Article by Tammy Moore Teague
After many months of the city council and citizens calling for the resignation of Mansfield’s Mayor Larry Austin, it was announced on Thursday evening that his last day of office was March 9. Austin’s letter also included a thank you to the citizens of Mansfield for allowing him to serve as mayor. At this time it is unknown who will serve out the remainder of his term, however, secretary/treasurer, Becky Walker is overseeing the meetings.
Also tendering resignations were Ken Swilling, who is the Public Works Director and also city employee Clay Davis. With several employees and now the mayor resigning, the future of the city seems unclear. However as Walker stated ” We want to hold our city together now and in the future.”
Some stated they felt relieved, “an answered prayer,” said Lisa Nichols. Others, however, felt the mayor was pushed out of office. “People are so rude and coldhearted,” Brenda Seajack said. She went on to add that she doubted anyone making the “about time or finally” comments could or would do any better.
Certainly there will be widespread fallout after this announcement, but stay tuned Resident Press as we will continue to cover this story.
Mansfield Mayor Resigns
MMS FBLA Students Support Recycling Initiative
Referencing the above image, Kinley Hanfelder (Left) and Natalie Allison (Right) work diligently on the Middle School FBLA recycling project. One of their daily/weekly jobs are to sort the appropriate recyclable materials from ordinary waste items.
At the middle school we recycle paper, plastic, and cardboard. Each day Chandlan Silvey and Travis Martin gather up the cardboard and Alina Lawhon and Sara Smith gather up the paper. Natalie has teamed with a Mansfield High School EAST Student to come once a week to the middle school and take the recycling to the Mansfield Water Department. Natalie Allison and Kinley Hanfelder wrote a letter to Becky Walker, asking that she consider putting a recycling container to recycle metal at the Water Department. Natalie and Kinley are awaiting her reply.
Mr. Fisher helped Natalie send out a school text asking our parents to please participate in this recycling project.
MES 3rd & 4th Grade Principal’s List and Honor Roll
Congratulations students!
Health Fair in Pictures
The annual Health fair at Mansfield High School seen a never ending line at attendees as soon as the doors opened at 9:00am.
Businesses, and area agencies showcased their role in not only a healthy lifestyle, but safety and support of health based living. The purpose of the Health Fair originally began with a need to communicate more information to children, and the general public about health, and safety awareness in and around our region. Since then, it’s grown into much more.
Health Fair coordinator, Amanda Wilson stated “I couldn’t be happier with the turn-out, and overall success of this years event.”
Follow along as we take you through this event with pictures….
AGFC Brings Aquarium to MMS
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, led by John Burden visited the Mansfield Middle School yesterday, and brought some friends. Burden showcased their 800 gallon aquarium for a presentation concerning various native fish types found in Arkansas.
Burden discussed the species of fish, and their individual habitats. Students were given booklets about the native fish in Arkansas and hope they will be able to return soon for another visit.
Mansfield Chess Team Hosts Tournament
Last Thursday, the Mansfield Junior High and Senior High Chess Team gathered together to participate in the second annual Mansfield Tiger Chess Tournament. The Tigers competed against teams from Booneville, Magazine, Danville, Lavaca, and Mountainburg. There was at the maximum teams of ten competing for either a first place or second place trophy. On top of the team trophies, players could win individual awards for top three players in their division. Players competed in five games earning one point for a victory, half a point for a draw, and no point for a loss. At the end of five rounds we determined a winner. Players point totals were added together to determine team places.
This year Mansfield brought one full Junior High team and a few extras to compete in the tournament, including five new comers to the game of chess. New comers to the team were led in points by Travis Martin and Nathaniel Sartin with 3 points. Other new comers were Nathaniel Elmore 2 points, Courtney Cheeseman 1 point, and Mykinzi Morgan. Front runner for the Junior High team was 8th grader Zayne Dugan. He was undefeated going into the final match were he lost to the tournament champion. Zayne made Mansfield proud and helped lead the Tigers to a half point victory over Booneville to win first place in the tournament. Four other players played very well Enny Vouthy, Joey Flynt, Reegan Emery and Ethan Streets with 3 points. Other players that competed were graders Lillian Buccella 2 points, Peyton Martin 2 points, Kaitlin Peterson 1 point, Seth Johnston 1 point, and Katelyn Salmeron 1 point. Congratulations to the Junior High Tigers Chess Team for winning the tournament!
The Senior High competed in the tournament as well. The team was led by 10th grader Jet Scoma with 3 points. Jet competed well but not as well as he had hoped. He said he was off his game a bit this tournament and plans on turning it around next time. Other competitors were Dillon Hines with 1 point, new comer Judson Weaver with 1 point, and Devon Pyles with 2 points.
Senior Devon Pyles competed in his final out-of-school tournament of his high school career. I can’t speak highly enough of Devon’s character said Coach Joshua Bryan. He has been the vocal leader and role model of the team for a few years now. Devon plans on enlisting in the armed forces out of high school which speaks volumes of this young man’s character. I have truly enjoyed getting to see him mature and couldn’t be prouder of him. I wish him the best and look forward to seeing where his future plans lead him.
Congratulations to both teams as they look towards their in school tournament at the end of the year to see who will be crowned Junior High and Senior High champion of the year.
The Chess Team also wanted to extend a special thank you to Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, AR for allowing us to host the tournament there again this year. Thank You Again!
2018 Arkansas Big Bass Shootout
The 2018 Arkansas Big Bass Shootout will take place this weekend at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock.
Attendees can expect a first of it’s kind family friendly expo where kids of all ages can participate in a Flippin’ competition, Baggo shootout, and Big Bass Kids Zone among many other activities. Adults can enjoy a sold out show full of companies displaying their brands, and products.
The Mr. Bass Shootout consists of 2-angler teams competing to win $10,000 in total purse. The tournament itself comprises of two day of competition, Top 40% from Saturday will move on to the second day, after day one’s totals. Anglers will launch from Verizon Ramp on the Little Rock pool, and will move to Lake Maumelle if river flow is above 70,000 CFM.
“There will be something at this show for every interest, budget and age,” stated, Jayma Crow, the 2018 Arkansas Big Bass Shootout assistant coordinator. “This event supports small businesses of Arkansas, and focuses on getting kids back outside, and get them active, but also in a safe manner.”
For more information, visit the Arkansas Big Bass Shootout website.
A Taste Above The Rest
The Taste Station, quietly sits at 223 S Highway 71 in Huntington, Arkansas with it’s bright neon lights emitting a mesmerizing glow during the night. It’s a welcoming invitation to some amazingly good eats, and service with a smile. During the day, there are no lights, no flashy advertising, just a brown trailer. But, don’t judge this book by it’s cover. Seriously.
Opening up business shortly before winter, this mobile style restaurant has quickly gained notoriety for it’s freshly prepared food. Appropriately named, The Taste Station is just that. With a menu to suit any appetite, the taste is beyond satisfying. The fresh cut fries, oh my, you must try! And, don’t forget about the hand battered onion rings!
Their specialty is burgers, and fries. But, it’s not your average “burger and fries” and it’s not fast food. Sure, you can pull up, order, and watch traffic pass by as you wait. The food itself is nothing but absolutely amazing.
The jovial staff is always serving up smiles with every order. There’s a lot of heart behind The Tasta Starion, and even more love that goes out with every order.
And, if you’re up for a challenge, you should try the family burger, which is well over a pound before it’s dressed to your liking.
RP staff highly recommends The Taste Station. When you’re ready to order, you can do so by calling (479) 459-1405, or stop by in person.
You can also visit their Facebook page HERE to see specials, and their menu.
Hackett Schools Welcomes Hartford Students with Open House
All Hartford students and their parents are welcome and encouraged to come to the Hackett campus “Open House” on Thursday, March 15th, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Please start in the cafeteria, and you will be given assistance from there. You will be provided with information about the 2018-2019 school year. Then, students and parents are encouraged to walk around the campus and visit with teachers.
Administrators will be available to meet with you to answer any of your questions.
Spring Countywide Cleanup Campaign
See below image for dates, times, and locations for the Spring Countywide Cleanup Campaign.
