By Tammy Moore Teague
“It’s 7:30, the polls are officially closed,” announced Gene Hamelman-Judge of Elections. The last ballot has been cast, and the polls are closed. But what now? We’ll take a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes on election day.
Huntington City Hall polling site reported 239 voters on Tuesday. Which, according to poll worker Dollie Gage, was a good turn out for a mid-term election. With coordinating efforts from Hamelman, Gage and two other poll workers, Judy Wallace and Robert Gage, all the machines and paper ballots were secured and made ready for delivery to the Sebastian County Courthouse in Fort Smith.
“It was a long day, but Simple Simon’s Pizza in Mansfield delivered us pizza for lunch,” stated Gage. Adding “They also did the same thing for Mansfield.”
This isn’t a first for Gage, as a matter of fact she’s been working the polls for the past 20 years. “I enjoy doing it,” she stated. “I started doing this because I felt it was a civic duty. It was something I really wanted to do to help the community.” Gage had served the past 18 years as Judge of Elections in Mansfield, but recently retired from that position.
The Judge of Elections is responsible for setting up the polling site, including equipment, and for making sure it is taken down and delivered back to the courthouse in Fort Smith. That delivery includes the ballots. Poll workers check and verify names and information and assist voters at the voting machines as needed.
If someone does not have their identification, they can still vote, but that vote is considered provisional. That vote will not be counted until the voter can verify their information at the clerk’s office.
“A lot goes on after those doors close,” commented Robert Gage. Ballots are cast on a machine by the voters. A paper ballot backup is generated, and the voter puts that in a locked box. All of those ballots are gathered and put in a box which is sealed and delivered to the courthouse. “The voting machines contain a thumb drive which stores the ballot information. But, if there is ever a question about that thumb drive they can go to these ballot backups to verify that information,” explained Gage.
When the judge arrives at the courthouse, the sealed box is opened and officials begin verifying the contents. That’s when the public can begin tracking the outcome of the races. That information is generated by the county clerk’s office.
Each one of the workers and the judge take a daily oath. “Everybody raises their right hand and we swear to do things right. We pledge to keep it secret and not tell how someone has voted under penalty of law,” explained Robert Gage. If someone needs assistance at the polling machine, two workers go to assist in an effort to maintain integrity. Additionally, workers ensure that no electioneering is taking place within 100 feet of the polling place. Poll workers undergo periodic training, and judges undergo training every election, particularly if there is any changes.
These poll workers ensure that the process of democracy is carried out smoothly and done above reproach. To them, and for their time and efforts, we say thank you.
Election Day from the Other Side of the Table-Poll Workers!
Post-Election Coverage: Mayor-Elect Buddy Black
By Tammy Moore Teague
Mansfield Mayor Elect, Buddy Black, will take office the first of the year, but he is already setting goals and priorities. His first order of business is to familiarize himself with the budget. He plans to work jointly with current Mayor Mike Gipson over the next few months.
“Buddy loves the town,” said Gipson. “You have to love what you do, Buddy’s got this!” Gipson advised Black of the outstanding assistance that he’s received from others in the city. “They are willing to help in any way,” he commented. Adding, “I want to help too, he can call me anytime.”
Besides familiarizing himself with the budget, Black wishes to field ideas from the community and get city-wide feedback. “It’s not my office,” Black stated. “It belongs to the citizens of Mansfield. I’ll be there to execute those duties of the office of mayor, but I’m a servant to the people. I welcome people to come in my office, and to city hall.”
Additionally, Black plans to continue the community relations effort that Gipson has instituted. “We both feel the same way about the City of Mansfield,” stated Gipson. “We have a heart for the city.” Black agreed, stating, “I’m going to build on what Mike has already started.”
Black stated he is looking forward to working with the city council members. “We have got a great city council and I’m looking forward to working with them. I know each and every one of them and I really like them. I look forward to making Mansfield an even better place to live and work.”
Regardless of your vote, Black encourages everyone to have a willingness to come together and work for the good of the city. “I’m here for the people, I’m here to help them. We are going to look forward and not look back.”
He added a note of thanks to those who supported him and to those who helped with his campaign. “Some people campaigned tirelessly for me. It is an honor to be elected Mayor of the City of Mansfield.”
Mansfield S.R.C.A. Plans Thanksgiving Fundraiser
By Tammy Moore Teague
Mansfield’s new Senior Center Site Director, Candace Graham has announced plans to host a Thanksgiving Holiday Fundraiser, which will benefit the center. This fundraiser is scheduled for November 16 at 11:30 a.m. The meal will consist of turkey/cornbread dressing, seasoned green beans, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a roll and a pumpkin dessert.
“I have just recently been made aware of how gracious the townspeople have supported our fundraiser efforts in the past and we hope that tradition continues,” stated Graham.
The cost per plate this year is $10. Graham explained the reasoning for why that cost had gone up. “I would like to explain the $10 plate cost to hopefully encourage each of you to continue to participate. Each year our accounting firm gives us our plate cost with depreciation and this is what it costs SRCA to make the meals we serve…With the rising food cost there is no way we can order a meal plate for a fundraiser at $5. We actually have been losing money by doing that and when we do, that takes away funds necessary for us to buy food and run our program efficiently. I hope this gives some clarity to why it is necessary to go up on the charge.”
Graham welcomes any questions the community may have. You can contact her 479-928-4429. “The Mansfield Senior Center hopes to see continued support from such a giving town,” she concluded.
!!Local Election Results!!
By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron Mayor
David Millard
423
57%
Lanis Harwell
324
43%
Hackett Mayor
Trini Harper
96
60%
Leroy Stephens
64
40%
Mansfield Mayor
Buddy Black
154
56%
Boyd Farmer
119
44%
Mansfield Alderman Ward 1, Position 2
Julie Thomas
187
70%
Charles Smith
82
30%
Hartford Alderman
Danielle Woodward
102
64%
Winonah Winnie Hale
57
36%
Bonanza Alderman Ward 1, Position 2
Karen Littlejohn-Flores
105
56%
Patricia Norris
84
44%
Waldron Alderman Hickman Ward 3, Position 2
Paige Cupit
137
58%
Doyle Dickens
101
42%
Scott County Assessor
Terri Churchill*
1,339
52%
Jeanetta Byford
689
27%
Kim Lane
543
21%
Scott County Sheriff/Collector
Randy Shores*
1,368
52%
Gary Clepper
945
36%
Thomas Garrison
310
12%
Scott County JP District 7
John E. Lutterell
210
74%
Anthony Dedmon
73
26
Sebastian County Coroner
Kenny Hobbs
22,089
67%
Leah Livengood
10,870
33%
Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector
Judith Miller*
23,570
71%
Jeannie Wilson
9,482
29%
Sebastian County Judge
David Hudson *
22,360
69%
Mosie Boyd
9,973
31%
U.S. Congress District 4
Bruce Westerman*
132,253
67%
Hayden Shamel (D)
61,718
31%
Tom Canada (L)
3,828
2%
Arkansas Governor
Asa Hutchinson*
569,281
65%
Jared Henderson
274,850
32%
Mark West
25,336
3%
Attorney General
Leslie Rutledge*
537,532
62%
Mike Lee
305,736
35%
Kerry Hicks
24,136
3%
Kerry Hicks (L)
24,136
3%
Secretary of State
John Thurston
525,872
61%
Susan Inman
314,144
36%
Christopher Olson
24,662
3%
Auditor of the State
Andrea Lea*
607,631
72%
David Dinwiddie
230,975
28%
Treasurer of the State
Dennis Milligan*
597,349
71%
Ashley Ewald (L)
243,948
29%
Commissioner of State Lands
Tommy Land
518,809
60%
Larry Williams
313,935
36%
T.J. Campbell
28,476
3%
Arkansas Supreme Court
Courtney Goodson*
452,308
56%
David Sterling
360,614
44%
AR State Senate District 8
Mathew Pitsch
18,346
76%
William Hyman
5,682
24%
AR State House District 21
Marcus Richmond*
6,690
79%
Stele James (D)
1,820
21%
ISSUES
Issue 4, Casinos
For
458,786
54%
Against
389,979
46%
Issue 5 Minimum Wage Increase
For
590,285
68%
Against
272,730
32%
Issue 2 Voter ID
For
676,273
80%
Against
173,926
20%
*denotes incumbant
Playoffs Baby!! Arrows head to Conway Christian
Photos by Amanda Hall
Playoffs Baby! That’s right, this week is week one of the Arkansas 2A State playoffs. Lavaca will travel to Conway to take on Conway Christian at 7:00 on Friday. Lavaca High School will have a Veterans Day assembly in the morning before letting school dismiss early at 2:00. This will allow time for students who wish to attend to make it to Conway.
For 13 seniors, this game is about finishing their careers on their terms. It’s playoffs and that means win or go home. For these seniors there is no next year. Most of them have played together since 2nd grade. It is time to go all together in. For many this would seem to be a high pressure game but for Senior QB Jimmy Hall, it doesn’t seem the case. He put it this way, “for us seniors, there is no pressure. We get to prove ourselves when the odds are against us.” When asked how he hoped to be remembered he answered, “I hope my teammates remember that I am a player that won’t ever give up on my team and someone that they can trust.”
The Arrows will have to be resilient going into the game against Conway Christian. The Arrows coming off of back to back losses to Hackett and Lamar JV. Of course, the Lamar game was a game in which 5 Lavaca starters did not play, since the game had no impact on the season. It did give time for those 5 to heal up and prepare for the playoff run. This is going to be a game in which the Arrows will have to play their best game. However, Lavaca has already shown that they can rise up and play at a very high level. In their game against Magazine, the Arrows offense put up 409 yards and 34 points, while the defense posted 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 4 tackles for loss holding the Rattlers to only 24 points. This is the type of effort that will be needed from the Golden Arrows.
Coach Brian Schlinker feels his team is ready. He said “We feel good about Friday. We know it’s a tough draw, but our kids are focused. We have made a few changes this week to give us the best chance against them. Practice has been good so far. I really feel like the kids have put everything (last two games) in the past and are excited to move forward.”
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
AAA Playoff Ticket Price Policy – Press Release
Class 3A Playoff Game
at Mansfield High School
November 9, 2018
Melbourne vs. Mansfield
Kickoff 7 p.m.
Tickets: $6 per person (includes students, children, adults, seniors, Mansfield employees).
AAA passes only will be accepted at the gate.
Note: Admission ticket price policy is set by the Arkansas Activities Association.
If you would like to review the AAA Football Playoff guidelines, please CLICK HERE
RKids Corner – Christmas Edition!
By Tammy Moore Teague
RKids Corner is a community hub for all types of kid and family-friendly events and activities in the Barling, Lavaca and Central City area. We welcome your submissions and suggestions! Please feel free to submit them –HERE
- Hodo’s Christmas Light Show-1205 Woodland Creek Circle in Van Buren. Free admission, begins November 22 at dusk.
- Trail of Lights at Bell Park in Greenwood- November 23 through December 26.
- December 1, Annual City of Lavaca Christmas Parade. Begins at 6 p.m.
- Christmas Winter Wonderland, 7300 Wells Lake Road, Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith. Large indoor walk-through attraction for the entire family. Pictures with Santa, indoor train rides, stories from Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty, Elsa and Anna. Takes you back into time with childhood memories! Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December. Adults $5, children $15 all activities and attractions included in with the price.
- River Valley Animal Hospital in Barling is hosting a kid’s coloring contest to benefit the Charleston Dog Shelter. The event will begin December 1-31. $1 entry for the coloring sheet. The winner will be announced January 1, and will win a gift basket worth over $100.
- Movie in the Park, December 14 at 7 p.m., 707 Featherhill Road in Lavaca. Free admission- showing “Elf.”
- Gingerbread House Decorating Party! Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This & That Market, located at 9 N. Main St., Greenwood. They are supplying all the candy and decorations for the house. Come bring the kids and have some holiday fun!
RKids Corner-Christmas Edition!
By Tammy Moore Teague
RKids Corner is a community hub for all types of kid and family-friendly events and activities in the Waldron, Mansfield, Huntington, Hartford and Hackett areas. We welcome your submissions and suggestions! Please feel free to submit them –HERE
- Dalton’s Place in Waldron will be hosting a coloring contest with four different age groups, starting November 9 – November 29. The age groups are 2-4 yrs, 5-8 yrs, 9-12 yrs, and 13-17 years. You can pick up a coloring page from the front desk at Dalton’s Place.
- Snowman Building Contest at Sharla’s Selectables located at 3496 Hwy. 71 N. Waldron, AR. November 15-December 15. The snowman can be made out of anything and be any size. It will be judged on creativity, originality and overall awesomeness! It’s free to enter and for all ages. Can be done alone or as a group. You can build and setup in the parking lot of Sharla’s Selectables before December 10. Prizes are $75 for first, $50 for second and popular vote and $25 for third place. Popular voting will be done by the public during business hours at Sharla’s Selectables from December 11-14. For more information or to register, call or text Sarah Davis at 479-227-0041 or Sharla Pennington at 479-227-0740. It’s gonna be SNOW much fun!
- Santa will be at Sunbuddies in Mansfield on Saturday November 24 to visit with the kids and will also be handing out goodie bags. Sunbuddies is located 1901 Hwy. 71 E., Mansfield.
- Lights on the Island Wister Lake State Park, Wister Lake Quarry Island. Starts November 16-December 25. There will be some old favorites with bright new ones. Come out and enjoy the display!
- Trail of Lights at Bell Park in Greenwood- November 23 through December 26.
- Hodo’s Christmas Light Show-1205 Woodland Creek Circle in Van Buren. Free admission, begins November 22 at dusk.
- Christmas Winter Wonderland, 7300 Wells Lake Road, Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith. Large indoor walk-through attraction for the entire family. Pictures with Santa, indoor train rides, stories from Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty, Elsa and Anna. Takes you back into time with childhood memories! Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December. Adults $5, children $15 all activities and attractions included in with the price.
- Christmas Market- Saturday, December 1 at the Scott County Fair Grounds, 165 Mill Street in Waldron. Local vendors selling handmade crafts and treasures from 8 a.m-4 p.m. Concessions and booths available. Call Missy Williams 479-207-2987.
- City of Mansfield Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 1. Beans and cornbread will be served starting at 11 a.m., and the parade will begin at 2 p.m.
- City of Hackett Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 1 at 6 p.m.
- “Kindling the Love of Christmas” is this years theme for the Waldron Christmas Parade that will be held on Saturday, December 1st, beginning at 6 p.m. on Historic Main Street, Waldron.
- Gingerbread House Decorating Party! Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This & That Market, located at 9 N. Main St., Greenwood. They are supplying all the candy and decorations for the house. Come bring the kids and have some holiday fun!
Veterans Day Assembly – Lavaca High School PAC
Lavaca High School will honor Veterans on Friday, November the 9th at 9:00am. The school will have an assembly in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) to celebrate local Veterans and the Freedom provided by their sacrifices. The school would like to extend an open invitation to the Lavaca community, and especially all veterans who can attend.
I have attended this event for several years now. As a veteran, I have been touched by the care, respect, and gratitude shown to me at this event. It has also been a great way to connect with my fellow veterans from multiple generations. With that being said, I want to publicly thank the school administration and Student Council for putting this event on.
Why do we celebrate Veterans Day? Two reasons come to mind. 1. The sacrifices made by a few for the freedom of the masses demands gratitude. 2. It’s a matter of future preservation. “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” This quote has been attributed to George Washington, although there is question on whether he actually stated this. Regardless of who actually said it, it absolutely rings true.
Wikipedia gives the following information on Veterans Day. “Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service. It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.”
Again, to the school, “thank you.” To my fellow veterans, “welcome home.”
It’s a great week to be a Golden Arrow!!
Photos by Amanda Hall
This week for Lavaca is packed with opportunity to support your Arrows. Basketball season has finally arrived, cheer team will compete with the goal of returning to State, the football team is in the state playoffs, and there will be a salute to our community Veterans. Come out and support as many of these events as you can. These kids have worked hard and need the support of the community. Schedule of events are listed below.
November 5 JR High Basketball at Scranton 7th B&G/Jr B&G 4:00 pm
November 6 SR High Basketball at Booneville Sr B&G/JV Boys 5:00 pm
November 8 JR High Basketball versus Booneville at home 8th B&G/Jr B&G 5:00 pm
November 9 Veterans Assembly in PAC 9:00 am
November 9 SR High Football at Conway Christian 7:00 pm
November 10 Cheerleaders at Cheer competition in Van Buren
November 12-17 JR High Basketball Gary Ford Invitational at Hackett
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!