Sports

Nominations for the Highland High School Rebel Athletic Hall of Fame are now being accepted for consideration by the Board and Selection Committee. Former players, coaches, administrators, and supporters may be nominated in a written narrative of 300 words or less. ...

It was a great week to be on Norfork Lake. The biggest problem we had was the rising water and debris which covered most of Bennett’s Bayou on the north end of the lake. The first half of the week, striper fishing was on fire. Lots of stripers were caught trolling and fishing with live shad and shiners. ...

With coronavirus affecting many businesses in the state, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will extend the temporary closure of AGFC offices, nature and education centers and shooting ranges until further notice. Wildlife management areas, boat ramps, lakes and fishing accesses controlled by the AGFC remain open to allow people to get outside during this time of social distancing. ...

Although the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and measures to combat it have changed the way the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has had to meet, conservation carries on. With the absence of a March meeting and an online-only meeting anticipated in April, AGFC staff has moved forward with a public comment survey to gather public input on changes needed for the 2020-21 hunting season...

Spring is in the air, and many Arkansans are looking for reasons to break away from the house and explore The Natural State. According to Karen Rowe, nongame bird program leader for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, birdwatching (called “birding” by those who pursue the interest in earnest) is not only a fun way to beat cabin fever, but it also can help conservation efforts...

With coronavirus affecting many businesses in the state, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will extend the temporary closure of AGFC offices, nature and education centers and shooting ranges until further notice. Wildlife management areas, boat ramps, lakes and fishing accesses controlled by the AGFC remain open to allow people to get outside during this time of social distancing. ...

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, http://www.stroutfitters.com/ It was a great week to be on Norfork Lake. The biggest problem we had was the rising water and debris which covered most of Bennett’s Bayou on the north end of the lake. The first half of the week, striper fishing was on fire. ...

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is taking applications for its annual cost-share grants to assist government entities and non-profit groups with the management, improvement, and conservation of trees and forests on public land. The Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grants can help communities fund tree inventories, removal or pruning of hazardous trees, tree planting, and the training of volunteers and city/county employees to best care for community forests...

With so many Missourians stuck at home, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering teachers, parents, students, and others its free Discover Nature Schools (DNS) nature-based curriculum for pre-kindergarten through high school online...

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care. This year’s Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 3. ...

I fished this past week in Bennett’s Bayou for stripers. The warm weather, full moon and the lake draw down changed the shad bait pattern. Most of the bait was on the flat by Fout’s and the big flat before the Walker’s arm of the bayou. The warm strong winds early in the week moved the shad up the creek arms and was very thick in both arms of Bennett’s. ...

Nominations for the Highland High School Rebel Athletic Hall of Fame are now being accepted for consideration by the Board and Selection Committee. Former players, coaches, administrators, and supporters may be nominated in a written narrative of 300 words or less. ...

Statewide training and certification for private pesticide applicators from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is now available online to help keep farmers on schedule as the planting season approaches. The training, which is required for licensure through the Arkansas State Plant Board, is available to both experienced applicators seeking recertification and individuals seeking first-time certification...

Arkansas landowners may consider installing a recreational pond on their property a worthwhile investment, Scott Jones, small impoundment Extension specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, said. Ponds can provide storage for irrigation water, a source of healthy protein for the family when stocked with crops of fish or simply a place of aesthetic beauty for recreation and relaxation...

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in cooperation with Gov. Asa Hutchinson, voted during a specially called meeting March 19 to waive all fishing license and trout permit requirements for residents and nonresidents, which started this weekend at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21 through 11:59 p.m Sunday, March 29...

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Commission announce they are temporarily waiving permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended...

Closures done to help protect public amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announced closing its five staffed shooting ranges starting Friday, March 20, through April 15. MDC will reassess the situation at that point. MDC unstaffed shooting ranges remain open...

Mammoth Spring Bear Alex Mero has committed to continue his basketball career at Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould, Ark. Mero helped lead the Bears back to the state tournament for the first time since the 2012 State Championship. He has scored a total of 1,435 career points. During the 2019-2020 season his stats were: 16.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 3.4 APG...

In the wake of school closures as COVID-19 continues to spread across the state, WGU Missouri is hoping to shine a positive light on teachers and thank them for their selfless efforts in educating our children. The online, nonprofit university today announced the return of its “Fund My Classroom” initiative aimed at helping teachers throughout Missouri expand their curriculum and employ innovative techniques to engage and challenge students. ...

Officials with Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (HOEC), have announced they have closed their lobby effective Monday morning, March 23. Although the lobby will be closed, the drive thru will remain open. For those needing to have a meter reconnected or disconnected or if anyone is needing to apply for electrical service, please call the cooperative office at 417-256-2131 and arrangements will be made. ...

