Resident News Network

Consumer Alert: Attorney General Griffin Warns Against Utility Impersonation Scams

News

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10:14 pm

Consumer Alert: Attorney General Griffin Warns Against Utility Impersonation Scams

Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement warning Arkansas consumers about scams related to utility shut-offs:

“During the cold winter months, scammers warm up on pretending and threatening the public with utility shut offs. My office receives many complaints from consumers who have been deceived by utility impersonation scams. Imposters threaten to shut off utility service if the consumer doesn’t immediately pay a past due amount. It is important to be cautious and informed, so that you aren’t a victim of one of these scams.”

Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe from utility impersonation scams:

•   Utility companies must provide adequate notice when bills are past due to give consumers time to pay their bills and to avoid shut offs.
•   Utility companies will often allow consumers to enter into delayed payment agreements so that the consumer doesn’t have to pay the overdue bill all at once.
•   Utility companies do not typically call consumers about shut offs. Instead, these companies will send a shut off notice via mail or email. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative of your gas, electric, or water utility threatening to shut off your service, be alert and do not pay them.
•   Your utility company will never ask you to pay with gift cards, bitcoin, or app transfers.
•   If you receive such a call, hang up and call your utility provider at the number on your last account statement to verify or discuss the status your account.
•   If you did pay, call your financial institution and/or the source of the payment to try to stop the payment.
•   File a complaint with our office immediately.

Exercise caution when answering calls from unknown numbers, especially when the caller is threatening you or demanding money.

If you wish to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, you can do so by calling the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visiting ArkansasAG.gov.

Obituary: Glenda Fair (1944-2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:13 pm

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Glenda Fair of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas with loved ones by her side. Glenda was born January 12, 1944 in Waldron, Arkansas to MC “Blue” and Ettie Viola (Heckard) Himes. She was 80 years old.

Glenda was married to Billy Don Fair on December 17, 1965 in Waldron, Arkansas. They were married for 28 years before Billy went on to Heaven to wait for her. Together they raised two amazing children and played a huge role in their lives. Glenda enjoyed going fishing and playing Go FIsh with her grandchildren. A few of her hobbies were crocheting and reading.

Glenda leaves behind to cherish her memory, one son, Wayne Fair of Hot Springs, Arkansas and one daughter, Connie Kirkendoll of Waldron, Arkansas. Nanny will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Randal Fair, Jessica Kirkendoll and Cassie Kirkendoll and one great granddaughter Jessica McDaniel. Glenda is also survived by one sister Louise Brown. Glenda will be missed all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Glenda was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, and her siblings: Floyd, MC, Gene, Bessie, Elsie and Irma.

Glenda’s graveside life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2024 at the Grenade Cemetery near Pencil Bluff, Arkansas with Brian Claypool officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Our Blood Institute Declares Emergency Blood Shortage

Featured

Tammy Teague

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9:47 pm

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Our Blood Institute Declares Emergency Blood Shortage

January 16, 2024 – As winter weather moved into the area this past week, blood donors began cancelling appointments and blood drives were delayed, forcing an already struggling blood supply to critically low levels. This blood shortage has the potential to impact hospitals and patients in need.

Our Blood Institute (OBI) is asking donors to reschedule appointments and come in to donate as soon as possible as the weather clears.

Right now, OBI only has a 1–2-day supply of blood, which is well below our safe stock level. For over a week,OBI has been sending out more blood to hospitals than it is bringing in from donors. If this continues, it could impact treatments for cancer, scheduling of surgeries, and transfusions of all types. OBI is not alone in this blood deficit. In the last few weeks, other blood providers across the nation have also declared emergency blood shortages.

OBI is the sole provider of blood to the central Arkansas area and Fort Smith along with Eastern Oklahoma.

“January is always a difficult time, as blood donations are typically slow during the holidays and in the weeks following, and the winter weather is magnifying the problem,” said Dr. John Armitage, Our Blood Institute president and CEO. “Since the start of the year, blood donations are lagging significantly and fewer people are donating. We urgently ask the public to step up and help secure their community blood supply.”

To help make things more convenience, Our Blood institute Fort Smith and Russellville locations will be opening with extended hours in the morning and also open on days that are usually closed. The Fort Smith location will be accepting appointments and walk ins Today thru Friday from 7:30a – 6p and open on Sunday, January 21^st from 8a – Noon.

Successful donors will receive a short-sleeved, glow-in-the-dark “When I’m Not Hibernating, I’m Donating Blood” T-shirt.

Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be donated as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

“Blood has no substitute,” Armitage said. “Patients across the state rely on blood products to fight cancer, survive trauma and heal after childbirth. Blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.

