In lieu of the traditional story year-end wrap up, we asked our staff and contributors to submit their article pick for 2023 and share what made it memorable.
ADAM HECOX
When a program gets a new head coach (in any sport), questions swirl as to how the players and community will react to any changes in the program. When Whit stepped in as the Head Coach for the Mansfield football program, he made it very clear very quick as to what his plans were…..a complete rebuild. The article was a feel-good story where instead of a new coach coming in with a sledgehammer to dismantle everything, Overton used the Boot Camp as the first stone laid in place for a new era of Tigers football. Through team building activities such as fishing derbies, community service, bowling, and some sermons by the ol’ pond, the players were able to see Overton’s vision clearly and began setting their stacking up their own stones for the season. Practices were equally mixed in with fun and a true family/team relationship became more than just a slogan for the program. The Boot Camp was more than football, it was more about young men accepting a drastic change and willingly deciding to take a newer yet harder path to earn success. That’s something that doesn’t happen very often…. especially at their age. If the Boot Camp wasn’t one of the main factors in the Tigers 2023 success, then I don’t know what was.
Story link: SR Tigers Mix Work And Play At First Annual Boot Camp | Resident News Network
DR. JIM BEST
In a great year for RNN Sports coverage, my favorite sports story choice was a very difficult one. But in the River Valley, I believe the County Line state championship basketball season of 2022-23 was not only the best story, but one that may not be repeated for generations. The Indians were a perfect 45-0 on the season and marched through the first three rounds of the Class 1A state tournament virtually unchallenged. Their championship run ended with a thrilling last-second shot that gave the Indians the state title over Marked Tree in Hot Springs at Bank OZK Arena. County Line’s historical season was one for the ages and is my pick for the top sports story this year in the River Valley!
Story link: County Line Finishes Improbable Perfect Season at 45-0 and a State Championship | Resident News Network
TAMMY MOORE-TEAGUE
My pick for story of the year in 2023 was the feature on Johnny and Judy Culver, owners of Master Made Concrete. So many times in an article I’m not afforded the ability to editorialize–but with this one, it was really hard not too. The feature on their business became personal to me, and in the end, I felt like I had made a family of new friends. Their daughter, Kristi, and her parents – it was a true gift to come to know them. Their faith-based business is one of humble inspiration. It reminds me of why I love doing what I do! Thank you, Culver family, for allowing me to share your story and for being such a blessing!
Story link: Local Concrete Business Credits Success to God, Family and Friends | Resident News Network
MADISON VANRAVENSWAY
I love anything to do with quilting, but I really loved the history and learning about friendship quilts. I have a closet full of quilts! My Ma and Granny, and my great granny’s all quilted. I haven’t seen any with signatures like this, so it was really interesting to me.
Story link: Timepiece: Friendship Quilts | Resident News Network
On behalf of all of us at Resident News, thank you for supporting us. We close out 2023 with gratitude and bright hopes for 2024!