On March 12, the Melbourne Lady Bearkatz (34-2) played in the next to last game played in the Arkansas State Basketball Tournament before play was suspended because of health concerns over the current virus outbreak. The Lady Bearkatz handily defeated the Quitman Lady Bulldogs (30-4) by 19 points (47-28). ...

The Nevada Blue Jays (34-6) had spent the past year preparing for what was anticipated to be a rematch with the Izard County Cougars. Izard County came into the game ranked #1 in Class 1A, and Nevada was ranked #2. It was close as you could get at the end with the Blue Jays clinging to a one-point lead (48-47), and Izard County missing a shot at the end of regulation play that would have won it for the Cougars...

 Salem Lady Greyhounds had all cylinders firing on offense on Tuesday, winning big over Cedar Ridge 10-4. Lady Greyhounds knotted the game up at one in the top of the second inning. Salem pulled away for good with five runs in the third inning. In the third, Nicole McGill doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs, Morgan Johnson singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run, and Mackenzie Hill doubled on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.  McGill earned the victory in the circle for Salem. ...

The Viola Lady Longhorns (39-3) outstanding season came to an end a few points shy of the state championship as the Kirby Lady Trojans (39-5) prevailed by seven points (49-42). The Lady Longhorns were in charge during the first half although not my much. Viola led 11-10 at the end of the first quarter and was up 25-21 at the end of the first half...

On March 12, the Viola Lady Longhorns and the Izard County Cougars lost in the 1A State Tournament, and the Melbourne Lady Bearkatz got in under the wire with a win prior to the total shutdown of high school athletics in Arkansas due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concerns. ...

Important notice: According to the Arkansas Activities Association, all high school spring sports activities in Arkansas will be shut down for two weeks starting on Sunday, March 15 and ending on Monday, March 30 due to growing concerns over the coronavirus. The Arkansas Activities Association made the announcement via Twitter late Thursday night (March 12). On March 30, the AAA will reassess the coronavirus situation, and announce what they will do moving forward...

Justin Lakey of Ava shot a 5-pound, 1-ounce white sucker at Lake Taneycomo The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Justin Lakey of Ava for shooting a new state-record white sucker. Lakey was bowfishing Feb. 22 when he shot the 5-pound, 1-ounce fish in Lake Taneycomo. The previous record under alternative methods was caught in 2010 and weighed 4-pounds, 5-ounces...

Important notification: According to the Arkansas Activities Association, all high school spring sports activities in Arkansas will be shut down for two weeks starting on Sunday, March 15 and ending on Monday, March 30, due to growing concerns over the coronavirus. The Arkansas Activities Association made the announcement via Twitter late Thursday night (March 12). On March 30, the AAA will reassess the coronavirus situation, and announce what they will do moving forward...

Salem Greyhounds Baseball Report Recently, the Salem Greyhounds were 1-3 for the season. The Greyhounds were scheduled for a home game against Yellville-Summit on Tuesday, March 10. On March 7, Paragould defeated the Greyhounds 10-7. There were 12 errors in the game with Paragould committing eight of them...

The Mammoth Spring Bears finished the season with 24 wins. They were defeated by Concord on Thursday, March 5, 59-40. Alex Mero finished the game with 12 points. The Mammoth Spring Lady Bears ended the basketball season with a record of 25-10. The Lady Bears lost in first round action in the state tournament...

The top-ranked Viola Lady Longhorns (39-2) have made it to the championship game to face the Kirby Trojans (37-4) on Thursday, March 12, at noon at the Bank OZK Arena (formerly Summit Arena) in Hot Springs. The Lady Longhorns will be playing in their first state championship game since 1964...

The Izard County Cougars (39-5) defeated tournament host Kirby (38-5) by three points (55-52) in a thriller to earn the opportunity to defend the championship they won last year. The opponent, Nevada (33-6) will be familiar as the two teams met in the finals last year with Izard County winning 67-46. This is the Cougars third straight state basketball appearance...

The Viola Lady Longhorns (1A), Melbourne Lady Bearkatz (2A) and Izard County Cougars (1A) have each received a “Golden Ticket” to the state basketball finals in Hot Springs. All three teams are scheduled to play on Thursday, March 12, at the Bank OZK Arena (formerly Summit Arena) in Hot Springs...

Paddlefish snagging waters include Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Table Rock Lake. Imagine catching a giant, prehistoric fish whose ancestors swam during the time of dinosaurs. That is a reality for thousands of paddlefish snaggers during Missouri’s annual spring paddlefish snagging season. Paddlefish -- named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts -- are an ancient species that can grow to seven feet and weight more than 100 pounds...

The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team has added a libero for the 2020 season. Head Coach Paula Wiedemann announced today that Macey Griffin, Wylie, Texas, signed a national letter of intent to play for the Grizzlies beginning next fall...

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains announces the resignation of Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp. His resignation is effective immediately, university officials said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve as this program’s head basketball coach,” Popp said. ...

College of the Ozarks Lady Cats brought home the A.I.I. Conference Championship for the fourth consecutive year, defeating Lincoln Christian (90-45), Wilberforce (82-53) and Voorhees (78-59). Abby Oliver was named MVP. All-tournament team selections also included Annie Noah, Aleksei Smith and Kyra Hardesty...

Bob Mitchum Sports Reporter Oran ended both the Bobcats and Lady Bobcats seasons in state championship play. The teams travelled to Sikeston on Saturday, March 7 for the quarterfinal competition. In Class 2 Missouri State Tournament action, Oran (26-5) ended the Thayer Bobcats’ (22-6) season as Oran won 45-39...

The Highland 5th Grade Girls League Basketball Team recently won two tournaments. On Saturday February 29th they won the Fulton County 5th Grade League Tournament held in Mammoth Springs. On Saturday February 22nd they won the Arkansas/Missouri 5th Grade League Championship held in Highland...

Highland Rebels Baseball The Highland Rebels opened its baseball season at home on March 5 with a shutout against Hoxie. The Rebels scored three runs in the bottom of the first and added another three in the second inning. Highland added six runs in the bottom of the third to make the final score 12-0...

Cavemen Baseball Cave City is off to a 3-0 start for the baseball season. The team was scheduled to travel to Mountain View on March 9 for its next game. On March 2, Cave City traveled to Sloan-Hendrix and won the game 15-4. The Cavemen jumped out to a 4-0 lead at the end of the first inning. Cave City led 7-0 at the end of the third inning...

The Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to present the first Bowling for Business Tournament on March 31 at Frontier Lanes in Ash Flat from 6 to 9 p.m. The tournament will offer 12 teams of five players to compete in several categories with fun prizes and bragging rights. With limited teams, call today to reserve your spot at 870-856-3210...

The Lake Norfork Fireworks 7th Annual Benefit Bass Fishing Tournament is Saturday, March 28 at Panther Bay Marina. First prize is $500 sponsored by Bass Cat Boats and proceeds benefit Lake Norfork’s 35th annual Independence Eve Fireworks Show. Entry is $50/team with an optional $10 Big Bass Pot...

On March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., join a park interpreter at Bull Shoals-White River State Park for a sunset tour of beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. We will paddle the shores and coves near Brown’s Beach, looking at the rock formations, the plants that grow near the shore, and hopefully some of the wildlife as the sun sets over the lake. ...

I started fishing this past week and had some success for both stripers and crappie. The warm weather has moved the stripers up the creeks. The stripers are feeding on small shad so shiners and small crank baits are working the best. You can catch stripers from Fout’s marina to 1C in Big Creek in waters ranging from 18 to 35’. I have been using shiners on long lines with a split shot, small balloons set at 20’, and down lines set from 10 to 20’...

Thayer Bobcats On Feb. 24, the Thayer Bobcats (21-5) defeated East Carter in playoff action in a close one by two points (44-42). In playoff action, on Feb. 27, the Bobcats defeated the Alton Comets by seven points (49-42) to advance in the playoffs. On March 4, Thayer is scheduled to play the Bernie Mules (24-5) in the Class 2 Sectionals...

Mammoth Spring Bears The Mammoth Spring Bears (24-14) are headed to the 1A State Tournament to face Concord (27-5) on Wednesday, Mar. 4. On Feb. 29, in Regional Tournament action at Hillcrest, the Bears lost to the Izard County Cougars in the championship game by 29 points (63-34)...

The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies ended their season Tuesday night, falling to State Fair Community College 88-85, in first-round action of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 16 Championship Tournament...

Mammoth Spring Bears attempted to slow down the high-scoring Izard County Cougars. With this strategy, the Bears managed to keep the game close for a while, actually holding the lead briefly in the first quarter and again in the second quarter. However, the downside of trying to keep the basketball away from the opponent is the increased likelihood of the ball being taking away; and, this was the case as the Cougars took the basketball away several times in the first quarter and caused a forced turnover. ...

Cave City High School Senior Trenton Bell signed to play basketball at Lyon College in Batesville. Pictured from left to right are: Coach Chad Tapp, Cheryl Bell, Trenton Bell, Perry Bell