Resident News Network

River Valley Primary Care Comes to Lavaca

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9:23 pm

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!”

Savages Show No Mercy In Tournament

Sports

Megan Hecox

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2:33 pm

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For the second year in a row, co-ed Little League softball team, The River Valley Savages, has dominated their annual Softball Tournament held at Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith. Made up of 12 players with 9 returning from last year, the Savages hold players from Mansfield, Greenwood, and Fort Smith. The entire team knows how to work together and in return, it is manifested through the scoreboard.

Making up the River Valley Savages are Isaac Carson, Colton Moore, Carter Koch, Layton Pyles, Drake Brunson, Hunter Whittaker, Jalee Edwards, Ellah Heydenreich, Bailey Quick, Kaegen Hickey, Kaylynn Piyapho, and Loghan Settle. The Savages, who are coached by Brandi Elmore, Blaine Quick, and Jeremy Whittaker, won their tournament on August 3 by defeating the Leflore County Ballers and Beauty and the Beast. The River Valley Savages are exactly that, Savages. With the trend they are setting, can you say Threepete?

Davis Enters Year Eight at Hackett

Sports

Resident News Network

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1:31 pm

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Every year teachers, coaches, and administrators change throughout school districts across the area. Something that one district has not seen in their band program is a change of director. For the past seven years, Lucas Davis has been the Band Director for the Hackett School District.

Davis, who plays the trumpet, grew up in Fort Smith and attended Southside High School. He went on to get his Bachelors in Music Education at Arkansas Tech University. After job searching for a few years, he was hired by Hackett School District to oversee their band program in 2012. Since then, Davis has been hard at work pushing his students to be the best that they can be.

When asked why he chose to be a band director Davis said, “I really enjoyed my time in the high school band.” In his free time, Davis runs with his wife and races drones. He also is a member of the Grand Avenue Baptist Church orchestra and the River Valley Community Band. A fun fact about Davis is that he was born in Germany and he is blind in his right eye.

At Hackett, Davis teaches Elementary Music, 6th Grade Band, Intermediate Band, General Music, and High School Band. Last year the High School Band was awarded 1st Division at Marching and Concert Assessment, earning their first Sweepstakes Award. They also placed 4th at the Dale Bumper Marching Contest and 2nd at the State Marching Contest while earning numerous awards for drum major, percussion, and color guard.

Last year was very successful for the Hackett Band. But with almost half the band freshmen and no seniors, Davis’ goal for this upcoming school year is to rebuild and keep expectations high. But Davis did say that “This group is dedicated.” So we can expect to hear a great show from the Hackett High School Band this year.

Cedarville Loading Cannons For 2019 Season

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:57 am

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Cedarville Loading Cannons For 2019 Season

Photo courtesy of Malinda Mizell

When the 2019 Cedarville football season starts, Head Coach, Max Washausen, will be starting his fourth year as the Pirates captain. It’s been a journey that has not only changed his life but many of his players lives as well. In just a few short years, Coach Washausen along with Assistant Coach Jarrod Remer, have taken a down and out football program and given it a complete makeover.

“The program has completely changed,” explains Coach Washausen. “In 2016 we started from the ground level as far as a football program goes. At that time we only had 20 players on the team and the entire 2015 seventh through twelfth grade season, had only won a combined six games. Flash forward to now, and the Junior High has won back to back conference championships in 2017 and 2018 and our Senior High team went 4-6 last season beating a well coached Mansfield team who ended up making it to the playoffs.”

This season, the Cedarville Pirates are bringing more to the table than ever before. “We have more depth than we have ever had in previous years. More and more players are doing what it takes during the summer to turn this into a successful program. The seniors have seen improvement every single year and the tenth and eleventh graders were back to back Jr High conference champs.”

Historically, the Cedarville football program has only had five winning seasons. But if you ask anybody in Pirate territory, this season that’s all going to change. The 3A-1 Cedarville Pirates are sitting in a conference with Booneville, Charleston, Greenland, Lamar, Mansfield, Paris, and West Fork. “If we continue to have good team chemistry and overcome adversity early in the season, I believe we will have one of the best seasons Cedarville football has had in a while.”

The returning senior high team is hoping to achieve success on a few goals that they have set in place for the upcoming season. To beat rivals, the Mountainburg Dragons. To beat Charleston for the first time in senior high history. To go 3-0 against the Mansfield Tigers. To make the playoffs. And to become Conference Champions.

A few Cedarville players you’ll want to keep your eye on this season include sophomore Runningback and Offensive Linebacker, Darryl Kattich, who according to Coach Washausen is “one of the most talented runningbacks I have seen in a long time.” Junior Runningback and Free Safety, Kelin Mitchell who rushed for over 900 yards and 13 touchdowns in his sophomore year.

Three-year starter on the Offensive and Defensive Line, senior Alex Ascencio. Strong-armed senior Quarterback and Linebacker, Calloway Henslee. Sophomore Middle Linebacker and Fullback, Hayden Partain who Coach Washausen says “is very smart, tough, and the ultimate teammate.”

Senior Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Kolbye Beals, “has a great attitude and is always ready to give 100 percent.” Kevin Jones, also a senior Offensive and Defensive Lineman, has great size and strength which helps him stand apart from the crowd. Adding depth in the Quarterback position is junior Nick Moore and sophomore Cody Dickens. And sophomore Bruce Turney and junior Tommy Metcalf are returning as starters on Offense and Defense. In total, Cedarville is returning seven starters on Offense and seven starters on Defense for the upcoming season.

The Cedarville Pirates football program seems to be on the rise and the 2019 season just might be what sends it over the top. Coach Washausen concludes, “I think we need to continue on the path we are headed. In 2015 we literally had 1 or two players willing to do what it takes to be a winning program and now we have the majority of the team doing what it takes. We need a total team commitment to getting better and it’s coming with this group.” Cedarville kicks off their football season on August 30 at 7 p.m. against the Rebels at Westside.

Bynum Trial Underway in Scott County

News

Tammy Teague

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10:09 am

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The jury trial of James Bynum is underway in a Scott County Court. Bynum’s trial began yesterday, October 29.

Bynum, who was convicted in 2015, was found guilty of 10 counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree, a class D Felony and two counts of sexual assault in the second degree, a class B felony. After finding Bynum guilty, the jury handed down a 100 year sentence.

In October 2018, the judgement of the circuit court was reversed and remanded by the State Supreme Court. Judge Kenneth Hixson ruled that Bynum’s counsel was “deficient” and that the court “erred in not finding that Mr. Bynum’s counsel’s deficient performance prejudiced the defense.” Furthermore, “We believe the fact of being charged with twelve crimes instead of two was, in itself, prejudicial to Mr. Bynum. Couple that with the fact, at the jury trial Mr. Bynum received, the jury was given no limiting instructions…Under these circumstances, we hold that there was a reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different had Mr. Bynum’s counsel not been deficient.”

Bynum is being retried on two class B felony sexual assault charges, which allegedly took place from 2013-2014. The trial is scheduled to continue through today, and on into tomorrow.

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