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Tiger Preps See Action At Bearcat Invitational

Pictured: Seventh-grade girls take Runner-Up plaque at Booneville Track Meet

Once the rain and cold winds took a bit of a break, the Mansfield seventh grade track team took to action for the first time this spring. Pitting their skills against prep teams from across the local area, the Tiger rookie runners, throwers and jumpers made their mark with a trophy trip to Booneville.

Led by high point winner Kynslee Ward, the Mansfield seventh grade girls claimed the runner-up plaque at the Bearcat Invitational. The MMS boys also had success but were short of the top two team awards.

Ward, who pulled a full load at the season opener, gobbled up points through a pair of jumping events and four runs. Her best measures included third place finishes from the long jump and 100m hurdles. The first time track athlete also participated in the high jump, 300m hurdles, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay.

Teammate Emile Nelson added to the point production by finishing runner up in the pole vault and fourth in the triple jump.

On the boys side, Mansfield got a pair of blue ribbon performances from Peyton Martin and Tyler Turnipseed. Martin took top honors at the pole vault. Turnipseed edged a large heat of long jumpers with a terrific 16 feet 3 inch horizontal leap.

Both boys followed that with solid finishes respectively in the 100m hurdles and 200m dash. Martin crossed the line in the 110m hurdles in 22.20 for his second place prize. Turnipseed cruised the 200m sprint in 27.75 for his red ribbon honor.

Mansfield’s Harlie Fuller joined in the scoring for the Lady Tigers with a third place position in the pole vault. She was also the seventh fastest girl to cross the 200m sprint finish line. She also joined in a pair of scoring relays.

Eden Mounts, Kalie Sysakayavong, and Ward teamed with Fuller to run a fifth place 4x100m relay. Trinity Scott came in to join Mounts, Ward and Fuller in the 4x400m relay for sixth place.

Raine Hecox and Charity Crowe passed the baton with Nelson and Scott to form the 4x800m relay squad for the MMS ladies. Their collective effort was good for a fifth-place win.

Martin and Turnipseed along with twin brothers Ethan and Donovan Walker sent the sprint baton around the track in the 4x100m relay for the Tiger boys. They finished seventh. The Walker twins, Turnipseed, and Zach Hayslip upped their game in the 4x400m relay to bring home a fifth-place award.

Hayslip also scored a point in the triple jump. Dakota Langford added to the point parade with a third place toss of the discus. Jonathon Norris took third in the 110m hurdles before an ankle sprain took him out of four other scheduled events.

Kadence Mathisen and Kadynce Robinson increased the Lady Tiger point total with top eight performances in the discus. Mathisen went 58 feet for third place. Robinson threw 53 feet 7 inches for seventh. Hecox added a fifth-place triple jump for the girls at 22’ 7”.

Kynslee Ward proudly shows the high point award she earned at the Booneville Bearcat 7th grade track meet





Late Schedule Change Benefits Jr Tigers

Pictured: Steven Perez places second in the pole vault at Van Buren’s Jr High Track Meet.

Predicted cold temperatures caused Booneville to cancel their track meet for Tuesday, March 5. Scrambling to find another meet later in the week when the weather was supposed to be warmer, Mansfield logged onto the Van Buren Invitational two days later.

With the format allowing up to three competitors per event, Mansfield’s depth on the junior girls’ squad became its strong suit. Behind major contributions from eight grader Madelyn Jones along with a plethora of other team members offering solid performances, the Lady Tigers took runner-up honors in the team race.

Nearby neighbor Greenwood, a class 6A school, took the girls’ team title with 157 points. Mansfield (109), Chaffin (65), Van Buren (64), and Alma (62) rounded out the top five teams among 12 scoring schools.

Chaffin prevailed in the junior boys’ division winning the team title with 124 total points. Alma (73), Trinity (72), Ramsey (63) and Greenwood (62.5) completed the top five boy teams out of 13 scoring schools. Mansfield’s junior boys fell to ninth place overall with 30 points.

Mansfield’s Jones nearly hit for the cycle as she placed in five different events. She was first in the 300m hurdles (59.91), second in the 100m hurdles (18.07), and third in the long jump (13.25) before skipping a place.

As the member of the 4x100m relay team, Jones connected with Kinley Hanfelder, Sadie Roberts, and Alexis Rivera for a fifth place finish (59.52) in the sprint relay. She followed that with a sixth place award in the high jump at 4’ 2”.

Along with Jones, Mansfield’s 4x800m relay team and individuals Roberts and Skylynn Harris all took blue ribbon honors at the Van Buren meet.

Natalie Allison, McKenzie Griffin, Olivia Bouse, and Faith Rainwater combined to win the girl’s 4x800m relay. Their collective run of 11:56.19 bested Greenwood, the next closest team, by over eight seconds.

Roberts, a freshman, won the pole vault at a jump of 6’ 6”. She also grabbed a seventh place marker at the triple jump, and an eight place score in the high jump at 4’ 2”.

Harris dominated the girls shot put with a massive toss of 38’ 3.5”. The next closet measurement by any other competitor was over seven feet shy of the Mansfield eighth grader’s winning heave.

Allison was second in the girls triple jump. She hopped, skipped, and jumped 29’ 11.25” for a new personal record in that horizontal event.

The Tiger eighth grader was also fifth in the 800m run. She passed the finish line in 3:00.88. Close behind was Tiger teammate Hope Rainwater who came in at 3:05.12 for eighth place.

The Tiger men saw Steven Perez place the highest among their roster. He went 9’ 0” in the pole vault for the silver medal. Ethan Chapman took a fourth place in the 800m individual run and was anchor leg to the fourth place 4x400m relay.

Shawn Brown gave the Tiger’s four points in the shot put with a fifth place mark of 38’ 8.75”. He was also ninth in the discus (97’ 5”) leading all Tiger throwers at both venues.

Jadelynn Wood covered the 300m hurdles in 1:02.98 for third place. She was also the lead runner in the women’s 4x400m relay for fourth place. That group was completed by Faith Rainwater, Shelby Cole, and Olivia Bouse. Bouse and Cole also scored in the pole vault. The two took fifth and sixth place respectively.

Kinley Hanfelder was sixth in the 100m hurdles (20.18). Brooklyn Adams was seventh in the discus (67’ 2”) as was Cassidy Carlton in the 400m dash (1:15.32). Cole punctuated the Lady TIger scoring with an eighth place time (1:16.34) in the 400m dash.

The Tiger’s fourth place 4x400m relay (4:22.30) was manned by John Branche, Dru Buckner, Tommy Phang, and Chapman. Additionally, the Tiger’s fifth place 4x800m relay  (10:38.88) was formed with Zac Desormeaux joining Branche, Perez, and Chapman. Ashton Hinkle was fifth (7’ 6”) in the pole vault to complete the Mansfield’s junior boys score.





Deer Recipe #5: Deer Mexican Casserole

We are wrapping up our 5 Deer Recipes Just For You. Deer Recipe #5 is Mexican Casserole. Sometimes, when we think about casseroles, the first thing that comes to mind is old ladies, church pot luck dinners, and a surprise on the inside considering you never know what you are eating. However, I have been making this casserole for years after the recipe was shared with me from my Aunt Norma. Funny thing is, the first time I tasted it was actually at a church pot luck meal. I will never forget the first time as a kid I saw this sitting there in the buffet line.  I was apprehensive at first because I am a picky eater.  However, once the cheesy goodness hit my taste buds, I WAS SOLD!  Now, that we have a freezer of ground deer, I decided to try it with deer meat instead of ground beef.  It tastes just as delicious! This casserole could be made with deer, beef, or chicken. It is fast and easy! It is also inexpensive to make. It is a family favorite at our house!

Ingredients:

  • 1 and a 1/2 lbs. of ground deer (or ground beef or shredded chicken)
  • 1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup (I have left this soup out before because I simply forgot to buy it at the store, and I just added a bigger can of Cream of Chicken Soup. It tasted just as good.  So, if you are not a fan of mushrooms, you could do this substitution as well.)
  • 1 can of Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 Bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
  • 1 8oz bag of Shredded Cheese

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. 