Obituary – Peggy Dorene Gardenhire Godwin (1934 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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1:51 am

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Obituary – Peggy Dorene Gardenhire Godwin (1934 – 2024)

Peggy Dorene Gardenhire Godwin, age 89, entered into Heaven’s gates on Sunday, January 14, 2024. She is no longer confined to her wheelchair, but is walking the streets of gold. Peggy was born on January 30,1934, to Wayne and Oma Gardenhire, in Huntington, Arkansas. She was saved and baptized on March 17,1949, in the old sanctuary of the Mansfield First Baptist Church when she was 15 years old during a revival. Peggy has been a Christian for 74 years, taught children of all ages in the church, lead the music, served on the bus ministry, clothes closet ministry, social committee, was always involved in VBS, and compiled the history of the Mansfield First Baptist Church.

Peggy met the love of her life, Sam, when he moved to Mansfield from Abbott in the 7th grade. Their friendship developed into 69 years of marriage. Together they raised four children, spoiled 7 grandchildren, and really spoiled 21 great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Mansfield High School, Class of 1951, Peggy went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas Tech University, in Russellville, in 1971, and her Master’s Degree in Reading Education, from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, some years later. She taught at Mansfield Elementary School for 27 years.

An athlete, Peggy played and coached girls’ softball in a league at Waldron, Arkansas, as well as, played in softball tournaments at Huntington, Arkansas. She gave up softball herself, when her four children started playing ball.

Peggy and her late husband, Sam, were faithful followers and contributors to all sports programs at Mansfield High School and summer softball teams. They were very involved supporters as they cheered along their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her students, and friends. They enjoyed taking the teams out to eat after their ballgames to celebrate another win! Everyone lovingly referred to them as “Papa Sam” and “Gran Gran.”

Later on, Papa Sam and Gran Gran continued their tradition of following their grands and great-grands as they competed in several sports at one time. There was nothing unusual about seeing them all wrapped up at an outdoor sporting event, only later to see them inside a warm gym watching another sport.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Jones Godwin, her parents, Wayne and Oma (Barkley) Gardenhire, her brother, Ronnie Gardenhire, grandson, Aaron Bradley Godwin, and sister-in-law, Pat Gardenhire.

She is survived by her four children; Chris Godwin, Susan and Bruce Pyles, Brooks and Connie Godwin, and Stuart and Terry Godwin.

Grandchildren; Bridget Freeman and husband, Michael, Brittany Stubblefield and husband, Joshua, Alisha Burton and husband, Joshua, Levi Godwin and wife, Danielle, Ryan Godwin and wife, Britney, Aaron Godwin, and Blake Godwin and wife, Katie.

Great-grandchildren; Madeline Freeman, Makenzie Freeman, Michaelyn Freeman, Deacon Stubblefield, Denton Stubblefield, Delsey Stubblefield, Delta Stubblefield, Declan Stubblefield, Delise Stubblefield, Clara Burton, Emeline Burton, Charlotte Burton, Adeline Godwin, Nora Godwin, Sawyer Godwin, Otillia Godwin, Minette Godwin, Rhue Godwin, Miles Godwin, Ryker Godwin, and Cohen Godwin.

Funeral service for Peggy Godwin will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Mansfield First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas, The family will visit with friends from 9:00 am until service time at the church. Officiating the funeral service are Bro. Gary Martin and Bro. Matthew Smithson.

Pallbearers: Levi Godwin, Ryan Godwin, Blake Godwin, Joshua Burton, Michael Freeman, Joshua Stubblefield.

Honorary Pallbearer, Aaron Godwin.

Private interment will be at Pleasant Grove #2 cemetery in Abbott, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mansfield First Baptist Church in memory of Peggy Godwin, Lottie Moon Missions, or the Gideons International Bible program.

Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com

Justice Courtney Hudson Announces Candidacy

News

Tammy Teague

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9:39 pm

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Justice Courtney Hudson Announces Candidacy

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Courtney Rae Hudson announces that she will seek another term on the Court in 2024. Justice Hudson is currently serving her second term in position 3 having been re-elected in 2018. Arkansas Supreme Court justices are elected in statewide, nonpartisan elections.

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Courtney Hudson

“I believe in the Rule of Law and ensuring the defense of our Constitution. I am eager to continue my service to the people of Arkansas as a justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court.” Justice Hudson began her service on the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2011. She serves as the Supreme Court supervising justice to the Office of Professional Conduct where attorneys face disciplinary complaints. Before being elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court, Justice Hudson served as a judge on the Arkansas Court of Appeals from 2009-2011.

Justice Hudson is a graduate of Harrison High School, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas School of Law. She resides in Fayetteville with her three children.

The election will be held March 5, 2024.

