By Jack James
You may have passed it a hundred times and not paid any attention to it, but there is a landmark just west of the crossroads of Highways 96 and 22 near Lavaca. This area was once known as Diamond Grove before the government planned the new military training base of Camp Chaffee.
It’s a simple white, square, native rock building that stands on the side of Highway 22. This building was built by Ike Waggoner in the early 1950s. The Waggoner family lived just behind the structure. Ike built the building as a roadside fruit stand to sell his apples and peaches, but the building soon turned into something much greater.
Mr. Waggoner was a devote Christian who was recognized as a member of the Assembly of God/Pentecostal faith. He turned the fruit stand into a roadside Prayer Room. Benches were built and tables set up to hold Bibles and religious literature. Highway 22 was a major route in those days. Cars, trucks and other vehicles used it well before the Interstate was thought of. Truckers would stop and rest. Some came and took the opportunity to pray and find the Lord. His nephew, Daniel Waggoner remembers his uncle fondly as a deeply religious, Christian fellow. After a while, a woman (whose name escapes the people I have talked to) ran the Prayer Station for Waggoner for a time. J. D. Jeffcoat remembers attending services there.
The unassuming little white rock building finally became a store room again for fruits and vegetables as the cross-country traffic began using the newly constructed interstate highways. Today, the building is a store room for the new families that live on the property. But the building has had an interesting and wonderful past in local history.
Roadside Prayer Station
Lavaca vs Mulberry Yellow Jackets
By Joe Hall | Photo by Amanda Hall
Tonight was a night of total domination as both the High School and Junior High win in straight sets. The Lady Arrows performed near flawlessly and everything went right. Strong serving and net play were the keys to both matches. The Lady Arrows advance to 6-1 in Conference.
Lady Arrows will next take the court on Monday in Charleston.
Incumbent Looks to Serve Another Term
By Tammy Moore Teague
City of Hackett Mayor Leroy Stephens is seeking another term in the upcoming election.
Stephens was appointed to replace the previous mayor, Jeff T. Harper, who passed away in 2015. During his time as mayor he has “improved streets and overall city aesthetics, remodeled city hall, purchased a shed for police vehicles, completed a parking lot for the fire department, cleaned up Vinita Cemetery and a bridge on Marvin Street.”
He credits city employees for the positive direction in which the town is moving. “They’re doing a great job, I just can’t say enough good things about the girls in front. The police department is great, and we have a great crew on the fire department.”
He noted that in his next term he would like to be able to maintain the progress the city has already seen. He added that he is working on a 50k grant for the park, which will supply new furnishings such as tables, and handicapped accessibility. Additionally, a grant for sidewalks in front of the school. Stephens did confirm future plans for a Sonic to built in the town.
He concluded by asking for “a vote to continue progress in Hackett.”
Harper Announces Bid For Mayor
By Tammy Moore Teague
Hackett native Trini Harper has announced her candidacy for the office of mayor for the City of Hackett.
Her children and five grandchildren also call Hackett home and attend Hackett Schools. “I would work hard to see Hackett grow,” stated Harper. Adding she’d like to see “new businesses, restaurants, annexation and a possible sports complex.”
She’s a member of the Methodist church and has served on the city planning and special events committee for 10 and 12 years respectively. “We have committees that work hard with the city council to make a difference in Hackett. The Park Committee works to keep the park updated and safe with new and improved playground equipment, City Planning Committee, Special Events Committee, Fire Department, and one of the best Police Departments in Sebastian County. I want to work with these committees and departments so we can have a better future for our families. I want our citizens and children to be proud to live in Hackett. I would appreciate your vote on November 6.”
Today’s Bank Supports MMS FBLA Pull Tab Initiative
Today’s Bank in Mansfield teams up with Mansfield Middle School FBLA to collect coke can tabs to help with free Cancer treatments for children.
President of FBLA ML, Chandlan Silvey (Right) collects 2 gallons of coke can tabs and thanks Brittany Moore (Left) for their help.
If you have coke can tabs to donate, please drop them by Today’s Bank at 101 S Sebascott Ave, Mansfield, AR 72944 or Mansfield Middle School Office.
Today’s Bank is actively involved in the communities in which they serve. For more information on Today’s Bank and their locations, please visit their website HERE
*Paid Advertisement by Today’s Bank
Arrows Not Looking Past the Gators
By Joe Hall
Lavaca looks to get on the winning track in Friday’s last game before conference play begins. Two Rivers has lost 28 straight games but coach Schlinker is not looking past them. He gave 3 major points of emphasis going into this weeks practices. 1. “Slow down the game. Make sure we get our offense set and ready.” 2. “Better execution on offense and more physicality on defense. Limit turnovers.” And, 3.”We haven’t proven anything yet, we can’t overlook anyone, and that is our motivation”.
Coach also said that “getting our quarterback back helps a lot”. Quarterback, Jimmy Hall will return to the field on Friday after getting a clean bill of health. Hall is a 6’2, 220 pound senior who is a duel threat. He can drop back and throw the ball deep or tuck the ball and steam roll a defender.
Expect Tyler Armistead to have a big game running the ball. Tyler is a big strong running back who is fast enough to get around the corner or strong enough to lower the boom.
The Gator Defensive backfield should have their hands full with the twin threats from Mason Walters and Colby Clunn.
Also looking for the Arrow defense to be very aggressive and physical.
Arrows play at 7:00pm Friday night at Two Rivers. Arrow fans have always traveled well. So come out a cheer them on..
As always, Go Arrows. Arrow Pride
Lavaca Tee’d it up in District
By Joe Hall | Photo by Amanda Hall
The Golden Arrow golf team had five Arrows participate in the District golf tournament this year. This a young team for Lavaca with two Juniors; Mark Miller and Sierra Lamb; two Sophomores Justin Hobbs and Tatum Rhinehart; and one freshman Cory Arredondo.
Booneville’s Cherokee Creek Golf & Country Club hosted the 2018 District tournament. Teams present were Booneville, Hackett, Magazine, Mountainburg, Danville, JC Westside, and Lavaca.
Tatum Rhinehart quailfied for and will advance to the State tournament on October 4th in North Little Rock at Burns park. Congratulations and good luck Tatum.
Coach Steve Moody had this to say after today’s match. “I have really enjoyed working with these kids. I get all positive comments about how the kids behave when we are at tournaments. They will all return for next season and have the potential to improve and do well next season. I’m so proud of Tatum for qualifying for state and I am excited to see how well he does.”
Mayor Requests Change in Speed Limit
By Tammy Moore Teague
Waldron Mayor Neil Cherry will be requesting that the State Highway Department change the speed limit in a section of Highway on East 80 from 55 mph to 35 mph. “It’s a residential area and considered inside the city limits,” Cherry noted. Adding that the reduced speed is needed due to the children who play in that area.
In other news, Cherry dated “Coffee with Friends,” which is held at Dalton’s Place, for September 18. The speakers will be the new Family Dollar manager and a representative from WAPDD, Western Arkansas Planning and Development District.
Additionally, there will be a special council meeting on September 21 at 1 p.m. The council will consider a rezoning issue. Lastly, on October 12, the Main Street will be closed at approximately 9:30 p.m., to allow the junior high class to host a street dance following homecoming.
Unopposed Candidates Won’t Appear on Ballot
By Tammy Moore Teague
Scott County Clerk, Barbara Whiteley, advised voters to be aware of the effect Issue 1, which passed in 2016, will have on their ballot this year.
“Unopposed candidates do not have to be on the ballot by Arkansas Statute,” stated Whitely. “I don’t want voters to be confused as to why their candidate is not on the ballot.” She noted that in Scott County, those who are running unopposed will not appear on the ticket come November.
Clepper Vies for Sheriff’s Job in Scott County Race
By Tammy Moore Teague
For the past 28 years Sergeant Gary Clepper has called a small farm in rural Waldron, home. His love for the county in which he resides has spurred him to run for the office of Scott County Sheriff.
Clepper has been with the Waldron Police Department for 11 years. He was voted Best of the Best Scott County Police Officer for 2018. Additionally, he has served as Waldron School’s Resource Officer since 2007. “I have seen what drugs do to our families and children. I felt led to run and pray I get a chance to fix the problem.”
He added “I look forward to continuing to work for you, my friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of Scott County.”