Frank Lee Moore, 78, of Waldron, AR passed away peacefully surrounded by his family December 24, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and wife Judith. He is survived by his 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Services will be Friday, December 30th at 11:00; and visitation will be Thursday, December 29th from 12-8pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the care of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, 1879 W. 6th St. Waldron, AR. www.heritagememorialfh.com
Brooke Yandell, Resident Press Reporter Waldron Nursing Center resident, Judy Cheeseman recycles everything but dirty toilet paper. Her love for crafts comes from a deep appreciation of utilizing the quote, “use what you have, and where you’re at” to her benefit.
Judy’s reputation in, and around Waldron is one of talent, craft, caring, and simply being genuine. She uses pill bottles, pill cups, water cups, Easter eggs and anything else she can get her hands on. Her passion was found several years ago, while visiting her sister, and daughter in Little Rock at a craft store.
The Waldron Nursing Center has activity center once or twice a week, and those are her favorite days of the week. Although she calls her room a craft store, she reminisced that her late husband and her made reindeer out of wood. “I also sell these, and will take request. I love making both bows, animals and Christmas decorations” stated Cheeseman.
The Waldron Nursing Center except donations, including item to be used for their arts & crafts workshops. You may bring them by 1369 W 6th St, in Waldron, or call 479-637-3171
Article, and images courtesy of Christine Lees LSW/ADC
Waldron Nursing Center Residents have had a very “blessed” Christmas with all of the many different activities that have been enjoyed this month. Our Special activities of “Be an Ornament” “Joy Tree Party” with everyone receiving a gift at the program. Many “thanks” goes out to those that helped bring this “joy” to our residents. The residents did a wonderful job of presenting this Christmas program with assistance from Activity Assistants, Billie Strozier and Alex Carter, Terri Hattibaugh, Housekeeping Supervisor, reading the traditional Night Before Christmas story, Sharon Rice playing the piano for our resident choir. The residents had voted that they wanted to do the traditional Christmas story this year. Volunteers Doyle Wayne and Karen portrayed Mary & Joseph at the Inn while Volunteer Diane Miller read the Birth of Jesus Christmas story. It was a wonderful program and reminded us about the true meaning of Christmas. Waldron Boys & Girls Club members Sarah Gallup, Sophie & Sonya Chewtrakoon, Laklynn Dedmon, Emily Sears, Charity Barone, Hazel Buesing, Lexi Kesterson, Lena Daney, Jamia Critton, Stephanie Jones, Shawnda Dedmon-Parent Volunteer and Director Lorlla Wallace all came bearing gifts to residents of Waldron Nursing Center.
Other events this week was photo’s with Santa. There is nothing that brings a big smile to faces than the sight of Santa. This year Ms. Clause, Karen, came with Santa, Doyle, and with them both in costume it made for great photos. Another exciting event was the annual “Carriage” ride hosted by Steve and Sandy Tull from Weigh Tech. A large group of residents gathered to get a ride in the carriage to see the Christmas lights and many enjoyed seeing the big beautiful horse that was drawing the carriage. Many also enjoyed the refreshments of hot chocolate and sandwiches with cookies as they waited their turn to load in the carriage. Other events included Church with David Hines, Winfield Baptist, Grady Parker, Freedom Baptist singers, James Self, Temple Baptist group, Ray Jett, Larry Justice and group singers. Bingo with our ever faithful volunteers of Doyle Wayne & Karen, Pat Morales, Joanna Strozier and Harley Black all helping out at the games. Reminiscence with Diane Miller. Everyone is glad to see Diane back. Residents also had a great night with the “Sparks” boys and group. Everyone always enjoys the blue grass music and fiddle playing. The middle school choir was a big hit as they came to sing different carols for the residents along with a visit from the Waldron School football boys bringing Christmas cards and having some fun visits with the residents. Waldron School Football boys visit Waldron Nursing Center residents bearing beautiful Christmas cards for each one.
Residents have also been blessed with the delivery of lots of other Christmas cards from Billy Roy Wilson, Little Rock, AR., Lou Nell McCraw Davis, Middle School Library class, Oleta Lewis, Cabot, AR. Ocie Faye Tinder, Pilot Church members, Tyson Food employees, Ms. Hunsucker school class, Selected resident gifts from the Boys & Girls club, Pleasant Hill EH club, which also brought several bags of beauty shop items to use for our ladies, Mary Jo Maxey. Big “thanks” goes to the Packsaddle Church for their Christmas donation to our activity program along with the BPW Club members. I will be able to do lots of shopping after Christmas to enhance our activities with new prizes.
Congratulations goes to “employee of the month”, Marilyn Dyson, Chantelle Cox both Nursing service and Connie Cox-Housekeeping department. These three are wonderful employees and are very deserving of this election by popular vote. Besides their plaque they also received $100. in cash.
In closing, residents hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas as each one of them has had. We are truly blessed by having so many caring people in our community who help bring so much “joy” into the life of our residents throughout the year.
The Mansfield High School EAST program presents “Light Up the Holidays” tonight (12/20), and again on Thursday (12/22).
Where: The Outdoor Classroom Tiger Trail
Entry fee: Pre-K, FREE, Students, $2.00, and Adults, $3.00
Hot Coco, and candy canes will be sold, and Santa will be available for pictures.
Bring your family, and friends for a fun filled night supporting a group of talented students.
Seventh and Eighth grade students at Mansfield Middle School had the opportunity to go on a fun field trip to Tulsa Laser Quest and Incredible Pizza on Friday December 16, 2016.
Students that were academically, punctually, and behaviorally proficient during the fall semester of school, had the opportunity to attend the field trip or take a merit holiday for their successes at school.
The students got to enjoy a day out of school playing laser tag, eating a pizza buffet, and playing video games with their peers and teachers.
Congratulations to the ones who were able to attend.
Mansfield seventh and eighth graders will be taking another trip in May to Silver Dollar City for the students who can attain the same standards during the Spring Semester.
Submitted by Joshua Bryan, Mansfield Middle School Mathematics 7th/8th, and Chess Coach
The Mansfield City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting, Thursday, December, 15th at Mansfield City Hall. In attendance were the City Council members – Dave Johnson, Nathan Sterling, Beverly Lyons, Rick McDaniel, and Sheri Hopkins, Mansfield Recorder / Treasurer – Becky Walker, Mansfield Mayor – Larry Austin, and Mansfield Police Chief – Boyd Farmer, as well as a many citizens, and business owners of our area.
No questions or comments regarding the November minutes. Motion made to accept, and seconded. All in favor of the November minutes.
No questions or comments regarding the November Financial Statement. Motion made to accept, and seconded. All in favor of the November minutes. Mansfield Public Works Department
Mayor Austin addressed the board as they continue to advertise for a D2 licensed water manager. “We’re 6 months away from having a licensed water manager” stated Austin. Board member asked “I’m worried that were going to get fined, and if fined, it will be stiff” Mayor responded that “a contractor service can be looked at if the board wanted to look at this as a solution.” Board member asked “how long are they going to give us to fill the position.” Mayor responded “as long as we’re still in the process of searching, we should be fine. We shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money for a short term fix.
Arnold Elmore once mentioned of the existing issues needed attention when employed.
– Employees going to training, CL, Water manager, etc.
– Generator at sewer plant having electrical issues Board member asked “how long will the smell continue?” Mayor responded“the sewer plant has been treated, and treated regularly with the best product we could find. A lot of solids remained in the line from Hartford, and Midland which is attributing to the odor.” Mansfield Police Department – Police Chief Boyd Farmer had no report. “A good Samaritan donated $1000 to the department, and will be used this Saturday for our “shop with a cop.” Mansfield Fire Department : Chief, Stephen Haysmer was out on training. – No fire report Board member – “the fire dept needs to be commended for their work on the painting, lights and maintenance of the fire dept. I’ve had several positive comments about it, and it’s an area that doesn’t get enough credit.” City Attorney – no report Mansfield Recorder / Treasurer, Becky Walker reported that she was very thankful for everyone’s help with the parade. City hall was packed, $1000 donation was made from a good Samaritan. Robert Walker won the 50/50 at the parade, and he donated it back to the fund. She added that Fire Dept. looks really good, and I’m impressed with the Christmas tree at the new police dept. Unfinished Business A. Taylor House For Sale (offers) The sale of the Taylor House is closed. Buyer, Mary Byers paid $54,500. Mary Byers is planning on putting in a car lot. $40k pays back the Police Dept remodel. Using $10k of that for possible roof repairs. if not, we’ll look at a new police vehicle. B. Austin Handed out a summary of the 2017 budget to the board members. This needs action before Feb 1st.
Motion made to wait to January 17 before approval, Motion accepted, and seconded. All in favor. Board member, Georganna Mabry entered the City Council meeting at 6:43pm Becky Walker provided us the above image which illustrates the proposed water line addition along Henley Road. C. (Referring to the above image) The red line is electric right away. $42k is engineer fee estimate. Contractors would be utilized rather then use City employees. “if approved, we’ll receive contracts, and open bids” stated Austin. Board Member – “This has to be done!”
Motion made to accept the engineers proposal to start the bid process, seconded. All in favor. D. Landowner is paying for the contract, and engineer fees to be able to have access to Mansfield water. The only expense Mansfield will have is the installation of a $500 meter.
Motion made to approve the meter setting, seconded. All in favor. No New Business. Announcements / Public Comments
After seeing, and being communicated to regarding the current state of the crosswalks that are painted on both City, and States streets, we asked the Council, and Mayor “Who controls the maintence of these crosswalks, and why are they not being taken care of for the sake of the children’s safety?”
