Resident News Network

Lady Hornets Go Out With A Bang

Sports

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12:36 pm

After a 30 game season, the Hackett Lady Hornets are putting up their bats. Making it to the 2019 2A State Tournament, the Lady Hornets lost with a close 9-7 score to the Salem Lady Greyhounds in the first round. Hackett will retire the softball season with a 24-6 record.

Coach Jeff Richardson and Kayla Richardson

Putting the points on the board with two runs each were Audrie Chaney and Kayla Richardson. With one run a piece was Madi Taylor, Sarah White, and Emma Infalt. Autum Neal earned four hits and one putout. Madeline Freeman netted one hit, one putout, and two assists.

Jamye Durham scored two hits, eight putouts, and one assist. Shayla Foster grabbed two hits, two putouts, and two assists. Chaney added three hits, two putouts, and three assists. Richardson picked-up three hits, two RBI, two home runs, and two assists. Taylor bagged one steal. Infalt landed one hit, one RBI, one home run, and two putouts. And White obtained two hits, four RBI, one home run, and five putouts.

The Lady Hornets saw two pitchers take to the mound during their final game of the season. Kayla Richardson threw out 38 pitches to 11 batters striking out one. And playing in her final high school game of the season was senior Audrie Chaney. Chaney launched out 79 pitches to 25 batters striking out four.

Audrie will be ending her season with some pretty impressive total stats. She saw 111 appearances at the plate, earned 24 runs, 31 hits, 28 RBI, 2 home runs, 9 steals, 84 putouts, and 11 assists. As pitcher, Chaney also scored a total of 567 pitches to 170 batters striking out 36. With this chapter in her life ending, Audrie had this to say about her final high school game, “I’ve spent my entire life playing sports but softball, that’s a different story. I spent hundreds of weekends on the field, thousands of hours at pitching lessons, and no telling how many miles my parents have traveled for me.”

“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for literally everything. I would not be the player or person without you guys. Dad, you have sacrificed so much to get me where I’m at now. Mom, you are one of my biggest supporters and I’ll never ever take that for granted. Thank you for all the support in my one last season. I also want to thank every coach that has ever helped me along the way. This is the best group of support behind the girls and I this season and it means the world to me. Lastly, I want to thank my team. In better words… my family. You girls are awesome. I love you guys so much!! So thank you to everyone along the way…. #2 is officially retiring.”

Pictures provided by Tanya White and Mandy Foster

Exciting Changes For Hackett Fall Ball

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:59 am

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On Monday, May 6, the Hackett Senior High Hornets started spring football practices. The entire Hornet football program is undergoing a complete makeover. With new Head Coach Michael Meador heading the ship, there will also be a new face in the crowd. Jordan Shelby will be joining the Hackett crew as the new head baseball coach and as an assistant football coach.

Sadly not returning to the field is the beloved Coach Jeff Richardson who not only coached junior high football but is the head softball coach as well. Coach Matt Whitsett is back in action and along with Coach Meador, this dynamic duo is running the show until they are joined by Coach Shelby in the summer. Coach Whitsett has been the Hornets Defensive Coordinator for the last four years.

Coach Meador filled us in on how things are looking. “The first couple of practices has gone really well. The guys are catching on quick and I’m excited to continue to work with this team. My staff will be Coach Whitsett and Coach Shelby. As a staff, we will bring energy to the field while also developing young men through the game of football.”

Right now we have had around 30 kids, mostly sophomores,” explains Coach Whitsett. “We will be young with around 14 sophomores and only 4 seniors. Practices have actually gone really well. Right now kids are learning a new system but seem to be picking it up pretty well.” The Hackett Hornets are only days into football practices but already showing great potential for the upcoming season!

Dave’s Small Engine Service is Mowing it Forward

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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3:30 pm

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Dave’s Small Engine Service is Mowing it Forward

Not too long ago a customer of Dave’s Small Engine Service in Mansfield donated two push mowers with the stipulation that they be donated to someone in need.

Owner Craig Johnson said he thought it over and propositioned that good Samaritan, Jeremy Book, to expand on that offering.

“I thought it over,” said Johnson. “I thought why not let anyone who needs it to come and borrow it. I asked him and he thought it was a great idea.”

Johnson quickly made that offering on his business’ Facebook page. As of this week he has loaned the mower out to four or five different individuals who were in need of a lawn mower.

He recalled one of those people admitted they were at risk of being ticketed for violating a property maintenance ordinance. “They came and picked it up and were only gone about 30 minutes and it helped them.”

Johnson also welcomed young people to utilize the loaner. His goal is to encourage youth to know the value of hard work.

His offer stands to anyone who is willing to come pick it up. He only requires a drivers license number before it leaves the shop. He will do the maintenance and upkeep of the mower as a service to the community.

Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce Meets

Networks

Resident News Network

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1:44 pm

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The members of the Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce met on Monday, May 6, 2019, in the Lavaca Municipal Building. Thunder and lightning and torrential rain dampened the spirit of attendance but the loyal remnant of members appeared anyway.

Jack James, LACC president, called the meeting to order, welcomed the members and guests and led a prayer. Our treasurer was on family business so the financial report was not presented. Reporter Angela Gillooley had emailed the minutes of the April minutes to the chamber members earlier in the month. The motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Zach Johnson, Sebastian County Assessor, and seconded by Drake Smith, of Pinnacle Communications. Motion passed unanimously.

Leann Steffey Ellison, owner of Steffey’s Pizza, presented the plans of the chamber to celebrate the Centennial of Lavaca’s incorporation this October 5. The chamber is working alongside of the City of Lavaca to organize events and activities. Leann and Mayor Hugh Hardgrave a time capsule being buried on the city property in a small vault donated by Wilbert Vaults and a monument donated by Stonecrest Monuments. They discussed a bluegrass band playing in the city park, free hotdogs and drinks and a 100 square foot birthday cake. We plan to have a parade down Main Street with a real cattle drive, floats, band and cowboys. Exhibits from Lavaca’s history will be on the sidewalk and in the parking areas in front of the museum. The “Oldest Living Citizen in Lavaca will be presented with an award and we will honor the “Oldest Living Veteran’ as well. A ‘Womanless Beauty Pageant’ will be held on the south side of Main Street as well. Other activities were discussed and may be added as well.

Leann presented t-shirt designs and discussed banners that could be posted on the telephone poles, celebrating our birthday. After the centennial, the banners could be switched to other themes such as Christmas, July 4^th, etc. Jack James reported that he has wanted to do this project to honor Veteran’s Day and even have banners that are sponsored by families to honor their own veteran. Each banner and the reusable hardware for the display will run somewhere around $100 each. After that initial expense, the banners are much less expensive. Drake Smith made a motion for the chamber to purchase ten of these banners and its hardware, and to be purchased as soon as possible, giving Leann the permission to get things in motion, representing the chamber. Zach Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

In discussion about the 100 square cake, it will be presented to look like a quilt when on display, celebrating our 100 years as a community. Sections of the cake can represent a person or family, present or past, and a company who wishes to sponsor different squares. More information will be posted. We want everyone to attend this once in a lifetime occurrence.

The Lavaca Cruise Night, scheduled for October 12, was discussed by Chairperson Leann Ellison. She discussed t-shirt designs and where the band would be playing that afternoon. There will be no concession stands allowed. All the area businesses will be open to take care of any pang of hunger of thirst.

Jack James announced that the chamber will be hosting a night of Bluegrass/Gospel featuring the band “Wild Card” on Friday, May 31^st. The venue will be the Lavaca Senior Center. There will be free admission but a donation jar will be at the door to help defer the cost of the rent and cleanup of the facility. Concessions will be available. The next day is the annual Lavaca Alumni Reunion and we’d like to invite all of the celebrants to come and join us for an evening of fun entertainment.

Angela Gillooley, chair of the Movie in the Park program, said there will be no movie for May but she will be showing the movie “The Wizard of Oz” on Friday, June 14 at 6:30pm in the city park. Please, mark your calendars!

With no other business to discuss, the motion to adjourn was made by Drake Smith and seconded by Zach Johnson. The rains had finally stopped so the motion passed unanimously.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is planned for June 3, Lavaca City Hall at 6:30pm. As always, members and the public are urged to attend and participate.

Tigers Sports Banquet A Success

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:53 am

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On Tuesday, May 7, the Mansfield Booster Club set up and delivered an impeccable Mansfield Tiger Sports Banquet. With the high school cafeteria overflowing with Tiger athletes and their families, the night was definitely one for the books. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Travis Pettus who delivered a very entertaining commentary.

It was a spot on season for the Mansfield Tigers Cross Country team. The team collected several trophies throughout the regular season, won conference runner-up trophies in both the junior girls and junior boys divisions, and were fourth in both high school races. The Lady Tigers finished ninth in the women’s division at the state meet while the Mansfield men were 14th.

Ethan Chapman, Shelby Cole, McKenzie Griffin, Faith Rainwater, and Artem Zirka

This year the Lady Tigers volleyball team had a very successful season. The seventh-grade team won all but one match and the junior high squad went to the conference finals. The senior high team included eight seniors, who with their help, placed third in the Mena Tournament, won the Harrison Tournament, finished third in conference play, played until the second round of Districts, and was the third seed at State. The senior team finished with a 16-11 overall season record.

Brooke Wright, Kylie Eveld, Caroline Nicodemus, and Rylea Weaver

Mansfield’s golf team consisted of one player this 2018 season. Junior Maggie Strunk shot an All-District round at the conference tournament and after qualifying for State, shot a personal best and finished 17th overall among the class 3A golfers. For the third consecutive year, the 7th grade Red Tigers completed a winning season while the junior high team continued to grow despite the many challenges they faced. The senior high Tigers had one of the most successful seasons in years going 8-4 overall and taking it to the first round of State.

Max Lovelace, Randall Claude, Colton Stipins, Layton Howard, Isaac Cothran, Jaicy Griffin, Keaton Boyd, Tyler Holmes, and Zac Woolbright.

The Lady Tigers were a relatively young basketball team. They had only two seniors and two juniors on their 13 girl roster for the 2018-2019 season. Although the season didn’t end quite as expected, the Lady Tigers kept pushing forward always giving everything they had. The 2018-19 Senior Boys basketball season was a step in the right direction. The Tigers produced the highest scoring output for the senior boys’ basketball team that it has seen in the past 3 years.

“Although it didn’t reach the lofty heights that Mansfield track and field has been accustomed to over the last two decades, the 2019 season can still be described as a success,” says Coach Mackey. “A plethora of plaques, medals, and ribbons were distributed among the 95 total Tiger athletes that participated in track from the seventh through twelfth grades. The junior girls were district runner-up, the junior boys and senior girls were fourth at district, and the senior boys came in seventh at the conference meet.”

The Tigers baseball season was a soggy one. After all was said and done, the boys’ schedule had been reduced to just 15 games. The Tigers ended their season with a record of 5-10. The Senior High Cheer squad had an exceptional season. Over the summer, the girls attended a B2 cheer camp in Branson where they brought home several awards. Mansfield’s 2019 cheer squad also competed in State where they placed 7th out of 20 teams. The female and male Freshman Rising Star Awards went to Faith Rainwater and Ethan Pettus.

Dr.Jim Best recieving his plaque from Coach John Mackey

Dr. Jim Best, the Mansfield High School Principal since the 2013-2014 school year will be retiring. Dr. Best first came to Mansfield in 2011. He served as the federal curriculum coordinator for two terms before being asked six seasons ago to move into the role of high school principal. Since that time he has become one of the school’s biggest sports fans. The Tigers will also be losing Coach Bryan McKay as their head baseball and head golf coach. The Mansfield community thanks both of these men for their many years of service given to athletics and education.

The T. Franklin Boyd Booster Club Tiger of the Year Award is given each year to the outstanding male and female senior athlete. It is an award that considers athletic ability, academic aptitude, and player integrity. It is voted on by Booster Club officers, a Mansfield administrator, Tiger coaches, and selected teachers. This year that award went to Caroline Nicodemus and Hunter Willsey.

The Moore You Know: Glad Reunion Day

Networks

Tammy Teague

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10:42 am

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It’s that time of year–reunions. Class reunions and family reunions all penciled in on the calendar. I realize it’s a strange connection to make but it’s also a time observed at cemeteries, decoration day.

This past weekend I was traveling south on 71, passing by the cemetary at Coop Prairie. I saw people congregated on both sides. Families gathered to tidy and decorate gravesites. Something dawned on me as I passed. The future of those living and those who have passed, and the reunion day that is to come.

The old hymn, “Glad Reunion Day” popped in my head. Those who remain one by one will be reunited with those gone on before. That is, until the Lord returns and raptures the saints. My mom has often talked about what a sight it will be for those graves to burst forth on that great day!

For now, we must settle for a reunion here and there. We must settle for visiting the gravesite of our dearly departed. But, there is a Hope for the believer and I look forward to that glad reunion day!

SCSO Conducts Operation Undivided

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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10:07 am

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Over the last several days the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, along with other multiple law agencies, have conducted Operation Undivided. The goal of the operation was to locate and verify every sex offender in Sebastian County. Participating agencies included: SCSO; ACC (Parole); HSI; Bonanza Police Department; and the Fort Smith Police Department.

Of the over 300 registered sex offenders in Sebastian County, just under 300 were verified. This resulted in a 77.8% compliance rate.

There are eight warrants pending for failure to register/comply. Two were arrested for collateral crimes during the operation. Level two offender Eric Chestine, 31, of Huntington was arrested for manufacturing of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a premise for narcotics sales. Level three offender John Wesley Jones, 56, of Fort Smith was arrested for failure to appear and possession of drug paraphernalia, felony.

Two children under the age of five were located with an offender and taken by DHS. Two electronic devices were seized and are pending forensic investigation.

SCSO Captain Pevehouse said, “we cannot thank enough area law enforcement partners and the cooperation exhibited over the last several days. SCSO will remain vigilant in protecting our county and insuring compliance from those who have been tried, convicted, and are to register with the appropriate law enforcement agency.”

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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6:01 am

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It’s coming up this weekend, Sunday, May 12. Don’t be caught with an empty bag.

What do you get that special mother or wife in your life when they have everything? What if you just can’t think of anything?

All of the love and sacrifices she has made for you surely brings out an attitude of love and appreciation for who she is and how important she is to you.

As a mother and wife myself, simple gifts are great and appreciated. It’s not about the price tag of the item that you will choose. What are some ideas?

The very best idea is for me is personal time with them. If the miles separate you or you are in a position where travel would not be possible, there are free programs such as Zoom and Google Duo.

Aside from those best gifts for Mother’s Day, there are many that won’t break the bank and are different than traditional flowers and candy:

Journal
Personalized letter or card
Embroidered pillow with a special message
Hire someone reputable to spring-clean her home
Massage gift card
Manicure and/or pedicure
Facial gift card
Hair style gift card from her favorite stylist
Special hand-made soaps, lotions, bath bombs, etc
Get her car washed and detailed
Beautiful frame with your picture
Carved wooden signs
Handmade blanket or lap throw
Order a special dessert she loves
Photography session with family
Aerial video or photo of her property
Lawn services
Tattoo session
Gift certificates for places to eat or shopping

Now that those are out of the way, let me tell you that every one of these ideas are available in our wonderful small town of Greenwood. Use social media to find them if you don’t already know where they are.

We have so many talented business people in this area, so reach out to them and celebrate Mother’s Day with a fabulous gift. If you have any other ideas to share with the readers, leave a comment below.

Obituary – Robert Noel Moore (1978 – 2019)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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8:55 pm

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Obituary – Robert Noel Moore (1978 – 2019)

On Friday May 3, Robert Noel Moore, 40 of Hartford, affectionately known to Hartford and the surrounding areas as Big Rob, left this world to reunite with his mother and father. Robert was born September 1, 1978 in Peoria, Illinois to Paul Moore Jr. and Marie Punke.

Robert moved to Hartford when he was young. He was a life long resident and proud graduate of Hartford High School, class of 1996. Robert made friends easily and was popular with many that he came in contact with. Later in life as Robs health failed him, he became a Facebook warrior, making friends from all over the country. Many people waited every morning to see his posts of encouragement and humor. Robert loved and enjoyed talking and spending time with his closet friends and family, but his highlight of his days was spent with his beloved niece Sara.

Robert is preceded in death by his father Paula Moore Jr. and his mother Marie Hornbuckle. He is survived by his loving family Paula and David Zachary of the home, his beloved niece Sara and his nephews Mark and Kelsey Zachary of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Alexander Russell of Lancaster, California, Kaleb and Brandon Schwartz of Hartford, his special friend and wifey Trista Brown Schwartz of Hartford. Service time and day are pending with the Rev. Eddie Kazy officiating the service, at the Midland Assembly of God. Day and time will be posted on Facebook. Donations or flowers can be directed to Midland AOG.

Airing of the Quilts – Part 2

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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4:31 pm

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This weekend, May 3 and May 4, was such a phenomenal success for the 10^th Annual Airing of the Quilts as well as the Sebastian County Historical Society in Greenwood.

Even among the hundreds of quilts, there were Civil War era games for the children, children’s Spelling Bee, Civil War cannon firing, Wild West show, US Marshall re-enactment, Blacksmith demonstrations, Silent Auction, Raffle and so much more.

At the Ed Wilkinson Pavilion at Bell Park in Greenwood, there were many people who visited to view the contemporary quilts. They are indeed works of art and you can tell there is a love for the craft in every stitch and piece of material. Many people also enjoyed their lunch at Miss Anna’s Tea Room. In fact, the room was beautifully decorated and the tables were always full yesterday.

On the grounds where the 1892 jail sits in Greenwood, I listened to the musical talent and singing by Common Thread as many people were also doing the same. The backdrop of the old home was perfect.

As I went inside the old jail, there are many antique artifacts from the coal mining in this area as well as Civil War artifacts. It is somewhere everyone should visit.

The antique quilts were beautiful. While I looked at some of them, it was hard to distinguish between machine-sewing and hand sewing, the threads so minute and almost perfect. How much time was involved, don’t you also wonder? To work on it for months in dim lighting just to have something to keep the family warm and become an heirloom to future families is astounding.

Next year, there will be another Airing of the Quilts and the events supporting the Sebastian County Historical Society and an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

In the meantime, take your family and visit the old Jail and museum, schoolhouse near the courthouse in Greenwood and possibly volunteer some or donate to help them keep our history of Greenwood alive.

Visit this article for Part 1 of Airing of the Quilts.

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK