By Jack James
Picture it. In just a little less than a year from now, the city of Lavaca will be celebrating its Centennial. The 100 year anniversary of Lavaca becoming an incorporated town. Our 100th birthday.
That’s a pretty good milestone for just about anything. Think about it for a minute. In 1919, flying planes was what we recognize as the Red Barron from WWI, cloth and balsa wood, of sorts, barnstormers. One hundred years ago our cars were tin jalopies. The Ford Model T of that year had a 20 horse power engine that pegged out at 30 mph.
Woodrow Wilson was our President. World War I had just ended. The Lavaca Senior Class graduated five students that year.
Lavaca had dirt streets and wagons and horses were the main source of transportation.
The Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lavaca are planning a bonafide celebration; a real whoopty-do! The plans are in early stages but it promises to be a real ‘one-for-the-books” major event unlike this town and area has ever witnessed before.
All area businesses, churches, organizations, schools and so on, should start looking for ways to commemorate this very special time of our city history.
I look forward to reporting it and showing it to you!
Lavaca Plans to Celebrate Centennial
What’s your Legacy?
What is your legacy? Websters defines legacy as; “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past”. While that is a vague and broad definition, I mean to drill it down a bit. For me, I take great pride in the legacy that I have been given. Even more so, I am cautious on the legacy that I leave behind for my children. The legacy that passed onto me can be broken into 3 parts, God, Family, and Country. It is a legacy of service. It’s a legacy of love.
With it being Veterans Day, I am going to focus in on the military side of my legacy. I can trace my family tree to every major military engagement this country has ever seen. My grandmother was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, we fought on both sides of the Civil War, both World Wars, Korea, Viet Nam and most recently, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a legacy that I am extremely proud of and even more proud to pass down to my children. Although it is my prayer that thy will never have to face the hells of war themselves.
Although, my family tree has a stellar military record, my legacy goes far beyond that of just family ties. My legacy is that of American patriotism. My family is only one family out of millions that have stepped up to answer the call of this American nation. A legacy of brotherhood that extends across branches of the military. Not a legacy passed down by DNA, but still a legacy secured in blood. The sacrifices of heroes across the generations and those heroes that are yet to come insure our freedoms and secure our legacy. I am so grateful for the brave men and women who have served in our military. These are my brother and sisters , they are my legacy, and I salute you all..
WMS Hosts Veterans Day Program
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Friday, November 9, Waldron Middle School students gathered at the high school auditorium to celebrate Veterans Day, and the winners of the Patriot Pen.
The middle school band and choir both performed at the event, which began around 8:30 a.m. Post number 1345 Commander Bill Coben awarded the winners with prize money for their entries in the essay contest, Patriot Pen. There were 100 entries in the contest, and the top 10 were given to the VFW Post, who picked the top three.
The winners were:
First place winner: Forrest Efurd
Second place winner: Whitley Fielding
Third place winner: Leo Lopez
Photo credit: Darlene Wood
Arrows Fall in first Round of Playoffs
Photos by Amanda Hall
For 14 senior Arrows it is hard to believe that it is over. The Golden Arrow football season has come to an end with a playoff game loss to the Conway Christin Eagles. This was not the end that the Arrows had hoped for, but they need to hold their heads high. The Lavaca team has battled hard all season against a ton of adversity. They have battled not only their opponents this year but also, multiple injuries to key players. QB Jimmy Hall, knee and ankle; MLB Trevon More (T-Man),Ankle; RB Tyler Armistead Hip; WR Trey Warner, broken collar bone; WR Colby Clunn, Shoulder; OLBAlex Dugan, Knee; and OL Bailey Vann missed the season with a cancer diagnosis. Despite all of this, these Arrows never gave up. They fought the fight and Battled up.
To the Seniors; Jimmy Hall, Justin Hall, T-Man Moore, Tyler Armistead, Colby Clunn, Mason Walter, Creek Harp, Dillan Ellison, Jonathan Holland, Trey Warner, Trey Castor, Jake Noble, Logan Taylor, Bailey Vann, R-22 News would like to wish these senior Arrows, Godspeed, good luck, and a hearty thank you. You have represented your school and community with a combination of grace and guts. You have inspired the next generation of Arrows. You should be proud and hold your heads up high. We are proud of you! Coach Brian Schlinker added to these sentiments by saying, “I have been so proud of our team. I know our season came to an end before we wanted but we accomplished alot this year. Our team fought all year and never quit. We played some of best football against the best teams in our conference. We were able to overcome the absence of some key players while recovering from injuries. This team has alot to hold its head high about. Cant say enough about our senior leadership. Those guys held this team together through their attitude effort and drive. We had several young guys that played big parts for us as well and I look forward to helping them develop as football players and young men.”
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
Chef Boyd Escapes The Kitchen!
Chef Boyd Escapes The Kitchen!
By: Kimberly Boyd
Although I LOVE to cook, there are days I’m just not feeling it! We have four kids who are all involved in activities and sports and my husband is a youth pastor, so we have a very busy schedule! When I have a crazy day, I love it on days when I get a text from my husband like the following…
Living in a small town, it’s hard to find good places close by to eat. It’s hard on small restaurants to stay afloat unless they are well supported by their communities. I love it when we get a new place in town with great prices! Those “hole in the wall” places sometimes end up being the best places to eat at. It’s up to the community though to support small town home businesses. I’m always in search of a good “hole in the wall.”
So, this time when I escaped the kitchen, we visited a local food truck, Taste Station. Their food is amazing, and you definitely get what you paid for! The best part of this is you can call ahead with your order, pick it up, and eat it at home in your P.J.s while watching your favorite show (Dancing with the Stars Juniors)! They have a variety of sandwiches and now even serve alligator! My favorite item on the menu is a fried crispy chicken sandwich. It’s a monster sandwich! If you would like to give them a try, they are located on Hwy 71 in the middle of Huntington, or you can call in your order. Their phone number is 479-252-2166. Check out their facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TheTasteStation/ for more information and a menu!
So, Chef Boyd will be ready to find another “hole in the wall.” I’m looking for suggestions! Where should I travel next when I “Escape the Kitchen?”
Photo Courtesy of Joanna James
It’s Lunch Time!
Wondering what’s for lunch next week? Check out the lunch menu for the area schools below!
Reception Held for Retiring Sebastian County Sheriff
By Tammy Moore Teague
A reception was held on Wednesday, November 7 honoring retiring Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck. The reception was held at the Fort Smith Pavilion from 5-6:30 p.m.
Hollenbeck has served 28 years with the Sheriff’s Department and 36 years total in law enforcement. Eight of those years was spent leading the department as Sebastian County Sheriff.
After stepping down as sheriff, Hollenbeck will begin serving as Fort Smith Public School’s Director of Security and Facilities.
Reception Held for Retiring Sebastian County Sheriff
By Tammy Moore Teague
A reception was held on Wednesday, November 7 honoring retiring Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck. The reception was held at the Fort Smith Pavilion from 5-6:30 p.m.
Hollenbeck has served 28 years with the Sheriff’s Department and 36 years total in law enforcement. Eight of those years was spent leading the department as Sebastian County Sheriff.
After stepping down as sheriff, Hollenbeck will begin serving as Fort Smith Public School’s Director of Security and Facilities.
Veterans to Walk in Solidarity
By Tammy Moore Teague
Famed “Walking Veteran,” Thomas Hudson is spearheading another Veterans Walk in Solidarity in Waldron on December 1.
“We will meet at 1 p.m. at the Waldron High School Auditorium,” stated Hudson. “We will have a special awards presentation, music and a special guest speaker.” Following the honorary ceremony, they will begin their walk into downtown Waldron.
The city will be hosting their annual Christmas parade that evening, and the veterans are sponsoring a float. That event is set to begin at 6 p.m.
“The city’s Christmas parade theme is “Kindling the Love of Christmas. Our float will carry out that theme and relate it to those who are deployed. You do not want to miss out on this!“
Jury Trial Set in Williams Case
By Tammy Moore Teague
Former Waldron Assistant Principal Jessica Williams is set to stand trial on five counts of sexual assault in the first degree and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
Williams was arrested back in August after confessing to having an ongoing relationship with a 16 year-old student. See related story– Williams was released after posting a $100,000 bond. However, as part of her release, she was ordered to have no contact with the underaged victim. According to court documents, Williams has allegedly violated those terms. Williams denied those claims, and her attorney responded to the petition to revoke her bond by motioning for discovery.
Williams’ jury trial is set to begin in a Scott County Courtroom on Tuesday, November 20 at 9:30 a.m.