By Tammy Moore Teague
It was a long night of returns coming in, but by morning the winners had emerged. Locally, Hackett, Mansfield and Waldron will all see new Mayors in office in January. In addition to the mayoral races, several city council races were also determined. Incumbents for Scott County Sheriff and Scott County Assessor, will hang on to their positions and serve another term.
Incumbent for Arkansas District 21 Representative Marcus Richmond expressed his gratitude for the win. “I am honored and humbled by your overwhelming support. Thank you so very much. First, I want to thank God for His many blessings. Second, I want to thank my wife Susan for standing with me throughout this long process. Finally, I want to recognize my opponent Stele James and his family for running a spirited race. It is tough to throw your hat in the ring and run for any office. Now we must turn to the hard work ahead. I will do my utmost to represent your values while representing our district. Again thank you for your overwhelming support.”
Locally in the Mayoral races, Waldron Mayor-Elect David Millard said: “I thank everyone for their confidence and support. I will do everything I can to earn it and trust the Lord to lead and guide me to take our city forward.” Mansfield Mayor-Elect, Buddy Black shared a similar sentiment. “I thank God for allowing me to serve as mayor and I praise Him for this opportunity. I look forward to making Mansfield an even better place to live and work. It is an honor to be elected Mayor of the City of Mansfield.” Hackett Mayor-Elect Trini Harper said “I want to thank everyone that voted. A special thanks to Louie Kerkindall for being my campaign manager and for all his hard work. Also to my family for all their hard work campaigning for me. I will work hard for the City of Hackett.”
The Waldron Alderman Hickman ward 3, position 2 seat went to Paige Cupit. However, challenger Doyle Dickens plans to run again in the future. This race in particular was a great example of forthrightness. Cupit said “I just want to say thank you to my supporters. This is the first step in the great plans that I have for Waldron. I hope to work hard for my community and prove that I can do great things.” Danielle Woodard won a seat on the Hartford City Council. Woodard said, “I want to thank all those that voted for me. I also want to say, this was nothing personal, as Winnie has been kind to me. We just needed a change. I also want people to realize, change takes time. I will fight for what is right, and any decision I make won’t be taken lightly. I am only one person and can only do so much, as it takes majority to agree. I have a lot to learn so be patient. Again, thank you for your vote and bring on 2019!”
John Lutterell won the Scott County JP District 7 race. I’d like to thank everyone that voted for me in the election, to my knowledge I’m the first Justice of the Peace to win that seat as a Republican in my lifetime. That said, I’ll do my best to represent everyone fairly, regardless of their political beliefs. Thanks again, it’s humbling and an honor to fill my father’s shoes in this position.”
Incumbent Terri Churchill will serve another term as Scott County Assessor. She said: “I would like to thank everyone for your continued support in my re-election as your assessor. It is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!” Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores was also honored that the people chose him to serve another term. “I want to thank my friends, family and the citizens of Scott County for all their support. I really appreciate the confidence they have placed in me and I am looking forward to continuing to work on making Scott County even better. It’s so awesome they put me back in here, I love my job and I like working for the citizens in the county.”
Congratulations to all the candidates and newly elected officials on a job well-done!
Midterm Winners Respond to Election Results
Veterans Day assembly-LHS
Lavaca High School:
Veterans & their families are invited to our assembly tomorrow. It will begain at 9:00am in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). LHS is excited to honor those who have served!
See more here Veterans Day assembly
Golden Arrows hit the hardwood
Photos by Amanda Hall
This week the Lavaca Golden Arrows Basketball teams tipped off their seasons. The 7th grade boys and girls traveled to Scranton on Monday and brought home the win. Junior High also traveled to Scranton. The boys brought home a 1st game win while the girls fell. Tuesday it was the High School that traveled to Booneville.
There was a JV boys game and the Arrows came out victorious, which speaks well of the future of the program. The Girls hit the floor and won impressively, 51-28. Defense was stellar and the Lady arrows ran the post very well. Beth Ann May had had a career high 16 points, which provided this already highly potent offense a huge boost.
The High School boys came out and played hard but were out paced in the 2nd half by a very good Booneville team. This will be a very solid team and one should not look at this loss in a worrisome manner.
The next time the seniors take the court will be at home against Mansfield on 11/13. The Junior high will hold court tonight against Booneville at home. Come out and support these Arrows. It’s going to be a fun season to watch.
Chocolate or Spice? Everything’s Nice!
By: Kimberly Boyd
With temperatures cooling down and turning on the heater, I can’t help to want to get ready for Christmas even though we have Thanksgiving just around the corner! One of my favorite things to do is to make homemade hot chocolate, curl up with a blanket, toast my toes by the fire, and settle in for a Hallmark Christmas Movie with my family! Hot chocolate is the best way to relax after all the hustle and bustle from the craziness of the holidays.
However, with the holidays arising, that also means lots of parties and festivities will be going on, so the search is always on for the best festive treats to host at your Christmas or Thanksgiving parties. If you like a little spice in your drink, Christmas Wassail is the best drink to serve at all those parties!
Below I have listed the best recipes for Homemade Hot Chocolate as well as Christmas Wassail. You pick! Chocolate or Spice? Everything’s Nice!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
6 Cups of Milk
1 ½ cups of Heavy Cream
1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)
1 package of Milk Chocolate Chips (12 oz)
1 teaspoon of Vanilla
Directions
Place all ingredients in your crockpot and mix well. Cook on low for two hours, but make sure you stir frequently about every 10 minutes. Once all the chocolate chips are melted, turn your crockpot to warm. Top off your cup with mini marshmallows if you like! Enjoy!
Christmas Wassail
Ingredients:
2 quarts of Apple Cider
2 cups of Orange Juice
1 cup of Lemon Juice
5 cups of Pineapple Juice
1 ½ tsp of Whole Cloves
1 Cinnamon Stick
Sugar or Honey to taste
*I suggest a cup of sugar added but it also depends on the sweetness you prefer. Add sugar or honey slowly in and taste test as you go for your best judgement on sweetness!
*Also, one added bonus, your house will smell amazing while warming this up!
Directions
Place all ingredients in large pot or your crockpot. If using a pot, simmer for 30 minutes and remove cloves and cinnamon stick before serving. If using a crockpot, heat on low for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
Jude 22: Food Ministry
By Tammy Moore Teague
Lavaca’s Jude 22: Food Ministry is on a mission and that mission is to “Make a difference in our community through love and compassion.”
The ministry is a part of Lavaca First Assembly of God, located at 804 East Main. The nutritional needs are so great throughout the community, and this outreach is ministering to both physical and spiritual needs.
They need help in continuing this work. Food donations from the community have been completely depleted and need to be replenished.
You can donate several different ways. First, you can drop any non-perishable food item off at Steffey’s Pizza in Lavaca or you can drop off at the CVs in Lavaca. “We will pick up every two to three weeks or as needed, explained Pantry Coordinator, Stephanie Hubbard. Our local pantry side is pretty bare.”
Her husband, Frankie Hubbard, is the Pantry Director. ““When you give to Jude 22 there will never be a doubt about where and who you will be helping. It will be the family in front of you at CV’s who has to put something back out of their basket due to a lack of money. The child that sits next to yours in the cafeteria scarfing every bite down knowing it will be tomorrow until the next meal. It is these We long and love to help!”
Any contributions or assistance would be helpful. Let’s help them continue to bless others through this ministry. As Frankie put it, “the families we serve are the true blessing.”
Election Day from the Other Side of the Table-Poll Workers!
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.
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!!