Photos By Amanda Hall
It’s going to be another big and busy week for Golden Arrows.. We want to wish all of our Arrows good luck. The Volleyball team will be competing in the State Tournament In Crawley’s Ridge Arkansas, and Lavaca Football will take on the Hackett Hornets in their final district match up. Fridays game against Hackett will be Senior Night. Come out and support the Arrow athletes.
Of course its not just Lavaca athletics that will keep the Arrows busy this week. They will also have a Middle School book fair, as well as Parent/Teacher Conferences in all three schools on Thursday. Please see schedule listed below.
October 22-31 LMS Book Fair
October 23-27 Volleyball at State Tournament in Crowley’s Ridge
Take State!!
October 25
Parent/Teacher Conferences
JR High Football at Hackett (7th grade at 5:30 pm, JR high at 7:00 pm)
October 26
Fall Break (No School)
SR High Football versus Hackett at home 7:00 pm (Senior Night)
As Aways,
Go Arrows!
Arrow Pride!
Another Big Week for Lavaca School District
Waldron PTO Fall Fest on Main Street
By Tammy Moore Teague
Kids of all ages gathered on the Main Street of Waldron on Saturday to enjoy a day of family fun. The weather could not have been more perfect for the annual event.
The Waldron PTO, city employees, LaVada Allen, Regina Oliver and Lyndy Woodard spent last week making sure everything was organized and festive. Ebie’s Flower Shop made and donated all the decorative fall bows. Kids enjoyed games, a pie walk and all kinds of tasty treats.
Jim Sher sponsored a pumpkin decorating contest for elementary students. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three winners:
Addalee Jett (1st place)
Kaity Jett (2nd place)
Shalee Byford (3rd place)
Also happening that day, “A Revival of Song,” a gospel music performance by local bands. Lunch and refreshments were served at the United Methodist Church.
On Wednesday, a free movie and popcorn will be shown at Scott Theater. The movie “Chasing the Dragon” is a documentary exposing the truth behind the opiate epidemic that is devastating communities across the country. This is a free showing, but the concession stand will be open so bring your pocketbook!
A special thanks to all who have volunteered their time and efforts to make these events a success!
Arrows run like the wind at district meet.
Photos by Amanda Hall
Golden Arrows shined bright today at the 2A-4 District cross country meet hosted by Magazine High School. The sun was out but the track was like a soup sandwich….sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. That made little difference for the Golden Arrow cross country team. Both the High school girls and Jr High boys captured a district championship. Several of the team members received individual medals as well, to include a 1st place finish by Skylar Hyatt and 2nd place finishes by Luke Watson and Shailey Rudd.
Coach Justin Wyles said, “I’m really proud of all of our kids. It was a very muddy course today. They didn’t use that as an excuse, and many of them ran some of their fastest times today. All of the kids improved their times over the course of the season, and I’m looking forward to building on that next season.”
Sr high runners will compete at the State meet on November 2nd in Hot Springs.
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
Wet, sloppy game at Hector
Photos by Amanda Hall
It was a cold, wet, sloppy game between the Lavaca Golden Arrows and the Hector Wildcats last night. Both teams had a hard time finding their rhythm early in the game. Hector was able to get on the board twice in the 2nd quarter and took a 10-0 lead into the half, then tacked on another touchdown in the 3rd. Lavaca did get on the board early in the 4th to bring the score to 17-6. Hector did attempt to add another field goal with 2 seconds on the clock , but the Arrows blocked it.
The Arrows will have to have a short memory this week as they prepare for Senior night against Hackett. This will be an important game for the Arrows. Of course everyone wants to defend their field on senior night, but there is another important element to next Friday night’s game, the Arrows will be playing for a home field advantage in the first round of the State Playoffs. Come out and support these Arrows next week on Senior night.
On brighter note, both the 7th grade Arrows and the Junior High Arrows were able to get the win against Hector on Thursday. Way to go Jr Arrows!!
As Always,
Go Arrows!!
Arrow Pride!!
You Can’t Beat Creamy Goodness On Top of A Fresh Salad
Ranch Dressing
If your kids are like mine, you can’t keep enough ranch dressing at your house. My four-year-old son literally drinks the small to-go containers from Geno’s Pizza when we order pizza instead of dipping his pizza in it. One of my favorite things to eat is a good fresh salad with homemade ranch dressing. This ranch dressing recipe was shared with me by Tommy Jay’s Aunt Brenda, and it beats any bottled Ranch dressing hands down. One great thing about this recipe is that once you mix all your ranch spices together, you have a jar of dry ingredients that will last for a while for every time you want to make another batch of ranch dressing. You will need 3 large mason jars for this recipe. When making the ranch dressing, one jar will be to store the ranch seasoning in, and the other two jars will be to store your dressing. Once ranch dressing is made, it can be stored up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
First, make your Dry Ranch Mix. Mix the following dry ingredients together in a mason jar.
Dry Ranch Mix
1/4 cup Black Pepper
1 1/2 cup Parsley
1/2 cup Garlic Salt
2 tablespoons Salt
1/4 cup Garlic Powder
3/4 cup Onion Powder
2 tablespoons Dill Weed
Next, it’s time to make the dressing. In a large bowl, mix the ingredients below and stir with a whisk. Then, place ranch dressing into your other two mason jars and keep refrigerated.
Ranch Dressing
3 Tablespoons of Dry Mix
2 cups of Mayonnaise
2 cups of Buttermilk
1 1/2 cup of Sour Cream (This = a 16oz container)
1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice
Now, you are ready for a yummy salad with this homemade ranch dressing! Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Sherri Weaver
Roo Doo’s Wildlife Park Owners Visit Mansfield Elementary
Roo Doo’s Wild Life Park Owners, JR and Kristen Wheeler, visited Mansfield Elementary School yesterday to introduce their new program, “Wild About Reading.” Kristen Wheeler, former Mansfield Elementary teacher and dyslexia coordinator now for Arkansas Virtual Academy, wants to reach the unreachable students. Their goal with this program is to provide every student with their own personal book to take home. Many of the kids never get a chance to have their own book. With this program, kids can enjoy reading at home!
Yesterday during their visit, JR introduced the kids to Walter, the albino wallaby. Students were amazed by Walter and his kangaroo like features. The Wheelers taught the kids about Walter’s habitat, the things he likes to eat, and how he moves around and survives in his environment. The kids were amazed and loved every minute of it. After learning about wallabies, students lined up at the door and the Wheeler’s daughter, Kiyah, gave each student a book to keep and to take home.
The Wheelers will be visiting Hackett and Waldron Elementary next to introduce their program to these schools, and then they will be returning to Mansfield Elementary after Christmas Break again for their “Wild About Reading” program. If you are interested in donating to this program to help provide a child with a book, please contact Roo Doo’s Wild Life Park through their Facebook page. The Wheelers said, “It only takes $1 to sponsor a child, and for some kids this may be the first book they have ever owned.”
Positive City Progress Discussed During Council Meeting
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday night and had an overall positive report on all areas of business.
After approving the minutes of last month’s meeting and the financial report, Mansfield Police Chief Boyd Farmer reported that the Elementary School will participate in an active shooter course on Monday. Additionally, that all officers are equipped with Narcan devices to administer in the event of a suspected overdose.
Fire Chief Stephen Haysmer was on hand to report on the fire department, advising the council that things were running smoothly. “We assisted in a structure fire in Hartford and have had many medical calls,” stated Haysmer. He presented the council with an application for a new fire department member. The council voted unanimously to accept Dylan Condray on the department. Condray has experience within other fire departments and looks to be an asset as Haysmer continues to build the fire program.
In the matter of public works, improvements continue to be made to bridges and roads. “The bridges look really good,” commented alderman Rick McDaniel. McDaniel also commended the sanitation crew on cleaning up the scattered trash on the side of the highway.
City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker reported on the success of the Bluegrass festival, commenting that there were at least 250 people in attendance this year. The event allowed the city to break even, with a small profit. “We hope to continue having them (Bluegrass Festivals),” Walker added.
In the matter of city announcements, Mayor Mike Gipson reminded citizens of the city-wide clean up, which will be held on October 20 from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Also the chili/bean supper, sponsored by the Mansfield/Huntington Area Chamber of Commerce, from 5-7 p.m. at the Mansfield Senior Center. The cost for the supper is $5 per person and all proceeds go towards the town’s Christmas parade.
Gipson also announced the Resident Press’ sponsored Meet the Candidates Night, which will be held on October 22, at the Mansfield High School cafeteria, 6 p.m. Additionally, the Christmas parade, which will be held December 1 at 2 p.m. and a Christmas Tree lighting on December 8 at 6 p.m. at the gazebo. Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade will be Francie and Alex Cunningham, in memory of long-time Chamber member, Jim Cunningham.
With no further business, the Mansfield City Council meeting was adjourned.
City Council Participates in FOIA Training Workshop
By Tammy Moore Teague
Mansfield City Council members, Mayor Mike Gipson and City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker met on Thursday evening with Arkansas Municipal League Attorney, Lanny Richmond.
The meeting was court ordered following a lawsuit against the city, brought on by former Mayor Larry Austin. –See related story. As part of a settlement in that lawsuit, council members admitted the violation and agreed to undergo a training workshop.
During the workshop Richmond advised the council on what constitutes a violation of the law, and what protocols to follow to avoid future incidents.
Mansfield’s West Fraser, an Industry Leader
By Tammy Moore Teague
West Fraser’s John McLellan, Procurement Manager and James Travis, Mill Manager, have 19 and 14 years experience respectively in the lumber mill business. And, that business is good!
Senator John Boozman stopped in last week for a visit and to discuss how the business is doing. “He likes to keep his finger on the pulse of how the business is doing and we appreciate the influence he has in helping us with funding and growth,” stated Travis.
In 2014, West Fraser saw the success former owner Gilbert Travis had maintained. Even through a housing market crash, which closed many mills down, Travis Lumber was able to stay in business. West Fraser ultimately purchased Travis Lumber as well as Bibler Brothers Lumber in Russellville. West Fraser is an industry leader with mills all across the United States as well as Canada. The Mansfield location leads District 8, which is comprised of 13 states including Arkansas.
The sister locations work on both the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests, which makes up a large volume of their production. “We feel very fortunate to work in two of the most productive forests within Region 8 and also the country as a whole,” McLellan stated. The good working relationship with the USFS is vital to their success. “We work well with the US Forestry Service,” Travis said. “We are very proud of our relationship with them.”
They operate with 28-30 logging contractors year round. Each of these contractors range from 5-15 employees. Additionally, they utilize road builders and construction companies to get all dirt work projects completed. “Logging contractors today really have it together,” commented McLellan. “They really know the business and are hard workers.”
West Fraser has seen continued success on the production side of the mill as well. Many of the jobs are technology based and the mill boasts one of the newest technologies in scanning capabilities.
Of course production is only one side of their business. Conservation is also important. “We feel like we operate a very important piece of the overall puzzle that makes up managing a health and sustainable forest,” said McLellan. “Every sale that we purchase provides us a renewable resource that we convert into timbers, lumber, bark, shavings and other products for the public.” In sum, nothing goes to waste in this efficiently ran operation. Their goal is to “improve the health of the stand for timber and wildlife while protecting the soil and water resources.” McLellan added that proper forest management is a win-win for everyone.
West Fraser’s operation is certainly a win for the City of Mansfield and surrounding community. The jobs and resources they put back into the community are vital. The local mill has been extremely successful in producing specialty timbers, which have been shipped all over the United States and abroad, including Asia and the Caribbean. The high demand has given way to some highly skilled positions within the company and multi-level job opportunities. “I feel like the young people graduate and just drive right past here and never give it a second thought, but there are a lot of opportunities to climb the ladder here,” stated Travis.
They aim to implement a recruitment plan in the near future. Additionally, they will continue to focus on improved safety, employee morale and retention. A special thanks to McLellan and Travis for the personal tour of their innovative operation. West Fraser is something our entire community can be proud of.
MMS 6th Grade Students of the Month for September
We would like to take a few minutes and recognize our 6th grade September 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 6th grade student of the month for September for many different reasons, but we are unfortunately unable to share his picture. He has been chosen by his teachers for his great attitude and leadership skills he personifies throughout the school day. Addison Bowman is the 6th Grade September female student of the month. Addison 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 Addison and our young man.
Fun Facts about our 6th Grade Students of the Month
6th Grade Male Addison Bowman
Favorite Food: Meatloaf Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Subject: Athletics
Hobbies: Rubics Hobbies: Basketball/Sports
Favorite Movie: Fantastic Four Favorite Movie: Spongebob
Favorite Book: Phantom of the Snow Favorite Book: Deep Blue Sea & Mermaid Tale
Embarrassing Moment: Falling off scooter in front of people Embarrassing Moment: Laughing in front of a crowd or public speaking
Happiest Moment: camping Happiest Moment: Meeting my BFF at school
Future Aspirations: Work hard Future Aspirations: Teaching K-1st Grade
Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Color: Purple
Funniest School Memory: Eating snow cones with friends Funniest School Memory: Tripping in the hallway