Photos by Amanda Hall
Arrows matched up with Cedarville last night in a pair of great games. First it was the Ladies who hit the floor. The Lady Arrows lost 33 -40 in overtime, but played well and showed a lot of grit. The boys played next and this too was a close game in which the Arrows proved to be a gutsy team that just refused to be beat. The Arrows pulled this close game out in the wee minutes of the 4th quarter winning 53-47. Coach Wyles had this to say about the girls game, “I thought the girls played hard throughout the game. Missed free throws and turnovers really hurt us, especially late in the game. I thought we played well enough defensively to win, but we have some things to figure out offensively ”.
Both of these games were all about defense. We saw a lot of turnovers and the bodies hit the floor chasing down loose balls frequently. Coach Reed said of the boys game, “Anytime you play Cedarville you can expect it to be physical…that was the challenge the previous day in practice, match it up for four quarters. I thought we matured some last night and proved we can win as a team. A lot of guys stepped up and made big shots . Andrew made some big free throws at the end. Was very proud of our team”.
There will be 4 games scheduled for Monday November 19th. Junior High Girls will start at 4:00. Both Junior High teams will play and then both the High School teams. Go
Arrows!! Beat Dover!!
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
Arrows Split with Cedarville in a physical matchup.
Tigers Battle To Bitter End
By Megan Hecox
The Mansfield Tigers lost 53-24 in Round 2 of the Playoffs against the Osceola Seminoles. For the 7 Seniors that have played their hearts out for the Mansfield football program, it was a bittersweet ending. After years of struggling to win games while doing their best to ignore the publics negative criticisms, the Tigers proved that good things come to those who wait.
The Seniors finally got the chance to bask in the glory of making it to Round 2 of the Playoffs. Although the “Senior Seven” will be hanging up their jerseys for the last time, they at least got to end their High School football careers with a bang. By consistently pushing forward no matter the obstacles and achieving this success, the Coaches, Players, Cheerleaders, Band Members, and Parents have unknowingly done something. They have awoken the Beast. The football season might be over but Tiger Pride in the community is just getting started.
In true Tiger fashion of Go Big or Go Home, Layton Howard was first to get the fans jumping out of their seats as he shot through the Seminoles defense like a cannon, scoring the Tigers first touchdown. Mimicking Stretch Armstrong, Tyler Holmes had to reach with every inch of his body to secure the second Tigers touchdown. Colton Stipins played the most epic game of Hot Potato to achieve his touchdown. Just as Stipins jumped to receive a pass from Ethan Stovall, a Seminole player jumped and tipped the ball at the same time. Tiger fans watched in silence as the ball started to descend back down into what looked to be the Seminoles hands. Stipins magically swooped back in and grabbed the ball scoring the third touchdown for the Tigers. Isaac Cothran racked up the Tigers fourth and final touchdown by scoring a good old fashioned ground and pound run right up the middle.
The Tigers defense bowed up on numerous occasions shutting down the speedy Seminoles offense. The turnover battle was a big part of the Tigers success in Friday nights game. With help from Keaton Boyd, Blayne Bryant, Bri Sanderson, TJ Simmons, and Jacob Brown just to name a few, the Tigers did what every defense sets out to do. GET THAT BALL!!! Mansfield’s defense stripped the ball from the Seminole running backs multiple times giving the Tigers offense opportunities to put points on the board. The Seminoles may have been faster but the Tigers defense showed more heart by playing each down with tenacity.
For the outsiders looking in, Friday nights game against Osceola could be described as anything but victorious for the Mansfield Tigers. But for those who have lived Mansfield football day in and day out, the way the Tigers played was triumphant.
Mansfield City Council November Meeting
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Mansfield City Council met on Thursday evening in a regularly scheduled meeting. Council members present were Dave Johnson, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins and Rick McDaniel. Absent were Georganna Mabry and Jan Carlton. Also present were Mayor Mike Gipson and City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the October minutes and the financials, Police Chief Boyd Farmer gave the police report. Farmer advised the council of the departments plan to host Christmas with Kids on December 15. Five children will be chosen from the Mansfield School District to participate.
Next was the fire report from Chief Stephen Haysmer. Haysmer reported the department mainly responded to medical calls and advised the council of his intent to go to an ISO class in January. Walker commented that she had contacted LOPFI, the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. They require that all volunteer firemen go on one incident per month to keep service credit. Otherwise, they would be terminated. This does not apply, however, if there are no incidents throughout the month.
Mayor Gipson reported no problems with public works, and that things were going well within that department. Walker reported on the success of the Dixie Theatre Fundraiser stating, “we had two good bands and cleared $250. We appreciate all those who donated concession items.” There will be a Dixie Theatre Committee meeting on November 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dixie in Mansfield.
In new business, the city attorney recommended the council act on the recommendation by the auditors. That recommendation was for the council to adopt two ordinances, one for Scott County and one for Sebastian County on the city millage. This measure will have to be taken annually. Both ordinances, 2018-3 and 2018-4 were both adopted unanimously by the council.
The council was presented with the proposed budget for 2019. No action was taken, but the council will have the opportunity to review the proposal before acting on it in the upcoming meeting.
With no other items of business, the meeting was adjourned.
Mansfield Police Department Sponsors Christmas with Kids
By Tammy Moore Teague
Five children will be chosen from the Mansfield School District to participate in Christmas with Kids. The Mansfield Police Department will be sponsoring the event, made possible with donations from local residents.
On Saturday, December 15, those children will get to shop at the Greenwood Walmart alongside members of the police department. Two hundred dollars per child has been allocated for them to spend.
This is an annual event and it allows the child to have a Christmas which might not be otherwise possible. The children are able to choose practical items, like warm coats and shoes, along with toys.
Law Enforcement Conduct K-9 Drug Search
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Thursday morning the Mansfield Police Department was joined by Sebastian and Scott County deputies as well as the Van Buren Police Department to conduct a random search of the Mansfield High School.
Included in that search were three K-9 officers. Those K-9s are trained to alert given reasonable suspicion to the presence of drugs. However, there were no indications of drugs on the campus as a result of the search.
Corporal Tom Garrison of the Mansfield Police Department said these random searches are to ensure the safety of the students and school.
*Photos by Mansfield PD Officer Sean White
Jr Arrows advance to Finals of Gary Ford Invitational
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!!
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.