By Tammy Moore Teague
Sharon Martin didn’t realize when she made her first Mansfield High School Tiger quilt that it would be so successful. It started when her graduating class, the class of 1965, sponsored the Alumni Reunion. That was three years ago and it generated over $400. This money went to benefit the Alumni Scholarship Fund. “Linda Udouj asked if I would make one for her class to raffle as they sponsored the reunion this year. I never make two quilts alike so there was a difference in the one from three years and the latest one.” Martin admitted she worked on the project as the “mood struck” over a three year period. She said she would guess that it took her approximately six weeks worth of steady work to finish the one of a kind quilt.
“I enjoyed doing it and I am very pleased with the contribution to the Alumni Association.” The quilt was raffled off and the winner was Laura McKay Jones. “I am thrilled to know that Laura McKay Jones was the winner,” Martin said. Adding that she had known her and her family for years and that the family meant a lot to her.
MHS Tiger Quilt Raises Alumni Scholarship Funds
Hometown Highlight
By Tammy Moore Teague
Kelly Perez is one of the Mansfield Police Department’s newest recruits. She’s far from a newcomer in law enforcement, however. It takes a lot of grit to be a female in a male dominated career. That character and toughness makes Kelly an excellent patrol officer. “I may be the only female in our agency but I am treated no different. I like it that way. I know if I needed help they would be there as quick as they could. Not because I am a female but because that’s what we do. We take care of each other.”
Perez, 33, was born in Claremore, Oklahoma. Her parents are Don and Brenda Swindle. She has seven siblings, five brothers and two sisters. “I have lost 2 of those siblings, one brother and one sister, to drugs,” she said.
Perez grew up in Walnut Shade, Missouri. She attended Branson Schools until age 16. “I left school to continue working to help my family. It wasn’t until nearly 10 years later I realized how important it was for me to complete school and graduate.” It was at this time, fall of 2010, Perez began taking classes at the Rich Mountain Community College In Waldron. She completed the courses and graduated. “My father, was so proud that he cried.”
She will celebrate 17 years of marriage this month. She and her husband have three children, Abigail, 11, Uriah, 10, and Benjamin who is two. “We moved to Waldron about 10 years ago and have been enjoying our little piece of Heaven out here,” Perez added.
She always knew she wanted a job where she had the ability to help people. As she began her career at the Scott County Detention Center she realized she had been given that opportunity. A sobering realization came as she lost her sister to an overdose of meth three years ago. “After coming back from her funeral I made a real decision to try and further my career in law enforcement.”
It was Huntington’s Chief Brandon Odel who gave her that chance and sent Perez to Reserve School. She graduated October 2016 and shortly after graduating, took a job as a transport officer. With this job she transported prisoners all across the country. “It was an amazing job and an amazing opportunity.” Although Perez enjoyed the travel it was being away from her children that ultimately lead to her seeking a position close to home. Perez accepted a job as a reserve officer for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department and worked there until October of 2017.
It was then she joined Mansfield’s Police Department. “Chief Farmer has been great to work for and with,” concluded Perez. “I really enjoy working for Mansfield. It’s amazing having a job you love doing. It’s also great getting to do it here. I look forward to continuing the opportunity to serve the residents of Mansfield.”
Copeland Vies For Sheriff’s Office
Jarrard was born and raised in Sallisaw, OK. He graduated from Sallisaw High School and attended college at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. He also attended Westark Community College and the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. Jarrard moved to Fort Smith in 1988 and then to Greenwood, AR in 1993. His 2 sons, Garrett and Mason attended Greenwood schools from K – 12 and he has 2 daughters, 5-year-old Charlee who will enter the Greenwood school system in August, and 2-year-old Stevie. He is married to his wife, Nina who works at Johnson Dermatology and is equally committed to helping others. Nina is very supportive of Jarrard’s run for sheriff and works closely with his campaign. In his spare time, Jarrard enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family, traveling and making frequent trips to the lake.
He began his law enforcement career in November of 1991 with the Fort Smith Police Department’s Patrol Division. During his time as a patrol officer, Jarrard received the department’s Life Saving Award after he entered a residence that was on fire and pulled the single occupant to safety.
After spending 4 years in Patrol, he was transferred to the Crime Suppression Unit. The primary function of this unit was to combat a growing gang problem in Fort Smith. Members of this unit also assisted the Major Crimes Unit with various high-profile cases such as homicides and robberies.
In 1998, Jarrard transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division where he investigated various crimes ranging from Burglaries to Homicides. In 2001, Jarrard was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the night shift patrol where supervised patrol officers.
In 2002 he was selected as the Public Information Officer where he was the spokesman for the department. He was also the Crime Stoppers Coordinator and he supervised the Central Records Division of the police department. He also served as the regional law enforcement coordinator for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Arkansas. In 2008, Jarrard was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division as the Assistant Commander. In 2013, Jarrard was selected to oversee the Office of Professional Standards where he supervised the Internal Affairs Department, the CALEA Accreditation Office and the Inspections Office for the department.
After 25 1/2 years with the department, Jarrard retired on May 1st, 2017. Even though he retired from his law enforcement career, Jarrard still had a strong desire to serve his community. He decided to become involved in city government by running for City Director in the 2018 election however, upon learning of the current Sebastian County Sheriff’s intention to retire, Jarrard and his wife, Nina, decided it was in their best interest for him to run for Sheriff instead of City Director. He has spent his entire adult life working in law enforcement building strong working relationships with other officers, prosecutors, judges and attorneys from around the state. It just made perfect sense for him to enter the race for Sebastian County Sheriff where he can continue to apply the skills he has learned through training, and more importantly, experience to serve the citizens of Sebastian County.
As sheriff, Jarrard will ensure trust and legitimacy as well as total transparency in the agency. He is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and firmly believes in our right to protect ourselves and our families with the right to keep and bear arms. He will also make school security a top priority. He believes our children are our most precious resources and that they should be protected at all costs.
Finally, Jarrard is a firm believer in the concept and practice of Community Policing. He understands that for a law enforcement agency to be successful, it must have the support of the citizens. As sheriff, Jarrard will be visible in the county and will build better working relationships with the various agencies as well as the citizens of Sebastian County. He will actively listen to the citizens and will act on the information received. Jarrard is eager to go to work for the citizens of Sebastian County as part of a law enforcement agency that will be the envy of every other county in the state of Arkansas.
To read the endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police: FOP Endorsement[5360]
Senior Makes Last Pass of the Baton
Senior Megan Rose (right) passes the “golden baton” to sophomore Delilah McKusker as part of the Mansfield Lady Tiger track tradition.
Traditions have run deep when it comes to the Mansfield Lady Tiger track team. Years ago a small gesture at an impromptu breakfast lead to a more formal event now known as “senior breakfast”. Lately another custom has come into fashion for the ritualistic teammates. That has been the “passing of the baton” at the final supper.
So it went when the Mansfield senior girls track team ventured to the 2018 class 3A state championships on May 1. Those Lady Tigers that advanced that far found themselves eating their last meal together at the conclusion of the meet. When the last of the bread was broken and the reflective stories of a satisfying season came to rest, there was one more piece of business. The famed “golden baton” needed to change hands.
Years ago, Mansfield’s senior girls team used a golden glossed relay baton for it’s district and state finals. The baton as it turned out found its way around the track in the fastest times of any other participating team. It was a dream night prompting team members to superstitiously call upon their “lucky golden baton” for all relays thereafter.
Mr. Dave Otto, an avid track fan who’s daughter Jessica happened to be a part of many of those championship relays, captured the lucky stick after the 2010 state title run. Wishing to impart its power onto the next generations of Lady Tigers, Dave secretly began allowing genuine track athletes to use and care for the prestigious baton.
He entrusted the golden stick to a self-motivated, team-oriented, track loving Lady Tiger for safe keeping. That player who was typically a 4x100m or 4x400m relay runner had to keep the golden garnish at all times and bring it to every meet.
Over the years, it has been passed down from a graduating senior to a younger teammate. Just a year ago, Audrey Walker of the Mansfield class of 2017 held the stick. With guidance from Otto, she saw fit to will the baton to a 4x800m relay runner. That recipient was Megan Rose.
As part of her responsibility, Rose was instructed to find a new custodian before her own graduation in May of this year. So, on the night of the 2018 state outdoor championships Rose made her designated decision. The pass went to sophomore Delilah McKusker.
After the team’s final meal together, Rose informed those in the room that the selection was made. Sharing the baton’s history, customs, and caretaker responsibilities Rose made the open pass.
Mixing words with fellow senior Corrina Wesley, Rose and her teammate described McKusker as the logical choice. Their talk revealed McKusker’s hard work, full heart, and unparalleled desire to be the best. With a background in both sprint relay’s as well as a side talent in the 300m hurdles, a speciality of Jessica Otto by the way, McKusker accepted the responsibility for the upcoming 2019 season.
“These traditions seem to gain a life of their own,” stated Mansfield track coach John Mackey. “I’m glad to be a part of the past as well as these new beginnings. We’ve had some awesome players take this responsibility very seriously. I’m thankful for all the hands that have passed this golden baton.”
Tiger Track Athletes Have Day at State
Mansfield’s senior high players take a moment after the class 3A state finals in track and field. The championships were held at Jessieville on May 1st.
The Arkansas Activities Association year end state championships in class 3A track and field happened on Tuesday, May 1. There in the thick of it all were the men and women of Mansfield High School.
Advancing in several events because of all-conference performances at the 3A Region 1 West district finals a week earlier, Mansfield sent 15 players to the state finals. Nine of that group came from the women’s team. Six came from the men’s roster.
Four said athletes hailed from the freshmen class. Two of them shined the brightest as best met best from the eight different conferences around the state.
Lady Tigers Danielle Lillie and Brooke Wright both ninth graders found their way into the top scoring five for their respective events. More than just happy to be there, the freshmen players took advantage of the rare freshman invite and produced.
Lillie in fact was only nine-hundredths of a second away from from obtaining All-State status in the 100m hurdles. After sneaking into the finals as the last qualifier, the newly confident racer scorched the final ten barriers nearly a second faster than her prelim time.
Lillie’s afternoon finals was clocked at 16.69 seconds. Sydney Lane an All-State senior bound for college track meets next season at Arkansas State University ran the same race in 16.90 seconds. Fiona Wilson of Greenland, a member of the same conference as Mansfield, was the state champion at 16.43 seconds.
“Danielle ran a determined race in the finals,” said Mansfield mentor John Mackey. “I wish she would have had more reps during the season. Her talent was stretched across two sports this spring so practice was limited. But today, she shined as a track star.”
Wright found her peak at the right time as well. Moving up from a disappointing second place finish in the junior high conference finals, the freshman discus thrower won the high school event a week later. That increased distance but her into the state championships last week.
“I thought it might work out that way,” said Mackey of his heralded discus thrower. “Coach Payne (Mansfield’s throws coach) and I told her she could win the senior high conference. If she could bump it up to the 90 foot range, she could score at state. That’s what she did, and we’re really excited about it.”
Wright sent the state competitors a message with a personal record 90’ 8” fling of the 1kg discus. The toss was good enough to carry her through the prelims and into the number five position in the finals.
The freshmen weren’t the only players on the Mansfield roster to get into the scoring action at state. Seniors Megan Rose, Bryar Hattabaugh, and Devon Pyles also found point production at the Jessieville hosted event.
Rose ran near one of her best times in the women’s 3200m run. A 13:05.79 clocking in the two-mile equivalent placed the college bound senior into fourth place.
“Going into the state finals, we had Megan owning the fourth best time,” confessed the coach. “It would have been a stretch to get much higher. She still ran a fantastic race and got within 10 seconds of a bronze medal. I’m proud of our best player. She deserves much recognition holding this team together.”
Rose will move on to Southeastern Oklahoma State University next fall and run cross country and track for the Savage Storm. Her final race as a Mansfield Lady Tiger secured her place as one of the most decorated distance runners in school history.
Hattabaugh, off the Mansfield men’s team, scored in two places. He set two personal records while doing so.
In the triple jump, the senior leaper went 41’ 8.5”. In the long jump, he sailed over 20 feet for the first time in his career at 20’ 0.5”. In both events, he finished in seventh place.
“Bryar really did amazing for a baseball kid that gets to jump only some times,” announced Mackey. “There’s no telling how far he could have gone if track was a little more than a hobby to him. I’m inspired by his natural ability. It’s so much fun watching him leap.”
Pyles, the most decorated of any of the Mansfield boys through cross country and track seasons, finished eighth in the 1600m run. The senior kept pace with some outstanding class 3A distance racers to score the point.
“Devon just gives every bit of energy he has to produce,” stated the senior high coach. “He really had a terrific season as the conference mile and two-mile champion. He had a three and a half mile schedule at the state meet. That’s hard for anyone to score in that many long distance races. You’ve got to be proud of what Devon’s accomplished.”
Mansfield’s other points came from the women’s long jump and the men’s 200m dash. Lillie put up a 15’ 3.75” long jump for seventh place. Jaicy Griffin scored in the finals of the 200m dash. He ran the race in 24.14 seconds.
Just a junior, Griffin, was the leading sprinter in the 3A Region 1 West conference. He was also the league’s top rated long jumper before a knee tweak at the next to last regular season meet sidelined him right up until districts.
Over the course of the season, Griffin posted personal bests in three of his primary events. Those best marks included a 11.38 second 100m dash, a 24.14 second 200m dash, and a 20’ 6.25” leap in the long jump.
Others attending and competing at the state finals for Mansfield included Delilah McKusker, Addison Goetz, Hailey Walker, Corrina Wesley, Alyssa Berry, Lennon Woods, Garrett Wilson, Joris Felius, and Victor Steffen.
McKusker, Goetz, and Walker joined Lillie as part of the women’s 4x100m relay team. Wilson, Felius, and Steffen joined Pyles as part of the men’s 4x800m relay team. Wesley, Berry, and Woods connected with Rose to form the women’s 4x800m relay team.
Blayne Bryant and Jessica George were listed participants on separate relay cards for their respective teams. They did not have the opportunity to race at state but were included as backups.
Woods also competed in the women’s 300m hurdles. In only her fourth try at that particular event, the sophomore recorded a personal record at 55.69 seconds for tenth place.
Senior Elizabeth Escalante made the trip as the team’s manager. Josh Bryan and Dustin Payne were the assistant coaches on board for both Mansfield squads.
The Lady Tigers finished thirteenth in the overall team standings. The men were 26th out of a possible 64 places.
Local Man Arrested Following Assault
By Tammy Moore Teague
Tuesday night the Mansfield Police Department was dispatched on a disturbance call to 809 Grove Street in Mansfield. Corporal Tom Garrison responded to that call. “The disturbance was between the male and female,” Garrison stated. He added that upon arrival on scene the unnamed female met and spoke with him. Then, he confronted the male occupant, Clift Swindell, inside the home.
It was at this point Swindell became belligerent and hostile. “He had been drinking,” Garrison said. At this point the corporal called for backup. That call was answered by Huntington’s Police Chief, Brandon Odle. The altercation escalated and became physical. Odle deployed his taser unit, however, Swindell managed to pull out the conductive wires rendering it ineffective. Odle then used a manual technique to taze Swindell in order to place him safely in custody. Garrison sustained minor injuries to his elbow during the altercation.
Multiple agencies arrived on scene including the Sebastian County Sheriffs Department, Sebastian County EMS, Greenwood Police Department, Huntington First Responder and a Mansfield Fire Fighter.
A bond hearing has been set for Swindell. Possible charges are pending with an on-going investigation. Presently he is being charged with assault on an both officers, Garrison and Odle, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public intoxication. He is currently at the Scott County Detention Center.
Swindell faced similar charges in Sebastian County seven years ago. He plead not guilty to aggravated assault, a class D felony, pled guilty to terroristic threatening in the first degree, a Class D felony and plead guilty to breaking or entering, a Class D felony. A plea agreement was reached in this case.
Resident Press will continue to follow this story as it continues to develop.
MMS 7th Grade Students of the Month for April
The Mansfield Middle School has been tremendously blessed with outstanding leaders of tomorrow. Instead of presenting a group of students of the month, we will attempt to select two students each week from different grades to highlight their abilities and educational success.
7th Grade students of the month for April are Greyson Baggett and Alina Lawhon. Both students were nominated by their teachers for outstanding qualities they display by being positive leaders and helpful students and peers.
Greyson and Alina have transitioned well from 6th to 7th grade. Greyson was nominated for his hard work and dedication in the classroom as well as his joyful spirit. Alina has been a persistent worker, with a hardworking demeanor and quiet demeanor. Greyson and Alina work hard in each and every class and are working at impacting others that are around them. We hope that both students continue to grow and work on being positive students and leaders at Mansfield Middle School.
Here are some key facts that Greyson and Alina would like to share:
Greyson Baggett Alina Lawhon
Favorite Subject Social Studies Favorite subject Science
Hobby: Sports and PS 4 Hobby: Sports and Cheer
Funniest School Memory: Too many and don’t want to incriminate myself. Funniest School Memory: When I tripped and fell over my foot.
Favorite Movie: None Favorite Movie: Warm Bodies
Embarrassing Moment: Too many and don’t want to incriminate my dad. Embarrassing Moment: Incident at the water park.
Happiest Moment: Pranks Happiest Moment: When my brother got married
Favorite Book: None Favorite Book: None
Favorite Food: McNuggets Favorite Food: Chicken Nuggets
Future Aspirations: None, currently Future Aspirations: College
Favorite Color: Purple Favorite Color: Royal Blue
Congratulations to Greyson, Alina, and their parents for having such great young students.
Thanks for such great students from Mansfield Middle School.
EAST Class Visits MMS Students
Article by Natalie Allison, 7th Grade FBLA Reporter
EAST (High School Class) came to Mrs. Bryan’s Career Development class to explain what EAST is all about. Several 8th grade students were very interested, and want to take this class next year.
From Left to Right, Blake Wilkins with Ethan Chapman, Zachary Deer and student, and Audrie Goins with Ethan Pettus, and Haylee Helms.
Audrie, Zach and Blake created this workshop as part of their EAST project.
MMS 6th Grade Students of the Month for March
The Mansfield Middle School has been tremendously blessed with outstanding leaders of tomorrow. Instead of presenting a group of students of the month, we will attempt to select two students each week from different grades to highlight their abilities and educational success.
6th Grade students of the month for March are Evan Dominguez and Riley Morse. Both students were nominated by their teachers for outstanding qualities they display by being positive leaders and helpful students and peers.
Evan and Riley have transitioned well as 6th graders after finishing their 5th grade year. Evan was nominated for his hard work and dedication in the classroom as well as his quiet demeanor he displays throughout the day. Riley has been a persistent worker, with the same quiet demeanor and attitude throughout the day. Evan and Riley work hard in each and every class and are working at impacting others that are around them. We hope that both students continue to grow and work on being positive students and leaders at Mansfield Middle School.
Here are some key facts that Evan and Riley would like to share:
Evan Dominguez Riley Morse
Favorite Subject Math Favorite subject Math
Hobby: Video Games Hobby: Playing Softball
Funniest School Memory: Tricking Mrs. Howard Funniest School Memory: Teacher acted like we were giggling but was joking with my friends
Favorite Movie: Finding Dory Favorite Movie: The Spy Next Door
Embarrassing Moment: Tricking Mrs. Howard Embarrassing Moment: Getting called out of class
Happiest Moment: Tricking Mrs. Howard Happiest Moment: Time with family
Favorite Book: Into the Deep Favorite Book: Salt in his Shoes
Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite Food: Pizza
Future Aspirations: Professional Gamer Future Aspirations: Be an Actress
Favorite Color: Red Favorite Color: Blue
Congratulations to Evan and Riley their parents for having such great young students. Thanks for such great students from Mansfield Middle School.
Lavaca City Council Meeting Minutes
Minutes provided by Jack James
Lavaca Chamber of Commerce – April Meeting 4/2/18
The April meeting was called to order by President Jack James. The following members were in attendance: Jack James, Mary Rollins, Drake Smith, Holly Creel, Ken VanDusen, LeAnn Steffey, and Angela Gillooley. We also had visitors Joe Hobbs and Steve Hotz.
The meeting opened with a prayer lead by Joe Hobbs.
Steve Hotz spoke with the chamber he is running for Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector. He spoke about changes he would make if he is elected: programs for Veterans, including disabled vets possibly being exempt from taxes. Help with getting the benefits they deserve.
Jack James presented the minutes. Drake Smith moved to accept as is. Mary Rollins seconded and all approved.
Holy Creel presented the Treasurers Report: Expenses to the New Sentry and safety deposit box were paid. The Chamber recently purchased a canopy to use during events. Expenses were $290.70. End of month balance $14,083.41. We discussed a check wrote for the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce. Ken VanDusen motioned to accept the financial report and Mary Rollins seconded all approved.
Angela Gillooley presented movie in the park business: Times for April and May. April 27th was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. May 18th will be the date of the next movie. The chamber is showing the movies inside city hall during the colder months, starting in May weather permitting they will be moved back outdoors outside of city hall.
New Business: LeAnn presented cruise night information. The band is booked. Jack James will make a flyer. Kid’s area was discussed bounce arounds, kettle corn, Kona Ice, Cotton Candy, and t shirt sponsors. Angela Gillooley will take care of trash cans for the event. We will have all our local food Steffey’s, Rub em Tender, etc. We need radio stations to advertise and t-shirt sponsors.
Jack James presented Arts and Crafts report. He has reserved the Lavaca Senior
Citizens Center for the event. It will be held on October 27th. He will talk to Mike Ray about mowing the field for the event. Jack James has a list of vendors we need to contact.
New Business: The new Dollar General was approved and is being built next to Steffey’s Pizza now.
Joe Hobbs is interested in starting a Historical Society in Lavaca. He discussed getting the old gym registered by the National Historical Society. They discussed ideas for funding. The old gym is currently not being used. It could be torn down if not registered by the N.H.S. It could potentially be turned into a museum if registered. This would be great for our community.
Mary Rollins moved to adjourn and Ken VanDusen seconded. All approved. Next meeting is May 7th