MLB Trade Rumors By | May 2 Former big leaguer Brett Phillips signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the independent American Association yesterday The league announced him as a right-handed pitcher so Phillips is continuing the attempt he began last summer The 30-year-old Phillips played in the majors as a depth outfielder between 2017-23 He suited up for five teams and played a little more than half his games as a member of the Rays Phillips is an elite athlete and plus defensive outfielder He hit .187/.272/.347 in just under 1000 big league plate appearances Phillips made five appearances as a pitcher in blowouts as he allowed nine runs with five walks and zero strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings Phillips committed to a new career path with a full-time mound move last year He reportedly is capable of running his fastball into the mid-90s The Yankees were intrigued enough by the idea to sign him to a minor league contract last July New York allowed him to become a minor league free agent at the end of the season Phillips will continue the process in the independent ranks in an effort to pitch his way back to affiliated ball Uncategorized This dude got a walkoff hit in the world series And the runner who scored fell down like 3 times And still scored before a tag could be made the steam shovel coal miners didn’t have an opening he is a strong athlete and was a strong defender I got to watch him up close in a AAA game (Norfolk v Durham) and his interactions with the fans in right field was infectious hard not to root for a guy with that kind of personality and passion for the game doesn’t look like he’s impressed any clubs with his arm but I still hope he turns a corner and can get back to the bigs He’s widely regarded as an excellent teammate and clubhouse presence Brett is a personal friend and I couldn’t agree more with your comment We’re all pulling for him because those are the type of guys you want to see succeed There are too many guys who are full of themselves and forget that it’s a blessing to play a kids game for a job He would’ve been a nice upgrade over Chase Harris in center for the explorers but the only former big leaguer we signed is John Nogowski That’s a 61.88% chance of an RBI if he got a hit That percentage is a lot lower when you add sacrifices walks or productive outs that drove in runs I saw him through a 94 mph FB with Tampa Bay on his first pitch of an appearance Every other pitch was an Eephus pitch with a funky windup Log in Register MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball Register PLEASANT SPRING DAY: The sky is partly to mostly sunny across Alabama this afternoon with temperatures in the 60s and 70s A few isolated showers could form this evening over the Tennessee Valley otherwise tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 50s Read More it will likely be October before we see weather this nice again across Alabama with a few more clouds the farther north you go as an upper-level low spins over the Ohio River Valley Read More knew he made the right decision to open his own business but it wasn’t until he won the 2023 Birmingham Small Business Week Pitch Competition that he got an additional boost Read More COOL START: Temperatures are in the 40s across much of North/Central Alabama just before daybreak… for some places this will most likely be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s until late September or October Read More Sunday brought Alabama a taste of early spring and a mix of sun and clouds—especially north of the Tennessee River where a few sprinkles are still possible Read More Exceptional Anglers events at Oak Mountain State Park teach basic fishing skills to students with disabilities from Alabaster and Pelham city schools and the Shelby and Jefferson County school systems Read More Sunday brings Alabama a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—with cooler temperatures and low humidity replacing Saturday’s storms in a refreshing pattern shift worthy of a “Cool Change.” Read More but dense fog may pose a travel hazard overnight and into Sunday morning across north Alabama and southern Tennessee Read More the severe threat is nearly over in Alabama as storms shift east into Georgia Read More strong storms remain active in eastern Alabama this evening with gusty winds Read More A new severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for northeastern Lee County and heavy rain moving east toward Auburn and Opelika Read More Severe storms continue across east Alabama with warnings active in Chambers County and strong storms impacting several others under Severe Thunderstorm Watch #221 through 10 PM Read More Strong to severe storms continue moving through east-central and southeast Alabama this evening with the threat of damaging winds and frequent lightning continuing through 10 PM Read More Severe storms with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail are moving into Tallapoosa and Chambers counties Read More We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at mfaram@trcle.com or call us at 817-645-2441 USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Brett Phillips (4) misses a catch against the Oakland Athletics during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports A surprising twist in a seasoned athlete’s career invites us to witness transformation on the diamond once known for his days as a dedicated outfielder in Major League Baseball now embarks on a bold new chapter as a right-handed pitcher Brett Phillips’ career has taken a remarkable turn with his signing by the Cleburne Railroaders of the independent American Association Transitioning from covering the outfield to commanding the pitcher’s circle Phillips is reviving an attempt he began last summer his willingness to embrace a challenging change underscores the relentless nature of his competitive spirit and adaptability in the dynamic world of baseball Having carved out a solid career in the majors between 2017 and 2023 Phillips served as a depth outfielder for five different teams His journey through the elite leagues was marked by perseverance and the occasional moments of brilliance that reflect his dedication to the sport he brings a rich background of experiences Phillips’ unexpected pivot from the outfield to pitching is more than a mere positional change—it is a testament to the enduring spirit of reinvention in professional sports Embracing this challenge highlights the ever-evolving demands of baseball where adaptability can fuel renewed success and inspire both teammates and fans alike His transformation is a reminder that even seasoned professionals are capable of rewriting their playbooks with each inning on the mound offering fresh chances to impact the game Joining the Cleburne Railroaders marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Phillips The independent American Association provides a unique platform to showcase his refined pitching skills and determination This move not only augments the Railroaders’ roster with a player eager to reinvent himself but also serves as a symbol of resilience and the pursuit of excellence Reflecting on Transformation and Possibility Brett Phillips’ journey from a dedicated major league outfielder to an emerging right-handed pitcher encapsulates the unpredictable nature of sports and the relentless drive to evolve His career reinvention is a powerful demonstration that success may require stepping into uncharted territory and believing in the possibility of change As Phillips takes the mound with renewed vigor and ambition his story leaves a lasting impression—a reminder that every change offers the potential to redefine one’s legacy in the ever-changing landscape of baseball Electrifying Beginnings and Heightened Expectations The rush of anticipation was palpable when the young and promising talent first stepped onto the stage of major league baseball with a.. A surge of determination and a commitment to excellence continue to define the Bay Area Giants as they set their sights on a season of summer glory and split-second decisions can sometimes unravel into unforgettable moments—and one such moment took center stage in a clash between the Boston team.. A Moment of Unforeseen Impact In a game that began as a standard face-off between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins an unplanned incident illuminated the human.. Electrifying Opening Friday night in Anaheim ignited a dramatic display of passion and intensity as a single pitch sparked a bout of fiery tensions on the mound © 2025 M Sports - Premium news & magazine M Sports Please enter your username or email address to reset your password © 2025 M Sports - Premium news & magazine M Sports Helena-based nonprofit group Delta Magic will begin work to convert Helena’s historic Cleburne Hotel into housing The property was donated by Southern Bancorp Community Partners Plans call for the property to be used for student-focused housing as part of an overall effort by Delta Magic to revitalize Helena’s downtown district “The Cleburne Hotel is the jewel of downtown Helena and we’re honored to have the opportunity to continue to shape the story of this historic building,” said Drew Smith whose grandparents were the last tenants to leave the Cleburne Hotel we can take the first crucial steps toward transforming this historic space into a place where people can live This is the first building that most people see when they visit our downtown and we can make a great first impression while also providing a valuable resource to residents people will have a more vibrant and energetic community and our city will have another tool for growth.”  Delta Magic will now begin stabilization efforts on the property ensuring the building’s structure is safe and ready for development That will be followed by a strategic planning phase where Delta Magic will reach out to community stakeholders to provide input for design and redevelopment “We are extremely excited to collaborate with Delta Magic on this project as we share their belief that it will have a significant impact on this culturally rich community,” said Kenya Davenport president of Southern Bancorp Community Partners along with Southern Bancorp Bank and other partners support and develop numerous properties throughout this area over the years but the Cleburne Hotel has always been special given its prominence and magnificent architecture.” Feature Photo Credit: deltamagic.org READ ALSO: Coulter to Retire From Hendrix After More Than 30 Years, Interim Director Revealed Copyright © 2025 Arkansas Money and Politics Three people were killed and another injured in wrecks on Arkansas roads Saturday according to preliminary reports from the Arkansas State Police Saturday when the 2021 Ford Explorer he was driving west on Interstate 30 near Caddo Valley in Clark County struck the rear of a 2019 Freightliner truck A trooper investigating the collision reported that it was rainy and the road was wet at the time of Mountain View was killed around 5:45 p.m Wednesday when a 2012 Toyota Prius that was westbound on Arkansas 92 in rural Cleburne County crossed the center line and collided head-on with the 2013 Mini Cooper that Lee was driving east was taken to an area hospital for treatment A trooper investigating the wreck reported that it was rainy and the road was wet at the time Thursday when the 2010 Ford Ranger he was driving south on U.S 63 near Eighth Street in Black Rock crossed the center line hitting a northbound 2018 Peterbilt truck head-on A trooper investigating the crash reported that is was cloudy and the road was wet at the time Daniel McFadin is a general assignment reporter who has been with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since October 2022 and has also been a writer covering NASCAR for Frontstretch — which is not affiliated with the Democrat-Gazette — since 2014 Daniel also has and continues to be involved in podcasting at the newspaper policing and breaking news for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette his articles focus primarily on crime and law enforcement efforts in Pulaski County although he reports on other parts of the state as well This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2025 audio and/or video material shall not be published rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use The AP will not be held liable for any delays errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing A Mountain View teen died Wednesday afternoon following a two-vehicle accident in rural Cleburne County According to the Arkansas State Police fatality report was driving her 2013 Mini Cooper east on State Highway 92 near Matthews Road when a westbound 2012 Toyota Prius driven by Nathaniel Laverne Franks crossed the highway centerline and into the path of the Mini Cooper resulting in a collision in the eastbound lane while Franks was transported to White River Medical Center for treatment The report noted that rainy weather and wet road conditions were present at the time of the accident Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA Falling tree limbs in Birmingham kills one person (WBMA) — A Birmingham man is dead after a two-vehicle crash in Cleburne County Wednesday The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said 38-year-old Demetrius J McGhee was fatally injured when the 2008 Ford Econoline van he was driving struck a 2020 Kenworth tractor-trailer The crash happened on Interstate 20 near Alabama 9 within the Heflin city limits just before 1:00 p.m ALEA said McGhee was pronounced dead at the scene AL — Over 100 seventh graders from Cleburne County Middle School stepped out of the classroom and into their community on a mission to clean up the environment as part of the statewide “Our Power Armed with trash bags and a strong sense of purpose the students collected over 2,400 pounds of litter across multiple locations in Cleburne County in a day-long effort that combined education The initiative was made possible through a partnership with North Alabama Trails & Recreation (NATR) the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) and a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation by removing litter from their own school campus before boarding buses and heading to two river access points nearby the group reconvened at Cahulga Creek Park in Heflin for lunch and one final cleanup effort “It really brought awareness that it’s our planet it’s our responsibility and if we want it to be here for our future and their future then we have to take care of it,” said Jennifer Swafford a counselor at Cleburne County Middle School “It begins by picking up and cleaning up.” the cleanup was organized into a friendly competition between the boys and girls Each team collected more than 1,200 pounds of litter with the boys narrowly taking the win thanks to a haul that included a discarded filing cabinet and eight tires “The kids are still talking about their outing and getting outdoors and experiencing all that our community has to offer,” Swafford added “It is our responsibility and our privilege to keep it where we can all enjoy it.” students spent the day learning from environmental professionals Volunteers from NATR and APSO shared insights on the importance of preserving natural spaces and the role community organizations and corporate partners play in maintaining a clean environment praised the students for their energy and commitment “We at North Alabama Trails & Recreation were thrilled to partner with the Alabama Power Foundation to bring ‘Our Power Our Planet’ to life with the enthusiastic participation of the 7th grade class at Cleburne County Middle School,” Cochran said “This cleanup is a testament to the collective power we have to make a difference in our environment and the dedication of these young people is truly inspiring.” APSO Eastern Division President Julie Couch echoed those sentiments while working alongside students during the event “Getting students involved early makes a huge difference,” Couch said “It teaches them to care about where they live and shows them that their actions matter Volunteering gives them a sense of ownership and confidence they can create change and I believe that is very important for our future generations.” Additional support came from a variety of community partners including the Cleburne County Key Club and Kiwanis Club and the Cleburne County Soil and Water Conservation District With the success of this year’s cleanup organizers and school officials hope to continue and expand the program reinforcing the message that caring for the planet starts at home — and with the next generation Paid Advertisement – Click for More Information Copyright © 2025 Calhoun Journal  |  Designed and Managed by JLM Communications LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently confirmed that two deer in Cleburne County and another deer in Baxter County have tested positive for chronic wasting disease Both deer were harvested during the 2024-25 deer hunting season They join samples from Conway and Stone counties that were confirmed CWD-positive earlier in the season The Baxter County sample came from a 3-and-a-half-year-old buck harvested in November and taken to one of the AGFC’s partnering taxidermists a positive deer was found in close proximity to the county line near Shirley in Van Buren County along with a detection in 2022 in Independence County near Locust Grove Baxter County was added to the CWD Management Zone in 2019 as a result of positive cases in Marion and Searcy counties close to the county line The first Stone County deer was taken on private land adjacent to Sylamore Wildlife Management Area during the alternative firearms hunt Since that time another four positive samples have been identified Stone County is already included in the existing CWD Management Zone due to the close proximity of positive samples from Searcy A Conway County deer was harvested on Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA during the permit hunt there A second CWD positive deer was harvested just north of the WMA near Hattieville Due to the close proximity of multiple CWD positive samples in adjoining Pope and Van Buren counties Conway County also was high on the AGFC’s watchlist for CWD “The probability of finding CWD in these counties eventually was high given their proximity to other known positive cases,” AJ Riggs “These new cases confirm that our protocols for early detection are effective.” According to the management and response plan no deer hunting regulations concerning CWD will be changed during the remainder of the 2024-25 deer season CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer AGFC has tested more than 67,500 deer and elk from across the state 1,970 deer and 56 elk have tested positive for the disease in Arkansas Research indicates that