DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – A pastor’s love for tennis has led to a growing pickleball ministry at First Baptist Church Mount Ida and their first ever beginners pickleball clinic to be held Saturday, February 25.
Pastor Bill Ashburn took a few minutes Sunday night before the pickleball matches to shed some light on how this sport has become a ministry at First Baptist Mount Ida.
He stated that he loves tennis and played in college. Unfortunately, there isn’t anywhere to play in Mount Ida. He discovered pickleball and while at a sporting goods store in Hot Springs he decided to purchase a few paddles, balls and a net for the church.
Pastor Bill laughed and said that he started with wooden paddles but the regular players quickly moved up to more expensive paddles.
The church plays paddleball each Sunday at 5 p.m. They started with one court and four paddles. As word spread of the sport the group has grown to around 20 players each Sunday. The church’s gym now accommodates three pickleball courts on Sunday.
Pastor Bill added that the church has this spacious activity center that was being used one night a week by their youth. Pickleball gives them another activity for the gym. It also provides another opportunity to invite people to church while growing relationships between members. It gives the church a way to share the Gospel while cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
At first sight pickleball looks very similar to tennis. There is a court, a ball and rackets. The ball is a wiffle style ball and the rackets are paddles. The court is half the size of a regular tennis court. Game play is similar to tennis with games being played between individuals or teams of two.
As popularity for the sport grows at First Baptist Mount Ida they have decided to host a Beginner’s Clinic Saturday, February 25, at 9 a.m. Vulcan IQ Pickleball teaching pros Becky Warr and Aaron Fuhrman from Hot Springs will instruct the clinic on the basics of pickleball. The clinic is a great opportunity for people who are interested in the sport to learn the basics. The two and half our clinic is free to everyone but you must register. You can register by emailing Greg Rae at fbcmtida@gmail.com.
The clinic will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a lunch break scheduled for 12 p.m. Open play for beginners will start at 12:30 p.m. Equipment will be provided.
The success of the sport at First Baptist Mount Ida has spread to other churches in the area. Pencil Bluff Baptist Church also hosts pickleball in their activity center each Thursday night.
First Baptist Mount Ida to host Pickleball clinic
Arkansas PBS kicks off statewide writers contest open to youth in grades K-3
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS is now accepting entries for the statewide Arkansas PBS KIDS Writers Contest, open to children in kindergarten through 3rd grades, through Friday, April 21.
The Arkansas PBS KIDS Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The contest empowers children to celebrate creativity and build literacy skills by writing and illustrating their own stories. Past winners’ stories can be found at myarpbs.org/writerscontest.
Each entrant will receive a participation certificate, and 12 winners – three from each grade – will receive an Arkansas PBS prize pack. In addition, first place winners will win a PBS KIDS Playtime Pad, which comes preloaded with educational games, music and videos.
Winning stories, as well as contest rules, creative writing resources and entry forms, are available at myarpbs.org/writerscontest. Additional information is available by emailing kwalker@myarkansaspbs.org.
Stories may be fact, fiction, prose or poetry. Only one entry will be allowed per person, and stories must be by a single author. Kindergarten and first grade stories must have a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 200 words. Second and third grade stories must have a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 350 words.
Text must be printed, written legibly or typed. Children who cannot write may dictate their story to be printed, written legibly or typed. Stories must have at least five original, clear and colorful illustrations. Non-English text must be translated on the same page, and the translated text (English text) must adhere to the word count.
Each entry must be accompanied by an official signed and completed entry form, which can be downloaded from the website. Entries must be submitted by mail to: Arkansas PBS – Writers Contest, 350 S. Donaghey Ave., Conway, AR 72034. Entries must be received by close of business Friday, April 21. Winners will be chosen in May and featured on myarpbs.org/writerscontest. Entries will be judged on originality, creative expression, storytelling and integration of text and illustrations.
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, mobile and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including the PBS KIDS video player, now offering free streaming video accessible on computer and mobile-device-based browsers.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/watch, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City) and KETS (Gaither).
Masterpiece Ministries to open boutique
Candace Riner
Masterpiece Ministries of Arkansas, a 501 c3 non-profit organization, is a local ministry to women struggling with addiction. What began as the dream of a small-town Pastor after tuning into a Christian radio program, has turned into a soon to be completed residential home for up to sixteen women in Pencil Bluff, AR.
The organization was founded in early 2020 right as the pandemic began. Prior to the organization’s founding, a group of community leaders, pastors and other concerned citizens gathered to pray and hear more about establishing a Christ-centered transformation home for women in West Central Arkansas. The need is great, as Arkansas is ranked Number One for methamphetamine use in the nation, and there are no long-term residential homes in the area to help rehabilitate women.
God answered the prayers of His people with the formation of MMOA which has been able to minister to women since its inception. MMOA is affiliated with We Can Ministries which supports a network of 12 other Christ-centered homes for men and women across Arkansas. This partnership has not only helped MMOA establish a solid foundation, giving it direction and assistance, but is able to aid in finding placement for women who are seeking help now to be set free from the bondage of addiction.
God has also opened a door of opportunity for MMOA to have a one-of-a-kind resale boutique in Mena, AR to help financially support the home along with gifts from individual donors and churches. Redeemed Boutique will have a Winter Sale as a soft opening this Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
The boutique is located next to Arvest Bank at 1510 Hwy 71 North and is housed in part of the old Mountain Gun and Pawn Shop. Beginning February 13th, the boutique will be open Monday through Friday from 12:30-5:30 PM. Nancy Lewis, Store Manager, is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in ministry to women who are in addiction while using her skills to operate the store and connect the community with the ministry.
Redeemed Boutique has a selection of new and gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, home goods, furniture and more! The Boutique and Vintage sections offer higher-end designer brands at great prices. 100% of sales contribute to the mission of helping women break the bondage of addiction and build communities that strengthen women and support families as they reclaim their sobriety and live restored and redeemed lives in Christ. In addition to offering quality items in the store, Redeemed Boutique will serve as a vocational training site for residents. Volunteers and women in the Phase 2 program will help staff the store 5 days a week under the supervision of the store manager. It will also be a place of ministry where women can go for help, learn how to enter the one-year residential program, and participate in Bible studies and take addiction related courses.
MMOA strives to help women break the cycle of addiction through the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. They desire to see women who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol become rehabilitated and live productive God honoring lives.
For more information about Masterpiece Ministries of Arkansas and Redeemed Boutique, go to MMOAR.org, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @masterpieceministriesar or call 870-490-1418.
Charlton Campground moves to reservation system
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Campers looking to reserve a campsite on the Ouachita National Forest will now use the national reservation system to book a site at Charlton Recreation Area on the Caddo-Womble District.
“This is a really exciting new step for us and is part of our goal to provide a higher level of customer service,” District Ranger Amanda Gee said, “This is a great benefit especially to those who make the long drive to enjoy this scenic, natural location on the forest.”
This location will now be 100% reservable, which is a change from the previous first-come, first-served availability. It is reservable online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Sites can be booked up to six months in advance. The recreation area opens for the 2023 season on May 1 and closes November 1. Site fees range from $15.00-$40, depending on amenities desired, which can include electricity, water, and sewer. There is an $8 processing fee to reserve.
Charlton Campground is located 20 miles west of Hot Springs National Park along Highway 270 West. The campground consists of three loops with 46 campsites, ranging from primitive to fully equipped. Bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets are available. Known as one of the coldest swimming sites in the state of Arkansas, the cool water temperatures can be enjoyed throughout the summer months.
For additional information about the campground, please contact the district at (870) 867-2101.
Mount Ida Chamber hosts “Loop the Lake” on the LOViT
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
LOViT Trail – The Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed 32 participants to the inaugural “Loop the Lake” Run/Walk. The event traversed approximately five miles of trail along the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, also known as “The LOViT.”
The event was organized to get people on the LOViT and share the beauty of the trail and Lake Ouachita. There were 32 participants who signed up with prizes awarded to the best time in each age group. Participants were encouraged to travel at their own pace and enjoy the trail.
Winners include:
14 and under: Julia Witherington and Camryn Coston tied at :43.55
15-19: Piper Ames at 43.56
25-29: Abi Sims at 54.29
30-33: Bre Tidwell at 209.52
40-44: Ricco Ardenmagni at 44.29
45-49: Gladys Mejia at 109.02
50-54: Darren Austin at 204.22
55-59: Launa Simmons at 104.18
60-64: Sherri Black at 126.04
65-69: Ann Holbrook at 121.51
70-74: Judy Buck at 138.28
For more information on events sponsored by the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce visit their Facebook page. You can also find them online at www.mtidachamber.com.
You can also call Jeannie Brakefield at (870) 867-2723. The Chamber office is located at 124 Highway 270 West in Mount Ida.
Standridge commits to OBU
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – Mount Ida Senior Running Back Drayton Standridge will be exchanging Mount Ida Maroon for OBU Purple in the Fall when he suits up for the Ouachita Baptist University football program. Drayton signed a letter of intent last week to play for the OBU Tigers.
Drayton was a standout running back and linebacker for the Mount Ida Lions this past season. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry for the Lions, carrying the ball 201 times for 1,127 yards and 18 touchdowns. Drayton recorded six games with over 100 yards rushing while averaging 93.9 yards per game.
Drayton recorded 84 solo tackles while playing linebacker for the Lions with 121 total tackles. He also recorded 13 tackles for loss and three sacks. He also forced one fumble and recovered one fumble.
Drayton’s best performances of the season include Poyen with 150 rushing yards and a touchdown; Episcopal with 131 yards and three touchdowns; and Mineral Springs with 75 yards and three scores. His longest run of the season came against Poyen on a 31 yard run.
Defensively, his best performance came in the win over Poyen with 15 solo tackles and 22 total tackles. He had 11 solo tackles and 18 total tackles in the season ending loss at Carlisle.
Drayton was named to the 3-2A All Conference Team and was named to the 2A All-State Football Team. He was also named to the AAA All-Star West Football Team this week.
Inclement weather prevented the school from hosting a signing event on Wednesday, February 1, the date he signed his letter of intent to play for OBU. However, a signing event was held Friday, February 3, to give family and friends an opportunity to show their support for Drayton as he prepares to advance his football career to the next level.
He had verbally committed to Harding University before the 2022 season but a late bid by OBU was too good to pass on. He was recruited by the Tigers of OBU to play as a running back.
Drayton is a star in the classroom as well, scoring a 33 on his ACT test and he will graduate with over a Four Point GPA. He is the son of Daniel and Cody Standridge.
Glenwood Chamber host ribbon cutting for McKinney Tax Service, Dustin Bissell Attorney at Law
Glenwood Chamber of Commerce welcomed McKinney’s Tax Service and Dustin Bissell, Attorney at Law, to their new location at 400 E. Broadway in Glenwood with a ribbon cutting Friday, January 27. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Bob’s Food City’s donation to help FFA shooting team
Stormie and Rex Cooper presented a check for $3,500 on behalf of Bob’s Food City to the Mount Ida FFA Shooting Sports Team. The Coopers have been longtime supporters of the FFA Shooting Sports Team with Rex serving as a volunteer coach in recent years. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Winter weather threatens to ground pelican’s rehabilitation
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MENA – Tommy Young and the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center suffered a huge setback in their effort to rehabilitate an American white pelican recently during a recent winter storm.
Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center is located in Mena where Tommy has rehabilitated hundreds of animals over the years, including over 100 bald eagles. Tommy has used Hickory Nut Mountain overlooking Lake Ouachita as a release location for several bald eagles over the last several years. Tommy’s next scheduled release will be a special one as he prepares to release an American white pelican possibly the day before Easter.
Tommy picked up the pelican, which he jokingly calls a mountain pelican, in Greenwood. The pelican came up to a horse barn and hung out until someone figured he needed help. The pelican is an adult male that stands 52 inches tall and has a wingspan of over nine feet. This pelican was shot with a .22 and had two broken bones in his wing when Tommy picked him up.
Tommy said that the pelican eats several pounds of fish per week and is always in need of fish.
Unfortunately, the pelican’s rehabilitation hit a snag last week when heavy snow caused the roof of the Center’s flight cage to collapse. This is a major blow to Tommy’s work. Not only does it restrict the birds’ rehabilitation, but the flight cage is also required to keep his U.S. Fish and Wildlife permit to rehabilitate migratory birds. The flight cage needs to be rebuilt by the end of February to meet the requirements for the permit.
Tommy plans to repair the current cage, building a better cage with a pole barn roof covering and metal supports and wiring. Volunteers will be appreciated to help with the construction, but materials must be purchased first.
This will be an expensive endeavor and they have set up a GoFundMe account at https://gofund.me/dc8284d5. The goal for the GoFundMe account is $10,000 for materials. Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
You can also mail donations for Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center to ANPWC, PO Box 1881, Mena, AR 71953
They also accept donations through PayPal by using the email birdmanofmena@icloud.com. Note: the email is used for PayPal only.
There is always a need for food for all the animals being rehabilitated at the facility. Any donation would be appreciated.
For more information visit the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center page on Facebook.
AGFC week 5 fishing report West-Central Arkansas
Lake Atkins
(updated 2-2-2023) Donald Ramirez at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) had no new reports.
Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 2-2-2023) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 45 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is running water 8 hours every day this week beginning in the early morning hours. Anglers should plan on dealing with a current situation and plan accordingly. The 5-foot drawdown creates a dangerous environment when attempting to navigate the tailrace in current or zero flow. Numerous rocks and shallow sandbars dot the area creating treacherous boating and wading. Extreme caution is advised by everyone using the tailrace, and the public is advised to be aware of the generation schedules posted every Wednesday on the Entergy website.
January marks the first big month of rainbow trout stocking with 9,300 fish scheduled for Lake Catherine. Trout now are widely scattered from the bridge to the dam and being caught in the shoals by fly-fishermen casting micro-jigs in black and white under a strike indicator. Trout key in on the shad kill this time of year as freezing temperatures stun threadfin shad in Lake Hamilton and these baitfish are drawn through the turbines and scattered throughout the tailrace area. Flies that imitate injured shad will draw immediate strikes from hungry rainbows. Spin-fishermen using PowerBaits and lures that represent fleeing crayfish will also catch trout that are searching for prey.
Quality fishing is now happening in the tailrace as conditions have stabilized and the game fish have resumed a more normal bite pattern. The influx of healthy rainbow trout to the lake rejuvenates the tailrace to an earlier scenario of quality fishing.
Mid-February marks the beginning of the walleye run for Lake Catherine. Smaller males migrate first into the tailrace to prepare the spawning beds. Larger females soon follow and all will remain in the area for weeks until the spawn is complete.
Both lakes Hamilton and Catherine were drawn down 5 feet for the winter. Refilling will begin somewhere between March 1-8, with the process completed by March 15. It is important to note that dramatic drops in temperature greatly affect the trout bite in a negative way. It can take days for a regular bite pattern to resume after a big drop in temperature so anglers need to be aware. Entergy will schedule daily generation from Carpenter Dam each week and the public is advised to read the Entergy Hydro website news for updates on lake conditions. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and follow all lake and park regulations when visiting the Carpenter Dam use area.
Lake Dardanelle
As of Thursday midday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s flow at Dardanelle Lock and Dam as 12,854 cfs. Elevation was 337.75 feet msl and the tailwater was at 288.15 feet msl. (Top navigation pool is 338.2 and bottom pool is 336.0.) The stage is at 7.92 feet and falling (flood stage is 32 feet).
Lake Nimrod
As of Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was at 345.50 feet msl (normal pool: 342.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 373.0 feet msl).
(updated 2-2-2023) Ken Winstead at Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) in Perryville says crappie are biting and typical with this week’s water change because of weather. So move around from shallow to deep water. The bite will be hit and miss, but make sure to have jigs in Monkey Milk, black/chartreuse, Cajun Cricket, Kiwi, Mo-Glo, silver and Blue Ice. Also throw an orange and white Crappie Magnet.
Bream are always available but the bite these days is slow. Use redworms or crickets. Fish with dark colored baits for bass now; the bite is there but slow. For catfish, use liver and dough bait. Catfish are slow for now.
(updated 2-2-2023) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) had no new reports.
Lake Ouachita
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Blakely Dam was 574.16 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 1-26-2023) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) said black bass are still good. An Alabama rig or a PB&J jig are working best. Stripers are good. A Bama rig or live bait on main lake points or creek channel mouths on the rivers should be the best spot to find these. Crappie are good on small jigs or minnows. Try brush 20-35 feet deep. No reports on walleye, catfish or bream. The water temperature is ranging 44-50 degrees. Water clarity is clearing. Lake level is 573.84 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.
(updated 1-19-2023) John at Masterbaiters Bait and Tackle (501-209-6538) on Arkansas Highway 7 outside Hot Springs Village said Lake Ouachita is doing great if you get out on the water. Bass are being caught from 5 feet to 40 feet. A-rigs and crankbaits are working, and we’re also getting them on jig and pig. Also, catching some nice crappie in 40 feet on brush. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. “So get out on the water and don’t forget, please take the kids fishing. They love going, also.”
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 387.45 feet msl (full pool: 387.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 419.0 feet msl).
No reports.
