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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! What a beautiful week of weather we have had. In the words of Floyd the Barber from the Andy Griffith Show “everybody wants to talk about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Floyd was a wise man.

Back to Atlanta, GA. The traffic there made me cover my eyes with my pillow. It’s awful. Years ago, my brother and his family, including Tonya and little Rachel, all went to Atlanta to watch the Braves play. Jason, my nephew, was driving and the traffic is so crazy everyone was yelling at him. My brother said that Jason stopped the vehicle in the five lanes of traffic, got out and told someone else to drive. It’s a miracle they were not all killed. I’m sure his nerves were shot, and it didn’t help that everyone was yelling. I wish this could have been on video. They survived and got to the hotel with their Walmart sacks for luggage and enjoyed the ballgame.

I always find someone to talk to when I am traveling, it drives Jacob insane. He said, “mom, people do not want to talk to you.” How does he know? They may really want to talk to me. I started talking to this man at Buc-ee’s who was waiting on his wife and my brother said, “who is that?” I had no clue, but what is funny is my brother ended up talking to him and the man was a Braves fan also.

I was at a restaurant one time and see this lady that looked just like Tonya Wagoner. So, I asked her if she knew Tonya, she didn’t but I told her she looked just like my niece, who teaches at Greenwood. Jacob is about to croak. He just can’t handle the fact that I am friendly and like to talk to people. You won’t ever have to worry about him talking to strangers, that will never happen.

I was on the elevator in Atlanta at the hotel and Peggy called me by my name. This man on the elevator with us said “bye Sheri” when I went to get off. The next day, I saw him again and he spoke to me. His wife said, “he was wondering this morning what Sheri was doing today?” My brother thinks I am famous. I even saw a friend of mine from Alma at the Braves game. What are the odds of that?

This is the last story about the vacation, and I know y’all are glad. I may have some repeat stories since I heard I had some new people that have been reading my article. Have a wonderful week and count your blessings! This is an easy peasy recipe, but delicious and quick. It would be great for breakfast or as a dessert.

PEACH PIE CUPS
1 12.4 oz. can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with the icing in the package (8 ct.)
1 21 oz. can of peach pie filling (chop up the peaches)
Heat oven to 374 degrees and spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray or use paper muffins if you would like. Separate dough into 8 rolls and let stand ten minutes. Place rolls cinnamon side up into the muffin cups. Press in the bottom and sides of the muffin tin. Spoon two generous tablespoons of pie filling into each dough lined tin. Back 14 -18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for five minutes before removing. Drizzle the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls on top and enjoy. You can always use cherry or another one of your favorite pie fillings.

Obituary: Billie Ray (1943-2024)

Billie Sue (Lawson) Ray, 81, a cherished member of the Waldron community, was born on May 29, 1943 to Samuel and Emma (Nichols) Lawson in Bluffton, Arkansas and peacefully passed away on August 14, 2024, in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Billie Sue was a beloved wife to her husband W.D. Rabbit for 38 wonderful years, and their love was a true inspiration to all who knew them. 

Billie Sue was a dedicated employee, having worked at the Waldron Furniture Factory and then her and Rabbit’s business, C&R Design, for over 20 years, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked with. Billie Sue was a family-oriented individual who adored spending time with her children, grandchildren and creating beautiful memories that will be cherished forever. She was known for her incredible muscadine jelly, a delicious treat that brought joy to many. Her love for bluegrass music, rock n’ roll, and especially Elvis Presley was infectious. She often found joy in going to the Turkey Track to listen to her favorite bluegrass music. 

In her younger days, Billie Sue was a talented basketball player and even had the honor of being the Yell County Fair Queen, embodying grace and beauty. She had a passion for watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play basketball and cheered them on with enthusiasm. Traveling was a significant part of her life, as she enjoyed exploring new places with Rabbit, her in-laws, and their spouses, especially their trips to Branson to enjoy the music.

Billie Sue leaves behind to cherish her memory the love of her life, W.D. Rabbit Ray; daughter: Lisa Ridenhour of Waldron, step daughter Simone Ray of Waldron, and daughter in-law Kim Hale of Hale Town, Arkansas. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Jodi Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma; Chelsea Lord and husband Jacob of Wasilla, Alaska; Kendra Kisling and children of Waldron ; Dustin and Hope Kisling and children of Rogers ; Kayla and Ronnie Cox and children of Waldron ; and grandson-in-law Austin Thomas of Ola, Arkansas. Great-Grandchildren: Bryson and Codi Jones, Jake Perry, Raylyn Thomas, Miles Lord, Baby Lord, and one great-great grandchild: Walker Jones; nieces Debbie Taff and Judy Self, Nephew David Lawson of Waldron.

Billie Sue will be missed by all that knew her and the many lives she touched including an extended family of friends and loved ones dear to her heart.Billie Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Emma Lawson; son, Billy Joe Hale; stepdaughter, Shannen Ray; granddaughter, Lyonette Thomas; brother, Hoyt Lawson and twin sister, Betty Lou Spears.

Billie Sue’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Butch Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Billie Sue’s pallbearers will be Bryson Jones, Jake Perry, Austin Thomas, Jacob Lord, Dustin Kisling, Travis Taff and Ronnie Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Ray, David Lawson, Jamie Hale, Alvin Carnahan and Tim Spears.

Billie Sue’s visitation will be Friday, August 16, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Obituary: Billy Whiteley (1949-2024)

Billy Gene Whiteley, better known as Buddy, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas, passed from this life, Sunday, August 11, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Buddy was born February 22, 1949 in Belton, Texas to Marlin and Ludie Mae (Morgan) Whiteley. He was 75 years old.

Buddy was a loving husband and father with the patience of Job. In the words of his son, “no one could have been a better father”. Buddy was a man of God who was not afraid to share his faith in the Lord. He was a man of his word and had the biggest heart for helping anyone in need.

Buddy was a bull rider and established Whiteley Bull Pen in Texas where he spent many hours helping young bull riders get started in the business. He was a mentor to many young men in all aspects of life. Buddy was the definition of an old fashioned cowboy in every way possible. He believed and lived by a code of ethics rarely found today. Buddy also owned a tire business making friends everywhere his travels would take him. He touched many hearts and will be truly missed.

Buddy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Barbara of the home; two sons, Cody Allen Whiteley of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Billy Gene Heiner and wife Cindy of Glen Rose, Texas; one daughter Brandy Lee Hilliard and husband Guy of Harker Heights, Texas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Destiny Whiteley of Lawton, Oklahoma; Savanna Carman and husband Tristan of Harker Heights, Texas; Hailey Hilliard of Harker Heights, Texas; Ravyn White and husband Kellan of Thornton, Texas; Skylar Heiner of Elm Mott, Texas; Burgandi Heiner of Waco, Texas; Jacoby Heiner of Gatesville, Texas; Sierra Heiner of Glen Rose, Texas; and Corey Whiteley of Lawton, Oklahoma; and great grandchildren Beau Huber, Ellie May Carman, Braelee White, Sarah Jeaux White, Royce White, Keygun Heiner, Kodie Heiner, Wyatt Heiner, Waelynn Heiner, Walker Heiner, Harper Heiner, Greyson Heiner and Everest Heiner. Buddy is also survived by one sister, Judy Vick of Texas. He will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including numerous beloved nieces and nephews; friends, neighbors, loved ones and his beloved cowboys. 

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents Marlin and Ludie Mae Whiteley; son, Leroy Whiteley; brothers: Marlin Jr.; Leroy Whiteley and Marvin (Sonny) Whiteley; and sisters: Margie Turner and Margaret Whiteley.

Buddy’s family will host a private celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Fatal Crash Claims the Life of a Huntington Man

A fatal crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 14 at 10:40 p.m., has claimed the life of a Huntington man. The accident occurred at 9500 Hwy. 71 S. in Fort Smith.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Zachary Boyd, 26, was traveling southbound in the right-hand lane of Highway 71 S. on a 2024 Yamaha when he struck a 1994 International at a high rate of speed.

No other injuries were reported. The body was taken to the Sebastian County Coroner’s office and the next of kin notified.

Mercy Cuts Ribbon on New Greenwood Clinic

Clinic co-workers along with leaders from Mercy and the Greenwood community cut the ribbon on the new Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Greenwood on Wednesday. The new location at 2435 Veterans Way (off Highway 71 in front of Walmart) replaces the clinic at 20 N. Aster St. and expands the services available in the area. 

Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow issued a proclamation, declaring Aug. 14, 2024, as “Mercy Clinic Family Medicine Day” in Greenwood.

“I so proud and thrilled and happy and excited that this clinic is in Greenwood, Arkansas,” Kinslow said. “What an addition to this fine city. It’s a perfect location. Everything about it is perfect. I’m kind of at a loss for words. This is one of the best things I’ve gotten to do since I’ve been mayor.”

A groundbreaking for the new clinic was held in July 2023. At about 11,130 square feet, the new location will double the current clinical space and include 22 exam rooms, with ample room to add providers and services to meet the growing needs of the community. The addition of Dr. John Young, who began seeing patients at the clinic this month, means there are now seven Mercy providers offering care in Greenwood. There are 22 total co-workers at the clinic.

“There’s been a long tradition of trust between the providers and the people of Greenwood,” said Dr. Michael Callaway, section chairman for primary care at Mercy Fort Smith. “We’ve enjoyed that for a long time, and we have high expectations that this clinic will allow us to continue with increased capacity.”

Dr. Lance Barton, longtime provider in Greenwood, noted the efforts it took to open the new facility.

“I want to thank Mercy for investing in primary care in Greenwood and South Sebastian County,” he said. “We’ve managed to persevere, and we’ve delivered good care to the community, and we’ve grown from three providers when I came (25 years ago) to seven providers.”

Dr. Barton added that he wanted to thank “our No. 1 asset – our employees. They’re our secret sauce; they’re what makes things go around. They are what makes this place special.”

Father Paul Fetsko blessed the facility and presented the Mercy Cross to Practice Manager Angela Ulmer.

In addition to thanking the construction teams, project manager and others, Steve Gebhart, vice president of operations at Mercy thanked Dr. David Hunton, retired physician leader executive, and Amy Fore, vice president of patient services, for their “perseverance and discussions and proposals with our ministry leadership that finally led to where we are today. We appreciate both of you for all the work you did bringing this new clinic to life.”

In addition to traditional primary care available Monday through Friday, the clinic will provide X-ray and lab services along with dedicated space for walk-in acute care patients.

Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with walk-in availability for established patients from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Phone number is 479.996-4111.

Timepiece: The Trail Where They Cried

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

The Indian Removal Act was passed in early 1830, resulting in one of the most dismal periods of Arkansas history.  More than 60,000 members of the five civilized tribes were forced from their ancestral homelands in the east and resettled in Indian Territory.  Unwilling for the most part, these people had little choice but to uproot from lands they had owned since antiquity and herded west to “relocate” in what is now Oklahoma.  In most cases, military accompanied by hired contractors, were given the task of guiding the natives to their new homes.  These contractors, paid by the head to deliver the tribes to their new home, sought the easiest, fastest, and cheapest routes of delivery.  The result was a multitude of pathways and means of delivery, all having a common denominator of hardship, disease, and often death. 

Most of the pathways westward included portions of the trip traveling in caravans with wagonloads of possessions, often walking barefoot beside the wagons along primitive roads and trails cutting through forest and swampland.   The decade of the 1830’s saw miserable summer and extremely cold winters, factors which were often ignored by contractors and military who were consumed with getting the goods delivered as rapidly as possible.  Untold numbers of tribal members died, the results of dysentery, measles, and other communicable disease.  

Many of the Cherokee came through the Northern route which passed through Missouri and then down the Fayetteville road to Fort Smith while the other tribes more often traveled up the Arkansas River as far as possible and then up the Military road running from Little Rock to Fort Gibson as the water became to shallow to traverse.  The journal of Lt. Edward Deas, shared to me by my friend Dusty Helbling, describes in detail many of the hardships.

Deas, and his contingent of Cherokee, had arrived in Little Rock on April 11th of 1838 and were some of the last group of Cherokees to make the journey.  Finding the steamboat that had delivered them thus far too large to travel westward, Deas arranged for the smaller boat, the Little Rock and two accompanying keel boats, to deliver the group to Oklahoma for $5 a head.  The journal describes the difficulty experienced by the group as they travelled.  A day out of Little Rock, one of the keel boats sprang a leak when it encountered a hidden snag.  Landing on shore for repair, they found that that area residents were plagued by small-pox.  Leaving one of the keelboats and most of the supplies, they proceeded with all dispatch on up the river.  The boats constantly encountered sandbars and shoals.  When this occurred, the travelers were put ashore and walked miles through the underbrush until bypassing the obstacles.  

The group encountered a storm on April 17th and, facing a strong wind, could not make headway and the tents, set up on shore, offered little or no protection.  On the 21st of April, the group reached Titsworth Landing, a plantation near the current small town of Roseville, AR.  With water too shallow to proceed further, the group were offloaded and wagons were rented to transport the group from there into Fort Smith.  

The group traveled south by wagon, joining the old Military road near the current town of Caulksville and then west.  Spending the night on Vache Grasse creek, Deas casually mentions that two of the small children had passed away in the night and were buried along the stream near what is now Central.  This was not uncommon.  The 1834 group of 500 Cherokee camped near Cadron (Conway) reported losing 81 members of their party when a cholera epidemic swept through their camp.  Way too many other groups reported similar losses. 

Nearing the end of April, the party eventually arrived in Fort Smith and were dispersed over the river and into Indian territory, completing the journey on the trek known as nunahi-duna-dlo-hilu-i— “the trail where they cried.”

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund welcomes Christine Gronwald as Director of Development

Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is pleased to announce Christine Gronwald as its new Director of Development.

Gronwald started Aug. 5 and brings 24 years of nonprofit and marketing experience to the organization. In her role, she will lead fundraising efforts to expand support for low-income single parents pursuing higher education.

Most recently, Gronwald served as the Director of Development for the EAST Initiative, where she successfully led fundraising activities and enhanced donor engagement. Additionally, her development background includes positions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Central Arkansas Library System, and Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute.

Gronwald is also highly involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Greater Arkansas Chapter. During her 10 years with AFP, she served as President in 2020 and 2021, was elected to various committees, and remains active with AFP Global.

“I am thrilled to welcome Christine to our team,” said Jenn Morehead, Executive Director of ASPSF. “Her impressive experience and results-driven approach give me great confidence in her ability to lead our fundraising efforts. I look forward to the growth and success we will achieve together.”

Gronwald earned her Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis in business and a minor in marketing from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Capella University where she graduated with honors and was inducted into the Delta Mu Delta honors society. She was elected to Maumelle City Council in January 2023.

“I hold education at all levels in very high regard,” Gronwald said. “It’s something that has been instilled in me my whole life. My mom was a 40-year educator at Little Rock School District, both as a teacher and a principal. I believe growth through education should be accessible to anyone seeking growth, and ASPSF aligns with those values well.”

A Little Rock native, Gronwald moved to Maumelle in 2014 with her husband, Jason; two stepdaughters, Zoe and Gigi; and their four rescue dogs. She is a member of Rotary International, Maumelle Philanthropists, and the All Inclusive Playground Committee for the city of Maumelle.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 501-550-6304.

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Since 1990, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org.

Director Predicts Splash Pad Will “Not Likely” be Open for Use in 2024

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The meeting was called to order by Parks Commission Chair Joel Goldstein at 4:00 p.m.; roll was called and members present were as follows: Cinda Bell, Jennifer Travis, Kay Headley, Brandon Tate, and Otis Edwards; a quorum was present and City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry was present.

Approval of Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Ms. Bell to approve the 05-28-24 regular meeting
minutes as presented; motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

  1. Freedom Fest Committee – Mr. Craig stated that he felt that despite the heat, it was a good event
    with close to 80 artisan vendors and 20 food vendors; he said several employees worked and members of high school groups volunteered their time also, which was a huge help as 25-30 total volunteers made all the difference in streamlining the event overall. He said 7/25 the committee will meet to discuss process improvements and set up meetings for the next event and said that the 7/3 food vendor placement helped with getting those food trucks placed ahead of the 7/4 event.
  2. Trails Committee – Mr. Tate said there was a meeting in July and they talked about updating the
    master plan, with concentration on property boundaries so that a correct plan is ensured; plan for talks with the school and art guild about putting quilt-related art along the trails; talks of creating native wildflower areas along the trails in an effort to help the pollinators.
    Mrs. Gwen Martin reported that she was unable to go past a half mile down the East Loop trail at the lake due to trail overgrowth, and there was a discussion about keeping the trails at the lake maintained with the Parks Department taking over the marking of the trails, and the maintenance thereof, since it appears that it won’t be completed via a scout project.
  3. Tree & Plant Board – Ms. Bell said the committee has met and visited with Hunter of the Planning
    Department and she received ordinances about greenspace and what the City faces as far as greenspace and canopy goes. Mr. Goldstein asked Mr. Craig if pine trees could be planted this fall where the trees were removed off of the loop at the lake trail; Mr. Craig confirmed that he would add this to his list.

Agenda Items to be Added: None

Business Items
Director – Sale of Kawasaki Side-by-Side to Street Department – Mr. Craig said that his
department believes this equipment to be beyond useful state of repair and the Street Department is interested in its transfer; he said the Street Department can pay an agreed upon amount of $1,500.00 for the equipment and Mr. Craig confirmed that it could be replaced within the Parks Department eventually, but not immediately; motion was made by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Ms. Bell to approve this; motion passed unanimously.

Foundation Report
None

Director’s Report: Written report submitted with talking points as follows:

  • Splash pad update, with financials provided by Mr. Marsh (after director’s report)
  • Fox Run Road is set to be underway July 22nd; water / sewer was affected by grades and that has caused delay
  • Splash pad likely not to be finished for use this year
  • New disc golf course is much more challenging, which was desired
  • Update on Liberty Park wooden covered bridge which will be charming when finished
  • Oaks to Bell Park trail paving is at 30% engineering and comments are being collected to satisfy
    state requirements; easements being acquired
  • $10,000 that would have been spent on mountain bike trails would be better served by transfer to
    the splash pad
  • Geno’s fundraiser Tuesday night for Inclusive Park
  • Phasing of Inclusive Park project being discussed in order to see progress; talk of in-kind services
    being offered by engineering and Steve Beam Construction for initial phase
  • 16 events at pavilion this month versus 9 last year
  • Pavilion power washing and staining quote came in at around $10,000; previous was done 3-4
    years ago but wrong material was used then; this is intended to be placed into next year’s budget,
    along with addressing weathered wood on pergola in amphitheater
  • Request to check on cost to repairs of cracks in flooring at pavilion

Comments: None

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Tate, seconded by Mrs. Travis; meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

Waldron School Board Meets

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, August 12, 2024; at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Mac Davis, Konnor McKay and Stan Cottrell. Board member Angela Hunsucker was absent.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Josh Atchley, Tonya Cluck, Kim Solomon, Toni Dozier, Cheyenne Smith, Chelsea Ridenhour Zack Taylor, Blake Bingham and Chris Lipham.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. 

Mr. Woodall welcomed everyone.

Mr. Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

​Mr. Mac Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve 

the Consent Agenda items:  A) Approval of the July 8th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Order for zSpace; D) Approve Milk Bid for Food Service.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the policy updates.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the Petition for Transfer of Students.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the Site Assessments presented by Superintendent Fielding. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the ABC, Elementary, Middle and High School Handbook changes.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meet the Teacher Night was a success.  Mrs. Solomon also commented that there are 26 babies and toddlers on the waiting list for First Step. She is still enrolling students in the on-line virtual academy at this time, with 22 currently enrolled.  Mrs. Jeffery informed the board that there are 84 Kindergarteners enrolled as of now.  She also reported that it looks like Elementary will be getting approved for the High Impact grant that will pay high school students to come tutor elementary students.  Mr. Taylor announced that the FCA Back to School Bash will be Wednesday, August 14th at 5:00. School pictures will be Thursday at the Middle School. Coach Atchley extended a heart felt thank you to the community that helped in feeding the faculty and staff during PD week.  He also talked about the upcoming opportunities with partnering with UARM, this brings many career options to students that they will be able to obtain here at Waldron UARM campus.  Coach Atchley also stated that 325 students attended Meet the Teacher night.  

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Lipham reported that the Transportation Department has all bus driver positions covered at this time.  Superintendent Daniel Fielding expressed gratitude to the administrators, summer workers, maintenance and custodians for a job well done this summer.

​A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Stan Cottrell to accept the resignation of Brooke Yandell as High School Paraprofessional as of the end of 2023/24 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the resignation of Norma Scantling, Amie Carpenter and Amber Scott from Food Service as of the end of the 2023/24 SY.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to transfer Tesia Owens to Elementary Teacher, effective July 31, 2024.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Nancy Lynch and Tanesha Tull for Food Service effective August 8, 2024.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire David Carter as a Level 2 Bus Driver effective August 9, 2024.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Karley Thompson as High School ESLParaprofessional, pending she receives necessary credentials, effective August 5, 2024.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Sandra Garner as High School Paraprofessional effective August 5, 2024.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Obituary: Frances “Fran” Broomfield (1967 – 2024)

Frances Elaine Broomfield, better known as Fran, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, August 10, 2024 with loved ones by her side. Fran was born August 23, 1967 in Waldron, Arkansas to John Benjamin “Ben” and Thelma (Sparks) Phillips. She was 56 years young.

Fran was a member of New Life Center in Waldron. She was strong in her faith and she was a prayer warrior. She believed in sharing God with everyone she could. Fran was the administrative assistant at Waldron Nursing Center for 20 plus years before recently retiring. She loved the people she worked with and especially enjoyed getting to love on and help the folks that live at the nursing home. Her compassion and caring nature was immeasurable. When Fran wasn’t working she could be found riding 4 wheelers in the mountains, on the back of a motorcycle with Randal and her most favorite thing was getting to be a Nana. She loved spending time with all her family making forever memories. She also took care special care of her yorkies, Grizz and Conner. 

Fran leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Randal of the home, daughter Kassie Lee Blackmon of Parks, Arkansas, son Trey Broomfield and wife Malinda of Waldron, Arkansas and daughter Ashley Broomfield of Waldron, Arkansas. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Caiden, Heaven, Parker and Palmer. Fran is also survived by one sister Lois Staggs of Parks, Arkansas. Fran will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to her heart.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents Ben and Thelma Phillips.

Fran’s celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the New Life Center in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Trey Broomfield officiating. Interment will follow in the Parks Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Fran’s visitation will be Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Fran’s pallbearers will be Brandon Sparks, David Adaway, Floyd Rose, Anthony Rose, Richey Yandell and Todd VanDeWiele.