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.”
Mansfield 5th Graders Hold Thanksgiving Feast
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.
Mansfield Tiger Football Travel Itinerary
THURSDAY
2:00pm – District Wide Pep Rally @ MHS
FRIDAY
8:45am – Cheer/FB Leave Mansfield
10:30am – Walk Thru @ Russellville High School
11:15am – Leave Russellville
12:15pm – Lunch @ Purple Cow in Conway
1:30pm – Depart For Osceola
***Possible Stop If Needed***
4:30pm – 5:00pm – Arrive @ Osceola
7:00pm – Beat Osceola
10:00am – Dinner @ Stadium
10:30am – Depart for Hotel in Lonoke
12:45pm – Arrive @ Hotel in Lonoke
SATURDAY
7:30am – BREAKFAST @ HOTEL
8:00am – DEPART LONOKE
11:00am – ARRIVE @ MANSFIELD
MMS 5th Grade Students of the Month for October
We would like to take a few minutes and recognize our 5th 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.
Our young man that has been selected as the 5th grade student of the month for October for many different reasons, Rafe Jerry is a hard working student that is beginning to flourish as the middle school. He has been chosen by his teachers for his great attitude and leadership skills he personifies throughout the school day. Kaylee Ward is the 5th Grade October female student of the month. Kaylee 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 Rafe and Kaylee.
Fun Facts about our 5th Grade Students of the Month
Rafe Jerry Kaylee Ward
Favorite Food: Deer Steak Favorite Food: Juicy Steaks
Favorite Subject: Social Studies Favorite Subject: Science
Hobbies: Video games & Football Hobbies: Reading Science & Social Studies
Favorite Movie: A Bridge Too Far Favorite Movie: Coraline
Favorite Book: Percy Jackson Favorite Book: Coraline
Embarrassing Moment: Teacher laughed at me. Embarrassing Moment: Acting like a chicken in Mrs. V’s class
Happiest Moment: All A’s 100% on report card Happiest Moment: A+ in all Classes
Future Aspirations: Become a Lawyer Future Aspirations: Engineer
Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Color: Blue
Funniest School Memory: Face planted in concrete Funniest School Memory: Beating 8th grader at pep rally
School Nurse Promotes Awareness of World Diabetes Day
By Tammy Moore Teague
Today, Wednesday, November 14 is World Diabetes Day and the Mansfield School District’s Nurse, Nina Jones, RN, hopes to bring continued “awareness of diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with the condition need.”
So what is World Diabetes Day and why is it significant? November 14 is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best. On December 20, 2006, the United Nations passed a resolution to designate November 14 as World Diabetes Day.
Essentially, diabetes is about the body’s ability (or lack of it) to produce the required amount of a hormone called insulin to control glucose levels in the blood. There are broadly two types of diabetes: Type 1 requires daily administration of artificial insulin by means of injection or insulin pump. “Type 1 Diabetes is when the body can’t regulate blood glucose levels on its own. Their bodies (pancreas) does not produce enough or any insulin. Children with type 1 diabetes rely on multiple daily insulin injections or pump infusions every day,” Jones added.
Type 2 is more generally managed by a combination of dietary control and medication in the form of tablets. “Type 1 diabetes should not be confused with type 2 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in adults, and usually associated with lifestyle factors, such as body weight. Persons with type 2 diabetes can sometimes eliminate or control their blood sugar with exercise and lifestyle changes. Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, and it cannot be prevented or cured.”
Jones, who is currently working at the elementary school, has been with the district for 21 years. She has served as a nurse at all three campuses and as school-based clinic coordinator. Jones, a MHS graduate, “feels a deep connection to the people, students and community. I get a great sense of fulfillment from helping the students who pass through my doors. These children will be here long after I am gone, and the care we give them and teach them is what will help them in the future.”
“We currently have two type 1 diabetics at MES (that I help assist),” stated Jones. “It is much different managing diabetes in children vs. adults. Most adults are capable of managing most of, if not all of their diabetic regimen. With children you have to make sure and do the finger sticks, carb counting and insulin dosing for them until they reach an age where they are able to do some of it themselves. Eventually, over time as they reach adulthood, they will be able to manage their own care. However, while they are young and in elementary and middle school, the school nurse will oversee most of their care during the school day. It is very important for the school nurse and the student’s family to work close together in order to try to keep the child’s blood sugar in a targeted range.” Jones concluded.
Community Discusses Reorganizing Neighborhood Watch Program
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Northwest Scott Volunteer Fire Department met on Tuesday evening. Members of the department including Chief Donnie Adkins were present as well as guests Justice of the Peace, Bob Hattabaugh and Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores.
Shores handed out pamplets on organizing a neighborhood watch program. Resident and NWS VFD member, Jerry Cox had been involved with the program in the past. “I’m willing to do what I can to get this restarted.”
Shores is willing to work with the group. “I recommend they take tag numbers of suspicious vehicles and get them to us. We can run them, and although we cannot release the findings to the public, we can find out who these people are. If you see something out of order, give us a call and we’ll check it out.”
Shores also indicated that he would be willing to participate in monthly meetings and that “we’re all for working together.”
Sunbuddies-Mansfield’s Newest Small Business
By Tammy Moore Teague
Sunbuddies, owned and operated by Allison Langston, is Mansfield’s newest small business. The floral and gift shop opened their doors in October.
Langston said they came up with the name Sunbuddies after searching for a unique name for the shop. Unique as its name, are the added services they offer. “In addition to being a floral and gift shop, we also offer tanning, tanning lotions and aqua massage.” stated Langston. Lastly, the shop takes pride in stocking locally produced items such as t-shirts and tiger paw cups.
They do this at reasonable prices as well. Langston’s husband Thomas said “people here can’t pay big city prices, so we try to offer things at affordable prices so people here can afford to buy them.”
The Langstons look to continue adding more floral and gift items in the future. “We are very blessed to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and to be able to have a business in such a wonderful town,” added Langston. “We will strive to always better our business.”