Curtis Ray VanDeWiele of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, July 29, 2019 in Waldron, Arkansas with his loving family by his side. Curtis was born February 19, 1946 in Waldron, Arkansas to Charlie and Elva Jean (Doyle) VanDeWiele. He was 73 years old.
Curtis loved horses and spent much of his youth on horseback team roping, cutting, and team penning. When he wasn’t on horseback he could also be found coon hunting on any given night. Oh the stories that could be told!
Curtis leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Shirley of the home, one daughter, Heather Hale and husband Russell and one son, Todd VanDeWiele and wife Toni all of Waldron, Arkansas. Papa will forever be missed by his three grandchildren: Chase Hale, Tristan VanDeWiele and Taylor VanDeWiele. Curtis is also survived by his siblings: Judith Thompson, Jean Brooks and Joyce Dye all of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Charles VanDeWiele Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Earl VanDeWiele of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and one aunt, Louise Newberry of Waldron, Arkansas. Curtis will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Elva Jean.
Curtis’ memorial life celebration will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
Huntington Police Chief Brandon Odle recently announced his intent to resign. Odle, who has been with Huntington almost six years, has worked hard at improving the integrity and professionalism within the police department.
Before joining the Huntington PD, he served as a reserve officer with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, and part time for the City of Hackett. “When I was at Hackett, me and the chief at the time, would talk about Huntington and how it would be a good place to work. But, I never really thought I would end up there one day.”
After leaving Hackett, Odle went to Cedarville. He recalled receiving a phone call from a fellow officer at Huntington, who informed him about an open reserve position. That was the beginning of his career with the Huntington Police Department.
He recalled some of his proudest moments, “seeing the department grow, the police department remodeled and getting a new vehicle in 2017…” However, his proudest moment was watching four officers, who started as reserve officers at Huntington, go on to become full time certified.
Odle’s desire to see others succeed has helped mold the department and has created a legacy, which he hopes the next chief continues to build on. “I just hope as I leave, that it’s a better department than it was when I started. I hope that I have left the next chief something they can build on and make the department better.”
As he began considering his future in law enforcement, Odle reflected on where he wanted to be within the next five to 10 years. That consideration led to his accepting a position with the Fort Smith Police Department. “I had to consider which department could help me achieve my career goals, and I kept coming back to Fort Smith.”
Odle is grateful to those who helped him build his career, and to those who have offered him great support along the way. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Mayor Gary Lawrence. He took a chance on me to be the chief, and the support he has given me is very appreciated and I will never be able to thank him enough.” Odle also expressed his gratitude to the Huntington City Council, and fellow HPD officers, past and present. “I would like to thank Boyd Farmer, because over the last five years I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without his help. I spent a lot of time picking his brain and asking questions! Also, Tim Starr, who I worked for. He showed me a lot and was always a phone call away when I needed help. Mark Harris and James McCutcheon both helped me out a ton and made my life less stressful…I know I’m probably leaving some out, but a lot of people helped me get where I’m at, and I won’t forget that.”
He offers the following advice to the next chief of police: “One thing I will say, is that everyone wants to be the chief or the boss. I’ve learned there is a lot of responsibility that comes with it. People don’t see the tough decisions you have to make, decisions that will cost you friendships and lost sleep…I always tell people if you become a police officer for recognition, you’re doing it for the wrong reason. It’s been an experience of a lifetime to have served the City of Huntington and one I am very proud of. Thank you for the opportunity to have been able to serve as Chief of Police of the City of Huntington.”
The Waldron Bulldogs have hired a new member to join their team. Coach Robert Coker comes to the “dog pound” from Paris, Ar where he coached in football and baseball. Along with coaching the defensive backs and wide receivers, Coach Coker will also be assistant coaching softball and teaching either Civics or World History. Robert Coker is joined by his wife Cheryl and daughter Kyleigh of the home who will be starting the new school year in the eighth grade. Outside of the home, the couple shares four other children. Cody, Rob, Seth, and Danielle.
Robert Coker graduated high school from West Fork and went into professional baseball where a knee injury forced him down a different path in life. After some time, Coach Coker went back to school at the University of Arkansas where he received his Bachelors in 2005 and his Masters in 2006.
Coach Coker started his coaching career in 2006 at Rogers and later earned major credit at such schools as Jasper and Clarendon. “Coaching for me, is not about the State Championships or the titles,” says Coach Coker humbly. “It’s watching my students graduate and move on to something greater or having a player sign their letter of intent.”
“I try to teach my athletes to play with devotion, not emotion. At the end of the day, if I’ve taught my students and players anything, its that to get far in life, it all starts with books. That being structured and disciplined in what you do equals success in the classroom, on the field, and in life. I am excited to take this journey with the Bulldogs and ready to give the competition a run for their money!”
The Cedarville Little League Pirates are loading their cannons and preparing to set sail into the 2019 West Central Football League season. After battling against new opponents in uncharted waters last season, the Little League Pirates now know that they can shoot it out with anyone. Proof of that came in last years WCFL playoff game against Hackett were the third and fourth grade Pirates took the Hornets into five overtimes before falling in a thriller game.
That was last season. This season the Pirates are ready to plunder their way to take the WCFL Championship for themselves. With a team full of talent and top-notch coaching, they know it’s a very achievable goal. The Pirates will square off against stiff competition this season as they face all three newcomers to the league, Greenland, West Fork, and Lavaca along with the familiar faces of Magazine and JC Westside who both made the playoffs last season.
Cedarville Little League President and WCFL Vice President, Keith Ridgeway, said “We’re very excited about the 2019 season. We were successful last year even with low numbers. That success should help us grow during sign-ups this year. Our program knows we can go head to head with anyone in the league and we look forward to it. It’s also nice to be able to play Greenland, West Fork, & Mountainburg on the schedule this season. Those should make for some really good games.”
What it boils down to is that the Cedarville Little League Pirates are ready for some football. The community of Cedarville is ready to paint the town blue and support their Pirates all the way to the Gold. The waters are calm. The wind is in their favor. And it’s almost time to raise the colors.
The 2019 Little League season schedule
Photos courtesy of the Cedarville Little League Pirates
The Hackett Hornets have brought in a new addition to their coaches roster. Ryan Pointer is already settling into his new position as Offensive and Defensive Line Coach for the Hornets football team and he’s making it look easy. Along with his football duties, he will also be coaching bowling and will be the assistant baseball coach. When he’s not doing fieldwork, Coach Pointer will be teaching Environmental Science along with eighth-grade Science as well.
Although this will be Pointers first year teaching and coaching, he’s already proving that he was made for this job. “I graduated from Alma High School where I played football under Coach Doug Loughridge. From there I graduated from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and completed my student coaching and teaching at Ozark with Jeremie Burns and Brett Stone.”
“From a young age I always wanted to help people and as I grew older I knew I wanted to be that person in a kids life to push them to be the best they could be. I want to be that positive influence and someone that students can look up to. I think coaching covers many aspects of that by being able to push young adults to be the best that they can be and to encourage and teach them lessons that they will use for the rest of their lives.”
“I was beyond excited when I got offered the job at Hackett because I knew I would be joining a great tight-knit community and phenomenal staff of teachers, coaches, and administrators and just an overall great school.” Coach Pointer and his fiance, Andrea, who is in Grad school at the U of A for Speech Pathology, have been dating for four years and have plans to get married in May. “I already love working at Hackett. I can’t wait to meet my students and get this awesome journey started. Go Hornets!”
Coach Pointer working with the Hornet Linemen at Southsides Team Camp
Mansfield
Tiger sports fans will soon have available for purchase Athletic Passes for the
2019-2020 school year.
Adult passes
are $60 each. Upon presentation at the gate, card holders will be admitted free
to most all Mansfield regular season athletic home contests for grades 7-12 for
the current sports calendar. Free admission will be limited to regular season
football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, and track
contests. Per AAA and conference bylaws MHS athletic passes will not be honored
at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state competitions
hosted by Mansfield. Passes will soon be available for purchase at the high
school office during regular business hours beginning August 5. Questions can
be answered by contacting the high school office at (479)-928-1105.
Current
Mansfield Public School students (K-12th grade) may purchase a
Student Discount Card to attend regular season home games for $15. Presentation
of this personalized photo ID card at the gate of any regular season contest
will allow the cardholder $1 admission. Student discount cards must be ordered
with payment by August 30, 2019. Students will be issued a temporary card until
a date for producing photo cards is established. Student discount passes will
not be honored at benefit games, conference tournaments, regional, or state
competitions hosted by Mansfield. Card orders may be made at one of the offices
at any of the three Mansfield campuses.
Patrons 55
years of age or older may pick up a free senior citizen’s pass. Simply show
proof of age at the high school office during regular business hours to receive
your pass. Upon presentation at the gate, senior citizen pass holders will be
admitted free to most all MHS sporting events. Restrictions may apply to
conference tournaments, regional or state competitions hosted by Mansfield.
It’s no secret that Mansfield Public School systems will have a lot of new faces in the buildings this coming August. The district has had to hire several new teachers, coaches, a principal, and a superintendent. Within these recent changes, Mansfield School District will also be adding a new Band Director and Choir Teacher.
Mansfield School Board hired Michael Parker, of Fort Smith, as the new Mansfield Band Director for Senior and Junior High Band. Parker will also be teaching Music Appreciation at the High School as well as General Music at the Middle School. Parker grew up in Alma, but he has taught at Heavener, Oklahoma for the past seven years. He is excited for this new adventure coming to Mansfield. He has a bachelors degree in Music Education and a Masters in Instrumental Conducting.
Parker recalls he was in 6th Grade Beginning Band when he first learned to play an instrument (clarinet), and since then he has always had a love for music. He loves to collect movie score soundtracks CDs, but when asked what his favorite song/artist/instrument was, he replied, “Way too many to choose from.” When we asked Mr. Parker what he was most excited about in coming to Mansfield schools, he told us, “Getting to know the students!” We also asked him if he had any goals for the Mansfield Band, and he replied, “The only goals that really matter are making great music and growing in our musical abilities.” Mr. Parker said, “For any student not currently in band and want to join, contact me and we will set up a time to meet. I happily teach students after school to catch them up.” Mansfield Band students have already begun practicing for this Football Season’s halftime show! It should be an exciting season for all!
Welcome to Mansfield, Mr. Michael Parker!
Mansfield School District also hired Kimberly Boyd, of Mansfield, as the new Senior and Junior High Choir Director. Boyd will also be teaching General Music for the Elementary. Boyd is originally a native of Booneville, but upon marrying she moved to Mansfield over twelve years ago which is now considered home to her. She has been a substitute teacher for the past ten years for the Mansfield School District as well as an employee for Resident Press. Mrs. Boyd has a bachelors of General Studies with a primary emphasis in English Education and a secondary emphasis in Anthropology. She also holds an Associates of Arts degree. She has also worked for the past twenty years in church music ministry where she has also given private vocal and piano lessons. Boyd is passionate about music and loves kids!
When we asked Boyd if she remembered the first time she performed or sang in front of a crowd, she couldn’t quite remember. She replied, “I’ve been singing all my life. I can remember as a little girl singing with my Momma in church.” However, she was in 5th grade when she began learning to play the piano. “Now, that took some time! I remember always begging my Momma for a piano, but we just didn’t have the money. One Christmas, someone gave my Grandma a piano, so she in turn gave it to me. I’ll never forget my Momma hollering, ‘put your foot on the quiet pedal, Kimberly!’ I was always banging on that thing and pretending I knew exactly what I was doing!” We asked Boyd what her hobbies were, and she replied, “Family! I am big on family. I think it is so important. We have four kids, and we try to have dinner at the table every night. I love to cook and write short stories about my kids. Our family is loud, and we all love music so you can just imagine what that’s like with all of us together. My husband is a drummer and I’m a pianist, so there is a constant flow of music within our house.” When we asked Boyd what she is most excited about in joining the Mansfield School District and what her goals were for Choir and the Elementary students are, she replied, “I just feel so blessed for this opportunity. I’m excited to teach something that I truly love. I can’t wait to see a child’s face light up with a smile the first time they accomplish playing a drum, xylophone, or recorder! Everything about music is wonderful! I am excited to meet the students in all the schools, help them grow in their musical and vocal abilities, and build a wonderful Mansfield High and Junior High Choir Program as well as a great musical program for the Elementary! My main goal is to find laughter in teaching, share my love for music, and hope the kids find passion for music as well.” Mrs. Boyd also wanted to add, “If any student is interested in choir, she would love to have them aboard! We are in desperate need of Senior High Choir members this year. Please call the high school or meet with Mrs. Duval, so the school can get you registered.”
