Resident News Network

Obituary: Jeanie Lee (1974 – 2024)

Obituaries

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7:38 pm

Betty Jean (Sims) Lee, 49, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Jeanie was born July 18, 1974 to Danny and Betty (Sparks) Sims in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Jeanie was a devoted mother and grandmother and was married to the love of her life, Thomas for 23 wonderful years. They loved to ride motorcycles together and be outdoors. They would explore new places to camp and hike. Jeanie was a special kind of person; she touched the lives of many people and created a home for anyone who needed it. She was the heart and soul of her family and loved everyone as if they were her own. Jeanie had a big heart, was easy going, and loved her grandkids. She was known to say yes and would do just about anything her grandkids wanted to do. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and always wanted to see them happy. The memories made with them will forever be treasured.

Jeanie leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Heather and husband Zach of Waldron, Arkansas and stepson Danny Lee of Waldron, Arkansas. Meme will forever remain in the hearts of her many grandchildren including: William, Robby, Elijah, Rylee, Jessie and many more step grandchildren. Jeanie is also survived by her parents, Danny and Betty Sims of Waldron, Arkansas. Her sister, Tamara Sims of Waldron, Arkansas; brother, Russell and Sally Sims of Waldron, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Carol and Kenneth Johnson of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews: Brittney, Tiffany, Brianna, Dakota, Summer, Hayden, Trevor and Trey.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas Lee; her son, Greg Godfrey; brother, Stanley Sims and niece, Rebecca.

Jeanie and Thomas’ visitation will be Friday, May 10, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary: Thomas Lee (1964 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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7:34 pm

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Thomas Wyatt Lee, 59, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Friday, May 3, 2024 in Ozark, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was born to Jerry Bob and Clara (Chochala) Lee at the Prince George Air Force Base in Maryland.

Thomas was a devoted husband and was married to the love of his life, Betty “Jeanie” for 23 wonderful years. They loved to ride motorcycles together and be outdoors. They would explore new places to camp and hike. Thomas was larger than life, a hard worker and a dedicated family man. He was a proud Navy and Army veteran, which allowed him to travel the world. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends making memories.

Thomas leaves behind to cherish his memory, two son: Danny Lee and Cheyanne Watkins of Waldron, Arkansas and David Lee of Mena Arkansas; daughters Brandy Dixon and husband Scott of Dover, Arkansas and Heather and Zach of Waldron, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his many grandchildren. Thomas is also survived by his sister Carol and Kenneth Johnson of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Thomas will be missed by all that knew him including many friends and loved ones dear to his heart.

Thomas’ wife, Betty “Jeanie” Lee, joined him in eternal rest the following day.
Thomas was preceded in death by his son; Greg Godfrey and his parents Jerry Bob and Clara Lee.

Thomas and Jeanie’s visitation will be Friday, May 10, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Hecox and Martin Awarded Mackey-Reese Scholarship

Resident News Network

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3:38 pm

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Hecox and Martin Awarded Mackey-Reese Scholarship

Contributed by Coach John Mackey

As part of the final awards at the 2024 Mansfield Athletic Banquet, seniors Raine Hecox and Peyton Martin were awarded the Continue the Race: Kevin Mackey & Grayson Reese Memorial Scholarship.

The academic scholarship, which is in its second year of availability, was established as an investment into the future education of highly motivated Mansfield athletes looking to pursue a degree beyond the high school level. Sponsorship for the academic gift was engineered by retired Mansfield Coach John Mackey and his family in remembrance of a nephew and great-nephew who each perished unexpectedly from life’s race at an all too early age.

Applicants for the award were challenged to pick up the torch and reach a finish line of their own choosing with faith, passion, and commitment. Candidates were asked to describe how athletics taught them life lessons, self discipline, and an ability to overcome adversity.

Hecox and Martin distinguished themselves among all the qualifying applicants. Their credentials in regard to academic excellence, athletic consistency, and activity involvement placed them in high standing with members of a selection committee. Consequently, it was determined that the Mansfield pair would each be awarded a monetary contribution towards the tuition costs of their respective colleges.

Hecox, during her four years of high school, participated in as many as five different sports. Those included cross country, track, basketball, volleyball, and oddly enough football. For a time, she was the only female football player on the male dominated Mansfield team sport.

A challenge unto itself, she finally stepped away from the gridiron game as the physical disparities made it difficult to continue. A decision she said was difficult to make but ultimately a life lesson that she was able to draw upon for motivation in other things. Despite changing her role as a football player, she continued to be involved in the program as a team manager. Her other sports, academics, club activities, and work became the new focus with a stronger sense of commitment and perseverance.