CWD is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion that is transmitted through feces CWD prions accumulate throughout the body and affect an animal’s nervous system The diseased prions cause normal cellular proteins to misfold into abnormal shapes that accumulate until neural cells cease to function CWD can have an incubation period of at least 16 months which means infected animals may not show immediate signs of disease Infected animals in the latter stages of the disease begin to lose weight and exhibit many abnormal behaviors Visit www.agfc.com/CWD for an updated map of positive cases in Arkansas Sign up now to receive the AGFC Wildlife Weekly Newsletter in your mailbox every Wednesday afternoon (Waterfowl Reports are published weekly during waterfowl season and periodically outside the season) Fill in the following fields and hit submit TEXAS – Amazon has announced it will be constructing a newoperations facility in Cleburne The new facility will be approximately 1.7 millionsquare feet and will be located off of the Chisholm Trail Parkway at Industrial Drive.It is expected to create hundreds of jobs once fully operational.Launch plans are in the early stages MayorScott Cain expressed his excitement over Amazon’s decision to build a new facility inCleburne emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the City’s growth and futureopportunities.“On behalf of the Cleburne City Council I am thrilled to welcome Amazon to ourcommunity,” said Mayor Cain “Amazon’s strategic investment to establish a state-ofthe-art facility here is a testament to Cleburne’s thriving economy This investment will not only create new opportunities for ourresidents but also further solidify Cleburne as a key player in the region’s economiclandscape.”“This facility will allow us to better serve our customers,” said Jessica Breaux seniormanager of economic development for Amazon “We’re grateful for our partnershipwith the City of Cleburne and look forward to sharing more details about this facilityin the future.”Since 2010 Amazon has invested $70 billion in Texas – including infrastructure andcompensation to employees The company employs 89,000 people in Texas andoperates more than 80 operations facilities across the state The average base wage forhourly employees in the United States is more than $22 per hour and average totalcompensation to more than $29 per hour when you include the value of elected benefits(things like health care from the first day on the job) Walls of carefully spaced herb and lettuce plants rise to the ceiling of a massive greenhouse in Cleburne Inside Eden Green Technology’s 62,000 square foot vertical greenhouse over 340,000 plants are stacked 18 feet high “We have basically shrunk 40 to 50 acres of conventional farming down into an acre and a half,” said Eddy Badrina Eden Green’s approach to farming responds to many of the issues stressing modern-day food systems its greenhouses can grow produce year-round with less land and water than traditional farming Its approach also reduces the emissions and cost of shipping food thousands of miles Eden Green is right next to a distribution center where it can quickly get produce to major food companies like Walmart Badrina said Eden Green is part of a growing shift to produce food within the U.S “I think you are seeing a decentralization a deglobalization of supply chains and specifically the food supply chain,” he said you can pay more for food and just keep on getting it shipped at a higher price or you can take ground in growing more things domestically in the U.S.” Critics of vertical greenhouse farming say it has steep startup costs. Eden Green has invested $47 million into their Cleburne facility some researchers say investments in indoor farming could be better spent improving outdoor farming conditions Genhua Niu is a Texas A&M professor of urban agriculture Eden Green emailed her with questions about their farming practices She said there are also limitations to the types of crops that can be grown in a vertical greenhouse it’s optimal for leafy greens and herbs but not for growing fruit trees like apples Niu said vertical greenhouse farming has grown in popularity over the years and will continue to become prevalent She said it can produce about 10 to 20 times as much leafy greens as a traditional farm so the productivity is much higher than field production,” she said One way it's trying to lower energy usage is by focusing on the climate around each individual plant instead of the entire greenhouse The company creates “microclimates” through nodules at each plant spot that balance the levels of humidity and carbon dioxide “So where other greenhouses and other indoor vertical farms are controlling the entire cubic volume of this greenhouse we primarily are concerned with just one fifth of this greenhouse,” Badrina said Each plant is also fed a precise amount of nutrient-infused water. Hydroponic farming, or using water instead of soil to grow plants, can reduce water usage by more than 70 to 80%, according to the peer-reviewed journal Materials Today Eden Green said it greatly reduces its energy usage by getting about 75% of its light from the sun and it supplements the natural light with algorithmically-controlled light bars that deliver the exact amount of daily light plants need an assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of California said reducing reliance on artificial light is one way to improve energy efficiency He said vertical greenhouses could also use renewable energy such as solar panels or wind though these require a hefty initial investment there is a different approach integrating a renewable energy system in a greenhouse system It could be [using] renewable power for heating cooling or the de-humidification system,” he said The controlled environment of the greenhouse also reduces the need for herbicides and pesticides since there are no weeds and few pests And it minimizes concerns about the spread of disease through soil or water “Each of these rows can be shut off from water up there and then shut off from going back into our holding tanks and recycled,” Badrina said “So each one of these [rows] is able to be compartmentalized in such a way that it doesn't affect the rest of the greenhouse.” water and air also makes it possible to do what most greenhouses can’t: grow a variety of crops under one roof the company grows the 10 most widely consumed herbs in the U.S.: basil People are quick to compare the energy efficiency of conventional and vertical greenhouse farming but Ahamed said it’s more complicated than that “You can’t just make comments based on that energy It's not a comparable thing to do,” he said Vertical indoor farming is significantly more energy intensive Ahamed said the method grows much more produce and also uses significantly less water and land And Niu said Eden Green presents a compelling way to address future issues with food insecurity By 2050, food demand will rise by 70 to 100% due to population growth, according to the USDA It seems to have high land-use efficiency and high water-use efficiency,” she said One of the most overlooked factors of farming are the workers who farm the food While vertical greenhouse farming doesn’t solve all the issues that agricultural workers face it offers year-round work and less exposure to extreme weather and pests A major issue for farm workers has been heat-related exhaustion and deaths, and though vertical greenhouses are touted for being climate controlled, some workers in these spaces have faced dangerous conditions for heat and humidity Badrina said Eden Green is aware of these concerns and has put precautions in place for employees since it first launched Once it reaches a certain temperature in the greenhouse are provided electrolytes and have access to cooling stations Greenhouses can also offer more stability than traditional farming which requires workers to travel to different farms each season Most of Eden Green’s employees live in a 20- to 30-mile radius around the headquarters “They're not chasing harvests in California and New Mexico up and down the coast,” Badrina said “[It] just provides for a more stable and consistent lifestyle for them.” who works as an operations manager and lives just 15 minutes away on the outskirts of Cleburne She started working at Eden Green at 19 and worked her way from harvesting to her current position Castro said she started working at Eden Green just looking for a job and ended up staying because she felt invested in the people and work “You kind of have a lot of different personalities that you get to work with So that's also something that I kind of like about this job UC Davis’ Ahamed said vertical greenhouse farming can be sustainable it comes down to having the right approach “As long as you can reduce the energy cost decision-making and crops to make them sustainable.” Eden Green plans to build a greenhouse that’s double the current size and hire about 100 more employees There’s also a vision to eventually expand into vine fruits and plants that are used pharmaceutically the company hopes to expand nationally and even globally Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access’ journalism (WBMA) — A manhunt for a suspect wanted in connection with an attempted murder on County Road 77 concluded with his surrender to law enforcement Friday The Cleburne County Sheriff's Department responded to a shooting incident on March 5 where Ricky Wayne Smith is accused of shooting his brother-in-law during an altercation prompting a multi-agency search that included the Clay County Sheriff's Department Smith was not located until he contacted authorities to surrender at his residence Sheriff Jon Daniel expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts "We would like to take a moment to thank the Cleburne County 911 Center Cleburne/Calhoun District Attorney’s Office and all other Law Enforcement Agencies & Citizens for helping us look for the subject Smith is currently held at the Cleburne County Jail on charges of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle The investigation remains active and ongoing 1.210.564.6900 askme@virtualbx.com Feature Photo: Prototypical Amazon facility Cleburne (Johnson County) — Amazon has begun constructing on an approximately 1.7 million square feet operations facility that is expected to create hundreds of jobs The facility will be located off of the Chisholm Trail Parkway at Industrial Drive Mayor Scott Cain expressed his excitement over Amazon’s decision to build the new facility in Cleburne emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the City’s growth and future opportunities I am thrilled to welcome Amazon to our community,” said he said “Amazon’s strategic investment to establish a state-of-the-art facility here is a testament to Cleburne’s thriving economy This investment will not only create new opportunities for our residents but also further solidify Cleburne as a key player in the region’s economic landscape.” “This facility will allow us to better serve our customers,” said Jessica Breaux senior manager of economic development for Amazon “We’re grateful for our partnership with the City of Cleburne and look forward to sharing more details about this facility in the future.”    Amazon employs 89,000 people in Texas and operates more than 80 operations facilities across the state Subscribing to our service is the gift that keeps on giving! We have over $411 billion worth of projects currently in our database including the next one your team will work on. Click here to find your project now or call us at 1.877.221.6418 Officials announced Monday that after more than thirty years of serving individuals with developmental delays and disabilities the Community School of Cleburne County is rebranding itself as Spark Community The nonprofit organization will formally unveil its new name and brand during a luncheon on Friday “We are entering an era when we have more opportunity to serve the children and families in our five-county area than ever before,” Dwyer-Coop said in a statement “This new name reflects the energy and mission of our work.” Founded to support individuals with developmental challenges the organization will continue to offer a wide range of services under its new name Thompson said the name Spark was chosen to represent the potential in every individual “Our organization takes the spark in each of us and works with us to reach our most complete selves,” she said The newly branded Spark Community offers early childhood education and care for children from six weeks to six years old emphasizing cognitive development through exploration and play Its REACH program also focuses on fostering social and emotional growth in young learners The center is Better Beginnings-certified and accepts both weekly tuition and childcare vouchers. For more information, visit SparkArk.org or call (501) 362-0943 You will no longer receive messages from our email mailing list Your email address has successfully been added to our mailing list There was an error verifying your email address Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCLEBURNE COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Authorities have arrested a man after discovering an illegal cockfighting ring in Cleburne County Court documents say Phillip Edward Bell had an undisclosed location dedicated to hosting cockfighting matches during which people were allowed to place bets and pay money to watch Bell kept records on gambling boards and a computer He also had signs that he used to promote the events he made at least $500 from five bets and may have been trying to establish an enterprise Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here A Bold New Chapter in Blue Jays Baseball In a move that immediately shifts the landscape the Toronto Blue Jays have secured the talents of right-handed pitcher Spencer.. unexpected fall on the diamond left fans and teammates collectively holding their breath as a beloved player experienced genuine pain... A promising career often weathers stormy challenges before emerging into the sunlight of success The journey of Brandon Sproat illustrates the resilience required in professional sports A Night of Mixed Emotions In a game charged with momentum and moments of brilliance the Boston team clinched a crucial victory over Minnesota at Fenway Park A Promising Start with High Expectations The season began with an air of optimism as the team secured a veteran right-hander on a hefty $24 million two-year deal... An electric surge of performance has re-energized the baseball landscape as two Yankee superstars push boundaries and set new benchmarks in a season filled with promise © 2024 Motociclismo - All rights reserved Motociclismo © 2024 Motociclismo - All rights reserved Motociclismo Mason Williams was born in 1995 with one kidney but didn’t find out until the seventh grade.  That Christmas Break was one of the sickest he’s ever been laying horizontal in his bed for two weeks His parents drove him from their Oklahoma home to a Texas hospital a trip that should’ve lasted five hours but instead stretched to 11 because they kept having to pull the car over to let Williams vomit The doctors found out his right kidney was infected they searched for the left one and found nothing A medical lightning strike had struck Williams for the second time he was diagnosed with Legg Calvé-Perthes disease in his hips - 1 in every 12,000 children is diagnosed ‘You’re probably never going to be able to play sports,’” Williams said I played collegiate sports just to piss off the people who said I couldn’t do that.” His family has had a ranch in Oklahoma since the land rush, and they started coaching football soon after that, beginning with Williams’s great-grandfather and trickling down to him, now the offensive line coach at Cleburne High School.  but football was the only thing that gave him a physical release an outlet for the pain his medical diagnoses caused Because he could only dribble a basketball so hard on the pavement or swing a golf club so fast and if he put his ass in the dirt he could prove those doctors wrong.  “It’s the only sport where gladiators still exist,” Williams said.  an all-district player at Bryan Adams High School a collegiate lineman at Southwestern Oklahoma State and Oklahoma Panhandle State But his body was failing him below the armor his helmet and shoulder pads provided Williams was diagnosed with Gout at age 17 the first sign his kidney wasn’t working correctly a measure of how well his kidney filtered waste He’d just gotten married and had a baby daughter and he’d need a kidney transplant if he wanted to watch her grow up Mike Treviño is many things - father It’s a half marathon up and a half marathon down Treviño had scaled it three times but never descended due to inclement weather.  This past June, he and a former player he coached at Lewisville High School in the 1990s drove out to Colorado to conquer Pikes Peak so high up it’s snowing in the summer They meandered around the gift shop and grabbed lunch among large groups of people who’d paid to ride an elevator up the mountain and take a tour But the view was more emotional for Treviño after climbing He told friends he’d climb a mountain within six months of the surgery a feat of mental strength as much as physical Treviño had to prove to himself that the transplant wouldn’t limit him.  I climbed four in two days,” Treviño said He and his partner made it down Pikes Peak at 11:45 p.m a lifelong goal accomplished and made so much more satisfying that it’d happened after the surgery “If I can inspire somebody else to make that decision and give a life then I want to do that,” Treviño said This Friday night, Treviño, a special education teacher and football coach at Highland Park Middle School, will walk to midfield as an honorary captain for the coin toss for Highland Park’s district game against Cleburne High School.  the man Treviño gave his organ up for and gave another chance at life to Williams coached an entire season at Cleburne while doing at-home dialysis he’d grab his backpack and go home before everyone else to hop in bed and hook up to the machine needing it to run a complete cycle before the next day’s work And while the coaching staff knew why he was sluggish and had less color in his face The only thing out of the ordinary was that Williams wasn’t attending away junior varsity games and needed to Zoom in for the Saturday morning film study The average life expectancy for a person on dialysis is 5-10 years Williams’s clock hasn’t just stopped ticking - it’s been reset I wonder why anyone would do that,” Williams said but you’re literally giving a part of yourself to someone else.” Williams has one of Treviño’s organs but he still doesn’t understand the man.  The two coached together at the inner-city Fort Worth Polytechnic High School for two seasons but weren’t particularly close was in his 50s with kids Williams’ age fresh off two years as a graduate assistant at Southeastern Oklahoma State.  They lost touch after Williams went to Cleburne and Treviño to Highland Park Williams was set to attend a Granbury vs Polytechnic scrimmage to scout Granbury and didn’t want to be the lone wolf in the stands So he reached out to Treviño to see if he wanted to go watch their old program Williams asked Treviño if he remembered him having one kidney he told his old colleague his kidney was functioning at 10 percent and he needed a donor to survive long term sitting next to this young man who’d just gotten married and had a daughter his granddaughter’s age Treviño called Williams to let him know he was looking into the donor process Plenty of people had told him they’d look into it but the process isn’t as easy as having a blood match The ideal donor has to have lived a substantial part of their life and be in peak physical condition They spend a day at the hospital getting tested head-to-toe and then it has to be approved by a committee of doctors Treviño pulls out a napkin and reads the stats showing how rare a match like his and Williams’s was Ninety-thousand people are waiting for a donor in this country The average wait time is three to five years Williams says the online numbers don’t illustrate what he sees in clinics where he gets treatment next to people who’ve been on dialysis for 12 years.  Treviño got a call while putting on his tie His case had been unanimously approved by the panel of doctors His kidney was a perfect match for Williams The doctors asked him on the operating table that morning if he wanted to change his mind to which Treviño told them there’s never been a decision “If for some reason I don’t make it my family is going to be ok and it’s what God wants me to do,” Treviño said “Mason’s daughter will have a dad Mason’s wife will have a husband.” Friday night won’t be a reunion for Treviño and Williams Williams’ parents take them all out to dinner whenever they visit from Oklahoma Treviño was at Mason’s daughter’s birthday The most important thing to him was that Mason was there “I gained another family,” Treviño said We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you AL – Deputy Dylan Tullis has successfully completed 14 weeks of intensive training at the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy hosted at the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy (N.E.A.L.E.A.) This achievement marks a significant step in his law enforcement career and signals his readiness to serve the residents of Cleburne County and hands-on instruction in areas essential to modern policing It is designed to prepare new officers for the responsibilities and challenges of public safety service Cleburne County Sheriff Jon Daniel expressed pride in Tullis’ accomplishment “We are incredibly proud of Deputy Dylan Tullis for his dedication and hard work over the past 14 weeks at the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and Dylan has shown the commitment and character we value here at the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department.” Sheriff Daniel also extended appreciation to the academy leadership: “I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Academy Director Steve Thomas and his team for their outstanding leadership and for investing so much into training the next generation of Alabama’s peace officers.” The Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy serves as one of the state’s premier training facilities for law enforcement officers operating under the standards established by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission Deputy Tullis will now begin applying his training in the field with the full support of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office as he begins the next phase of his public service career one Fort Worth-area school has finally found its next football coach On Monday, Jan. 21, Cleburne ISD announced Mansfield Lake Ridge defensive coordinator A.J Sheppard, who also served as Recruiting Coordinator at Lake Ridge, also has stints at Mansfield Summit (defensive backs and track & field) and Trinity High School He’ll be tasked with turning around a Cleburne program in desperate desire for better days The Yellow Jackets didn’t win a game this season (0-10) and are just 3-27 over the past three seasons under coach Jim Woodard “We believe Sheppard is the man to lead our program to future success,” Cleburne ISD Athletic Director Jimmy Hestand said in a statement is a great family man who will bring that culture to Cleburne ISD.” “We are excited to welcome Coach Sheppard to the Yellow Jacket family,” he said “We navigated through almost 100 applications to narrow the decision down to just a few applicants “I firmly believe in A.J.’s ability to unite our athletic program and community to build a dynasty in our football program,” he continued “Sheppard’s dedication to football and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision for the future “We are confident that he will lead our team to new heights both on and off the field.” Big news for Texas native and nation's No. 1 girls basketball recruit Aaliyah Chavez Return home authors ‘perfect story' for QB Eddie Lee Marburger, UTRGV football Sheppard has been named El Paso ISD Teacher of the Year (2023-2024) Lake Ridge High School’s Teacher of the Year (2020-2021) and Mansfield’s overall Secondary Teacher of the Year (2020-2021) and it is a blessing to be a member of Jacket Nation,” he said in a statement Sheppard is a graduate of Mansfield High School and played football collegiately at UTEP where he served as defensive captain for the Miners He helped lead UTEP to its first bowl game in 12 years while being named All-WAC Conference in 2000 He was named to UTEP’s football hall of fame in 2020 LEVI PAYTON © 2025 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER Brett Phillips’ career in baseball has always been a story of perseverance and reinvention From a seven-year tenure in the major leagues to an unexpected dive into pitching his journey is one marked by determination and an unwavering commitment to the sport Phillips earned his stripes across a diverse set of teams and the Angels showcased not only his defensive prowess but also his role as a steady presence in the clubhouse his dynamic fielding and leadership made him a respected figure among peers and fans alike His time in the majors is a testament to his grit even when numbers did not fully translate into on-field success Phillips ventured into pitching—a decision that underlines his relentless drive to remain relevant in professional baseball After signing a minor league deal with a renowned organization he took the mound in a singular appearance where he faced significant challenges Allowing five runs in his lone outing at the Single-A level his brief pitching debut underscored both the risks and the rewards of trying something entirely new Phillips declared his determination to evolve and stated “I’m committed to making it back to the big leagues as a pitcher of the more serious variety.” This bold statement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of an athlete willing to embrace change The next chapter in Phillips’ ongoing saga unfolds with the Cleburne Railroaders a respected team in the American Association—a league known as a proving ground for former major league players seeking a return to affiliated baseball Joining the Railroaders marks a strategic move to capitalize on his experience while exploring a new role on the mound this opportunity offers Phillips not only the chance to refine his pitching craft but also to demonstrate that reinventing oneself is possible at any stage of a sporting career with its strong recent performance and a winning legacy provides an inspiring environment where his efforts can be nurtured and celebrated Phillips’ journey reflects the challenges inherent in professional sports—a landscape where past achievements do not guarantee future success Yet his willingness to experiment and adapt speaks to a broader narrative about resilience in the face of uncertainty Embracing a new role after years defining himself as a stalwart outfielder is an essential aspect of growth both on and off the field the baseball world watches with anticipation Brett Phillips’ relentless pursuit of progress and his readiness to embrace the unknown invite a powerful reflection on the nature of sports His career stands as a reminder that every setback can be transformed into an opportunity for reinvention his journey not only highlights the personal courage required to face adversity but also reinforces the timeless lesson that passion and a willingness to evolve are the keys to lasting success on the diamond The career of Nick Gordon pivots as he stands at the threshold of a promising new chapter inviting fresh challenges and opportunities in the world of baseball A Promising Journey Interrupted The rising star in the Padres organization an 18-year-old catcher with eyes set on a bright future A Night of Unyielding Challenge In a game that defied expectations the Red Sox faced one of their most testing defeats marked by a dramatic turnaround and unexpected.. The season's challenges may seem daunting yet one player's exceptional performance stands out as a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty Resilient Team Effort With a record of 16-14.. A Spark Amidst Adversity Ben Rice's explosive performance offers a glimmer of hope for his team as they navigate an offseason marked by uncertainty and injury setbacks A Struggle for Redemption An all-star label can quickly become a heavy burden when early triumphs give way to unexpected challenges Amazon has discovered the county seat of Johnson County The online retail behemoth will soon begin construction on a 1.7 million-square-foot facility off the Chisholm Trail Parkway at Industrial Drive The $200 million facility is likely an addition to the company’s extensive network of distribution centers across Dallas-Fort Worth I am thrilled to welcome Amazon to our community,” said Mayor Scott Cain in a statement Amazon has invested $70 billion in Texas — including infrastructure and compensation to employees The company employs 89,000 in Texas and operates more than 80 operations facilities across the state The average base wage for hourly employees in the United States is more than $22 per hour and average total compensation to more than $29 per hour “We’re grateful for our partnership with the city of Cleburne and look forward to sharing more details about this facility in the future.” KARK – Residents of Cleburne County said they were shocked to hear the news over the weekend that a former county deputy was arrested as part of sting targeting sex crimes involving children Authorities in Faulkner County said 37-year-old Jacob Teel is facing charges of internet stalking of a child and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor Investigators said Teel traveled to Conway to meet up with who he thought was a 15-year-old but was actually an undercover agent people in Cleburne County told KARK 4 News they were shocked to see these kinds of allegations being made against a law enforcement officer because you don’t expect a police officer,” Cleburne County resident Jessika Deaton said “They’re supposed to serve and protect Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown did not provide an interview with KARK 4 News on Monday but did issue a written update that simply read “Our community and our department are in need of a lot of prayers and healing.” In a statement issued when the news broke Saturday Brown said he had spoken with other employees of the sheriff’s office that day and all of them were “shocked and disappointed” by the news of the accusations and arrests Teel worked for the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office at the time of his arrest Brown said Saturday that he was immediately suspended with termination paperwork being drawn up which has the sheriff confirmed Monday had been delivered to the now-former deputy According to the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Teel was one of nine people arrested in the sting Faulkner County worked with the 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office & the United States Marshal Service on this case with the assistance of Covenant Rescue Group an Alabama-based organization focused on stopping human trafficking Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals