Resident News Network

Small School Makes Big Impression on Retiring Principal

Headlines

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12:59 pm

Small School Makes Big Impression on Retiring Principal

For the past eight years Dr. Jim Best has worked for the Mansfield School District. For the first two years, he served as Federal Coordinator, and then as high school principal. At the age of 60, however, Best feels it’s time to retire.

Teachers and staff spent their last few days celebrating Best’s service to the district. It was an emotional time, and according to Best, more so than even he imagined. “I really wasn’t prepared for it…It’s been a blessing for me to be able to come here.”

In his 24 years as an administrator, he found a uniqueness in Mansfield. He credits the faculty and staff for any success the district has seen, and for their support to him throughout his time at Mansfield. “I’ve been the luckiest person in the world to have gotten to work with some of the people I’ve gotten to work with. The greatest asset our school has is the people of this district. They are the best kept secret, not only in this community, but regionally.”

Best admits that he has formed a bond with the teachers and staff. “They are more than just employees, they are like family and friends.” Furthermore, that although this is one of the smallest district’s he’s worked in, Mansfield has left the biggest impact.

Although he is humble about his contributions, Best has certainly made an impact on the school and the students. Best’s legacy will carry on long after he walks out the door. And, that legacy is important to him.

Day in, and day out he worked hard to ensure the safety and welfare of each student, and according to him, the hardest decision he had to make was to recommend a student for expulsion. “My only regret is that I didn’t get to connect to as many kids as I would have liked.”

He’s witnessed burnout over the years, and vowed that before he got to that point, he wanted to go. “Donnie Eveld is going to come on and do a great job.”

He and his wife, Elaine, are retiring together. She has been a teacher for the past 39 years. “We’re going to be able to travel and do some things we couldn’t do when we had a young family.” The couple plans to remain in Arkansas, and Best intends to attend functions as well as games. “I’m always going to identify myself as a Mansfield Tiger,” Best concluded.

MJTC: An All Male Facility

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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11:39 am

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On Thursday morning, May 30, 15 female clients at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Facility were bussed out. Those girls are on their way to an all-female facility in Harrisburg, AR.

Earlier this year, the governor announced statewide changes to juvenile treatment centers. Department of Human Services Deputy Director Keesa Smith said they are converting Harrisburg to an all-girls facility. “We will be transitioning the girls currently located in Mansfield from this site and Mansfield will become all-male,” stated Smith. Adding, “our agency plans to increase the capacity of the Mansfield facility by 16.”

“The overall goal is to cut youth incarceration,” Hutchinson said. “Over time, funds that would cover the cost of locking up children can go to therapeutic group homes, psychiatric and substance-abuse programs, community-based services, and diversion efforts that direct children away from formal processing in juvenile courts while still holding them accountable.”

On July 1 a private contracted company, Youth Opportunity Investments, will assume operations of the Mansfield facility.

Boots & Badges Blood Drive

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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11:23 am

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May 30, 2019 – Huntington and Mansfield’s first responders are looking for citizens to support their efforts through blood donation with Arkansas Blood Institute. Those who give at the Boots & Badges blood drive on Tuesday, June 11, will provide blood needed to save local lives, such as those that firefighters and law enforcement officers rescue.

Anyone 16 years or older* is urged to stop by the Mansfield Municipal Complex between 1:30 and 6:15. All donors will receive special-edition Boots & Badges T-shirts and a voucher for one free admission to Magic Springs Theme and Water Park. By giving blood at this drive, donors will show their support for the firefighters and law enforcement officers who save lives in their community.

Although all blood types are needed, donors with O-negative blood are particularly urged to give. Only seven percent of the population has this blood type, but it is the ‘universal type’ and can be used in an emergency when a patient’s blood type is not known.

“Huntington and Mansfield first responders see the daily need for blood first-hand when the people they rescue require life-saving treatment,” said John Armitage, M.D., President & CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “We can’t say enough about the service our police officers and firefighters provide, and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available in emergency situations.”

Appointments for the blood drive may be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110

School Board Begins Search for Superintendent Replacement

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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7:17 am

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School Board Begins Search for Superintendent Replacement

The Mansfield School Board met in special session on Monday night and made several new hires, accepted two resignations and are set to begin the search for the district’s new superintendent.

The following were approved for hire:

Second grade teacher, Alli Loveday
Kindergarten teacher, Cindy Wilsey
Kindergarten teacher, Jessica Cunningham
Elementary special education teacher, Angela Tallmadge
High school special education teacher, Ronald Key
Part-time dishwasher, Amy Harrison

The board also accepted the resignation of Dana Yandell and Arista Lindgren. They will be meeting again soon to go over the applications they’ve received for the position of superintendent.

Truman Baker Fishing Derby Winners

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:50 pm

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The City of Waldron recently held their annual kid’s fishing derby.

The overall winner of the 2019 Truman Baker Kids Fishing Derby was Braydon Helton, whose catch weighed in at 4.80 pounds. Helton had a nice string of catfish!

1^st place girls 3-6 Emerson Aynes
2^nd place Avery Shaddon
Tie for 3^rd Dallie Mathews
Tie for 3^rd Emerson Brown
1^st place boys 3-6 Braydon Helton
2^ndplace Michael Goff
3^rdplace Seven Pottridge
Tie 1^st place girls 7-11 Kiersten Hall and Erika Brothers
2^nd place Hailey Valdez
3^rd place Makayle Smith
1^st place boys 7-11 Austin Smith
2^nd place Garrett Perkins
Tie 3^rd place Lane Fowler and Jax Brown
1^st place boys 12-15 Aaron Painter
2^nd place Aiden Allen
3^rd place Kaleb Jones
1^st place girls 12-15 Madison Goff
2^nd place Lexi Kesterson
3^rd place Brooklyn Brothers

Scott County Rodeo Slated to Begin

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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3:21 pm

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The 57th annual Scott County Rodeo is set to begin June 7 and 8 at Ragsdale Arena. Additionally, they will hold a parade on Waldron’s Main Street on June 8. The rodeo coronation ceremony will take place on June 7 at 6 p.m., followed by mutton bustin’ at 7 p.m. and the grand entry at 8 p.m.

The following contestants will be competing for titles:

Little Miss Contestant:

Rhylinn Young, age 7, is from Howe, OK. She is the daughter of Tyler Young and Breanna and Ben Moore.

Princess Contestant:

McKenna Williams, age 9, is from Waldron, AR. She is the daughter of Michael and Missy Williams and is Sponsored by JR Charbroiler.

Princess Contestant:

Alley Eaves, age 11, is from Waldron Arkansas. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Marilyn Eaves and is sponsored by Taylor Towing and Southside Vet.

Princess Contestant:

Bailey Moore, age 9, is from Howe, OK. She is the daughter of Ben and Breanna Moore.

Princess Contestant:

Ashadan Poor, age 9, is from Waldron AR. She is the daughter of Kevin and Dedra Poor and is sponsored by Dons EZ pay.

Princess Contestant:

Haley Myers, age 11, is from Magazine, AR. She is the daughter of Beth and BJ Myers and is sponsored by Blue Line Net Working and Gary Knox.

Sweetheart Contestant:

Kenlee Hodge, age 12, is from Monroe, OK. She is the daughter of Joe and Brandie Hodge and is sponsored by Hill Logging.

Sweetheart Contestant:

Lauren Shores, age 12, is from Waldron, AR. She is the daughter of Shawna and Justin Shores and is sponsored by JRJ Construction, Inc.

Sweetheart Contestant:

Katlynn Bullard, age 12, is from Waldron, AR. She is the daughter of Michael and Tanya Bullard and is sponsored by Tanya Bullard.

Queen Contestant:

Jessica Yandell, age 16, is from Waldron, AR. She is the daughter of Amanda Yandell and is sponsored by 7p Farms.

Mr. Waldron Rodeo:

Newt Hodge, age 12, is from Monroe, OK. He is the son of Joe and Brandie Hodge and is sponsored by Hill Logging.

LeadLine Princess:

Kenzie Poor, age 4, is the daughter of Kevin and Dedra Poor of Waldron, AR.

Leadline Princess :

Callie Myers, age 4, is the daughter of Beth and Bj Myers of Magazine, AR.

Lead Line Contestant:

Danielle Stuart, age 3, is from Waldron, AR. She is the daughter of Jay and Stephanie Stuart.

Arkansas Army National Guard opens Route to ease traffic flow

News

Resident News Network

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2:29 pm

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The Arkansas National Gaurd Posted the following today on it’s Facebook page.

“The Arkansas National Guard is opening First Avenue at the Fort Chaffee main gate and Fort Smith Boulevard on Hwy 96 on Fort Chaffee at 3 p.m. today to assist residents of Lavaca and Greenwood, due to flooding from the Arkansas River that led to closures of parts of Highways 255 and 22. Residents should be aware that Fort Smith Boulevard is a gravel improved road intended for military vehicles and some vehicles with low clearance may experience difficulties on the road due to its current condition. Civilians utilizing the road are reminded to obey posted speed limits while on Fort Chaffee and to not deviate from the prescribed route. Access to other areas on Fort Chaffee is restricted due to ongoing training and current operations. Speed limits along this route is 25 mph. Law Enforcement and Military Police will be present to monitor traffic and control access to other parts of the installation.

The Arkansas National Guard’s Fort Chaffee facility is uniquely located and is proud to assist area residents to alleviate an already challenging situation for residents of the local communities. Access to Fort Chaffee for residents to transit through will continue until flood waters have receded and the flooded roads are determined safe to travel again. Area residents with any questions about access to Fort Chaffee should contact the Fort Chaffee Operations Officer direct at 479-484-2201 during normal duty hours.”

Former School Administrator Accepts Plea Deal

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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1:34 pm

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Former School Administrator Accepts Plea Deal

On Wednesday, May 29, former Waldron school administrator, Jessica Williams accepted a plea deal.

As a part of that deal, Williams will serve eight months and 27 days in the Scott County Jail. She has been credited for the three days she had spent in lockup awaiting a bond hearing. Additionally, she was sentenced to 120 months probation.

Williams was originally charged with five counts of sexual assault in the first degree and one count of tampering with physical evidence. Williams plead guilty to two counts of sexual assault in the first degree and one count of indecent exposure.

She went into custody immediately. Williams will now have to register as a sex offender.

Lady Bulldogs Kick-Start Summer The Right Way

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:26 pm

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Lady Bulldogs Kick-Start Summer The Right Way

The Waldron Lady Bulldogs 2019 Basketball Skills Academy kicked off the summer with a huge turnout. The Skills Academy was open to girls entering the fourth through seventh grade. Seeing encouraging growth for the Lady Bulldogs in the future, Coach Josh Atchley went on to say, “We were really impressed with the number of girls that came out this year. The numbers have been trending upward the last couple of summers and we hope to keep that trend again next year.”

“In total, we had 32 campers who competed in free throw, hot shot, and obstacle course challenges and our current basketball players worked individual skills during some station work every morning. The campers spent lots of time in the gym and really got after it, while our current players did a great job showing up and leading by example. I appreciate all the parents who let us watch your kids and Mr. Ray Jett for providing all campers and workers with donuts to kick off the last day of camp.”

Greenwood Farmers Market is Growing

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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8:00 am

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Greenwood’s first Farmers Market under the direction of Taylor Dunavin started in March 2019 where this community could visit 23 different vendors. She has received many messages about other vendors getting involved and they are excited.

A Farmers Market is more than fruits and vegetables. There are homemade soaps, jellies, crafts, baked goods, decorations and so much more.

Taylor said this community is very supportive of the Farmers Market and so are the vendors, who are supportive of each other, their crafts and food items.

Gardening has been in the beginning stage for a month now, so the produce will be showing up at the June 1 market and it will be a big celebration.

Taylor is expecting around 40 or more vendors. There will be homemade baby clothes, embroidered items, food, produce, eggs, soaps, jellies, skin care, jewelry, baked goods, home décor, personalized items, plants, quilts, pottery and more. Many people and vendors are not wanting to travel somewhere else to eat, so food vendors are coming.

Taylor and her team will be having a watermelon eating contest June 1^st at 11am and there are only a couple of entries right now. They will be able to host 15 contestants with a $5 entry fee. All of the entry money will be given to the winner.

She is excited for the kids, because starting June 1, there will be yard games as well as face-painting.

When asked about the future goals of the Greenwood Farmers Market, Taylor stated she would love the market to be a destination for people all around this area, the best in over 100 miles.

Come to the Greenwood square to the Farmers Market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 8am-1pm and support your talented friends and neighbors as well as this community.

See you at the next one on June 1.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK