Greenwood’s Kylah Pearcy Named River Valley Player of the Year
GREENWOOD — Greenwood standout Kylah Pearcy has been named the 2026 River Valley Player of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, capping off a historic high school basketball career.
Pearcy, who has consistently been one of the top performers in the state, earned selection to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All River Valley basketball team for the 2024-25 season. She also received All-Conference honors in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, along with All-State recognition for the 2024-25 season.
Her senior campaign further solidified her place among Arkansas’ elite. Pearcy averaged 30.2 points per game during the 2025-26 season, ranking fourth all-time in state history. She also recorded 230 free throws made, placing fifth in state history for a single season.
Among her most notable performances was a 58-point game, tying for the fourth-highest single-game scoring total in Arkansas history.
Pearcy leaves Greenwood as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,011 career points, a milestone that reflects both her consistency and scoring ability over her high school career.
Her combination of scoring, leadership, and record-setting performances has made her one of the most accomplished players to come through the River Valley in recent years.
Mulberry Woman Killed in Logan County Crash; Minor Injured
LOGAN COUNTY — A 69-year-old Mulberry woman was killed Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash along Highway 309 in Logan County, according to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. on April 5 near 2731 Highway 309 in a rural area of the county.
Authorities identified the victim as Cynthia Rowe, 69, of Mulberry. Rowe was the driver of a 2020 GMC Terrain and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to the report, the Terrain was traveling southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided head-on with a 2018 GMC Sierra.
A minor occupant in the second vehicle was injured in the crash and transported to Mercy Hospital Fort Smith for treatment. The extent of injuries has not been released.
Authorities confirmed that next of kin have been notified.
Mansfield Elementary Launches Horticulture Project to Inspire Students, Beautify Campus
A new hands-on initiative at Mansfield Elementary is taking root, combining campus beautification with meaningful life lessons for students in the ALE and Special Education programs.
Led by educator Amber Whittaker, the Cub Academy and Special Education horticulture project aims to teach students how to grow their own food while also enhancing the appearance of the school grounds. The project emphasizes both practical skills and personal growth, giving students the opportunity to learn through experience.
“It is our mission to beautify our elementary campus and to teach our ALE and Special Education students a life lesson to grow their own food,” Whittaker said.
The program encourages students to take part in every step of the process—from planting and nurturing to eventually harvesting. Organizers say the impact goes beyond the garden beds.
“We love seeing these kids light up when the plants start growing,” Whittaker added. “It’s more than just a project—it’s something they can be proud of.”
To support the effort, the school is seeking community donations, including hay, plants, bulbs, cedar planks and soil. Organizers say any contribution, large or small, will help expand the project and provide additional learning opportunities for students.
Community members interested in contributing are encouraged to reach out, as the program continues to grow with the support of local residents.
School officials say the initiative reflects a broader goal of connecting students with their environment while building confidence, responsibility and real-world skills—one plant at a time.
Community Gathers for Mayor Millard’s Final Easter Celebration
Families gathered at Waldron City Park on Sunday, April 5, for what became both a celebration and a moment of reflection, as Mayor David Millard hosted his final Easter Egg Hunt after eight years of the beloved community tradition.
Mayor Millard, joined by his wife, spent part of the afternoon seated on a park bench, watching as more than 175 children poured into the park, baskets in hand, eager to begin the hunt. The scene carried special meaning, as the annual event—one of the mayor’s favorites—was originally started in memory of his father.
This year’s hunt was the largest yet. Organizers placed more than 4,200 eggs across the park, including 200 “golden eggs” containing special prizes. Millard added an extra 2,000 eggs to the original 2,000, ensuring there was little ground left uncovered before the children quickly gathered them.
Each egg contained candy or small prizes, and several children also went home with bicycles awarded during the event.
Organizers credited the success of the event to favorable weather and strong community support. Eggs were supplied through Sunny Bunny Easter Egg Company, and volunteers played a key role in preparing and organizing the hunt.
Special recognition was given to Sheri Thompson, who stepped in as the Easter Bunny on short notice, as well as behind-the-scenes volunteers Brandon Nelson, Regina Oliver and Jerry Ruth for their continued dedication over the years.
The event welcomed children ages 2 to 10 and drew families from across the area, continuing a tradition that has become a staple of the Waldron community.
As the final eggs were collected and families departed, the 2026 Easter Egg Hunt marked not only another successful year, but the closing chapter of a tradition led by Mayor Millard—one that has brought joy to hundreds of children and families each spring.
Pevehouse to Depart Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office for New Role in Crawford County
SEBASTIAN COUNTY — Captain Philip Pevehouse with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office will conclude his service with the department on Friday, marking the end of a decades-long career in Sebastian County law enforcement.
Pevehouse will transition to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, where he will serve as an investigator with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He is expected to begin his new role as a sergeant on Monday.
According to Pevehouse, an interim plan will be put in place to ensure his duties within the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office are covered until a permanent replacement is named.
Pevehouse began his career in law enforcement in 1994 with the sheriff’s office, initially serving as the department’s chaplain before advancing through the ranks over the years.
In a statement regarding his departure, Pevehouse said the decision comes as part of a new opportunity rather than dissatisfaction with his current role.
“I was offered a great opportunity,” Pevehouse said. “When God closes one door, he already has something better prepared for us…I’m not leaving because of the people.”
His departure marks a transition for both agencies as he brings decades of experience to Crawford County while leaving a longstanding legacy in Sebastian County.
**Editor’s note—It has been the highest honor and privilege to work alongside Captain Phillip Pevehouse throughout my career. He was always accessible—no phone call, text message, or email ever went unanswered. Over the years, our professional relationship grew into a meaningful friendship with him and his family. I am deeply grateful not only for his professionalism, but also for his friendship. His prayers and encouragement often came at just the right time and carried me through many days. He will be greatly missed and leaves a lasting impact that will be impossible to replace.
