Resident News Network

AFC Hosts Field Day

Headlines

-

8:57 am

On Friday, May 3, the Arkansas Forestry Commission hosted a field day for Waldron fifth graders.

The annual event took place at the Scott County Fairgrounds, and served as a way to introduce students to natural resource management. Representatives from the AFC as well as County Forest Ranger David Yandell presented a session on forestry compass and survey.

The Scott County Women’s Leadership Committee also participated in the Forestry Field Day. The committee shared information about products derived from trees, everything from lumber to food and everything in-between.

Committee President Laurie Richardson said, “This year we were very excited to have Jason Brown with West Fraser Timber company out of Mansfield at our station. He spoke to students about what he does as a Forester and the products that are produced at the Mansfield lumber mill. Mr. Brown chose a student to be the “tree” of each group, then showed the students how he looks at trees to make sure they are able to be used at West Fraser. He had each student look through the special prism he uses and he showed students how he measures the trees with his tape measure and then marks the location of the tree by GPS on his tablet. The lumber made at the West Fraser mill is shipped all over the world, from China to the Caribbean to right here in the U.S. A very cool fact he shared with our students is that the wooden roller coaster at Silver Dollar City was built from lumber that came from right here in Scott County.”

One hundred and twenty students participated in the field day. Those students received a Forestry Reader, Tree booklet, gum, and pencil from the SCBFWLC. Brown brought each student Pine Tree seeds and a West Fraser sticker.

Mansfield High School Has Visitors During Testing Week

Networks

Resident News Network

-

12:18 am

0

Mansfield High School Has Visitors During Testing Week

Recently, at Mansfield High School, students took part in ACT Aspire testing. During their breaks from testing, Mansfield High School invited several informative speakers to speak to the students on many piercing subjects for today’s teenagers.

Kerrie Taber, from River Valley Skin Cancer Alliance, spoke to students about becoming aware of the growing population of teens getting skin cancer. She spoke about the different types of skin cancer and what it looked like. She informed students of different ways people tend to contract skin cancer as well as even being cautious when getting their nails dried under the UV lights. She encouraged them if they had any suspicious area, they are worried about to be sure and take time to have it checked by a doctor. Amy Willadsen, from the Reynold’s Cancer Support House, spoke to students about the importance of sunscreen and also spoke about what the Reynold’s House offers to cancer patients to help them and their families out. Ashley Curbow spoke of the dangers of vaping and how it can affect your life and others around you.

On the first day of testing, SSG John T Price Jr. with the Army National Guard’s recruiting services in Fort Smith spoke with students about the benefits of joining the Army Reserves. He also provided a large bounce around obstacle course and slide for students in the afternoon to enjoy. Then, on Tuesday, students heard from Kevin Chambers, from Tampa, Florida. Kevin is a detective with the United States Air Force, and he spoke about his twenty years of service as well as his current job with the military. Students had lots of questions for Chambers about how life in the military takes place. He explained to students how to handle a traffic stop, how to make good choices, and the benefits of being in the Air Force. Chambers has served and worked for the military for over twenty years. When active, he served on the SWAT team as well working in different divisions of the Security Forces which is the Air Force’s Military Police.

Last, officers from the Arkansas State Highway Police and the Sebastian County gave a presentation on distractive driving and impaired driving. Corporal Mike Burcham and Deputy Joseph Mahan explained to students about the dangers of texting and driving. Deputy Mahan informed students that it only takes 4.6 seconds to be distracted at 55 mph to cause an accident. Officer Dehart and Officer Daggs spoke to students about the consequences of distractive driving causing accidents. In the afternoon, officers set up areas where students had the chance to wear the “drunk goggles”-goggles that impaired their vision as if they were under the influence of alcohol. Students then had to try and drive a vehicle (golf cart) around orange cones, catch a frisbee, shoot a basketball and other activities. Students realized how alcohol can dramatically influence and impair your mobility, your driving, and your vision. Mansfield Fire Department also showed kids the correct way to use a fire extinguisher.

Substitute Teacher, Mrs. Udouj, tries to catch the frisbee from Officer Burcham while wearing the “drunk goggles.”
Student tries to catch the frisbee while wearing the “drunk goggles.”

Students enjoyed all the activities and speaking, and Mansfield High School was grateful for all visitors who shared their knowledge and time well spent with the kids.

SCSO Participates in CIT Training

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

2:45 pm

0

In 2017, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 423. This act established Crisis Stabilization Units in the state and set forth requirements for law enforcement to be trained in crisis intervention. Our area is fortunate to have a CSU at Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center.

This week around 20 law enforcement officers and first responders will be training from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at WACGC. Every day law enforcement encounters someone in a mental health crisis. The goal of the training is to train law enforcement on how to correctly assess and help someone in crisis. SCSO has two deputies currently in the training. Over the last two years SCSO has had 20 deputies trained in the Crisis Intervention model.

If anyone would like more information feel free to contact Joey Potts or Rusti Holwick at WACGC.

The Heart of the Arrow

Sports

Resident News Network

-

10:46 am

0

Photos by Amanda Hall

There are some names that just become iconic. Names that people instantly identify with a team. Like Landry and the Cowboys, Bryant and Alabama, or Jordan and the Bulls. Well, in Lavaca Arkansas there is an icon as well. Not a superstar player, or National Champion coach but an icon none the less. Ronnie and Sherry Dean have been fixtures at ballgames in Lavaca for decades. Ronnie and Sherry are both graduates of Lavaca High School, but they never really left the school. Ronnie has been on school board for more than 20 years. Ronnie and Sherry have served the students in many capacities over the years, but none more prominent than that of cheerleader and biggest fans. The Deans can be found front center at just about any sporting event cheering on their beloved Golden Arrows, that is until the referees have had their fill… just kidding, well maybe.

Ronnie and Sherry Dean at Prom…. yes they still go to prom.

Ronnie is always ready to give advise to the kids. He may tell them to “Choke up a bit”, or “Drive the lane with confidence”. Regardless of the advice, the kids in Lavaca have grown to respect him as knowledgeable and caring coach. To these kids Ronnie and Sherry have become “Grammy and Grandad”, kin or not. The love they have shared with the kids of Lavaca have been received and is reciprocal. Senior BethAnn May, played basketball and Softball for the Lady Arrows had this to say of the Deans, “When I think of Lavaca they’re exactly what I think of. They’re the heart of this town. They take every kid on like they are their own grandkids and they support and love on every kid in everything they do. Grammy gives the best hugs, BY FAR, too.”

The Support that the Deans have given to the students of Lavaca have had more of an impact than they will ever know. They have taught these kids life lessons. Not from the classrooms and not from the pulpit, but from the example of their life. They have shown them love, unconditional and unwavering. They have loved on these kids in good times and bad. In victory and defeat. They have shown them sacrifice. They have sat in the rain and snow, heat and wind, they may not get around very good but they get there all the same. The lessons do not go without notice and they are very much appreciated. Senior Trevon “T-Man” Moore is a three sport athlete at Lavaca (football, Basketball, and Baseball) and this is what he has to to say, “Having Grammy and Grandad at every event us kids have been at has been a true blessing. No matter how the game went or even if we won or not Grammy and Grandad were right there with open arms and loving hearts. They are truly some of the sweetest most caring and kind hearted people you will ever meet. Having them at every event is like having grandparents everywhere you go. I know every single one of us kinds have been impacted by the role that they have played in our lives and I know that we all love them so very much. I know I speak for all of us when saying that Grammy and Grandad have a special place in all of our hearts and will have that special place til we grow old. I hope that someday we could all be like them and know how to live life to it’s fullest and grow relationships with every single person (family or not) and learn how to love everyone and everything.”

Coach Brian Schlinker has been around the Deans for quite a long time as a softball, football, and baseball coach. I asked him what it has meant to his programs to have them support his kids, His response was, “I think our kids are so blessed to have Mr. and Mrs Dean. They offer the kids of Lavaca such amazing, unconditional support. If our kids are competing, they are there. I have seen them sit through heat, cold, and storms to support the boys and girls of Lavaca.” Ronnie and Sherry Dean are Truly icons around the ball fields and courts of Lavaca. The Deans really are the ‘heart of the Arrow’.

South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood – Part 3

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

6:19 am

0

South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood – Part 3

We hope you have enjoyed the first two articles Part 1 and P art 2 about the South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood. There have been some activities that have been fun for all and there have been some big improvements with more being planned.

Recently, on May 3 they had an end-of-the-year bash in which there were 181 kids grades 3-6 at the facility enjoying themselves. They also do a Father-Daughter dance every year and have “stand-in” Fathers for those whose Father’s are not there. This is another way that the staff and Board members care for children.

The club and the Board have open and available financial reports for anyone interested. The financial donations (private and non-profit) have declined greatly over the years. This is due to a declining economy and people donating less than before for the last 15 years. Payroll is the same as it was 15 years ago. As an expense example, utilities and insurance are almost $70,000 per year. Kenny states that he will sit down with anyone who has questions or concerns.

The club just spent over $20K upgrading buildings and structures. The bathrooms have been remodeled as have the rooms. Parts of the building have been repainted along with many other improvements. Donations by specific individuals were the reason they were able to do the recent improvements.

There are plans for future improvements such as: ball field improvements, two sets of bleachers (on order for $750 each), full kitchen to provide hot meals to children. There are other plans, but these are the top priority.

Over the last 15 years, there have been over $500K in improvements done on the property. Air conditioning in the gymnasium, classrooms were added, library, parking lot concreted, lots of lighting units replaced, upgrades to the activity rooms, etc. There is still a need for some roof work to be budgeted and completed.

In talking more with Kenny, even the individuals that had started the club long ago are astounded at the changes and improvements over the years. Greenwood City does help when they can. United Way does everything they can to help the non-profit organizations in this area, and fortunately this year has not been decreased. Without the United Way’s vital assistance, the South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood would not be available to the children of this area. The National Boys and Girls Club used to provide quite a bit in donations, but they have also experienced a decline in funding.

Katrina at the Boys and Girls Club can be contacted to volunteer your time and possible resources to provide the necessary improvements. There are needs in every area: labor, materials, donations, etc. Recently, in April, some Greenwood high school students volunteered their time to help with painting the facility. Consider gathering some friends and volunteer yourself.

Volunteering your time and resources is very rewarding … and it’s for the children in this area. There have been improvements, but many more are needed and your assistance is the stepping stone.

Golden Arrows season closes in second round.

Sports

Resident News Network

-

9:46 am

0

Golden Arrows season closes in second round.

The time has come to close the books on the Lavaca Golden Arrows baseball season. Their season ended yesterday in the second round of the 2A State playoff’s against Woodlawn High school from Rison Arkansas. The loss was obviously disappointing, but this Arrow team accomplished much this year. Lavaca ended the year with a 15-6 overall record. They were District runner-up and Regional Champions. They capped off a great season by making it to the second round of the State playoffs and finishing their season ranked number 6 in the State.

This was a solid team in the field all year. Defensively, they played a very disciplined brand of baseball. Their solid defense was combined with some of the best pitching numbers in the state. The combination of the two gave Lavaca a chance in each and every game they were in. Collectively, the Arrow’s pitching bragged a 2.59 ERA lead by Jimmy Hall (0.76), Colby Clunn (1.83), and Trey Castor (2.56). The Lavaca hurlers were stellar this year. The pitching was backed up by great defense all year.

Jimmy Hall, Colby Clunn, Trey Castor, Coach Mark Headley, Trevon Moore, Tyler Armistead, Dylan Ellison

Combine great defense with some good fire power and you have the keys to success. The top three in batting average this year were Jimmy Hall batting .412 with 23 RBI’s and 2 Home runs, Kaw-Liga Brewer hit .348 with 10 RBI’s, and Jayger Wagner also hit .333 with 12 RBI’s. Trevon Moore and Tyler Armistead also hit a “dinger” this year. Kaw-Liga Brewer and Tyler Hobbs lead the team in Stolen Bases. Brewer had 17 while Hobbs added 10. In all the Arrows out scored their opponents 146-81 this season.

Lavaca says goodbye to six seniors. Jimmy Hall, Tyler Armistead, Colby Clunn, Trevon Moore, Trey Castor, and Dylan Ellison have been a special group of kids. They have played ball together since they could remember. They are not only teammates but they really are “buds”. These kids have a special bond. The kind of bonds that seam to only form in small towns. They have played together, laughed together, cried together; they have pushed each other to be best, corporately and personally. They have set an example for our younger and future Arrows to follow. They have left their “mark’ on Lavaca! Good luck in your future endeavors. There is no doubt you will find success wherever you land.

South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood – Part 2

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

6:01 am

0

South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood – Part 2

In the first article on the South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club in Greenwood, I went and checked out their facility. The first time was unannounced, and I was very impressed at the cleanliness, the enjoyment on the children’s faces enjoying their activities, snacks and the friendliness of the staff and volunteers working with the children.

Since there are no sidewalks around the club facility or the fields, the City of Greenwood visited recently to see what they could do to help. The Board members are also very helpful with all that needs to be done at the club.

There are 350-400 volunteers who coach the baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, basketball, cheerleading. There are also professional umpires and referees who are paid for the services they provide. The club also provide free softball clinics, first one held this year.

Kenny did mention another thing that was good to hear. Parents can apply for a scholarship for their child to help offset the fees. There has not been and will not be any child turned away from care. Twenty percent of the children are sponsored by a scholarship. Free snacks for all after-school children.

In August, the club will be providing a “before-school” care program for the children (starting at 6 am) to help parents that must be at work before they can drop their kids at the school. Deadline for signing up is May 17 for enrollment for both before and after-school care for 2019-2020, so you had better hurry. There will not be a summer school program this year.

The Greenwood Boys and Girls Club has been at the same location for at least 34 years. There are 22 T-ball teams, with lots of kids still playing. Travel baseball and basketball has produced a decline in the Boys and Girls Clubs in the area. The 11-12 year old kids still practice there, but do not play there, they just travel to play. It is a lot more expensive for the parents to do that and it has hurt all of the clubs in the state, but that is what they have chosen to help their children excel in their sport.

Upon walking into the facility the second time, there were children in the gymnasium playing. This was not just random, unorganized play. There are skilled high school students and young adults volunteering their time to teach these children sports skills and team play. You can see they are having fun. There were others eating their snacks and before I left, the kids were preparing to work on arts, crafts, some getting help with homework and some watching a kid-friendly movie.

In the next article, you will hear about all that’s been done and what you can do to help them provide better facilities and grounds by getting involved personally.

As someone who did not know much about the club, I can now honestly say that their care for your children is top-notch even with the decline in financial resources. Of course, your help is still needed to help them provide these services to our children and grandchildren.

Observing National Police Week

Headlines

Tammy Teague

-

4:55 pm

0

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued a proclamation honoring National Police Week throughout the state. Beginning May 12-18, Arkansas will join others nationwide to commemorate fallen officers and to commend those in service.

There are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the law enforcement in Arkansas.

According to that proclamation, nearly 60,000 assaults against law enforcement officers are reported each year, resulting in approximately 16,000 injuries. Since the first recorded death in 1791, more than 23,189 law enforcement officers in the U.S. have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been killed in the line of duty, including 295 in Arkansas.

May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day to “honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy.”

Reapers Mid-Season Report

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

10:52 am

0

The Ouachita Reapers are a semi-pro football team who originally established themselves in Mena, are now playing their first year at their new home in Waldron. The Reapers kicked off their season on March 23 and although they have experienced growing pains, their improvements are noticeable.

Now, getting ready to jump head first into their fifth game of the season, the Reapers are ready to continue showing off their ever-evolving football program. This Saturday, May 11, the Ouachita Reapers will be traveling to Little Rock, Ar to take on Arkansas Xtra who is headed by Erick Nelson. The game will start at 5 p.m. and cost is $5 for adults with kids getting in free.

Doubling as owner and player is Wesley Schuller. Wesley had this to say about the Reapers season so far, “The season has gone about how we expected it to in year one. We are taking our bumps and bruises against teams that are overall bigger and faster than we are right now. We have played four games so far and are looking forward to finishing out the season strong.”

South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood – Part 1

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

6:00 am

0

South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood – Part 1

Many think this club is just a place for baseball leagues. However, there’s much more to the services that they provide to children in our area.

There have been local misconceptions about how this non-profit organization operates, the services they provide and how much they care for your children.

Therefore, I recently took an unplanned visit to see what this club is all about and give you an indication of their viability.

I sat down and talked with Kenny Sunde, the Executive Director of the South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club to talk about what they do, how they function and what we as a community can do to help so that our children, your children, are taken care of, learn, receive homework help, and have fun.

This August will be the first fee increase since 2005. Their new fees are competitive with, and less than, other Boys and Girls Clubs in the area. Most kids play multiple sports and is currently $40 for each sport for the season; tournament fees will be an additional fee based upon the sport and tournament.

After-school care until 6pm week nights will be $80/month starting in August and includes sports training, snacks, mentors, arts and crafts, homework assistance and more. Before-school care will start then, as well, and will be $40/month and they will get your child to school on time. Please be sure and register your child before May 17 for before-school or after-school care.

Kenny said they are reviewing plans to accept children from outside of the Greenwood school district. Currently, there are over 100 kids that come to the after-school program.

There will be a free Home Run Health Fair happening tomorrow Saturday, May 11 from 11am-2pm for kids, adults and senior citizens with games and food. There will be CPR classes, training, health screenings and the fire department and police department will be there. Donations will be accepted and appreciated. There will also be a big cash prize, IPad, IPad mini giveaway and some door prizes, sponsored by a local business.

Be sure and watch for the continuation articles Part 2 and Part 3 of the South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club in Greenwood. Consider taking a visit and seeing for yourself how much the children enjoy themselves and how much they are cared for.

Contact Katrina and ask how you can help make the children’s experience even greater. The club is right outside of Greenwood on Hester Cut off of Highway 71.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK