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Hunters check 1,231 deer during inaugural early buck hunt 

Tammy Teague
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Hunters check 1,231 deer during inaugural early buck hunt 

By Randy Zellers

Arkansas bowhunters harvested 1,231 deer during the state’s first statewide early buck hunt earlier this month. The jump-start to deer season was added during the biannual regulations-setting process this spring to offer hunters the opportunity to pursue a buck still “in velvet.”

Ralph Meeker, deer program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said the hunt’s harvest was within the range expected by biologists when the hunt was announced.

“When we look at historical harvest for the first three days of archery season, hunters typically check between 2,000 and 4,000 deer, depending on the weather,” Meeker said. “But a lot of those deer are does, so when you look at only the buck component of that harvest, it’s around 800 to 1,500 antlered deer.”

Arkansas’s regular archery season has traditionally begun on the fourth Saturday in September.

Meeker says the results of Arkansas’s first statewide early deer hunt also fall fairly close to those found in Tennessee and Mississippi, two neighboring states with similar hunts.

“We had great weather during the hunt, and a lot of hunters were able to enjoy a cooler morning in the stand than anticipated,” Meeker said.

While many hunters enjoyed harvesting an early deer, the timing of this year’s hunt did fall slightly outside the peak time for the deers’ antlers to be shrouded in velvet.

“After talking to meat processors and hunters I know, I’d estimate that only about 10 to 15 percent of the bucks were still in velvet and I’d lean closer to that 10 percent side,” Meeker said. “The hunt is set for the first full weekend in September, and this year it happened to land on the latest possible calendar date for that criteria. As the calendar rotates, we’ll begin to see earlier hunts in future years. We see several bucks “in velvet” harvested in the first few days of the urban hunts, which typically open Sept. 1.”

The hunt also shouldn’t take much of the excitement out of the opening weekend of regular archery deer season, as many hunters still have tags and freezers to fill.

“I think a lot of hunters had to choose between early bucks and doves this year, so they’ll still be out there for the statewide archery opener,” Meeker said. “There are still a good number of people who archery hunt to just harvest a deer. The early hunt mainly attracts those die-hard bowhunters, so I think we’ll still see a lot of people in the woods for archery season. It also was a great opportunity for hunters who wanted to get out in the woods a little when they made their first trip to deer camp to clean up, plant food plots and get ready for the rest of the season. It was nice to give those folks a choice.”

Regular archery season in Arkansas is Sept. 28-Feb. 28. Visit www.agfc.com/deer for more information.

People of the Mountain: Mount Salem Church Holds Annual Homecoming

Tammy Teague
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People of the Mountain: Mount Salem Church Holds Annual Homecoming

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

The Mount Salem Church and school held its annual homecoming on September 20. The church and school are on the register of historic sites for the state and represents the history and character of the earliest settlers of the mountains of Arkansas. The site is now isolated and sparsely settled, nearly completely surrounded by national forest today but, during the mid-1800’s, it was a thriving community of farmers who subsisted off the rocky soils by raising cotton, corn, and various fruits.

Kenneth Ezell

Many of the settlers arrived in the 1850’s, leaving worn-out farmlands in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee to purchase cheap land in Arkansas. Some of the settlers were given land as a bonus for fighting in the Mexican War or the War of 1812. Some of the early families associated with the area are the White’s, Cameron’s, Swillings, and Varnell’s. A church was built on the site as early as 1870 and the adjacent cemetery was added a year or so later.

The present church and school were built in 1910, replacing a structure that had burned. It served as a community meeting site, a church, and a school. After the great depression, people began to move from the mountain and the population declined rapidly. Much of the land was returned to the government and became a part of the national forest.

The few residents that remain in the area and the decedents scattered all over the U.S. hold an annual reunion to bring together the many individuals that have ties to the community or relatives buried in the cemetery. A celebration of the times gone by, families meet for dinner on the ground, singing, swapping of tales, and a memorial service. For a few hours, the silence of the mountain was interrupted by the joyful sounds of music presented by Kristi Culver Pfiffer, Judge Ray Jack and wife Marlene, Leona Cleveland, and Sonya Varnell. Marly and Chris Turner, recent winners of the talent show at the Johnson County Peach festival, closed out the session.

Marley and Chris Turner

Curtis Varnell discussed the early history of the mountain with the theme, Tough Times but Tougher People. Organizer Kenneth Ezell stated it was one of the largest of the homecomings with a building full of people remembering the life, people, and history of the people of the mountain.

The Mount Salem Church and School is a historic building at 553 Mt. Salem Rd. #101 in rural Logan County, Arkansas, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Paris. It is a single-story wood-frame structure, with a gabled roof and clapboarded exterior. Along with the adjacent cemetery, it is the only major surviving element of the Mount Salem community, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This building was constructed by the community in 1909–10, and was the third building on the site. All of them served as both a church and local school.[2] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.[1]

Obituary: Hershel Lee Lovett (1950-2024)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary: Hershel Lee Lovett (1950-2024)

Hershel Lee Lovett of Waldron, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Hershel was born on May 21, 1950 to Gaylord and Jewelene (Slater) Lovette in Waldron, Arkansas. Hershel was 74 years, 4 months and 3 days old.

Hershel was married to the love of his life, Teri for 17 marvelous years. Together they enjoyed spending time with their family, making memories and loving on their grand children, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Being someone who cherished the great outdoors, Hershel dedicated much of his life to the logging industry. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he found peace in the simplicity of nature, embodying the true essence of a woodsman.

Throughout his years, Hershel’s enthusiasm for deer hunting season grew, and he eagerly anticipated the family gatherings at their beloved deer camp, especially during Thanksgiving. His love for outdoor activities extended beyond hunting and fishing; he was often found tinkering outside, building, and working on cars. Hershel’s love for the natural world extended to his fascination with various bird species that frequented his surroundings.

Hershel leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Teri Lovett and children: Jason Lovett and Kim of Waldron, Arkansas; Stormy Lynn Wheeler of Waldron, Arkansas; and Gatlin Tyler Lovett and Abbi of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Hershel’s love for his family knew no bounds. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Hershel is also survived by his six siblings: Jimmy and Connie Lovett; Gayla and Rick Hudson; Barbara and Jerry Isham; Bill and Linda Lovett; Brenda and Tim Coffey; and Bobby and Vicky Lovett all from Waldron, Arkansas. Hershel will be missed by all that knew him including many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Hershel was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord Bowman Lovett and Jewelene Lovett and two daughters: Michelle Lovett and Kimberly Taylor.

Hershel’s Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Bro. Jerry Isham officiating. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted by the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Waldron School Board Holds Special Meeting

Tammy Teague
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Waldron School Board Holds Special Meeting

MINUTES

WALDRON SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

5:30 P.M.

A special board meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay, Stan Cottrell and Mac Davis. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding and Lisa Allen.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the 2024-25 Budget. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the contract with Dye Industries Insurance Consulting. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

Arrest Reports 9/15

Tammy Teague
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Arrest Reports 9/15

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Zachary Wayne Brock of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 21 at 8:26 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Brock was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Ronnie Alexandera Gillispie of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 15 at 1:08 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on September 17 at 1:33 p.m. Gillispie was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor and Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Sandra Lynn Olsen of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 21 at 8:11 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Olsen was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Daniel Ray Peugh of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 18 at 12:51 a.m. and transferred to an outside agency on September 18 at 10:40 a.m. Peugh was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Michael David Rush of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 20 at 3:07 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Rush was charged with two counts of Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely, Domestic Battering in the Second Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Patti Ann Daniels of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 18 at 9 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 18 at 11:07 p.m. Daniels was charged with Fraudulent Insurance Acts.

Lisa Lee Holloman of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 17 at 7:50 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 17 at 11:28 p.m. Holloman was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Anthony Neal Marrone of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 19 at 8:04 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond September 19 at 10:41 p.m. Marrone was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Billy Robert Thompson of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 20 at 4:14 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Thompson was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Store or Conceal – Meth/Cocaine.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Bruce Olen Wheeler, Third of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 16 at 12:42 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Wheeler was charged with Drug Court Sanctions, Petition to Revoke – Felony, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., Obstructing Governmental Operations-info., ADC Commitment Hold.

Taylor Raee Wheeler of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 16 at 12:44 p.m. and released on cash bond September 16 at 3:39 p.m. Wheeler was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Christopher Palmer, 18 of Jonesville, LA, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 16 at 12:36 p.m. Palmer was charged with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor, sexual indecency with a child.

Terry Johnson, 49 of Dardanelle, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 17 at 10:33 a.m. Johnson was charged with contempt of court.

Kristie Robinson, 51 of Atkins, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 17 at 11:33 a.m. Robinson was charged with forgery in the second degree, criminal impersonation in the second degree, and two counts of hot check law violation.

Ronnie Gillispie, 41 of Greenwood, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 17 at 2:37 p.m. Gillispie was charged with failure to appear and contempt of court.

Joseph Horn, 20 of Delaware was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 17 at 8:19 p.m. Horn was charged with assault on family or household member in the third degree.

Javier Aguilar, 24 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 19 at 5:05 p.m. Aguilar was charged with driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, obstructing governmental operations, and hold for other agency.

Kenneth Whorton, 43, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 20 at 5:15 p.m. Whorton was charged with theft by receiving.

Gina Herrera, 47, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 20 at 10:10 p.m. Herrera was charged with domestic battering in the third degree.

Steven Graham, 62 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 21 at 12:30 a.m. Graham was charged with failure to appear.

Salvador Aviles, 34 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 21 at 8:40 p.m. Aviles was charged with domestic battering in the third degree.

Justus Lee, 24 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on September 21 at 9:47 a.m. Lee was charged with driving while intoxicated, criminal mischief in the second degree.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Jeffrey Aaron Privett, 32 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 21 at 8:23 p.m. Privett was charged with absconding and white warrant.

Jerry Wayne Scallions, 55 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 20 at 11:30 a.m. Scallions was charged with driving while license suspended, reckless driving, fleeing by vehicle – extreme indifference to human life.

Latisha Pearl Medley, 38 of Van Buren, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 19 at 3:19 p.m. Medley was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Joshua Lee Featherston, 42 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 19 at 2:04 p.m. Featherston was charged with absconding / white warrant.

Steve Ray Watkins, 40 of Mulberry, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 19 at 10:33 a.m. Watkins was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Christy Earlynn Smith, 44 of Dover, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on September 17 at 1:54 p.m. Smith was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

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

Who’s Who In The 3A-1 After Non-Conference Play

Adam Hecox
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Who’s Who In The 3A-1 After Non-Conference Play

The 3A-1 has been dominant for years now. Holding six State Championships dating back to 2010 and back-to-back titles the past two years. Tack that on with the 2023 3A Coach of the Year, 3A Defensive Player of the Year, and 3A Offensive Player of the Year awards the 3A-1 earned last season and it is safe to say that the 3A-1 isn’t a mere powderpuff conference in the 3A. But that was last season. So, when it comes to the state as a whole in the 3A, how will the 3A-1 stack up in 2024? This year’s non-conference schedule put that to the test and gave fans an idea of what’s to come in the 3A-1 once conference play starts next week. While non-conference play can be considered a three game tune up compared to the Southeastern Conference like 3A-1 schedule, it still sets the stage for some hype when looking at the conference schedules.

Charleston versus Ozark / Photo courtesy of Ronni Young

Most everyone statewide saw Booneville as a serious contender coming into the 2024 season. A contender yes, but after the Bearcats graduated a hefty number of seniors this past spring, some folks figured Booneville would be rebuilding for a State Championship later on down the road. Instead, Booneville proved in their non-conference play that they are now ready to load up for a trip to War Memorial Stadium. Booneville faced a stiff non-conference slate consisting of Poteau Oklahoma, Ozark out of the 4A, and neighbors Paris. The result was a thrashing of each opponent leading to a combined score of 80-33. That put the Bearcats’ ground-and-pound offense and stiff defense averaging a 27-10 victory on the scoreboard for each game. The defending State Champions aren’t back per se, they never left.

Mansfield versus Lamar / Photo courtesy of Joey Bolin

Charleston and Mansfield were the top two contenders to challenge the State Champions Bearcats for the 3A-1 title in preseason polls. Both had impressive showings in 2023 with Charleston coming in as the 3A-1 Runner-Up and Mansfield making it to the State Playoff Semifinals, but both also stumbled a little bit in their 2024 non-conference schedules. Charleston faced off against Pottsville in their first game and lost by just three points (38-35) then took on their Franklin County rivals, Ozark, and fell by a mere point (34-35). A combined loss of four points in two games against a pair of high-powered 4A teams isn’t horrible, but a loss is still a loss. The Tigers then faced Heavener Oklahoma and made up for their narrow losses by walloping the Wolves with a 55-0 final score. Charleston led the 3A-1 in points scored in non-conference play racking up 124 points while allowing just 73 points in their three-game stretch.

Charleston versus Pottsville / Photo courtesy of Ronni Young

Mansfield faired the same as Charleston record-wise but didn’t put up the same kind of numbers. The Tigers struggled offensively in their non-conference schedule putting up 84 points in three games. While that puts them in the Top 5 in the conference in points scored, it’s not a mirrored image of their 2023 success. A lot of that can be attributed to the beefing up of their schedule that was made for the 2024 season. Gone were the 2A and small 3A games, instead the Tigers saw two 4A teams and one of the state’s up-and-coming 3A teams on the schedule this season. Mansfield hit the road twice in non-conference play falling to 3A State contender Bismarck 35-31 and were edged out at Lamar with a 13-12 final score. The Tigers did keep their Battle of Scott County streak alive by defeating Waldron at home with a 41-8 final, but finishing non-conference play with a 1-2 record is not what any team likes to see. Both Charleston and Mansfield seem to still be the top contenders for challenging Booneville for the 3A-1 crown, but they’ll have to get past their narrow loss habit and then each other on Friday, October 4th to begin to solidify that hope.

Mansfield versus Waldron / Photo courtesy of Jonathan Irvin

Hopes of contending in the 3A-1 are one thing, doing so on the non-conference scoreboard is another. The Hackett Hornets and Greenland Pirates are the current top two teams behind Boonville when it comes to their record in non-conference play. Both teams finished their slates with an impressive 2-1 record while posting an amazing 188 combined points along the way. Greenland placed themselves back into contention by facing off against three 4A teams in non-conference play as they stepped up against Lincoln, Berryville, and Green Forest while Hackett climbed the ladder by taking on 2A Mountainburg, 3A Danville, and 4A Gentry. Call it impressive or not, coming out of non-conference play with a 2-1 record and the only loss coming to 4A State Playoff contenders shows quite the improvement for the Pirates who finished last in the 3A-1 last season and is a boost for a Hackett team that struggled late in the 2023 season. The early 2024 success is something for each program to build on. Both Hackett and Greenland get their first shot at laying bricks for their building against some stiff competition to start 3A-1 play on September 27th as the Hornets head to Mansfield for their first conference game and Greenland faces off against Lavaca.

Cedarville versus JC Westside / Photo courtesy of Malinda Mizell

The Lavaca Golden Arrows started off their non-conference schedule slowly but picked up the pace as the games went by to finish out 1-2. A single-score loss to Dover out of the 4A and a high-scoring fall against Paris started Lavaca with an early 0-2 deficit. But when the chips were down and Oklahoma’s Roland Rangers came to town, the Golden Arrows bowed up and earned their first win of the season with a 21-14 victory. Now Lavaca has to look ahead to the 3A-1 conference schedule where they hope to break the trend of being hot early in the season and then turning ice cold come the end of conference play. With the 2024 restructuring of the 3A-1 conference schedule, the Golden Arrows could have a good shot at staying hot all season long. Both Cedarville and West Fork round out the 3A-1 non-conference ranks with rough stats and performances. Cedarville lined up three 2A programs in hopes of growing some momentum going into conference play, but the end results were subpar. The Pirates defeated Magazine 14-0 in their first game but spiraled downhill losing to Mountainburg and JC Westside with a combined score of 86-36. Without that momentum they had hoped for in non-conference play, Cedarville may be in for a tough season as they start conference play against Booneville on September 27th. The West Fork Tigers didn’t fare any better in non-conference play going 0-3 against the likes of Green Forest, Lincoln, and Huntsville. While these two programs may have struggled in their non-conference games, they still have the underdog mentality on their side and could create some lofty upsets going through the 2024 3A-1 schedule.

Now that non-conference play is over and the regular season is set in the 3A-1 for this Friday, it looks to be Booneville and then everyone else. This isn’t uncommon either as Boonville has been a dominant force for years since dropping from the 4A into the 3A. There are some programs in the 3A-1 though that have stepped up in the past to challenge the Bearcats and may do so again this season. Charleston has a long history of 3A State Championships and has defeated Booneville for both State titles and conference titles in the past. In fact, the Tigers had a rough start in non-conference play in 2022 before cleaning house en route to the State Championship. Mansfield was a nobody that came out of nowhere last season when they put Charleston on the ropes in one heck of a game and then knocked off two number-one seeds in the Playoffs before falling in the State semifinals. Hackett and Greenland are on the rise with their high-powered offenses and Lavaca has found some footing to push forward. No coach opens up their full playbook in non-conference play so the non-conference scores and records can be looked at as a sign of things to come or as just warmups that don’t count. Either way, the 3A-1 is going to be good again this season. Yes, Booneville will still be favored in almost every game in the 3A-1, but there could be some stiff competition right behind them that could sneak up and surprise some folks this year.

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

Tammy Teague
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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – Most of the universities in Arkansas reported increases in enrollment for the fall semester.

The state’s funding formula for higher education no longer emphasizes enrollment, due to passage of Act 148 of 2017. It changed the focus of state funding to a model based on productivity. One measure is retention of students and graduation rates. Another factor is the university’s mission, and how much it emphasizes research.

For their official count of students, universities take a snapshot on the 11th day of class. At the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, enrollment continued to increase for the fourth consecutive year, going up 4.6 percent more than enrollment during the fall of 2023.

Total enrollment was a record 22,600 students. Of those, 28.859 are undergraduates and 16,519 are from Arkansas.

Arkansas State University at Jonesboro also set enrollment records this fall. On the 11th day of the semester enrollment was 16,687 students, which is 12 percent higher than last year.

The graduate school at ASU is the largest in Arkansas. Its enrollment increased by 9 percent, to 5,741students. Of the overall student population, 72 percent are from Arkansas.

ASU operates a campus in Mexico with 961 students. Although their degrees are considered to be from ASU, the university doesn’t request state funding to subsidize their educations, according to an ASU spokesman.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock reported enrollment of 5,434 undergraduates, up 3.7 percent from a year ago. However, the number of graduate students declined from 1,535 to 1,479 to make the overall increase about two percent.

The University of Central Arkansas at Conway reported a strong increase in enrollment, thanks in large part to a surge in its freshman class this year. Overall enrollment is 10,123 students, up 3.4 percent from 2023. This year’s incoming freshman class, with 2,183 students, is up 26 percent over last year.

Arkansas Tech at Russellville reported mixed results on the 11th day of class. Its campus at Ozark had an increase of 7.4 percent over last year, to 2,115 students. On the other hand its main campus at Russellville saw a decreased headcount of 9,062 compared to 9,487 last year. University officials attributed the decrease to a change in scholarship procedures that were necessary to keep the program within budget.

Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia also reported a decrease in enrollment of eight percent, to 4,733 students, from last years’ record enrollment of 5,126.

SAU officials expected the decline, based on lower birth rates that resulted in lower numbers of high school graduates within the region. Also, the university saw a drop in international students because of unpredictable visa approvals. On the bright side, applications for business degrees and in the education department are both up dramatically.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello reported an increase of 92 students, from 2761 last year to 2853 this year.

Henderson State in Arkadelphia reported enrollment of 2,061 students, a decrease of 3.5 percent from last fall.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff reported an overall decrease on two percent, top 2,049 students. Enrollment at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith remained virtually unchanged from last year. UAFS has 5,512 students, just two fewer than last year.

Single-Vehicle Crash Kills One, Injures Another in Rural Franklin County

Tammy Teague
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Single-Vehicle Crash Kills One, Injures Another in Rural Franklin County

A single-vehicle crash in rural Franklin County claimed the life of one and injured another on Saturday, September 14. The crash occurred at 2 a.m. on State Highway 23, south of Quail Road.

According to the report from the Arkansas State Police, Eric Sigler, 40 of Ratcliff, was traveling south on Arkansas Highway 23, north of Etna, AR when he crossed the center line and traveled into the northbound lane. The vehicle, a 1988 Chevrolet Camero, overturned and both the driver and passenger, Kayla Knight, 24 of Branch, were ejected.

Knight was transported to Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith with injuries. Sigler was transported to UAMS but was pronounced dead. According to the ASP, the next of kin had been notified.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Tammy Teague
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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Hope you are enjoying this weather. My precious Aunt Pat Sehorn passed away yesterday. She was a special lady and loved by so many. We sure had a lot of fun together. She could make the best coconut pie and orange slice cake. She was a wonderful cook. She loved reading my weekly article.

She also called me Dr. Hopkins because I could always diagnose people when they told me their ailments. Most people don’t know this about me, and I love to try to diagnose people. When I go to the doctor, I always like to tell them what I think is wrong with me. A lot of the times I am right.

My cousin and I were laughing about going to a Mexican restaurant with my aunt. She never knew what to order and most of the time didn’t like what she would get. I would try to help her and this particular time she had made up her mind she wasn’t budging on it. They bring our food out and we have one plate, and she had three plates. The look on her face was priceless. Me and my cousin looked at each other and busted up laughing. It was always fun going to the Mexican restaurant with her. Good times and lots of good memories.

My son called me the other day, he hardly ever calls me, and he says, “good thing I am not dead, because you wouldn’t know because you never call me.” Those are the exact words I say to him when I haven’t heard from him in a while. I said, “same to you, how would you know if I was dead or not?” He responded with “I saw you singing on your church live feed, so I know you are alive.” He got me there. Remember folks, this is the son, one and only son, that I was in 14 hours of labor with and when I was talking to him about my funeral and burial he asked, “mom is there a cemetery that you could be buried at that is closer, because the one where Nanny is buried (where I will be buried) is really too far.” I mean, I would hate to inconvenience him for one day. I guess I better start finding one that is closer to Van Buren where he lives.

Before I got off on this pig trail, we were talking and he reminded me of when I was a substitute teacher. He then says, “they actually had you teaching algebra?” He acts like I have not a lick of sense. When I taught algebra, I was there in the class and I asked the kids in my loud voice, “who has the highest grade in the class?” A shy young girl named Ciera Cotner raised her hand, and I told the whole class, “ok, kids if y’all have any questions just go ask Ciera, she will help you.” There is more than one way to skin a cat. I might also say all the kids loved me as a substitute.

Sticking with our fall theme, this is a chicken pot pie noodle skillet. It would be good on a nice, fall evening.

CHICKEN POT PIE NOODLE SKILLET
10 oz. egg noodles
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic (I used minced garlic and just guess at it)
1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken cut into cubes or shredded
Cook noodles Al Dente. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook for about three minutes until the onions are soft. Stir in the flour until combined. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a boil, reduce and simmer about five minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened (about five minutes). Add the peas and carrots till warm. Drain the pasta and add to the skillet along with the chicken. If you have other seasonings, you want to add feel free. You may need to add a little more chicken broth. Use your best judgement.

Timepiece: Miles from Civilization

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: Miles from Civilization

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

We were miles from civilization, traveling on four-wheelers to the far east end of Rich Mountain in Logan County, Arkansas.  Dr. Wilson, a friend and visiting professor from Texas A/M university, wanted to visit the stone carvings that I had discovered some time previously.  Reaching the end of the trail, we exited the vehicles and began to descend the steep incline to the bench below.  The sun, a blazing marshmallow moments before, began to sink into oblivion in the west and the night creatures began their nightly orchestra.  Tree frogs, katy-did, cicada’s, and myriad other insects joined the mournful sounds of a hoot owl.  Dr. Wilson looked startled. tracing his flashlight around in the darkness.  “This would be a scary experience for people from my home, he stated, It’s so noisy.”  I had never noticed, it was just the sound of growing up in Arkansas. 

Recently, thinking of that event, my mind drifted to the various sounds that defined Arkansas and our history and culture.  Three blasts on the huge curling goat horn echo through the cattail and cottonwood trees that line the bank at the intersection of Vache Grass creek and the Arkansas River.  Local Indian tribes, alerted by the sound, drifted to the landing and awaited the arrival of French fur traders.  In the late 16th century, a brisk trade existed between the two groups with the French trading beads, metal utensils, and gunpowder for hides and meat that would be delivered down-river to New Orleans.  Fast forward to Christmas of 1817 at Belle Point one would hear the bite of the ax and the thunder of falling trees as Major William Bradford and his small band constructed the first Fort Smith. 

Horrible, bitter sounds echoed across Arkansas in the 1860’s.  A border state, the Civil War caused some of the most uncivil acts as neighbors and families fought over the issues of slavery and states rights.  Cannons bellowed, throwing shot and gusts of dense smoke across battlefields at Pea Ridge, West-Helena, and Prairie Groove.  The rebel cry and the sounds of angry men dying for a lost cause filled the air as the two sides clashed on the battlefield.  Even more terrible were the wailing of the widows and children caught up in the burning, looting, and destruction of their way of life. 

The span between the ending of the war and 1900 was the golden age of the railroad.  The metallic ring of iron on iron echoed across Arkansas as rail was laid and spikes driven.  Steam engines bellowed into town, ringing the bell and tooting the train whistle to alert inhabitants that a new age of travel had arrived.  Not many years later, the automobile arrived with much the same fanfare and the sounds of the car horn and traffic followed soon after.

In the 1950’s and 60’s, Arkansas voiced the same sounds of protest that was shaking our country.  Social protests at Little Rock Central changed the face of education in Arkansas and the nation and student voices joined the national protest against the Vietnam War.

Arkansas defined itself as the natural state, made so by our many waterways.  No sound is more peaceful than the tinkling of water as it tumbles over the rocks in our many streams.  In the 1960’s, the thunderous and powerful sound of falling water running through the gates of the many dams constructed as a part of the McClellan-Kerr navigation system created electrical power and recreational lakes across the state.   Not so pleasant, beginning in the mid-1970’s was the huge shrill warning sirens set up by Arkansas Nuclear One as we came of the nuclear age. The last century has brought big changes to the state. Arkansas is not without its urban areas and the sounds associated with it.  Pulaski County and the Fayetteville/Springdale, Bentonville area buzz with the roar of traffic as big sixteen-wheelers and thousands of cars pass travel down the interstate. 

The sounds of Arkansas; there are so many that express who we are as a people and state.  The soothing sounds of Johnny Cash or Glenn Campbell as they sing, the roar of fans as they call the hogs, the half-time programs of the U/A Pine Bluff marching band, the bugle of the elk at Ponca- these are the sounds that make up our state and who we are. 

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