Resident News Network

First Responders Recieve Suicide Prevention Training via Call for Backup Program

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9:58 am

Hackett Police Chief, Darrell Spells has a close connection to his calling and the message he gives through educating others.

Yesterday, Spells gave insight to multiple levels of first responder agencies on the subject of Call for Backup, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training.

In today’s landscape, mental health is of high importance to all first responders and their families.

Whether it be Paramedics, Fire or Law Enforcement personnel who are often the first on scene, they are also the ones who leave with the images replaying in their mind. Over and over again.

The mental warfare is what brings many to suicide, which is a growing trend among first responder professionals in dealing with their realities.

“If something’s not right, it’s not all right. Get the needed help as soon as you recognize the need.” stated Spells during his training at Greenwood Police Department.

For more information on this training, or to contact Chief Darrell Spells about speaking engagements, please contact him thru Call for Backup or visit https://callforbackup.org/

Game Over For Jr Lady Tigers

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:15 am

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The Mansfield Jr High Lady Tigers had one phenomenal season. The girls ended the year by making it to the second round of the Jr District Tournament. In their first game, the Lady Tigers overran the Lady Elks 32-27. For their final game, Mansfield pushed their skills to the limit but fell short 32-23 against Charleston.

Alyson Edwards, Natalie Allison, and Haylee Helms

The Lady Tigers played in over 20 games during their season. 14 of those were in conference play. Mansfield ended their season with a conference record of 6-8, earning the #5 seed position. The Lady Tigers are a young team filled with an abundance of talent. There will be only four ninth graders leaving the team. This leaves the nine eighth graders remaining, a great opportunity to lead the team for the underclassmen in the next season. Out of the Lady Tigers five starters, four of them will be returning.

Head Coach, Erica McKay, said this about her Lady Tigers. “There was so much growth from this group of girls. Each player individually improved and we most importantly improved as a whole team. I am most proud of the girls never giving up these last few games. Each game we seemed to have had a rough quarter that would get us far behind. At the start of the season, we could never mentally come back from it. However, towards the end of the season, these girls stayed mentally tough and would fight there way back.”

“They fought to the end and that’s what I am most proud of. This group of girls future is very bright for them. Next year, they will have to continue to keep working hard on the mental aspect of basketball and being confident in their ability to be more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball. These girls were fun being around my first year and I cannot wait to see them be successful in every sport they compete in.”

POA 746 Seek Clarity on Gun Laws

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:00 am

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President of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition and Scott County resident, Gary Epperson, along with members of the group, Patriots of Act 746, are spearheading a push that would provide clarity to gun laws, specifically, a resolution that affirms that Arkansas is a constitutional carry state.

Epperson was present when State Representative Brant Smith of Jonesboro presented HR 1013 on Thursday, February 7. He wasn’t alone, more than 30 other members of the POA 746 were also present. Smith presented the resolution, along with testimony from fellow Patriot Tim Loggains.

“This resolution is not something that is to make a new law. It is simply to provide our leadership with direction for law enforcement. This is to help avoid lawsuits and save the tax payers money on civil suits,” commented Epperson.

Smith asked members of the Judiciary Committee to provide that clarification by passing House Resolution 1013. That resolution calls lawmakers to recognize the 2018 case, Jamie Taff v. State of Arkansas, where the Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed that open or concealed carry without a permit is not a violation of Arkansas law.

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Loggains commented that the purchase of the concealed handgun license remains necessary for traveling outside of the state. He added that it’s also important for making a federal firearms license purchase.

State Representative Marsh Davis, a republican from Cherokee Village asked, “Is it not true that outside this building today, the citizens of Arkansas are open carrying and exercising their constitutional right as Arkansas citizens?” Loggains responded, “Not only are they open carrying, but they’re concealed carrying without a permit all over the state and not getting arrested because they’re not violating the law.”

Smith’s proposal was met with equal opposition, however. State Representative Nicole Clowney, a democrat from Fayetteville, expressed concerns that the resolution would “further muddy the waters.” State Representative Charles Blake, a democrat from Little Rock, expressed similar concerns stating “We shouldn’t try to interpret statutes or case laws through a resolution…”

Smith responded to the criticism stating that waiting on the Supreme Court’s interpretation would only further delay the clarification citizens deserve. Following the Taff ruling, the State of Arkansas had a window of time to file an appeal to the Arkansas Supreme court. Because they did not, that ruling will stand.

The members of the House Judiciary ultimately decided to delay the vote until Tuesday, February 12.

The following is the results of HR1013 in House Judiciary. State Representative Dwight Tosh asked for “due pass,” for immediate consideration. After a voice vote, a roll call was requested and here are the results:

Representative Carol Dalby-Chair
Representative Rebecca Petty Vice-Chair
Representative Stan Berry: NO
Representative Charles Blake: NO
Representative Sarah Capp: YES
Representative Nicole Clowney: NO
Representative Andrew Collins: NO
Representative Cindy Crawford: YES
Representative Marsh Davis: YES
Representative Charlene Fite: YES
Representative Jimmy Gazaway: NO
Representative Don Glover: NO
Representative Spencer Hawks: NO
Representative Douglas House: ABSENT
Representative John Maddox: YES
Representative Laurie Rushing: ABSENT
Representative Jamie Scott: NO
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd: ABSENT
Representative Brandt Smith: YES
Representative Dwight Tosh: YES

Jr Bulldogs Will Continue To Grow

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:54 pm

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The 2018-2019 basketball season has come to an end for Waldrons Jr High boys’ team. Playing in over 30 matches, the Bulldogs faced some bigger heavy hitter teams as well as a few mediocre teams. But no matter what the boys were faced with, they always kept their feet grounded and their heads held high.

The Jr Dogs finished their season with an epic game against rivals, the Mansfield Tigers, in their District Tournament. Waldron lost 28-27 but they are still proud of how they played and are already thinking about what they are going to do for next season.

Head Coach for the Jr boys, Josh Atchley, said this, “I am so proud of the way those guys have grown throughout the year. The 9th-grade boys have continued to work hard and add value for the last three years. We had a team full of inexperienced players and kept getting better as the year progressed. I look forward to next year and the continued growth of our team. We will return several players next year and look to have another successful season. This group of Jr High guys have fallen in love with the game, and for me as a coach is one of the greatest feelings you can have.”

“I look forward to seeing our whole program grow with this group of kids. I would like to thank the parents and supporters of our team as well. It is a huge commitment to work as hard as these guys have and that would not be possible without people who support them. Roger Sparks, Konnor McKay, Kerry Barnett, and Ray Jett are rockstars at the scorer’s table and have volunteered for many years. We are all very appreciative of them,” expressed Coach Atchley.

Jr Hornets Unbeaten On Court

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:29 pm

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Things are heating up in the 2A-4 Jr District Basketball Tournament. At the start of the week, there were 14 boys and girls teams in play. But there can only be two. The Lady Hornets went unbeaten 22-18 in their first round of play against JC Westside. But in last nights game, the Lady Hornets got captured by Mountainburg losing 38-22.

The #2 seed Hornets came prepared for all-out war against the #3 Little Johns. Clicking on all cylinders the entire length of the game, Hackett was able to bring Danville’s suffocating play to a halt. The Hornets came from behind to deliver a remarkable 38-33 win against the bewildered Little Johns. Leading the team in points were Jensin Coggins with 13, Austin Cowell with 9, and Cash Oliver with 9 as well. Jensin and Austin also grabbed 9 and 6 rebounds respectively.

Starring in the 2A-4 District Tournament was Danville, Magazine, Hector, JC Westside, Lavaca, Mountainburg, and Hackett. After a week-long battle of total dominance, four teams from three schools remain. Playing Saturday, February 9th in the District Championship round will be the Mountainburg Lady Dragons vs the Lavaca Lady Arrows at 6 p.m. and the Hackett Hornets vs the Lavaca Arrows at 7:30 p.m.

It All Comes Down To This

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:52 am

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And so it begins. The beginning to an end. In last nights intense shoot-out between the Mansfield Tigers and the Cedarville Pirates boys’ teams, the Tigers put it through for two and came out with a 40-37 win. The teams were squaring off against each other in the semi-finals of the Jr District Championship in an attempt to secure their spot in the finals.

Mansfield and Cedarville kept the score within points of each other during the entirety of the game. Heading into halftime, it was the Pirates that held the lead with an 18-15 score over the Tigers.

#23 Zayne Dugan, #4 Clint Stovall, and #5 Steven Perez

With seconds left on the clock, the scoreboard read 38-37 Mansfield. In a Tigers free throw rebound, Zayne Dugan snagged the ball for a two-point buzzer beater sending the Tigers off to the finals. The 3A-1 Jr District Championship round will be played at Mansfield on Saturday, February 9th. The teams vying for the top hot shot spots are the Charleston Lady Tigers vs the Cedarville Lady Pirates at 1 p.m. and the Mansfield Tigers vs the Charleston Tigers at 2:15 p.m.

Obituary – Peggy Joyce Boswell (1933 – 2019)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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9:03 pm

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Obituary – Peggy Joyce Boswell (1933 – 2019)

Peggy Joyce Boswell of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, February 5, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Peggy was born July 10, 1933 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Ernest and Leona Holt. She was 85 years, 6 months and 26 days old.

Peggy was a retired seamstress. She enjoyed crocheting, playing games,and working with her plants and flowers. She absolutely loved cooking and was able to pass that legacy to her children while teaching them how she worked her magic in the kitchen. Peggy was most passionate about her family and friends and spending time with them making treasured memories. She had a smile to brighten any room and a kind and welcoming spirit to everyone she met.

Peggy leaves behind to cherish her memory, two daughters, Leona Scott of Gloucester, Virginia and Leslie Boyd and husband Clarence of Waldron, Arkansas, one son, Bruce Waddle and wife Carla also of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandma Peggy will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Crystal Blowe, Angela Bryant, Tashia Ward, Daniel Boyd, Jacob Waddle and Jessica Brimble as well as 9 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Peggy will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces and nephews and extended family, friends, and loved ones dear to her heart.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Leona Holt, , husband, “Whistle” Zimmer, two brothers, John Holt & Billy Holt, two sisters, Ernestine Boyd & Rose Gilliland and one grandson, Josh Waddle,

Peggy’s life celebration will be Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Peggy’s pallbearers will be Jacob Waddle, James Brimble, Alex Bryant Jr., Skyler Blowe, Tate Ward and Josh Ward. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Bryant Sr., Beau Bryant, Ricky Blowe, Daniel Boyd, Kyler Boyd, Eric Sims, Jeff Sims and Clint Holt.

Peggy’s visitation will be Friday, February 8, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. You may leave words of remembrance for Peggy’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.

Chamber Sponsors Membership Drive

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:40 pm

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The Mansfield Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, February 7. President Mike Gipson announced the launch of a membership drive and a push to increase interest in the chamber.

Gipson noted that he plans to visit with businesses in the days ahead. The Chamber of Commerce is undergoing a revitalization period, and members are excited about the future.

In Gipson’s welcome letter to prospective businesses, he highlighted the benefits and services of being a chamber member. One of those services will be to promote and advertise those businesses who are members.

“We will have a banner at each of our community events with those members names on it. Also Resident Press will be providing members an opportunity to have exclusive and affordable ongoing advertisement.”

Upcoming events include the inaugural Tiger Plunge, which is slated to take place on February 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. Participants will take an icy plunge into the Mansfield City Lake. If you are interested in participating, you will need to contact President Mike Gipson at 479-883-8465 or Stephanie Morgan at City Hall at 479-928-5552 and pick up a pledge form. Participants will need to raise a minimum of $100 to take the plunge. Those who take the icy challenge will be treated to a free BBQ lunch afterwards.

If you are interested in supporting the chamber, and want to take pledges, but don’t want to brave the water you can opt to “chicken out.”

All who raise the minimum amount, regardless if they take the plunge or are too chicken, will be given a participation t-shirt. Additionally, community members are welcome to come out and support those who are participating and enjoy the BBQ for $5 per plate.

The Mansfield Chamber of Commerce has many other community events planned. They welcome both individuals and businesses to join. The next meeting will be on March 7 at noon, Mansfield City Hall. If you are interested in joining, you are welcome to attend.

Sebastian County Judge to Address Dog Problem

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:01 pm

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Sebastian County Judge to Address Dog Problem

Sebastian County Judge David Hudson is planning a meeting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council to discuss the county-wide issue of animal control.

Although Hudson did not have a specific date of that meeting, he did say it will be within the month.

The meeting, which will be open to the public, will allow mayors and city leaders throughout the county to attend and voice their concerns.

“It’s a serious matter,” said Hudson. “I was elected in 1999, and we adopted an ordinance then. The problem is the facilities that accept these animals are limited in their space and funding.”

Hudson acknowledged that several facilities that assisted with these animals are no longer in operation. Also, that he’s aware of people disposing of unwanted animals in an inhumane manner.

He further suggested that if it comes down to funding, the cities would have to budget funds to aid in a solution.

Cupit Resigns Waldron City Council

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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7:35 pm

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On Wednesday, February 6, newly elected Waldron City Council member Paige Cupit submitted a letter of resignation.

In that letter, which was addressed to Mayor David Millard and members of the Waldron City Council, Cupit stated that “it is with regret that I must announce my resignation from the Waldron City Council.”

Cupit explained the reason for her resignation, citing health of a family member and a planned move outside the city limits.

Additionally, Cupit pledged to continue supporting the community and expressed her intent to further serve in other capacities.

Cupit, who was elected by voters in November, served in Ward 3. The Waldron City Council will vote on Tuesday, February 12 to accept Cupit’s resignation and declare a vacancy.

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