Hecox was heavily involved in school organizations such as Beta Club, Quiz Bowl, FCCLA, FFA, Fire Marshall, FCA, and Yearbook. She showed an ability to balance a complex schedule of club responsibilities, sports participating, and after school work with high academic standards. Her classroom excellence pushed her inside the 2024 MHS graduating class top 10 with an accumulative GPA of 3.61.

Her career goals are wide spread with a high interest in pediatrics, speech pathology, and physical therapy. She states that working since the age of 16 has allowed her to better communicate, organize, and manage time. This has given her a mindset of accountability that will lend its leg as she finds the next gear to reach her own finish line.

Hecox plans to continue her education at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville. As she did in high school, she will juggle in the rigors of athletics as well. The two-time state indoor track team champion and outdoor track All-District runner will continue her cross country and track career as a member of the Eagles athletic department. A signing ceremony to complete her athletic recruiting process was scheduled for May 8 at the Mansfield cafeteria.

Martin, is a four sport athlete for the Mansfield Tigers competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He has earned All-District, All-Region, or All-State honors in each of those athletic disciplines. His teams finished deep into state tournament action in each of those sports. He was the individual state pole vault champion in indoor track his senior season. He is scheduled to continue his baseball career as a member of the UA Rich Mountain Bucks next school year.

Academically, Martin carried an accumulative 3.22 GPA and ranked in the top 20 of Mansfield’s 2024 graduation class who will have their commencement exercises on May 13. During his time on campus, this most recently announced T. Franklin Boyd Tiger of the Year was an active member of the Beta Club, FCA, FFA, and Student Council.

Martin states that his pathway through college includes the pursuit of an advanced manufacturing degree while fulfilling a dream of playing baseball beyond high school. He also admits the challenge of overcoming a severe injury during his freshman year gave him the ability to conquer adversity while developing a deeper, more meaningful comradery with teammates. All of this, he insists, has given him the wherewithal to finish his race and make his school and community proud.

Coach Mackey’s nephew Kevin Mackey lost his life at the age of 32 in 2019. He was a former college soccer player at Southern Methodist University before completing his bachelor’s degree at North Texas State University. He was a successful real estate broker in Dallas, a loving husband, and devoted father to three. His passions included faith, family, sports, and education.

Grayson Reese of Benton, Arkansas was the great-nephew of Mansfield’s long time coach and athletic director. Family describe Grayson as so unique that he was called to enter Heaven’s Gate in 2023 after only three full weeks on earth. Within that short time, he was loved by a large family including his mother and father, big brother, big sister, many aunts and uncles, and adoring grandparents.

Congratulations Mansfield seniors Raine Hecox and Peyton Martin as you both “continue the race” with new academic journeys.

AI in Reporting- Definitely Not “Smart”

Tammy Teague

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6:38 pm

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I am a little bit on the handicapped side when it comes to technology and it seemed new to me, the world of “artificial intelligence”. As I started researching it, I discovered it’s been around quite a while. Unbeknownst to me, however, the world of news is seeing auto generated articles based off local news reports. It happened to us recently, in fact!

The article was regarding the city council’s vote on allowing the proposed campground across from the elementary school in Mansfield. I got a call from someone regarding an article they read on the internet that referenced and credited us properly. There was one big problem though, it contained an error. An error that someone could have mistaken for ours had they not bothered to read the original article.

My initial reaction was to contact website about it. I got a response promptly, but it was strange. You know what I mean, they used very uncommon jargon in their reply. I visited with Jason, our owner, and he suggested something I hadn’t considered. The article was done using AI.

His exact words were “AI is the future, and it will eventually take over the need for journalists.” Well let me tell you, in my most southern, Scott County voice, that scares the tarnation out of me.

I think it goes without saying that we live in times where truth can seem elusive. It got me to thinking about truth, is it subjective or objective? Is that why some claim news as “fake?” Maybe, and it has become the great political divide.

Without going down a rabbit hole, I will proclaim, it–the light of truth cannot continue to shine in heavy clouds of darkness. I believe AI will be another battle of that truth, just as social media has.

With the power of the pen, our pledge is and has always been to tell things just as they happen. Then, the interpretation is up to you, the reader. The facts, they remain.

