Resident News Network

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

News

-

4:54 pm

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

The governor unveiled a new pay plan for state employees that she will present for legislative approval during the 2025 regular session.

At the announcement of the pay plan, she said it was the fulfillment of a promise she made when campaigning for office. Bringing salaries more in line with those in the private sector, the state will encourage people to apply for the jobs in state government that are hardest to fill, she said.

The Secretary of Transformation and Shared Services urged people to go online and apply for jobs. “This new pay plan allows us to be flexible and competitive in the market both now and moving forward. Consider working with us – apply now at arcareers.arkansas.gov,” the secretary said.

The President of the Arkansas State Police Foundation Board said that the higher pay would boost morale among state troopers and would improve efforts to recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers. That will make Arkansas safer, the foundation president said.

The governor’s proposal would raise the salaries of about 14,539 state employees, who represent about two-thirds of the executive branch workforce. A stated goal of the pay raises is to bring state employees’ salaries closer to private sector salaries in comparable labor markets.

Another goal is recruit and retain employees in categories in which the state has had chronic shortages, such as nursing staff, prison officers, social services workers and the State Police.

Security officers at state prisons would see average entry-level salaries increase by 35.3%, from $37,589 to $50,845. Average salaries for all officers would increase by 17.1%, from $50,461 to $59,100.

Some agencies, such as the Department of Human Services, hire staff who work with troubled teens and young people in broken homes. They have turnover among social workers, cause by stress and by caseloads much greater than recommended in national standards.

Entry-level salaries would increase by 20.5%, from $44,172 to $52,442. The average salaries for all staff would increase by 15.3%, from $48,733 to $55,364.

At the State Police, average entry-level salaries would go up by 19.8%, from $56,498 to $67,706. The overall average salary would go up by 10.4%, from $73,318 to $80,930.

The state hires nurses at long-term care facilities. The average entry-level salary would increase by 8.3%, from $51,032 to $54,661, and the average pay for all nurses would increase by 9.6%, from $57,686 to $61,552.

The cost of the pay plan is an estimated $102 million, and will be included when the governor presents a balanced budget to lawmakers next week. According to the governor’s office, almost $60 million will come from the general revenue fund, the state’s main source of spending for services. General revenue comes mostly from sales taxes, individual income taxes and corporate income taxes.

Other state government funds will pay for the remainder of the costs of the pay plan. The governor said that much of the cost would be absorbed by agencies in their existing budgets, which have many positions that are vacant.

HOLIDAYS: Practice food safety during Thanksgiving festivities

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

4:52 pm

0

HOLIDAYS: Practice food safety during Thanksgiving festivities

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

As families around the United States prepare for their Thanksgiving celebrations, practicing food safety guidelines when thawing the celebratory bird and storing leftovers can help ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.

Whether it’s roasted, braised or fried, the Thanksgiving turkey should be prepared with food safety as a top priority.

“Believe it or not, keeping your bird safe begins immediately after the grocery store checkout,” said Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Once a frozen turkey is purchased, you should take it home immediately and store it in the freezer. Frozen turkey should be kept where the temperature can be constantly monitored.”

Whitson said frozen meat or poultry should be left at room temperature for no more than two hours, or no more than one hour if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

“If left out for longer, this allows food to enter the ‘temperature danger zone’ between 41 degrees F and 135 degrees F, where foodborne bacteria can rapidly develop and cause illness,” he said.

There are three methods experts consider safe for thawing a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.

Thawing in the refrigerator: If using this method, be sure to plan ahead. Allow 24 hours in a fridge set at or below 40 degrees F for every four to five pounds of bird. Place the turkey in a container to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods in the fridge and, ideally, thaw the turkey in the bottom portion of the fridge. A thawed turkey can remain in the fridge for one to two days before cooking. Turkey thawed using the refrigerator method can be refrozen without cooking, but there may be some loss in quality.
- Refrigerator thawing times
  - 4 to 12 pounds: one to three days
  - 12 to 16 pounds: three to four days
  - 16 to 20 pounds: four to five days
  - 20 to 24 pounds: five to six days
Thawing using the cold-water method: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound of turkey. Place the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and prevent the turkey from absorbing water. Next, submerge the turkey in cold tap water. Set a timer to ensure the water is changed every 30 minutes until the turkey is completely thawed. This prevents the water from warming up and reaching a temperature where bacteria can multiply. Turkey thawed by this method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey may be refrozen.
- Cold water thawing times
  - 4 to 12 pounds: two to six hours
  - 12 to 16 pounds: six to eight hours
  - 16 to 20 pounds: eight to 10 hours
  - 20 to 24 pounds: 10 to 12 hours
Thawing in the microwave: Follow the turkey producer’s instructions. Once the turkey has defrosted and thawed using the provided directions, plan to cook it immediately. Some areas of the bird may become warm and cook during microwaving. “Storing your turkey after having been partially cooked is not recommended,” Whitson said. “Partially cooking your turkey does not destroy all the bacteria, allowing the remaining bacteria to potentially multiply and cause foodborne illness while your turkey is in storage. Turkey thawed using this method must be cooked immediately to remain safe for consumption.”

Whitson said one can tell if their turkey has thawed completely by touching the breast meat, which should feel soft and not frozen; wiggling the legs or wings, which should move easily and not be stiff; or by measuring the temperature of the bird at the thickest part, which is typically the breast or thigh. This should read 30 to 40 degrees F when using a probe thermometer.

If preparing a turkey is too laborious, Whitson suggested making a pork roast, beef brisket, salmon or a Thanksgiving lasagna instead.

“For those looking for a vegetarian option or alternative, try Tofurkey, which is a plant-based roast modeled after a turkey, or a plant-based Wellington, often made with chickpeas or lentils,” he said.

Safely store leftovers

Whitson said concerns for food safety do not end once the food is cooked.

“You should also be mindful when serving and enjoying the food that you worked so hard on,” he said. “Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than two hours.”

In general, cold foods should be kept cold and hot foods should be kept hot.

“Keep cold foods at or below 41 degrees F, and keep hot foods held at or above 135 degrees F,” Whitson said. “Cold foods can be held in an ice bath, in a cooler with ice or ice packs, or stored in your refrigerator.

“Hot food can be held in the oven, chafing dishes, slow cookers or warming trays to keep warm,” he said. “Remember to check the temperature by using a thermometer every two hours for the most accurate temperature of your food.”

Foods that have been safely held within the appropriate temperature ranges can be stored for leftovers. Whitson said food should be placed in shallow containers and immediately put in the refrigerator or freezer for immediate cooling.

“Most leftovers remain safe in storage for three to four days,” Whitson said. “Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.”

For more information about food safety, visit the Food Safety page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Timepiece: Separate but Unequal

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

4:41 pm

0

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

We are sometimes oblivious to the fact that history is created everyday of our lives. Standing on the steps of Dunbar middle school in Little Rock, realization arrives telling me I have lived through a historic but slow period of change. A few blocks away stands Little Rock Central High, the 1957 center of a bitter strife to achieve equal educational opportunities for all races. Dunbar, built in 1929, was a scaled miniature of Central and served as the regional all “black” school in the separate but equal era that began with the 1896 Plessy vs. Ferguson case.

People now reaching retirement age little realize and seldom remember the changes that occurred during the Civil Rights era of the mid-20^th century. In 1957, the Little Rock nine initiated one of the biggest social change of our life-time when they attempted to integrate the public schools of Arkansas. Although initially unsuccessful, their efforts eventually resulted in school integration across the state. It was only the first step in an on-going effort to achieve racial equality.

Students today only see the big picture of racial inequality. They little realize the grass-level inequities that existed and the division that was caused by those inequities. The inequities went far beyond the right to vote or to attend the same public schools. African-Americans were excluded from eating in the same restaurants as whites, had to locate Black only restrooms for use, and were restricted to the back seats in busses and trains. Families as poor as mine, working in the cotton fields were still viewed as “better” than blacks doing the same labor. They were often paid more, had the jobs of plowing or using the farm equipment, and were given better company homes. Water jugs and dippers, sitting at the end of long rows of cotton were clearly marked White and Black. You might share a dipper with a snuff-spitting hillbilly but NEVER with a Black.

Because banks were reluctant to loan money to Blacks, Blacks were often relegated to small shanty communities outside of the larger town. This was even true in the North where racially-divided communities were common and, unfortunately, still exist. In essence, the Blacks were treated similar to Indians and relegated to “reservations” where only they lived. The houses were decrepit and ramshackle, looking like a good strong wind would blow them over. Most were owned by shady investors who charged high rents because the Black worker had such low wages and the inability to borrow money. A mark of success was the ability to buy a large fancy car. The car was not only a symbol of status, they were a necessity for any family that wished to travel. Across Arkansas and America towns enacted“sundown” laws. Large signs posted at the entrance to these towns stated, “Black man, don’t let the sun go down on your back in __.” Enforced by local law, any minority caught in the town could be jailed and fined. Hotels and motels were also marked White Only so the traveler had no-where to stay. The Green Book, first written in 1900 and then updated each decade, provided information to the traveler where they would bewelcomed and where they could spend the night or vacation. Travelling from Fayetteville south or from Ft. Smith east, a family might drive for a half-day or more before locating a place they could visit. Baskets of food were required because many communities would not have a restaurant that would serve Blacks. If you had a large family, a large car was needed because you might have to spend the night sleeping in the seats.

Even with Brown Vs. Board, many schools were essentially segregated because of community isolation of minorities. My home school allowed two black students that lived within the city-limits. The rest attended the community all-black school in Grey Rock. The districts were consolidated and integrated in 1968 without incident. Young people accept change faster. By 1975, two of the eight cheer-leaders and the high school president were black students.

Change occurred slowly, sometimes without notice but there are no more sundown signs, no White only signs, and minorities are not relegated to the back seats. Are we perfect? Not by any means but we are making progress. Our Government and our people might benefit from Robert Frosts words. Although not talking about racial issues, his telling statement was, “I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

RNN Sports: Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Playoffs Round 1

Ross Fujibayashi

-

3:18 pm

0

RNN Sports: Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Playoffs Round 1

Several area teams are enjoying post-season berths. Some are now focusing on basketball. Odd how quickly the post-season has gotten here. I mean, does it not just feel like the kids just got out of team camps and Hooten’s just came out? Well, either way…. Greenwood is on a bye this week after wrapping up a 42-0 win over Mountain Home to win the conference championship.

Dudes of the year team nominations are wide open. Add a spirit squad, band, and a favorite concession stand food to get a nod in the article!

Stone Cold Lock Of The Week

Melbourne vs Charleston

Charleston is sitting in a unique spot where their four losses are by a combined of 10 points. Charleston QB Carter Little has a shot to pass for 3,000 yards this season after finding wide receiver Emiliano Gaona for 791 of those yards. The Bearkatz of Melbourne make their way to Alumni Field boasting a 8-2 record with close wins over Quitman and Atkins during conference play. The winner of this game faces the winner of Osceola and Centerpoint.

The Others

Paris vs Mansfield

Mansfield secured their first outright conference title is quite a few years. Back-to-Back 3A-1 Coach of the Year Whit Overton has the Tigers in a prime spot to make a lot of noise today in the Class 3A Playoffs. Signature wins over Charleston and Booneville has the Tigers focused on making a return trip to the Semi-Finals. Paris on the other sideline is the team still trying to find its identity under Coach Jeff Weaver. The Eagles took a surprising loss to Waldron in Week 0. Put played eventual 3A-4 Conference Champion Glen Rose extremely close losing 25-21. The Tigers have been lighting up the scoreboard this season averaging 40.2 points per game, while allowing just 16.3. The winner faces either Newport or McGehee in the second round, my guess is Newport.

West Fork vs Salem

The Greyhounds took last year’s State Runner-Up and Preseason favorite Prescott to the wire. West Fork will have their hands full trying to stop the state’s leading player in the sack category Junior Keegan Sanderson. The winner of this game will face the winner of Prescott and Quitmam. On paper it looks like it may end up being a rematch of the Week 1 game that was played at Hendrix in Conway, the difference being Prescott will have to travel to Salem.

Magnet Cove vs Booneville

The 4th seed out of the 3A-4 Magnet Cove, makes the trek into Bearcat country. Booneville’s only blemish on their record is the loss from the Mansfield Tigers. The Panthers come to Logan County sporting a 6-4 record with wins over Gurdon, Poyen and Paris. They played Glen Rose close early in October and are looking to extend their playoff run. The winner will play either Mayflower or Lavaca in the next round.

Lavaca vs Mayflower

At the start of the year Mayflower shut out four of their first five opponents, all while enacting the AAA Sportsmanship rule. Their two losses came at the hands of Salem and Atkins in back-to-back weeks. Then there is Lavaca, while they were able to get good wins against Roland, Ok and Cedarville. The top 3 teams in the 3A-1 to a total of just 27 points. The winner of this game will more than likely have to travel to Booneville for the second round.

Ozark vs Arkadelphia

The Badgers the team to beat in their conference for a long time. With losses to 5A Camden Fairview and 6A Lake Hamilton, Arkadelphia is no slouch coming into this game against Ozark. The Hillbillies are definitely not having their best year at 4-6. But the 4A-4 Conference is not an easy one. Waldron handed them a surprising loss in late September after a one-point victory against rival Charleston. The winner in this round will face the winner of DeWitt and Gentry. Due to both of those teams being the third seed in the Playoffs, Gentry had to make the nearly 5-hour trip to DeWitt. Sheesh.

Green Forest vs Mena

Mena is riding a wave of success that the Bearcats have not seen on quite some time. After running through the regular season 9-0 and only being stopped by Dardanelle in Week 10. While no opponent should be overlooked, but Mena looks like too much for Green Forest. It sets up an interesting possible matchup between Elkins and Mena in round two, barring any upsets. Elkins takes on Helena in round 1.

Mt Ida vs Bearden

Magazine Rattler conference foe Mt Ida travels to Bearden for a first round match-up. The winner plays either Murfreesboro or Marked Tree in the 2nd round.

Boozman Recognized for Support of Emergency Medical Services and Personnel

News

Tammy Teague

-

4:12 pm

0

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

-

3:12 pm

0

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

-

3:09 pm

0

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

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

2:23 pm

0

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

-

1:59 pm

0

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.

Featured

Tammy Teague

-

9:57 am

0

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.

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK