By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron native Kimberly Lane is seeking the office of Scott County Assessor. Lane currently serves as Scott County Deputy Assessor.
She holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration and Office Technology from Rich Mountain Community College. Additionally, Lane holds a C.N.A. license, which she keeps up to date. She is the daughter of Wanda Keeling and the late Leon Keeling. Also, she has three children, Dustin, Brook and Michael, and three grandchildren. Her interests include the Fox & Wolf Hunter’s Group, the outdoors and sewing.
“I want to serve the people and do better for the county,” stated Lane. Adding that “I want to promptly help people solve their land issues, be more technology assessable, have an open door policy and to get formal training for the staff.”
Lane Announces Run for Scott County Assessor
High Temperatures Slow Tiger Times
According to a weather bug app, the heat index was 102 degrees Fahrenheit when the starting bell rang. As the four divisional races fired off in Acorn on September 18, it was obvious that the heat effected the times of local cross country runners.
Mansfield was not immune to the steam and stick of the hot and humid conditions that overwhelmed the Tom Stuthard Invitational. Neither were most of the dozen or so schools in attendance.
DeQueen, a class 5A school from Sevier County, may have adapted the best to the unfriendly conditions. As the largest sized school in attendance, they nearly ran the table by winning all but the junior boys team title.
Mansfield’s junior girls kept their streak of plaque worthy performances intact. For the third time in three tries this season, the Lady Tiger prep squad hauled home a trophy. This one was another runner-up plaque.
Top scorers for the Lady Tiger youngsters included Faith Rainwater, McKenzie Griffin, Shelby Cole, Jadelynn Wood, and Olivia Bouse.
Rainwater carried most of the load with a 10:49.7 sixth place finish. Griffin was some 30 seconds back at 11:20.2 for 14th place.
Cole, Wood, and Bouse rounded out the team’s scoring five with 16, 17, and 28 points off their placements.
Hope Rainwater and Raine Hecox were the primary blockers for Mansfield. The freshmen and seventh grader respectively finished in 31st and 35th place in a race that saw 83 runners complete the 1.5 mile course.
The Tiger junior boys gave a solid account of themselves. The group of seven athletes accumulated a point value worthy of fourth place in the overall team standings.
As previous meets have gone, the pecking order for the Tiger junior team went Ethan Chapman, Steven Perez, and Mikeal Harrison as the top three.
Tommy Phang, and John Branche gave the group its final tally. Ashton Hinkle and Logan Yoss were the blockers.
Chapman went 9:18.5 for 10th place. Perez went 9:22.6 for 12th place. Both freshmen players received medals for their efforts.
Harrison came on strong near the end but fell three places short of a top 20 medal.
“Mikeal has been coming along,” said Mansfield coach John Mackey. “He got a late start by not attending summer sessions. He’s been having to play catchup and do some extra work on his own. The tools are there. He’s just needs to swing the axe a little bit more to be top ten or twenty.”
The MHS team most effected by the heat seemed to be the senior girls. Under the unusual set of conditions, Mansfield only had one player break the 30 minute barrier over the 3.1 mile race.
Jessica George, an experienced runner of the junior class, completed the two loop course as the Lady Tiger’s number one placer. Her time was 29:31.1 for 26th place.
Alyssa Berry, the team’s traditional number one, fell behind struggling to shake the heat. She dropped back to 27th place with an uncharacteristic 30:38.4 accumulated time.
Anina Reutter, Josefin Lofving, and Addison Goetz completed the five person scoring for Mansfield. Their team total placed fourth in the meet standings.
The Tiger men, however, seemed to flourish in the swelter of the day. Both Artem Zirka and Renden Emery posted their best 5k times of the early season. Zirka went 22:18.2 for 24th place while Emery went 23:42.3 for 34th place.
“Artem is starting to get a real feel for the game,” commented Mackey. “He has been counting miles and putting in the extra work on weekends to get to a level two performer. Renden is progressing as well. The two have been pushing each other in practice.”
Sara Willadsen and Janna Coplin completed the Mansfield senior high roster at Acorn. Harleigh Mars, Alyssa James, Darby Jones, Heidi Ebarb, Lita Hecox, and Eden Mounts gave the Mansfield junior roster its full complement.
Byford Seeks to be an Assessor for the People
By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron native Jeanetta Byford, 56, has announced her candidacy for the office of Scott County Assessor. Byford is the daughter of the late Kennith Elmore and Janie Elmore, who also resides in Waldron. She and her husband Clinton have been married 39 years. The couple has two daughters, Jill Byford and Missy Williams; one son-in-law, Michael Williams and five grandchildren, Brandon Byford, 19, McKenzie Cooper, 13, Shalee Byford, 9, McKenna Williams, 9 and Max Williams, 2.
“I have been so honored for people to come to me and let me know they support me in this election,” stated Byford. She has worked hard spreading the word throughout Scott County about her campaign.
Byford has worked at the Waldron Golf Course for the past two years and serves on the Hawkins Cemetery Board. She has owned and operated three small businesses including Corner Mart, Main Street Video and Parks Grocery Store. Additionally, she served as the chair for the Waldron Housing Authority, a manager of Family Dollar and on the Parks Clean-Up Committee.
“We need a change and I want people to vote for me because they know me,” explained Byford. “They know I have a good work ethic. If someone has a problem, I want to work with them until it is resolved or find someone who can. I’m concerned about the deeds getting behind and why the tax rates vary from property to property.”
Byford concluded that if you want to see a change in the way things are handled, you should vote for her in November. “I am the candidate that can and will make changes to the assessors office. I want to be an Assessor for the people!”
Lady Arrows Dominate Highlanders
Photo by Amanda Hall
Crushing Spikes dominate the Highlanders!
Lavaca’s Lady Arrows entered yesterday’s conference game against the Eureka Springs Highlanders with a sense of vengeance after Monday’s non conference loss to Charleston. The Lady Arrows won in straight sets to go to 7-1 in conference play. With only four conference matches left, the Lady Arrows look to have their destiny in their own hands. These ladies from Lavaca are ripping through the conference and seem to be on a collision course with Hackett and the number one seed in the district tournament.
Of course, Lavaca has to take care of business. Next up for Lavaca is Alpena. The Lady Leopards are 6-2 in conference, right behind Lavaca. Coach Headley had this to say about Thursday’s match up, “Big game Thursday against Alpena. They are right behind us in 3rd (place).
We beat them 3-1 at their place. They are very scrappy and make you work for every point.” No doubt that this Arrow team is not looking past Thursday night. They are focused on one match at a time.
The Lady Arrows were impressive yesterday as they routed Eureka Springs. This was a total team win! Lavaca played strong at the net with big spikes from Hope Headley, Mallory Britton, Jessie Flanagan, and Hannah Parsons. Serving was also huge. Jessica Flanagan had 8 straight points on serve. Abby Glidewell was all over with some incredible digs. This team is fun to watch.
7th grade and Junior high teams both looked good as well. 7th grade took on Eureka’s Junior High team and split with them one game a piece. Junior high won in straight sets in a complete domination. With the 7th grade and Junior high teams the future of Lavaca volleyball is bright. Coaches Headley and Todaro have a dynasty in the making.
As Always,
Go Arrows
Arrow Pride
Williams’ Attorney Responds to Petition to Revoke Bond
By Tammy Moore Teague
Ernie Witt, criminal defense attorney for Jessica Williams, has filed a response to the petition by Scott County Deputy Prosecutor Mark Johnson on revoking her bond. –See related story.
The petition to the Scott County Circuit Court sought to revoke Williams’ bond stating she allegedly violated terms of her bond agreement by contacting the underaged victim. Five days later, Witt responded stating his client denies that claim and has asked the court to order discovery materials to support the petition. Furthermore, Witt asked for a dismissal of the claim. You can read Witt’s full response –here.
Williams, the former Waldron Middle School Vice-Principal, has been charged with five counts of sexual assault in the first degree, a class A felony, and one count of tampering with evidence, a class D felony. She was arrested back in August and released after posting a $100,000 bond. –See related story. Judge Donald Goodner further ordered Williams to have no contact with minors, male or female, except her own children and she was prohibited to go onto school and Boys and Girls Club grounds.
Williams entered a not guilty plea during the arraignment hearing in September. The case is set to go before a jury in Scott County Circuit Court on November 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Payton’s Blessing Box
By Tammy Moore Teague
Nine year-old Payton Mahar asked her parents, Michael and Candace Mahar, a question they simply did not know how to answer. “My daughter asked why Waldron didn’t have a blessing box,” explained Candace Mahar. “Her dad and I didn’t know the answer.”
Homemade blessing boxes have sprang up throughout communities such as Mansfield and Huntington. They offer to help, or bless, those who may be in need by providing non perishable food items. She had seen one of the boxes in Huntington and was curious about them.
That curiosity sparked interest as she began researching online. The fourth grade student took her request to her father. Her father, of course, obliged her charitable request and constructed a box similar to one she had found. “We now have Payton’s Blessing Box in our front yard,” her mom said. “She is so excited and has been working on filling it.”
If you would like to help Payton Mahar, contribute or have a need, the box is located at 1448 Elm Street in Waldron.
*photo courtesy of Candace Mahar
Woodard Vies for Seat on Hartford City Council
By Tammy Moore Teague
Danielle Woodard has announced her run for a seat on the Hartford City Council, Ward 3 Position 2. Woodard has been a resident of the city nearly 22 years and is deeply vested in Hartford.
She and her husband Joe, have been married 21 years and have three children, Lauren Hearron, Christian Woodard and Braeden Woodard. Lauren, a 7th grade teacher at Waldron, is married to Sean. The couple has one daughter, Amelia. Christian is a member of the Hartford Volunteer Fire Department and is a member of the Army National Guard. Lastly, Braeden is a 6th grade student at Mansfield Middle School.
“I feel I can give a fresh voice and eyes,” stated Woodard. “I would love to see progression, there are a lot of roots here for many and we need this town to thrive. I am a free thinker and I won’t be swayed by anyone if I don’t agree with the tactic. Compromises are different, there are times that has to happen. I would appreciate your vote come November.”
Rose Scores at College XC Debut
Above, Southeastern Oklahoma State freshman Megan Rose runs her first college race in Denton, Texas.
Former Mansfield cross country runner, Megan Rose, pulled on her new blue uniform and ran for the first time as a collegiate athlete. At the Ken Garland Invite hosted by North Texas State in Denton, Texas Rose not only debuted but was a scoring member of her Southeastern Oklahoma State team.
Running on a muddy field at UNT Discovery Park on September 15, Rose posted a very solid time of 21:33.2 over the 5K distance.
“It was my fastest opening season run,” spoke Rose through a text message dialogue with her former high school coach John Mackey. “I was fifth on my team. Just glad I could contribute the first time out.”
Rose was 34th overall in a race that saw SMU win the women’s division with 19 total team points. North Texas, the same school that beat Arkansas in football on that same afternoon, came in second with 58 points.
Incarnate Word, UT Arlington, and Rose’s new school Southeastern Oklahoma rounded out the top five qualifying teams. North Central Texas, Texas Wesleyan, and Paul Quinn were part of the nine team lineup.
“I know I picked the right college when I think of how amazing my team is,” added Rose through her personal account of the opening race. “A lot of the girls did great. Our first and second Southeastern runners ran personal bests.”
According to Mackey, the tone of his former star player’s message was very positive and encouraging.
“I know Megan has really been training hard,” explained her former coach. “They run mostly in the heat of the day for practice. That can really be hard on a person physically and mentally. I’m so happy Megan checked in with us. She sounded really up beat and excited with the results. It looks like that work if paying off.”
Later in the message, Rose was quick to check on her former teammates. Learning that the Tigers had collected several medals through their first two meets seemed to make her proud as well.
Next on the Savage Storm schedule will be the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville. Coincidentally, a handful of the Mansfield freshmen will participate in the junior high division of that same meet.
“It’s billed as the second largest cross country meet in the nation,” revealed Mackey. “Colleges from all over, high schools from several states, and even junior highs will be in attendance. We’ve never taken junior high before this year. Right now we have some freshmen that want to go that posted good enough times to be invited.”
Learning of Mansfield’s plans to attend the same venue gave Rose reason to rejoice.
“Yeah, I race around ten o’clock,” spoke Southeastern’s promising new freshman. “It should be good. I hope your ninth grade do good as well.”
MHS Class of 1970 Reunion
The MHS Class of 1970 (and there about) is cordially invited to their annual reunion which will be the third Saturday of October, the 20th, starting at 1:00pm.
Everyone is invited that knows of someone graduating in 1970. There is nothing special for attendees to do in order to attend. There will be setting around on the back porch remembering the good old days at Mansfield High. Nothing is expected of you but to show up and enjoy each others company and share memories of our days at Mansfield.
Eat before you attend for there will be no meals or speeches you have to practice or listen to. We will have a bucket or two of chicken to nimble on in case you’re one of those that might have enough fun to stay and watch me turn out the lights at midnight. We have been in the past having a good enough time that some are indeed staying till midnight and what we do is so simple and laid back. There is nothing to be concerned about showing up but being here on your time.
Along with the chicken, there will be a few cokes and desserts some of the women bring and do feel free to bring something if you wish. Dress as comfortable as you want, and come and go as you please.
That is One o’clock, October 20th, 2018. 11800 Southcrest Drive, Fort Smith in Riley Farm.
Contact Robert Bearden at 479-461-1344 if you have any questions.
This is the only form of invitation that is sent out.
So please inform anyone you may know when you see or speak with that may have interest in attending.