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Obituary: Dora Lee Thompson (1936-2026)

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7:47 pm

Dora Lee Thompson, age 89, was born on June 25, 1936, in Reichert, Oklahoma to Samson and Edith White. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and a quiet strength that shaped generations.

Above all else, Dora was a devout Christian who set the example of what it meant to live as a Godly woman. Her faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life. If you ever visited her home, you would almost always find her Bible open beside her chair – a reflection of her daily walk with Christ. For 89 years, she faithfully led her family in prayer before meals, covering each gathering with gratitude and love. She also spent her entire life covering her family in prayer, lifting their names to the Lord daily and entrusting every joy, burden, and need into His hands.

Dora cherished the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved birds and wildflowers, and she held deep pride in her Choctaw heritage. She found great joy in teaching her grandchildren to play dominos and in cheering them on at their ballgames. She especially loved watching the Hogs play and supporting her grandchildren in all their sporting events.

Known for her honesty and wisdom, Grandma was a truth teller. She made sure her family heard what they needed to hear – always delivered in a loving and nurturing way. She was the sweetest soul you’d ever meet, yet she wasn’t afraid to grab a board when her grandchildren (especially the babies of the family) needed a little correction. Her love was steady, strong, and intentional.

Dora was famous for her beans and “taters,” meals that brought family together around the table where laughter, stories, and prayer were shared. Her home was a place of comfort, faith, and belonging.

Dora leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Scott Thompson and wife Sheri of Bates, AR, Eric Thompson and wife Nonie of Waldron, AR, stepson Earl Wayne Thompson and wife Barbara of Bates, AR, step daughters Pam Payne and husband Lewis of Waldron, AR and Karen Parish and husband Russell of Mansfield, AR. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Rusty (Amber) Craig, Clint Scott, Justin Thompson, Brooke (John) Batchelor, Hali (Kyle) Baker, Hannah (Eli) Scantling, Laramie (Karley) Thompson, Catherine Thompson, Jennifer (Jack) Lynch, Kerri (Ben Blake) Thompson, Sada (Jeremy) Wilson, Jon (Becky) Clopton, Chelsey Gryner, Colton (Kacey) Clopton, Daniel Gillenwater, Josh Gillenwater, Kimberly (Matthew) Nichols and July Parish. Her legacy will continue with a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones dear to her heart.She was preceded in death by her parents, Samson and Edith White, husband Earl D. Thompson, daughters Billie Scott and Randa Savage, brothers, R.O. White and Pete White, sisters, Lois Burton and Dorothy Fry, great grandchildren Josiah Batchelor and Reese Scantling.

A celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Dora’s pallbearers will be Rusty Craig, Clint Scott, Justin Thompson and Laramie Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and unconditional love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Her example of devotion to God and dedication to family will never be forgotten.

The Dash That Told the Story: Remembering the Life of Judy Culver

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5:26 pm

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The Dash That Told the Story: Remembering the Life of Judy Culver

It was the word no one ever wants to hear—cancer.

I learned of her diagnosis from her daughter, Kristi Pfeiffer, and the shock of it stopped me cold. Judy had gone to the doctor with breathing difficulties, and it was during that visit that she received the diagnosis. Decisions were made quickly. Judy chose to go home—Kristi’s home—under hospice care.

Then Kristi asked me something I will never forget.

She asked if I would be willing to write her mother’s obituary.

It was, without question, one of the greatest honors of my life.

Because Judy’s story was never about how she died.
It was about how she lived.

It reminded me of the old poem about “the dash”—that small line between the date of birth and the date of death. There was a great deal of living in Judy Culver’s dash, and I was blessed to witness just a glimpse of it.

I came to know Judy shortly after first speaking with her daughter about advertising Master Made Tanks with Resident News. I remember that day clearly. I was sitting in a hospital waiting room while my mother underwent an arteriogram. I told Kristi I would follow up with advertising rates once we were finished at the hospital.

Her response changed everything.

She told me she would be praying for us.

That simple sentence marked the beginning of a friendship that would grow into something much deeper. From that moment forward, I came to know Kristi—and eventually her mother, Judy—not just as business owners or community members, but as sisters in Christ.

Judy routinely sent me handwritten cards—real cards, written with intention and prayer. Each one now hangs in our office, serving as a quiet but powerful reminder of God’s promises. I would open the mailbox and instantly recognize her handwriting. I always knew what was inside would be exactly what I needed at that moment—Scripture, encouragement, wisdom, and love.

She had an undeniable calling to share God’s Word, especially with children. Judy faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher for years, teaching countless children the books of the Bible and guiding them as they memorized Scripture. Her ministry shaped generations.

When she learned that I had a great-nephew—whom she lovingly referred to as my “grandson”—she began sending him boxes filled with Christian literature, including The ABCs of Salvation. She had a way of motivating children that no one else ever could. I guarantee those children will remember her lessons for the rest of their lives. I know I will.

Generations before me, and generations after me, have been touched by the life she lived and the ministry she fulfilled. And that ministry lives on.

At Judy’s request, I had the privilege of traveling to her home as she neared her heavenly reward. I sat by her bedside and held her hand while her daughter and granddaughter sang the old hymn “Precious Memories.” Visitors came in numbers too great to count, each arriving during what Judy clearly declared was her “visitation time.”

One visitor brought a message that said it all.

A former Sunday school student wanted Judy to know that he still remembered the books of the Bible she taught him—more than 60 years ago.

What a legacy.

It is the kind of legacy that makes you want to be better—to live better, to love deeper, and to serve more faithfully.

I told Judy I would always remember her phone calls—and how I knew I needed to pull over before answering, because what she had to say was important and worth giving my full attention. I told her not to walk too far ahead, because my goal is to join her when my time comes.

The tears came, as they always do. But when a saint goes home, grief is less about loss and more about love—especially for the family who will miss her beyond words.

Judy Culver will be missed.

But until we meet again, sister.

Sebastian County Sheriff Candidates Take Part in “A Closer Look” Q&A

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4:10 pm

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Sebastian County Sheriff Candidates Take Part in “A Closer Look” Q&A

In the first part of our two-part feature, five questions were posed to Sebastian County Sheriff candidates Wyatt McIntyre and John Miller. Both candidates received the same questions, with no limitation on the length of their responses. Below are the unedited answers they provided.

1. Experience in Law Enforcement
Please tell us your total number of years in law enforcement, and how many of those years have been served specifically with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office. What is your highest level of certification?

Wyatt McIntyre

I have almost 25 years of law enforcement experience. Over 23 years were with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office. I have been the Chief Of Police for the Mansfield Police Department since December 9^th 2024. I hold a General Certification.

John Miller

I started my career with the Greenwood Police Department in 1997 as a reserve officer. In 1998, I started as a part time officer, moving to a full-time position in 1999. In 2001, I had the privilege to be offered a job with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office in the Patrol Division. During my almost 25 years with the Sheriff’s Office, I have held multiple ranks in multiple divisions, with my highest rank being Chief Deputy. I currently also hold a Senior Certification in Law Enforcement.

2. Jail Operations & Oversight
Operating the county jail is one of the sheriff’s largest responsibilities. What direct experience do you have managing or working within a detention facility? What issues—past or present—have you observed in the jail, and what changes or improvements would you prioritize if elected?

Wyatt McIntyre

I spent a good amount of my career working inside the Adult Detention Center. I began my career there July 21^st 2001. I worked my way up to the rank of Sergeant which I held for about 3 years before going to the Patrol Division. After spending almost 10 years in the Patrol Division, I returned to the Detention Center. I was the Director of Inmate Management for a very short time then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. My official title was Assistant Jail Administrator. I held that position for around 8 years. An issue I have seen in the jail and a question I have posed to many of my staff was “How do you make/teach someone to care?” Working in the confines of a Detention Center can make someone a very cynical and lackadaisical person. How do we keep a person engaged and caring enough to do the job well on a daily basis. I want to see if we can figure that out. I want the staff to care enough about the inmates and themselves to work on a way to ensure they are staying vigilant in their duties, alert to not only themselves but the mundane daily ongoings that may not be so mundane, and I want them working on their physical AND mental health.

John Miller

In 2011, I was offered a position in the jail as the Director of Inmate Management. To explain, the DIM is responsible for managing the population of the detention center working in close coordination with the Courts. With the help of the courts and contacts throughout the state, managing the population is possible. In 2015, I was promoted to Jail Administrator which is the position that I held until 2018. The largest issue currently plaguing the detention center is the mental health crisis, affecting Sebastian County and the entire country. The best avenue for the future of our jail is to maintain the relationships that are needed to manage the detention center and its population regardless of an inmate’s current status.

3. Budget & Fiscal Management
The sheriff’s office operates on a significant taxpayer-funded budget. What experience do you have with budgeting, financial oversight, or managing public funds, and how will you ensure accountability and responsible spending?

Wyatt McIntyre

While I have not directly managed a full organizational budget, I have participated in budget meetings and gained insight into how funds are allocated, how priorities are set, and how difficult financial tradeoffs are made. What I learned most is that budgeting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about aligning spending with mission and accountability to taxpayers. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and making decisions based on data. I am committed to continuing to learn and to working closely with experienced financial professionals to ensure we use public funds wisely.

John Miller

A major part of being Sheriff is the financial responsibility to the taxpayers of the county. As a member of the department, regardless of position, it is our responsibility to be efficient and transparent regarding the budget. As the prior Jail Administrator and as the current Chief Deputy, I have been closely involved with the preparations and administration of the yearly budget process. From a deputy taking care of their equipment to making reasonable purchases on capital that do not put an undue drain on the budget, each decision has important ramifications on the overall health of the department. The Sheriff’s Office currently administers a $17 million dollar budget to operate each division under the Sheriff’s control.

4. Mental Health & Inmate Care
Mental health continues to be a major challenge in law enforcement and detention facilities. If a judge orders someone to remain in custody, but it’s clear they need mental health treatment rather than incarceration, how would you handle that situation? What steps would you take to balance legal requirements with appropriate care and safety?

Wyatt McIntyre

If a judge orders someone to remain in custody, it is my responsibility as sheriff to follow that order. However, incarceration should never mean neglecting a person’s mental health needs. When it is clear an individual requires treatment, I would ensure they are evaluated quickly by qualified mental health professionals and receive appropriate care while in custody. We would work closely with our contracted mental health providers, local mental health agencies, and the courts to pursue every lawful option available, whether that involves treatment within the facility, transfer to a mental health treatment center when legally permitted, or providing the court with updated medical information so other options can be considered. Safety will always be a priority for the individual, staff, and the public. At the same time, we must treat people humanely and responsibly. That requires protocols, strong medical oversight, and thorough documentation. My administration would ensure that communication with the court is consistent and transparent, so judges are fully informed about an inmate’s condition and needs. Mental health remains one of the most significant challenges facing detention centers today. Leadership means being proactive, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring accountability so we protect both the public and the well-being of those in our care.

John Miller

As previously mentioned, mental health is a true crisis in corrections. Working with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other stakeholders, we can successfully navigate the issue. Since transferring back to the jail in 2024, after the previous administration left, we have re-instituted policy and procedures while adding additional safeguards and oversight for mental health.

5. Why You?
What sets you apart from the other candidates, and why should the citizens of Sebastian County trust you to serve as their next sheriff?

Wyatt McIntyre

I believe in leading by inspiration, not intimidation. I believe that when we give someone the tools, training, resources, and the knowing that they are backed by their administration, they will want to do a better job not only for the administration but for the community. And often times leading by inspiration is having to be willing to make tough decisions, hold others accountable, and set the standard through integrity, courage, and service to the community. Neither me nor my staff will serve the community from behind our desks. As often as I can I want to be engaging with the community. Me or a designee will be talking to city governments, attending city council meetings, or meeting with mayors to corroborate and see how we can work together to make our community better.

John Miller

I am a proud resident of Sebastian County being born and raised here and graduating from Southside High School. I have spent my entire law enforcement career serving the citizens of this great county. Through my training and experience, I believe that I am the clear option. Transparency, integrity, accountability, a strong work ethic, and responsibility set me apart from others. I have worked continuously with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department for almost 25 years. In that time I have learned to follow, to lead, and to command when necessary, knowing full well that sometimes the right thing is not always the most popular. I am, without question. ready and willing to take the helm of the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office.

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

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3:32 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Hello everyone!! It’s Friday the 13th as I type this article. I think I’ve told y’all before that my mother-in-law was the most superstitious person I have ever met.

She would not have left her house today if she were still alive. If a black cat ever crossed in front of her while she was driving, she would turn around and go the other way. She had so many superstitions, I can’t even remember them all. One of her big ones was that if you went somewhere and bought new shoes, you were absolutely not allowed to set them on the table — someone would die. I know this because one time I came in the house carrying a box of shoes and she said, “You better not set those on the table!!” I had never heard that one before.

After telling y’all all the crazy things my mom told me as a child, I also remembered my dad saying, “Don’t drink milk when you eat fish — it’ll make you sick.” Has anyone else ever heard that? He meant it too. No milk with fish at our house.

There was another thing my dad used to say when we were sick. He would ask, “Sis, do you hurry bad?” Nobody in the world would know what that meant except me and my siblings. I also had an uncle who would say something similar when he and my aunt had company over and thought they were staying too late. He’d look at my aunt and say, “Let’s go to bed so our company can go home.” Now that’s one way to get rid of folks. My brother and I were laughing about that just yesterday.

I’ve got a few sayings of my own. For example, “If you don’t go psycho on your husband every once in a while, do you even love him?” If Chuck Hopkins were alive right now, he could write his own articles about his crazy wife and the stunts I pulled over the years we were married.

Take the time I ordered pizza from Domino’s in Greenwood — or so I thought. I called in the order, drove to Greenwood to pick it up, and the young man told me, “We don’t have a pizza order for you.” He asked when I called it in, so I checked my phone and told him. He apologized and said he’d be happy to make it for me, but I declined and headed back home.

On the way back to Mansfield, I get a call — and it’s from the Greenwood, Indiana, Domino’s. They wanted to know when I was coming to pick up my order.

What?! I went through the whole story with him, and he said, “That’s alright, it’s happened before.” I seriously doubt it had, but it made me feel better. And let’s not forget the time I cooked a frozen pizza at home and left the cardboard on the bottom, smoking up the whole house.

I am definitely not exempt from crazy at all.

MOUNDS BROWNIES
1 box brownie mix for 9×13 pan
5 cups of shredded coconut
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 container of chocolate frosting (I use the chocolate fudge)
Make the brownies according to the box directions. In a bowl, mix together the coconut and condensed milk. Once you take the brownies out of the oven, spread the coconut mixture on top. Microwave the frosting just enough to make it pourable and pour on top of the coconut mixture. Let it cool and enjoy these brownies.

Timepiece: Coon Hunting

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3:25 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

The small wood campfire penetrated the surrounding darkness but offered little respite from the winter weather. The cold bit noses and ears while frost shrouded the trees of the surrounding forest. My father, Loyal Turner and three other men huddled on rocks talking and drinking coffee from the thermos. Off in the distance, we would hear the occasional bark from one of the animals. “That’s old Betsy, she’s searching for a scent,” explained Loyal. A few minutes later, the bark turned to a deep mellow baying which was joined by the excited barking of the other dogs in the pack. “Boys, she’s onto one, let’s get out there and see what she’s found. She’s hot on the trail and that coon is on the run. They will have her treed any minute now.” Loyal had that ability to identify every one of the dogs and what it was chasing by the sound of the baying.

The men quickly threw out their coffee, gathered their gear, and turned on their lights. We were equipped with large flashlight but the older men were still using the old carbide lights bought years previously. Off into the darkness we trudged, picking our way between trees, dodging vines and saw briars as we went. Our speed increased proportional to the volume and intensity of the baying. When the animals got close to the raccoon, it would attempt escape by climbing into the high branches of the tree where it would taunt the inability of the dog to capture it. That’s where we hunters became of importance. Those wishing to eat the coon would simply shoot it from the tree with a 22 rifle but, seasoned sport hunters would climb the tree, poke the animal out with a large stick, and let the dogs and coon battle. Often the coon would escape or be rescued by the hunters who would release it for future hunts. On this night, that is exactly what happened and we trudged home through the woods reliving our experiences, pulling our hound behind us on a rope to prevent them from taking off on another hunt.

There are six different breeds of dogs used for coon hunting. Carrying unique names like red-bone and blue-ticks, they all appear to have the common lean, rangy appearance and lazy or indolent look in their eyes. Most are pretty docile, lay around in their pens or under the front porch of their owners but they come to life when placed on a trail. They are fast, have endurance, the ability to pick up a scent and, most of all, a deep baying voice that carries for miles. Successful great hunting dogs might have the value of a small car; especially those that competed and won in the big hunting tournaments held yearly across mid-America.

Coon hunting is a sport still practiced throughout the mid-west and south. Men of my community would sit on coke crates or rickety chairs around the pot-bellied stove at the store and elaborate on the abilities of their prized hound. Some of the elaborations would compete with the best fish tales ever told. Recently, the Reverend Bob Freeman of Bullfrog Valley, shared his experience of competing in a contest. As the most inexperienced member of a crew consisting of a hound and three men, his task was to climb into the tree and knock the coon from its perch. The two men and dog below would then pounce upon the coon, place it in a tow-sack and submit it to the judges. Rev. Freeman climbed to the top branches of the tree, pursuing the coon who was anything but the friendly little rascal we see on T.V. programs. Perched precariously on some of the upper branches, he grasped for the critter. The animal, hearing all the commotion created by the hound and two-men waiting below, decided his best option was to fight the good reverend. During the ensuing battle, won by the raccoon, Bro. Freeman tumbled from the tree, striking every limb on the way down. Having no team successful in bagging a coon, the judges awarded the bruised and battered reverend the trophy for surviving his fall.

Good days, good times, and good memories of growing up in the South.

Bill White Ford Comes to Mansfield with Expanded Services and Plans for New Sales Facility

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3:10 pm

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Bill White Ford Comes to Mansfield with Expanded Services and Plans for New Sales Facility

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 02/18/26 Vol. 8 No. 07

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 02/18/26 Vol. 8 No. 07

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Resident Press (Lavaca, Charleston, Paris edition) 02/18/26 Vol. 5 No. 7

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Resident Press (Lavaca, Charleston, Paris edition) 02/18/26 Vol. 5 No. 7

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Greenwood Resident 02/18/26 Vol. 6 No. 07

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Greenwood Resident 02/18/26 Vol. 6 No. 07

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Firemanship on Display as Area Firefighters Train Side-by-Side All Weekend

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2:54 pm

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Firemanship on Display as Area Firefighters Train Side-by-Side All Weekend

Dedication, discipline, and a shared commitment to life safety defined a full weekend of intensive firefighter training as firefighters from across Sebastian and Crawford counties came together to sharpen their skills and strengthen their readiness to serve.

The training was led by Arkansas Fire Academy Adjunct II Instructor Todd Johnson and Adjunct I Instructor Jason Teague, supported by seasoned fire service professionals Chief James McCutcheon and Andrew Johnson of the Hackett Fire Department and Joe Garretson of the Lavaca Fire Department. Drawing heavily from real-world experience, the instructors focused on the realities of the fireground and the critical importance of disciplined, ongoing training.

“Train like your life depends on it… because it does,” Johnson stressed to students. Teague echoed that message throughout the weekend, reminding firefighters, “If you hear nothing else today, hear this—life safety is the number one priority.” Classroom instruction laid the foundation for hands-on sessions that followed, including personal protective equipment (PPE) operations and a smoke-house rescue obstacle course designed to replicate real emergency conditions. The weekend served as a powerful reminder that dedicated firefighters continue to show up, train hard, and return to their home departments better prepared to serve their communities.

The training brought together 30 firefighters representing departments from Mulberry, White Bluff, Midland, Greenwood Rural, Lavaca, Barling, and Hackett. Participants completed 16 hours of instruction, along with an additional obstacle course featuring simulated smoke-house conditions and search-and-rescue scenarios meant to mirror real-life emergencies.

Beyond skill development, the weekend highlighted the camaraderie that defines the fire service. Instructors and firefighters alike committed their entire weekend—many giving up Valentine’s Day—to sharpen their skills and support one another. Organizers expressed appreciation to both seasoned and new instructors who shared invaluable knowledge, and to every firefighter who answered the call to train.

“This was the most fun I have had in a long time,” said Mark Garretson of the Lavaca Fire Department. Garretson trained alongside both his mother and father, with all three successfully completing the classroom and practical portions together. Known for his dedication, Garretson continues to work tirelessly toward his goal of becoming a career firefighter.

Drone capture of the weekend class participants.

Another fire family, the Morales family of Hackett, also trained together, joined by their young son—already showing early signs of a future in the fire service.

From classroom learning to hands-on drills, the weekend showcased the true spirit of firemanship across miles and departments, as firefighters trained, learned, and pushed one another forward—together.

(A special thanks is extended to Hackett Fire’s Joey Bolin for utilizing his time and talent to capture the day of drills.)