75.8 F
Fort Smith
Monday, May 11, 2026
Home Blog Page 890

Arkansas Century Farm Program Honors Local Family

By Tammy Moore Teague

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, inducted 42 Arkansas farms into the Arkansas Century Farm Program at the State Capitol on December 19. Mansfield residents, Danny and Jeane Dalmut were among those being honored.

Arkansas Agriculture Department began the Century Farm program in 2012 as a way to highlight the contributions of these families to the agriculture industry as well as their overall contributions to our state. Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, contributing more than $20 billion to the state’s economy annually and providing one in every six jobs in the state. Arkansas consistently ranks in the top 25 nationally in the production of 23 agricultural commodities.

“The value of farm families is more than their crops and livestock. Through generations, their commitment to family and hard work has proven to be the combination of values that enriches our communities, and makes our state and nation great,” said Hutchinson to the Century Farm Families.

Including the 2018 inductees, 418 farms are currently recognized as Arkansas Century Farms. The 42 newly inducted Century Farms are located in the following 25 counties: Arkansas, Boone, Columbia, Conway, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Ouachita, Poinsett, Sebastian, Union, Van Buren, Washington, and Woodruff.

 

Scott County Buck Tests Positive for CWD

WALDRON – Chronic wasting disease has been found in Scott County. A hunter-harvested white-tailed deer harvested north of Waldron tested positive for the disease, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The buck, sampled through the AGFC’s network of partnering taxidermists, was confirmed as CWD-positive by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison today.
“Preliminary tests indicated the positive case last week,” said Dr. Jenn Ballard, state wildlife veterinarian for the AGFC. “We received confirmation of those results today and, as part of our CWD protocol, we are notifying the public through press releases, our website and social media resources with the news about the presence of the disease in a new county.”
Although Scott County currently is outside the AGFC’s CWD Management Zone, Ballard does not expect any changes to deer-hunting regulations to take place for the remainder of the 2018-19 deer hunting season.
“We will evaluate the need for any expansion of the CWD Management Zone during the regular hunting regulations-setting process once the season is over,” Ballard said. “Changing the regulations mid-season would not be fair to hunters.”
Ballard says the new positive case in Scott County is indicative of how the disease can slowly spread under normal circumstances.
“We know bucks tend to carry a higher prevalence of the disease than does and we know bucks can disperse long distances, potentially moving the disease across the landscape,” Ballard said. “That is why we have partnered with taxidermists to help us collect samples as a free service to hunters.”
Hunters who wish to have their deer tested for CWD can voluntarily take the head of the deer with about 6 inches of neck still attached to one of the AGFC’s network of participating taxidermists to have a sample tested for free. They may also drop the head off at one of dozens of CWD-testing Collection Stations positioned throughout the state. Visit www.agfc.com/cwd for a list of testing locations.
The CWD management zone includes Benton, Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sebastian, Van Buren, Washington and Yell counties.
CWD was first detected in Arkansas Feb. 23, 2016. Since the first detection, AGFC has sampled and tested over 18,000 deer and elk from around the state with more than 16,000 of those samples coming from hunter-harvested animals. To date, 570 deer and elk have tested positive for the disease in Arkansas.
Research indicates CWD is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion that is transmitted through feces, urine and saliva, and can survive for years in soil and plants. CWD can have an incubation period of at least 16 months, which means infected animals may not show signs of disease immediately.
CWD prions accumulate throughout the body and affect an animal’s nervous system. The disease prions cause normal cellular proteins to misfold into abnormal shapes, which accumulate until neural cells cease to function. Infected animals begin to lose weight, lose their appetite and develop an insatiable thirst. They may separate from their herds, walk in repetitive patterns, carry their head low, salivate, urinate frequently and grind their teeth. Visit www.agfc.com/cwd for more information.
 

From the Heart of a local Pastor, Phillip Slaughter

At Christmas, we celebrate when God became human. The Bible claims that Jesus is God and has always existed as such (See John 1:1 and Colossians 1:15-20 for examples). So, why would God leave heaven and become a human with the capacity to suffer? Beginning with the first man and continuing through today we have all done what is wrong in God’s eyes. The Bible calls this sin, and it tells us the result of that sin is an eternal separation between God and man (physical and spiritual death). Mankind did evil. Therefore, mankind would have to suffer the appropriate punishment.

However, before God ever created us, he knew we would do wrong and already had a plan for that. Jesus would be born as a man in order to take the punishment that man deserved. Jesus never sinned and deserved no punishment, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, ESV). Jesus died on a Friday to pay our debt, but the grave could not hold him. He rose again that Sunday as proof that he is God. If we put our faith in him, not only are our sins forgiven, but we get to experience new life with Jesus (Romans 6:23). We will still experience a physical death due to the effects of sin on our current bodies, but we are promised new bodies unaffected by sin in a world unaffected by sin.

We celebrate Easter because he suffered, died, and rose from the grave victoriously. We celebrate Christmas because he was willing to be born as a man in order to do what was necessary for Easter to occur. Jesus deserves for us to trust him. I pray that God will give you the faith to do so. If you already have faith, then join me as I strive to live my life like him. Look for opportunities during the holidays to serve others in a way that honors Jesus.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5–11, ESV).

Phillip Slaughter
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Mansfield

Christmas Wishes from the Resident Press Staff

Boyds-Christmas-Merry-RPKim Boyd-
At Christmas time, everyone seems to be very busy going from one activity to the other. There are parties, parades, concerts, and light shows. Its almost too busy and stressful at times.
But, if I could grant one Christmas wish from my family to yours it would be to wish you joy and happiness. Sounds simple, right? However, I realize sometimes Christmas can be the most depressing time of the year for some who are lonely, lost a love one, or struggling with depression.
At one point in my life, I was there. However, through the help and grace of God, I’m at a point in my life I found happiness and overwhelming joy. I still have bad days just like anyone else but I am finally content. I look for God moments to make me smile and realize I haven’t been forgotten. I look for “God winks” to let me know He is watching over my family.
So, this Christmas I want to wish you and your family, JOY! I pray you laugh until you cry! I pray you belly-roll laugh! I pray you laugh so hard you snort like a pig! I pray that you just smile! I pray that you look for little moments to make you smile and see what blessings you do have and not the ones you don’t. I pray you be blessed with happiness and lots of hugs! I pray you find joy in the moments you are stressed and happiness in the times you are sad.
We are only given one life, so choose joy! Don’t wish you would have or could have or think you might. I pray Jesus be the center of your life! Because through Him, all things all possible…. even finding joy unspeakable!
Philippians 4:4-5
4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit[your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.
 
Megan Hecox- Megan-Hecox-family
Christmas is my families favorite time of the year only because it is my favorite time of the year. You see, my Birthday is on Christmas so naturally, I’m partial to the holiday. Adam and the kids chose Thanksgiving as their favorite holiday. But the beauty of it all is this. They endure the Christmas decorations and 24/7 Christmas music playing in the house and car and my nauseating cheery disposition not because they have to. But because of their love for me. It’s actually its own Christmas miracle. They stay quiet and keep the eye rolling to a minimal because they see the pure joy it gives me and that is a Christmas miracle in itself.
 
Spells-Christmas-wish-RP
 
Darrell Spells-
May the Christmas spirit stay in your hearts throughput the year. Wishing you peace, joy, and hope.
Merry Christmas from the Spells family.
 
 
 
 
Tammy Moore Teague-Teague-family-Christmas
I’m basically that crazy Christmas lady who loves everything Christmas! I love the spirit of giving, the spirit of family and friends. Our family’s holiday is rich in tradition. I love to watch the look on my parent’s faces as they watch their children and grandchildren all gathered in our home, which is always filled with laughter this time of year. It’s also a time of gratitude for me! I am so blessed! 
So, looking forward to 2019, it is my wish for you and yours, that your home be filled with this same spirit throughout the new year! Merry Christmas!
 
 
Jack-James-Christmas-wish
Jack James-
I remember the time I got four wheels of cheese for Christmas. Cheese. None one cracker in the house. I cherish that Christmas and the memory of it warms my soul because it was given through sacrifice and love. I hope that you will hold this time close to your heart and feel the warmth of God’s love this holiday season. To all our readers, staff, advertisers and supporters, Merry Christmas!
 
 
 
 
Joe Hall-Hall-Christmas-wish-2018
I do wish for PEACE. Christmas is the season of peace. It is the day that God blessed the world with the Prince of Peace. I have been away from my family on Christmas on foreign battlefields and I know the loneliness that it is. I wish our Troops abroad Peace this Christmas Day. I wish our veterans who struggle each day a day of Peace. Even those who are home are often not really home. PTSD is real and I pray Gods peace over them. To the children of the broken families who struggle this season to make scenes of their circumstances, I pray for Peace. To the homeless in our country and around the world I pray God will keep them warm and provide His Peace. So, when I say “I wish for world peace” its not a cliché or just an easy answer. It’s not even the absence of hostilities, rather it is an absence of inner conflict. It means to have understanding that God will provide regardless of circumstances. It is a Peace that only the Father God can provide through His Gift to the world.
 

Most of my childhood memories stem from traveling to Rogers, Arkansas in a station wagon with no heat with my parents, decorating their drug store with colorful and festive art of various sizes, and the snowy Christmas Eve where I assisted my Dad in delivering prescriptions on 3-wheelers. Those memories bring a smile to my face because they all gave joy to someone else. Mom and Dad taught me the act of giving.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. That’s first and foremost. Secondly, it is and should be about sharing smiles, paying it forward, and giving the gift of kindness.
Our wish is to give. Giving doesn’t always include monetary means. It can in some forms be a smile, laughter, warmth and even changing someones perspective by greeting them with kindly opening a door.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” – Quote

From Lesli, Greyson, David, Brandy, myself, and the entire staff of Resident Press…….have a Merry Christmas!

 
 

Coach Elmore Is The Eye Of The Tiger

By Megan Hecox

Kent Elmore has been a Mansfield Tiger his entire life. Living as a Tiger. Going to school as a Tiger. And playing sports as a Tiger. Its safe to say Coach Kent Elmore has Tiger blood coursing through his veins. Coach Elmore started his coaching career 5 years ago at the young age of 21. It was actually his now principle, Coach Fisher, that inspired Coach Elmore to go into the coaching field. Before they worked together, Mr.Fisher was Coach Elmores high school basketball coach. While away at college playing baseball or intramural basketball, Kent would find himself remembering the values that Coach Fisher had instilled in him and would eventually lead to him pursuing a coaching career.

“My favorite part of coaching is to see the players grow in everything that they do,” says Coach Elmore. “As a coach, you are able to help students better understand the core values of a sport and watch them carry those values into their lives off of the court. On another note, winning and being successful is another great part of coaching. I wanted to have that kind of impact on kids.” If you have never had the chance to see Coach Elmore in coaching action, you can see him and all of the Tigers at the Bill Frye Classic on Thursday, December 27th at 6 pm for the girls and 7:30 pm for the boys.

RESIDENT PRESS 2018 All-Area Team

One of our main focuses of content is the youth of area. The staff at Resident Press takes this focus very seriously, and with a great deal of pride. From education to sports, we have always told their stories and illustrated the amazing elements of the school districts in our coverage area.
For the first time ever, RP staff worked closely with Hackett, Lavaca, Mansfield and Waldron School Districts and coaching staffs to develop an All-Area Team that showcases the efforts of athletic ability, and a Resilience Award.
The Resilience Award honors those who overcame adversity through their sport of choice, and maintained a positive image in their community.
Resident Press is proud to present to you, our Fall 2018 All-Area Team for Football, and Volleyball. It is with great hope that we not only establish a tradition that can be widely recognized, but one that is filled with growth in the years to come.

[hr style=”single”]

2018 – All-Area Football

Coach of the Year – Craig Bentley (Mansfield)

Overall Player of the Year – Ethan Stovall (Mansfield)

Offensive Player of the Year – Brady Hester (Hackett)

Defensive Player of the Year – Trevon Moore (Lavaca)

Special Teams Player of the Year – Layton Howard (Mansfield)

Super Sophomore – Brayden Williams (Waldron)

Resilience Award – Jimmy Hall (Lavaca)

football-offense-resident press-football
football-defense-resident press-football

[hr style=”single”]

2018 All-Area Volleyball

Blocker of the Year – Jamye Durham (Hackett), Hannah Parsons (Lavaca)

Hitter of the Year  – Rain Vaughn (Hackett)

Hustle Award – Kandace Byrd (Hackett), Shyann McDowell (Mansfield)

Leadership Award – Hope Headley (Lavaca)

Setter of the Year – Bayleigh Lipham (Waldron), Ryann Yandell (Mansfield)

Server of the Year  – Kayla Richardson (Hackett), Jessica Flanagan (Lavaca)

Resilience Award – Marley Pollard (Waldron)

Teammate of the Year – Taylor Stacy (Waldron), Maggie Strunk (Mansfield)

First Team
Mansfield – Rylea Weaver, Kylie Eveld, Caroline Nicodemus, Brooke Wright
Waldron – Rheagan Sanford, Lilly Scott, Mackinzie Callahan
Lavaca – Hope Headley, Hannah Parsons, Jessica Flannagan
Hackett – Audrie Chaney, Rain Vaughn, Kandace Byrd, Madi Taylor
 

2019 MHS Senior High Basketball Homecoming

The Mansfield High School Basketball Homecoming Coronation will take place Friday January 11, 2019 in the high school gym. The evening coronation will take place at 5 pm. The Mansfield Tigers are set to tip-off against the Charleston Tigers at 6 pm with the Lady Tigers game to follow.

2019 MHS Sr. Basketball Homecoming Court. (Left to Right), Hailea Raines, Brooke Wright, Allie Willsey, Macy Davis, Kylie Eveld, and Maggie Strunk

2019 MHS Sr. Basketball Senior Maids. (Left to Right), Allie Willsey, Macy Davis, and Kylie Eveld

Senior Maid- Macy Davis escorted by Brock Curry (Left) and Colton Stipins (Right)

Senior Maid – Kylie Eveld escorted by Tyler Holmes (Left) and Jaicy Griffin (Right)

Senior Maid – Allie Willsey escorted by Layton Howard and Max Schulz (not pictured)

Junior Maid – Abby Turner escorted by Coby Hearron

Sophomore Maid – Brooke Wright escorted by Codi Chick

Freshman Maid – Hailea Raines escorted by Jackson Andrews

Basketball Maid – Maggie Strunk escorted by Ethan Stovall

Sr Bulldogs Of War Are Firing At Will

By Megan Hecox

The Sr High Bulldogs are UNDEFEATED in their conference play. With their 73-62 win against the Lincoln Wolves, they have upgraded their record to 4-0 and 12-2 in overall play. The Bulldogs started their game on fire in the first quarter bringing in 28 points while holding the Wolves to 8. They started to cool off a little, only bringing in 5 points in the second quarter but got back in the game after halftime. The Bulldogs forced 14 turnovers and ended up winning the battle of the boards. “We overcame the roller coaster of highs and lows offensively and defensively last night,” said Head Coach Joshua Brown. “I thought our defense in the first quarter was the best we have played all year. In the fourth quarter, we went on a 9-2 run and never looked back after that. If we would match our defensive potential as we did in the first quarter and down the stretch we would be a team that could contend for whatever we want to contend for!” Payton Brown scored 52 points for his team and made 5 three-point shots. Drew Dozier and Isaac Villareal brought in 5 and 7 points. And securing a combined total of 9 points were Mason Ford, Jacob Avila, and Gada Wagner. The Bulldogs will have Dec.23-25 off for Christmas Break. They will come back on the 26th and practice for the Bill Frye Invitational. We will open the tournament against Hackett.

The Sr High Lady Bulldogs played intensely in last nights game against the Lady Wolves but come up short, falling 42-36. This puts the Lady Bulldogs at 2-10 in overall play and 1-3 in conference play. “We executed what we were trying to do on both ends of the floor. We are still trying to get over the hump,” said Head Coach Josh Atchley. Sr guards Chenoa Burdess and Sam Slater lead the Lady Bulldogs early while Sr Mackinzie Callahan scored all 9 of her points in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 36 with around a minute left. The Lady Bulldogs will play in the Bill Frye Classic over Christmas and hope to build some momentum going into the last half of conference play.

 

Christmas Caroling in Lavaca

By Jack James
It’s tough for some to get into the spirit of Christmas but not in Lavaca! The stores are brightly lighted with strings of lights, the streets are decorated with lighted snowflakes and evergreen garland on the light poles and a trailer, loaded with children of all ages, is taking holiday cheer to the streets!
Christmas-Caroling-Lavaca
Christy Marshall, manager of the Casey’s General Store in Lavaca, rallied troops to participate in an old-fashioned hayride to travel around town to sing Christmas carols. Police Chief Randy Toon volunteered his truck and his trailer to haul the crowd. The Toon family decorated the trailer and truck with multi-colored lights and even a tree to complete the Christmas spirit!
There’s no Bah-Humbug in Lavaca! Merry Christmas everyone!