Be careful and be aware of where your information is coming from. AI is definitely here to stay, and it may very well be a useful tool in the right setting. Judging from my first encounter, I am definitely not impressed with its capability to satisfy the four rules of journalism:
1. Seek truth and report it
2. Minimize harm
3. Act independently
4. Be accountable and transparent

Obituary: Marianne Luongo (1944 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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5:57 pm

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It is with great sadness that the family of Marianne Catherine (Tate) Luongo announce her passing on Thursday, May 2nd in Waldron, Arkansas. Marianne was born on February 5th, 1944 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania to William and Mary (Menuchak) Tate. She loved God and her faith in the Roman Catholic Church was a guiding light and comfort to her throughout her life.

Marianne and her five siblings grew up in Ardmore, and later Havertown, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. As a child, Marianne was surrounded by her father’s large Italian family nearby and by her mother’s Ukranian family “upstate” in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Archbishop Prendergast High School in 1962 she pursued a course of study and training in X-Ray Technology at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. Marianne worked for many years as an x-ray technologist.

Marianne was married to her loving husband Michael Luongo for 52 years before he went on to heaven to wait for her. Though advanced dementia prevented Marianne from understanding where Michael had gone, she continued to look for and wait for the time they would be reunited. Together they raised their son and daughter. Marianne treasured her children and in later years, being “Mom Mom” to her five grandchildren.

Marianne was blessed with a close family of friends that she and Michael made in Waldron. She was watched over and cared for by the staff of Waldron Nursing and Rehabilitation, loving neighbors, and many dear friends from St. Jude Thaddeus Church.

Marianne loved to paint, do crafts, and tend her beautiful flower gardens. She enjoyed volunteering and helping to take care of her Church. She embraced all of nature but especially enjoyed spending time at the ocean. She loved to have her feet in the sand and to search the beach for special seashells to add to her collection. Mother’s Days were spent at the Jersey Shore, laughing, picnicking, and making family memories together at Marianne’s favorite place on earth.

Marianne leaves behind her two children; her son Mark and wife Robin of Castle Rock, Colorado and their children Colby and Ceejai, and her daughter Nicole and husband George Thompson of Underhill, Vermont and their sons Patrick, Simon, and Henry. Marianne is also survived by her sister, Barbara Coleman of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and her brothers William Tate of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Robert Tate of Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Marianne was preceded in death by her husband Michael Luongo, her parents, William and Mary Tate, and her brothers Theodore Tate and Richard Tate.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to celebrate Marianne’s life at Saint Jude Thaddeus Church in Waldron, Arkansas on Thursday, June 20th at 10 am. Following that, her ashes will be interred in a ceremony at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Memorial and Cremation Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Any memorial donations you may consider can be made to the Waldron Nursing and Rehabilitation’s Activities Department at P.O. Box 2230, Waldron, AR 72958-2230.

Arrest Reports 5/1

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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5:17 pm

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Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Aaron Bernard of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 1 at 3:40 p.m. and released on signature bond May 1 at 10:50 p.m. Bernard was charged with Theft of Property <$1k.

Jeremy Wayne Rogers of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 2 at 8:10 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 2 at 9:48 a.m. Rogers was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree, and Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Maleah Christine Willet of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 1 at 4:21 p.m. and released on May 1 at 9:08 p.m. Willet was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Halyey Renae Frazier of Roland, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 2 at 6:37 p.m. and released on signature bond May 2 at 9:06 p.m. Frazier was charged with Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jeremy Steven Long of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 2 at 11:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Long was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree, Obstructing Governmental Operations-info, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II 2-28g Felony, two counts of Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Parole Violation.

Snyder, Ashley Nichole of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 2 at 6:55 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 5 at 7:57 p.m. Snyder was charged with Surrender Off Bond, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz.

Arresting agency – Huntington Police Department:
Jones, Ricky Don Senior of Van Buren was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 4 at 8:54 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Jones was charged with two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Parole Violation, and Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Colton Michael Keener of Alma was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 2 at 9:29 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Keener was charged with False Evidence Of Title, Registration Felony, and Theft by Receiving >$5k.

Kenneth Joseph Nickell of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 1 at 10:28 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 2 at 9:01 a.m. Nickell was charged with Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Michael D. Kitching of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 4 at 1:04 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 4 at 2:54 a.m. Kitching was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Randall Dale McBride of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 3 at 4:52 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond May 3 at 8:19 p.m. McBride was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Jakob Jynx Kossman of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 1 at 9:11 p.m. and released on signature bond May 2 at 12:18 p.m. Kossman was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jo Beth Kossman of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 1 at 9:08 p.m. and remains at the SCADC on time served. Kossman was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Randy Shane Mathis of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 1 at 9:12 p.m. and remains at the SCADC on time served. Mathis was charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree – $1,000 or less, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Timothy Michot of Layfette, LA was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 4 at 9:19 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Michot was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Hayley A Willis of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on May 4 at 8:49 p.m. and released on signature bond May 4 at 9:38 p.m. Willis was charged with Theft of Property <$1k.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Warren Highfield, 53 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 1 at 3:24 p.m. Highfield was charged with warrant served.