Arrest Reports 01/07

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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9:30 pm

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Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Billy Fred Freeman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 12 at 1:04 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Freeman was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Brandon Tyler Haneline of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 10 at 3:36 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Haneline was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, and Contempt of Court–Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior committed during court.

Zach Hatton of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 11 at 5:47 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Hatton was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony, Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] 2-28g-inmate, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Possession of [Schedule VI Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >14g.

Amanda Jean Hood of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 11 at 5:23 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Hood was charged with two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Possession of [Schedule VI Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >14g, Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] 2-28g-inmate, and Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Terri Ann Jennings of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 11 at 12:58 p.m. and released on signature bond January 12 at 10:07 a.m. Jennings was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony.

Jesse Lee Reed of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 9 at 5:35 p.m. and released on cash bond January 12 at 8:24 p.m. Reed was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Ricky Rushworth of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 7 at 11:25 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with legally sufficient bond. Rushworth was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree, and Domestic Battering in the Second Degree – Serious Physical Injury.

Demarion Lamichael Shepard of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 10 at 10:13 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 10 at 10:41 p.m. Shepard was charged with Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Cheltsey Michelle Strickland of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 11 at 12:45 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Strickland was charged with ADC Commitment Hold.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Jody Williams Knight of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 7 at 3:03 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Knight was charged with two counts of Surrender Off Bond, and Petition to Revoke Bond.

Robert Thompson Scott of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 7 at 12:07 a.m. and released on bond January 7 at 11:22 a.m. Scott was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Dylan Andrew Pyles of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 12 at 11:26 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 13 at 3:31 p.m. Pyles was charged with Head Lamp Violation, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Lance Stafford of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 12 at 8:08 p.m. and released on signature bond January 13 at 1:36 p.m. Stafford was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Obscene Language or Gesture, and Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Donald Gene Wallace of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 10 at 5:15 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Wallace was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Trafficking [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance].

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Brandon Ray Spence of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 13 at 7:26 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on January 13 at 10:23 p.m. Spence was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Mary Louise Williams of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 10 at 6:36 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Williams was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and petition to show cause.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Laura Lea Topham of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 11 at 3:13 p.m. and released on signature bond January 11 at 8:45 p.m. Topham was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Joseph Kristopher Cardoza, 30, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 11 at 3:09 p.m. Cardoza was charged with contempt – failure to comply.

Cassie Chancellor, 35 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 11 at 12:51 p.m. Chancellor was sentenced to days.

Thomas Anthony Figgins, 36 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on January 8 at 5:36 p.m. Figgins was charged with failure to pay child support.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Michael May, 39 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 8 at 5:55 p.m. May was charged with third degree battery.

Isaac Charles, 30 of New Orleans, LA, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 11 at 11:38 a.m. Charles was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Tajuan Johnson, 30, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 11 at 12:11 p.m. Johnson was charged with hold for U.S. Marshal.

Shelley Marritt, 33 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 13 at 2:44 p.m. Marritt was charged with 3rd degree assault on family or household member.

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

Homemade Dorito Copycat Recipe

Madison VanRavensway

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12:34 am

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Did you know you can make Dorito style chips at home? It’s actually really simple, and they are really tasty!I wouldn’t say it’s an exact dupe, but it doesn’t have the yellow dye (we avoid yellow dye in particular), or other scary ingredients!

If you have read many of my recipes they are almost always from scratch. I love finding ways to make things homemade, and these chips are a fraction of the cost of store bought chips!

Ingredients

-1 package corn tortillas (you could make homemade ones but I just bought some this time. Package had 30, I used 16 for chips)

-2 tbsp oil (I used olive oil, vegetable would work)

-3 tbsp parmesan cheese

-1 1/2 tsp chili powder

-1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

-1/2 tsp salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350*. Coat cookie sheet with nonstick spray and set aside.
Pour oil in a bowl then use a basting brush to coat each tortilla with oil, front and back. Use a pizza cutter to quarter tortillas once coated in oil.
Pour dry ingredients in a ziploc bag and toss in tortilla slices. Shake around until well coated. Use your fingers through the bag to spread the seasonings as needed.
Spread out on cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Start with 10 and add time as needed. When they come out they will not be crisp, let them sit on the counter for an hour or so. After that time you should have crisp, delightful copycat cheesy chips! Enjoy!

Browning leads five in double figures against TAMIU

Sports

Tammy Teague

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2:00 am

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Browning leads five in double figures against TAMIU

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith was unable to slow down the league’s highest scoring offense in a 100-79 defeat to Texas A&M International Saturday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions had their best offensive output of the season, but the Dustdevils shot 50.7 percent from the floor and made 16 threes.

