Resident News Network

AGFC Fishing Report

Outdoors

-

9:37 am

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s weekly fishing report for June 12 2019. If there is a body of water youl would like included in this report, please email jim.harris@agfc.ar.gov with information on possible sources for reports about that lake or river. Reports are updated weekly, although some reports might be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed.

Lake Atkins

(updated 6-12-2019) Sharon at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said Lake Atkins is cloudy in some areas but overall is pretty clear. The water level is high by about 1-1.5 feet. No surface temperature was reported. No reports on bream and nothing reported on crappie, either. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwater lures. Catfishing is good using worms or chicken livers.

Lake Catherine
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 6-12-2019) Steve Donahou at Lake Catherine State Park (501-844-4176) checked with Austin Owens of the Lake Catherine State Park Marina, who reports that clarity is dirty from recent rains, though the water level is normal. Bream are good. They can be caught from the shoreline out to 7-8 feet depth. Worms and crickets are being used. Crappie reports are poor. Black bass are good, with the fish found in 5-10 feet depth. Plastic worms, topwater baits, Brush Hogs and lizards are all working well. Find the bass around the brush. Catfishing is good on worms and blood bait. No report on white bass.

Lake Catherine (Below Carpenter Dam)

For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 6-12-2019) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that Lake Ouachita has risen slightly back into flood pool as more rainfall continues to plague our state. Carpenter Dam had been unsafe to navigate for weeks, but Entergy has scheduled time the last week for no generation until noon for the public to fish. This move has made it possible for anglers to safely and effectively target a virtually untouched trout population These fish are presently being caught in good numbers. Boaters can anchor in areas holding good numbers of trout and have success casting Rooster Tails in white or brown around rock structure and sandbars. The months of May and June brings huge numbers of shad toward the dam to spawn. Trout will feed heavily on these baitfish and will strike artificial lures that imitate live minnows. Small jigs in gray or white will also work well in the same areas in slack or current situations. Trolling against the current with shallow-running crankbaits imitating shad or crawfish will attract larger trout that seek bigger prey. Bank fishermen should take advantage of slack water periods by presenting trout with nightcrawlers and redworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. Waxworms and mealworms used in the same manner will allow anglers to catch limits of rainbows that are actively searching for food. Live bait presentations cannot be overemphasized, because trout become much more wary as their environment warms and the summer heat sets in. June brings white bass by the thousands into the Carpenter Dam tailrace to begin the spawn. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and jig presentations will all draw strikes from these temperate bass from the dam to the bridge as they feed on shad for months. Hybrid bass also run alongside these fish and will feed on the same prey items. Stripers always migrate into the area in the summer months in search of food and cooler temperatures. Balloon rigs with gizzard shad give fishermen a good chance to hook a big striper, but artificial lures such as Super Spooks and Alabama rigs should not be overlooked. Strong rods and lines are recommended for these predator fish that possess great power and are often in the 2 to 40-pound range. Anyone navigating Lake Catherine should always wear a life jacket and be aware of the generation schedules. All park rules and regulations must be followed in the Carpenter Dam tailrace.

Lake Dardanelle

(updated 6-12-2019) Jason Baumgartner, park aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7495), said the area has experienced mostly sunshine and breezy winds the past week.A sunny and dry week is forecasted until the weekend, when more humid air and showers arrive. The lake has no visibility, the water remains muddy. Surface temperature is 79 degrees. Boat ramps inside Lake Dardanelle State Park remain closed until further notice. However, please contact the Visitor Center (479) 967-5516 ext. 2 for updated boat ramp status. According to National Weather Service preliminary values, the river crested at the Ozark Lock & Dam 12 on May 30 at 374.99 feet msl with a flow around 560,000 cfs. As of Tuesday, June 11, the river at Ozark Lock & Dam 12 is forecasted to recede below flood stage (357 feet) Thursday morning. Currently, the tailwater elevation is 359 feet and falling. Release at Ozark L&D 12 has been steadily slowing and is currently 204,000 cfs. There has been no power generation. The islands and bottoms at the Arkansas Highway 109 bridge and near Spadra are beginning to emerge as the water recedes. It is likely that much of the sandbars and points have changed in size or shifted in these areas. Dikes remain underwater. so use caution. Downriver, pool elevation near Lake Dardanelle State Park has returned to normal. NWS preliminary values show the Lake Dardanelle tailwater crested on May 30 at 45.91 feet msl with a flow around 587,000 cfs. If official, this level will have exceeded the record established in 1943. It has since receded below flood stage to 28 feet. Release is currently 194,000 cfs and slowing. There has been no power generation. Anglers: Please use caution when on the water. Tournaments at Lake Dardanelle State Park have been cancelled or rescheduled due to dangerous river conditions. For tournament updates, please contact the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center at (479) 967-5516 ext. 2.

(updated 6-12-2019) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) had no report.

Lake Hamilton

(updated 6-12-2019) Greeson Marine, hometown dealer of the Arkansas-born-and-bred all-welded aluminum Xpress fishing boats in Hot Springs, reports lake levels normalizing and temps in the mid-70s throughout. Bass fishing is really hot right now! The water is just barely off-color, which makes things much easier for anglers to imitate the natural prey of the fish. Bass are good all over right now and not just on Hamilton. Carolina-rigged worms and lizards along with Texas-rigged ribbon-tailed worms in darker colors like black, plum or June-bug are doing well all over. Topwater is doing really well in the mornings and evenings. Whopper Ploppers always work, along with frog and popper styles. Change it up every now and then. Fish have seen the typical presentations on these public lakes, so think outside the box and modify what you have or throw something with rusted-out hooks at the bottom of the box. Catfish are good as usual this time of year. You can find them on drop-offs and creek channel bends everywhere. Crappie are fair in most areas from what we have heard, but no real reports. Good luck! And Go Greeson!

(updated 6-12-2019) Capt. Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips says that like at DeGray, the story is pretty simple after all the rainfall has moved on – the crappie are still biting and the whites are schooling.

Lake Nimrod

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 371.48 feet msl (normal pool: 345.0 feet msl).

(updated 6-12-2019) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) said the clarity is “real clear” now and the surface temperature is 83 degrees. Water level is high. But that’s not hurting fishing for their anglers. Crappie are good. The fish are in 5-7 feet depth and are biting black/chartreuse crappie niblets, as well as minnows or jigs. Work the brush piles. Black bass are fair. Use a chatterbait or a War Eagle spinnerbait. Catfish are biting well around the brush piles. They say that anglers tell them they are catching a lot of bream elsewhere, just not at Nimrod. At Nimrod, the bream bite rates fair. Use crickets.

(updated 6-12-2019) Good Ole Boys Trading Post (479-272-4710) said the water is muddy and at a high level. The area is “super flooded,” they say. Across the board, the results for fishing have been poor. “We’re playing dominoes,” the source joked.

Lake Ouachita

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Blakely Dam was 579.16 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).

(updated 6-12-2019) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) said black bass are good. Texas-rigged soft plastics and drop-shot rigs fished over points are working at this time. Walleye are still very good. Small minnow-colored crank baits and night crawlers on drop shot rigs are producing good stringers. Stripers are still good. Most of these fish have moved to the central part of the lake and are being caught on live bait or big hair jigs. Bream are still very good with reports of fish being caught with grubs and worms in 8-15 feet of water near brush. Crappie are fair and being caught with jigs or minnows in 12-20 feet of water near brush. Catfish are excellent and anglers are having luck with rod and reel using live nightcrawlers around brush piles. Surface water temperature is ranging 80-84 degrees. Lake level is 579.40 feet msl as of Tuesday and the clarity is clearing. Contact the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717; Chris Darby, 870-867-7822; and Jerry Bean, 501-282-6104) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 409.40 feet msl (full pool: 384.00 feet msl).

(updated 6-12-2019) Angler Dane Goodwin said Blue Mountain Lake is still not producing well for crappie. Bream are on beds and good. No report on catfish. Water should continue to improve in coming weeks.

The Legendary Frank Boyd

Networks

Tammy Teague

-

9:20 am

0

We have been overwhelmed at the welcome we’ve received since adding print to our news offerings.

I am so proud to say that we are the sole local news outlet providing print, web and mobile. YOU are to thank for that!

We have underestimated the need for a fresh news source, and it’s been truly awesome to sell out at our drop locations.

We are currently in the process of adding newspaper machines at several more locations. Be watching next week, we will be sharing where you can find those.

Recently, I visited with Darlene Boyd at a Mansfield Chamber of Commerce meeting. She and her husband Frank pioneered the newspaper in our area. So many felt like the local paper was “not like it used to be,” after Frank’s passing.

It’s true, you cannot substitute heart. And, this business was the heart of Frank Boyd. I remember driving by late at night and seeing the lights still on at the office.

The passion he had to produce a quality, community focused paper cannot be learned at a college, or taught by a teacher. The dedication he had for providing news to this area was engrained in him.

I realize we will never duplicate this legend. But, the focus, the goal, and the heart is there. I am proud of that. With the continued support we can keep the light on, and keep working!

Homemade Sandwich Thin Bread

Food

Resident News Network

-

6:51 pm

0

Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked bread! Admit it, you can’t even hardly wait for it to finish baking.

Fresh-baked-bread

I created this recipe quite a few years ago because my husband had taken a liking to it, but with three of these each day in his lunch box it was becoming a budget burden.

These are firm, but not hard on the outside, pillow-soft on the inside and with real good flavor. They are great for sandwiches, hamburger buns and you can toast them or just eating them with only butter. They are sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

1-1/3 Cup hot tap water
1 large egg
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 Cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon flax seed (optional)
1/4 Cup regular oatmeal (not quick-cooking)
2 Cups all-purpose flour
2 Cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon bread yeast on top
White cornmeal for rolling out on, don’t add to bread (regular flour makes it too heavy)

Preheat oven to 200^o to “proof” or raise the dough first. The best thing to use is parchment paper on 2 cookie sheets so they can raise good. (You can re-use the parchment paper.)

In the order listed above, put all ingredients into a bread machine pan (with yeast in a little hole you make in the flour) and set for Dough setting, usually 90 minutes and it will be done mixing and rising. On a table surface, sprinkle a handful of the white cornmeal in about an 8” circle. Remove the dough from bread machine and put on cornmeal and turn over to coat both sides. With a large knife, cut the dough in half. Cut each half into 8 equal pieces for a total of 16 pieces of sandwich bread.

With a rolling pin and adding more of the cornmeal as necessary to keep from sticking, use a small round bowl about 4” across to cut down on the dough into a circle. You don’t have to use this, you can eyeball and just roll out round or square, however you wish.

Do the same until you have 16-17 round breads and place on prepared cookie sheets. It is okay if they touch. Re-use any pieces that were cut off.

Put the bread into the preheated 200^o oven for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours to raise. When they are ready, leave them in the oven and turn temperature up to 325^o and bake for 9-11 minutes, but don’t let the top tray get too brown. When the top tray is done, remove and move the 2^nd tray to the top and bake for 11 minutes.

As soon as they are cool, put into bread bags and either freeze or refrigerate on their sides to keep from smashing. [click_to_tweet tweet=”Bread recipe that is wonderful! Easy to make, especially in a bread machine.” quote=”Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked bread! Admit it, you can’t even wait for it to finish baking. https://residentpress.com/homemade-sandwich-thin-bread”]

Note: If you don’t have a bread maker, mix the water, 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast in small bowl and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the dry ingredients together in a small bowl. In big mixer bowl, add the yeast water and egg, mix well. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time with mixer on low. You will then have to remove and mix by hand after you have put half of the dry mixture in. Knead 10 minutes and shape as above. Proofing and baking is the same.

Extension Homemakers Program Provides Members with Education and Leadership Development

Headlines

Resident News Network

-

5:07 pm

0

Extension Homemakers Program Provides Members with Education and Leadership Development

Fast facts
· Arkansas EHC has more than 3,700 members
· Arkansas EHC members have provided more than 700K volunteer hours
· Volunteer work valued at more than $16 million

The Arkansas Extension Homemakers began life in 1912 as Home Demonstration Clubs. The clubs, organized by the Cooperative Extension Service, were essential for disseminating critical information for managing family resources and food safety at a time when many rural households were isolated by distance; and without modern tools such as electricity or phone service, or access to libraries or other sources of life-saving knowledge.

