Photos by Amanda Hall
The Lavaca Junior High Arrows are taking care of business early into their basketball season. They faced off against the Cedarville Pirates last night in the semi finals of the Gary Ford Invitational in Hackett. Coach Reed had this to say about this Arrow team. “I’m proud of these guys, we executed well when a couple key guys got in foul trouble. Cedarville had a lot of size so we had to defend and rebound together. We will have a big challenge Saturday in the finals vs Trinity, but we will be ready.”
This team is fun to watch. The move the ball well and play stellar defense. If you haven’t been out to watch them, you don’t know what you are missing. The Junior Arrows will again take the court tomorrow at 7:45 to play in the championship of the tournament. Tonight, The high School will take on Ceadarville at home. The games will start at 6:00. Come out and support all of our Arrow Teams.
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
Jr Arrows advance to Finals of Gary Ford Invitational
Lady Tiger’s XC “Half-Pint” Reaches Full Measure
Her coach commonly refers to her as “Half-Pint”. It’s a term of endearment the athlete has fondly accepted as a gesture of admiration. Used by the mentor to describe the tiniest Lady Tiger on the Mansfield cross country team, it affectionately brings a full measure of praise to the biggest achiever on the team.
Faith Rainwater, hands down the littlest runner on the 2018 MHS cross country team, has the largest resume on the squad. Just a freshman, the high energy talent just completed a season in which she earned a prestigious trifecta of honors.
Count All-District, All-Region, and a recently earned All-State award as an extraordinary haul for the future of Lady Tiger distance running.
At the Arkansas Activities Association state cross country championships on November 2, Rainwater finished 12th place (23:03.3) out of 118 runners to earn All-State honors. It was the first such distinction awarded a Mansfield native since 2012 when Hannah Holstein won the overall individual state title.
The highly regarded state award followed All-District and All-Region awards the freshman phenom already pocketed since moving up to the senior high ranks late in the year.
After claiming medal rewards at nearly every stop along the junior high schedule, Rainwater moved up to the senior team on the day of the conference 3A-1West championships. That particular morning the motivated runner ran both the junior and senior high races. She was second and fourth respectively in those championships.
A week later, the ninth grader earned All-Region honors at the Tom Stuthard Top 25 Southwest Regional 5K race in Acorn.
Ranked inside the top 25 among all class 3A runners in the state, Rainwater showed she could do more by finishing in the top twelve at the Hot Springs hosted state finals.
Asked what it was like to appear in her first state championship, the tiny talent was straight forward with this comment.
“It was fun just being there with all my friends and coaches,” stated Rainwater via a text message. “It was exciting to run with some of the best runners in the state.”
The freshman leader credits her friends and coaches as helping her be confident even among the state’s top talents.
“All my friends, coaches, and family were all backing me up,” reflected the young athlete. “They would be proud of me no matter what.”
Rainwater continued. “The people that inspire me the most are my two running buddies McKenzie Griffin and Harleigh Mars and my coach John Mackey. All three of them push me when there’s nothing left to give whether at practice or at a meet.”
“Faith doesn’t need much motivation from me or anyone else,” said Mackey. “She is self motivated and eager to please. She wants to be great, and is willing to do what great great athletes do.”
Speaking of such high credential athletes, the player that Rainwater admires the most is 2018 Mansfield graduate Megan Rose. Rose was a four time high school district champion and four time All-Star. She currently runs for Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and keeps a close watch on her former teammates.
Within hours of Mansfield’s completion of the state meet, it was Rose that sent proud praise to her cross country little sister.
“Proud of them all,” sent Rose through a text.“Ethan (Chapman) and Faith ran amazing. Good to see so big of a team at state.”
“Megan Rose has made such an impact on my life and running career,” revealed Rainwater. “She showed me cross country is like any other sport. It is a friendly and fun sport that I’m glad to be a part of.”
The next agenda has Rainwater waiting word on whether or not she will be invited to the River Valley All-Stars. The post season meet is the brainchild of Magazine Coach Randy Bryan in which 15 of the top cross country runners around the local area are asked to race one more time.
If invited, Mansfield’s third year runner would have yet another notch to carve on her heavyweight award belt.
“Being All-State in the ninth grade shows me how far I have already gotten,” declared the freshman. “As long as I keep going on the road I am on, I can go even further.”
If that also includes one more race this season at the RV All-Stars, Rainwater can say with humble heart that she has traveled a road very few have run.
Tiger Conference Dominant at AAA State Championship
The new conference alignment didn’t do Mansfield any favors in the cross country field. A mere glance at the results of the Arkansas Activities Association state finals proves the Tigers landed in one of the most dominate districts in Arkansas.
Mansfield High School was among a slew of teams to compete at the state cross country championships on Friday, November 2 in Hot Springs. The class 3A races in which MHS was entered was part of a 10 race schedule for all AAA classifications.
In the 3A division, it was the Tiger’s own district that powered the proceedings. Five out of the top nine schools in the senior girls competition were from the 3A – 1West conference including state champion West Fork. Over on the boy’s side, five of the top 14 schools came form the local league.
“It was a real show case of talent from our conference,” explained John Mackey, coach of the Mansfield long distance teams. “Our kids weren’t afraid. We stuck our noses right into the thick of it. I’m proud of what we did with such an inexperienced team.”
Mansfield’s women finished ninth in the state with a group of freshmen leading the scoring pack. The Tiger men climbed into 14th place with all first year players.
West Fork won their first state crown in the girl’s division with an accumulated 33 points. Senior Kendall Hays led the charge with the overall individual title. She ran the 5K distance in 20:30.10.
Elkins was third in the girl’s standings. Waldron came in at sixth, Greenland went seventh, and Mansfield ninth. Those final three conference schools mentioned in the previous line were all within seven points of one another.
West Fork’s men were state runner-ups. Elkins reached seventh, Waldron tenth, Greenland eleventh, and Mansfield closed in fourteenth for the men’s event.
According to the AAA handbook, the top 10 percent of competing runners earned All-State recognition. By that standard, seven of the 3A-1West conference girls and three of the district boys made the prestigious honor roll list.
Included among the notables was Mansfield’s own Faith Rainwater.
The freshman sensation scored 12th place overall among 118 runners to cross the finish line. Her mark of 23:03.3 was a personal best in only her third competitive 5K race since moving up to the senior high team two weeks ago.
“Faith was fantastic,” beamed Mackey about his prized pupil. “She was ranked in the top 25 going into the race. She proved she’s way better than that.”
Rainwater was among five ninth grade runners that made the final state roster for the Lady Tigers. Those included Faith’s twin sister Hope Rainwater as well as Shelby Cole, McKenzie Griffin, and Harleigh Mars.
All five of the Mansfield freshmen accounted for the Lady Tiger scoring. Griffin was second best on the team at 24:38.7 for 34th place. Mars crossed next at 57th place. She was timed at 26:15.7. Cole notched in at 65th with a time of 26:32.1 while Hope Rainwater raced to 70th place in 26:42.7.
Josefin Lofving and Jessica George were the team’s first two blockers. Alyssa Berry and Sara Willadsen ran on the active roster.
The Mansfield men saw a pair of freshmen led their pack as well. Ethan Chapman was the top Tiger at number 50 with a 20:18.00 mark. He was followed by fellow freshman Mikeal Harrison at 60th with a time of 20:41.50.
“Ethan has been a real bright spot for the men’s team,” said Mackey. “Mikeal has come on of late and has been determined to succeed.”
Artem Zirka, the oldest Tiger on the team, was 63rd. The Ukrainian exchange student was the group’s fastest runner for most of the season but dropped to third on the team at state.
Zirka slipped on the muddy course inside Oaklawn Park to put his abdomen in contact with a course t-post. The collision forced the junior athlete into stress for the final two miles. Consequently, his time of 20:49.70 fell below his expected outcome.
Sophomore Renden Emery clocked in at 21:21.30 for 84th place. Freshman John Branche was 134 at 24:15.50. Together the pair joined Chapman, Harrison, and Zirka for the Tiger scoring five.
Zac Desormeaux was the Tiger’s lone displacer. He was 137 out of 156 competitors.
MMS 6th Grade Students of the Month for October
We would like to take a few minutes and recognize our 6th grade October students of the month. Teachers nominated a male and female student for their hard work and positive attitude that they have displayed throughout this current school year.
We would like to congratulate Cameron Pettus for being selected as our 6th grade male October student of the month. He has been chosen by his teachers for his great attitude and leadership skills he personifies throughout the school day. Kaylie Lowery is the 6th Grade October female student of the month. Kaylie continues to work hard every day and sets a good example for all of her peers to follow.
We are extremely proud to have such great students at Mansfield Middle School and we are even more encouraged by the presence their parents are making in their life. Each student continues to lead their peers by positive examples and we will be saddened by the day these two young people move to the high school. Congratulations Cameron and Kaylie.
Fun Facts about our 6th Grade Students of the Month
Cameron Pettus Kaylie Lowery
Favorite Food: Chicken Spaghetti Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Subject: History Favorite Subject: Science
Hobbies: Video Games Hobbies: Basketball
Favorite Movie: Get Smart Favorite Movie: Pure Country
Favorite Book: The Last Invisible Boy Favorite Book: I Survived
Embarrassing Moment: To embarrassed to list Embarrassing Moment: When I get a bad grade and have to show my mom and dad
Happiest Moment: When I get something new Happiest Moment: When I get a good grade
Future Aspirations: Professional Athlete Future Aspirations: To be a mail carrier
Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Color: Red
Funniest School Memory: Joking around with friends Funniest School Memory: Joking around with my friends
Lavaca City Council November Meeting
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Lavaca City Council met in regular session on Monday, November 12 at city hall. Board members present were Mayor Hugh Hardgrave; Aldermen: Mike Ray, Rick Edgerton, Jeff Price, Dale Teague, Lorie Robertson, Benny Hunter, attorney John Verkamp, and Recorder Shelly Hockaday. Visitors present were Butch Maness, Ken VanDusen, Renee Meyers, Steve Helms and Randy Toon.
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. Mayor Hardgrave led the Pledge of Allegiance and Helms led the prayer. In the first order of business, the council approved the minutes of the October regular and special meeting as presented.
Council members reviewed the report from the Police Department. They answered 406 calls in October. Additionally, eight traffic tickets, four criminal tickets and 22 warnings were issued. There were 12 arrests made in the month of October.
Next, council members reviewed the report from the Fire Department. They responded to 20 first responder calls and two fire calls.
A motion was made to certify past due sanitation charges to the county clerk for the following property. (DT/BH)
1016 Bitticks $170.64
1104 Bitticks $180.88
2100 Holt St. $170.64
1202 Bitticks $68.82
A motion was made to certify property clean up charges to the county clerk for the following property. (DT/MR)
2004 Joyce Dr. $350.00
2206 Barbara Ln $125.00
2103 Barbara Ln $250.00
1508 Brewer Ln $100.00
Lot 89-A, Butler Addition $300.00
In the last order of business, the council accepted the 2019 budget proposal. With no other business, the council meeting was adjourned.
Mansfield 5th Graders Hold Thanksgiving Feast
By Megan Hecox
For over a decade the 5th grade class at Mansfield Middle School has always been able to count on one holiday activity without fail. The Thanksgiving Feast. Every year on the week before Thanksgiving Break, Mansfield Middle School Science Teacher Mrs. Kandis Howard organizes a Thanksgiving lunch for the entire 5th grade. With help from the parents, who make and bring all the food, these students are guaranteed to have at least one holiday meal before they head to break. A LOT of preparation goes into planning and putting on a meal of this size. This year’s 5th-grade class has 59 students. When asked why she goes through all of the hard work for one meal, Mrs. Howard said “I see how much the kids look forward to this. I have had students years after 5th grade tell me how much the Thanksgiving meal meant to them. For some of my students, this is the only holiday meal they will see. Yes, it can be stressful but that stress is so small compared to giving my students the lifelong memory of a Thanksgiving meal.”
ASP Warns Holiday Travelers to Buckle-Up
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Arkansas State Police will be joining forces with area law enforcement agencies statewide during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. From November 19 – 25, motorists should be aware that those agencies will be looking for drivers who are not utilizing their seatbelts. State troopers, local police officers and sheriff’s deputies are reminding all motorists to “Click It” or risk getting a ticket.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is typically one of the more dangerous and deadliest times for highway or local street travel. Whether the trip is across town or across the county, distance makes no difference, safety belts and child restraints save lives. During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday period (November 23 – 28), 341 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide. Nearly 50 percent of those killed were not buckled-up.”
Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative said “Unfortunately too many people need a reminder and that’s why city, county and state law enforcement officers will be working overtime this Thanksgiving with a strong Click It or Ticket mobilization effort. Our state troopers will be out in full force to ensure drivers and passengers alike are buckled up as they travel to their destinations.”
An intensified enforcement emphasis will be noticed along Interstate 40 during the most heavily traveled hours of the Thanksgiving holiday and violators will be ticketed. “The Arkansas State Police will partner with several other states including Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas in an additional enforcement effort designed to protect motorists along the I-40 corridor,” Colonel Bryant stated. “Each state plans to assign a trooper to every 20 mile segment of Interstate 40 during peak traffic hours.”
State law requires that all passengers in the front seat be buckled-up, not just the driver. Additionally, children under 15 years of age be properly secured in the vehicle. Any children under the age of six and less than 60 pounds should be restrained in a child safety seat.
“Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.”
For more information about highway safety during Thanksgiving, please visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org.
Football Fireworks Fiasco
By Tammy Moore Teague
If you’ve attended a Mansfield Tiger football game at home this year, you might have noticed some fireworks. Those Fourth of July displays explode into the air each time the Tigers score, or at the game’s kickoff. Not everyone has been happy about the spirited display, however.
Mansfield native, Jason Baggett, felt it was time to level-up the pride for the school and the fans by bringing the boom to home games. For the season opener, the fireworks were shot off at the west end of the football field near the baseball fields. “The element of fireworks was thought to assist in the overall experience of the game and celebrate scores, and the potential of a win,” stated Baggett. This is when the real fireworks started.
Following the season opener, neighboring resident Ken Hearn complained that the fireworks endangered the welfare and well-being of his horses. And, he pointed out that shooting fireworks within the city limits was illegal. Per Mansfield City ordinance, 86-4, this was a valid complaint.
Under this ordinance, every Fourth of July celebration held within the city limits has been done so against the ordinance and held potential for fines. Hearn confirmed that he was accustomed to the annual event. “I can tolerate it one night a year,” Hearn stated. On the holiday, he takes measures to ensure the horses safety by bringing them in from pasture. “I just don’t want my horses torn up,” added Hearn.
Mansfield Mayor Mike Gipson said initially Hearn was correct. “We couldn’t legally shoot fireworks in the City of Mansfield. We stopped that. I called the school and told them and the police, we’re not doing it and everyone understood. Jason went to work on this and wanted to do it right.”
“I personally contacted every person who might need to know, or have a say in us shooting fireworks at football games,” stated Baggett. Those people included Mansfield Mayor Mike Gipson, Mansfield Police Chief Boyd Farmer, Mansfield Fire Chief Steven Haysmer and the Arkansas State Police Fire Marshall. “We followed the process and did what was asked, and required.”
Baggett believed he found a work around that would alleviate all issues until the permit was granted. “I didn’t want the school, the city or any one to be put in a bad situation. So we found an alternative method,” added Baggett. “The ordinance stated ‘INSIDE CITY LIMITS’ with some specific elements. So, we obtained permission from the nearest point outside the city limits, close to the stadium, and continued to shoot the fireworks.”
Hearn was content with the distant location. “I asked them to move it or calm it down,” he added. “At least when it was there it didn’t rattle my windows.”
After researching the necessary avenues to legalize the fireworks, Baggett felt confident that the issues had been resolved. “Notarized paperwork had to be filed, and the Arkansas State Police Fire Marshal got involved. Everyone understood our point, and even recognized the amount of work we were putting into this for it to continue in a safe and respectful manner” stated Baggett.
Gipson agreed, stating “we followed the law and applied for and now have a permit. Our attorney was sick, but we had another attorney draw up the paperwork for the City of Mansfield. I signed off on it, and so did the Fire Chief Stephen Haysmer. We went through the proper procedure.”
Once every element was finalized, Baggett moved the fireworks closer to Tiger Stadium for the final home game. Despite the legal action taken by Baggett, Hearn contends that display is unlawful. “I sat down with the mayor and he told me the city attorney would call me,” explained Hearn. “He never called. I’ve tried to be reasonable, and I don’t want to, but the next step is to have people hauled off. They are stepping all over me and I’m just asking for them to calm them down. What they are doing is not legal.”
However, Baggett contends “the community, parents and kids have worked hard to bring back pride to the school, and the town. This is a battle I will face head on in support of our Tigers.”
ASP Warns Holiday Travelers to Buckle-Up
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Arkansas State Police will be joining forces with area law enforcement agencies statewide during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. From November 19 – 25, motorists should be aware that those agencies will be looking for drivers who are not utilizing their seatbelts. State troopers, local police officers and sheriff’s deputies are reminding all motorists to “Click It” or risk getting a ticket.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is typically one of the more dangerous and deadliest times for highway or local street travel. Whether the trip is across town or across the county, distance makes no difference, safety belts and child restraints save lives. During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday period (November 23 – 28), 341 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide. Nearly 50 percent of those killed were not buckled-up.”
Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative said “Unfortunately too many people need a reminder and that’s why city, county and state law enforcement officers will be working overtime this Thanksgiving with a strong Click It or Ticket mobilization effort. Our state troopers will be out in full force to ensure drivers and passengers alike are buckled up as they travel to their destinations.”
An intensified enforcement emphasis will be noticed along Interstate 40 during the most heavily traveled hours of the Thanksgiving holiday and violators will be ticketed. “The Arkansas State Police will partner with several other states including Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas in an additional enforcement effort designed to protect motorists along the I-40 corridor,” Colonel Bryant stated. “Each state plans to assign a trooper to every 20 mile segment of Interstate 40 during peak traffic hours.”
State law requires that all passengers in the front seat be buckled-up, not just the driver. Additionally, children under 15 years of age be properly secured in the vehicle. Any children under the age of six and less than 60 pounds should be restrained in a child safety seat.
“Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.”
For more information about highway safety during Thanksgiving, please visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org.
“Thank You, Military! Our Country’s Proud Of You!”
By: Kimberly Boyd
Patriotic songs filled the air Monday morning at Mansfield High School as the Senior High and Junior High Choirs saluted our military in harmony. Then, the 4th Grade students of Mansfield raised their voices in appreciation to our local veterans. The students presented a beautiful program paying tribute to those across America of all Armed Forces who have served or currently serving devoting their time and those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom in America.
The morning kicked off with serving breakfast for our veterans. Then, the veterans as well as citizens, students, and teachers joined in the gymnasium as the program opened with Witcherville Troop 330 Color Guard presenting and posting the American and Arkansas Flag.
Next, Lt. Col. Robert W. Fulmer, who was recently inducted into the Arkansas Military Hall of Fame and the keynote speaker of the program, addressed the crowd explaining that “anybody who puts that uniform on and serves our country and has an honorable discharge” is a veteran. He challenged the listeners saying, “As we talk about the Pledge of Allegiance, I would like you to think what freedom means to you. So, I ask you, what does the flag mean to you?” He went on to address our veterans saying, “I can truly say, we have the freedoms we have today because of people like you that are here today.”
The High School Choirs, directed by Choir Teacher, Mr. Jordan Smith, sung the lovely song, “America the Beautiful” , and then student, Harleigh Mars, shared with the listeners the history of veterans day. Next, the choir sung, “My Country Tis of Thee” that led into Faith Rainwater, who shared with the crowd what it is like to be a veteran and thanking our military for their service and our country’s freedom.
The choir went on to sing a melody that saluted each branch of the military, inviting veterans of each branch to stand as their military branch song was sung. The song ended with the pledge and the national anthem.
Lastly, the program was concluded with a beautiful piece of music called, “Thank You, Military” performed by 4th grade students of Mansfield Elementary directed by Music Teacher, Mr. Jordan Smith. Tears filled many eyes, as their sweet voices rang out through the gymnasium.
Then, Mr. Smith played the taps on the trumpet to honor our fallen soldiers and veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom and country.
Even though Veteran’s Day is set aside each year to honor our soldiers, not a day goes by that we should not be thankful for their service. Coming from a Military family, I know much time and sacrifice goes into being in the military. Sometimes soldiers miss Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families. Often soldiers miss their child’s birth or birthday party. Mothers and wives have to say good bye too early to their servicemen who bravely give their life for our country’s freedom. Being a veteran never means giving up the uniform or “patch,” but instead memories carry on as well as long lasting friendships made with their camaraderie. Once a serviceman, always a soldier. Their sacrifices are still given, so that you and I can proudly stand and say, “The flag still stands for freedom.”
Please remember our veterans and their families during the holidays. In a world full of hate, disagreement, and political debates, soldiers are still serving post at home and abroad. Some may be retired and alone. Some mother or father may be missing their son or daughter who was a soldier and gave all, and some wife may be missing her husband who is serving in a foreign land. Some child may be crying for her father and counting the days of when he will return. Whatever the case may be, or whatever story has been untold, spread love and kindness to veterans so that their service does not go in vain.