Five Lions scored in double figures, led by 17 from guard Morgan Browning. Browning was perfect from the field, going 6-for-6 overall and 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. She was also 3-of-3 at the line.

Guard Hannah Boyett contributed 14 points, while forward Kayla Brundidge had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Riley Hayes added 10 points and guard Baylee Fincher tallied 11.

The Lions went toe-to-toe with the Dustdevils over the first 20 minutes, trailing just 21-19 at the end of the first and 49-40 at the half.

TAMIU then led 69-49 late in the third quarter before the Lions went on a 14-4 run to get back within 10. However, the Dustdevils scored the final four points of the quarter for a 77-63 lead after three.

UAFS finished shooting 47.4 percent from the field and totaled 32 points in the paint. TAMIU, who came in leading the league in turnover differential, had a 27-16 advantage in points off turnovers.

The Lions are back on the road next week as they begin a road trip at St. Mary’s January 18.

Lions grind out win over Dustdevils

Sports

Tammy Teague

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1:55 am

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FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men’s Basketball earned is second straight Lone Star Conference win Saturday by defeating Texas A&M International, 57-51, at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The 51 points are the fewest allowed this season and the Lions held the Dustdevils to a 32.7 shooting percentage, the lowest mark of the season.

TAMIU started the game on a 10-1 run before a three by guard Roland McCoy represented the first basket for the Lions nearly five minutes in. UAFS chipped away, taking a 15-13 lead on a three by guard Payton Brown.

After a back-and-forth battle, the Dustdevils scraped ahead in the final minutes before the half for a 31-26 lead.

The Dustdevils led by seven out of the break, but the Lions answered with an 11-0 run over a nearly six-minute stretch. The lead exchanged hands six times over the next eight minutes, with the Lions taking the final lead at 51-50 with 3:53 left.

UAFS scored its final 10 points from the free throw line, as neither team made a field goal in the final 6:14.

Brown scored a game-high 19 points to lead all scorers, going 6-for-6 at the line. McCoy added 12 points while guard Cameron Bush scored 11.

TAMIU outrebounded the Lions, 49-32, but shot just 14-for-28 at the line.

UAFS protected the ball with only nine turnovers while forcing 18 and scoring 22 points off those turnovers.

The Lions will look to add to their winning streak Thursday at St. Mary’s.

Obituary – Madge Hunt (1931 – 2024)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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5:48 pm

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Madge Hunt, 92, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Thursday, January 11, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Madge was born on December 19, 1931 to Thurman Templeman and Della (Sykes) Pollard in Blue Ball, Arkansas. Madge was a devout Christian. She loved the Lord and was virtuous woman. She was a member of Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas.

Madge was married to the love of her life, Thurman Hunt, for 68 marvelous years before Thurman went on to Heaven to wait for her. Together they raised four amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren, great grandchildren and she was the best mom and granny. Madge enjoyed singing while listening to good old Christian hymns and always had a smile on her face. She loved people, hearing their laughter and enjoyed having family time. Madge had a warm heart and was a kind caring person. She loved being at church, singing, listening to good preaching and helping out with the church dinners. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed sharing meals with her family. She made it a point to talk to each of her children daily. She was a spit fire full of zest and enjoyed life to the fullest. The memories made with her loved ones will forever be treasured by each of them.

Madge leaves behind to cherish her memory her four children: Linda Fowler of Waldron, Arkansas; Ricky Hunt and wife Betty of Waldron, Arkansas; Pam Burke and husband Chris of Wickes, Arkansas; and Kay Elliott and husband Matt of Perryville, Arkansas. Granny will forever remain in the hearts of her nine grandchildren: Weston Burke, Calvin Morrow, Nickey Hunt, Dana Tomlin, April McDaniel, Sonya Hale, Stacy Fowler, Sabrina Ison, and Josh Fowler; a host of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Madge is also survived by one brother in law, Billy Wallace of Danville, Arkansas. Madge will be missed by all that knew her and the many lives whom she impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Madge was preceded in death by her husband, Thurman Hunt; her parents Thurman Templeman and Della Pollard, and her siblings: LT Pollard, Lonnie Pollard, Bobby Pollard, Roy Templeman, Rose May Howell, Ann Holmes, Ethelene Garner, Fay Stockton, Sue Wilkins, Rex Pollard, Troy Templeman, baby sister Darlene Pollard, daughter in law Beverly Hunt, and two son in laws: Bob Fowler and Ray Morrow.

Madge’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Chris Burke and Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the Hunt Cemetery in Blue Ball, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Madge’s pallbearers will be Weston Burke, Stacy Fowler, Calvin Morrow, Josh Fowler, Nickey Hunt and William Hunt.

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