Brown the deer meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Even though it is just a pound and a half of meat, you will need a larger skillet since you must add other ingredients to the pan as you go along.  

Next, in your skillet add the cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and enchilada sauce.  Stir in each can slow and mix with the meat.  Bring this mixture to a boil.

Then, turn the temperature to low.  Break up your Doritos while they are still in the bag.  You don’t want crumbles, but you also don’t want huge chunks of chips.  Now, add in slowly the Doritos to your skillet.  Stir your ingredients as you go. 

Once it is mixed well and heated, spray a cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Layer your skillet mixture in your pan.  First, layer with the ingredients in the skillet, and then a layer of cheese.  I usually have enough for two layers.  Always top with cheese.

Place into the oven for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and ingredients are bubbling. 

Enjoy!

Deer Mexican Casserole will melt in your mouth and have your stomach begging for more!


Spring Break on a Budget

Spring break is approaching quickly, and many parents are scrambling for ideas on short, local day trips.

Our state is unique in it’s offerings of family friendly fun adventures. For example, the Ozark Mountain country of Northern Arkansas has beautiful vistas, lakes and natural springs that make it a great place for family vacation or staycation.

In Hot Springs, visitors can tour historical spas on bathhouse row, enjoy quaint shopping and take a dip in the waters that made Hot Springs America’s original spa town. The history of this town goes back to the 1830s, when people came from across the country to bathe in what they believed to be healing waters. Now, it is an urban national park. Also located in Hot Springs, an educations museum the whole family is sure to enjoy. –Mid America Museum.

Another destination idea is Eureka Springs. This is a fun town filled with shops, spas and plenty of whimsical places to stay, eat and play. For great family vacation or staycation, try renting a local cabin. Nearby, you can tour caves, go horseback riding and even try out your driving skills at a 4×4 adventure park.Wheelin’ World

While in Eureka Springs, don’t forget to check out The Great Passion Play. This outside event is America’s number one attended outdoor drama. The play has featured the story of the last days of Jesus continually since 1968. The large grounds where the play is performed is also home to several other Biblical-themed attractions including a huge statue of Jesus, replicas of Holy-Land sites and Sacred Arts Museum. –The Great Passion Play

For the family who enjoys outdoor adventures, consider caving. There are many more controlled experiences in Arkansas for a great family staycation or vacation experience. Try the Blanchard Springs Cavern, which is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The lighted rooms and paved pathways make for a family friendly cave experience. Cosmic Caverns gives visitors a glimpse of a large underground lake. War Eagle Caverns offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gemstones.

If exploring caves is not your thing, why not try your hand at digging for diamonds? Crater of Diamonds State Park actually allows visitors to mine for diamonds, and many people find them. This spot is the only diamond mining spot in the world where you are allowed to keep what you find. The park also has campgrounds and a water park which make it a great option for family vacation travel.

For those history buffs in the family, give the William J. Clinton Library and Museum a try. Your kids will get the chance to see what it feels like to sit in the Oval Office at the William J. Clinton Library and Museum in Little Rock. The museum at this site takes visitors through the events of President Clintons two terms in office. For a fun family experience, try the third floor exhibits that show what family life was like in the White House for the Clintons. The complex includes a large park.

And lastly, those history buffs can follow the Civil War History of Arkansas. The trail and a series of podcasts describing the war in this border state are available at the states travel and tourism website.

Whatever it is you and your family decide to do throughout the week long break, just remember that being together and making those memories is what it’s all about!

Obituary – Corene Stinson (1940 – 2019)

Corene Stinson of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life Wednesday, March 6, 2019 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She was born June 15, 1940 in Scott County, Arkansas to Cyril and Jewel (Wagner) Howell. Corene was 78 years old.

When Corene was a young woman, she met and married the love of her life, Harold Stinson. They were life long Waldron residents and raised their sons there. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and in the yard. Corene was a homemaker and her most loved time was taking care of her guys.

Corene leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Harold Stinson, one son, Russell Stinson and one grandson Ryan Stinson. Corene will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted.

Corene was preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Jewel Wagner, one son Michael Todd Stinson and her siblings, Jimmy Howell, Florene Douglas and Dan Howell.

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 Waldron, Arkansas.

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

Obituary – Shelia Jane Wagner (1969 – 2019)

Shelia Jane Wagner of Ft. Smith, Arkansas (formerly of Waldron, Arkansas) passed from this life, Wednesday, March 6, 2019 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Shelia was born December 24, 1969 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas to Jerry Richmond and Jane (Silvey) Richmond. She was 49 years old. She was a Christian.

Shelia was loving, caring and had a big heart. She cared for people whether she knew them or not. She had a way of empathizing with others. The birth of her grandkids were some of Shelia’s most memorable moments. Her hope would be that her kids and grandkids would have a love for God. Shelia enjoyed camping, fishing and watching her grand babies. If Shelia could have one last thing to tell her family and friends it would be “don’t be sad on my behalf I am now spending time with my father, sister and son.”

Shelia leaves behind to cherish her memory, one son, Tyler Wagner and wife Samantha and one daughter, Lauren Wagner all of Lavaca, Arkansas. Shelia is also survived by her mother, Jane Richmond of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her grandsons: Easton and Blakely. Shelia will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Shelia is preceded in death by one son, Zack Wagner, her father, Jerry Richmond and one sister, Annette Richmond.

Shelia’s memorial life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Sue Means officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Shelia’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

Lady Arrows win in dramatic fashion in extra innings to remain undefeated.

Photos courtesy of Johnna Morgan

Oh what a night! The Lavaca and Charleston Softball teams met last night to do battle at this years Clarksville Softball Tournament. This match up would prove to be the toughest competition that Lavaca has faced this year. Both teams battled hard and the lead changed hands several times throughout a game that took extra innings to determine a winner. At the end of regulation, which came with a degree of controversy, the score was 3-3. The game took two over time innings for Lavaca to pull out the win 5-4.

The Controversy mentioned was the ending of regulation play. Tournament rules allowed for a one hour time limit. After which the teams would go to a AAA tiebreaker, Which allows each team to start with a runner on second base. The issue at hand was that Lavaca was about to go into the bottom of the forth when the game was called. They were not allowed their last at bat. Which meant Charleston had one more at bat than Lavaca. AAA uses the NFHS rule book which states that the ending of a game requires equal number of at bats unless the home team is ahead in points. This did not happen, but since Lavaca went on to win in extra innings it becomes a mute point.

Coach Vire was pretty pumped up about the grit his team showed last night. They never quit and didn’t get wrapped up in the controversy’s, they just kept playing hard.. After the game coach had this to say, “I’m super proud of our fight tonight! We had many chances where we could have laid down and let them take it from us, but we kept battling and found a way to pull that one out. BethAnn came up big for us on the mound, she competed with every pitch, and never gave in. Her defense did a great job of backing her up and making big plays.”

With the win Lavaca advances to the semi finals game at 6:00 on field one against Mayflower. Please note the schedule change. The game was originally scheduled for 5:00 but everything was pushed back an hour, so the game is now at 6:00.

Waldron Hosts NWTF Banquet

This evening, the Poteau Mountain Longbeards NWTF Chapter held their annual hunting heritage banquet in Waldron.

Guest speaker Tyler Lawrence, Arkansas Regional NWTF Director discusses what the banquet benefits and why an expected 100+ attendees filled the auditorium in support of the NWTF.

For more information on the National Wild Turkey Federation, or how to get involved with a local chapter, CLICK HERE

Chamber Sponsors Abbott Grill Grand Opening

On Friday, March 8, members of the Mansfield/Huntington Area Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Abbott Homestyle Grill.

The restaurant reopened after being closed for some time. The owners, Lonnie and Niki Hayes are excited about their menu options and the community’s response to their reopening.

Mansfield Chamber of Commerce President Mike Gipson congratulated the Hayes on their new business venture and Mayor Buddy Black wished them well.

For more information on the Abbott Homestyle Grill, including their hours of operation, and contact number click HERE.

grill-grand-opening-Abbott
From left, Abbott Homestyle Grill owners, Lonnie Hayes, Niki Hayes and Emily Hickerson.