5th Annual Children’s Free Summer Programming at Fort Smith Museum of History
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday through fun & educational stories, hands-on activities, demonstrations, & interactive experiences for the whole family every Thursday morning in June at the Fort Smith Museum of History.
School is (almost) out, summer is (almost) here, and the Fort Smith Museum of History is ready to welcome children and families for another season of free summer fun and learning. The museum’s 5th Annual Summer Children’s Programming returns with engaging activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and community connection featuring guest speakers, story time, and hands-on activities followed by free food including Frito chili pie and ice cream in the Soda Fountain! Visit our website to RSVP and more info.
Thanks to our sponsor, Famous Chili Company of Fort Smith for helping make this community program possible. Families are encouraged to join us at FSMH to kick off summer with opportunities to learn, play, and make memories together in the heart of downtown Fort Smith.
Visit fortsmithmuseum.org/events for free ticketsDates / Time: Thursdays in June, 10:00 am – 11:30 amJune 4 — June 11 — June 18 — June 25
Email info@fortsmithmuseum.com Phone 479.783.7841
ASPSF Day of Giving raises $61K as 453 Single Parents Receive Spring Scholarship
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) raised $61,000 during its second annual Day of Giving on March 20, showing strong statewide support for single parents working toward a college degree.
This fundraising effort came as ASPSF awarded $659,600 in Spring 2026 scholarships to 453 single parents, helping student parents across 69 counties stay enrolled in college or trade school while supporting their families.
In the River Valley area, ASPSF awarded:
• $3,200 to two students in Scott County
• $6,000 to four students in Logan County
• $10,000 to seven students in Crawford County
• $35,200 to 25 students in Sebastian County
ASPSF scholarships can be used for expenses that often stand between a single parent and graduation, including child care, transportation, housing, utilities, and school-related costs. Thefinancial aid is paired with support services to help these nontraditional students successfully balance school, work, and parenting.
“Day of Giving showed how deeply Arkansans believe in the determination of single parents who are working to create a better future for their families,” said Jenn Morehead. “Every gift helps remove barriers that can keep a student parent from finishing school and moving into a career with family-supporting wages.”
This year’s Day of Giving exceeded the nonprofit’s $45,000 goal, and the campaign raised nearly twice as much as last year.
The fundraiser coincides with National Single Parent Day and brought together donors, volunteers, community partners, and local supporters across the state to invest in the success of single parent families. For many recipients, this support means more than financial help. It means knowing someone believes in their future.
For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Jen Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501.550.6304.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is dedicated to ending single parent poverty through higher education. Since 1990, ASPSF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships and provided services that empower single parents to complete their education and pursue higher-paying careers. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. Learn more at aspsf.org.
“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor
Hello everyone!! I love this weather here in God’s country in the River Valley. As you all know, I have crazy stuff happen to me all the time. I don’t know if I told ya’ll about the time I decided to clean out my car. I don’t get a wild hair to do that very often. Jacob was still at home when this happened, so he went and got the shop vacuum out for me and got it all plugged in and ready. I get the trash out — and yes, my car always has Diet Coke cans or candy wrappers in the floor — and I start to vacuum with that albatross shop vac.
Somehow, when I leaned down, that hose sucked my hair up in it. I could have sold tickets to the show that was going on in my driveway. I was screaming and carrying on trying to get it shut off and wrestling that hose, and it was sucking for all it was worth. I finally got it turned off and got my hair out. I looked like Phyllis Diller when it was all over. Well, by then I was wore out and didn’t want to clean that car out. A little word of advice for anyone that wants to go anywhere with me or ride with me — I would definitely keep a rabbit’s foot in your pocket.
Back when Chuck was alive, we had an Oldsmobile and we had to go to Little Rock for something. We got back home and turned in off 71 Highway and the front wheel fell off. I mean, we had been on the interstate with two kids. The Lord watched over us until we got home. Right around the same time, we went to Rock Creek to visit my two elderly aunts, Bonnie and Ginks. They lived together because they were widow women. It was dusky dark outside and we were all walking back to Chuck’s big blue truck. The aunts followed us outside to talk some more. I go through the gate and, I mean, the biggest copperhead snake you have ever seen crawls over my foot. I scream and kick it up in the air. It goes over Shannon’s feet and Chuck grabs Jacob. Me and Shannon are screaming bloody murder. It finally goes up under the big blue truck, and here comes Aunt Ginks toting a shotgun and hands it over the fence to Chuck. He finally gets steady enough to shoot it. I was scared for months to go outside after dark. When we got home after the ordeal, I asked Chuck to carry me in the house. That was a big laugh — it would have took a football team to carry me. Like I said before, if you are going to run around with me, keep a rabbit’s foot in your pocket for safe measure.
A sweet friend of mine, Beverly, bought me the Aunt Bee’s Mayberry Cookbook and this recipe was in there.
Opie’s Lemonade Pie 18 ounce Cool Whip 16 ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 9 inch graham cracker crust In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, lemonade, and sweetened condensed milk, blending well. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and chill about two hours. If you want it a little more tart, you can add a little lemon juice. Have a blessed week and hug your loved ones and tell them you love them!
Arkansas Outdoor School, county day camps promise adventure and learning for youth and teens throughout summer
By Rebekah Hall
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
As Arkansas families set their schedules for the summer, the Cooperative Extension Service will offer several opportunities for day camps and overnight camps throughout the season.
The C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center will offer a variety of day camps and overnight camps for 4-H members and the public throughout the summer.
Shannon Caldwell, Arkansas 4-H Center programs director for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said she and program staff are looking forward to a summer filled with diverse activities for youth.
“We are excited for a busy summer at the 4-H Center filled with our favorite camp activities, from swimming and paddleboarding to rock climbing and archery,” Caldwell said. “We will also offer camps focused on science activities, nature-inspired arts and crafts, wildlife education and more.
“Whatever your child is interested in, there will be something for them here at the 4-H Center,” she said.
Arkansas 4-H Camps offers overnight camps open to 4-H members and non-members for youth ages 5-19. Registration for 4-H members will be available through ZSuite, and non-members can register through links posted on the Arkansas 4-H Camps page on the Arkansas 4-H website. Registration opens approximately one month prior to the registration deadline, which varies depending on the camp.
State Camp — June 30-July 2 and July 13-15
- Session 1: June 30-July 2
- Session 2: July 13-15
- Open to youth ages 5-15
- Registration deadline is June 1
- Registration is $135 for 4-H members, $315 for non-members
- Registration will open soon. 4-H members will register on ZSuite, and non-members will register on the Arkansas 4-H camps page.
Artisan Camp — July 6-8
- Open to youth ages 5-19
- Registration deadline is June 1
- Registration is $185 for 4-H members, $415 for non-members
- Registration is open now. 4-H members will register on ZSuite, non-members will register on Arkansas 4-H camps page.
“State Camp is our traditional camp,” said Creenna Bocksnick, Arkansas 4-H camping coordinator for the Division of Agriculture. “It does not have a specific focus like some of the others.”
The Arkansas Outdoor School at the 4-H Center offers nine weeks of themed day camps from June through July. Registration for the camps will remain open throughout the summer, but most camps have a maximum enrollment of 25 campers.
Day camps are open to all youth ages 9-13. The program offers a three-tier pricing system, where parents can pay based on what is most affordable for their family.
Visit the Arkansas Outdoor School Summer Day Camps page to learn more and view dates for all sessions.
Program staff at the 4-H Center will also offer a session of Wilderness First Aid training, which is open to the public.
Wilderness First Aid — May 16-17
- Open to ages 16 and up
- Registration fee is $425
- Limited spots remain
- Register online
Extension county day camps
Extension county offices in Crittenden, Lawrence, Pulaski and Sebastian counties will offer day camps from May through August. Many of the camps are open to the public. Arkansas youth can join 4-H at any time by signing up in the Arkansas 4-H enrollment system, ZSuite. For 4-H members, registration for the summer day camps will be available in ZSuite.
Sebastian County
The Sebastian County Extension office will offer a School’s Out Pirate Bash for all youth ages 19 and under on May 29. Registration is open on ZSuite and closes on May 20.
For youth who are not 4-H members, families can RSVP for the event by calling the extension office at 479-484-7737 or contacting Megan Adkins, Sebastian County extension 4-H agent, at madkins@uada.edu.
“We do a ‘school’s out’ event open to everyone at the end of May every year at our office,” Adkins said. “The day will include a book reading, crafts, games, STEM challenges, food education and more.”
Adkins said this year’s theme is pirates and potatoes, based on the book “Potatoes for Pirate Pearl” by Jennifer Concepcion.
Sebastian County Extension will also offer two themed day camps for 4-H members in July and August. Both events are open to members ages 8-19. Registration will later be available on ZSuite.
Adkins said the Geography Camp on July 8 will be based on learning outdoor skills, navigation — such as roadmaps and topography — and about regions of the United States, including cultural distinctions such as food, weather and agricultural industries.
Strawberry Day on Aug. 4 will be a combined event with Sebastian County Extension 4-H, family and consumer sciences and horticulture staff to teach youth about the crop.
“We’ll talk about planting and growing them, the kids will get to cook them or preserve them, and we’ll do games and crafts focused on strawberries, including STEM education with activities such as DNA extraction,” Adkins said.
All three Sebastian County events are free to attend.
For more information about Arkansas 4-H, contact your local county agent or visit 4h.uada.edu.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact one of the numbers below as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
- For Sebastian County events, call Megan Adkins at 479-484-7737.
Scott County Republican Party Hosts Discussion on Arkansas Gun Legislation
The Scott County Republican Party welcomed representatives from Gun Owners of Arkansas (GO-AR) during its meeting Tuesday, May 5, where attendees heard updates on Arkansas gun laws, constitutional carry protections, and ongoing legislative efforts surrounding Second Amendment rights.
Several community members attended the meeting to hear from GO-AR President Gary Epperson and GO-AR board member Jessica Rice-Ree. Also present several candidates for office, including Sheri Thompson, candidate for Scott County Assessor, Jason Daggs, candidate for Scott County Sheriff, and Boyd Farmer, candidate for Mayor of the City of Mansfield.
Epperson spoke about his Scott County roots and shared how Gun Owners of Arkansas first began. He outlined the organization’s long-standing role in advocating for gun rights legislation across Arkansas, noting that many of the changes to Arkansas firearm laws over the past decade originated through the organization’s efforts.
During his remarks, Gary Epperson discussed the time and travel he dedicates each year to monitoring legislation and working with state lawmakers on firearm-related bills, including helping draft portions of legislation himself. He said that commitment also involves building and maintaining relationships in order to remain influential at the State Capitol.
“I receive phone calls from senior state officials anywhere from 10 p.m. till 2 or 3 in the morning regarding gun legislation and related issues,” Epperson said with a laugh.
Rice-Ree, who has been with GO-AR for nearly two years, addressed Arkansas constitutional carry laws and explained several differences between carrying with and without a permit.
According to Rice-Ree, carrying with a permit still comes with specific legal requirements and restrictions, including:
- Duty to inform law enforcement officers that you are armed
- Restrictions on carrying in bars or nightclubs
- Restrictions on carrying in businesses displaying “No Guns” signs
- Restrictions on carrying in churches without permission
- Restrictions on carrying in certain city parks and athletic events
Rice-Ree also discussed protections under Arkansas constitutional carry laws, explaining that Arkansans may legally carry a concealed firearm without a permit under current state law.
Additional topics included “Stand Your Ground” protections and differences in where concealed carry is permitted under Arkansas law.
Attendees were provided informational handouts outlining constitutional carry laws and permit requirements. Rice-Ree noted that there are currently 29 constitutional carry states nationwide, though reciprocity agreements and firearm laws can still vary from state to state. She also highlighted some benefits of GO-AR membership, including tours of firearm facilities, regular meetings, and events hosted throughout the year.
“We want to give you the correct information on gun laws and allow you to then make an educated decision on whether or not you want to have a concealed carry license,” Gary Epperson concluded. “We welcome and encourage questions.”
To learn more about Gun Owners of Arkansas, you can visit their Facebook page or visit their website.
Hackett Man Arrested on Child Exploitation, Sexual Assault Charges
A Hackett man was arrested by Arkansas State Police on multiple felony charges involving an alleged minor, according to booking records.
Jacob Nathaniel Adams, 30, of Hackett, was taken into custody on May 2, 2026, by Arkansas State Police Troop H. He was booked into custody at 10:53 a.m. and later released the same day at approximately 2:45 p.m.
According to court and booking information, Adams faces two charges: internet stalking of a child—seduce, solicit with meeting, and sexual assault in the fourth degree involving alleged intercourse. Both charges stem from an incident dated May 1, 2026.
Records indicate the case has been deemed legally sufficient, and Adams was issued a $250,000 bond. A court appearance was scheduled for May 4, 2026, in Greenwood District Court.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation. The case originated with Arkansas State Police Troop H.
Instant Information Culture Raises Concerns for Public Safety, Accuracy
In an era where information is expected instantly, officials and law enforcement are raising concerns about the growing consequences of real-time reporting through social media and third-party apps.
The public’s demand to know “who, what, when, where, and how” as events unfold has transformed how news and emergencies are shared. But authorities say that speed can come at a cost—particularly when details are incomplete, inaccurate, or shared before families are properly notified.
One of the most pressing concerns involves the premature reporting of deaths or injuries. In some cases, information has circulated widely online before next of kin are officially notified, creating additional trauma for families already facing devastating situations.
Equally troubling, officials say, is the spread of unverified or incorrect information. Applications such as CrimeRadar, which rely on artificial intelligence to transcribe emergency scanner traffic, have recently come under scrutiny. The app was blamed for contributing to public panic following a reported call near the Greenwood Walmart initially described as a “shooting.”
Authorities later clarified the incident did not occur inside the store. Instead, it involved an accidental discharge of a firearm inside a vehicle in the vicinity of the business.
According to Greenwood Police Chief Brad Hobbs, the issue lies in the technology itself.
“AI only transcribes what it thinks it hears,” Hobbs said, noting that misinterpretations can quickly escalate into widespread misinformation. “That can be dangerous.”
Law enforcement officials also point to social media posts that attempt to “warn” others about police activity, such as sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks. While often intended as helpful, those posts can undermine public safety efforts.
On New Year’s Eve and other high-traffic enforcement periods, such alerts have become increasingly common. More recently, a social media post warning drivers of a law enforcement presence raised serious concerns among investigators.
Authorities indicated that, if viewed by the wrong individual, the post could have jeopardized an ongoing Arkansas State Police investigation into a child sexual assault case—one that originated online and had been under development for an extended period.
Officials stress that while community awareness is important, there is a fine line between being informed and interfering with active investigations or public safety operations.
As technology continues to evolve, law enforcement and community leaders are urging the public to exercise caution, verify information before sharing, and consider the broader impact of instant communication.
The call, they say, is not to stop sharing information—but to do so responsibly.
Obituary: Jerry Keith Davis (1941-2026)
Jerry Keith Davis, 84, left his earthly home in Waldron, Arkansas, to go to his heavenly home on April 30, 2026. Jerry was born on the Davis farm (established in 1876) on August 28, 1941, to his parents, Thurlo “Dick” Davis and Alvanue (Frost) Davis.
In his youth, he learned (and loved) to hunt, fish, and ride horses with his Dad and also his childhood friend Jimmy Judy. In his teenage years, football was his passion.
As much as a boy loves to play, he was encouraged to work on the farm along side the rest of his family, which included his older sister Linda and younger sister Donna. He worked hard and, as a young teen, supervised several hay-hauling crews.
When he graduated from high school in 1959, Jerry proudly enlisted in the Navy, where he served his beloved country and saw the world. During many long, lonely watches as a Radioman, he developed a love of reading.After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Arkansas Tech. He graduated in 3 years with a double major in Economics and Business Administration, while also working full-time. He enjoyed learning and continued his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, even entering their law school for a year before his job at Campbell Soup took priority to support his family. Always employed, he held supervisory positions in Fayetteville, AR; Carthage, MO; Milford, DE; and Waco, TX.
Jerry enjoyed traveling with his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Tylitha. He loved history, hiking, horseback riding, reading, watching sports, music, a good thunderstorm, and listening to ocean waves. He was a true romantic. Almost always surrounded by women, he was also a man of great patience.
Jerry returned to his boyhood home with Susan and Tylitha (“my girls,” as he called them) after retiring. He kept in touch with most of his friends, many commenting that he asked about their family, but never mentioned his declining health.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife and life companion of 48 years, Susan. His daughters Stephanie (Randy) Hamilton of Prairie Grove, AR, and Tylitha Davis of Waldron, AR. His grandchildren, Chad Hamilton, Justin Zaccanti, Todd Lankford, Tanner Goolsby, Ian Davis, and their families. Susan’s family enthusiastically welcomed Jerry into their family. Dianne (Greg) Wenrich, Rose Wenrich, all of Indiana; Bob (Robyn) Wenrich, California; Catherine (Jim) Heffernan, Pennsylvania; their children and grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by his two sisters: Linda Goodner of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Donna Judy of Harrison, Arkansas along with their children, Randy Judy, Stewart Judy, Greg Goodner and Karan Rogers.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Stacey Davis, and brother-in-laws Jimmy Judy and Jim Wenrich.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Birdsview Church, Waldron, AR, beginning at noon, there will be a viewing, at 2:00 p.m., the service will begin, followed by Military Honors and graveside prayer.
Jerry’s love, firm handshakes, tight embraces, and mischievous grin will hold his memory for us who were honored to know him.