Johnathon Byrd, 52 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 2 at 3:56 p.m. Byrd was charged with contempt of court.

Rob Poole, 45 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 2 at 5:25 p.m. Poole was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Delmas Parsons, 58 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 3 at 9:47 p.m. Parsons was charged with domestic battering in the second degree.

Gregory Etzkorn, 54 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 4 at 12:33 p.m. Etzkorn was charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patrick Bowman, 40 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 4 at 1:08 p.m. Bowman was charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Andrew Brewer, 33 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on May 4 at 1:26 p.m. Brewer was charged with domestic battering in the third degree, resisting arrest, battery in the second degree, assault in the third degree, and violation of an order of protection.

Arresting agency – Frankin County Sheriff’s Office:
Cody Lee Wilson, 28 of Pea Ridge, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 3 at 3:58 p.m. Wilson was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Joseph Gaery Lindsey, 37 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 3 at 1:35 p.m. Lindsey was sentenced to days.

Hannah Clardy, 18, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 3 at 11:08 a.m. Clardy was charged with battery – 2nd degree / purpose of causing injury / causes serious injury, Battery – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes injury, terroristic threatening 1st degree, and disorderly conduct.

Beau Dillon Friddle, 31 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 2 at 1:57 p.m. Friddle was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA), theft $5,000 or less but greater that $1,000 – all others.

Christopher Ryan Peek, 42 of Oklahoma City, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 2 at 1:33 p.m. Peek was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Jennifer Lynn Allen, 38 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 2 at 11:49 a.m. Allen was charged with communicating a false alarm / cause action by an official or agency.

Kasey Crouch, 37 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 2 at 10:37 a.m. Crouch was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Jesse Lee Reed, 30 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on May 1 at 3:49 p.m. Reed was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental operations, failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA), domestic battering, 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury or causes injury.

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

Crash Leaves Two From Waldron Dead, Another Injured

Tammy Teague

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3:36 pm

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Crash Leaves Two From Waldron Dead, Another Injured

On Friday, May 3, a crash in Franklin County left two from Waldron dead and one other injured. The crash happened at approximately 8:46 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 23 and Airport Road in Ozark.

Thomas Lee, 59 of Waldron, was driving a 2013 Yamaha with passenger, Betty Lee, 49 of Waldron. Lee was traveling southbound on Highway 23 when he was struck by Emmaline Rieder, 21 of Clarksville. According to the Arkansas State Police, Reider was traveling westbound on Airport Road in a 2018 Dodge Charger when she failed to stop at the intersection and struck Lee.

Betty Lee and Reider were transported to Northwest Medical Center. Betty Lee died later from her injuries. The body of Thomas Lee was taken to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office and the next of kin was notified.

Paris Softball Season Comes to an End After Return to Regionals

Networks

Jim Best

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7:53 pm

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Paris Softball Season Comes to an End After Return to Regionals

HARRISON– A strong group of dedicated Lady Eagles, who had endured a challenging 2024 season, rose to the occasion in the district tournament to qualify for the regional tournament for the first time since the 2022 season.

As a regional tournament four seed, the Lady Eagles were matched against one of the favorites to win the regional, the Lincoln Lady Wolves. Lincoln, along with Hackett and Booneville, were all slated to compete not only for the regional championship, but the 3A state championship that is being played this week in Hot Springs.

Lincoln, who did not start their highly publicized pitcher, Brinkley Moreton, held their Mississippi State commit to the second round for a possible semifinal match-up with Lexi Franklin and the Booneville Lady Bearcats.

Paris scored first to take a 1-0 lead in the first inning before the Lady Wolves were finally able to move on to a 6-1 win over Paris. The loss ended the season for the Lady Eagles, leaving Paris fans to begin thinking about the 2025 season.

The Paris softball players gave it everything they had this season, including a gutty performance in the district postseason tournament that earned them a return trip to the regionals. Given the difficult regular season, it was impressive that the team chose to play hard in the district tournament and not quit to get the season over. In doing so, the Lady Eagles earned the respect of their fans and anyone who followed them this year.

Congratulations to Paris for earning a trip to the regionals, and best of luck next season!

Paris Eagles Baseball Playing at 3A State Tournament this Week in Hot Springs

Networks

Jim Best

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7:52 pm

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Paris Eagles Baseball Playing at 3A State Tournament this Week in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS– Don’t look now, but the Paris Eagles are playing in the 3A state tournament this week for the third time in the past four seasons.

Paris qualified for the state tournament by defeating the host school, Valley Springs Tigers, in the first round of the 3A Region 1 Tournament that was played in Harrison. At deadline time for this story, the Eagles were playing a rematch with the Booneville Bearcats in the region semifinals. The winner of that game would advance to the region finals and a chance to go to the state tournament as a number one seed from Region 1. The loser would go as the number two seed.

A loss in the semifinals would have sent Paris to the consolation game in the regionals to play for a number three seed at state. Again, at press time for this story, that outcome was not yet known. Go to RNN Sports or to social media outlets for the latest in regional and state tournament results.

This year’s 3A state tournaments will be held in Hot Springs at Majestic Park, May 9-11. The first three rounds of the state tournament will be hosted in Hot Springs by the Prescott School District.

The 3A state championship games will be held on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. The dates and times for the championship games had not yet been announced as of deadline time for this story.

Live bracket updates for the state baseball and softball tournaments can be found online at 3A Centennial Bank State Baseball Tournament at Majestic Park/Hot Springs – 2024 Varsity Baseball – scorebooklive.com

RNN Sports wishes all of the state qualifiers the best of luck as they pursue state championships for their schools and communities!

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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7:12 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! I love this weather, cool nights and warm days. We have had rain, storms and sunshine. We had a storm Wednesday night after church. The sirens were going off in Mansfield. I got scared it was so dark out and them sirens a going off just had me unnerved. I told Ethan, “get the car out of the carport, and we are going to the shelter.” Of course, Ethan and Even did not want to go. Too bad, this Nana was not gona let them stay home. There was one other tiny problem with going to the shelter, he weights four pounds and I call him Jr. No dogs are allowed in the shelter. Soooo, that being said, I got a big bag and a blanket and loaded four-pound chihuahua inside the bag and away we went. There was quite of few people in there. Good visiting and some laughs. I am trying to hide JR and people are seeing him and saying, “Oh let us see him, we have only seen him on Facebook.” What am I supposed to do? He’s famous, I had to let people see him and pet him. Me and my friend Joy have decided that the next time we go, I’m taking my small ice chest with a Diet Coke in it and some Little Debbie cakes AKA Little Debbies and she’s gonna bring a deck of cards. If we are going to be stuck in a shelter, we might as well have snacks and games.

That was my adventure for the week, but I do have a funny story that has nothing to do with storms. Oh, my goodness I forgot to take my garbage bag to cover me up with when I went to the shelter.

Anyway, we were laughing at that certain nephew again. He is in charge of AWANAS at his church. It’s for the kids on Wednesday night. There was a new little boy, and he was talking to the nephew’s wife and he was describing my nephew as the “man with the bald spot.” We all laughed and laughed about that.

I had to tell my story. I’ve been called a lot of things, funny, a good cook, crazy lady (by my friend Curtis), nut, stubborn (by my husband), mean, chubby, talks too much, and loud. Those are a few, but one day a man came to the bank, he was trying to describe me, and these are his exact words, “heavy set, frizzy haired lady.” I am not lying, I mean yes, I am heavy set, and yes, my hair is frizzy sometimes. I guess he called it like he seen it. If you look up heavy set in Webster’s Dictionary, it means having a stocky or stout build. That makes me laugh. I’m so glad life can be funny and seems like sometimes extra crazy things happen to me.

This week’s recipe is one of my grand’s favorite foods – cinnamon rolls. They love them. I make them for them on Sunday mornings, usually. This is a lot easier than making homemade dough. These are crescent roll cinnamon rolls. I would double the recipe because one tube of crescent rolls is not enough in my opinion.

CINNAMON ROLLS
1 tube of crescent roll dough
1/4 cup salted butter, softened
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Cream cheese glaze – 1 cup cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Roll out the crescent roll dough and spread the butter on evenly. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on the dough. Rub the mixture into the butter. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon. Roll the rough up tightly and carefully. Cut in about 1″ slices and place in a greased baking dish. You can brush the top with a little extra butter. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked fully through. While they are baking, make the cream cheese topping. Mix the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar together. When you remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven, top with the icing. You can also make more icing if you like or add nuts or raisins. The more the merrier.

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