Obituary – Della Faye Liles (1951-2025)
Della Faye Liles of Russellville, Arkansas passed from this life on January 26, 2025. Della was born November 15, 1930, to Horace and Lena Deramus and was raised in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. She married the love of her life J. R. (Jake) Liles on April 14, 1951, and together they raised their family in Waldron, Arkansas.
Della was a faithful member of the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene the entire time she lived there. She loved working in the nursery at church and most often found holding a baby. Over the years she served in many capacities in the church including singing in the choir, being on the board and serving as treasurer. Della lived a faithful life and loved the Lord with her whole heart. Della also worked at the Petrolane/Amerigas offices for over twenty-five years. She managed the office and was a welcoming face to all that entered. Della was known and loved by everyone who came into contact with her.
Della was known by many as “Granny” whether it was her grandchildren, their friends or any of the many children she cared for in the church nursery. She loved everyone and set an example for all of us that family is about all of those people you take in and care for during life. She lived a life that was a wonderful example for us all and left us with many beautiful memories to cherish.
Della was preceded in death by her parents Horace and Lena Deramus, her husband of 57 years Jake Liles, her son-in law Thomas Akin, her daughter Sandra Liles Walker, and her brother in-law Bo Sikes.
Della is survived by daughter Karen Akin, son Rob Liles (Cathy), by her grandchildren, Kendra Jones (Ben), Michelle Holmes (Leroy), Corey Liles (Misty), Jordan Liles (Kori), Andrew Liles, Carla Wells (Richard), Shane Oswald. She was also blessed with many great grandchildren Lauren Jones, Madeline Jones, Hannah Fore, Ruger Day, Corbin Liles, Carson Liles, Jay Liles, Holly Meek (Brandon), Allie Oswald, Jenna Oswald, Miles Robinson, and a great-great grandchild, Jake Meek all of which she loved dearly. Della is also survived by her sister Mae Dell Sikes and her brother Alan Deramus (Elaine). Della was also loved by many including her daughter in love Diane Phelps, many nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.
Pall Bearers: Corey Liles, Jordan Liles, Andrew Liles, Ben Jones, Leroy Holmes, David Sikes, Bruce Sikes, Keith Sikes. Honorary Pall Bearers: Donald Sikes, Richard Wells and Petrolane/Amerigas Service Friends.
The family will be having a visitation on Thursday January 30, 2025, at the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene at 10:00 followed by the funeral service at 11:00. The burial and internment will be at 2:00 at the Cherry Hill Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Della may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, Home – New – NWA Circle of Life Hospice, or Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance ‘ No Arkansan Should Be Hungry.
The family would also like to thank the care givers at Jamestown Nursing Home in Rogers and the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale for their wonderful love and care.
Timepiece: The Life of Sam Houston
By Dr. Curtis Varnell
The life of Sam Houston is usually associated with that of Texas but, even before that time period, he was an influential resident of the Arkansas Territory. Houston, born in Virginia, spend most of his early life in Tennessee. As a rebellious teenager, he ran away from home and spent almost three years of his life with John Jolly’s band of Cherokee. During this time, he adopted the dress of the tribe, learned to speak the language fluently, and was given the name of “the Raven.”
After returning home, he fought in the War of 1812 as a part of General Andrew Jackson’s forces. His association with Jackson greatly influenced the rest of his life. Because of his familiarity and friendship with the Cherokee, he was hired as an Indian sub-agent to assist in relocating the Cherokee into Arkansas and Oklahoma. His friend, Chief Jolly, chose land at Spadra, near present day Clarksville. The roll call of individuals in attendance at the Spadra trading post list the Raven as present.
Returning to Tennessee, he rode Jackson’s coattails and served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1823-27. He than ran and was elected governor of Tennessee and was planning to run again when his marriage to Eliza Allen mysteriously fell apart. Devastated, he departed to Cherokee Territory to be with his adopted family. Cherokee territory at that time included most of the Arkansas River Valley and west to about Tulsa, Oklahoma. He arrived in Little Rock on May, 8, 1829, surrounded by rumors that Jackson was using him to either control Arkansas politics or to create trouble in Texas. His letter back to Jackson is not clear as to intention, “Your suggestion on the subject of my location in Arkansas has received my serious attention, and I have concluded, that it would not be best for me to adopt the course. In that Territory there is no field for distinction.”