Welcome Mrs. Kimberly Boyd!
On behalf of Resident Press and citizens of Mansfield, we would like to welcome Mr. Parker and Mrs. Boyd to Mansfield Schools! We are excited to see these programs within our schools take off. Please come out and support our band and choir members at the Mansfield Tigers Football games as well as their concerts.
July is winding down quickly and August is sneaking in on Thursday. The Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce is trying to ease the thoughts of s-c-h-o-o-l starting in just a couple of short weeks!
The LACC held their annual Back-to-School-Bash on Saturday evening, July 27 in the Lavaca City Park. Chamber member Angela Gillooley was the chairperson of the Bash and all but single-handedly is responsible for the success of the evening. Free hotdogs and drinks were provided by our chamber member Farmer’s Bank. Additional drinks were provided by Jerry Denton and Coca-Cola.
The Lavaca School superintendent and chamber representative, Steve Rose, provided a small bus to hold the Fill-the-Bus project. Backpacks filled with supplies were given away by a drawing of names of school kids that were there.
The park was filled with two gigantic bounce-arounds, games of all kinds, face-painting and more. A local group sold Indian tacos, fried Oreos and funnel cakes. The local Girl Scouts sold cookies and some local baseball coaches were there pleading to sign-up players.
When darkness fell, a screen was set up and the new movie “Dumbo” was shown outdoors in the park as well.
It was a hot, yet full, afternoon in the summer sun but it was a really good way to celebrate and prepare for another school year beginning!
The Lavaca Little League Golden Arrows made a very positive adjustment over the offseason as the Arrows stepped out of their old league to join up with the West Central Football League. The WCFL is a league that was established to help small-town programs to match up with opponents similar to size, numbers, and talent. After the success of the WCFL’s inaugural season last year, the programs in the league saw a drastic rise in participation and excitement around their programs. Programs around the area noticed this and many wanted to join. When Lavaca was invited to join the league this past spring, they jumped at the opportunity.
Lavaca is set with great coaches and a great program as a whole. They have a history of being a stiff team for any opponent. With the Little League Golden Arrows now in a position to go toe to toe with WCFL competition and start building their program to prominence, the Golden Arrows are facing the unimaginable. They are so short on players that there’s a possibility of them having to forfeit their season. With only four weeks until their WCFL Jamboree in Mansfield on August 24th, Lavaca’s fifth and sixth grade team currently does not have enough players signed up to have a team while the third and fourth grade squad has merely a handful more.
Lavaca Little League Football President and WCFL Representative Alanna Brunson said “We’re excited to play in the West Central Football League this season. Most of the schools in the league are the schools that we play all the way up into high school now. The coaches and players we have are very excited to compete against these programs but our numbers are extremely low. If we can get more kids interested and involved in the program, we have the possibility of having the best season we’ve seen in years.”
Little League sports are not all about the money that a program gets at the gate. They’re not about whose rich, cool, or popular in that community. Little League sports are about young athletes and should be solely about young athletes. High School athletics may be the face of athletics in towns, but Little League is the entire body. Little League as a whole is the future of any high school athletic program. So if you get the chance, make some phone calls, knock on some doors, put up flyers, or simply post something on social media to help the Lavaca Little League Football program get some more players on their roster.
