A 19-year-old teen from Waldron was killed in a single vehicle accident on Saturday, February 24 at 2:21 a.m.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Fernando Guerrero was traveling west on Highway 80 in a 2009 Subaru. Guerrero crossed the center line, left the roadway into a ditch and struck a tree.
The ASP stated that the next of kin had been notified.
Fernando “Fabi” Fabian Guerrero of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas. Fabi was born December 15, 2004 in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Fernando and Misty (Sullivan) Guerrero.
Fabi was a people person who loved to give hugs and a good handshake. He was funny and his since of humor was unmatched. Fabi was proud of his muscles, enjoyed fishing, cars and loved eating. His smile would light up a room and he never met a stranger. Fabi was determined no matter his circumstances. His will was strong and he was an overcomer. Fabi enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. The memories made with those close to him will forever be treasured.
Fabi leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother Misty Guerrero of Waldron, Arkansas and sisters: Gracia, Jasmine and Fernanda. Fabi is also survived by his fiancé Allyson Dye; his maternal grandmother Ora Bell Sullivan and paternal grandparents; Virginia Campos and Antonio Guerrero. Fabi will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends he loved dearly.
Fabi was preceded in death by his father, Fernando Guerrero; brother Jessie Guerrero; and maternal grandfather, Jessie Sullivan.
Fabi’s visitation will be Thursday, February 28, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Waldron First Baptist Church with Fabi’s life celebration immediately following at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29th, 2024 at the Waldron First Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Ken Overturf officiating. Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Fabi’s pallbearers will be Bryce Passmore, Lidge Stinson, Ethan Fielding, Logan Fielding, Noah Carnes and Alex Hernandez.
Ronnie Eugene Rhyne of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday February 24, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born February 3, 1958 in Modesto, California to Danny and Linda (Ballard) Rhyne. He was 66 years old.
Ronnie attended Waldron High School and later Tulsa Welding School. He was a talented welder, certified in all fields. He traveled across the United States and internationally for work. He especially enjoyed his time in the Aleutian Islands repairing and working on the fishing boats. Ronnie retired from Arkansas Fabricators Specialist in Van Buren, Arkansas. Ronnie enjoyed a good time, fishing, swimming, motorcycles, his Momma’s cooking, gardening, shooting pool, trading cars and time with family.
Ronnie leaves behind his wife, Marilyn (Ritter) Rhyne of the home; daughters: Riana Rhyne of Barling, Arkansas; Chancey Yandell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Jodi Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma. Poppa Ron will remain in the hearts of his grandsons: Benjamine Yandell, Parker Chrisman, Bryson Jones and Jake Perry. Ronnie is also survived by his parents, Danny and Linda Rhyne of Greenridge, Arkansas; one sister, Dana Chrisman of Waldron, Arkansas; one brother, Stephen Rhyne; nephews Matt and Jace Chrisman, Bradly Rhyne, Eric, Derek and Dillon Yandell.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his sister Debbie Yandell; paternal grandparents, Ed and Chloe Rhyne; maternal grandparents, Tommy and Grace Ballard and Sam and Lucy Riggs; uncle James Rhyne and aunt Paulette “Polly” (Rhyne) Goble.
Ronnie’s life celebration will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Butch Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at the Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being intrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Ronnie’s Pallbearers will be Alan Ritter, Bryan Thompson, Jace Chrisman, Derek Yandell, Steve Rhyne and Eric Yandell. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Men of Arkansas Fabricators.
Ronnie’s visitation will be prior to his life celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 20254 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
By Dr. Curtis Varnell
The morning sun was burning through the mist as I traveled east on highway 22. My guest, a fellow teacher from Idaho, was amazed as the saw the medieval towers and spires poking through the clouds. “A castle in Arkansas,” he asked in amazement? Growing up in the area, it was just part of the landscape, something I passed without notice daily. Indeed, beautiful and inspiring, Subiaco academy and monastery stands as a testament to the faith and hard work of the German population living in the area.
Railroads acquired huge tracts of land as compensation for laying track across America. Much of the land was unpopulated and virtually worthless tracts that lacked development. Recognizing the industrious nature of the German Catholic population, the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad Company decided to entice immigration by establishing a church and monastery to build near their line. A masterful plan, not only would they sale land to the immigrants but would establish a community which would require the transportation of goods and people to the outside world for perpetuity.
Working with the Benedictine order of St. Meinrad Abbey in Indiana, the railroad convinced the order to send a delegation to build in the area. In 1877, Father Isidor Hobi was sent to explore the area and he sent back glowing reports about the region. His superior, Father Wolfgang Schlumpf was not quite as impressed with the wild, tangled forest offered them by the railroad when he arrived, nevertheless, construction began and church services were provided for the 30 or so families living in the area.
The monks and settlers cut native stone and timber to construct the first building on site. By 1891, Pope Leo XIII was able to raise the status of the Priory to the rank of abbey. A new monastery was built in 1901 after the first monastery was destroyed by fire. That monastery, even though it also suffered a devastating fire in 1927, still stands in the present location atop a small hill overlooking Subiaco and the surrounding valley.
The industrious monks soon added other building and facilities around the central church. Housing some fifty monks, the monastery now raises cattle, operates a sawmill, keeps a vineyard and brew house, and make and sale their own Monk sauce. Brethren assist and minister to the area churches and many assist in teaching at Subiaco Academy, an all-boys school for high school students located adjacent to the church.
My friend, a devout Catholic, wanted to visit. Setting up a tour was an easy matter and one obviously enjoyed by our guide as much as by my friend. I was somewhat abashed because I had only visited once before, a wedding of a friend. St. Benedicts church, the face of the abbey, is a beautiful cut sandstone building with the soaring towers that my friend first noticed. Inside are soaring ceilings, a bubbling baptistery, and huge pipe organs illuminated by beams of light entering through the stained glass windows. It was also the site of a visit by former President Clinton during the wedding of a friend as well as by other notables from around the country. The museum was of special interest. It contained not only material related to the church, but items shared by the early settlers of the area. The courtyard, a beautiful garden lawn bursting with flowers, is well worth the visit.
Coury house, located on the premises, offers private retreats and meeting places for groups and organizations. If you’re lucky, you might visit on a day the abbey and school are hosting a jazz night, a play, or a performance by the Subiaco Academy band. The surrounding communities contain many old barns and homes of German construction. Just up the road is the Cowie winery with its huge collection of church bells from around the world. The abbey, located about six miles east of Paris, it’s a great place to visit and learn about the influence of German culture on the history of our state.
Six recent traffic stops by Arkansas State Police (ASP) resulted in the seizure of 824 pounds of illegal marijuana, 2,638 pounds of illegal marijuana products, and multiple weapons. All six seizures took place on Interstate 40, with three occurring on a single day. And five of six seizures occurred in Crawford County.
ASP TRAFFIC STOP FINDS CAR HAULER TRANSPORTING MORE THAN JUST CARS
On February 14, around 2 p.m., ASP pulled over a tractor-trailer carrying three vehicles at the 1-mile marker Eastbound on Interstate 40 in Crawford County.
During a search of the trailer, Troopers found 18 bags of contraband marijuana, weighing a total of 412 pounds, concealed in trucks being hauled.
Two minor children were also in the tractor-trailer.
More than 400 pounds of illegal marijuana found in vehicles being hauled on I-40
ASP transported the driver, Jezreel Otey, 29, of Little Rock, and passengers Robert Sanders, 33, and Ciara Hewlett, 27, both of North Little Rock, to the Crawford County Jail, where they were charged with Possession of a Scheduled VI Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Hewlett also had an outstanding Felony Warrant out of Little Rock.
ASP seized all three vehicles along with the tractor-trailer.
The children were released into the custody of the Department of Human Services.
MORE THAN 200 POUNDS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA AND LOADED HANDGUN DISCOVERED BY ASP DURING TRAFFIC STOP
At approximately 12:10 p.m. on February 20, 2024, a black GMC pickup truck was pulled over by the ASP on Interstate 40 Eastbound at the 8-mile marker for a traffic violation. The driver told the Trooper he was traveling from Oregon to Florida.
More than 200 pounds of illegal marijuana and loaded gun found on Oregon traveler.
Troopers searched the truck and found nine duffle bags containing 211 pounds of illegal marijuana in 190 vacuum-sealed bags. Troopers also discovered a loaded 357 Magnum revolver in a fanny pack on the passenger side of the vehicle, along with $3,978.
ASP transported the driver, Thomas Elliott, 51, of Deerfield Beach, FL, to the Crawford County Jail. Elliott is facing multiple charges, including Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and a Firearm.
ASP FINDS ILLEGAL MARIJUANA AND HANDGUN DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN CRAWFORD COUNTY
On February 20, 2024, ASP stopped a white Chevrolet Suburban traveling Eastbound on Interstate 40 at the 5-mile marker in Crawford County.
Upon searching the SUV, Troopers discovered three large boxes containing 50 pounds of illegal marijuana in the rear cargo area. Additionally, a 9mm Glock handgun was found in the center console.
ASP transported the driver, Wynton Foy, 33, of Snellville, GA, and the passenger, De’Ja Johnson, 28, of Atlanta, GA, to the Crawford County Detention Center, where they were charged with Possession with Purpose to Deliver Controlled Substance, Possession of Felony Drug Paraphernalia, and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and a Firearm.
ASP SEIZED MORE THAN A TON OF THC VAPES AND 21 POUNDS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA
On February 22, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., at the 2-mile marker Eastbound on Interstate 40, ASP pulled over a white Silverado pickup truck towing an enclosed trailer due to a traffic violation.
Troopers searched the trailer and found 2,628 pounds of illegal marijuana vapes and 21 pounds of contraband marijuana.
Troopers arrested Janet Arreola, 29, and Jose Escobedo, 35, both of Cumming, Georgia, and transported them to the Crawford County Detention Center. Both were charged with Trafficking Controlled Substances and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
Troopers seized 2,628 pounds of illegal marijuana vapes during traffic stop.
ASP FINDS MORE THAN 100 POUNDS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN LONOKE COUNTY
On February 20, 2024, ASP stopped a black 2023 Chevrolet Equinox near the 173-mile marker on Interstate 40 Eastbound in Lonoke County for a traffic violation.
Upon searching the vehicle, the Trooper discovered a shrink-wrapped package containing 119 bundles of illegal marijuana weighing a total of 126 pounds.
Troopers transported driver Zang Xiong, 34, of Holmen, Wisconsin, to the Lonoke County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Possession of a Scheduled VI Controlled Substance with the Purpose to Deliver. Xiong told the police he was traveling to Mississippi from Oklahoma.
FOURTEEN POUNDS OF ILLEGAL CONTRABAND DISCOVERED DURING TRAFFIC STOP ON INTERSTATE 40
On February 22, 2024, at approximately 4:04 p.m., ASP stopped a gold Chevrolet Malibu near the 2-mile marker Eastbound on Interstate 40 in Crawford County.
Troopers searched the trunk of the vehicle and located approximately four pounds of illegal marijuana and 10 pounds of illegal marijuana products. Troopers seized the contraband and arrested the driver, Chip Ervin, 45, of Mississippi.
Troopers transported Ervin to the Crawford County Jail, where he was charged with multiple charges, including Possession with Intent and Deliver Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
BOONEVILLE– Cinderella’s magical run came to an end last week in the first round of the 3A Region 1 basketball tournament. After winning a district tournament championship, the Lady Eagles dropped their first-round regional game to Elkins.
The Paris appearance in this year’s regional was the second consecutive trip for the program in the last two seasons. Paris, who won a number one seed going into the regional, lost to the number four seed Lady Elks in the first round. The loss follows a 2023 first round regional loss as a number two seed to then number three seed Flippin.
Paris’s appearance in the regional was a tribute to a team that struggled to a 6-7 conference record in the regular season, although those losses were all by seven or fewer points. Paris played several games in approximately eight days to get to the regionals. The Lady Eagles’ appearance was the result of a team that refused to give up throughout the season.
Individual postseason honors should be announced soon, and Eagles fans are hoping to see Annabelle Perry named as All-State for her outstanding play throughout the 2023-24 season.
The loss to Elkins was also the final game for Paris senior Makalie Carter. Carter, known for her all-out effort on the court, played her last game the same way she did the past two years since her transfer from Cedarville. Carter played with great intensity and hustled on every play.
RNN Sports would like to congratulate Paris on their second consecutive regional tournament appearance, and we wish the team the best of success next season.
By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor
Hello everyone! I took last week off and one of my sweet readers called and told me they missed me. I thought that was very nice of her. There is someone in the world that likes to listen to me. I accused Chuck Hopkins of not listening to a word I said, and he replied, “there is no way I could ever take in every word that comes out of your mouth.”
I was talking to Curtis Feimster this week and I told him he could talk the paint off a barn door. He said that sounded like something his momma would say. It’s the truth for sure.
I had President’s Day off and took my Aunt Pat to Walmart and pushed her all over Walmart in a wheelchair and let her shop till we dropped. We went and ate Mexican food and met up with my brother, some cousins and another aunt. We had the best time. When we were leaving Walmart, I got my aunt in the car and pushed the wheelchair back inside the Walmart. I came out and about ripped the handle off a car that wasn’t mine. In my defense it was the same color, and I just couldn’t figure out why the door wouldn’t open. The whole time my aunt is sitting in the car behind me. Finally, I looked around and saw her behind me in the car.
That’s not the first time that has happened and probably won’t be the last. I did have my shirt on right and not inside out. I’ve done that so much that everyone in the tri-state area knows I wear a big old 2 xl shirt. When everyone was wearing masks during our Covid era, I would see people that I thought I knew and would even call them by name, and it wouldn’t be who I thought it was. I done that to a guy at CV’s and I hollered, “hey Scott!” He looks at me and starts shaking his head. I guess I scared him to death. I wasn’t gonna hug him or anything, but he sure acted like I was. It was funny. Wonder how many people I spoke to that wasn’t who I thought they were? Some people just nod and go on.
This week’s recipe is apple enchiladas. You can’t go wrong with apple and cinnamon.
APPLE CINNAMON ENCHILADAS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
1 21 oz. can of apple pie filling
6 8″ tortillas
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Spoon the filling down the center of the tortillas and sprinkle with cinnamon. I would use a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Roll up and place them seam side down in a lightly greased baking dish. Bring the butter and both sugars and water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for three minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over the enchiladas. Let stand for 30 minutes and then bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes. A little vanilla ice cream would be awesome on top. Yum, yum. Enjoy and have a wonderful week and enjoy the beautiful weather!
This morning I picked my first bouquet of daffodil blooms. Though not especially noteworthy, it is unusual because the timing is early — way early. In the Ozarks, old-timers sometimes called daffodils “Easter lilies,” but it has been a long time since they bloomed that late in the spring. But blooming closer to Valentine’s Day than Easter is a sure sign that things are changing.
That bloom time has sped up should not be too surprising because 2023 was the hottest year on record and predictions are that the coming year will be more of the same. A graph showing average sea surface temperature throughout the year over the past 40 years looks like strands of spaghetti stretched across the page, but the line for 2023 stood apart and well above the earlier tangle of lines. The 2023 line was about one degree Fahrenheit above the 40-year average. Air temperature averages mirrored the ocean temperature record.
This is an El Nino year, so unusual weather conditions are to be expected. Officially called El Nino–Southern Oscillation, this well-known weather event has been known officially since the late 19thcentury but only studied intensely since the 1960s. The Southern Oscillation is part of a cyclical weather pattern that repeats itself every two to seven years, with five years being the average. El Nino and La Nina are the names given to describe the warm and cold surface sea temperatures while the Southern Oscillation is the name used to describe the effect oceanic temperatures have on air temperature and worldwide weather patterns.
The neutral phase of the Southern Oscillation represents average conditions prevailing between the Indian Ocean (western Pacific between Australia and Indonesia) and the eastern Pacific (equatorial South America, centered more or less off of Peru). In the neutral state, the temperature differential between sea surface temperature in the western Pacific is about 15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the water off of Peru. In this neutral state, rainfall patterns are predictable and timely.
The El Nino phase occurs when warmer than normal surface water forms off the coast of South America and trails westward along the equator. Normally these conditions last 9 to 12 months, but can go on for two years. The lack of a strong sea temperature differential between the western and eastern Pacific slows (and sometimes reverses) the trade winds that normally blow from east to west along the equator resulting in droughts in southern Asia, parts of Africa and India. Heavy flooding often occurs in equatorial South America during El Nino years. El Nino years generally result in more precipitation across most of North America, including the southeast, and sometimes more severe springtime storms. In California more rainfall in the south is common during the winter, but the relationship is not always clear-cut.
La Nina is a reversal of conditions when the difference in surface water temperatures decreases, resulting in colder than average temperatures off of South America and somewhat warmer conditions in the Indian Ocean. Usually, this means drier than normal conditions across most of the country with the upper Midwest experiencing more winter snow but hotter, drier summers. The spring storm season is usually pushed further north in La Nina years.
How climate change and the El Nino-Southern Oscillation cycle interact is still up for debate. Most expect that the generally warmer climatic conditions will make the strength of the El Nino events stronger – at least in the near future – until ocean temperatures warm everywhere and reduce the temperature differential. Early indications are that the frequency of El Nino events and their relative strength has increased in the past 20 years, but not enough data points are available to answer that question definitively.
Sitting here a month before the first day of spring, I know it is too early for it to be so warm. I also know that winter has not yet made its last stand. Hopefully, that stand will occur in the next few weeks, not delay until April, when a hard freeze does so much more damage.
Union Bankshares, Inc. announced in September 2023 its plan to unify the organization under a common name and bank charter. That unification was completed on Saturday, February 17. The organization now exists under one bank charter, Union Bank.
The two had been sister banks under the same ownership and management since 2005. Union Bank CEO and Paris resident Jarrod Yarnell explained that it was not a decision taken lightly but one that would ultimately be the most advantageous for our customers.
The bank closed on Friday February 16 as First National Bank at Paris and re-opened Tuesday, February 20 as Union Bank. The unification affected branches in Paris, Caulksville, Waldron, Booneville, Clarksville, and Ozark. Customers will now also gain three additional locations in West Central Arkansas to include Mena, Hatfield and Wickes.
Yarnell added, “This unification will allow us to fully leverage our combined strengths, as we continually invest in our customers and communities.” Steven Sosebee will serve as the River Valley market president. He added, “Our allegiance to our communities is stronger than ever.”
Yarnell explained that interruptions to banking service were minimal. “A testament to the loyalty of our customers, they have worked with us and through a few bugs. Now, we are proud to say that business is back to usual,” he added proudly.
Union Bank is an independent community bank, established in 1934, in Mena, Ark.
Reno Crump of Diamond City, Arkansas formerly of Waldron, Arkansas) was welcomed to his Heavenly home February 21, 2024 in Yellville, Arkansas. Reno was born July 16, 1944 in Waldron, Arkansas to Charlie Crump and Evelyn (Slater) Crump. He was 79 years old. Reno was of the Pentecostal faith. He was a man of God and loved the Lord.
Reno grew up in Waldron where he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Lewis. Together they lived, loved and had a life time of precious memories for 61 years. Reno retired from Baldor after many years of dedicated service. He enjoyed camping, fishing and woodworking. Because of Reno’s contagious laugh, people loved to tell stories to get him tickled just to hear him. Reno loved his family and worked hard to provide for them and be a leading example for his children and grandchildren.
Reno leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Shirley Crump of Diamond City, Arkansas, his children: Sheila Hill of Morrillton, Arkansas, NaTisha Egger (Shaun), Michael Todd Crump (Margaret), and Joey Crump (Julia) all of Diamond City, Arkansas. Reno is also survived by one brother, Larry Crump (Mattie). Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Reno will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends and neighbors he loved dearly.
Reno was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Evelyn, and three sons, Reno Dewayne, Christopher and Steven and one brother Leo Crump.
Reno’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the Lamb Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Reno’s visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saurday, February 24, 2024 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas
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