Megan Hecox has recently joined Resident Press staff to lead our efforts of becoming more well rounded in all aspects of news, specifically pertaining to a sports, and athletic centered news.
Her passion, and work ethic parallel her commitment to her family, and community which gives her a special perspective that will accentuate our current focus of online media.
Megan’s family is tightly grounded to the Mansfield sports and school programs. But, her knowledge and passion for the games, players, parents and coaches are readily apparent in her demeanor, and drive.
Resident Press Owner, Jason Baggett stated, “We knew going into Summer we had to find someone that could cover sports for the upcoming year and do it in a professional manner. Megan recognizes that sports is a coverage area that affects the schools, players, coaches, and their families as well as our readership as a whole. Welcome to RP, Megan.”
For all sports related content, contact Megan Hecox directly by clicking HERE
Hecox Joins Resident Press
Summer Practice Heats Up For Tiger Distance Runners
Two weeks into their summer team sessions, Mansfield cross country runners have found mostly moderate temperatures for training. According to their coach, that all changed by the end of last week.
“We’ve had great cloud coverage almost every night,” John Mackey, Mansfield’s head coach explained. “Last Thursday was the first night that the temperature really got extreme. Afternoon temperatures reached well over 100 degrees. Fortunately, it was a little less hot by run time but not much.”
The Arkansas Activities Association mandatory dead period ended July 7. Just after that members of the Mansfield long distance team began meeting up for their annual summer running sessions. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays Tiger runners hit the shaded confines of City Lake Park for nightly pre-season training.
“The turn out has been good so far,” Mackey stated. “We’ve had up to 27 different players attend the group sessions. Most of our kids came in acclimated to the summer heat. So it’s been good. However, we’re still cautious because of the heat.”
As the coach explained it, summer training sessions were built with safety in mind.
“Practices start at 7:30 PM,” Mackey said. “That’s about an hour and a half before dark when the temperature becomes user friendly. Also, the sun is below the park’s tree line which gives us extra shade. In addition, we have plenty of water, and encourage kids to drink at any time.”
Tiger cross country runners where given individualized workouts that began on May 27. The six week plan gave those that followed the prescribed routine a significant advantage when the July team sessions started.
“You can tell who worked and who didn’t,” the coach continued. “We’ve got some players that are really putting in the miles despite the July heat. Some of the freshmen are really going to push the pack. That group makes up about a third of our runners.”
A total of ten ninth graders have laced it up so far this summer. Faith Rainwater, McKenzie Griffin, Harleigh Mars, Steven Perez, and Ethan Chapman return as mainstream freshmen from last year’s junior high squad.
“What’s nice is that these athletes can run junior high and then move up for senior high by regionals,” Mackey announced. “That whole freshmen class has a runner’s mentality. Most are doing level two workouts right now.”
Only four upper classmates from last year’s squad return to the Tiger den. Alyssa Berry is the only senior. Lennon Woods, Jessica George, and Addison Goetz return as juniors. Woods is the only All-District and River Valley All-Star runner that returns for the Tigers.
Five Mansfield players lost off of last season’s team completed the year as All-Stars. Only four new high school players have joined the ranks to help fill in the squad.
“We definitely have youth on our side,” Mackey admitted. “Our second biggest class is the eighth graders.”
Olivia Bouse is one of those eighth graders that has stood out this summer.
“Olivia was less than a second away from being the junior high conference champion last year as a seventh grader,” the coach reminisced. “She is nearly a level two runner already this summer. She’s in better shape now than she was a year ago. So, we’re definitely looking forward to her progress.”
Coach emphasized that it’s not to late to join in the sessions. Routines are catered to the individual abilities. He went on to say that while some players might put in five mile runs some of the beginners are on a half-mile to two mile schedule.
Raine Hecox, a seventh grade newcomer, started in half-mile increments. By week two she had pushed beyond the two mile mark with minimal rest.
“Raine is going to be competitive,” Mackey predicted. “We don’t usually get seventh graders until school starts. She will definitely be further along than the rest of the beginners. It will be exciting to see her first medal.”
Men’s Night Focuses on Fatherly Influence
The Mansfield Tiger football program recently held a “Men’s Night” for all Junior High and Senior High football players and their Father (or Father Figures).
The night consisted of multiple activities that emphasized communication, trust and teamwork.
Coach Craig Bentley stated, “The purpose of the night was to set aside a couple of hours for our players and the most important man in their life to spend some quality time together with a focus on communication and bonding. We had a great turnout and it was an awesome experience for all involved.”
Tigers Show Competitive Strength
By Megan Hecox
With their final team camp being held in Charleston on July 17th, the Mansfield Tigers have wrapped up their football camp season.
Coach Bentley stated. “It’s been a fun, exciting, frustrating and promising camp season. We have got much better collectively and have proven we are capable of competing against anyone. By attending these camps throughout the Summer, it gave us the opportunity to see what we needed to improve on and work the kinks out before our first game on August 23rd.”
Last Spring, the coaches implemented a new defense which they believe gives the team the edge they were missing. With so many players coming back, they have the chance to be really explosive, and cohesive.
The annual parent meeting will be held Tuesday, July 24th in the MHS cafeteria at 6:00pm with guardian attendance being required.
The Tigers will end their Summer with one final strength and conditioning session on Wednesday, July 25th.
Practices for the 2018 Mansfield Tiger Football season will get kicked off on Monday, July 30th.
Counterfeit Service Dogs a Real Problem
By Tammy Moore Teague
It’s not that uncommon to see them in grocery stores, restaurants or on airplanes. The population of vested animals, generally canines, is on the rise. While legitimate service dogs come in all breeds, shapes, and sizes, they provide assistance to those who have disabilities. However, people are disguising untrained family pets as service dogs, complete with vests and identification cards. The increase in the number fake service dogs is creating real problems for legitimate teams.
We recently published a story about local resident, Shilo Schluterman, who suffers from PTSD. Through the program K9s for Warriors, she was paired with therapy dog, Javie. She, too, recognizes the growing problem of counterfeit service dogs and its impact on how people view the pair in public. Schluterman recalled an incident while shopping in the grocery store. “I was standing in the aisle shopping and I noticed a lady who appeared reluctant to reach around me,” Schluterman said. “She looked at me and said ‘will he bite’?”
This general lack of public understanding of Americans with Disabilities Act compounds the growing problem. A service dog is not legally required to wear a vest, patch, or carry any type of ID card, though many service dog teams do these things because it’s easier to just show a meaningless ID card when asked for one than it is to explain the laws. The ADA prohibits questioning a person about their disability and from asking for evidence of a service dog’s certification.
So, what makes fake service dogs such a big problem? Legitimate service dogs are well trained and a necessity to their handlers. They are trained to not be disruptive or cause a scene while in public. You will never see a service dog jumping up on people, barking or growling (unless alerting their handler to a problem), or even using the bathroom inappropriately. Fake service dogs are both a safety issue for the public and for legitimate service dogs. They negatively impact the acceptance and public opinion of service dogs and their disabled handlers.
Schluterman offered the following advice for interacting with service dogs in public. “If the vest is on, he (Javie) is working.” This is why, as she explained, it’s not a good idea to pet a service dog. “It will distract him, and take his focus off his job.”
In response to the growing problem, states are cracking down on the fraudulent act by attaching penalties to those passing off a pet as a service dog.
Retiring SRCA Site Director Honored
By Tammy Moore Teague
A few months ago Sebastian Retired Citizen’s Association Site Director, Georgina Edwards, announced her retirement. On Friday, a multitude of community members, family, friends and city leaders gathered to honor her.
After she began having issues with her health, Edwards made the difficult decision to retire from the position she had held for the past 32 years. Her career began as a cook in 1985. It didn’t take long, however, for Edwards to be promoted into the director’s position.
Edwards served most of her career working with Mansfield’s former Mayor, Glen Hurt. He and his wife, Jan, were both in attendance, honoring Edwards for her years of selfless service to our seniors. Other city leaders attending the celebration were Mansfield’s Police Chief Boyd Farmer, Mayor Mike Gipson and City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
Additionally, numerous area site directors turned out to be a part Edward’s big day. Those included, Fred Brochert- Barling, Cindy Meadows-Beckman, Marsha Stroud-Baker, April Doily Miesner-Lavaca, Sondra Carter-Secretary SRCA/Cavanaugh, Deanna Rice-Executive Director and Lisa Moore-Greenwood.
Lastly, having her family there made the day complete. Family members included Edward’s brother, JR Tucker and wife Shelia, her sisters, Wilma Chick and Debbie Tucker, her daughters, Lisa Moore and Regina Oliver, brother-in-law, Pete Morris, grandson, David Moore and wife Brittany. Edwards’ mother, Grace Tucker, was unable to attend the event, due to being hospitalized. Sister-in-law, Dorothy Morris, attended Tucker and was also unable to attend.
A host of friends and patrons of the center joined Edward’s family, peers and community leaders in a monumental outpouring of love.
“Today the Mansfield Senior Center honored a great lady,” said Donna Elmore, longtime friend and employee of the SRCA. “Georgina Edwards has worked for SRCA for 32 years, but due to health reasons she retired this year. She has been such a wonderful friend, boss, and leader in the community. She has the biggest heart! We are very sad that she will no longer be our boss, but she will now get to come and just enjoy being one of our regulars. We love and miss you Georgina.”
One banner on display summed it up: “You can’t retire from being great.” With big shoes to fill, Candice Graham will begin her work at the Mansfield SRCA within the next few months.
Pictured from left: Fred Brochert, Cindy Meadows, Marsha Stroud, Lisa Moore, Sondra Carter, Deanna Rice and April Doily Miesner.
Lady Tigers Host Basketball Scrimmage
By Megan Hecox
On Thursday afternoon the Mansfield Lady Tigers hosted a basketball scrimmage against the Magazine Lady Rattlers.
Both senior high and junior high were on display to show exactly what long hours in the gym and on the court can do for a team. JV Coach McKay stated, “I have definitely seen an improvement with the girls in a short amount of time. They have been working hard to get better each day and I see it paying off when season arrives.”
The Lady Tigers and Lady Rattlers scrimmaged for two 15 minute halves with the senior varsity also playing one 6 minute quarter.
With the attendance of all of the fans today, JV Coach Pyles says “It helps to reiterate to the girls that the community as a whole is here to support them in their success this season.”
Both coaches along with the girls are excited for the new season to start!
Mines of Abundance Pantry Serving Those in Need
By Tammy Moore Teague
Members of the community, local businesses and churches saw a need in Southern Sebastian County and decided, that together, they could make a difference. That’s how Mines of Abundance Food Pantry in Hartford got its start. The Pantry is currently assisting over 93 families in the area, providing them with supplemental nutritional assistance. Those numbers, however, are on the rise.
The ministry’s mission is scripture based, “The Mines of Abundance has been established as a community resource for families in need. We strive to serve those who need served, feed those who need nourishment and clothe those that need clothed. Through our ministry, we provide hope to those who need encouragement. Matthew 25:35-36”
The city donated its former municipal building, located at 26 S. Broadway, for the Pantry to utilize free of charge. Non profit status and administrative assistance are provided by Faith Chapel. They, along with other local churches, provide financial support through love offerings and monthly donations. Additionally, churches and community members have donated dollies, vehicles to transport food, clothing and money. Lastly, grants has allowed the Pantry to purchase freezers, shelving and other items required for food storage and distribution.
As a member of the Arkansas Food Alliance and the River Valley Food Bank, Mines of Abundance Pantry director, Christina Helms is able to shop for and purchase foods at a significantly discounted price, resulting in more pounds of food per dollar spent.
The Pantry is open on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 12-4 p.m. The distribution system is designed to mimic shopping at the grocery store. Point values are assigned to each food item and families are allowed points based on household size. “We chose to operate this way because it allows the patrons to have more flexibility in choosing the food for their family,” said Helms. Since opening in March, the Pantry has distributed over 8,300 pounds of food.
Mines of Abundance Food Pantry also accepts item donations, including household goods, outdoor use items, bedding and limited furniture items. Biannually, items are offered for sale at the citywide yard sale, and all funds generated are used to purchase food for the Pantry.
Lastly, it offers a Children’s Clothes Closet, available for ages newborn-5 years. Equipment and toys are available to buy at “yard sale” prices. The Clothes Closet is open on the days of food distribution. “All families face times of dire need and need special consideration, said Helms. “We will provide items in the Children’s Closet at no cost to those families. If this applies to you, we will set aside a time for a private discussion and decide how the Pantry can meet the individual’s needs.” Items that are for sale in the Children’s Closet are posted for sale on their Facebook page. Adult clothing is available also, and is provided upon request.
The Pantry needs sustained financial support to fulfill its mission and provide the food needed by so many families in the local communities. As the Pantry expands to meet the growing need, additional resources will be required to provide the basic food supplementation to those in the community that are struggling with food security. “We need your financial support,” said Helms. “Any amount of love offering or monthly sustained donation would be used solely to purchase food at the Food Bank, which allows the Pantry to serve as many families as possible.”
If you have questions about this ministry you can contact the Pantry by text at 479-849-5415. Additionally, if you wish to set up a monthly pledge or one time donation, you can do so by mailing it to: Mines of Abundance Food Pantry, P.O. Box 192, Hartford, AR 72938.
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
By Tammy Moore Teague
With the start of the school year less than a month away, parents will be busy shopping for supplies. Some, however, are holding out in order to save big during the statewide back to school sales tax holiday. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 4 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 5.
This holiday allows shoppers the opportunity to purchase school supplies and clothing free of state and local sales tax. All retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are deemed exemptible.
Clothing and footwear less than $100 per item, clothing accessories and equipment less than $50, school supplies, school art supplies, and school instructional materials are all included in the exemption. Items such as computers and software, however, do not qualify. There are new exclusions for 2018. Those include candy, soft drinks and digital audio works.
For a complete list of tax exempt items visit the Department of Finance and Administration’s website.
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
By Tammy Moore Teague
With the start of the school year less than a month away, parents will be busy shopping for supplies. Some, however, are holding out in order to save big during the statewide back to school sales tax holiday. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 4 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 5.
This holiday allows shoppers the opportunity to purchase school supplies and clothing free of state and local sales tax. All retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are deemed exemptible.
Clothing and footwear less than $100 per item, clothing accessories and equipment less than $50, school supplies, school art supplies, and school instructional materials are all included in the exemption. Items such as computers and software, however, do not qualify. There are new exclusions for 2018. Those include candy, soft drinks and digital audio works.
For a complete list of tax exempt items visit the Department of Finance and Administration’s website.