Resident News Network

Boozman Recognized for Support of Emergency Medical Services and Personnel

News

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4:12 pm

Boozman Recognized for Support of Emergency Medical Services and Personnel

The American Ambulance Association has recognized U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) as a recipient of its 2024 Legislative Recognition Award for his work advocating for emergency medical services. The honor is reserved for Members of Congress who have demonstrated ongoing dedication to ambulance services across the United States.

“Protecting access to emergency services, particularly for our veterans and those living in rural communities, must always be a priority. I am proud to champion policies ensuring this critical resource that delivers lifesaving medical care is available and sustainable. It is an honor to partner with the American Ambulance Association and support Arkansas’s outstanding EMS personnel,” Boozman said.

Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO of Hope, Arkansas-based Pafford Medical Services, presented Boozman with the award in his Washington office. The company operates a family-owned ground ambulance service that serves communities across the state, providing 9-1-1 emergency and interfacility transports. Pafford-Gresham is also the President-elect of the American Ambulance Association.

“On behalf of the American Ambulance Association and Pafford Medical Services, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Senator John Boozman for his support of EMS professionals in Arkansas and beyond. His dedication to ensuring that EMS providers have the resources they need to serve their communities has been invaluable. We are proud to recognize him for his steadfast commitment to our field and his leadership in advocating for the health and safety of Arkansans,” said Pafford-Gresham.

This Congress, Boozman led a bipartisan push to protect rural veterans’ access to quality, lifesaving emergency medical care and transport with the introduction of the VA Emergency Transportation Access Act. The legislation would haveprevented the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from reducing rates of pay and reimbursement for special mode transportation providers, including ground and air ambulances, unless VA meets certain requirements that ensure rate changes will not reduce access for veterans.

This effort, alongside the senator’s work on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, prompted the VA to delay its planned rule changes on specialty ambulance reimbursements and allow providers more time to reach an amicable agreement on reimbursement rates.

Waldron School Board Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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3:12 pm

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The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall,Angela Hunsucker, Mac Davis, Konnor McKay and Stan Cottrell. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Keith Brigance, Cheyenne Smith,Zack Taylor, Darla Jeffery, Kristi Sigman, Josh Atchley, Chelsea Ridenhour, Natalie Cadena and Chris Lipham.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:32p.m.

Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 21^st Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Order to Great Minds; D) Approve Purchase Order to Lexia; E) Approve Purchase Order to Wilson Learning Training Corporation. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve policies 4.5, 4.5F, 4.5F2, 4.5F3, 4.5F4 and 4.5F5-School Choice Policy. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the recommendation of Superintendent Daniel Fielding to give all licensed and classified employees a one-time bonus in the amount of $500.00 to be paid November 22^nd. Motion carried 5-0.

Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building. Mrs. Solomon reported that ABC/First Step went Trick-or-Treating at the Waldron Nursing Home. ABC Preschool has a few spots open for students while First Step is at capacity. Mrs. Jeffery informed the board of multiple things that have occurred and that are coming up at Waldron Elementary, some of which include; Museum of Wonder presented to the students this week, there is an attendance war going on between grades and the Read-A-Thonis underway. Mr. Taylor informed the board of all the activities happening at the Middle School, some of which include; Red Ribbon Week (Mrs. Fielding did a great job organizing this), Socials that have started back up, Veterans Days program, Parent Night Paint Party, Hydration Station, and Teacher Spirit Week. Mr. Taylor also informed the board members of the Choir concert that will be December 5^th at 6:00. Mr. Atchley had many things to add which included that the FFA attended National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, WHS Band competed at State Monday, November 11^t^h , Work keys and interims will be coming up next week.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham reported that Waldron High Band placed 8^th out of 26 bands at State on Monday. Cross Country State Meet was a success with Teagan Johnson finishing 9^th place overall. Emily Defoor received All-State in Cross Country. Cheerleading competitions are underway for both Senior High and Junior High Cheerleaders. He also reported that Archery received a grant to be able to purchase the equipment necessary to host Qualifier events, first event will be January 24, 2025.

Superintendent Fielding informed the board members that he has been working diligently with the insurance consultant on the insurance claim for hail damage done to the Elementary School roof.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the resignation of Kiley Hill from Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional as of December 20, 2024. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire Lacey Hamilton for Food Service effective November 1, 2024. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.

Obituary: Bennie Williams (1926-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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3:09 pm

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Bennie Mae Williams of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, 13 November 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas. Bennie was born July 21, 1926, in Waltreak, Arkansas to Jessie David and Bertha Mae Williams. Bennie was 98 years old and a member of Friendship Pentecostal Church of God.

In 1949, Bennie married the love of his life, Wilma Maxine Isham. Maxine and Bennie celebrated almost 69 years together before Jesus came to take her home. When she left, so did his world, because that’s what she was to him. Bennie, or Pa/Uncle Bennie as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Those who knew Bennie will remember him for his infectious smile, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus and of course, his absolute love of FISHING! It didn’t matter if he caught any, he just loved to fish. Most of all, Bennie loved the Lord. He included God in everything he did. If you went to visit him, most likely he could be found at the table reading his bible. He was part of the team that founded the New Life Center, an accomplishment he cherished above all others. He had an unwavering commitment to spreading love, kindness and Jesus to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Sergeant First Class (Retired) Bennie Williams loved his Country. When he enlisted in the Army in World War II and was part of the returning force of General Douglas MacArthur when MacArther kept his promise of “I shall return” to the Philippines. After WWII, Bennie took Commando/Special Forces training before being sent to Inchon, Korea at the start of the Korean Conflict. After that war it was a three-year tour in Germany, then in 1962 he was hand selected by the Ethiopian government to lead a maintenance team in support a secret mapping mission for three years in Ethiopia, Africa. After 21 years in the Army, Bennie retired and moved back to his farm in Arkansas where he bought a team of mules and went back to the “woods.” He alternated between skidding logs and operating Hyster’s/Fork-lifts in sawmills around Waldron for a few years before buying a rock crushing business where he gained the nick-name “Hard Rock.” It wasn’t long before the “woods” called him back and he continued to skid logs. After the log woods, Bennie took a job as School Bus Driver for the Waldron School District. For the next 18 years, Uncle Bennie took care of all the children on Highway 250.

Although Bennie’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, Dad/Pa/Uncle Bennie, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Remaining here on this earth to cherish his memory is his loving daughter, Crissy Holmes and his son, Steve Williams and Karen, of Waldron, his daughter in law, Sharon Williams of Heavener, Oklahoma. Bennie will forever be missed by his six grandchildren, Shawn Williams, Sonya Nix, Carrie Orta, Brian Williams, and Daniel and Ben Ates as well as 15 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Bennie is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Jean Stanley, Francis Isham and Paula Pinion. Of course, Bennie will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Preceding Bennie in death were his wife, Maxine, his son Ronald Dale, his parents, four sisters and one brother.

Bennie’s visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. November 15, 2024, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. His life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Friendship Pentecostal Church on Highway 250 in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jerry Isham. Interment will follow in the Friendship Cemetery on Hwy 250. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Bennie’s pallbearers will be Carrie Orta, Aaron Orta, Ben Ates, Jimmy Isham, Rick Powell, and Ronnie Powell. Honorary pallbearers will by Brian Williams, Jaden Orta and Daniel Ates.

Local Partnerships Team Up to Serve the Community

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Tammy Teague

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2:23 pm

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Local Partnerships Team Up to Serve the Community

Huntington resident, and business student, Ashley Hiatt, was assigned a project to demonstrate community impact and volunteerism. Instead of going outside the area, she decided that she could better serve in her own community.

“I am attending Bellevue University pursuing my business degree,” shared Hiatt. “I am currently in the Kirkpatrick course, and it really highlights what it means to be an American, our duties and responsibilities. We are all assigned to a Civic Engagement Project (CEP) where we are supposed to volunteer for the betterment of the community. When I thought about my project, I did not simply want to go volunteer somewhere that would not really have an impact. I decided I needed to stay close to home, as there are many local people who need help. Seeing Huntington as run down as it has become made me think that maybe I can also encourage others to be engaged citizens and show them that they too can also make a difference.”

Trever Chestine, 10th grade, and Ronnie Rhineheart, 11th grade, built the pantry and bookcase. The base was built by the Greenhouse Management class.

Hiatt would reach out to the Agri teacher at Mansfield High School, Andrew Efurd. Efurd assisted his students in building a blessing box as well as a book exchange box, which was installed at Hugs and Biscuits. “I wanted to do something big,” continued Hiatt. “I reached out to my work colleagues and friends and family. I was able to raise $710 that I used to purchase all kinds of groceries to help fill people’s pantries. I was able to make up 20 boxes to give to local families today! I love knowing that you our community is not going to bed hungry tonight.”

Hiatt stated her that her hope is that she can encourage others to invest in the community. “I would love to see the park rebuilt so the kids can have a safe place to play. We can all make a difference one thing at a time. We are a wonderful community, and it takes us all coming together to help each other to flourish.”

Hiatt expressed her gratitude towards Efurd, his students, as well as Hugs and Biscuits. “It really feels good to do good,” summed Hiatt. “In today’s day and time, we need all the good we can get.”

Arrest Reports 11/3

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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1:59 pm

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Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Teresa Lynn Bennett of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 4 at 6:33 p.m. and released on signature bond November 6 at 12:41 p.m. Bennett was charged with Poss Misbranded Drugs, and DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor.

Brandy Lee Merechka of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 8 at 8:38 a.m. and released on cash bond November 8 at 10:25 a.m. Merechka was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Trevor Paris Harp of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 3 at 6:47 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 3 at 11:43 p.m. Assault on Family or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Cris McGinthia of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 5 at 12:34 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 5 at 11:07. McGinthia was charged with battery in the Second Degree – Officer.

Randal L Parish of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 3 at 6:01 p.m. and released on signature bond on November 4 at 6:53 a.m. Parish was charged with three counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Sovoradeth Vongvilay of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 9 at 2:09 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 9 at 7:45 p.m. Vongvilay was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Bradley Hammon King of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 8 at 3:08 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 8 at 8:33 p.m. King was charged with two counts of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree.

Nathan Wayne Mackey of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 8 at 1:13 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 8 at 3:21 p.m. Mackey was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine <2g and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Store or Conceal – Meth/Cocaine.

John Tomas Molina of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 4 at 12:36 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Molina was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Reyna Jennifer Moyer of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 5 at 1:06 p.m. and released on cash bond November 5 at 9:10 p.m. Moyer was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jamie Sue Pettit of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 4 at 10:58 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Pettit was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony and two counts Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Joseph Mitchell Porter of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 3 at 3 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 3 at 8:25 p.m. Porter was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Obscene Language or Gesture and Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Pamela Jo Presock of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 3 at 4:06 p.m. and released on November 5 at 1:01 p.m. Presock was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Braden Shawn Suter of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 5 at 10:21 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Suter was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Alicia Lynn Tanner of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 3 at 9:07 p.m. and released on November 6 at 12:45 p.m. Tanner was charged Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine) and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Candice Marie Varnell of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 9 at 1:31 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 9 at 5:07 a.m. Varnell was charged with DWI I – Drugs Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
James Rodney Payton was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 11:39 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Payton was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony and Possession of Cocaine (10-200 g).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sherriff’s Office:
Cody Lee Cross, 35 of Alma, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 5 at 11:40 a.m. Cross was charged with body attachment and parole hold.

Jason Palczynski, 41 of Checotah, OK, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 5 at 3:58 p.m. Palczynski was charged with contempt of court.

Sorina Thien, 35 of Witts Springs, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 6 at 3:37 p.m. Thien was charged with fleeing, escape in the third degree, and financial identity fraud.

Nathaniel Kelly, 41 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 7 at 1:59 p.m. Kelly was charged with hold for other agency, failure to appear, and criminal impersonation in the second degree.

Maxwell Reynolds, 36 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 8 at 5:46 a.m. Reynolds was charged with absconding.

Kayla Fox, 28 of Ozark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 9 at 1:57 p.m. Fox was charged with contempt of court.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Audrie D. Nicks, 23 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 3 at 5:35 p.m. Nicks was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, and resisting arrest.

Pamela Fry, 56 of Wister, OK was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 4 at 11:19 p.m. Fry was charged with possession of SCHE I or II LT 2GM, possession of SCH VI LT 4 oz. and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jackie Lee Plummer, 53 of Poteau, OK was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 5 at 12:57 a.m. Plummer was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Johnny Ray Fry, 51, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 5 at 1:03 a.m. Fry was charged with possession of SCH I or II LT 2GM, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Darrin Dale Boyles, 47, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 5 at 4:04 p.m. Boyles was charged with disorderly conduct.

Anthony R. Clay, 23 of Blytheville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 5 at 6:24 p.m. Clay was charged with public intoxication.

Darwin Purnell, 39 of Enid, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 6 at 1:54 p.m. Purnell was charged with possession of SCHI or II LT 2 GM, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct.

Nathan Cory Brannon, 35 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 7 at 4:57 p.m. Brannon was charged with battery – 3rd degree/ purpose of causing injury, causes injury, absconding/white warrant.

Charah S. Williams, 42 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 5 p.m. Williams was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Bradley Glen Morris, 37 of Cecil, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 5:12 p.m. Morris was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA), domestic battering – 3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, and fleeing on foot.

Ryan Duane Cooley, 38 of Siloam Springs, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 11:52 p.m. Cooley was charged with domestic battering – 2nd degree / physical injury, aggravated assault on a family or household member, terroristic threatening 1st degree, endangering the welfare of a minor – 3rd degree – recklessly risks physical/mental harm.

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

Ellisons Celebrated as Longest Married Couple in U.S.

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Tammy Teague

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9:57 am

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Ellisons Celebrated as Longest Married Couple in U.S.

A Natural Dam couple can tell you the secret to a long and happy marriage is simple – God’s grace. The couple, Thell and Margie Ellison, were recently honored for that commitment of 83 years.

In May, the couple was contacted by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Organization and were honored recently as the longest married couple in the State of Arkansas.

Thell Ellison and Margie Rose were married on June 24, 1941, in a simple ceremony that took place on a bluff overlooking Lee Creek in northern Crawford County, Arkansas. Before the union, the couple attended the church prayer meeting, and then were escorted by a friend to the justice of the peace to be married. No guests, no cake, no wedding gown. The bride wore a beautiful, light blue dress made by her aunt. There were no bridal showers, no wedding portraits, no money or help from family, just two young people in love and determined to make a good life for themselves. And that, they did.

The first picture they had made together was well after they were married.

Born and raised in a rural and remote farming community, the newlyweds laid roots in a beautiful
valley where small farms were scattered along Lee Creek. There was no electricity, no gas, and no indoor plumbing. Communication was by word of mouth and walking was the sole mode of transportation. Times were very harsh. It was the era of the Dust Bowl Drought, Stock Market crash, Great Depression and the Second World War.

It was almost impossible to find work and if you did, you might work all week for fifty cents. There were no food banks or government handouts. Everyone had to work and make their own way to take care of their family.

Margie excelled in school and completed the eighth grade, the highest grade available
to them. Thell attended school off and on till he was thirteen. The school was relocated
and too far for him to walk every day. He then went to work in the woods, cutting stave bolts and
railroad ties. He loved school and did well when he was able to attend. At that time school was in
session three months in the winter and three months in the late summer. Many times, he had to
stay home and work in the fields and other times the creek would be too swollen for him to cross.

Thell became a Christian in his early twenties and had a desire to read the Bible. Thell stated that with God’s help he learned to read. Today, he is a well-learned man, who has been in leadership roles most of his adult life.

Thell lived on farmland located on the north bank of the creek and Margie on the mountain
across on the south side of Lee Creek. On Margie’s side of the creek, Pleasant Grove
Church, which served as the school and community center. The couple attended the small country school. A camaraderie was built between their large families, each had nine brothers and sisters. Thell crossed the creek often to attend church services, Brush Arbor meetings and community gatherings such as pie suppers. Margie also attended as these were the social events for the young people at that time. Their courtship was limited to “talking” at these events. Music was and still is a common bond. After they were married, they sang together in church for many years. Thell played the mandolin and sang lead, Margie played the guitar and harmonized in her beautiful alto voice.

In time the years of friendship blossomed into love that would unite them in marriage. A
marriage where God is revered and trusted to meet the needs that life brings their way. They
began married life on a small rural remote farm, no electric, no gas, no running water or indoor
plumbing. They truly lived off the grid. They raised a wide variety of vegetables including
watermelons, green beans and strawberries for the market. All sorts of animals roamed the
farm, each had a purpose: the mules for working the crop and for every other job on the farm
including pulling the wagon hauling sacks of corn to the grist mill or eggs or produce for barter
to the general store. Of course there were chickens, the Jersey milk cow and the beautiful Red
Hereford cattle. They grew sugar cane and made sorghum molasses, and always had a good
patch of popcorn. As time went on, both would take jobs in town, Thell worked at Swift &
Company until it burned, then worked at Baldor Electric till he retired. Margie worked at OK
Foods for fifteen years. At night when she got home, her hands were swollen, very red
and hurt her so bad. This was before automation, and they handled the ice-cold chicken all shift.
Later she worked at Daryl Thomas Co., Unitog and then on to the Federal Building where she
retired.

During this time, they had five children, Ernest, Norma, Kathryn, Wanda and John. In
later years, they moved Margie’s aging parents into their home and cared for them until their
passing. After retirement they did not slow down. In addition to family and church obligations,
Margie operated her dog kennel, always had a long list of sewing jobs, managed the home and
canned and processed the garden bounty. Thell grew a large vegetable garden, continued to
raise cattle and kept up with the farm work, which was very demanding during hay season. He
was a skilled carpenter, handyman and was called on many times to fix plumbing issues and make
repairs. While retired, he built a couple of new houses, two bridges (a big overflow washed out the first one) over the small creek that runs between their home and the road. Also, he did numerous jobs remodeling the house.

Margie stays active baking some of her famous fried pies.

The couple attend the Independence Freewill Baptist Church in Natural Dam which is on the
banks of Lee Creek where they were born, raised and still live today. Both are faithful Christian
servants striving to walk in the will of the Lord every day and have supported and worked in the
church wherever they were needed. Margie served as Clerk, song leader, teacher and custodian. She is also known for her culinary skills, specifically, the delicious pies she makes for anyone she thinks needs an extra special dose of love. In years past, when the small country church was struggling, Thell, with Margie’s support, loved and cared for the church as if it were his sole responsibility. In years past he’s cut and hauled the wood for heat, painted walls, repaired the old decaying building and bargained for pews and other necessities. A self-taught Bible scholar, Thell
continues to teach the Adult Sunday School Class as he has done for over 70 years. The
couple is blessed with good health remain able to attend services at the church.

Today, Thell and Margie’s family have grown to over 100 members strong, including five children, 15 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 31 great-great-grandchildren, and 24 spouses.

Thell reading his Bible while he takes a break from woodworking.

Thell and Margie remain in the home that Thell built over 60 years ago. During the week Thell eats a big breakfast and is out in his shop by mid-morning where he makes cedar porch swings, dining tables, flags, counter tops, and recently, several solid cedar doors for family members who are remodeling or building a home. He made himself a podium for his Bible, so he works a while then reads a while. Praying, meditating, reading, studying the Bible is an integral part of his life. Thell and Margie are known prayer warriors and receive many calls requesting special prayer.

Thell and Margie with the certificate recognizing them as the longest married couple as well as gifts the couple received from the ceremony.

Thell still keeps up with what needs to be done around the place and will take a ride in his “buggy” (golf cart) to check on things. He is known around the county for his beautiful and bountiful vegetable garden which now he supervises and guides other family members in getting done.
Margie starts her day by cooking a breakfast of eggs, gravy, and biscuits. She plans and prepares meals with Thell in mind, making sure he eats well, and avoids processed foods. Every day he
eats flour gravy, Margie laughed when she said over the years, she has made enough gravy to fill
a pond!

She makes yeast bread and keeps a supply of homemade chocolate candy in the refrigerator for
Thell. She is always thinking of others with a phone call or card or with one of her famous lemon
cream or fried apple pies. She continues to preserve the excess fruits and vegetables from the
garden. She is an excellent seamstress once making prom dresses, suits, children’s clothes, and
costumes. She now does the mending for the family. She still does light housework and
laundry, always making sure Thell’s clothes are pressed and ready. She makes several trips a day
out to the shop to check on Thell, taking him a drink of water and checking to see if he needs her help.

Reception honoring the longest married couple in the U.S.

At age 107 and 99, Thell and Margie reveal the secret to their 83 years of marriage. “I don’t know hardly what to say except just by the Grace of God are we here today, as well as we are and have lived together all these years,” Thell shared. “I prayed God would give me a good Christian wife and he did. Marriage takes a lot of patience and determination. We remember the vows we
made, the Bible says it is better not to make a vow than to make one and break it. I give God
all the praise and thank him daily for allowing us to still be here and give us the health to be up
and about. And I think our health is due to eating the food we grow; a good variety and it is food without chemicals. Mom (Margie) cooks and prepares our meals, we don’t eat out. Our bodies are
what we put in them and staying active is very important, we have never stopped, we’ve worked
all our lives. I believe we were put here on this earth to ‘work out not rust out!'”

Margie added, “we didn’t have any other thoughts except being together, having a family and raising our children. Our wedding vows said “until death do you part” so that’s the way it would be for us. Yes, there have been hard times, but we worked through them and kept going. We lived a rather quiet life, never did anything big and grandiose, we didn’t go out or attend many social events. We stayed focused on family, home and church activities. I would say our daily pattern was very routine and I think that was a help. I had good loving parents, and I give them credit for raising me right. My mother had polio and was paralyzed when I was eleven years old, it was so hard watching her suffer. My dad and our family took care of her until she died at age ninety. That
was a hard time and I learned from that hardship that helped me deal with things through the
years. Today we have a large loving family and I thank God everyday for each one of them.
God has blessed us with good health for our age. You know we’ve never run to the doctor with
every little ache and pain nor have we taken a bunch of medicine. Just in recent years I’ve
started taking a low dose blood pressure pill and Thell takes a thyroid pill. We rarely eat any
processed foods, what we eat is from our garden. Thell has always raised a big garden with a
wide variety of vegetables and we have access to locally grown fruit. And of course I’ve canned
and filled the freezer each summer of which we eat from till next garden season. We have
always worked and continue to stay active so I think that’s helped us. Overall we’ve had a good
life.”

One word sums this couple, their marriage and life story–amazing. Their life and commitment to each other is nothing short of a testimony to the Lord. The Ellisons certainly have built a legacy that generations can aspire to become.

LeAnn Steffey-Ellison (owner of Steffey’s Pizza in Lavaca) with Thell and Margie.

The couple were celebrated at their home church, Independence Freewill Baptist Church in Natural Dam.

Bulldogs Win Third Conference Title In A Row

Ross Fujibayashi

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8:29 am

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Bulldogs Win Third Conference Title In A Row

It was a rainy night and a quick start for the Bulldogs, enroute to a 42-0 victory over the Mountain Home Bombers. The Bulldogs came out with a tribute to Isaiah Arrington, carrying his last name on the back of their jerseys for senior night. The family of Isaiah Arrington held his jersey during the senior night announcements.

Looking at the radar before the game it looked as if there was going to be a break in the rain, but that was not the case. Greenwood received the opening kickoff and went to work on offense quickly. After a long run by Junior Kane Archer, Senior Kaylor Jasna would take it in for a Touchdown with just one minute taken off the clock. The point after attempt by Hudson Meeker was good to put the score 7-0. Mountain Home gained a first down on their opening drive, after run-stopping tackles by Seniors Mark Garretson and Paul Brixey, the Bombers elected to punt.

The next drive by Greenwood was halted by a fumble mid-field setting up Mountain Home in prime territory to utilize their stout running offense. Tackles by Seniors Gage Hanna and Zach Edwards had the Bombers looking to the air to move the ball. Kaylor Jasna swatted down the Mountain Home pass near the goal line to set up fourth down. Mountain Home elected to go for it. With the Quarterback running around he tossed it up into the waiting hands of Senior Cash Archer for his first of two interceptions in the game. Greenwood would come up short on converting their fourth down. Mountain Home ran out the remainder of the first quarter clock.

The Bombers went for it on fourth down to open the second quarter, but the Mountain Home pass fell short. Greenwood drove down to the Mountain Home fourteen-yard line after runs by Kane Archer and Sophomore Mario Dunbar. Archer capped the drive with a fourteen-yard run for a touchdown with 5:30 left in the half. Mountain Home drove down the field within the Greenwood five-yard line. Facing fourth down the Bombers attempted a field goal with three seconds left on the clock. A high snap and then a scramble by the holder, the pass to the end zone was intercepted by Cash Archer. With no time left on the clock and off-setting penalties ended the half. Bulldogs up 14-0.

Mountain Home opened the second half with a punt that rolled to the Greenwood five-yard line. The Bulldogs went the distance with a Cooper Goodwin touchdown, after catches by Grant Karnes and a Kane Archer run. Greenwood went up 21-0 with 4:34 left in the third quarter. The Bombers punted on their drive that ended with Junior Champ Davis running 67-yards for the punt return touchdown with 1:19 left in the third quarter. Bulldogs up 28-0 after the Hudson Meeker kick. Mountain Home ran out the clock out on the third quarter.

The Bombers were halted opening the fourth quarter by a tackle for a loss by Cash Archer. Mountain Home punted on the ensuing fourth down. Runs by Kane Archer and catches by Champ Davis and Grant Karnes, put Cooper Goodwin in prime position to punch it in for a touchdown to start the Sportsmanship rule with 10:04 left in the game. Mountain Home punted on their next possession. Greenwood’s next drive had a catch by Junior Benton Hossley to setup Kane Archer rolling out to pass to Grant Karnes for the touchdown to put the Bulldogs up 42-0 with 5:44 left in the game. The Bombers ran the rest of the game clock out.

“The weather was tough early on. I thought our defense did a phenomenal job, just continually.” Head Coach Chris Young said following the win. “Defense continued to respond. I thought they were on the field a long time. I was worried about that.”

“We didn’t want to throw the ball. We just knew something bad could happen with this weather. Ball slips out and they could go to the house.” Coach Young said. “I thought he [Kane Archer] made huge plays in the first half with his legs. Then the second half dried up and we got after it a bit.”

Kane Archer finished the regular season with an interesting stat of 44 incompletions while throwing 44 touchdowns. Currently in the season Archer has 189 completions on 233 attempted passes for 2870 yards. His 81% completion percentage, if it holds throughout the rest of the playoffs, sets the state record for the season. It would break the record set by Greenwood’s Hayden Smith in 2011. Currently there are three Bulldogs on the “Season Completion Percentage” list; 1. Hayden Smith (75.5 – 2011), 2. Jabe Burgess (73.9 – 2012), and 9. Reid Wheeler (70.4 -2014). Also in record setting notes, Champ Davis is eight receiving touchdowns away from breaking Josh Bell’s 2000 school season record of 24. Drew Morgan is second on the list with 23.

Greenwood earned a bye week with their third Conference Championship in a row, the fourth since 2020 under Head Coach Chris Young.

Mansfield Earns Second Ever Undisputed 3A-1 Conference Championship

Adam Hecox

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7:17 pm

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Mansfield Earns Second Ever Undisputed 3A-1 Conference Championship

If you were to look throughout the history of the Mansfield football program, you’d see that while the Tigers have had a handful of decent years here and there, they have been for the most part a mid-card program. Sure, the Tigers have had some solid runs and big-time thrillers over the years but boasting a Playoff record that consists of just 11 appearances in school history is not one that strikes fear into the hearts of their opponents. As for Championships, Mansfield has a sole 3A-1 conference Championship that came in 2010 and zero State Championships. Even though Mansfield shocked the state in 2023 by making it to the State Semifinals for the first time ever, their success was considered a one-and-done. So after starting their 2024 season with a 1-3 non-conference record, many people across the state wrote the Tigers off as the same ol’ Mansfield Tiger program that’s always been “pretty good”.

Coming off of an excellent 2023 campaign, the Tigers came into the 2024 season with high expectations. The team had lost just five seniors from the previous season and returned almost all of their starters on both sides of the line. Ranked in the Top5 in most of the preseason polls by media outlets all over the state, the Tigers were primed for another run at a trip to Little Rock. Mansfield beefed up their non-conference schedule to not only prepare for a tumultuous 3A-1 conference schedule but to also show the State that they weren’t scared of anyone. First up was a battle between two teams that made some noise in 2023 as the Tigers traveled to Bismarck for a 3A Top5 match-up. With both teams not being cut from the same cloth of the premier 3A programs in the state, the loss would seemingly be deemed as overrated. With a narrow 35-31 loss to the Lions, the Mansfield Tigers were tattooed again as a good, but not great team. Mansfield rallied just a week later and smoked their Scott County rivals, the Waldron Bulldogs, with a convincing 41-8 final score. Next on the schedule was a trip to Lamar in a 3A versus 4A matchup. While Lamar has been a contender in the 4A for years, a win would slightly make up for the Tiger’s fall at Bismarck. Unfortunately, it was a 14-13 loss to the Warriors that sent Mansfield into a hole that would be nearly impossible to dig out of. Sitting with a 1-2 non-conference record going into their bye week, the Mansfield Tiger football program had to make a decision. It would be easy for a team with just six seniors and a twenty-man roster to allow history to take its toll on them mentally and just lay down going into conference play. Or they could stand up, beat their chests, and earn the respect of the 3A-1 conference and the state of Arkansas. If you read the header of this article, you’ll only need one guess as to which one they chose.

