By Tammy Moore Teague
The Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its annual toy drive, Fireman’s Christmas Carry. This benefit will help bring Christmas to local children.
“We’re so excited to be doing this again this year,” stated Fire Chief Stephen Haysmer.
Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at Mansfield City Hall or the Dollar General Store in Mansfield. You can make a monetary donation or bring in a new, unwrapped toy to leave in the drop box.
The fire department will be distributing the toys and other items purchased with donations a few days before Christmas.
Mansfield Hosts Annual Firemans Christmas Carry
Finding the Perfect Gift
By Jack James
So many people can bend your ear for an hour as they remember a wonderful Christmas from their past. They reminisce about how when the family was all there, that the turkey was moist, or how they got the wagon, BB gun or doll that they had always wanted. Or they can visit for forever about how bad it was back in the day: all they got was nuts and fruit, (or cheese, in my case), a horrible crocheted hat from Aunt Mollie, or a tie that blinks in time to Jingle Bells. But where’s the fun in telling your daughter “I stepped on a woman’s head at Wal-Mart to grab that doll for you!”
When the supper table is cleared after Thanksgiving, people start their engines like a NASCAR event. The same people who had bowed their heads and gave thanks to God Almighty for the blessings and for the many things they had, rushed to stores to pinch, hit, poke and punch little old ladies to get bargains on things they didn’t need in the first place. People are already in position outside Best Buy, camped out in tents so they can grab a television because they only have four at the house. They sit and play games on portable systems waiting to go buy more games on portable systems. People lined up for 6-8 hours before the stores even opened all over the country. In one city, a man died in the floor while Target shoppers stepped over his body for bargains. One man was trampled by shoppers trying to get a $2 waffle iron in another state while in yet another store a woman pepper sprayed the early shoppers, grabbed her goods and scooted.
My wife and son were early shoppers last year. But they were civilized. They went to get a cheap television for my son’s room at Walmart. But, unlike others, my wife called to check if it was a free-for-all or if there were plenty. This store gave out cards guaranteeing that you would get the item without having to trample people like General Sherman on his March to the Sea. My wife bought two lawn chairs and they sat in a deserted aisle until the store pulled the TVs out of the back and then came home. Gotta love the south.
Here is a spoiler: It was Christmas Eve and I wasn’t very old at all. I was busy preparing my note to Santa. I had moved an old stool to the front room by the tree and arranged several cookies on a plate by a small glass of milk. Everything was just right when my Dad walked in from the back door. He took a long look at my work and disgustedly said, “Don’t tell me you still believe in that crap son?” The room spun. I muttered the only words I could think of and said, “uh…no…I guess not…” and then stumbled toward the hallway and my bedroom in the back of the house. I sat on my bed for a few minutes in deep thought and decided to go back and make sure I had heard correctly. I stepped out of the hallway into the living room just in time to see my Dad sitting in his recliner eating a handful of cookies and enjoying some stolen milk. I guess I knew the truth about Santa before then but I was covering my bases just to make sure. But boy howdy, a parent can sure kick a slat out from under you sometimes
Now that the years have passed, I have learned something pretty important. It isn’t the gift that is given; it’s the thought or remembrance that is special. I have worried and fretted over the right gift to give family and friends. But I have learned that a simple card or an email is a great gift. If you have found yourself in this position this year, consider a gift certificate from one of our local stores or restaurants. I believe every restaurant in town will provide gift certificates. CVs Family Foods will sell gift certificates too. If I opened a package and found a cheeseburger, fries and drink, I would be tickled! Go by Billy Bob’s Drive In and make it happen for someone you love! Steffey’s, Mi Casita, Rub Em Tender: they will all be happy to help you. Others will also!
The season isn’t worth celebrating if you are only into the newest toy or game and brightly colored ribbons and bows. It’s the season of gifts for sure but the greatest gift has already been given. Love each other, be kind to a neighbor and don’t wait until December to do it.
Red Oak Cemetery, Church and School
By Jack James
For several years, I have been interested (maybe even obsessed) by the area of Utah Ranch Road that is the location of a group of graves known locally as the Red Oak Cemetery. In the early 1900s, it was also the location of the Red Oak Church. This wood framed, one room structure was also used as a school for area black children. The building is no longer there having been torn down before almost anyone’s memory. No photographs seem to be in existence of the building. However, from the memories of several old timers who lived in the community during that time, I drew the pencil drawing included here from their specifications. They all complimented me that it was spot on.
In 1997, a historian named Wanda M. Gray surveyed the cemetery and published her findings in a periodical in South Sebastian County. I am including it here:
To locate this century old cemetery proceed north of Lavaca on Hwy 96, to the intersection of Hwy 253 (very short distance), exit left onto Hwy 253, proceed 1.1 miles to East Utah Ranch Road, exit right, travel .3 of a mile. The burial ground is on your right. It is situated on a knoll on the back side of a large plot of ground, with numerous oak trees, and it fronts the paved road. It is fenced on three sides.
In the 1980s, when Mr. and Mrs. Ray Timms purchased the land across the road, the cemetery area was liken unto a jungle. The energetic Mrs. Ray Timms garnered the help of her husband and they braved the poison ivy, saw briars, heavy ingrowths, and small trees, and today this historic burial site is neatly kept.
Miss Euneva Piercy, retired school teacher, grew up on her father’s farm across the road and recalled the one-room building that was used for both a school and a church. It was used by approximately fifty African American families of the community who helped to work the fertile farm land of the area. She moved there around 1917, and acknowledges that, at this time [1997], it had been established for many years. Further, she commented that the people of this community were industrious, honest and highly respected citizens. It is evident from the inscriptions on the monuments that these people had deep religious beliefs.
The earliest recorded burial is in 1890; however, as there are tombstones on one end of the graveyard, a large open space in the middle, and tombstones on the opposite end, it is highly likely that burials could have occurred much earlier. The last burial was in 1935, Manda Caldwell, and the neighbors recalled that Mr. Bill Caldwell, used to visit the Caldwell graves. Mr. Caldwell is now deceased and buried in another location.”
Mrs. Gray also provided a list of the deceased buried there along with the inscriptions on the tombstones. Here are those names: Amos Berry, Henry Berry, Henry O. Berry, Leona Berry, Henry Boudry, Elbert West Brook, Henry O. Brook, Mary West Brook, Clarence Caldwell, Emma Caldwell, Manda Caldwell, D. R., Alice Driver, Joe Driver, Remos Driver, M. G., Maudie Homes, Virginia Homes, Kaodus McDaniel, Irene Murry, Marie Shepard, Charles Taylor, Sophy Taylor.
Beginning in 1920, the Bugscuffle, Moore’s Rock, Arbuckle Island and other area schools, consolidated with Lavaca. The Red Oak School joined in the consolidation movement in 1936. An agreement between Barling and Lavaca called for Barling to take Lavaca’s black pupils to a school in Barling, and in return, Lavaca would take Barling’s high school students. Education comes to an end in the Red Oak area of Lavaca.
A few stories have trickled in making the people who shared Lavaca with us so many years ago more real. For example, the segregation of the early 1900s kept blacks and whites apart. Mr. Caldwell, mentioned earlier, couldn’t attend the churches in the area. People say that he would sit on the back steps of the Baptist Church and listen to the sermons and pray with the congregation alone.
Several of the elder citizens remember how some of the residents of the Red Oak area worked as domestic help in area homes. Stories of Aunt Lottie and Aunt Lucy became like family to area citizens. I have heard from more than one person that Aunt Lucy was a wet nurse to some area white children.
There are good stories too. One is of Ravin Caldwell, son of James Caldwell of Lavaca. He played football for Northside High School in Fort Smith and went on to play professional football.
Several men have told me the stories of the wonderful picnics they would have in the yard beside the Red Oak Church for occasions such as July 4th celebrations. Area black and white boys played baseball side-by-side on a baseball field on the property as well.
The history of this area of our community continues to reveal more every day. This history lesson is far from over.
The Walking Veteran Continues to Rally Support in Potter Case
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Tuesday morning the “Walking Veteran,” Thomas Hudson, took his cause to the streets of Fort Smith. He rallied support from the Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff-Elect Hobe Runion and Mayor Sandy Sanders.
“We discussed the Fred Potter case,” stated Hudson. “Just about everyone I spoke with were veterans. I discussed upcoming events leading up to December 1 in Waldron. Furthermore, I discussed the four phases that Veterans March has established: awareness, assisting in investigative logistics, legislative reform, and removal from office Judge David H McCormick. They were all very attentive,” Hudson added.
Hudson has been extremely vocal and active in calling attention to the Potter case. He acknowledges that alone, he can only do so much, but when supporters unite, a lot more can be accomplished.
Hudson has been organizing another Walk in Solidarity, which will take place prior to the parade in Waldron on Saturday, December 1. The group also plans to participate in the parade itself with a patriotic themed float, “Star of Hope and Love.” There will be an awards ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. at the Waldron High School auditorium, followed by the walk at 2 p.m. The parade, which begins at 6 p.m., will end the day.
The next hearing in the Potter case is scheduled to be held in Scott County on December 3 at 9 a.m.
Granny Shobert’s Mac & Cheese
By: Kimberly Boyd
Granny Shobert’s Mac & Cheese
With Thanksgiving tomorrow, so much preparation is going on! There is the rush to get the turkey going and glaze on the ham. Then, there is the last-minute mad dashes to the store to get what you forgot when you went shopping last week to avoid the crowd on the day before Thanksgiving. However, if you are still trying to figure out what sides to make for tomorrow for your Thanksgiving sides, try this Granny Shobert’s Mac & Cheese! You know the kids love mac & cheese, so you can’t go wrong with this homemade recipe! The first time I ever ate this was at our Thanksgiving Feast at church, and I was in heaven! It’s creamy goodness will convince you to never want box macaroni and cheese again.
Thank you, Chris Beasley, for sharing your great Granny’s recipe with us! It’s been passed down to each generation in his family. Granny Shobert was 1/2 Cherokee Indian so she received Indian commodities to help feed her six daughters. So, she created this recipe with the cheese she was given. Over time it’s been switch from Indian cheese to Velveeta and her granddaughter, Jennifer, started adding a bit of cream cheese.
Granny Shobert’s Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
1 (16oz) package of Elbow Macaroni
1 stick of Butter
½ block of Velveeta Cheese cut into cubes
1 block of Cream Cheese cut into small cubes
3 cups of Milk
2 tablespoons of Salt
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to boil, and then add the salt once water is boiling. Add macaroni to boiling water and cook for approximately 8 minutes or until noodles are soft yet firm to bite. Remove from the burner and DO NOT drain the water off from the noodles. Add cubes of cream cheese and stir. Add cubes of Velveeta cheese and stir. The water will be absorbed with the cheeses. Last, you will add your milk, but do not add the milk until right before serving so your Mac & Cheese will be creamy. Enjoy!
Interim Sheriff Cherishes Community Ties
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Monday, November 26, Kevin Nickson was sworn in as interim Sebastian County Sheriff. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Stephen Tabor officiated the ceremony.
Nickson will serve as Sheriff until January 1, 2019. Then, Sheriff-Elect Hobe Runion will take office. Previous Sheriff, Bill Hollenbeck did not seek re-election and submitted his letter of resignation stating his last day would be Sunday, November 18.
The Louisiana native move to Fort Smith in 1987. In August of 1988, he got hired on as a dispatcher for the Fort Smith Police Department. “That’s where my law enforcement career began,” stated Nickson. “Eventually I got on as a reserve deputy and got to work the streets. It got in my blood.”
In 1990, he made the move to the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department. “I started as a detention deputy over at the old courthouse under Sheriff Gary Grimes,” he added. This is where he built a career of a lifetime, serving and protecting the citizens of Sebastian County.
He worked his way up the ranks from detective, corporal, sergeant, lead investigator and ultimately Chief of Detectives. However, he recalled his first patrol assignment beginning in 1993 fondly, reflecting on the relationships he forged in the community. “It was a challenging moment for me because a lot of people didn’t think I could make it out there because I’m African American.”
This reluctancy made him more determined. “I’ve got really good friends in South Sebastian County, folks in Hartford and Midland. That’s where I wanted to be.” Nikson added that he was respected for who he was, and what he did. They witnessed his heart and his passion to serve. “That was a good time in my life to meet those people.”
These relationships mean a great deal to Nickson as he reflects back on his early years in law enforcement. “We had to be community related police. You have to police with compassion…We got so familiar with the people that we solved crimes by CB radios. We had a night-time stop…they always had coffee for us at night. I miss those days.” He jokingly shared his CB handle, which he dubbed a badge of honor, “chocolate bear.”
As Nickson continued to climb the ranks, he felt like it was time to call it quits. However, retirement was not in the cards. After Hollenbeck announced his retirement and subsequent departure, the Sebastian County Quorum Court needed to fill the position until Sheriff-Elect Runion took office. Nickson was the just the man for the job. On January 1, “we’re gonna stand up there and switch badges,” Nickson said. At that time Nickson will become Chief Deputy and continue working under Runion.
Although Nickson is the first in his family to be in law enforcement, he certainly comes by his passion to serve others honestly. His father, J.A. Nickson, was a minister at Mission Point Missionary Baptist Church. He served the church faithfully and even went on several mission trips to Haiti. Additionally, there are those in Nickson’s family who are health care providers, serving others selflessly. His compassion and the need to serve fits. “It’s why I am back, God has just blessed,” concluded Nickson.
Interim Sheriff Cherishes Community Ties
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Monday, November 19, Kevin Nickson was sworn in as interim Sebastian County Sheriff. Sebastian County Circuit Judge Stephen Tabor officiated the ceremony.
Nickson will serve as Sheriff until January 1, 2019. Then, Sheriff-Elect Hobe Runion will take office. Previous Sheriff, Bill Hollenbeck did not seek re-election and submitted his letter of resignation stating his last day would be Sunday, November 18.
The Louisiana native move to Fort Smith in 1987. In August of 1988, he got hired on as a dispatcher for the Fort Smith Police Department. “That’s where my law enforcement career began,” stated Nickson. “Eventually I got on as a reserve deputy and got to work the streets. It got in my blood.”
In 1990, he made the move to the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department. “I started as a detention deputy over at the old courthouse under Sheriff Gary Grimes,” he added. This is where he built a career of a lifetime, serving and protecting the citizens of Sebastian County.
He worked his way up the ranks from detective, corporal, sergeant, lead investigator and ultimately Chief of Detectives. However, he recalled his first patrol assignment beginning in 1993 fondly, reflecting on the relationships he forged in the community. “It was a challenging moment for me because a lot of people didn’t think I could make it out there because I’m African American.”
This reluctancy made him more determined. “I’ve got really good friends in South Sebastian County, folks in Hartford and Midland. That’s where I wanted to be.” Nikson added that he was respected for who he was, and what he did. They witnessed his heart and his passion to serve. “That was a good time in my life to meet those people.”
These relationships mean a great deal to Nickson as he reflects back on his early years in law enforcement. “We had to be community related police. You have to police with compassion…We got so familiar with the people that we solved crimes by CB radios. We had a night-time stop…they always had coffee for us at night. I miss those days.” He jokingly shared his CB handle, which he dubbed a badge of honor, “chocolate bear.”
As Nickson continued to climb the ranks, he felt like it was time to call it quits. However, retirement was not in the cards. After Hollenbeck announced his retirement and subsequent departure, the Sebastian County Quorum Court needed to fill the position until Sheriff-Elect Runion took office. Nickson was the just the man for the job. On January 1, “we’re gonna stand up there and switch badges,” Nickson said. At that time Nickson will become Chief Deputy and continue working under Runion.
Although Nickson is the first in his family to be in law enforcement, he certainly comes by his passion to serve others honestly. His father, J.A. Nickson, was a minister at Mission Point Missionary Baptist Church. He served the church faithfully and even went on several mission trips to Haiti. Additionally, there are those in Nickson’s family who are health care providers, serving others selflessly. His compassion and the need to serve fits. “It’s why I am back, God has just blessed,” concluded Nickson.
Big Schedule Ahead For Bulldog Basketball
By Megan Hecox
After their game against Horatio last Monday, the Waldron Bulldogs will get a few days to rest and enjoy Thanksgiving and then its back to the grind. In the past week, both Jr High and Sr High teams were on the road for their last three games. It’s not slowing down either. When November 26th rolls around, the Bulldogs will be playing in multiple matches during that week.
The Sr High Bulldogs are feeling pretty high on the hog at the moment as they have slammed out a 5-0 undefeated season. Winning 73-62 against the Horatio Lions on Monday, the boys are looking to add to their wins column come next week. The Bulldogs were able to force a lot of turnovers and had 47 deflections in the Horatio game. They had good possessions and finished the game with a block out and a rebound. Head Coach Joshua Brown said “Defensively we have to improve. We played really hard but we have some breakdowns that we need to correct. Our guys have a few days off and then we will come back and get ready for a four-game week. There is not a lot of time to prepare so we have to be the best we can be each night.”
The Sr High girls are going into their break with a 1-3 overall season. But it’s not due to lack of hard work and determination. In Monday’s game against Horatio, the girls lost 37-36 in a heartbreaking ending. With 1.4 seconds left in the game, a free throw for the Lions determined the Bulldogs fate. Head Coach Josh Atchley had this to say “I continue to be amazed by how hard these girls are working. We still have to learn how to win these close games but we will continue to improve every day. We need to use these last few games to prepare for conference play.”
The Jr High boys were also able to grab a gritty win against the Horatio Lions improving their 3-3 overall season. “We have a pretty good mix of 8th and 9th graders and are starting to find our groove a little bit. Still needing some guys to step up if we are going to continue making strides to where we want to be,” says Coach Atchley. The next Jr High game will be on Tuesday, November 27th against Mena in Waldron at 430 pm.
The Sr High will face Danville at the Bearcat Classic in Booneville on Monday, November 26th. Following is Mena on Tuesday, November 27th.
Arrows Golden vs Dover
Photos by Amanda Hall
It was a golden night of basketball for the Lavaca Golden Arrows last night against the Dover Pirates. Both Junior High teams and both High School teams did battle in the Wendell Hardgrave – Davis Floyd Gymnasium. The Pirates did get in the first blow as their Jr Girls defeated the Jr Lady Arrows. But the Arrows dominated the rest of the evening.
The Lavaca Junior High Arrows put up 28 points int the first quarter against the pirates in a game that featured every member of the team seeing play time. The first team played the first quarter, second team played the second quarter and so on. When the final buzzer sounded the Arrows had defeated the pirates 51-17. These kids played their heart out.
Next up, the Senior High Lady Arrows. This game was a battle for sure and showed a lot of determination by the Lady Arrows. Dover won the first half 21-20 but the second half was a different story. The Lady Arrows came out of the break and turned up the heat. BethAnn May, Skylar Hyatt, and Julianne O’Dell wore out the Lady Pirates in the paint, and Hope Headley, Avery Green, and Sierra Lamb dominated the perimeter. When the smoke had settled in this game the Lady Arrows claimed victory 51-40.
The LHS Golden Arrow team closed the night in a very physical game. The arrows held court 56-32. Defense was stellar and is quickly becoming a trademark for this team. Jordan Fenner, Tyler Armistead, Mark Miller, Cayden Hearn were huge down low and Matt Melton, Andrew Wright, and Jayger Wagner ran the floor very well.
Next up for the High School will be County Line. The Arrows will hit the road tonight to take on the Indians. Both Coach Reed and Coach Wyles expect it to be battle. Coach Wyles said, “County Line has several athletic girls and they get very aggressive with their zone. We’ll have to be able to handle their pressure and hit shots like we finally started doing tonight.” While Coach Reeds assessment was similar, he said County Line will be tough especially at County Line. We have to protect the ball and get quality possessions. They do not make mistakes.” One thing for sure you will not want to miss it.
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
Tigers Offense: Dont Cross This Line
By Megan Hecox
If you’re new to the game of football, you probably don’t know much about the different positions and what they do. And you’re not going to. At least not today anyway. This article was written for two purposes. To define the offense position and then introduced you to the muscle and backbone who make up the Mansfield Tigers.
The offensive line or “O-line” is made up of 5 players whose job is to block the other teams’ defense from tackling their running backs or quarterback. You have the center, 2 guards, and 2 tackles. The tight end is also a part of this group as he can either play on the line or as a receiver. The job of the O-line is to block a specific player or a specific area if it is going to be a run play. If it’s going to be a pass play, the offense is to do everything in their power to protect the quarterback.
The Mansfield Tigers have 11 players who make up both the offensive and defensive lines. For right now though, we focus on their offensive accomplishments. Keaton Boyd, Trevan Favela, Colton Stipins, Isaac Cothran, Bri Sanderson, Jacob Brown, Victor Steffen, Zach Lowe, Dustin Holland, TJ Simmons, and Lorenzo Alarid (who unfortunately was out for the season due to an injury) are the silent beast who run the line. The Tigers ended 4-3 in conference play and 7-3 in overall regular season play. In those 10 games alone, the O-line was a key factor in helping to achieve a combined offensive total of 3,168 passing, rushing, and receiving yards. The offensive line was awarded the game ball after their West Fork win for their part in paving the way for a 300-yard rushing game.
Playing center for the Tigers offense is Junior Isaac Cothran whose proudest moment of the season came during his final game at Osceola. Jogging out to the field before the start of the game, he looked at the stands and saw the incredible turn out of the fans. At that moment, he realized they really did have a town backing them up. Isaac fell in love with the game of football at an early age. He saw that by only doing one thing, you could not only change a game but change the stadium as well.
Playing at the offensive guard positions are Seniors Trevan Favela and Keaton Boyd. Trevan was most proud of the season when the Tigers made the Playoffs, proving everybody wrong. Trevan started playing football because of his love for the game. When he was little, he used to love watching football with his brother and couldn’t wait to start playing once he hit the 3rd grade. Keatons proudest moment came when the Tigers scored the final touchdown in their game against Melbourne. As for playing Sr High football, well it almost didn’t happen for Keaton. The football program was in bad shape before Coach Bentley got hired on. With low numbers, Bentley knew that he had to do something. So the few players that were remaining gave Bentley Keatons number and the call was made. Without that call, Keaton would be watching the game from the stands instead of playing on the field.
Sophomore Bri Sanderson and Junior Jacob Brown play the offensive tackle positions. Making the Playoffs this season was Bri’s proudest moment. His father and his Uncle Chris were the inspiration behind Bri playing football. Both had played football and were able to give him pointers and encourage him to give 100%. For Jacob, his proudest moment came during the Hackett game when the offense held the last possession and the Tigers scored the winning touchdown with a minute left in the game. It was because of his dad that Jacob got into football. His dad used to play in High School and wanted Jacob to have the same positive experiences and enjoyment that he had.
Playing in the tight end position for the Tigers is Senior Colton Stipins. Coltons proudest moment of the season was when he and his teammates conquered what they set out to do at the beginning and that was to make it to the Playoffs. Playing football was a no-brainer for Colton. He had always heard stories of his dad playing football. In those stories, his dad was described as a “Beast” on the field. Because Colton looked up to his dad, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Junior Zach Lowe experienced his proudest moment in the season during week 4 when the O-line gave runners the space to rush for 300 yards and gave up 0 sacks. Zach was inspired to play football at an early age because of his older brother Cory. Zach’s brother had told him how much fun it was to be a part of a team and that hard work mattered. After Zach had joined football his brother was at every single home and away game supporting him the entire time.
Making it to the Playoffs was Sophmore Victor Steffens greatest moment of the season. He knew that his team would go down in Mansfield history as one of the few greatest teams to make it. He knows the Tigers will continue to climb the ladder and get better every year. At this point, the Playoffs are an expectation. It was a mixture of things that got Victor into playing football. He wanted to be better than his brother who had also played and he wanted to know what it felt like to be part of a team.
For Sophmore Lorenzo Alarid it was his dad who inspired him to play football. Lorenzo loved the game and everything about it. Through his father’s motivation, Lorenzo was able to stay focused on his dreams, not allowing anyone to get in the way of that. It is because of his fathers support that Lorenzo has been able to achieve success in everything he does.
The proudest moment for Sophmore Dustin Holland came when the Tigers made the Playoffs. His inspiration to play football was through a book that he had read called “Football Genius” by Tim Green. He had realized that the game of football was all about how much heart it takes to play and Dustin wanted to be a part of that.