Mayor Austin replied, “The City controls the streets on the City side, and State controls the major highways. We have offered overtime, but with lack of manpower we can’t get it taken care of.”
Board Member – “I have been asked that the board members face the same direction at our city council meetings” Adjourned at 6:54pm
The Hackett City Council held it’s monthly city council on December 15th at 6:00pm at Hackett City Hall
Chief Spells gave a report on the Police Departments Hackett Helping Hands Campaign. Chief Spells also recognized several donors who have contributed the last two years. A plaque was presented to Bettye Schneider for her generous donations of clothing to the campaign.
The fire department reported on the success of the recent Christmas party and also possible solutions to problems with the tanker truck.
The council heard from Gary Grimes who discussed the possibility of the loss of GIF funding. The council approved a motion expressing their opposition and a letter will be drafted and sent to the Governors office. Grimes also noted that the city received a grant for $9,500 for a new sign marquee that will be in front of city hall.
The council also approved payment for the new parking structure behind city hall.
The council also approved the salary rates discussed in the salary discussion meeting held recently. New parking structure behind City Hall.
The Waldron Boys & Girls Club opened their doors in October 1999. Its purpose was to accentuate the lives, and livelihoods of the town, with activities for its youth.
It would serve as a place of safety, fun, education, and promise for the town of Waldron, and the kids who would utilize its facilities.
Hunter Wilson, Boys & Girls Club Athletic Director stated “I remember when Judge Forbes coached me as youngster. With his active roles in our community, he seemed like a perfect fit for what we had planned. Not to mention he would be able to coach his granddaughter.”
Judge Forbes added “I remember coaching with around 2005-2006 with Dave Roets, where we both coached our children. It’s an honor to come back and coach my granddaughter.”
Coach Forbes ended their regular season this past week, and from the above picture, the kids not only enjoyed the game, but their coach.
The Waldron Boys & Girls Club would like to thank their sponsors: R&R Automotive Repair, C&C Steel, Southside Service Center, and Oswald’s.
If you have lived in, or near the Mansfield area for very long, you’ll probably know what this article is all about from the title, and image. But, do you know how, and why it all began? We didn’t either. But, it’s interesting.
Longtime residents of Abbott, Mike, and Shelia Carson await early Fall, with a focus on Christmas. In fact, for the short time that their lights are up each year, they’re making revisions, and additions for the next year. “Shelia has always enjoyed Christmas lights, and it’s something that has always made her really happy” stated Mike Carson. “Several years ago, we passed by Grant, and Carla Sharp’s house and Shelia mentioned that she wished that we could do something like that.”
A simple drive along a road would soon play a important role in not only the Carson’s family, but all those who pass by their house on Highway 71 just west of Abbott, and stop to visit their lighting display which is set to music that can be heard on 89.1 FM. Santa keeping a close eye on the lights that adorn the Carson yard, and house.
Mike (aka, Clark Griswold) went to work on his plans for surprising Shelia the following year with a Christmas display of his own. And so, the tradition began December 2009. Now, their grandchildren look forward to assisting them in the work it takes to put up the display. It’s a time for memories, and tradition for the Carson’s.
Mike added, “Shelia says we need to go bigger and better every year, and we never have enough “stuff” in the yard.” In typical Shelia spirit, she has also been known to state, “Mike! We need more lights!!!”
Although the tradition was initially started to bring a smile to Shelia, it’s enjoyment goes beyond their family. “We hope that those that stop by and listen to the music, pull thru our driveway to watch the lights, are as Blessed as we are in doing it. To watch the excitement on the kids faces when they see them, makes all the hard work worth it” added Mike. Editor’s Note:Mike, and Shelia Carson would like to let everyone know that it’s perfectly OK to come through their driveway to enjoy the lights, in fact, they insist. Highway 71 is too dangerous to pull off and look. And, if you’ll play close attention, you may just see Santa, and Mrs. Claus in their yard very soon.
Thank you for your time to show us around, Mike and Shelia. MerryChristmas!
The Senior High Chess Team participated in a chess tournament in Van Buren on Friday December 9, 2016. They competed against 45 players from large and small schools from around the area.
Seniors Michael Hall and Rance Mickle competed in the final coop tournament of their careers. Rance capped off his senior year winning second place with a 4-1 record, tying two of his games. Michael went 3-2 ending his career with one more win in the tournament than in the previous year. Junior Unnamed Player went 4.5-0.5 tying in the championship game earning him a shared title of tournament champion.
Sophomore Patrick Davis and Freshman Jessica George went 2-3 in their senior high tournament debut. “This was another good day for the Mansfield Chess Team” said chess coach Joshua Bryan, “It was a great day with a good turnout for our school, congratulations to Rance and Unnamed on their outstanding performances, I am proud of each of my players for how well they competed”.
