By Tammy Moore Teague
We’ve wrapped up another year, and are already working on a number of stories for 2019. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all the top stories for 2018!
Coming in the next few weeks, we will be focusing on an in-depth series on the Juvenile Treatment Center, which is located outside of Mansfield. With many changes coming, will this help curb some of the issues the facility faces?
Also, a follow up piece on one of the top stories for the year of 2018, Constitutional carry. What exactly are the laws, where do law-makers and law enforcement stand on this issue?
Lastly, we will be bringing you coverage of all the newly elected officials who will be taking office on January 1. Thanks for sticking with us throughout 2018, we look forward to an even better 2019! As always, we welcome your feedback and story ideas. You can contact us HERE.
New Year, New Stories!
Add a Little Christmas Spirit to Your Favorite Fishing Hole
LITTLE ROCK — That Christmas tree that stands proudly above gifts on Christmas morning has plenty of giving left to do if you’re an angler. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has established drop-off locations for all leftover Christmas trees near popular fishing destinations to give them a new life as fish habitat.
The drop-off locations act just like a “take-a-penny, leave-a-penny tray” at a cashier’s station, only it’s for fish. Anyone who wants to drop off their natural Christmas tree can just take it to a location and leave it. And any angler who wants to take the trees and sink them in the lakes where they are located can do so. Anglers should bring their own rope, parachute cord and cinder blocks to weight the trees and sink them where they wish.
Artificial trees are not allowed at drop-off locations, and all ornaments, tinsel and lights should be removed before being dropped off.
Christmas trees typically only last a year or two before all that’s left is the main trunk, but large groups of trees can attract bait fish and sportfish long after the smaller branches and needles have rotted away.
Trees can be dropped off at any of the following locations until the end of January:
Northwest Arkansas
Beaver Lake – Highway 12 Access and AGFC Don Roufa Hwy 412 Access
Lake Elmdale – Boat Ramp Access
Bob Kidd Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Crystal Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Chief Msgt Sterling Retires Following 38 Years of Service
By Tammy Moore Teague
Chief Master Sergeant Larry Wayne Sterling, 56, of Mansfield has spent the last 38 years serving his country, proudly and faithfully. On December 31, Chief Sterling will retire from the United States Air Force.
Chief Sterling and his wife Anna have been married 14 years. He has two children, Tara Mort and Nathan Sterling and three grandchildren. Currently, he serves as Squadron Superintendent of the 288th Operations Support Squadron, Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR.
Chief Sterling enlisted in the Air Force on August 27, 1980. He served his first four years on active duty as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialists, stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, NV (1980-1984.) After active duty, he enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard, 188th Fighter Wing in December 1984. He served as an Air Guard Technician for 34 years as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialists, loading munitions on the F-4C, F-16A, F-16C, A-10A and A-10C aircraft with multiple deployments supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
Chief Sterling deployed to Aviano, Italy (1996), Balad Air Base, Iraq (2005), Kandahar Air Base Afghanistan (2010), and Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan (2012), supporting Operations Decisive Endeavor, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Freedom Sentinel. He was the Wing Weapons Manager for the 188th Fighter Wing from 2011-2014, where he was the focal point for all weapon systems residing at the 188th Wing. Chief Sterling cross-trained into the Geospatial Analyst career field in 2014 and graduated from Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, where he received the honor of “Outstanding Contributor” of his class. He finished his 38 year career with the 288th Operations Support Squadron.
“I have many proud moments in the military but being promoted to the highest enlisted grade 9 Chief Master Sergeant is one of my proudest moments,” added Chief Sterling.
He said the desire to serve his country is the reason he dedicated so many years to the Air Force. “There is a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Chief Sterling. “If you have never served in the military, you can’t understand the feeling, the true sense of pride, when you return from a long deployment and people in the airport stand and clap and thank you for your service. It’s very meaningful.”
His wife and family are very proud of his military time and service. His wife commented: “I couldn’t be more proud of his dedication and hard work to his country and family.”
The decorated Chief Master Sergeant has received the following awards and decorations:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Meritorious Unit Award
- AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device
- AF Good Conduct Medal
- Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- AF Overseas Ribbon Short
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
- AF Longevity Service
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 5 “M” Devices
- USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
- AF Training Ribbon
- NATO Medal
- Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon
- Arkansas Service Ribbon
He admits that he will miss the people he works with, as he considers them a “second family.” Following retirement, he plans to spend a lot of time with his family and with his grandchildren. We thank you Msgt Sterling for your years of service and dedication to our country!
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
Kim 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- 
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.
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-
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-
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-
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.
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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)
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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.