The Tigers kicked off their 2024 conference schedule by defeating another rival with a defining 36-6 win over the Hackett Hornets. Beating both Waldron and Hackett in the same season was a good morale builder, but the competition would get stiffer from there. The Tigers would head to Charleston for the second year in a row to face off against a Charleston program that held 29 Conference Championships and six State Championships. Mansfield was edged out of an upset over Charleston in 2023 falling to the black and gold Tigers 14-7, but that was last year. The Tigers walked onto Charleston’s turf with a chip on their shoulder and a score to settle. They walked off the field with a 42-39 victory. The win over Charleston was definitely a statement, but each player knew there was still work to be done. Mansfield rolled through their next two opponents, Lavaca and Cedarville, with a combined score of 98-12 before landing on the section of their schedule that has plagued the Tigers for decades. The Booneville Bearcats are a team that strikes fear into every opponent they face. No one ever has given Mansfield a shot a beating Booneville because the last time they beat the Bearcats was 44 years ago. But just as with the rest of the Tiger’s football history, the 2024 Tigers thumbed their noses at historical facts and issued an upset ticket to Booneville with a 34-22 victory over the defending State Champions. Victory over perineal powerhouses, Charleston and Booneville, put the Mansfield Tigers at the top of the 3A-1 and in the eye of the whole state, all they had to do was finish what they started. So that’s exactly what they did. Mansfield traveled to Greenland and sank the Pirates 66-20 and then closed their 2024 conference schedule with a 42-8 win over West Fork. With an amazing sweep of the 3A-1, the Mansfield Tigers are officially the undisputed 2024 3A-1 Conference Champions for only the second time in school history.

It would not be uncalled for if someone called a program a lost cause after looking at that program’s poor history, only six seniors, a twenty-man roster, a powerful 3A-1 conference schedule, and a 1-2 start to their season. In fact, it would be expected. But against all odds, the Mansfield Tigers continue to rewrite the history books. Now can the Tigers close that book with one final historical moment? Mansfield earned a 1Seed in the State Playoffs with their 3A-1 Championship and will have home-field advantage for their first game against the Paris Eagles. Last season, the Tigers ran through a 3Seed and two 1Seeds before falling to a third 1Seed in the State Semifinals. The 2023 Tigers made that run with five seniors and a first-year coach. The 2024 Tigers were a part of that history-making season, but with all due respect to their predecessors, this team expects to take it all the way to Little Rock.

SR Tigers Leave West Fork Stuck In The Mud With 42-8 Final

Adam Hecox

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11:19 am

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SR Tigers Leave West Fork Stuck In The Mud With 42-8 Final

Greedy and stingy. Those are two qualities that do not look good on a resume. But when it comes to the world of sports, being greedy and stingy is a good thing. The Mansfield Tigers had almost completed a sweep of the 3A-1, but there was one game left to complete. A win over West Fork would crown the Tigers as the 3A-1 Conference Champions. A loss to West Fork would leave Mansfield sharing the conference title with Booneville. Sharing isn’t caring when it comes to being a champion-caliber team so, the mindset of the Tigers was simple…be greedy. Be very very greedy.

With heavy rain coming down, the Tigers kicked the ball off and sent their defense out to start the game. With the conditions favoring the run game, the Mansfield defense pinned their ears back and made short work of West Forks first possession forcing the black and gold Tigers to punt the ball away. As a ground-and-pound team themselves, the Tigers offense took over and quickly showed West Fork how it’s done. On just their third play of the game, senior running back Daniel Burton found some traction in the mud and rolled 56 yards for a Tiger touchdown. The two-point attempt was no good, but the score put Mansfield up 6-0. West Fork was able to get a few yards and a first down on their second offensive drive, but again Mansfield’s defense broke through to force a three-and-out. This time the Tigers offense started at the 12-yard line, but Daniel Burton flipped the field on the first play with an 82-yard run to set Mansfield up in scoring position again. Two plays later, Samuel Burton punched the ball into the endzone for another Tiger touchdown. Mansfield again missed their two-point chance leaving the score at 12-0 in the Tiger’s favor. The wet and wild conditions made its presence known as West Fork coughed up the ball on their next series and Zander Walters was right there for the recovery. With the ball in their hands again, Mansfield’s offense jumped right back into the game with a 19-yard run by senior Samuel Burton who was followed up by freshman Jeremiah Burton for a 12-yard touchdown. The first quarter came to an end with Mansfield being extremely stingy on the scoreboard leading West Fork 18-0.

West Fork continued with their offense on the field to start the second quarter, but the Tiger’s defense ended their tour on the field just as quickly as it began. Big tackles by linebackers Zander Walters and Jeremy Strozier rocked West Forks world and forced yet another punt. The soggy conditions made it to where the Tigers declined to return the ball on the punt which pinned them deep in West Fork territory. But with an explosive offense, no amount of yardage was too much to make up for. Senior Trey Powell started off the drive with a short run then to absolutely nobody’s surprise, Daniel Burton took the next handoff and went mudding for an 86-yard Tiger touchdown. This time the Tigers were able to tack on a two-point conversion with a run up the gut by Jeremy Strozier setting the score at 26-0. West Forks’ offense was finally able to get some movement with some powerful runs pushing their way down into scoring position. Unfortunately for West Fork, the rain began to fall faster and the Tiger’s defense dug deeper which bogged down their attempt to score. Mansfield would get the ball again before the half but couldn’t muster another score as both teams went into the half with a 26-0 Mansfield Tiger lead.

Although the game was pretty much in hand coming out of the half, Mansfield wasn’t going to take a chance at letting West Fork rain on their Conference Championship opportunity. A 26-0 score wouldn’t cut it though, so the Tiger’s offense went back to work. But a Mansfield fumble created a turnover and short field for West Fork. Fortunately, West Fork fumbled the ball into the endzone where Jeremy Strozier scooped up the recovery for a touchback. Mansfield’s defense made up for their offense’s mistake, but could the Tigers capitalize on their new possession? The answer was a resounding yes as Jeremy Strozier called his own number and rumbled 48 yards downfield to set the Tigers up in the red zone. Strozier then pitched the ball to Daniel Burton who scampered 20 yards untouched for another Tiger touchdown. Jeremy Strozier powered across the goal line for the two-point conversion giving Mansfield a 34-0 lead over West Fork. The Tigers kicked off to West Fork, but the ball slipped out of the receiver’s hands and Matthew “Bear” Burton dove into the mud to retrieve the recovery. Now the Tigers were one point away from the mercy rule and had a short field in front of them. On the first snap of the new drive, quarterback Jeremy Strozier again called his own number and trucked a couple of West Fork defenders for a 33-yard Tiger touchdown. The two-point conversion was good, and the clock began to run with a 42-0 Tiger lead over West Fork. With this being the last game of the regular season, Mansfield was able to move their freshmen up to join the senior high and the mercy rule allowed them to get their shot at the big leagues. While still having a small roster even with the freshmen, Mansfield sent out their second-string defense and sprinkled in some freshmen to boot. Every player on the team stepped foot on the field and got playing time for this momentous event as the Tigers defeated West Fork 42-8.

The victory earned the Mansfield Tigers football program their first 3A-1 Conference Championship since 2010 and only their second-ever championship in school history. The 2024 Tigers will enter the 2024 3A State Playoffs as a 1Seed. Mansfield will face off against a very familiar foe in round one of the Playoffs as they welcome the Paris Eagles to The Jungle on Friday, November 15th.

Recognizing Veterans’ Service and Sacrifice

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Tammy Teague

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5:05 pm

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Recognizing Veterans’ Service and Sacrifice

Veterans Day is a special time to remember and honor the sacrifices of the patriotic men and women who have answered the call to serve. We can never fully repay our former servicemen and women who followed the path to protect and defend our country and freedoms, but we can ensure America fulfills the promises we made to support them.

That is not an option, but a responsibility.

My dad was a World War II veteran who served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. I think of him, my uncle and those they served alongside as I work with my Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee colleagues, in a bipartisan way, to do what is best for our veterans and support the needs of their families. With this unifying goal, we strive to improve the policies and programs that can help our veterans and their families thrive.

In recent years, we have seen movement in the right direction.

Congress has successfully expanded health care benefits while eliminating barriers to care and services for women veterans at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Additionally, we have modernized the VA’s breast cancer screening policies. Increasing access to its unique capabilities and resources will help deliver lifesaving and preventative care to our women who served. I have been proud to champion these improvements that were long overdue.

Veterans suffering with toxic exposure illnesses sustained during their military services are now benefiting from a landmark proposal that became law in 2022, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The bill, which extended eligibility for more toxic-exposed veterans to qualify for VA healthcare and benefits, has enabled thousands of veterans across our state and many more nationwide to access the healthcare and support they are owed.

Ensuring our veterans receive mental health support has also been a high priority. While there is no single solution to the veteran suicide crisis, I have authored several major reforms that aim to prevent and reduce veteran suicide through data-driven policy decisions. The Improve Well-being for Veterans Act is now empowering veteran-serving nonprofits to provide even more direct support to vulnerable former servicemembers, and the Not Just a Number Act would modernize how the VA can better reach and serve those struggling.

In order for it to be effective, the Department must have the workforce and bandwidth to meet this responsibility. Our veterans deserve the best care from the best medical professionals possible, which is why I’m leading a bipartisan effort to bolster the recruitment and retention of excellent clinicians who can provide the highest quality of care. TheVA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act helps level the playing field for it to compete for the best and brightest doctors to serve those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

As kids, my friends and I were surrounded by men who had served in the armed forces. Whenever they were asked to stand and be recognized, it seemed like the whole room would rise. Today, we know the burden of defending our country is increasingly borne by a limited number of Americans – but these brave men and women, past and present, always deserve our thanks and admiration.

While Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, as a nation, let us all demonstrate our appreciation for their service and sacrifice each and every day of the year.

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK