Resident News Network

Scott County Coroner and Deputy Coroner Resign

Headlines

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1:35 pm

On Monday evening, April 15, at the Scott County Quorum Court meeting, Judge James Forbes and members of the court went into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Upon reconvening, Judge James Forbes stated that Scott County Coroner, Sam Callahan and Deputy Coroner, Billy Biggs had resigned.

“…It will be up to the Quorum Court to appoint a new coroner in accordance with state law. The Quorum Court has indicated that I run it in the paper for two weeks. They will review all applicants and make a decision. I take full responsibility for all these actions and we will leave it at that. The Quorum Court understands, and I appreciate your patience in this matter.”

Forbes then instructed Sheriff Randy Shores that if there is a call about a body or a death that requires the coroner’s presence that he will be required to get a hold of the JP for that district and the judge.

“We will both be there,” Forbes stated. “The JPs most likely don’t know a lot about this, but I know a little bit more due to the fact I’ve had to deal with the laws…we will deal with that issue as we go along…I am taking 100 percent of the responsibility for this, period. Our coroner did a good job, a fine job.”

resign-coroner-Callahan — Scott County Coroner, Sam Callahan, resigns.

Callahan stated the reason for his resignation was “in his letter to the court.”

In that letter, Callahan thanked the citizens of Scott County for allowing him to serve for the past 10 plus years. He noted that lack of funding for the office prohibited him from carrying out his duties as coroner. Furthermore, recent issues of the handling of an unclaimed body.

According to Callahan’s letter, “I was advised that it was the county’s responsibility to provide for the final disposition of the deceased. I requested to be put on the agenda to ask for funds for the final disposition and was told it was too late…After two weeks of not being able to resolve this matter, my wife and I felt it was our Christian duty and as human beings to lay the deceased to rest with dignity and respect. Therefore, the individual was laid to rest…With great regret I feel I must resign as Scott County Coroner for the following reasons. I feel that it is a conflict of interest for me to own a funeral home and that funeral home be responsible for paying the fees for storage of deceased individuals, for which the coroner’s office must receive into our care for legal investigation or be responsible for the final disposition of unclaimed deceased persons.”

Callahan’s resignation was effective as of midnight on Monday, April 15. The Quorum Court will accept applications for the position for the next two weeks and then meet to appoint Callahan’s replacement.

Mansfield Athletic Banquet

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:14 pm

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The 2018-2019 Mansfield All-Sports Athletic Banquet will be held on May 7 at 6 p.m. All athletes grade 7-12 are invited to attend along with family and friends. Student-athletes are free and guests are $10.

Athletes have been given forms and are due back to school by Tuesday, April 23. Forms are to be given to Coach Bentley or Coach Mackey. At that time, a meal ticket will be handed out. Dinner will be provided by Western Sizzlin.

A “picture board” is being put together for the athletes. Any student that would like to participate, please supply a copy of two of your favorite athletic pictures along with your banquet form.

Sr Bulldogs Race For A Win

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:43 pm

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On Thursday, April 11, the Sr High Waldron Bulldogs Track Team hosted the Gaile Hainley Relays. With 17 teams on hand to compete, the night was a huge success for the Bulldogs. After all was said and done, the Sr High Boys and Girls took home overall First Place in the meet.

In the girls’ 100 M Dash, Chenoa Burdess took second while Chelsea Stidman took fourth. In the 200 M Dash, Chenoa took third and Chelsea placed fourth. Stephanie Sexton took first place in the 400 M Dash and Desiree Hunt came in sixth. Ryleigh Anschutz took first in the 800 M Run while Madison Patrick scored second.

In the 1600 M Run, Constance Richmond took second and Kentucky Spence placed third. Constance placed first in the 3200 M Run while Kentucky took second. Erica Davis ranked sixth in the 100 M Hurdles and Bayleigh Lipham took eighth. Bayleigh earned ninth in the 300 M Hurdles while Rena Owens got eleventh. The girls got first place across the board in the 4×100, 4×400, and the 4×800.

In the High Jump, Jaden Kirkendoll placed first while Kentucky Spence tallied fifth. Chenoa Burdess got fourth in the Long Jump and Rheagan Sanford placed fifth. Chenoa and Rheagan achieved second and third respectively in the Triple Jump. Lauren Trampp got sixth in the Pole Vault. Mackinzie Callahan netted first in Discus along with Anastasia Lynch who got second. And for Shot Put, Anastasia placed fourth while Mackinzie brought in sixth.

For the Sr High boys, Bryson Bailey made first in the 100 M Dash and Levi Hayden ranked second. In the 200 M Dash, Bryson placed first and Levi placed second. For the 400 M Dash, Caden Fuller earned third while Garron Deramus placed seventh. Zach Canada sat in fifth for the 800 M Run and Jordan Dickens picked up eighth. Evan Ledesma got eighth in the 1600 M Run and also seventh in the 3200 M Run.

Isaac Villareal placed first in the 110 M Hurdles while Drake Carnley got third. In the 300 M Hurdles, Isaac ranked first and Drake earned fourth. The boys placed second in both the 4×100 and 4×400 M Relays and fifth in the 4×800. For the High Jump, Gavlen Wagner snagged first and Levi Hayden got second. Bryson Bailey took first in the Long Jump while Levi took fourth.

In the Triple Jump, Levi grabbed first and Mason Ford picked up fifth. Carson Cain got fourth in Pole Vault while Jordan Dickens received seventh. Ethan Slater and Spencer Chapel placed ninth and thirteenth respectively in Discus. And in Shot Put, Peyton Brown scored second while Trevor Root got fifth.

On April 18, the Sr High Bulldogs will compete in the Southside Track Meet. Then on April, 22, the Bulldogs will jump into District which is being held this year at Mansfield.

Mansfield School Board Accepts Principal’s Resignation

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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12:01 pm

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Mansfield School Board Accepts Principal’s Resignation

The Mansfield School Board met in regular session on Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m.

After approving the minutes and financial reports, Superintendent Robert Ross gave his report.

Dr. Jim Best, High School Principal, informed the board that the academic awards assembly will be during the school day at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. Later that evening, at 6 p.m., the academic banquet will be held at the high school cafeteria. Additionally, the athletic award banquet will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. Lastly, graduation will be held May 13 at 7 p.m.

Elementary Principal, Kim Arnold, reported that the kindergarten graduation will be held May 20 and that kindergarten registration will be hon May 21 and 22. Awards for first through fourth grades will be held on May 23.

Next, the board acted on the following:

Approved an overnight trip request for the volleyball team
Renewed the contract for speech, physical and occupational therapists
Tabled the contract renewal for psychometry services
Failed to renew the choir contract for 2019-2020 (vote 2-3)
Approved classified contract renewal for 2019-2020
Accepted resignation letters from Coach Kent Elmore and High School Principal Dr. Jim Best

“I truly want to thank you,” stated Dr. Best. “You renewed my contract every year…everyone in this room has been good to me, and I will never forget it.”

At 6:26 p.m., the board went into executive session to discuss the hiring of the principal’s replacement. However, upon reconvening, the board took no action on the matter, and tabled it until another meeting date.

Bulldogs Sink To Dover Pirates

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:41 am

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Last night the Waldron Bulldogs took a tough loss for the team when they fell to the Dover Pirates 18-3. Although they fought hard til the end, it just wasn’t enough to overpower the Pirates. Waldron sits on the season with a 3-12 record.

The Bulldogs hosted four pitchers on the mound during the game. Braden Williams threw 32 pitches to 9 batters. He also scored two runs, two hits, one runner batted in, one steal, and three putouts. Caden Fuller tossed 46 pitches to 12 batters striking out two. He also made one run and one steal. Clayton Montgomery hurled 18 pitches to three batters. And Jayden McConnell catapulted 56 pitches to 14 batters striking out one.

Ruben Valdez netted one RBI and one steal. Drake Carnley landed one hit. Tyler Owens established one hit, one RBI, and one steal. Bryson Bailey obtained two putouts. And Seth Hunt snagged one putout. Tonight the Waldron Bulldogs will host the 2-9 Cedarville Pirates with a game time of 4:30 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs Off By One

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:34 am

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For the second game in a row, the Waldron Lady Bulldogs have lost by one point. “A loss always hurts,” says Head Coach Bailey Moore. “I lose sleep over a 1 point loss nearly as bad as a 10 point loss. Having a game in your hands and letting it slip through is a rough way to go.” The girls fell to the Ozark Lady Hillbillies 7-6. The Lady Bulldogs are now 11-7 on the season.

By the fifth inning, the score was tied 4-4. In inning six, Waldron pulled ahead with a score of 6-5. But by the unlucky hand of fate, Ozark added two runs in the seventh inning sealing the deal for the Lady Bulldogs. Mackinzie Callahan finished the game with one run, two hits, two runners batted in, and four putouts.

Rheagan Sanford earned one hit, one run, one steal, two putouts, and two assists. Bayleigh Lipham snagged one run, one RBI, and six putouts. Saige Mahar nailed two runs, two hits, three putouts, and three assists. Whitney Richmond scored one hit, one RBI, one putout, and one assist. Taylor Stacy landed one run, one hit, two RBI, one steal, two putouts, and one assist. Jayden Manning obtained two putouts and two assists. And pitcher Ashton Young threw out 117 pitches to 35 batters striking out three. She also bagged one hit and one assist.

“We are staying positive and taking it one game at a time. These girls have heart and I have faith that they will dig deep to finish this season out strong!” The Waldron Lady Bulldogs will stay home tonight and take on the 1-11 Cedarville Lady Pirates at 4:30 p.m. As an added bonus, the Lady Bulldogs will be celebrating senior night.

Tigers Play “Lights Out” In Loss Against Lamar

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:39 am

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Tigers Play “Lights Out” In Loss Against Lamar

One thing is for sure. Last nights baseball game against the Mansfield Tigers and the Lamar Warriors was nothing short of entertaining. The game started off with the Tigers celebrating their seniors in a warm-hearted ceremony. Four seniors are saying goodbye to their high school baseball days. Seth Fudge, Tyler Watkins, Hunter Willsey, and Zach Woolbright.

Shortly into the first inning, freshman Nathan Brewer stepped up to the plate. After a few errored attempts at hitting the ball, contact was made and the ball was catapulted up and behind him slamming into a light and shattering it around nervously running fans. Nathan garnered three hits, one run, and two putouts in the game.

Catcher Cody Fudge had a heck of a time staying on his feet while going after the baseballs hit behind him. With the grass still wet, Cody was slippin’ and slidin’ all over the field but not once did he lose momentum. Cody finished the game with seven putouts. Clay James earned one putout. Seth Fudge made one run, one hit, and four putouts. Zach Woolbright scored one hit.

Hunter Willsey landed two runs, one hit, one putout, and three assists. Codi Chick hooked one hit, one RBI, one putout, and two assists. Isaac Cothran grabbed four putouts and one assist. Hayden Henson made one hit and one RBI. And Tyler Watkins acquired one RBI, one putout, and two assists. Hayden and Tyler did the pitching for the Tigers. Hayden threw 72 pitches to 23 batters striking out four and Tyler threw 54 pitches to 18 batters striking out two. The final score tally was 11-4 Lamar. Next up, the 5-7 Mansfield Tigers will face the Charleston Tigers tonight, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Book keeper for the Tigers, senior Allie Willsey

Lady Hornets Bag The Rattlers

Sports

Megan Hecox

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7:52 am

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In last nights square off between the Hackett Lady Hornets and the Magazine Lady Rattlers, the Lady Hornets managed to stay on top of their defensive skills which ended up victoriously paying off in the end. After five intense innings, Hackett wrangled themselves a 17-2 win against Magazine. The Lady Hornets upgraded their season total record to 17-4.

In the first inning alone, the Lady Hornets brought in 10 runs. Putting up the runs were Jamye Durham with four, Autum Neal, Kayla Richardson, Madi Taylor, Sarah White, and Shayla Foster with two each, and with one apiece was Audrie Chaney, Madeline Freeman, and Emma Infalt.

Autum also reaped three hits, three runners batted in, and one steal. Audrie pinned two hits, two RBI, one steal and six putouts. Kadence Glass made one hit. Madeline nailed one steal, one RBI, and one assist. Jamye captured two steals, two hits, one RBI, two putouts, and three assists. Madi cinched one hit, two RBI, and one steal.

Sarah earned two hits and six putouts. Emma obtained three hits and two RBI. Shayla landed two RBI and one hit. And pitcher Kayla Richardson threw 88 pitches to 23 batters striking out seven. She also scored three steals, one RBI, one putout, and three assists.

With one conference game left on the season, the Lady Hornets are anxious to get the show on the road. The girls are sitting at 4-1 in conference play and come this Thursday, April 18, they look to upgrade that first number. Hackett will be playing the 5-6 Lady Dragons at 4 p.m in Mountainburg.

Thank you to Tanya White for your amazing game pictures!

Obituary – Jack Augustus Butler Jr. (1931 – 2019)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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9:17 pm

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Obituary – Jack Augustus Butler Jr. (1931 – 2019)

Jack Augustus Butler Jr. of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Wednesday, April 9, 2019 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas with family by his side. Jack was born April 4, 1931 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Mack and Doris Butler. Jack was 88 years old. He was a member of Lakeview Temple in Indiana.

Jack proudly served in the United States Marines. He was active during World War II and the Korean War. He received numerous commendations during his time served including: Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citations with 1 star, Korean Service Medal with 2 stars and United Nations Service Medal. Jack was a beloved family man and enjoyed time sitting around the dinner table with everyone sharing laughs and making memories to be cherished by all.

Jack leaves behind to cherish his memory, nine children: Kathleen, Deborah, Elizabeth, Jack III, Cheryl, Jonna, John, Scott and Jenny. Papaw will forever remain in the hearts of his 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Jack will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldo, Arkansas.

You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Jack’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

Waldron Bulldogs Keep The Faith

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:52 am

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When it comes to the game, the Waldron Bulldogs are no stranger to hard work and dedication. On Friday, April 12, the Bulldogs hosted the Charleston Tigers in a conference game but sadly ended taking an 8-1 loss. This puts Waldron at 3-6 in conference play and 3-11 in total season play.

Pitcher Seth Hunt was the player who earned the run for the Bulldogs. He made two hits as well and ended the game throwing 75 pitches to 18 batters striking out six. Also pitching for Waldron was Tyler Owens and Caden Fuller. Tyler lobbed out 97 pitches to 22 batters striking out seven and grabbed one putout. Caden made one putout and slung 17 pitches to five batters striking out one.

Ruben Valdez earned one hit, one steal, and one putout. Braden Williams secured one hit and one runner batted in. Blake Owens made one assist. And Bryson Bailey took one steal. The Bulldogs are back to work tonight in Dover against the 7-11 Pirates at 4:30 p.m.

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