Nationally, AEHC is affiliated with the National Volunteer Outreach Network. Internationally, AEHC is part of the Associated Country Women of the World. “Arkansas Extension Homemakers has been around for 107 years, and for the organization’s whole history, has quietly worked to improve the lives of all Arkansans today as it has for more than a century,” said Laura Hendrix, associate professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The thousands of members of this organization put in hundreds of thousands of hours of volunteer work every year. We are proud of the contributions they make to their communities and the state as a whole.”

During fiscal 2018-2019, the most recent period for which statistics are available, Extension Homemakers reported giving 707,960 hours of volunteer service. Those at the Capitol will be representing the more than 3,775 members of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council from 324 clubs.

Since its start in 1912, the Extension Homemakers/Home Demonstration program has been ongoing in Arkansas, providing its members with education and leadership development and service to the communities in which the clubs are located. Through the years, the program has helped victims of the great Mississippi River Flood of 1927, promoted vaccination programs and provided tools to help young children communicate what ails them to health professionals.

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
Extension Homemakers Clubs in Sebastian County:
Cavanaugh –
President: Mel Santos
Meeting time and place:
Third Wed.,
10 a.m., Creekmore Park,
3301 S. M Street, Fort Smith

Fort Smith Central –
President: Shirley Hamilton
Meeting time and place:
Third Thurs.,
10 a.m., Farmers Bank,
227 Fort Street, Barling

Good Neighbors –
President: Gwen Woodhull
Meeting time and place:
First Thurs.,
10:30 a.m., Jenny Lind
Baptist Church,
1910 Gate 9 Road, Greenwood

Dayton –
President: Donna Lindgren
Meeting time and place:
First Thurs.,
6:30 p.m., Dayton Community Building,
2229 E. Highway 252, Huntington

Excelsior –
President: Paula Resch
Meeting time and place:
Third Thurs.,
10 a.m., Farmers Bank Com. Room,
71 W. Center St., Greenwood

Are you interested in becoming an AEHC member, but the current clubs do not work for you? We can start a new club at your nursing home, assisted living, or any other location! Please contact your FCS Agent, Shaw nee Tichenor, for more information at 479-484-7737!

A Sports Writers Rookie Year

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

11:21 am

0

An entire year has come and gone since I started on my sports writing adventure. Considering I had never done anything in the journalism field before, let alone write an article, it was safe to say I was 100% clueless. I started this job just weeks before the opening of football season, so I didn’t have much time to learn and prepare. Fortunately, Jason, my boss, was at my side teaching me the ins and outs of how to take the perfect picture while my editor Tammy was there giving me pointers on proper language usage.

Both of them most definitely had their work cut out for them. Slowly but surely the reins were released and it was sink or swim time. I’ve never been one to shy away from a conversation, so I knew that part of my job would be a piece of cake. My entire K-12 schooling career consisted of getting my desk moved to the corner of the classroom or being sent to the hall due to my lack of ability to shut my mouth.

My fifth-grade teacher once told my parents at a conference that I would talk to a rock if I was sitting next to it. So because of my superhuman power of chattiness, I knew talking to complete strangers would not be a problem. Ironically, the problem lied in the picture taking. Up until a few months ago, I was driving Jason absolutely bat crazy because I would be sitting back away from the action to get my photo. “Get up in the shot,” he’d say. Slowly but surely I was able to hop on in there and I now feel completely capable of getting the job done.

Since the start of my journey, I have met the most amazing people. I am beyond blessed to be working with a long list of coaches and players from the Mansfield, Hackett, and Waldron areas. I have never met more dedicated and selfless people, who are only in it to see everyone else around them succeed. If it wasn’t for the plethora of coaches I work with, then my job would literally be non-existent.

For the past year, these coaches have spent day and night, Monday through Sunday, answering my calls, texts, emails and enduring my face-to-face encounters. They are always smiling and bending over backwards to answer my questions, send a picture or answer my stupid sports questions. They continually assisted me in understanding the game. I am the lucky one because I get to work with wonderful people who have the same goals as I do and that is to bring positive and encouraging support and attention to our small town sports.

Additionally, my job would not be possible without the help from the players. Although at times I was greeted with the look of, “why is this weird lady talking to me,” once the players understood why I was talking to them, they always came around to help in the process of getting my articles out. From track, cross country, cheer, football, and basketball to baseball, softball, golf, bowling, and archery the one thing that has really melted my heart was the manners and sense of protection that these kids possess when a non-athlete is in their territory.

Most people don’t realize how scary being on the field or on the court as a bystander can be. In the stands, you’re nice and cozy enjoying your snacks and watching the game. On the ground its fast-paced action flying all around you. More times than I can count, these kids have literally shielded me from getting smacked in the face with a basketball or football. Players would do a ninja style matrix move just to stop themselves from laying me out flat on the field or court.

As season two is fast approaching, I look back on all of the friendships and memories I have created and look forward to the many more just waiting to happen. I am forever in debt to the coaches, players, and parents that keep me in a job and for the support from the Mansfield, Hackett, and Waldron communities. I absolutely LOVE what I do and hope to keep it up for many years to come!

Lady Tigers Calling All Bargain Hunters

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

8:16 am

0

All yard salers, thrifty shoppers, and those just looking for a deal, have the Lady Tigers got something special for you. This upcoming Friday, June 14, the Mansfield Lady Tigers senior high and junior high volleyball teams are joining forces to deliver the most epic yard sale of the season!

The girls are desperately needing the community’s help in raising funds for the upcoming volleyball season. Even if you are not in the buying mood, the Lady Tigers are also accepting monetary donations. Any amount of support will be greatly welcomed during Fridays Yard Sale of the Year.

The yard sale will be held at the Mansfield Gazebo in the middle of town during the hours of 7:30-3(ish). So grab your friends, tell your neighbors, and head on out bright and early to support your Mansfield Lady Tigers!

White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD Receives Grant

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

8:08 am

0

On Monday evening, June 10, the White Bluff-Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department was presented with a $3,250 grant from the Arkansas Fire Prevention Commission.

According to White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD President/Fire Marshal Dale Seiter, the department had applied for the grant to assist with their fire safety and prevention programs, which are hosted throughout the year.

The department was chosen by the Fire Prevention Commission in 2019 to receive one of the grants. Ronnie Rogers with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Commission presented the check to Seiter and Chief Jim Almond.

“The White Bluff-Rye Hill V.F.D. believes that the Fire Safety and Prevention Programs are a vital part of what we do in serving our communities,” commented Seiter. “It is not just about extinguishing fires and responding to emergency calls. It is about being a part of a community and teaching adults and children alike about Fire Safety and Prevention. Thanks to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Commission for choosing the White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD for this grant. It will be put to great use!”

Daycare Closure Causes Hardship on Community

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

5:25 am

0

Daycare Closure Causes Hardship on Community

The recent closure of ARVAC’s Head Start in Waldron has caused a great hardship on the residents and the community surrounding the City of Waldorn.

According to Stephanie Garner, ARVAC Inc. CEO, the closure was not an easy decision to make, but that the needed repairs and upgrades did not fit the offering of quality care they sought to provide.

Garner said, “with the costs of operations combined with facility conditions and scarce community resources, we are unable to continue to meet our standards of providing adequate, quality childcare and education in certain centers. Therefore, not every site and location previously served, will be served in the ARVAC Head Start model. Effective July 1, 2019, ARVAC will be vacating the existing slots located at Booneville, Dover, Waldron and Crawford Centers. Children will be referred and provided priority placement at neighboring sites and/or referred to other childcare services.”

However, many feel this will have a direct adverse affect on the community and on the people who rely on the services they offered.

The Waldron location had nine employees and 33 children enrolled at the head start. According to Garner, “employees will be offered positions at neighboring ARVAC Head Start centers. All center directors will be supported and provided assistance in initiating a transition plan for both families and children.”

Garner also stated that they are actively seeking partners and grants within the community to be able to continue offering the service. ARVAC remains an active partner in the county providing services to low-income families.

The last day of services at the center is June 20, 2019.

SCSO Needs Help Identifying Suspects

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

3:15 pm

0

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office needs help in identifying two females who are suspects in a stolen credit card case.

On Sunday, June 9, the SCSO received three reports of breaking or entering a vehicle at Ben Geren Park and the nearby Chaffee Crossing area. Among the items taken from the vehicles were several credit cards.

Following the break-ins, one of the victims got an alert from her card company of suspicious activity. According to Captain Phillip Pevehouse with the SCSO, it turned out two females had made several attempts to use multiple cards at Target in Fort Smith.

“We need help in identifying the two females who attempted to pass the cards at Target,” commented Pevehouse. Anyone with information is asked to Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office at 479-783-1051.

Hecox Featured in Hometown Highlight

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

12:53 pm

0

Hometown pride, worthy of highlighting, is our June feature. Adam Hecox, he bleeds red and white and is proud of it. Although he possesses great hometown pride, he’s quite a humble man.

Hecox, 35, is a native of Mansfield. He and his wife, Megan have three children: Lita, Raine, and Alex.

The artistic Tiger fan has spent many hours volunteering his time. From coaching to painting murals, Hecox has left his mark. “I wasn’t a great athlete by far and I didn’t do any sports other than football and track. Myself along with my friends, Billy Warren and Jonathan Irvin, were brothers on and off the field. We gave our everything to be Tiger football players. The years I did suit up in that red and white uniform, created a kind of life long tattoo inside of me. I take pride in being a Mansfield Tiger no matter how good or bad things get.”

He credits his family and coach for modeling these traits. His parents raised him to work hard and to take pride in a job well-done. “My mom taught me humility and kindness. My dad taught me the difference in good pride and arrogance. Dad would always tell me ‘you may not have much, but if you take care of what you do have, you’ll always have enough.”

He took what his parents taught him and coupled that with the teachings of then football Coach John Mackey. “Before Coach Mackey was a superstar track coach, he was a great football coach and mentor for many young men, including myself. He had no problem being hard on us because, even though we didn’t know it at the time, he knew being disciplined in life would make us men with solid morals and work ethics in the real world. He taught me a lot about being selfless and putting my team and others first. Between my parents and Coach Mackey, they made me into a Mansfield Tiger 4Life.”

Hecox has quietly given back to his beloved school and town. He was the talent behind the mural on the car wash, located beside the Dollar General Store. He recalled, as a senior in high school, being commissioned to do the job. “I had painted a tiger head on the wall of the car wash. When I went back to finish it after school, some concerned citizens called the cops because they thought I was putting graffiti on the wall.”

More recently, Hecox completed a mural on the football locker room at the new high school. “Since then things have exploded opportunity wise. I think I’ve completed four projects so far and still have four confirmed projects to do this summer. I love it too! Megan and the kids are a huge help and they support what I try to do. I couldn’t do any of this without Team Hecox behind me!“

He has left far more of a mark on the lives of area youth. He has worked with kids in little league football, basketball, Boy Scouts and Sunday School. He has now begun working with youth outside the Mansfield area, assisting with the West Central Football League. “I’ve worked with kids my whole life, and I’ve noticed that they go the way their environment leads them. Working with kids is the one thing I absolutely love… Small towns just seem to be left out in my opinion, and their kids/schools are the ones who suffer. If my tiny amount of contributions in working with kids can help build the future for great young men and women, then that in itself is worth the world.”

Seeing the future of school pride continue is important to Hecox. He says it’s important to him for his children and their friends to be able to tell people where they are from with pride. “I see towns our size and smaller with school spirit oozing out of every business and household. We were once like that, but it seemingly diminished over time. I stepped up because I had the time, due to my work schedule. If a little paint here and there brings an ounce of Tiger Pride back, then that’s great.”

Hecox plans to continue nursing that pride with his family by his side. His spouse, according to him, is his “tag team partner” and that he wouldn’t be who he is or able to do what he does without her. Although he prefers to work in the shadows, and quietly volunteer, we are proud to feature Hecox in this month’s Hometown Highlight.

If you know of an ordinary citizen who is doing extraordinary things, we want to honor them! Contact us -HERE

R

Fresh-baked-bread

Ingredients

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK