By Megan Hecox
On Saturday, December 1st, the Mansfield Tiger Cheerleaders will be Competition bound. Both Jr High and Sr High teams will head to Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Ar to compete in their 2nd Cheer Competition of the season. The Lady Tigers have one more competition on Dec 8th and then its high-flyin’ time for the Sr girls as they head to STATE on December 15th.
This Saturday, the Jr High girls will compete in the 3A Jr Game Day division versus Glen Rose Jr High at 6:18 pm. The Sr High girls will go up against four other schools in the 3A Sr Game Day division. They will compete at 5:17 pm and 7:06 pm. Both teams took home 1st place in the 3A Game Day division during their last Cheer Competition in November. Good luck girls!!!
No Time Off For These Cheerleaders
Tigers Ready For “Jolly” Good Time
By Megan Hecox
In a few short hours, the Sr High Mansfield Tigers are going to storm through the gym doors at Booneville and unleash a furry on the Dover Pirates so big, that even One-eyed Willy will be able to see it. The 5th Annual Bearcats Hoops Tournament opened last night with many teams shootin’ fast and seeing what they were made of. Tonight, the Tigers will get their chance as they drop anchor on the Pirates.
The (1-2) Lady Tigers are up first, starting their game at 4 pm. Then, the (1-2) Tigers will hit the court at 530 pm. The winner from the girls’ game will face Danville on Thursday and whoever loses will take on Waldron on Wednesday. The winner from the boys’ team will play Waldron on Thursday and the losing team will pick up Danville on Wednesday.
Below are the Booneville Invitational brackets.
Hornets Ready For Battle At The Border
By Megan Hecox
Todays the day! The Hackett Hornets Sr High Basketball Teams are locked, loaded, and ready to shoot for tonight’s tournament in Omaha. For the last several years, the tournament has been known as the Border Classic. Last year, former Omaha faculty member Bev Stone, passed away after a long battle with cancer. In her honor, the name of the tournament is being changed to the Bev Stone Border Classic.
The (1-2) Lady Hornets and the (0-3) Hornets are going to be taking on the Flippin Bobcats for their 1st Round in the Classic. The girls will be playing tonight at 4 pm and the boys will follow at 515 pm. The winners from tonight’s match-up between Hackett and Flippin will play in the 2nd Round on Thursday the 29th. The team that loses will play Round 2 on Wednesday the 28th. The boys’ team will go on to face either Western Grove or Green Forest. The girls’ team will go for three against Omaha or Mt.Judea.
Below is the bracket for the Bev Stone Border Classic.
Bulldogs Slammin’ and Jammin’ In Undefeated Season
By Megan Hecox
If you don’t know who the Waldron Bulldogs are, your about to. The Sr High boys basketball team is livin’ in hoop heaven as they sit in the number 1 spot in their 3A-1 West Basketball Division. The Bulldogs are 6-0 in non-conference play so far this season. With conference play right around the corner starting in just 14 days, the boys are shooting for a record-breaking year.
The Bulldogs have earned their Undefeated status by delivering a full court press to teams in DeQueen, Mulberry, Magazine, Atkins, Horatio, and most recently Danville. The Sr High Bulldogs kicked off their week last night, facing Danville in the 5th Annual Bearcats Hoops Tournament in Booneville. Both boys and girls teams played in last nights tournament. The Lady Bulldogs fell to Danville 59-21 but are looking to turn that around when they head back to the Bearcat Tournament on Wednesday.
As for the boys’ team, they delivered nothin’ but net to the Little Johns in last nights 64-42 victory. Those numbers have added nicely to the stats that the Bulldogs already hold. Just 6 games into their season, the Bulldogs have already obtained a total of 425 points. The boys will be back for more in the Bearcat Tournament when they play again on Thursday.
Sr High Boys Head Coach Joshua Brown couldn’t be more proud of how his boys played against Danville in the tournament, saying “Our kids keep playing extremely hard on both ends of the floor. We shot the ball really well, forcing some turnovers and getting a lot of deflections. Our post defense was really good too.” Both Jr High and Sr High Bulldogs will play tonight against the Mena Bearcats. “We get back to work tonight when we play Mena. They are a very good team that likes to push the tempo. It should be a great basketball atmosphere!” said Coach Brown.
Tonight the Bulldogs get home court advantaged as they take on the Mena Bearcats starting at 430 pm. Be sure to pop in and show your support by cheering on the Bulldogs and watching as they take it to the hoop!
Obituary – Willie Newman (1922 – 2018)
Willie Newman of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Sunday, November 25, 2018 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Willie was born September 19, 1922 in Hon, Arkansas to James and Katy Newman. He was 96 years, 2 months and 6 days old. He attended Hon Baptist Church.
Willie was proud to have served in the United States Army during WW II. He was awarded 7 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. In 2015, Willie was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal collectively for superior service to the First Special Service Force during WWII. Willie had become notorious for telling his war stories. Willie was a hard worker, he believed in a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. He believed in doing everything with precision and perfection, a trait he passed to his children and grandchildren. He loved and treasured his family and was extremely blessed with the time he spent with them passing on his legacy.
Willie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his son JR Newman, and wife Gina of Waldron, Arkansas. Poppa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Danny Newman, Kellie Robertson, Terri Robertson, Sara Koltzau and husband Brian and Jenna Parker and one great granddaughter, Kaylee Gardener. Willie will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Flora Scott Newman, one daughter, Mary Sue Parker and son in law, David Parker and eleven siblings.
Willie’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Butch Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Point Cemetery in Hon, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Willie’s pallbearers will be Roy Browning, Lindon Scott Bud Gossett, Howard Gossett, Danny Newman and Brian Koltzau. Honorary pallbearers will be Junior Franklin, Kenneth Ridenhour, Larry Scott, Scotty Scott, Andy Scott, Keith Dedmon, Kason Dedmon, Ben Roseberry and Blakely Aynes.
Willie’s visitation will be Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
You may leave words of remembrance for Willie’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.
City of Waldron Welcomes New Medical Clinic
By Tammy Moore Teague
Officials welcomed River Valley Primary Care Services to the City of Waldron on Monday. Attendees included Mayor Neil Cherry, Mayor-Elect David Millard, State Representative Marcus Richmond, Congressman Bruce Westerman, board members of River Valley Primary Care Services as well as the clinic’s medical staff.
River Valley Primary Care Services Board President Gary O’Neal shared the success that the clinic has seen and their plans for future growth. “We started here and have done really well. We have exceeded our expectations, really. We’re very excited about being in Waldron. We have hopes of purchasing the dental clinic next door, although thats a long way off.”
He credits that success to the great work of the board members. “I’m really proud of our board, and of Jerry White our Executive Director.”
In total, RVPCS employs over 100 people across eight clinics. The mission of River Valley Primary Care Services is to provide quality comprehensive and preventive health care to all residents of the Arkansas area without regard to their ability to pay. This federally funded non-profit will expand into Clarksville soon.
Dr. Nathan Bennett and April Revis, APRN are providing imperative medical services to the rural area. “It’s a big deal,” stated Westerman. “To have both a medical doctor and a nurse practitioner in a rural medical clinic like this. We don’t realize the dedication of our rural medical healthcare providers, they are on-call all the time. Thank you for your service and the work that you do.”
Mayor Cherry echoed those sentiments. “It’s great to have this group here. It’s a boost to the City of Waldron and the County of Scott.”
The clinic is located at 2074 Rice Road in Waldron. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You can contact them at 479-668-4700.
Mansfield City Lake Park Vandalized
By Tammy Moore Teague
Early Saturday morning Mansfield resident James Steele went to walk the track at Mansfield City Lake Park. The normally beautiful and serene atmosphere was littered with trash, debris and tire markings on the park’s grounds.
“I love the walking trail, its so nice, quiet and peaceful,” said Steele. “We appreciate having something like this and it’s so upsetting to see someone come in, trash it and tear it up like this.”
Gaping ruts on the grounds, tire marks on the walking trail, beer cans and cigarette butts were all marks of the weekend vandal. The Mansfield Police Department urges everyone to keep a watchful eye out and contact them if they see any activity. If you have any information about this incident you are asked to contact Sergeant Tom Garrison with the Mansfield Police Department at 479-928-5552.
Family of SPC. Robert Allan Pierce on a Mission: “Not Gone, Not Forgotten”
By Tammy Moore Teague
The family of Specialist Robert Allan Pierce will forever miss their hero, America’s Hero. But, they feel his work isn’t finished. So, they are on a mission honoring Pierce’s memory: “Not Gone, Not Forgotten.”
Part of that mission is the “Warm the Veterans” drive. Donations of coats, clothing and warm materials will be collected and donated directly to The Next Step Homeless Services. If you are interested in donating to “Warm the Veterans” you can drop those items off at a drop box at Anza’s Style Shop in Mansfield.
Pierce, 20, joined the Army in April 2011 and served in Korea before August 2012, when he was stationed in Fort Campbell, KY., to serve with A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. On June 3, 2013 Pierce was killed in a suicide-bomber attack on his unit in Tsamkani, Afghanistan, in the Paktia province, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. His brother, Kyle Dart said “Allan enlisted to serve his country and fight the battle that most hate to think about. He gave his life for all. That is why we help all in need. This drive is about letting those who are struggling know that we haven’t forgotten about them. The fight to end veteran and civilian homelessness continues, but what we can do in the present is take the strength and courage our hero showed and continue his service. When we deliver these donations, we see our hero living through the people we are helping. We will never be able to repay the debt we owe the ones who have served and lost but we can pick up the fight here at home.”
Pierce spent the younger days of his life in Panama, OK. Afterwards, he transferred to Mansfield to finish out high school. It was here that Pierce would meet his future wife. This Gold Star Family of siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws spans two states. “We are a Gold Star Family, we miss our hero, but his work isn’t finished,” stated Dart. “We mourn the loss of a soldier that didn’t return but we cannot forget the ones who did. Our mission started as “Not Gone, Not Forgotten” with a goal of taking care of those who served but have fallen on hard times. What we discovered was that there were many more in need than just veterans.”
The family celebrates the ties that bind them, those memories of the one they love so much. “Allan had so much love in his soul,” concluded Dart. “He never gave anyone less than his all. A family that was divided, Arkansas and Oklahoma, the religious and the not, the conservative and the liberal, and the Razorbacks and the Sooners, all sharing a special bond in the relationship we had with Allan.”
Pierce’s family will be attending the Mansfield Christmas parade and plan to take Pierce’s truck on a cruise of the town one more time. During this time they will hand out flyers with information about the drive and American Hero SPC Pierce.
BOP! Hope and Hannah!
Photos by Amanda Hall
Please Join R22 News in congratulating Lavaca Volleyball players Hannah Parsons and Hope Headley. These ladies were tenacious all season with great digs and powerful kill shots. They lead a great Lavaca volleyball team to the Arkansas 2A State Finals in Hot Springs. Now they are being recognized for their leadership and excellence on the court. Both Hannah and Hope have been named as part of the 2018-2019 River Valley Best of Preps Volleyball Team. This is a great honor for two well deserving young ladies.
This will be the third year that the BOP will host a banquet to honor area athletes. The third annual River Valley BOP banquet will be May 30 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas is the celebrity guest of honor.
Head Volleyball Coach Mark Headley said, “ I’m very proud of Hope and Hannah for making the BOP! When players off of your team get individual awards, its kind of a testament to the kind of team and good players they have around them! I am proud of all of our girls and the season that they had!”
The Culture Of Success
By Megan Hecox
Recently, the Resident Press communities have seen a rise in productiveness within their schools’ athletics. Due to this success, it seems Tiger, Hornet, and Bulldog pride is building daily. Almost all teams in every level of sports have done outstanding so far in 2018 and that trend looks to continue with Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and Track season. It is a great feeling when our communities are successful in athletic competitions.
But what happens to that pride once a losing streak starts? When teams are winning, fans will drive all across the state to cheer them on but when a team is losing, people are hard-pressed to drive a 1/2 mile to a home game. The stands empty out. The noise generated by town pride slowly starts to fade away. Some believe it is only natural to lose support when a team is not winning. In all actuality, it is cultural.
If a positive culture is built behind the local sports programs, then it will stay behind that program no matter the outcome. The same can be said for a negative culture. The term “football town” or “basketball town” is coined for towns with a positive culture in their community about that specific sport or activity. If you notice, those communities tend to paint their town in pride. They rally behind their programs after a loss and celebrate after a win. They back their programs 110% regardless of what their stats read. That’s why they are successful year in and year out.
From Little League to High School, our athletes consistently work day in and day out for the support of their communities. Win, lose or draw, our student-athletes strive for the best for their Alma Matters. It means the world to these players and builds their confidence levels when the stands are packed full of encouraging fans. Seeing signs in the stores, people wearing team t-shirts around town, and a “Good Game” from someone, really builds a player up and gives them faith. Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.
For the success of our programs to continue, we need to build cultures of support for our coaches and our players. Bring back “The Jungle” in Mansfield. Bring back “The Hive” in Hackett. Bring back “The Dog Pound” in Waldron. Paint the towns Red, Yellow, and Orange again. Everyone wins some and loses some. But if we create the culture of support that these kids deserve, then they will have the drive to give their communities Championships in return. We know our athletes do their part. Now let’s do ours.