Resident News Network

First Baptist Lavaca Welcomes New Pastor

Headlines

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5:23 pm

First Baptist Lavaca Welcomes New Pastor

First Baptist Church of Lavaca Arkansas said good bye to Pastor Joe Donahue and his family back in November and started looking for their next pastor. After many months of praying and searching the church posted the following today, “First Lavaca is excited to officially announce Pastor Steven Smithson as our new Senior Pastor. Please be in prayer for Pastor Steven and his wife Stephanie, kids Eli, Monica, and Silas as they transition to Lavaca.”

For Steven and Stephanie Smithson, this new pastorate is not only a new church home but also a physical homecoming. Steven grew up in Lavaca, graduating from Lavaca High School. Stephanie is also from Atkins Arkansas, not too far away. Pastor Smithson had this to say about his coming home, “We are beyond blessed to have opportunity to serve once again in the River Valley. It is with great humility and joy to be called to serve at my home church, First Baptist Lavaca. Many heroes of the faith from First Lavaca invested in me from a very young age. Coming back to this church eighteen years later with the opportunity to pour back into its people is surreal. My wife Stephanie and I, have sensed the Lord’s leading and have felt His strong call to return. We are anticipating joining this dynamic congregation, and following the Lord’s direction together with them both in service for Him and worship of Him.”

Obituary – Scott Jason Elmore (1972 – 2019)

Obituaries

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3:35 pm

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Obituary – Scott Jason Elmore (1972 – 2019)

Scott Jason Elmore, 47, of Mansfield, Arkansas passed away on June 20, 2019 at his home. He was born April 25, 1972 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Doyne (deceased) and Janet (Henley) Elmore. Scott graduated from Mansfield High School in 1990, he played football and baseball through high school. He was past President of CMA and a member of the James Fork Baptist Church.

Scott is survived by his mother Janet Elmore of Mansfield, one daughter Faith Elmore, four brothers; Jerry Efurd, Jonathon Lonnie Efurd, Kenny Elmore, Gene Elmore, one sister, Darlene George and by many nieces, nephews, friends and other family.

He is preceded in death by father Doyne Elmore, grandparents; Ruby and Albert Elmore, Louise and Luther Henley.

Visitation will be Monday June 24, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield.

Graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 25, 2019 at Huntington Cemetery with Rev Richard Maness officiating under the direction of Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be brothers; Jerry Efurd, Jonathon Lonnie Efurd, Kenny Elmore, Gene Elmore and by two uncles; Nelton Henley and Terry Henley.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mansfield Senior Citizen Center in c/o Martin Funeral Home P.O. Box 367 Mansfield, Arkansas 72944.

8th Annual True Grit Riders Hit the Road

Resident News Network

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5:23 pm

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8th Annual True Grit Riders Hit the Road

This Saturday, June 22, 2019, was the 8th Annual True Grit Bike Ride across Sebastian County. Bikers will find out if they possess the grit to ride the True Grit Trial in distances of a 10, 30, 45, 62 or 105-mile ride. A course is provided for riders of any skill. Bike enthusiasts from all across the country come to see if they can persevere through a grueling day of high humidity and full sun. The longest route began in Chaffee Crossing and goes to Caulksville, then 288 West to Highway 60, following the Military Road and Highway 22 back to Chaffee Crossing.

A pit stop is located every 10 miles along the route where bicyclists can pause for a moment for a restroom break, some cold water or Gatorade, a quick snack, wet towel, or even some pickle juice! “I have never heard of pickle juice being used to help with leg cramps,” a man here from Michigan said, “but I will sure try it!” He traveled to the event to ride with his friends who live in the area.

The story goes that a group of ladies, all over 65 years of age, raised charity funds by selling hot dogs and hamburgers. After about ten years they decided that this wasn’t fun any longer. Some had seen bike rides in other places so they decided to start one here. Now, the True Grit Bike Ride is the most successful fundraiser of the Clearinghouse. The “Meals for Kids” program provides food on Fridays to children who do not have access to regular meals on weekends when they are not in school. The program serves 142 schools in Sebastian, Franklin, Crawford, Logan and Scott counties in Arkansas and Leflore and Sequoyah in Oklahoma. That is food for more than 2400 kids!

Zac Smith of Fort Smith has been a participant in both the True Grit Run and Ride in the past and was riding this weekend. Zac was one of the many bicyclists who are making the longest ride, the 105 mile course. “I made a 101-mile ride before with a friend in five hours and fifty minutes. I averaged seventeen miles an hour but expect to get somewhere around twenty-four miles an hour riding with a group. You get the momentum and less drag with a crowd,” Zac stated. “I should make it in just over four hours this time.”

The True Grit Bike Ride and Run appeared to be a great success this year as the bicyclists passed here all morning. There were mostly regular looking 10-speed bikes but some favored horizontal exercise bikes from a health club. There was a bicycle built for two and one that looked like a gym elliptical machine. Motorists were respectful to the bikers and no incidents were reported at this time. All the bikers and the pit stop workers were dripping wet with sweat but had full smiles and glad hearts to be a part of the very worthwhile event.

Hay-making during Arkansas storm season

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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3:40 pm

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By the U of A System Division of Agriculture

Fast facts:

Storm season in Arkansas usually means there’s not a perfect time to cut
Cut near or at the recommended growth stage
Be sure hay is cured to 18 percent moisture content in the field

Every time warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets a cold front over Arkansas, hay producers brace themselves for another delay in hay cutting.

“Storm season in Arkansas means that hay probably will never be cut at the right time,” said Dirk Philipp, associate professor-animal science, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Don’t despair if you didn’t have chance to get all your fescue hay in.”

Tall fescue hay should be cut at boot/early bloom, he said, but this window can be hard to hit with the frequency of wet weather. Toxic fescue – the old Kentucky 31 – hay should be cut before seed head development to avoid the alkaloids that concentrate in the seeds. These alkaloids can affect livestock health.

“However, even if hay has been cut well into seed heading, toxicity will decline over time, anywhere between 25-75 percent over the course of storage, so most of the hay will probably be safe to feed after months of storage,” Philipp said.

With novel endophyte tall fescue, toxic alkaloids aren’t a problem, but the same basic rules for haying apply, he said:

Cut at or near the recommended growth stage
Make sure hay is cured to 18 percent moisture content in the field
Bale in a timely manner
Store bales inside a barn. If a barn is not available, store bales elevated on pallets and covered with tarp.

Making hay

It’s no secret that most farmers would like to produce more hay than they need. “And there’s nothing wrong with that,” Philipp said. “Producers need to understand that when going for quantity, the hay nutritive value may or may not be right on target.” He urges growers to calculate the number of bales needed up front to be efficient with expenses.

“To get your herd through the winter with minimal loss of weight and condition score, analyze your hay before feeding regarding nutrient content and TDN, or total digestible nutrients,” Philipp said.

Ranches should supplement if needed, but “you will probably need fewer supplements or grain than you think,” he said. “Much of the hay farmers put up will be sufficient for non-lactating cows.”

Philipp said that to cut hay expenses over time, start experimenting with stockpiling and over-seeding dormant warm-season grasses for late fall and winter grazing.

For more information about managing hay and forages, contact your county extension office, or visit www.uaex.edu.

Tiger Coach Landon Dover Heads To Mena

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:29 pm

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It has been an earth-shattering week for the Mansfield Tigers. First, the community learned that Head Football Coach, Craig Bentley was taking a new Head Coach position in his hometown of Mena. Now, recently hired assistant football coach for the Tigers, Landon Dover, is following suit and taking on a position under Coach Bentley at Mena.

Landon Dover first came to Mansfield in May as a replacement for former assistant football coach, Dustin Payne. Coach Dover was also slated to be the Track Coach. Although this week has flipped every Tigers world upside down, one thing remains the same. As proven many times before, no matter what obstacle is thrown at the town of Mansfield, the Tigers will always prevail.

Toodles Groomers now open in Greenwood

Headlines

Resident News Network

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11:48 am

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Warning! Discounts available in this article.

Toodles Groomers has been in Greenwood for a couple of months now at 1275 W. Center (across from Julz). Owned and operated by Crickett Keaton, they cater to making sure your pet is comfortable before, during and after their grooming experience.

This all started long ago as a child, when Crickett’s family raised pets, she had a love for them, even the wild ones. She has been around animals all of their lives.

Over time, she found her passion for making sure that her pets and anyone else’s pets had the best grooming. From facials, nails, regular baths, teeth brushed and yes even a de-shedding bath that can reduce shedding up to 90% with a short period of special bathing.

As Crickett shared, “Shedding comes from the underneath, the fluffy layer. I have found that by applying a special shampoo and conditioner as well as brushing that “fluffy layer”, the hair that would be shedding is greatly reduced. That means the owners are not having to keep cleaning up the fine hairs found all over the home. It really makes a big difference.”

Toodles Groomers has different package services and even ala carte, or single services at very affordable rates.

Basic services include regular bath, cut, ears cleaned, nails trimmed/filed and teeth cleaned for all sizes of dogs
Spa services include dead-sea mud bath, facial, teeth brushed, ears cleaned, and nails trimmed/filed for all sizes of dogs

Crickett has new customers coming every week and many repeat customers. She is very thankful for the community support.

“Our promise to you is that we will take care of your pet as if they were our own. We will make sure your pet is comfortable and our #1 priority.”

If you’ve not had a positive experience with a groomer, Crickett invites you to come by and watch as she grooms. Call ahead 479-719-2639 so she can make sure there is a pet ready to groom.

When you refer a friend, Toodles Groomers will give both you and your friend a one-time $5 credit towards any of their services.

Watch their Facebook group Toodles Groomers for weekly Breed of the Week specials and an opportunity to win 30% off.

Also, take advantage of this week’s special, mention this sponsored article and get 1/2 off a regular bath for your pet.

Go visit Toodles Groomers at 1275 W. Center in Greenwood and plan to attend with your friends Toodles Groomers Grand Opening tomorrow on June 22, 2019 at 10am.

Young Tigers Sharpen Claws At Youth Camp

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:39 am

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Young Tigers Sharpen Claws At Youth Camp

Once again, the Mansfield Tigers have successfully pulled off an exciting and educational Tiger Youth Football Camp. Over a two day period, 26 third through seventh grade boys and girls showed up to take in as much information as possible, to help ensure the brightest and most accomplished future as a Mansfield Tiger.

Taught by the Mansfield football coaches as well as players from both the junior high and senior high teams, campers were led through a variety of offensive and defensive skills. On the second day, a skills competition was held in which the youth were placed into different grade groups and battled it out in categories such as kickoff, throwing, and drop-kicking.

“Another great Youth Camp is in the books,” stated the Mansfield Tigers staff. “Thanks to all the campers and their parents for bringing them. We hope they had a great time. Go Tigers!”

Waldron Youth Camp Turning Pups Into Bulldogs

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:36 am

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Waldron Youth Camp Turning Pups Into Bulldogs

The Waldron Bulldogs coaches and players have successfully completed their first Youth Football Camp and with outstanding results. The Bulldogs saw a grand total of 32 kids during the two day youth camp. Both the coaches and players worked with the campers on the fundamentals and basics of the game while mixing in some fun to boot. If the camp proved one thing, it’s that Waldron has no problem bringing their coaches, players, and little leaguers together to reach their goals while also learning what it means to be a Bulldog!

The Bulldogs Little League Co-Commissioner Thomas B Mays said, “The football camp for our 3rd-7th graders was very informative. They ran through footwork drills, hit tackling dummies, and much more. We had a great turn out. Coach Bates always goes above and beyond when it comes to our Pee-Wee Program. He’s always there supporting our young athletes. We appreciate the hard work and determination that goes into putting these camps on. We’re excited about our upcoming season and are proud of our community.”

Waldron High School Head Coach, Jonathon Bates, put into words his thoughts on the Bulldogs first Youth Football Camp. “A few highlights from our camp was getting to work with the youth and showing them how we do things at the high school level and then seeing them get out there and get after it. The Waldron Bulldog football staff would like to thank our players for helping us in making this first camp a success and to the parents for allowing us the opportunity to work with the kids.”

Mansfield LL Ready To “Earn It” In 2019

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:06 am

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With baseball season over, it’s time to move forward into Little League football season. With Mansfield joining the newly created West Central Football League last season, the Tigers were unsure of what they would be walking into. Well, they didn’t walk into anything. They pounced on it! Last season, the third and fourth grade team took home the WCFL Championship while the fifth and sixth grade reached the WCFL Playoffs. Flag Football pushed its way towards the top last season as well. It’s no secret that the Mansfield Little League Football programs have done some serious growth over the past few years and look to continue growing.

The Mansfield Little League board members have made some changes over the offseason to help in assisting with building the programs bright future. They have joined with Hackett and the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club for flag football this season. This gives the Tigers a couple of games at home and will also prevent parents and players from traveling to the same venue every week. They are currently in the process of updating equipment and uniforms for the contact teams also.

The fifth and sixth grade team will don some awesome new jerseys this season along with a new Head Coach, Steven Moore. Steven was an assistant on the 2018 third and fourth grade Tiger championship team and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and heart. He’s a great fit for getting players ready for the next level in Tiger Football. Head Coach Steven Moore said, “I can’t wait for the season to start up. I think youth sports, in general, is a great thing for our local kids. It teaches them responsibility, accountability, and helps with their basic social skills. I just want to help the youth in Mansfield grow into great young men and women.”

The third and fourth grade will be feeding off of their momentum from last seasons championship run. With a very tough group of upcoming fourth graders and the super talented crew of last years flag football players moving up into third grade, the Tigers are poised to hoist another championship trophy. Head Coach David Moore said, “I’m really looking forward to getting this season kicked off. Hopefully, we see last seasons players and a lot of new faces as well. This season we have some key positions to fill from our players that moved up to the fifth grade. We will most definitely have a target on our back after winning the championship last year. It should be a very competitive year and we’re looking forward to another great season.”

The Tigers will be facing some new opponents this year also. The WCFL saw Western Yell depart from the league during the offseason but quickly replaced them with Greenland, West Fork, and Lavaca. Mansfield will face all three of these newly added programs this season along with Magazine, Mountainburg, and fellow rivals the Hackett Hornets. As an added bonus, Mansfield will be the host of the 2019 Little League Jamboree. There’s no doubt that the 2019 Little League Tiger football games will be just as exciting as any of the college football games this season.

Mansfield Little League Football will be conducting sign-ups on July 1st and 2nd and July 9th and 11th at the Middle School field from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Little League Bulldogs Barking Into 2019

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:17 am

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Little League Bulldogs Barking Into 2019

The Waldron Little League Football Bulldogs are licking their chops in anticipation for the 2019 season. Coming off of a stellar 2018 season, the Bulldogs are gaining speed towards being a year in and year out competitor in their league. They go by the motto of “Rise As One.” Couple that with some really sweet new helmets and the sky is the limit for the 2019 Bulldog program.

Co-Football Commissioners Thomas B Mays and Jared Kluthe have rallied the town around the growth of the program like never before. The community is buzzing about the program because they can see the potential for the future of Waldron football.

Coach Thomas B Mays said, “Our expectations are raised really high coming into the 2019 season. Our teams are looking very promising. We’ve made a few new changes with our programs. Our 3rd and 4th grade coaches will be Dwayne Blackmon, Tony Blackmon, William Helton, and Head Coach Tylor Hudson. Our 5th and 6th grade coaches will be Thomas Mays, Jared Kluthe, and Ryan Brown. Last year we had a great year and we’re looking to take that momentum into this season. We have a great group of coaches that put out kids first. We also have great support from the community along with the Waldron School District. Our High School football coach has gone above and beyond to try and help our program. We appreciate Coach Bates and his staff. Regardless of this seasons outcome, we’re already winners.”

The 2018 Pee Wee Bulldogs taking on the compitition

Coach Jared Kluthe said, “We are looking forward to another great season. With our numbers on a slow rise, the program is starting to show more enthusiasm from the community. After two days at the camp with the school, High School Head Coach, Jonathan Bates, is excited about the future of our programs and sees great things coming. We are extremely proud to have their support along with the community’s support and it’s like we tell the athletes, together we will rise as one.”

The Waldron Little League Bulldogs will have two more signups which will be held on June 22nd and July 13th from 10:00-12:00 at the gazebo on Main Street.

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