Resident News Network

Obituary: Louise Oakes (1935 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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9:59 am

Louise age 88, of Rogers, Arkansas, formerly form Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 13, 2024. She had been admitted to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO where she later departed due to complications from a broken leg.

Louise was born in Waldron, Arkansas to Joe and Mae Hunt. She also had a younger sister named Glenda and graduated from Waldron High School. The family moved to California, where she had a child from a previous marriage named Ronnie Isenhower. After returning to Arkansas, she met and married Jack Oakes of Waldron and had two children, Michael and Bryan Oakes.

Louise was a loving and compassionate wife, mother, and grandmother. While in California she was a healthcare provider and later retired from Tyson Foods in Waldron. Most of her adult life was spent taking care of others. She loved gardening, cooking, collecting cookbooks, and spending time with her family and friends. She always looked forward to worship and fellowship at Charity Baptist Church in Rogers, Arkansas.

Louise is preceded in death by her father, Joe Hunt; Mother, Mae Essman-Hunt; Sister, Glenda Hunt and her husband, Jack Oakes.

Louise is survived by a son Ronnie Isenhower and his wife Monika, of Fayetteville, AR; Michael Oakes of Rogers, AR; and Bryan Oakes, of West Fork, AR.

She had six grandchildren: Cassie Isenhower; Julie Isenhower; Jessica Isenhower; Kyle Oakes; Ryan Oakes; and Hannah Oakes.

Louise’s pallbearers are Kyle Oakes, Ryan Oakes, Chris Brewster, Barney Davis, Ben Velasco and Sid Ramirez.

Honorary pallbearers are Randy Nix and Edward Avila.

Louise’s celebration of life service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Interment will follow in the Kirk Cemetery near Waldron. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.Louise’s visitation will be Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Don’t Risk it on 4/20: Drive High, Get a DWI

News

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4:29 pm

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Don’t Risk it on 4/20: Drive High, Get a DWI

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to stay sober behind the wheel. This upcoming Saturday, April 20, 2024, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country, but one thing remains: Impaired driving is illegal and deadly. NHTSA is reminding all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.

“If you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We are asking our community members to use good judgement, obey the law, and make safe choices when driving a vehicle. Your decisions don’t just affect you — they affect everyone on the road.”

If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.

If you are impaired, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home or to a safe place. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, advise them not to drive and help them get to their destination safely. They’ll thank you later.

By working together, we can save lives and help keep Arkansas’ roadways safe. Please join the Arkansas Highway Safety Office in sharing the lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8127, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.

Arrest Reports 4/7

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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7:47 pm

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Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Kenneth Warren Barfield of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 10 at 8:48 p.m. and released on signature bond April 11 at 5:07 a.m. Barfield was charged with Criminal Trespass, and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Justin Scott Brown of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 14 at 4″09 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Brown was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Jesse TL Emery of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 10:54 p.m. and released on April 10 at 4:04 p.m. Emery was charged with two counts of Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Criminal Trespass.

Shayna Raelyn Scrivner of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 13 at 6:48 p.m. and released on cash bond April 14 at 12:20 p.m. Scrivner was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Mary Grace Shelafoe of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 7 at 3:07 p.m. and released on signature bond April 7 at 8:35 p.m. Shelafoe was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Kenneth Wayne Basinger of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 11 at 12:16 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Basinger was charged with Contempt of Court–Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior committed during court.

Jose Fernando Cardenas of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 10 at 7:58 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with cash bond. Cardenas was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Everette Todd Degen of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 9 at 4:18 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Degen was charged with Return To Testify, and ADC Commitment Hold.

Mary Jean Kretchmer of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 12 at 12:17 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Kretchmer was charged with Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd.

Justin Wendell Parker of Hartford as booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 10 at 7:54 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Parker was charged with Return To Testify, and ADC commitment hold.

Yovonne Mabile Reed of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 9 at 7:56 p.m. and released on signature bond April 9 at 10:25 p.m. Reed was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Obscene Language or Gesture.

Amber Nichole Satterfield of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 9 at 2:38 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 9 at 5:34 p.m. Satterfield was charged with Battery in the Third Degree – Purpose.

Jerome Andrew Schluterman of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 12 at 1:46 p.m. and released on signature bond April 12 at 3:38 p.m. Schluterman was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Whitney Sky Silva of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 9 at 2:43 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 9 at 5:38 p.m. Silva was charged with Battery in the Third Degree – Purpose.

Jesse Luke Stinson of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 12 at 5:39 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 12 at 8:38 p.m. Stinson was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Billy Robert Thompson of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 13 at 2:04 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 13 at 5:31 p.m. Thompson was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Melissa Marie Truett of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 12 at 11:31 a.m. and released on cash bond April 12 at 2:57 p.m. Truett was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Bruce Olen Wheeler, Third of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 12:31 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Wheeler was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Arkansas Parole:
Samuel Jim Bias of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 12:05 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with jail time. Bias was charged with drug court sanctions.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Nichol E Brokaw of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 12:10 p.m. and released to an outside agency on April 8 at 9:44 p.m. Brokaw was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Nathan Dean Churchwell of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 6:48 p.m. and released on bond April 9 at 12:53 p.m. Churchwell was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-2nd Degree, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Jennifer Marie Gould of Broken Arrow, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 12 at 11:29 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Gould was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-2nd Degree.

Laryan Michael Stevenson of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 9:11 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Stevenson was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia C Felony, Fleeing -Vehicle, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
John Ross Connor of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 10 at 2:54 a.m. and released to an outside agency on April 11 at 8:22 a.m. Connor was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Lacey Rose Friddle of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 10 at 11:31 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Friddle was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Ann Yi Groff of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 6:56 p.m. and released on signature bond April 10 at 9:48 a.m. Groff was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Brandon Todd Schwartz of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 7 at 12:34 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond April 7 at 8:13 p.m. Schwartz was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Fort Chaffee Police:
Dakota Wayne Moudy of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 8:30 a.m. and released on signature bond April 8 at 12:59 p.m. Moudy was charged with petition to revoke – Misd.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Laura Lea Topham of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 3:06 p.m. and released on bond April 10 at 9:53 a.m. Topham was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – US Marshals:
Jamie E Villarreal of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on April 8 at 1:26 p.m. and remains at the SCADC on hold for U.S. Marshal Detainer.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Allen Preston Teague, 33 of Fort Smith, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 7 at 5:30 p.m. Teague was charged with failure to appear, no insurance, driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, and failure to register motor vehicle.

Donnie Edwards, 55 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 8 at 1:28 a.m. Edwards was charged with two counts of fleeing, defective taillights, reckless driving, speeding, criminal mischief in the first degree, resisting arrest, no insurance, failure to register motor vehicle, fictitious license plate, possession of firearm by certain persons, failure to appear, absconding, driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, and possession of schedule I or II controlled substance with purpose to deliver.

Thomas Phillips, 57 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 8 at 6:40 p.m. Phillips was charged with failure to register motor vehicle, driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, no insurance, and possession of open container containing alcohol in a moto vehicle.

Tremayne Graham, 36 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 9 at 11:54 a.m. Graham was charged with impairing the operation of a vital public facility, criminal mischief in the first degree, terroristic threatening in the first degree, and obstructing governmental operations.

Donnie Tubbs, 49 of Lamar, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 10 at 8:05 p.m. Tubbs was charged with residential burglary, and theft of property.

Gaylon Furr, 42 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 12 at 12:03 p.m. Furr was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Steven Parsons, 61, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 12 at 1:33 p.m. Parsons was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Jeffery Curtis, 60 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on April 13 at 2:20 p.m. Curtis was served with a warrant.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Brittany Lee Stringer, 37 of Van Buren, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 13 at 1:49 p.m. Stringer was charged with failure to appear.

Jennifer Leeann Markrum, 32 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 13 at 12:42 a.m. Markrum was charged with attempt to influence a public servant – threatens, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, endangering the welfare of a minor – third degree.

Brandon Lee Bottom, 37 of Gore, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 13 at 12:25 a.m. Bottom was charged with driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st, refusal to submit to a chemical test, violation of ignition interlock device, and failure to wear seat belt.

Russell Todd Davis, 46 of Coal Hill, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 12 at 11:17 a.m. Davis was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Jordan David Edward Thomas, 30 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 12 at 10:03 a.m. Thomas was sentenced to days.

Sandal Samuel, 48 of Fayetteville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 12 at 8:31 a.m. Samuel was charged with driving while license suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia, and speeding.

Joe Don Bristow, 46 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 11 at 7:41 a.m. Bristow was charged with failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation, failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA), and sentenced to days.

Patrick Michael Snow, 45 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 9 at 8:51 a.m. Snow was sentenced to days.

Cathleen Michelle Henry, 30, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 8 at 9:35 p.m. Henry was charged with disorderly conduct/obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and refusal to submit to arrest.

Morgan Benton Purtell, 32 of Watson, OK, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on April 8 at 4:01 p.m. Purtell was charged with failure to appear.

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

Obituary: Gerald “Bean” Ennis (1962 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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8:20 pm

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Obituary: Gerald “Bean” Ennis (1962 – 2024)

Gerald “Bean” Ennis of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life Friday, April 11, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas with family and loved ones by his side. Gerald was born October 7, 1962 in Waldron, Arkansas to Garland and Estel Ennis. He was 61 years old.

Gerald was a lineman for 32 years for Arkansas Valley Electric. He was a hard worker and enjoyed being outdoors. He loved going turkey hunting every opportunity he could and spent countless hours perfecting his call. Gerald loved being surrounded by family and friends laughing and making treasured memories.

Gerald leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Hona of the home, mother Estel Ennis, sister Phyllis Mays both of Waldron, Arkansas and children: Trista Davis (Clay) of Nashville, Arkansas and Tatum Thrasher (Austin) of Centerton, Arkansas. Pop Gerald will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren Declan and Cullen Davis. Gerald will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Gerald was preceded in death by his father Garland Ennis.

Gerald’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2024 at Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt and Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Gerald’s pallbearers will be Bobby Woodall, Brian Parsons, J.D. Newberry, Freddie Ridenhour, Miles Dozier and Larry Lovett. Honorary pallbearers will be coworkers and friends from Arkansas Valley Electric.

Gerald’s visitation will be Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

City of Charleston Celebrates Sesquicentennial Year

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:16 pm

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City of Charleston Celebrates Sesquicentennial Year

It is an amazing and historic anniversary milestone, the celebration of a 150-year milestone. This weekend, the City of Charleston celebrated their sesquicentennial year since becoming incorporated in 1874.

The city is a hidden gem for history buffs. For example, Charleston was the first school district in the former Confederate States to integrate after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling. It is also home to the Union Church, a multi-denominational building that dates back to 1860.

The 150 year was a celebration to honor that rich history. The festivities began on Friday evening, April 12 with a Sesquicentennial ball, a throwback to the 1974 centennial ball. Attendees dressed in their finest 70’s attire and got their “boogie” on.

On Saturday, April 13, the celebration continued with a parade from the Charleston Middle School to Hancock Street. The parade highlighted communities past, present and future.

The Sesquicentennial Fair wrapped up the three-day event with music, food and all kinds of family fun.

Charleston Mayor Mike Baumgartner noted that United State Senator John Boozeman recognized the city’s 150-year anniversary. ” Senator John Boozeman recently celebrated Charleston’s 150th anniversary, highlighting the rich history of our city from its founding, through its resilience after the Civil War and prosperity beyond. He emphasized the community’s growth as a railroad hub and its thriving cotton, coal, and natural gas industries. He also noted Charleston’s historic role as the first city in Arkansas to desegregate its schools after Brown vs. the Board of Education in 1954. Additionally, he mentioned Charleston is the hometown of Dale Bumpers, former Governor of Arkansas and U.S. Senator. I share Senator Bozeman’s sentiment that Charleston remains a place of pride and potential, and I am honored to serve as the Mayor of its citizens. The Congressional Record recognizing this milestone will be displayed in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall.”

Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority contributes $500,000 to ‘Reimagine the River Valley’

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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9:36 am

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Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority contributes $500,000 to ‘Reimagine the River Valley’

By Randy Zellers

The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission along with community leaders met at Chaffee Crossing April 10 to announce a $500,000 contribution from Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority to help update and reinvent the vision of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center.

Daniel Mann, Executive Director and CEO, said, “The Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority Board of Trustees strongly supports the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center’s capital campaign. The nature center, along with Wells Lake, are critical amenities for not only Chaffee Crossing but all of western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. This area serves as a cornerstone to enhance the quality of place for the public, current and prospective employees and their families to explore and learn about the outdoors and what Arkansas and Chaffee Crossing have to offer. We are excited about the progress made and look forward to working alongside the Commission and Foundation to bring their improvement plan to fruition.”

Jibbie Tyler, director of development and corporate partnerships for the AGFF said the contribution is the latest, and largest, to the “Reimagine the River Valley” campaign devoted to updating the 14,000-square-foot facility and 170 acres surrounding it.

“With this amazing contribution, we’ll pass the $1.5 million mark, which is roughly half of the campaign’s ultimate goal,” Tyler said. “We almost have enough money committed to allow the AGFC to do some of the more basic renovations, and the more money we raise, the more amazing the end product will be.”

The nature center, which opened Aug. 31, 2006, at 8300 Wells Lake Road, is loaded with interesting displays, although they’ve fallen behind the technological curve after 17 years. An effort to “reimagine” the possibilities at this nature center and others already has begun.

If the goal of $3 million is met from the AGFF’s efforts, many new exhibits will be made possible, including: live, indoor beehive exhibits, live camera feeds of watchable wildlife exhibits and a variety of virtual reality experiences to immerse visitors into the outdoors through modern technology. But the plans aren’t only for indoor activities; the AGFC is also committed to improving the outdoor facilities, paddling areas, angling areas and outdoor exhibits to offer new content that will appeal to all ages.

Chaffee Crossing is in good company with their contribution. The campaign to renovate and revitalize the nature center kicked off last March with outdoor recreation products giant PRADCO donating $150,000. Other major contributors include Arvest Foundation, the Boland family, First National Bank, the Rumsey family, the Westphal family and the Whitt family.

“We look forward to working with the community to really make this center the crown jewel that it is,” Deke Whitbeck, president of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, said. “Just as Chaffee Crossing is undergoing revitalization right where we’re standing, this nature center is going to follow suit and do the very same thing.”

Contact Tyler at 501-398-3612 for more information about “Reimagine the River Valley” and how to help support the effort to renovate the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center.

About Chaffee Crossing
Chaffee Crossing is Western Arkansas’ premiere economic development project located within the cities of Fort Smith and Barling. Under the direction and guidance of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority Public Trust, approximately 5,500 acres, formerly part of Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, are being developed. As the property is sold by FCRA, the land is being returned to the tax rolls for the first time since 1941, jobs are being created, the regional economy is being stimulated, and desirable quality of life amenities are materializing. Since its inception in 1995, the Chaffee Crossing economic development project has attracted $2.5 billion in industrial, commercial, residential, education, historical, and recreational development, boosting the western Arkansas regional economy.

About The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, formed in 1982, is a non-profit organization composed of men and women who are passionate about promoting hunting, fishing, and conservation education among the youth of Arkansas.

DIY Dry Shampoo

Madison VanRavensway

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8:11 am

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Dry shampoo is such a handy thing to have in your arsenal for saving time, or if you don’t wash your hair daily. But have you ever thought about what it’s made of? Butane, Isobutane, Propane… ew. That sounds unpleasant to have on your scalp seeping in your pores.

Did you know you can make your own with just a few kitchen ingredients? Absolutely you can!

Ingredients

-Cornstarch

-cocoa powder

-Cinnamon if you have red hair

For dark hair

3 Tbs cornstarch
2-3 Tbs cocoa powder

Start with 2 Tbs cocoa powder, if hair is dark brown or black add 3 and rest.

For light hair

1/4 cup cornstarch
1-2 Tsp cocoa powder

Those with extremely light hair may find no cocoa powder works best.

For red hair

Follow for dark hair but add pinch of cinnamon

Optional-

5 drops rosemary essential oil is excellent for your hair’s healthy and adds a nice scent.

Mix in a small jar with airtight lid. Use a makeup brush to brush into roots, for thick hair divide into sections before applying. Tap off makeup brush and gently brush off excess, follow up with a hair brush then style as desired!

You now have dry shampoo without the harmful chemicals!

Timepiece: General Darby, a Real American Hero

Featured

Tammy Teague

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10:00 pm

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Timepiece: General Darby, a Real American Hero

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Driving into downtown Ft. Smith on Rogers Avenue stands one of the most noticeable statues in the state, that of William O. Darby. Darby is depicted in his full W.W.II uniform riding on his famous Harley-Davison motorcycle. Always unique, daring, and adventuresome, Darby rode the motorcycle checking on his elite troops and leading them into battle.

William O. Darby was born in Fort Smith and grew up there. Upon his graduation from Fort Smith high school, he gained an appointment to West Point. It is worthy of note, although he became one of the greatest of American soldiers, he was actually third on the Arkansas list and only achieved his appointment when the other two withdrew their names.

After graduation in 1933, Darby was assigned to an artillery unit and became a career officer. When WWII began, he was a part of the first group sent to Europe to fight. While stationed in Ireland, Darby became interested in the British Commandoes. The Commandoes were a unique fighting force. Men selected for the Commandoes were the best of the best. Specially trained to carry out the most difficult and dangerous tasks, they were the first to be sent into battle. Darby was appointed by General Russell Hartle to organize and train a new elite commando group called the Army Rangers. The group was first used in the battle for North Africa. The elite troops established their reputation by executing several successful night raids with the daring Darby fighting in the front alongside his men. His commanding officer report read, “Lt. Col. Darby struck the heavily fortified enemy position at dawn. Always conspicuously at the head of this troops, he personally led assaults against the enemy line in the face of heavy machine gun and artillery fire.”

“Darby’s” Rangers were expanded to include four battalions and were involved in battles across North Africa. The 1^st,3nd and 4^thRanger battalions spearheaded the invasion in Sicily and on mainland Italy. In January of 1944, the Rangers were sent into battle in Cisterna, Italy. Attempting to flank the enemy by following a half empty irrigation ditch, the group was discovered and faced the full attack by a German Panzer division. Pinned down and with no help coming, the 1,500-strong Ranger group was decimated with only 500 surviving. Back at Army Headquarters, Darby asked his staff to leave the room, placed his head down and sobbed quietly for the men he lost.

The Rangers were absorbed into other units and as a hero, Darby was sent back to the War Department to spend the rest of the war. Unhappy, he appealed to command until being sent back to Europe on an inspection tour. Hearing that the commander of the 10^th Mountain Division was injured, he volunteered to report to the front. While there, his troops spearheaded the attack on a bridgehead in the Po River Valley. As he was outlining plans for the next day, a German shell exploded near his location and he was killed by a piece of flying shrapnel. Two days later, German forces in Italy surrendered. Darby received a promotion to brigadier general, the only soldier to receive such a promotion posthumously.

Several books have been written about Darby and his exploits. In 1958, the motion picture Darby’s Rangers was released with James Garner playing Darby. Several other films included stories concerning his exploits. His list of metals is too extensive to list, two Army installation in Europe are named for him, and the U.S. Ranger training facility is called Fort Darby. Darby Jr. High in Fort Smith is named in his honor as is a high school in Italy. Army General George S. Patton, a man known for his bravery and well as his candid speech said of Darby, “He was the bravest man I ever knew.” It is said that a man’s life is like a book with the cover at birth, the story within, and then death at the back. Dead at 34, Darby’s front and back cover would be very thin but it is the life and legacy of those few pages that make this unforgettable man a hero.

Greenwood City Council Declares Vacancy

News

Tammy Teague

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7:15 pm

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The Greenwood City Council met in special session on Monday evening, April 8, in order to accept the resignation of Councilman Daniel McDaniel and to declare a vacancy for Ward 1, Position 1.

Council members present included Rogers Rainwater, and Ralph Meeker. Absent at the time of roll call were Tim Terry, and A.C. Brown. Also present City Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry, and Mayor Doug Kinslow.

With the addition of the mayor, a quorum was declared.

Rainwater made the motion to accept McDaniel’s resignation, Meeker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with Mayor Kinslow also voting yes. In the next item of business, the council voted unanimously to declare a vacancy for Ward I, Position 1.

An appointment by the Greenwood City Council must be, by law, made at the next regularly scheduled meeting, to be held on May 6. The appointment will be made to fulfill the remainder of McDaniel’s term, approximately 2 and a half years.

Anyone interested in the position can bring by a resume by Greenwood City Hall and/or be in attendance at the next city council meeting.

Mayor Doug Kinslow concluded the meeting by thanking McDaniel for his years of service to the city.

Obituary: Michael McEntire (1960-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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9:21 am

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Michael Dewayne McEntire, 63, of the Austin, Texas area passed from this life on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Michael was born September 10, 1960 to Fred and Winna Mae (Essman) McEntire in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Michael worked construction and was wonderful at creating things with his hands. He enjoyed hunting, helping his dad on the farm and being outside. Michael was an Army veteran and proud to serve his country.

Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory he three siblings: Brenda Barker; Greg McEntire and wife Amy; and Beverly Robertson all of Waldron, Arkansas. one daughter, Cassandra McGriff of Inkster, Michigan. Michael is also survived his nieces and nephews: Jessie Ammons, Emily Stinson, Barrett Barker, Jillian Franklin, Ryleigh McEntire, Chelsea Slate, Taylor McEntire, Daniel McEntire and by a host of great nieces and great nephews. He will be missed by all that knew him and ones dear to his heart.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; Fred and Winna Mae McEntire; brother, Freddie McEntire and nephews Trenton McDaniel and Zachary McEntire.

A life celebration for Michael will take place in Lamb Cemetery on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Travis May officiating. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

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