On Monday, January 7, Scott County Circuit Judge Jerry Don Ramey ordered a continuance in the trial of accused Waldron School Assistant Principal, Jessica Williams.
Williams faces up to five counts of sexual assault in the first degree as well as one count of tampering with evidence. –See related story
Judge Ramey ordered the criminal responsibility examination of the defendant on November 15. Williams attorney, Ernie Witt, petitioned the court for a “fitness to proceed examination,” alleging that Williams was not fit to stand trial. –See related story
The continuance was granted on the defendant’s behalf, “pending mental competency issues.” Additionally, that the “defense needs additional time for preparation.” The trial is now set for March 25, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
Williams Trial Continued
WSD Issues Instructions For Tuesday’s School Day
On Saturday a transformer at the Waldron Middle School caught fire. Due to the damage at one of the buildings and the loss of electricity, classes were cancelled on Monday.
Waldron School District Superintendent Daniel Fielding issued a statement Saturday night making the announcement. He stated that it was unclear when the power would be restored and assured parents that the issue would be resolved as quickly as possible.
Today, the district issued further instructions for Middle School students for Tuesday, January 8:
All students will be dropped off at Waldron High School Commons for breakfast and will report to the auditorium for further instructions daily.
Students going to off-campus sites will be bussed by the Waldron School District.
Fifth and sixth grade students will eat lunch at Waldron Elementary School from 11:55 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Seventh and eighth grade students will eat lunch at Waldron High School from 11:40 a.m.-noon. Please send lunch or let them eat at school lunch during this time. Dropping off lunches will not be allowed.
All students that are car riders will be picked up at the Middle School like always for convenience.
All messages will be left at the WMS school number and the messages will be delivered to students. All questions about student sign-outs will go to 479-637-4549.
Fifth grade: First Baptist Church-doors stay locked at all times and will have extra adult supervision the entire time there as well as security.
Sixth grade: Nazarene Church-Doors stay locked at all times and will have extra adult supervision the entire time there as well as security.
Seventh grade: University of Arkansas Rich Mountain classrooms- All doors are locked and there will be additional adult supervision as well as security.
Eighth grade: Will remain at the High School.
If you have any questions of concerns, please feel free to call 479-637-4549.
Black Featured in Hometown Highlight
This month’s featured Hometown Highlight is a Mansfield native, and Tiger fan through and through. Ronnie Black, 65, has been a fixture in the community and the school his entire life, and is working to ensure that both remain strong for the lifetime of his grandchildren.
Black was born to William and Marie Black. He and his 10 siblings grew up close, with a great work and life ethic. He met and married his wife of 45 and a half years, Wanda Pettus Black. Together the couple have two daughters, Kandis Howard and Angie Morris. Additionally, four grandchildren, Symber Weaver, Rylea Weaver, Layton Howard and Addison Howard.
He has served over two decades both in the city and in the school district. Black served on the Mansfield School Board for 10 years, seven of those as President. He has been employed by the district as Maintenance Supervisor since 2009. Furthermore, he spent eight years on the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department and two and a half years on the Mansfield City Council.
“I was born and raised here,” stated Black. “I care about our school and our town. I’m just a die hard Mansfield Tiger! My kids went to school here and now my grandkids. It’s important to me that both our town and school stay strong.”
Black proudly shared the success his grandchildren have seen as Tiger athletes. “Rylea was named an All-State volleyball player and Layton was named All-Conference in football.” His youngest grandchild, Addison, plays little league basketball. “I have been helping out with little league and attending all the home games.”
His life revolves around his Christian faith, and his family. Black attends church at Mansfield First Assembly of God. “God is important to me above all,” he added. He celebrates family, and hosts annual events such as the grandkid’s Christmas party and has a special dance for his children and grandchildren on their birthdays. “We dance to the tune of Ronnie Milsap’s “Happy, Happy Birthday Baby. We’ve been doing this a long time.”
Anyone who knows Black, is well aware of his passion and charisma. Whether its the laughter he brings through his surprise dress up character or the joy he brings through his traditional Christmas light display, Black has been a blessing to the community, school and to all who know him.
We are pleased to feature Black in our Hometown Highlight this month! If you know of a citizen who is deserving of this spotlight, please email us! We want to feature those ordinary citizens who are doing extraordinary things!
Hornets Ready To Skin The Rattlers
On Tuesday, January 8th the Jr High boys and both Sr High squads will hit the road and head to Magazine to try their hand at bagging a few Rattlers. The Sr High boys are sitting 1-2 while the Sr High Lady Hornets are 0-3. The Jr High boys are coming off of a two-day tournament that was held this past Friday and Saturday. The Jr High played in the Trinity Winter Classic and got some great play time. The Jr Hornet boys beat St Josephs and Trinity in the first round on Friday and beat Trinity again in the Semi-Finals. The Hornets ended up losing by 2 to Woodland in the Finals. Boys Head Coach, Broc Adams, is proud of how his boys gave it everything they had and kept their heads up during a heated game.
The Sr High Hornets have been working extremely hard and are ready for their first conference game of the new year. Although there are some odds stacked against them, the Hornets have team chemistry unmatched and will do whatever it takes to wear down their foes and capture a signature win. To motivate his team, Coach Adams reminds the Hornets of what happens when they believe in each other and work together which is the true recipe for success. The Jr High boys and Sr High Hornets will play in Magazine on Tuesday, January 8th at 5 pm.
L.L Banquet Ends Season But Starts Tradition
The Mansfield Little League Football teams held their end of season banquet this past Saturday. With the Middle School cafeteria packed to the brim full of parents, grandparents, and players you couldn’t help but feel proud to be a Tiger. Little League Football President, Josh Strozier, was very pleased with how the banquet turned out, “Parent involvement is an important part of this program. I appreciate all of our coaches and their dedication to these kids. We had a great year and I’m looking forward to what’s to come in our upcoming season!”
The 3rd and 4th Grade received their 2018 Championship rings and got a chance to show off their WCFL Championship trophy while the 5th and 6th Grade was congratulated for a great season and for making the playoffs.
Mansfield High School Head Coach Craig Bentley attended the banquet and gave a riveting speech to the crowd ending it by saying “When was the last time Mansfield saw this kind of success in the football programs from Flag Football and Little League all the way to the Senior High team? This is just the beginning!” Mansfield Little League also got a chance to show off their new game jerseys for next seasons 5th and 6th Grade team.
After all of the food and festivities were complete, business was at hand by voting on Coaches & Board Members. The Tigers will have David Moore heading the 3rd and 4th Grade team again this season while Steven Moore will be taking over the 5th and 6th Grade squad. President Josh Strozier and Secretary/Treasurer Adam Hecox will return to their board positions and Jason Edwards will be the leagues new Vice President.
Billy Elmore: Football is Football
By Megan Hecox
Father, husband, son, friend, Coach of the Year. These are just a few ways one could describe Coach Elmore. Billy Elmore was born in Barber, Arkansas 1972 to Don and Vadona Elmore. Billy spent his teenage years playing football, baseball, and basketball for the Mansfield Tigers in Mansfield, Arkansas. Billy went on to marry the love of his life, Suzanne Whittaker. The two have three beautiful daughters, Haley, Rylee, and Keely.
After high school, Billy Elmore studied one semester of Pre-Law at Arkansas Tech University before deciding on a coaching career. Coach Elmore graduated with a Bachelors in 1994. He would later go on to earn his Masters in Education Leadership from Harding in 2006. At the young age of 22, Billy Elmore spent a semester student teaching/coaching in Booneville, Arkansas under the guidance of Kenneth Ripey. Billy got his first coaching job as the Offensive Line Coordinator in Barton, Ar under legend Frank McClellan. Coach Elmore spent his time at Barton coaching Jr and Sr High football, girls basketball and was the Head Coach for baseball. Billy would spend between 1995-1997 as a Barton Bear.
Between 1997-2002, Coach Elmore wore many hats during his coaching career at Greenwood, Ar. He was the Defensive Coordinator for Bulldog football and was the head baseball coach. In 1999, Billy Elmore won the State Title for Bulldogs baseball and was Runner-Up in 2000. Also in 2000, Coach Elmore saw the Bulldogs to the 4A State Championship win under Coach Ronnie Peacock.
Billy Elmores first Head Coaching job came in 2002 when he started at Glen Rose in Malvern, Ar. During his run as a Beaver, Coach Elmore was awarded Hootens 3A Coach of the Year for his 2007/2008 football season. During the 2006 football season, the Beavers placed 2nd in their 3A conference and made it to the 2nd round of playoffs. That year, Coach Elmore had a 9-3 total season record. In 2007, the (14-1) Beavers won their first State Championship game in a 35-34 overtime win over Shiloh Christian. Coach Elmore ended his run as a Glen Rose Beaver in 2008.
Billy Elmore spent a little bit of time in Arkadelphia, Ar before securing the Head Coach and Athletics Director positions in Stuttgart, Ar from 2010-2014. During his time as a Ricebird, Coach Elmore had a 26-11 season record and earned his 2nd career State Championship win in 2012 for his game against Ozark. The Ricebirds went 13-1 in their 2012-2013 football season. Coach Billy Elmore is one of three active coaches to have won a State Championship Title at two different schools.
Since 2014, Coach Elmore has called West Memphis home. Used to coaching in 3A and 4A school districts, moving to a 6A school district hasn’t seemed to make any difference to this defense-minded coach. Replacing Lanny Dauksch after his 13-year run, Billy Elmore has made himself right at home in Blue Devil territory. Coach Elmore is only one of three head coaches that the Blue Devils have had in the last 34 years. In 2018, Coach Elmore went undefeated 7-0 in conference play and 11-1 in total season play even making it to the semi-finals against the Benton Panthers. He was awarded the 2018 6A East Coach of the Year and will go on to coach in the All-Star football game for the third time in his career. He has also coached in the All-Star Baseball games multiple times as well.
If his resume isn’t impressive enough already, Coach Elmore also adds master trainer for USA Football in their “Heads-Up” campaign. Over 75 Arkansas High School Football Coaches are already “Heads-Up” certified. To earn their certification, a coach is required to complete both classroom and field training to teach proper tackling drills and hitting techniques to minimize head and spinal injuries. By being a part of this wonderful program, Coach Elmore hopes to make the game safer, one player at a time.
Congratulations Coach Elmore for your magnificent achievements and impressive record during your coaching career. You have blessed many students, players, families, and other coaches along your path and many more whom you may not know. Thank you for selflessly taking care of others and being a role model that people can look up to. You have made your Alma Matter proud.
Central EHC Seeks New Members
Once a month, there are five small groups of men and women who gather together across Sebastian County. They are the members of the Extension Homemakers Club, through the Agriculture Extension Office of Chaffee Crossing.
The Central EHC meets once a month, every third Thursday in the Conference Room of the Farmers Bank Barling branch. President Shirley Hamilton of Lavaca would like to see more people enjoy the fun and benefits that come with being a part of this club. The members of the EHC are seasoned seniors and, without new members, the numbers will eventually dwindle until the clubs fade away. That would be a sad ending for this historic organization.
Originally known as the Home Demonstration Clubs, the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) can be traced to its beginning as the Morrill Act of 1862 where it educated citizens on agriculture, home economics, mechanics and other professions. The 4-H Clubs emerged from this legislation in 1908. The EHC that we know today was established in 1912. These groups traveled throughout the state to educate Arkansans about growing, cooking, and preserving food. When WWI began, the EHC helped meet wartime needs by increasing food production helping American and Allied soldiers in Europe and conserving perishable products through canning, drying and preserving. The EHC, 4-H Clubs and extension offices came to the call again during WWII too.
Today’s EHC still meets and comes to answer the call again today. Monthly meetings will find members coming to the aid of local charities such as the making and assembling of stuffed animals for the children in Baptist Health (Sparks) Pediatrics. These toys are given for free to each patient in pediatrics. The group usually has a craft for members to enjoy, chosen by the month’s host or hostess who will also choose the month’s charity. And, if that wasn’t enough incentive, they have a potluck dinner after each meeting!
It only costs $8 to join the club and they collect monthly dues of one dollar. You leave each meeting with a full belly and a full heart from the difference you will be making and the new friends you will meet. If you’d like more information, call the Sebastian County Extension Offices at 479-484-7737 or you can call Shirley Hamilton at 479-674-2664. Leave Shirley a message and she will call you right back. Be part of something worthwhile. I will be there as a new member and I hope you will meet me there.
Lavaca Arrow Kicks Cancer To The Curb!! Bailey Vann Update.
Update on Bailey Vann’s battle with cancer: Resident Press has run multiple articles about Bailey Vann and his battle with cancer. October 27th 2018, Bailey Vann underwent surgery to remove a tumor between his heart and lung. He then went through a regiment of Chemotherapy treatments. On Wednesday January 2, 2019, Bailey’s mother, Aliesha Wells, posted this update to her Facebook page,
“I just received the best Christmas & New Years present a mother could ask for. As many of you know, my oldest son Bailey Vann was diagnosed with cancer in August & he underwent chemo through December. Today we found out he is CANCER FREE!!! What a blessing. God is good! I want to thank everyone for their prayers & support. 2019 is going to be an AMAZING Year!❤🎁🎗 #noonefightsalone #teambailey”
Bailey was a Senior at Lavaca High School and a member of the football team. Obviously, he had to miss his senior football season. However, his team, friends, Lavaca High School, and the City of Lavaca came together to prove that no one fights alone. Multiple fundraisers were conducted to help Bailey’s family help deal with the financial burdens this dreadful disease causes, and a ton of prayers were sent on Baileys behalf. Lavaca came together like small towns are supposed to do to help a neighbor in need. Aliesha Wells had this to say about the support their family received,
“The entire town of Lavaca did so much to help. Davin Green & Christy Marshall were instrumental in putting together fundraisers. Also a very special thanks to the staff at Lavaca High School for their support & assistance in ensuring Bailey was able to keep up with school work via the special assignments they offered. The entire town of Lavaca was a blessing to us in our time of need & we will be forever grateful.”
From a local preacher’s heart, Jacob Hopkins
(Mark 2:1-12) A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. “So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
We see in this story that Jesus has the power and authority to not only forgive someone’s sin but also to heal them. First, let me mention, these men who took the paralyzed man to Jesus. These men literally took the roof off to get their friend to Jesus. Jesus had such a reputation, because everyone was following him just to hear and be near him. Even the “teachers” knew his reputation. They followed Jesus everywhere hoping to see him mess up or say something that was wrong.
There is always going to be people in your life watching and hoping that you mess up. We need to surround ourselves with people like those guys who took the roof for their friend. When we have people to talk to and to help us get through difficult times in our lives, life will be a lot easier. Also, we need to be friends to other people like these guys in the scripture. Above everything else, we need to have a relationship with Jesus, because without him, this story wouldn’t even be in the bible. We don’t have to wait until we are perfect to come to Him. If we do that, then we will never be ready for Him. Jesus wants us to come as we are and He will begin to perfect us. He is the only one who can wash our sins away and give us life.
A little about Bro. Jacob Hopkins…
Bro. Jacob Hopkins is 26 years old and has lived in Mansfield his whole life. He attends Mansfield Assembly of God and has been preaching for about three years. Bro. Jacob just loves to go preach where ever he might be asked and has spoke at churches around the Mansfield area.
Bro. Jacob is attending University of Arkansas Fort Smith and seeking a degree in Engineering . He currently works at Heartland Pharmacy in Mansfield. He just recently got engaged to his fiancé, Loren Lale. His hobbies are watching movies and of coarse hanging out with his fiancé.
When we asked Bro. Jacob when he felt he was called into the ministry, he told us, “I felt the Lord put in my heart one day that I should preach for my church sometime. If you knew me in school, I wasn’t that out going and would never get up and talk in front of a crowd. In my mind I was telling myself that I don’t need to do that. Then one day my pastor asked if I would preach sometime for him and I knew that was from the Lord.”