During this time, he moved into the home of Chief John Jolly and married Tiana, (Talihinia) a niece of the chief, in and Indian ceremony. Chief Jolly lived on the west side of Spadra Creek, a mile distant from what is now Clarksville, AR. During this time, Houston spent much of his time travelling to Washington as a delegate for the Cherokee tribe as well as drinking himself into the nickname, the Big Drunk The 1830 Arkansas Gazette published five letters written by Houston defending the rights of Native Americans.
Eventually, Houston and his family moved into Oklahoma Territory near Webbers Falls where he continued to work with various Indian groups. It is of note that in 1832, he made his first foray into Texas as an Indian delegate. When Tiana supposedly refused to accompany him, he gave her the home, land, two slaves and “divorced” her. During the summer 0f 1833, he returned for a short time and then spent several days recuperating from an old injury by soaking in the waters at Hot Springs.
Most of the rest of the story, we know from history books. He returned to Texas, became the commanding general of the Texas army which defeated Santa Anna, served as Texas President for two terms, as U.S. Senator, and was governor when the Civil War began. Houston was opposed to the war and refused to take an oath to the confederacy stating, “in the name of my own conscience and my own manhood…I refuse to take this oath.” He was removed from office.
It is also worthy of note that Houston had been a lifetime slave owner. The Emancipation Proclamation was passed in 1862 but was not accepted in Texas. Houston called all the slaves in and freed them in the last months of 1862, and they lived as de facto freeman from 1862 until the war ended. Joshua and Margaret Houston, two former slaves, remained in Huntsville, Texas. Joshua worked for many years as a blacksmith and served as county commissioner, started a school, and became an influential citizen in the region. At Joshua Houston’s request, he was buried near Sam Houston in Huntsville, Walker County, Texas.
Council Votes 4-2 to Approve Fourth Police Officer Position; Increases Rural Fire Dues
The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday night, January 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. All members of the council were present including Glen Hurt, James Steele, Julie Thomas, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins and Boyd Farmer. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Joy Maly.
After the approval of the minutes and financials of the previously held meeting, Mayor Black addressed the large crowd in attendance. “We would like to recognize the efforts of Zander Walters. His actions saved a human life on December 15, 2024. Your heroic actions will always be remembered.” Walters acted bravely and without regard to his own safety to save his neighbor, Sissie Payne, from a house fire. Walters was presented with a “Life Saving” award from the City of Mansfield, and a $50 gift card from the Chamber of Commerce. Walters family and friends were in attendance to witness the presentation. Also present, Payne, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Walters’ heroic actions. (See related story)
Following the presentation, the council heard the city services reports.
Fire Chief Michael Smith stated that they had a busy month with 52 total calls, nine fire and 43 medical. Smith stated that they have had to work on the heaters in both stations, and that the E One pumper was down due to the ABS braking system going out. Last, Smith stated that he needed to order AED batteries, pads, flashlights, and pike poles. Smith had gotten an estimate to purchase the batteries and pads for $2,116.53. The council voted to approve the purchase of those items. Smith stated he will get the estimates on the flashlights and pike poles.
Police Chief Wyatt McIntyre gave his report, noting a total of 16 traffic stops for the month. Those included three citations, and four warnings in Scott County and two citations and three warnings in Sebastian County. There were 17 total calls, four agency assists in Scott County and eight in Sebastian. There were four incident/arrest reports, one accident report, one school call, three medical and one fire call.
McIntyre displayed the “less lethal” option he stated agencies have moved to, JPX OC spray. He stated that he had been visiting with Lavaca Police Chief Randy Toon and sought the council’s permission to donate the department’s tasers to Lavaca. McIntyre noted that the officers will be receiving training on the use of these pepper guns.
Public Works Director Derrick Pollard presented his departmental report which included 154 service orders and eight One Call requests. Pollard stated that the R&R gas line project remains ongoing and is in the third stage. Lastly, Pollard noted that the new water pump/motor had come in and that they are working on that replacement.
Alderman Boyd stated that citizens had inquired about the city clearing streets after the snowfall. Pollard responded that they do not have the equipment to do it. Mayor Black noted that it had been done previously by the former public works director with his personal equipment.
The council then moved on to items of unfinished business, which included the approval of resolution 2025-1, resolution 2025-2, and resolution 2025-3. All three resolutions were passed unanimously.
In matters of new business, the approval of moving $20,801.21 from the waste fund to the general fund in order to pay former Police Chief Wayne Robb’s final pay, including accrued PTO time. The motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Next, Mayor Black stated that the former recorder/treasurer had closed the city’s credit card account before leaving office and that the city needed one to use for normal business activities. The motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to open a new credit card account at Farmer’s Bank.
The council then considered a mutual aid agreement for police with the City of Hartford. Mayor Black stated that the Hartford Mayor had contacted him during the time their police chief had been placed on administrative leave. After a brief discussion, the council ultimately decided to take no action. However, noted that the Mansfield Police Department would assist Hartford Police when needed.
In other matters of new business, the consideration of allowing D.L. Upton to live in a travel trailer on 6th street (not zoned for mobile housing). The council, however, decided against making the exception.
Additionally, the council discussed raising rural fire dues, noting the small percentage of those who are paying. Councilwoman Thomas made the motion to raise the annual rural fire dues from $40 to $50 a year.
Mayor Black suggested a future study session to consider water tap increases. The date of that study session is yet to be determined.
In the last item of new business, the council considered adding a fourth police officer. “We have discussed this ad nauseum,” stated Black. Members who had historically voted against the addition were open to the idea with the new chief in position. “Under the former leadership I was against hiring a fourth officer,” declared Councilwoman Thomas. “However, since that time I gave my word that I would vote for it, and I am going to stick to it.” Also voicing approval, Councilman Farmer.
“We did not give city employees raises because we said we did not have the money,” responded Councilwoman Sheri Hopkins. “I will not vote for it…This report (holding up the police report) does not demonstrate the need for a fourth police officer.” Councilman Steele countered Hopkins, asking is she was “waiting for the city to burn down.”
Farmer maintained that he would approve the addition in order to have 24-hour police coverage. Councilman Steele motioned to approve the fourth officer position, and Farmer seconded the motion.
Before an official vote, McIntyre addressed the council stating, “you all don’t know me very well, but I have worked hard to have a good reputation…I have had several people, one a veteran officer, let me know they want to work for me…I want to have training programs…small but mighty.”
Mayor Black inquired of McIntyre if those people would be willing to work part time. He responded that he had not asked but would. With a motion and a second on the floor to move forward with the addition of a full-time, fourth officer position, the roll call vote proceeded: FOR – Hurt, Thomas, Steele, and Farmer. AGAINST – Lyons and Hopkins. The motion passed, 4-2.
With no other items of business on the agenda, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.
Threadfin shad: tiny fish, big impact on Arkansas sport fishing
By Sarah Baxter
Stocking threadfin shad is a relatively new endeavor for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. These tiny, silvery minnows may not be glamorous, but they have a big impact on your favorite sport fish, be it bass, crappie or walleye. They also are somewhat delicate, making them not only difficult to raise in a hatchery, but also to harvest, haul and stock.
Despite these difficulties, AGFC started raising them in 2016 — with great success. Staff have annually stocked between 1 million and 1.5 million threadfin shad in waters around the state ever since.
AGFC hatchery staff stocked a variety of lakes last year with threadfin shad, from some of the AGFC’s smallest lakes like 100-acre Horsehead Lake near Clarksville to Upper and Lower White Oak lakes in Ouachita and Nevada counties that equate to 1,700 acres combined. Brewer Lake near Plumerville saw a direct stocking of shad last year, and Lake Monticello was loaded down with more than 350,000 fingerling threadfins to help jump start this historical heavyweight largemouth bass destination as it rebounds from a recent renovation.
In addition to direct stocking, AGFC uses nursery ponds to stock shad. Each spring, thousands of adult shad are introduced to small ponds adjacent to larger lakes that have few if any aquatic predators or competing species. After spawning, both adults and their offspring are released into the lake in the fall, further bolstering the shad population. This innovative approach maximizes stocking efforts and strengthens the aquatic food web. Two larger lakes, Maumelle just west of Little Rock, and Greers Ferry near Heber Springs, saw a boost to shad populations through nursery ponds devoted to those lakes last year. Another nursery pond, this one on Lake Conway, also was stocked, but it is being used as a temporary fishing destination during that lake’s renovation and the shad stocked there are helping keep game fish in that pond at healthy weights for anglers until construction on Conway is complete.
What makes threadfin shad so valuable? They rarely grow larger than 5 inches, making them ideal prey for a wide range of predator species. They primarily inhabit open water: This not only adds feeding opportunities to portions of lakes where other forage species are not available, but also creates exciting angling opportunities for game fish. Anglers often see the telltale signs of shad schools being chased by predators — a thrilling sight that promises rousing fishing action.
These little fish are also incredibly productive, quickly multiplying and creating a sustainable food source for hungry predators. This “boom” in the food supply means more energy for sport fish to grow larger and stronger. By providing an abundant food source, threadfin shad help maintain a healthy balance in a lake’s ecosystem. A well-fed predator population puts less pressure on other prey species, contributing to overall fish community health.
The AGFC recognizes the vital role threadfin shad play in supporting Arkansas’s thriving sport fisheries. The Fisheries Division stocks thousands of shad in lakes where forage levels are low, ensuring a plentiful food supply for game fish. This proactive approach helps maintain healthy and exhilarating fishing opportunities for anglers across the state.
So, the next time you land a lunker bass or a slab crappie, remember the tiny threadfin shad that helped make it happen. These unsung heroes of the underwater world play a vital role in our aquatic ecosystems, fueling the growth of your favorite sport fish.
State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Senate quickly approved legislation to protect the rights of more than 500 victims of child sex abuse who have already won civil cases and are waiting for their settlements to become official.
Senators unanimously approved Senate Bill 13 on the same day that attorneys for a former pediatrician, and convicted child sex offender, argued before the state Court of Appeals that existing Arkansas law was unconstitutional.
The sex offender’s lawsuit challenges a law enacted in 2021 known as the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act. It greatly extended the statute of limitations for child abuse victims, and also extended the time period in which they can file lawsuits against the offenders who abused them.
Legislators became aware that the 2021 act was being challenged in court, so the same Senate and House sponsors of the 2021 act joined forces again to file SB 13.
Passage of SB 13 by the legislature will protect monetary awards that victims in Arkansas have already won, no matter the outcome of the case currently at the Court of Appeals. If the convicted sex offender wins, and SB 13 is not passed, money that already has been allocated to victims in Arkansas would instead be distributed to victims from other states.
Two other Senate bills that were approved early in the legislative session are meant to make veterinary services more available in parts of Arkansas that are under-served.
Senate Bill 68 passed by a vote of 34-to-1. It would allow veterinary technicians, technologists and technician specialists to help animals during an emergency when the supervising veterinarian is not present.
By a vote of 33-to-2 the Senate passed SB 61, which would allow a veterinarian licensed in Arkansas to provide telemedicine services, using audio-visual technology or the telephone.
The bill would also allow a veterinarian to provide emergency services via telemedicine for someone even though they have not yet established a relationship. In those instances, the veterinarian must establish a relationship with the client within seven days if a small animal was treated, and within 21 days if a large animal was treated.
The two bills will next be considered by the House of Representatives.
Also during the second week of the session, the Senate passed SB 15 to repeal a law concerning the negligent shooting of a firearm while deer hunting.
It is the first in a package of bills the legislature will consider this session to clarify the many statutes on firearms. Throughout 2024 a legislative committee studied firearms laws, while getting input from the attorney general, law enforcement and concealed carry safety instructors.
SB 15 repeals language about negligent shooting that is covered in other criminal and civil statutes. The repealed language is discriminatory against deer hunters, the sponsor said, because it doesn’t apply to other hunters.
The Senate approved a handful of budget bills, including the appropriation that authorizes state turnback for cities and counties. HB 1102 appropriates $29.37 million for cities and $21.4 million to counties.
Walters Goes From All-State Linebacker To Life Saving Hero
Let’s face it, our current era isn’t like the good ol’ days. Many Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Xennials, and a handful of Millennials recall a time when things seemed like a real-life episode of the Andy Giffith show in small towns. Back when manners weren’t a choice, families dressed up to go to town, and being neighborly was more than merely knowing the name of who lived next door. But today’s generation, let’s just say that there are many upcoming young men and women around the country who could care less about old-school morals, values, and ethics that once were. But now and then, you’ll find an Andy Taylor pop-up amongst all of the social media zombies in the modern-day teenage wasteland. In fact, a local young man gave his community a glimpse of hope in today’s generation. That young man wasn’t from the fictional town of Mayberry though, he was from Mansfield, Arkansas.
Zander Walters has made his name synonymous on the gridiron over the past few years as an All-Conference and All-State defensive linebacker and offensive tackle for the Mansfield Tigers. From the offseason weight room and the summer practices to game day itself, his grit and determination to be the best at everything he does has made him a “dude” that many opponents would rather not face. In the classroom, Walters is a teacher’s dream. His respectfulness, hard work, and studious mindset have Walters on the principal’s list or the honor roll every semester. Zander’s positive qualities don’t stop when he leaves the campus though. Walters is the first to help if he sees someone in need and brings a smile with him wherever he goes. Raised by his grandparents, Paul and Kathy Walters, Zander has the personality to fit in with multi-generational crowds. While teenagers like Zander are relatively difficult to find, there are plenty out there if you look for them. So, what sets Zander Walters apart from some of the others that are solid young men and women? Well, simply put, Zander Walters is a hero.
On the evening of December 14th, 2024, Zander was at his house playing with his dog, Dakota, when he noticed his dog focusing on something outside the yard. When he looked to the east in the same direction as his dog, he noticed that his neighbor’s house was engulfed in flames. This is where a lot of folks would call 911 and merely watch in shock while waiting for someone else to help. Zander Walters did call 911, but he did it on the run. His reaction was without the “re” and all about the action. “I had no reaction or fear in my mind. I just knew when I saw the fire that I needed to help whoever might be in the house”. It was a good 60 yards plus between the Walters’ home and their neighbors with barriers of brush, ditches, trees, and fences in between. But as Walters has proven on the football field, there is no one and nothing that can stop him when he gets his tree trunk legs going as he mowed his way to the fire. Once at the fiery residence of his neighbor, Zander and Mansfield Assistant Fire Chief Albert Haysmer, who was first on the scene, began scouring the blazing inferno for signs of life. Thankfully, the brave duo found Mansfield resident, Sissie Rupe Payne, and moved her to safety as the structure of the house began to collapse. Payne suffered significant burns from the fire, but the quick thinking and fearlessness of Haysmer and Walters prevented worse injuries or even death.
While Haysmer has saved numerous lives and seen some of the most tragic fires, that’s what he signed up for. Haysmer definitely deserves recognition for all he and the volunteers of the Mansfield Fire Department did on that fateful night. For that matter, on every call that they rush to, they volunteer to be lifesaving heroes daily. But the selflessness and fearlessness of a seventeen-year-old young man to rush straight towards hundred-foot flames to help save a life also deserves the recognition of a hero and that is just what the City of Mansfield did for Zander Walters. The city leaders and Walters’ grandparents devised a master plan to secretly surprise Zander on Thursday, January 23, at a Mansfield City Hall meeting. “I was told we had to go and sign some papers, so I thought nothing of it”. Once there though, Walters saw family and friends in attendance along with Mansfield Mayor, Buddy Black and the City Council. After opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, Zander was called to the front where Mayor Black awarded him with a Life Saving plaque. While surprised at the events that had unfolded before him, a humble Zander Walters said “I was surprised that they did this. It’s all good, but I didn’t help for a reward, I helped because it’s what we’re supposed to do”. Although Walters may not think he’s a hero, to Sissie Rupe Payne, he’ll forever have an iconic Superman S on his chest. “I pray for Zander every day”, said Payne. “He didn’t hesitate to carry me across the yard after I got out of the house. I am eternally grateful for Zander and all of the Walters family”.
Mayberry is of course a fictional town on television and many of the life lessons from the Andy Griffith Show seem to be turning into fiction too these days. But while many of us older folks look at the current generation of young men and women with judgment, just remember that we were once young rebels like them. That’s right, the Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Xennials, and Millennials had our quirks that the previous generations thought were un-Mayberry-ish. In every generation, just like this one, there are plenty of Zanders among us that slowly but surely put hope back in the future of mankind and back into our small towns.
Matthew 5:7-9 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”.
