulldogs held their annual Orange and Black Softball Scrimmage. Every year the girls get 10 $10 sponsors to back them in their three day 30 inning fundraiser. The money is used to help fund tournaments and to help with equipment and uniforms. All of the money raised goes only for the softball team.

The Lady Bulldogs heavily rely on this fundraiser and although it has already passed, it’s never too late to give a monetary donation to help ensure that the Waldron softball program continues to grow and succeed. “The ladies did a great job,” exclaims Head Coach, Bailey More. “I saw lots of improvement. We had a great time and can’t wait to do it again next year. The parents served supper and the girls showed off some dance moves in between innings.”

“We had some younger (future) bulldog softball players come out to see what all of the fun was about too. Thank you to everyone who donated to our fundraiser!” After taking the weekend off, the Lady Bulldogs were right back at it again on August 5 as they hosted their Softball Skills Camp.

Around 20 girls grades 4-8 showed up to get some one-on-one field time action with their beloved Lady Bulldogs. The campers were separated into two groups and taught fun and informative drills and skills in such areas as hitting, catching, and fielding. Coach Bailey had this to say about the evening, “This camp was beneficial all the way around. These girls are the future of this program so you have current bulldogs passing on their knowledge to future bulldogs.”

“I have an awesome high school squad who always steps up and takes on the challenge of helping the younger players and I am so blessed for that. The camp was a small fundraiser for the girls but more than that it was a way to show our support to our younger bulldogs and give them some pointers that hopefully, they can use in their upcoming seasons.”

“We hope to make this camp an annual event and build our numbers with each year! The Lady Bulldog softball team would like to thank everyone who came out including helpers and players. We are truly blessed with a great community!”

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