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Arrest Reports 3/15

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Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Dakota James Battles of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 17, 2026, at 5:04 p.m. and released on cash bond March 18, 2026, at 4:55 p.m. Battles was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
David Joseph Bentley of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 15, 2026, at 2:45 a.m. and released on bond March 15, 2026, at 3:28 p.m. Bentley was charged with criminal trespass, and Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Chloe M Fulton of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 20, 2026, at 2:12 p.m. and released on signature bond March 20, 2026, at 10:19 p.m. Fulton was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Terry Don Simmons was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 21, 2026, at 5:52 p.m. and released on signature bond March 21, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. Simmons was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Johnny Lee Casey of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 16, 2026, at 6:04 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 16, 2026, at 9:27 p.m. Casey was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the First Degree -Conduct.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department:
Jeremiah James Cunningham of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 16, 2026, at 6:39 p.m. and released on bond March 16, 2026, at 11:10 p.m. Cunningham was charged with petition to revoke – felony.

Lanita Beatrice Dye of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 18, 2026, at 11:07 a.m. and remains at the SCADC at an ADC commitment hold.

Corey Allen Helms of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 24, 2026, at 10:41 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Helms was charged with petition to revoke – felony.

Lonnie Mack Lawson of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 20, 2026, at 8:07 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Lawson was charged with Driving on Suspended or Revoked DL – DWI, and Violation of Restricted Driver’s License.

Kevin Dale McCaslin of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. and released on signature bond March 18, 2026, at 10:34 a.m. McCaslin was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Barbara Yvette McGee of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 18, 2026, at 6:28 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 19, 2026, at 9:18 a.m. McGee was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine.

Blaine Garrett Moses of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 17, 2026, at 8:55 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond March 18, 2026, at 2:10 a.m. Moses was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Lorin Taylor Nhongvongsithi of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 18, 2026, at 7:39 p.m. and released on March 22, 2026, at 8:04 p.m. Nhongvongsithi was charged with two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Inges, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Pack, Repack and others, Tampering With Evidence Felony, and Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine >10g.

Sarah Stuart of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 17, 2026, at 10:26 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Stuart was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State.

Ronny Floyd Stone of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 15, 2026, at 9:40 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Stone was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense, and Possession of open container.

Amy Townley of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 21, 2026, at 11:09 a.m. and released on signature bond March 21, 2026, at 1:33 p.m. Townley was charged with Overdraft/Violation Of The Arkansas Hot Check Law Misdemeanor.

Bruce Olen Wheeler, Third of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 16, 2026, at 3:49 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Wheeler was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000, Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Mary Louise Williams of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 16, 2026, at 1:39 a.m. and released on signature bond March 16, 2026, at 2:35 p.m. Williams was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Anastasia Zivotic of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 19, 2026, at 2:35 p.m. and released on cash bond March 20, 2026, at 11:17 p.m. Zivotic was charged with two counts Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Rodney Earl Francis of Rogers was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 20, 2026, at 8:16 p.m. and released on March 23, 2026, at 1:24 p.m. Francis was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Joe David King, Junior of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on March 20, 2026, at 5:23 p.m. and released on cash bond March 20, 2026, at 9:27 p.m. King was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Department:
Braiden Marsh, 22 of Tulsa, OK, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 15, 2026, at 4:11 p.m. Marsh was charged with rape.

Colten Adcock, 30 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 17, 2026, at 9:46 p.m. Adcock was charged with refusal to submit to a chemical test DWI, driving while intoxicated, driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended, or revoked, endangering the welfare of a minor in the third degree, and parole hold.

Kevin Simmons, 55 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on March 19, 2026, at 4:02 p.m. Simmons was charged with body attachment.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department:
Brandon Everette Darne, 22 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on March 24, 2026, at 10:24 a.m. Darne was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury.

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

Council Approves TAP Participation; Mayor Delivers State of the City

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Council Approves TAP Participation; Mayor Delivers State of the City

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Sidelined to Startup, Mansfield Sophomores Launch Sugar Rush After Season-Ending Injuries

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Sidelined to Startup, Mansfield Sophomores Launch Sugar Rush After Season-Ending Injuries

It’s often said that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

In the case of Adeline Godwin, and Miley Clopton, they’re making sweet treats through an entrepreneurial adventure after being sidelined due to season ending injuries.

Known for their dedication, work ethic, and love of the game as student athletes, both girls have spent countless hours representing Mansfield High School and community, competing with determination and heart.

This season, however, brought an unexpected challenge. While playing the sports they love, both Adeline and Miley suffered injuries that required surgery. In a moment that reflects the closeness of their friendship, they underwent surgery on the very same day, January 9. Adeline had ankle surgery, while Miley had knee surgery, beginning a recovery journey neither expected, but both embraced together.

Being sidelined is never easy for athletes, especially those accustomed to the fast pace of practices, games, and cheering sections. Yet even away from the court and field, their Tiger spirit hasn’t faded. Instead of allowing the setback to slow them down, Adeline and Miley chose to turn the pause into an opportunity.

During recovery, the two friends began planning a new venture, Sugar Rush, a business they are launching together while they heal.

“Sometimes, the best things come from the moments that don’t go as planned. Watching Adeline, and Miley turn a tough situation into something creative and exciting has made us incredibly proud as parents.” – Danielle Godwin

Sugar Rush will serve rolled ice cream, dirty sodas, snow cones, and cotton candy, combining creativity, hard work, and a shared vision. What started as a way to stay positive during recovery has grown into something meaningful and exciting for both girls.

“Miley and Adeline have so much grit that shows up everywhere, from on the field to the court and now in their business. They have turned every obstacle thrown at them and into a stepping stone. Most of all they don’t quit at anything, they put a smile on their faces and just keep going, and that makes us endlessly proud.” – Kacey Clopton

This time away from competition has become a special chapter in their lives, one filled with encouragement, teamwork, and learning lessons that extend far beyond athletics. Adeline and Miley are discovering that the values learned as Mansfield Tigers like perseverance, discipline, and supporting one another apply just as strongly off the court.

As they continue to recover and look ahead to returning to the sports they love, their story serves as a reminder to us all that setbacks don’t define you. With grit, friendship, and hometown pride, even the toughest seasons can lead to something sweet.

You can book your event with Sugar Rush by contacting them through their social media platforms listed below.

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Timepiece: Great Things Come from Humble Beginnings

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Timepiece: Great Things Come from Humble Beginnings

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

An old American proverb states, “from small beginnings come great things.” The statement is certainly true of the little Catholic church found in the small community of Shoal Creek.

Immediately after the Civil war, railroads construction began in earnest all across the U.S. As payment for construction, the Government gave the railroads huge tracts of public land along the track. In order to become profitable, the railroads needed settlers and some of the best, most productive immigrants were German farmers and craftsmen. To attract these immigrants, the Cairo and Fulton Railroad gave 100 acres of land ad $2,500 dollars to the Benedictine sisters of Indiana to build a church and school in Logan County. They figured, and rightly so, that a church and school would attract devout hard-working Catholics. The first four sisters arrived in 1878 and remained at the just-established monastery at Subiaco until a log cabin could be constructed for their use. The sisters cleared the rocky, sandy soil and began the task of establishing a self-supporting monastery on the site. They soon opened a school and church named Saint Scholastica, establishing a center for the local community. During the summer months, in addition to their other duties, they taught religious correspondence courses for novices and vacation bible school for all children who wished to attend.

By 1898, the community had grown to include other Sisters from around the world as well as a thriving farm, several cabins, a church, and other buildings located around a central courtyard.

In 1916, in collaboration with a small Missouri Benedictine community, the Sisters at Shoal Creek adopted the work of healthcare. Over the course of the next 125 years, St. Scholastica sponsored five hospitals; St. Josephs of Bonneville, MO., St Anthony’s in Morrilton, St. Hildegard’s in Clarksville, St. Mary’s in Dermott, and Crawford Memorial in Van Buren. All of these hospitals are still in operation under different names. In addition, St. Scholastica Monastery has staffed 62 elementary schools in five states, twelve music schools, and two orphanages. They also established high schools at Shoal Creek and the better known; St. Scholastica Academy in Fort Smith.

The rural community was plagued by lack of water, isolation, access to health care, and especially poor roads. It was said the final straw was when the Bishop, on a visit to all local churches, became so ensnared and bogged down in the mire that made up the Old Military Road, that he decided the best solution was to just move the main convent Fort Smith. This was accomplished in 1924, resulting in the beautiful St. Scholastica Church, school, and convent in Fort Smith. Shoal Creek monastery remained but with a more limited scope.

Visiting the small Shoal Creek Church, cemetery, and Hesychia House of Prayer today one little realizes the impact of the dedication and faith of the first four Sisters and their successors on the generations that followed.

Resident Press (Lavaca, Charleston, Paris edition) 03/25/26 Vol. 5 No. 12

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Resident Press (Lavaca, Charleston, Paris edition) 03/25/26 Vol. 5 No. 12

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Greenwood Resident 03/25/26 Vol. 6 No. 12

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Greenwood Resident 03/25/26 Vol. 6 No. 12

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 03/25/26 Vol. 8 No. 12

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 03/25/26 Vol. 8 No. 12

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Hello everyone!!! It sure has been cold and windy. I am ready for spring to come back to Arkansas. Good thing I’m a plus-size gal or I might have gotten blown away on Sunday or Monday.

I am going to talk about some of the crazy vehicles my husband and I have had over the years of our marriage—and let me tell you, he was the reason for the crazy ones.

When we got married, we didn’t have anything but a 1984 Chevy Chevette that I bought brand new, and Chuck had a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I know y’all won’t believe this, but I rode on the back of it a time or two. I guess I was a biker chick—I was a lot smaller then!

Then there was some kind of Oldsmobile, and without telling me, Chuck Hopkins went and traded it for an old black Cadillac that was the size of a party barge. That thing was a piece of junk—it would get hot, and to say I was mad at him is an understatement. We ended up selling it for junk.

Then he brings home, around 1994, a 1980 Ford LTD—aka a land yacht. Honey, it was as long as a small school bus. It was a rust color, and not only was it as ugly as could be, the driver’s side power window didn’t work. Of course, we didn’t know that until we rolled it down. I was so mad at him over that piece of junk.

Finally, we went and got a Ford Tempo. It was a nice car with low miles. We upgraded from the Tempo to a Ford Taurus, and I loved that car. If you want to know why we got better cars, it’s because I’m the one who found them and picked them out. I’m serious—he loved an old junk car.

One time, about thirty or so years ago, he found an old yellow Cadillac for sale, and he wanted it—so he bought it. Biggest car this side of the Pecos, low to the ground, and guess what he did? Decided he would use it for his work car. That thing was loaded down with tools and all kinds of junk. Thankfully, I had my own car and didn’t have to ride with him. He drove that thing to work until it quit on him. He loved that ugly yellow Cadillac. I can still see him coming down the road in it, just hitting the high spots.

Boy, those were the good old days, and we didn’t even know it. Cherish your loved ones, and when they do crazy things, just laugh and go on. So what if you can’t go to a function without the windblown look because the window wouldn’t roll up?

Y’all have a great week!

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
This is a recipe you can make for Easter—it looks festive and colorful.

Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Easter-colored M&M candies
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper (y’all know I use this so much I buy it at Sam’s in bulk). In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until a soft dough forms. Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares and enjoy!

I’m going out on a limb and saying if you wanted to, you could try strawberry cake mix and use white chocolate chips.

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

Much of the Arkansas Legislature’s work between full legislative sessions takes place in committee, and this week the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and its subcommittees were in full swing.

Created by Act 264 of 1949, the ALC gathers information that guides lawmakers during regular legislative sessions. It coordinates the work of interim committees and provides ongoing oversight of the executive branch. The council is composed of 36 regular members—20 from the House and 16 from the Senate—along with 24 ex-officio voting members and five non-voting ex-officio members.

Three subcommittees met Monday: the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee; the Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee; and the Claims Review and Litigation Reports Oversight Subcommittee. Lawmakers reviewed the Department of Human Services’ hospital spending, discussed recent litigation reports, and examined updates on highway construction projects around the state.

The Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) Subcommittee convened Tuesday to review appropriation requests from state agencies, departments, and institutions. Members also considered requests for professional and consultant services contracts. Later in the day, the Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee received an overview and in-person tour of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. The facility is the oldest and largest of the AGFC’s warm-water hatcheries and is considered one of the most significant state-owned operations of its kind in the nation.

On Wednesday, the State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee heard a detailed presentation on Medicare Advantage prescription drug contracts and current market trends. The Higher Education Subcommittee received a forward-looking presentation on the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, delivered by Arkansas State University students Seungho Jeon and Johnny Toma. The ALC Personnel Subcommittee also met to review requests for new and reinstated positions within the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Department of Health, and other agencies.

The Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee met Thursday to conduct its periodic examination of occupational authorizations and the boards and commissions that issue them. The goal of these reviews is to ensure that Arkansas maintains the licensing requirements necessary to protect public health and safety. The Administrative Rules Subcommittee also met to consider proposed and amended rules from various state agencies.

The full Arkansas Legislative Council met Friday to receive and review reports from all subcommittees.

These meetings rarely make headlines, but they represent the essential, day‑to‑day work of state government. In every committee, your senators play an active role, asking tough questions about how Arkansas tax dollars are managed and spent.

All committee meetings are streamed live and available on demand at: https://senate.arkansas.gov/

Lifetime of Service: Sheriff Runion Honored Ahead of March 31 Retirement

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3:49 pm

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Lifetime of Service: Sheriff Runion Honored Ahead of March 31 Retirement

With his final day in office set for March 31, 2026, Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion was honored in a heartfelt ceremony recognizing his 36-year career in law enforcement, including 26 years of service to the citizens of Sebastian County.

Colleagues, community leaders, family, and friends gathered to celebrate a career marked by steady leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service. The ceremony was filled with emotion as speakers reflected on Runion’s impact, both professionally and personally.

Among those in attendance was Kevin Nickson, one of Runion’s closest friends, former chief deputy, and a past interim sheriff, who retired just one year ago. Nickson made the trip from his home in Conway to be present for the occasion, underscoring the strong bonds formed over decades of service.

U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas Gary Grimes

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Director Scott Bradley presented Runion with a lifetime badge—an honor approved by unanimous vote of the association—symbolizing the respect and admiration he has earned statewide.

“Your sheriff has been a champion not only here in the county but in Little Rock with legislators as well,” Bradley said. “He has been a tireless advocate for mental health services and at the forefront of the opioid task force”

Additional remarks were offered by U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas Gary Grimes, Sebastian County Prosecutor Daniel Shue, Sebastian County Judge Steve Hotz, and Captain Philip Pevehouse. Each speaker highlighted Runion’s professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people he served.

Chief Deputy John Miller introduced Runion, setting the tone for an emotional moment as the longtime sheriff addressed the crowd.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your sheriff,” Runion said.

During his remarks, Runion expressed gratitude to those who stood beside him throughout his career. He gave special recognition to his wife, Lori, crediting her as a constant source of strength and support through the years.

As he surveyed the room, Runion acknowledged the many friends, family members, and colleagues in attendance—some of whom have been with him since the beginning of his law enforcement journey.

A standing ovation for our county’s beloved and well-respected Sheriff Hobe Runion.

Runion’s career has been defined not only by longevity, but by consistency, leadership, and a reputation for doing the job with integrity. Under his strong and steady hand of leadership, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office has worked to enhance public safety while maintaining strong relationships within the community.

As he prepares to step away from the badge, Runion looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his grandchildren, and continuing his involvement in his church.

A prayer of blessing on the retiring sheriff.

Sebastian County now prepares for a transition in leadership, but the legacy of Sheriff Hobe Runion’s service will remain a lasting part of the department and the community he faithfully served for more than three decades.

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