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Obituary: Loretta Daggs (1936-2025)

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1:10 pm

Loretta Daggs, 89, of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Waldron, Arkansas. She was born on January 29, 1936, to Leonard and Mildred (Wilson) Wagner in Dutch Creek, Arkansas. Loretta was a devoted member of the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene.

Loretta held many clerical positions over the years, eventually retiring from Tyson Foods after many years of dedicated service. She was married to the love of her life, Jim Daggs, for 51 years. Together, they raised six amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “Memaw.”

Loretta loved hosting large family get-togethers. She also enjoyed playing cards with her Skip-Bo buddies and looked forward to game nights at the Nazarene Church. When she wasn’t spending time with family and friends, Loretta enjoyed traveling, flowers, the color red, and found joy in collecting many things, especially Fenton glassware.

Loretta leaves behind to cherish her memory six children: Jason Daggs and wife Wendy of Waldron, Arkansas; Pam Owens and husband Myrtie of Waldron, Arkansas; Terri Benefield and husband Johnny of Wister, Oklahoma; Sherry Hoffman and husband Randy of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Jimmy Daggs and wife Helen of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and Kenneth Daggs of Waldron, Arkansas.

Loretta will forever remain in the hearts of her twelve grandchildren: Jacob Daggs, Jaren Daggs, Chad Owens, Shane Owens, John Benefield, Justin Benefield, Bambi Jo Benefield, Robin Daggs, Aaron Daggs, Celeste McClennan, Aimee Steamson, and Logan Daggs; as well as fourteen great-grandchildren: Hannah Owens, Drew Owens, Cash Owens, Tate Owens, Lana Thackler, Noah Benefield, Sydney Benefield, Paisley Benefield, Mia Benefield, Jacob Benefield, Lily Cowen, Brooke Cowen, EverRae Daggs, and Nathan Daggs; and a special niece, Tammye Sherrill.

Loretta will be missed by all who knew her and by the many whose lives she touched, including a host of extended family, friends, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Loretta was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Jim Daggs; her parents, Leonard and Mildred Wagner; her sister, June Owens; her brother, Bud Wagner; and her grandson, Jase Daggs.

Loretta’s celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene, with Rev. Wally Beckman and Rev. Jeremy Newlin officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery in Waldron. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Loretta’s pallbearers will be her grandsons: Jacob Daggs, Jaren Daggs, Chad Owens, Shane Owens, Drew Owens, John Benefield, Justin Benefield. Honorary pallbearers will be Hannah Owens, Danny Rhyne, Benny Newberry, Jim Wilmoth, and Noah Benefield.

Loretta’s visitation will be Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Sebastian County Library Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled

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1:38 pm

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Sebastian County Library Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled

GREENWOOD, AR (June 18, 2025) – Decades in the making, Sebastian County Library, a branch of the
Scott-Sebastian Regional Library (SSRL), will soon have a new building. Construction of the library is underway with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for Wednesday, June 18, 9 a.m.

The new Sebastian County Library site is located on the corner of Hwy 71 and Center Street. Entry into the library site for the groundbreaking ceremony will be on the north side of the development through Cedar Valley Drive. Parking space will be limited.

The new Sebastian County Library will have:
10,000 sq. ft.
Dedicated adult, teens, and children’s spaces with enclosed areas for teens and children
Community room and study rooms
Outdoor spaces

“The location of the new library site is ideal for a county library. The location of Hwy 71 and Center Street improves accessibility for not only the Greenwood community but also Hackett, Bonanza, Lavaca, Witcherville, Huntington, Mansfield, Hartford, and Scott County communities,“ said SSRL Library Director Rene Myers.

“Community members have been asking for a community room and study rooms for several years. I’m so excited to finally be able to provide those spaces for the community.”

Construction for the new Sebastian County Library is expected to be completed August 2026. For
more information on the new Sebastian County Library project, please contact Rene Myers rmyers@sebastiancountyar.gov or visit the SSRL’s website scottsebastianregionallibrary.com

About Scott-Sebastian Regional Library: Scott-Sebastian Regional Library (SSRL) is a two-county
library system that serves the communities of Sebastian County and Scott County.
SSRL provides information, materials, services, and programming that supports the communication of
ideas, enlighten citizenry, and enrichment of the personal lives of the residents of Scott and Sebastian
Counties. For more information, visit scottsebastainregionallibrary.com

ASU Announces Spring 2025 Chancellor’s and Dean’s List

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11:44 am

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ASU Announces Spring 2025 Chancellor’s and Dean’s List

JONESBORO – Students on the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists for the spring 2025 semester at Arkansas State University have been announced. The lists recognize undergraduate students who achieved the highest grade-point averages while completing a minimum of 12 credit hours of study.

The Chancellor’s List (designated as CL) includes students who earned a perfect GPA of 4.0. The Dean’s List (designated as DL) includes students with a GPA of 3.6 to 3.99.

Franklin County:
Ozark: Joseph Cowell, DL
Booneville: Diondra Neve, CL
Paris: Sarah Baumgartner, CL

Logan County:
Paris: Heather Jackson, CL
Paris: Callie Smith, CL

Sebastian County:
Fort Smith: Caleb Capps, CL
Fort Smith: Kaleah Chaffin, CL
Fort Smith: Rylee Cowart, CL
Fort Smith: Kristyn Grayson, CL
Fort Smith: Devin Griffin, CL
Fort Smith: Heather Griffin, CL
Fort Smith: Adam Nobles, CL
Fort Smith: Samone Taylor, CL
Fort Smith: Venesa Lewis, DL
Fort Smith: Brynn Phillips, DL
Greenwood: Jillian Lathen, CL
Greenwood: Abigail Veatch, CL
Greenwood: Aidan Kittell, DL
Greenwood: Amelia Morgan, DL
Hackett: Delvin Dupre, DL
Hackett: Paige Pugh, DL
Mansfield: Tammy Teague, CL

Waldron School Board Holds Monthly Meeting, Approves Key Resolutions and Personnel Changes

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9:38 am

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Waldron School Board Holds Monthly Meeting, Approves Key Resolutions and Personnel Changes

The Waldron School Board convened for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Central Office Building. Presiding over the meeting was Board President Clay Woodall, joined by members Mac Davis, Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay, and Stan Cottrell. Superintendent Daniel Fielding and several district staff members were also present.

After a welcoming statement from Woodall, McKay led a prayer, followed by Hunsucker guiding the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The board approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from prior meetings, financial reports, and expenditures. Additionally, several program guidelines and financial agreements were approved, including the annual Microsoft license renewal, Dyslexia and ESOL program guidelines, and insurance premiums for district vehicles and equipment.

A key resolution regarding compliance with ACT 1105 was passed, allowing the district to transfer any excess carryover funds beyond $1,990,000 into a designated building fund after necessary deductions.

Darla Jeffery informed the board about ongoing hail damage repairs. Zack Taylor provided an enrollment update for the Middle School, noting a total of 395 students at the close of the 2024-25 school year, and thanked local churches and businesses for their contributions during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham reminded the board of the upcoming Dog Days event, scheduled for June 21, with student activities planned for June 20. Meanwhile, Toni Dozier presented policy updates for board review before the next voting session.

Superintendent Daniel Fielding reported that Service Master had begun paint and roof repairs at the Elementary and Middle Schools.

The board accepted the resignations of Billie Jo Corbin, Rylea Weaver, and Tyler Hankins, and approved the retirement of Patti Fletcher, the High School Media Specialist.

Coaching assignments for the 2024-25 school year were adjusted and approved. The board also voted to hire Roger Rich as a Level 2 Bus Mechanic with 15 years of experience and as a Level 1 Bus Driver, pending his CDL acquisition.

The meeting concluded at 6:49 p.m., following a motion by McKay and seconded by Hunsucker.

Obituary: Kevin Smalling (1971-2025)

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9:29 am

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Kevin Ray Smalling was born on September 17, 1971, in Mena, Arkansas, and departed this life for his eternal home on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was the beloved son of Darrell and Wanda Smalling, and grew up in Cedar Creek, Arkansas, alongside his brother, Steven.

Kevin was a cherished father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his children; Raquel Mason Smalling, Tasha (Glendall) Payne, Keisha Wright, and Miranda (Joseph) Nichiniello. His grandchildren; Elena Smalling, Marco (Maleea) Mondragon, David Mondragon, Abi McKenzie, Jackie Powell and Knoxlee Payne. Great grandson; Julian Mondragon. His mother; Wanda Smalling Raines, his brother; Steven (Leane) Smalling, nephews; Tyler (Lyndsey) Smalling and Lance Smalling and his niece; Olivia (Kaden) Stuart. Great niece; Lily Smalling, Great nephews; Eli Smalling, Max Smalling, Greyson Smalling and Sterling Stuart. Stepsisters; Jennifer Rowland, Amanda Jennings, Ashlee Gibson and Sarah Lee. Kevin is also survived by many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Smalling; his stepfather, Earl Raines; and his son, Ben Mason. His paternal grandparents; Virgil and Roxie Smalling and maternal grandparents; Ed and Mabel Hulsey.

Throughout his life, Kevin was known for living life to the fullest and bringing joy to everyone around him. He had a way of lighting up every room with his humor, making people laugh, and showing love in the most loyal and generous way. Whether it was through a joke, a helping hand, or just his presence, Kevin made people feel like they belonged.

He didn’t just care about his friends-he loved them like family. His friendships were deep, real, and lifelong. His unconditional love for his family and friends was always evident, and his legacy will live on through the memories we shared and the laughter he brought into our lives.

We take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with the loved ones who went before him.

The funeral to celebrate Kevin’s life will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cedar Creek Cemetery Fund c/o Chambers Bank or Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.