Resident News Network

Ouachita National Forest, Scott and Sebastian Counties; Heavener Coal Leasing Project

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10:30 pm

Ouachita National Forest, Scott and Sebastian Counties; Heavener Coal Leasing Project

The USDA Forest Service (FS) is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) as the lead Federal agency with support from Federal cooperating agencies, the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). The purpose of the analysis is to respond to a Federal coal Lease by Application (LBA) submitted to the BLM from the Emera Corportation on behalf of Ouro Mining Inc.

The application seeks approval to access and recover Federal metallurgical coal resources from approximately 3,077 acres that underly lands on the Ouachita National Forest (ONF) — the Poteau-Cold Springs Ranger District in Arkansas. No surface mining is proposed on National Forest System (NFS) lands.

The proposed lease area is in T3N, R32W, Sections 8–11, 14, 15, 17–19 and T3N, R33W, Section 13 in Scott and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas. The proposed Federal lease area is located adjacent and directly to the north of current coal leases held by Ouro Mining on private lands near Bates, Arkansas. The Emera Corporation’s application involves a mix of reserved public domain lands and acquired lands on the ONF.

BLM is responsible for considering whether a coal lease would be offered through the competitive bid process and what stipulations would be required for surface resource protection. Because the lease would involve minerals underlying the ONF, the FS administrative unit with jurisdiction for managing surface resources, the BLM must have FS consent prior to deciding whether to offer the lease for sale.

The FS will assess whether the proposed lease area on NFS lands is suitable for coal leasing and if so, whether to consent to leasing 3,077 acres of Federal coal underlying the Ouachita National Forest as described in the Emera Corporation application. As part of assessing consent, the FS will develop lease stipulations that protect surface resources. The stipulations will be included with any FS consent decision to lease. The BLM would include these stipulations in the coal lease.

Additionally, connected actions associated with the lease include the:

Construction, operation, and maintenance of a 161kV powerline on 3.0 miles of NFS lands and the construction of approximately 2.0 miles of powerline access roads.

• Issuance of a special use permit that authorizes a 100-foot right of way (ROW) for the 161kV powerline. Issuance of the permit would be contingent on the metallurgical coal lease being sold, and the mining plan approved and permitted.

If needed, a forest plan amendment that may add management direction for the leasing of metallurgical coal on 3,077 acres.

Expected Impacts

Disclosure of potential adverse impacts to NFS lands includes subsidence, which means the land surface is lowered as a result of mining activities. Resources potentially affected include, but are not limited to, vegetation, soil, and water. The EIS will address the potential for impacts from increased carbon emissions. Whether greenhouse gas emissions could approach significance over the life of the project is unknown at this time. Construction and maintenance of the electrical powerline and its associated roads would be designed to comply with the ONF Revised Forest Plan; significant impacts to vegetation, water, and soil resources are not expected.

Comments concerning the scope of the analysis for the EIS must be received by January 25, 2024. The draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) is expected in July 2024. The final EIS is expected to be available for review in June 2025.

To view the complete plan and comments regarding this project, visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-28300

The New Year Is a Chance to Take a Positive Step into the Future

Resident News Network

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10:06 pm

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The New Year Is a Chance to Take a Positive Step into the Future

RIVER VALLEY- Throughout 2023, I have shared many experiences, both bad and good, that have happened in our lives, as well as in the lives of others. Most recently, I shared our terrible experience of my family losing their home to the Little Rock tornado in March, and our loss of our beloved family labrador just before Christmas.

But with the new year comes new hope for a better year ahead. In fact, in life’s many lessons and experiences, we might say that the new year is an opportunity to take a positive step forward into a year that can bring better days ahead for all of us.

Our world is in turmoil on almost every level. Nations are at war, innocent people are being targeted for nothing more than their race, gender, religious beliefs, or, for other reasons that are beyond my ability to comprehend.

Locally, every community has their politics, points of pride, and local cultures and customs that can be viewed as both positive and, may we say, “head scratching”, to be nice.

And personally, we all know, better than others, the areas of our lives that we are doing well in everyday, as well as aspects of our lives that we can honestly say that we probably should make an effort to improve in the upcoming year. It may be a job, financial, health wise, or our relationships with others, but, I dare say we all have something we need to focus on for improvement. In my case, the areas that need attention are too numerous to list in one story.

For my wonderful wife, Elaine, and myself, we look forward to putting a tough 2023 behind us and looking forward to a much better 2024. Family health concerns and major adjustments lay ahead for us but hope springs eternal for the hopes of a much better 2024.

If you follow major league baseball, you know that each year, spring training is a special time of the season. Teams report to warm climates to begin a month of training and practice to prepare for the upcoming season. Part of what makes this time so special is that every team is undefeated during spring training, and every team is optimistic for the upcoming season. Much like spring training, we are all hopeful for a great upcoming year, and just before it starts, we all have that hope of a good new year.

Many Americans will begin diet and weight loss resolutions, and many will give them up just a short time after the new year. That’s just the way it goes. Some will stick it out and modify their lifestyles to lose weight, or to stick to that exercise plan. Any way you look at it, it is all about discipline and the desire to be successful. From my perspective, the same principle applies to other areas of life. A positive attitude and the determination to stay with it and focus on the end goal or result, applies to so many aspects of our life. Not giving ourselves excuses to explain failure that is often times a matter of just giving up and taking the easy way out, applies to so many situations we find ourselves in each day. Like everyone else, I have been successful in some cases, and unsuccessful in others. I guess it is part of what makes us human.

So, for whatever it means to anyone who reads this story, I have target areas of my life that I want to improve in 2024. To reach those goals, I had to be honest with myself, and that was hard.

So to all of our readers, we hope that you have a great year in 2024; one that gives you the opportunity to take a positive step into the future. If you had great difficulties or tragedies in your lives in 2023, we hope that 2024 will be much better for you.

All of us at RNN are so thankful for you, our readers and subscribers, and we wish all of you nothing but the best for the new year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Numerous State Laws Take Effect in 2024

Tammy Teague

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8:41 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – Numerous state laws will take effect in 2024, including tax reductions that will save Arkansas families and businesses about $250 million a year.

During a September special session the legislature approved tax cuts that will benefit Arkansans in two ways. An income tax reduction will lower the top rate from 4.7 to 4.4 percent for individuals. Also, the top rate for corporate taxes will go down from 5.1 to 4.8 percent.

The tax relief measure includes a one-time credit of $150 for all taxpayers whose incomes was below $89,600 in 2023. That means Arkansas taxpayers will benefit from the credit in the next couple of months, when they file their income taxes for 2023.

For taxpayers with incomes between $89,601 and $103,600 the amount of the credit gradually decreases. People whose income is $103,601 and above will not get a credit.

In all, about 1.1 million people in Arkansas will save $150 million a year because of the tax reductions enacted by the legislation earlier this year. Also, about 7,500 businesses will save $34.5 million a year.

The $150 credits will save individuals $156.3 million on their 2023 taxes. However, they will not be in effect in future years.

Those cuts were not the only tax relief enacted by the legislature in 2023. During the regular session at the beginning of the year, legislators approved Senate Bill 549 to lower income taxes for individuals, trusts, estates and corporations.

Those tax cuts benefited 1.1 million individual taxpayers whose incomes are above $24,300 a year. The Senate bill became Act 532 of 2023.

Businesses will also benefit from Act 485 of 2023. It phases out the “throwback rule,” a provision in state tax law that formulates taxes on multi-state corporations with a connection, or nexus, in Arkansas when they do business in other states.

For those businesses, fewer sales of property in other states will be taxed.

Act 532 takes effect for tax year 2024 and will save businesses $10.6 million. The savings steadily increase until Fiscal Year 2030 and afterwards, when businesses in Arkansas will see tax savings of $74 million a year because of Act 532.

New Bail Bond Law

Act 659 of 2023 changes the length of prison sentences for violent offenders, and requires inmates to participate in drug rehabilitation and education programs in order to qualify for parole.

The act will affect county jails, sheriffs, bail bondsmen and people who get arrested and want to bail out of jail. As of January 1, 2024, the 10 percent premium for bond must be paid in full before the defendant may be released from jail. Previously, defendants could make arrangements to pay their bail bondsman in installments.

Another provision in Act 659 affects defendants who put up property to make bail. Starting in 2024, bail bondsmen must submit paperwork verifying the amount of the property is sufficient, and verifying that it has been transferred to the surety. It will not be enough for the bail bondsman to simply collect a deed or title.

Some judges already have begun working on documents to streamline the process for defendants who choose to put up property.

It Was Another Banner Year for RNN Sports in 2023

Sports

Resident News Network

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4:25 am

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It Was Another Banner Year for RNN Sports in 2023

RIVER VALLEY- Once again, there were many great sports moments in 2023, and RNN Sports had the privilege of bringing you those stories throughout the year. As we look forward to a great year ahead in 2024, RNN Sports will take our annual look back at the year that is about to end.

As your source of local sports in the River Valley, RNN Sports continued to expand its coverage of both local high school sports, as well as Razorbacks athletics. Our college coverage expanded in 2023 to include the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, UCA, Arkansas State, and UAM sports. Last summer, we also announced coverage of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, as well as bringing you announcements of the addition of professional soccer that is set to begin in Northwest Arkansas in 2025.

But as you know, RNN Sports is dedicated to LOCAL sports coverage, and what a great year it has been for River Valley High School sports! And as sports director, I will say to all of you that our coverage would not be possible without the many contributors that bring you the stories and the pictures from around our region of the state. We have so many dedicated and enthusiastic photojournalists who love sports and love to bring you the stories that you want to read.

In the Mansfield area of our company’s footprint, Adam Hecox brings you all of the action for Tigers sports and the surrounding area. In Greenwood, sports photojournalists Ross Fujibayashi and Peggy Barger bring you Greenwood Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs action, as well as Razorbacks athletics. In Charleston, our sports photographer, Ronni Tate Young, brings you Charleston Tigers action as well as Razorbacks athletics. In northwest Arkansas, contributing photographer John D. James brings you almost year-round Razorbacks sports coverage. In Booneville, it has been a year that saw the Bearcats bring home state championships in band, softball, and football. And Glenn Parrish has brought you the stories and photos from the Bearcats banner season. With the addition of UAFS Lions sports coverage, Greyson Baggett is bringing coverage of UAFS sports to our readers, expanding our coverage area to include the greater Fort Smith area. Last, but certainly not least, Celia Looney of the County Line School district, along with Jonathan Gipson of the Magazine Schools, contribute to our coverage of River Valley sports from their local school districts, and we thank all of them for their great work in bringing local stories of interest to our readers.

After months of rehab, the Hogs’ Brady Tygart pitched a courageous game to keep the Razorbacks’ hopes alive in the NCAA Regional (RNN Sports Photo / John D. James)

Without all of these great photojournalists and contributing writers, along with our managing editor, Tammy Teague, and our visionary owner and founder, Jason Baggett, our coverage at RNN Sports would not be possible. They are not only great at what they do, but we are all family at RNN, and they make my job much easier. It takes all of us to bring you expanded coverage of both local high school sports, collegiate sports, and special events such as the Junior PGA Championships that were held in Hot Springs last summer.

RNN Sports began 2023 with coverage of local high school basketball and Lady Razorbacks basketball. We were there all season to bring you coverage of conference play, as well as state tournament play. Several area teams qualified for the state tournament in February. But perhaps none other as dramatic as the County Line Indians who finished the season undefeated at 41-0 and then proceeded to win three straight state playoff games to enter the state finals undefeated at 44-0. Against a determined and talented Marked Tree team, the Indians defeated Marked Tree with three seconds remaining in the game to give County Line the Class 1A state championship and a perfect 45-0 season.

Arkansas’s Makayla Daniels (43) is fouled as she drives to the basket against Alabama (RNN Sports Photo / Ronni Tate Young)

The Booneville Bearcats athletics and band program brought home multiple state championships in 2023. In November, it was the marching Bearcats band bringing home the Class 3A state title from their performance at War Memorial Stadium. In the spring, the Lady Bearcats won the 3A state softball title. Capping off 2023 was the Booneville Bearcats football team winning the Class 3A state championship in a thriller over Prescott. The 2023 Booneville programs added state titles in band, softball, and in football to their already extensive list of state titles. Quite a year for the Logan County high school.

The Booneville Bearcats won the Class 3A state marching band contest held in Little Rock last week (Image Special to RNN Sports / Glenn Parrish, Booneville Schools)

In Paris, the Marching Eagles band had their best finish ever at the 2023 state marching championship. Paris finished as the 3A state runner-up, edging out Centerpoint and finishing second to nearby Booneville for the state title.

The Paris school district added the sport of wrestling in 2023 to their list of sports offered at Paris High School. The wrestling program participated in their first wresting tournament in program history in November.

The “feel good” story of the year was the state playoffs run of the Mansfield Tigers football team under the direction of first year Tigers coach, Whit Overton. Overton, a MHS graduate, returned to his alma mater after having coached at Booneville as junior high football coach, to lead the Tigers to a third-place conference finish and a #3 seed in the state playoffs. The Tigers hosted and defeated Centerpoint in the first round of the state playoffs. The Tigers then took long road trips in the second round and in the state quarterfinals to Hoxie and Salem on the way to the state semifinals. Mansfield’s Cinderella season ended in Prescott but capped a tremendous season for the Tigers. The Mansfield Tigers will be heavily favored to win the 3A-1 conference in 2024 with much of their team returning next year.

The Mansfield Tigers made a run to the state semifinals in 2023 under new coach, Whit Overton (RNN Sports File Photo / Adam Hecox)

The Greenwood Bulldogs’ tradition of state football championships continued in 2023. In doing so, Greenwood won its 11th state championship in 17 state finals appearances. The win tied fellow Class 6A member school Little Rock Pulaski Academy for the most state football championships in the modern era. Highly recruited sophomore quarterback Kane Archer won the state finals MVP Award and senior Ryan Shortes won the Burlsworth Award. The Bulldogs’ dominance in football continued in 2023, and most observers believe they will continue their dominance in 2024.

The Greenwood Bulldogs won the Class 6A state football title in 2023 (RNN Sports File Photo / Ross Fujibayashi)

RNN Sports brought you Razorbacks coverage in 2023 in the sports of baseball, softball, football, and basketball. Arkansas hosted the 2023 SEC Softball conference tournament, and our photojournalists were there all week to bring you the action in pictures from each day of the tournament. Photographer John James brought you coverage of Razorbacks baseball, spring football, summer football practice, and 2023 Razorbacks football. RNN Sports brought you special coverage of the Razorbacks men’s basketball exhibition win in overtime over Purdue in November.

The summer of 2023 marked a special event where the Jr. PGA golf association held its annual championship tournament in Arkansas. This year, the tournament was played at the Hot Springs Country Club. We were there in the blazing summer heat to bring you coverage of the event all week that highlighted future PGA golfers who will make headlines in the coming years. Next year’s event will be held in Virginia near Washington, DC. This was an opportunity to cover an event that is normally played outside of Arkansas. Winners in both boys and girls divisions were named to the PGA’s Junior Ryder Cup team that played in Rome, Italy. This special event was brought to you exclusively by RNN Sports.

2023 Jr. PGA Championships, Hot Springs (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)

The summer also saw RNN Sports bring you announcements of the addition of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. In 2024, we will bring you updates on the Cardinals as they move from spring training to opening day and on through the season.

So, as you can see, 2023 was packed with great sports moments, and these are just a few that we have highlighted that RNN Sports brought to our readers. Our coverage of these events was brought to our subscribers in our three print newspaper publications in the Mansfield area, Greenwood, and in the Logan / Franklin County Edition. We also continued to bring you coverage on our website at residentnewsnetwork.com, and on several social media platforms.

Dax Goff (34) will go down as one of the greatest running backs in Booneville football history (Image Special to RNN Sports / Glenn Parrish / Stacey Holbert)

It has been our pleasure to bring you the most complete and comprehensive local sports coverage, accented by collegiate and professional coverage, as well. We love what we do, and we love sports.

On behalf of our dedicated family of photojournalists and contributors, thank you for your support and subscribership, and we promise that we will continue to work hard at always looking for ways to improve our product for you, our valued readers. Our sports coverage in 2023 included events from as far west as Mansfield and Waldron, to northwest Arkansas, the Fort Smith area, Logan and Franklin counties, and as far east as Conway. In fact, we brought you stories last summer from Jonesboro in northeast Arkansas as part of our coverage of ASU Red Wolves sports. And we had a blast bringing it to you!

Congratulations to all of the student athletes and their schools for a great 2023, and we look forward to seeing you at an event near you in 2024!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM RNN SPORTS!

Branch Manager Retires with 42 Years of Service

Featured

Tammy Teague

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11:20 pm

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Branch Manager Retires with 42 Years of Service

Family, friends and co-workers gathered in honor of long-time Chambers Bank branch manager, Gina Epperson.
Epperson has served 42 years in the banking industry, and on Thursday, December 28, Epperson was celebrated for her decades of service.
Epperson began her career in September of 1981 at the Scott County Bank in Waldron. After nine years at that location, she was transferred to Mansfield where she has worked for the past 33 years.
Although she has witnessed many changes in the industry, Epperson’s heart of service has been a mainstay.
She admits that the best part of her job has always been helping customers with their banking needs.
“I believe the people that I have worked with through the years have helped me keep going at Chambers Bank,” Epperson shared. “My fellow co-workers, whether they be at Mansfield or any other location, are like family to me and have treated me as ‘bank family’. When you work with good people, it makes your job so much better.”
She and her husband, Tracy Epperson are parents to Tymber Moreton and son-in-law, Anthony Moreton; and a heavenly daughter, Cheyenne Dakota Epperson. They also have two granddaughters, Selah Cheyenne Moreton and Brey Dakota Moreton.
Epperson says she plans to enjoy more time with her family and church. “The Lord has truly blessed me with my family, friends and my career…I look forward to taking care of my granddaughter and being able to take my 89-year-old mother to her doctor appointments.”

Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives Announce 2024 Board of Directors

Tammy Teague

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5:48 pm

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Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives Announce 2024 Board of Directors

Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE) proudly announces the election of its 2024 Board of Directors, a dynamic team of leaders poised to drive economic development and community advancement in the state. The terms for the newly elected directors officially commence on January 1, 2024.

“These extraordinary servant leaders from across the stateconsistently work to improve Arkansas communities, support businesses and improve our workforce. I am greatly looking forward to leveraging the experiences and expertise this board will bring to the AEDCE association in 2024,” said Candice Lawrence, executive director of AEDCE. The statewide leaders appointed to the AEDCE board of directors for 2024 are as follows:

• Colleen Bailey, City of North Little Rock

• Alicia Payseno, City of Cabot

• Leo Cummings III, IOM, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

• Anita Brackin, Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Tonya Fletcher, PCED, Paris Area Chamber of Commerce

• Bentley Story, Entergy Arkansas

• Logan Molock, Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce

Bailey is the director of economic development for the City of North Little Rock. She joins the board representing the SecondCongressional District. Her term expires December 31, 2024.

Payseno is the director of economic development for the city of Cabot. She joins the board representing the First Congressional District. Her term expires December 31, 2025.

Cummings III is the senior vice president of development for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. He joins the boardrepresenting the Second Congressional District. His term expires December 31, 2025.

Brackin is the vice-president of workforce development at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. She joins the board representing the Third Congressional District. Her term expires December 31, 2025.

Fletcher is the executive director of the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce. She joins the board representing the FourthCongressional District. Her term expires December 31, 2025.

Story is the senior project manager at Entergy Arkansas. He joins the board as a member At Large. His term expires December 31, 2024.

Molock is the vice-president of economic development at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce. She joins the board as a member At Large. Her term expires December 31, 2024.

The officers of the board of directors for 2024 are President Gary Troutman, IOM with the Hot Springs Metro Partnership/Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce; First Vice-President Steve Cox, IOM with the Rogers Lowell Chamber; Second Vice-President Julie Allen, PCED with the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce; and Treasurer/Secretary Allison Hestand with the Paragould Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation of Paragould.

Nancy Lee McNew, CEcD, PCED of the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County completed her term as board president at the end of 2023 but will remain on the board as immediate past president and an officer through 2024.

Other returning board members are:

• Steven Lamm, Jonesboro Unlimited

• James Bell, Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

• Ashlee Vaughan, Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance

• Randy Zook, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA

• Clint O’Neal, Arkansas Economic Development Commission

• Jack Thomas, Little Rock Regional Chamber

• Candice Lawrence, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas

About Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE): AEDCE is the state’s premier association representing professional and volunteer economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas. AEDCE’s objective is to advance, through educational and professional efforts, the business climate and quality of life in Arkansas by the development of employment opportunities through economic growth and community development. This is accomplished through education, advocacyand our connected network of association members. More information is available at aedce.org.

Obituary – Almus Scott (1945 – 2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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1:11 am

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Almus Freemon Scott, 78, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, December 24, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Almus was born January 27, 1945 to Charley M and Grace (Roberts) Scott in Alva, Oklahoma.

Almus was married to the love of his life, Shirley Jean Allen for 48 years before Shirley went on to Heaven to wait for him. Together they raised one son Scotty Scott and then became treasured grandparents. Almus was a devoted family man and would do anything for his wife and family. He was a committed hard worker and never missed, even if he was sick. He enjoyed watching western movies and spending time at home with his family. The memories they made will forever be treasured.

Almus leaves behind to cherish his memory, one son Scotty Scott and wife Stefanie of Yukon, Oklahoma and two twin granddaughters, Alexus and Haelle both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Almus will also be missed by his sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws: Kathy Helton of Waldron, Arkansas; Francis Scott of Mena, Arkansas; Lynn Craze of Waldron, Arkansas; Larry Allen, Donny Allen, Kenny Allen, Gary Allen, Troy Allen and David Allen all of Waldron, Arkansas. Almus will be missed by all that knew him, including a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and church family.

Almus was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirely Scott; his parents, Charley and Grace Scott; one brother, C M Scott; one sister, Charlene Craze; one nephew, Travis Helton and one niece, Charlotte Allen.

Almus’ life celebration will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Travis May officiating. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Almus’ honorary pallbearers will be: Jerry Morris, Garrett Morris, Gary Allen, Kenny Allen, Danny Allen and Dustin Allen.

Almus’ visitation will be Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

You may leave words of remembrance for Almus’ family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com

Arrest Reports 12/17

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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12:38 am

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Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Nathan Dean Churchwell of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 17 at 1:09 a.m. and released on signature bond December 17 at 10:02 a.m. Churchwell was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Juanita Eillen Cottingham of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 20 at 5:06 p.m. and released on signature bond December 20 at 8:30 p.m. Cottingham was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jeremiah Luke Edwards of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 21 at 9:19 p.m. and released on signature bond December 22 at 3:03 a.m. Edwards was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jesse Emery of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 22 at 8:24 p.m. and released on signature bond December 23 at 4:54 a.m. Emery was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Jason Lee Hill of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 23 at 6:42 p.m. and released on signature bond December 24 at 12:29 a.m. Hill was charged with Theft of Property <$1k, Criminal Trespass, and Failure to appear at FINS review.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
Judy Lee Dooley of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 22 at 5:19 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Dooley was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, Petition to Revoke – Felony, Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, absconding and parole violation.

Steven Derek Mathis of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 22 at 5:04 p.m. and released on signature bond December 23 at 2:13 a.m. Mathis was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Joshua Jacob King of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 20, at 8:05 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. King was charged with Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] <2g-inmate, Petition to Revoke – Felony, and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Jody Williams Knight of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 23 at 1:28 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 23 at 12:44 p.m. Knight was charged with Furnishing a Prohibited Article-Correctional Facility, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, and Possession of [Schedule I/II Controlled Substance] with the Purpose to Deliver >2g.

Garlin Wayne Miller of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 20 at 11:17 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond December 21 at 11:17 a.m. Miller was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Jerry Paul Quick of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 19 at 2:52 p.m. and released on cash bond December 19 at 10:51 p.m. Quick was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Timmy Don Scrivner Junior of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 19 at 2:46 p.m. and released on December 20 at 12:42 p.m. Scrivner was charged with Released from ADC has previous charges they have not bonded on.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Mary Kretchmer of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 22 at 4:48 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Kretchmer was charged with Careless Driving – Failure to Maintain Control, Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI Misdemeanor <4oz, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Christopher Hugh Mclaughlin of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 21 at 6:23 p.m. and released on signature bond on December 21 at 10:19 p.m. Mclaughlin was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Michael Aaron Mcwhorter of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 18 at 12:02 p.m. and released on signature bond December 21 at 3:36 p.m. Mcwhorter was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Cody Lee Sales of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 22 at 11:14 a.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Sales was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Ingest Meth/Cocaine, Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Mason Alexander, 25 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 19 at 2:22 p.m. Alexander was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a schedule VI-controlled substance with the purpose to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, theft by receiving, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Allen Lindstrom, 25 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 19 at 2:54 p.m. Lindstrom was charged with possession of a schedule VI-controlled substance with the purpose to deliver, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with the purpose to deliver and maintaining drug premises.

Shelby Moore, 24 of Oark, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 22 at 3:08 p.m. Moore was charged with forgery, 2nd degree.

Christopher Butler, 35 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 22 at 9:22 p.m. Butler was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree.

Brianna Butler, 31 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 22 at 10:27 p.m. Butler was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree.

Dustin Contreras, 31 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 22 at 11:23 p.m. Contreras was charged with body attachment.

Adam Capo, 37 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on December 23 at 5:08 p.m. Capo was charged with violation of probation/suspended imposition of sentence, and failure to pay.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:

Michael Dunn, 27 of Ozark, was booked into Franklin County Detention Center on December 23 at 1:55 p.m. Dunn was charged with criminal mischief – 1st degree/property of another w/value of $1k or less, assault on family or household member – 3rd degree / apprehension of imminent physical injury to a family or household member.

Joseph Hadley, 38, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 21 at 2:15 p.m. Hadley was charged with hold for another agency.

Kelly Powell, 48 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 20 at 9:45 p.m. Powell was charged with hold for another agency.

Michelle Sieckman, 45 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 20 at 5:56 p.m. Sieckman was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree / purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, criminal mischief – 2nd degree/damage >$1k <$5k, and failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Samantha Rogers, 36 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 20 at 3:40 p.m. Rogers was charged with deliver of meth or cocaine GT 2GM but LT 10GM, and deliver of meth or cocaine GT 2GM but LT 10GM.

William Blake Pendergrass, 36, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on December 20 at 2:03 p.m. Pendergrass was charged with possession of schedule I or II LT 2GM.

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

52 State Police Recruits Commissioned into Service

Featured

Tammy Teague

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4:24 am

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52 State Police Recruits Commissioned into Service

Fifty-two certified officer recruits became Arkansas State Troopers tonight during a graduation ceremony at Camp Robinson, making it the largest graduating class since 1977.

The new Troopers were among an initial field of 230 applicants who were tested and interviewed before entering a 10-week training program, where they completed approximately 760 hours of specialized instruction and practical training.

The graduates were sworn under oath as Arkansas State Troopers by Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland, who served as the keynote speaker.

Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Major Roby Rhoads, Corporal Keondrick Thompson, and Sergeant Chad Staley addressed the class during the ceremony. ASP senior command staff, troop and company commanders, the training section cadre, ASP Commissioners and ASP Foundation members were among the audience.

Special recognition and awards were presented to the recruits who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:

Academics:
1st place – Lydia Rogers
2nd place – Trey Smith
3rd place – Dylan Evans

Physical Fitness:
1st place – Justin Shackleford
2nd place – Shane Fox
3rd place – Hunter Grubbs

Firearms:
1st place – David Whipple
2nd place – Dylan Evans
3rd place – Lydia Rogers

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC):
1st place – Tyler Ryals
2nd place – Mark Fallis
3rd place – Tre’ Davis

The recruit graduates and their first post assignments are listed as follows:

Thomas “Dylan” Evans, 2023-B Class Leader, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D.

Highway Patrol Division
Troop A
Milton “Alex” Bratton
Amber Cass
Tre’ Davis
Andrew Garrison
Raul Parada
Robert Plyler
Tyler Ryals
Trey Smith
David Whipple

Troop B
Joshua Haley
Justin Parrish

Troop C
Christopher Dunham
Victor Garcia
Cody Jackson
Carter Lazenby
Lydia Rogers
Nash Thomas
Christian Underwood

Troop D
Dakota “Blake” Davis
Thomas “Dylan” Evans
Troop E
Jonathan Nutt
Lincoln Smith

Troop F
Alan “Mitchell” Butler
David Menotti

Troop G
Akari Alexander
Micah Brown
Richard “Zane” Butler
Matthew “Trent” Coffman
Landon Loe
Jacob Meadows
Gannon Tiller

Troop H
Dalton Lewis
Tucker Phelps
Justin Shackleford

Troop I
Jared Curtis
Cody Lee

Troop K
John “JD” Crow
Hunter Grubbs
Mathew Hall
Corbin Rideout
Mason Robinson
Cody Rollins
Jayson “Sean” Weston

Troop L
Tyler Smith
Brandon Walker

Criminal Investigation Division
Company A
Eric Varner

Company C
Mark Fallis
Judson “Dalton” Myers

Company D
Thurman “Kieth” Lunsford

Company E
Erick Riggs

Company F
Shane Fox

Internet Crimes Against Children Division
Danny Harris

Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new troopers will be placed with a certified departmental Field Training Officer (FTO). Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective FTO for a transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.

Obituary – Emma Brown (1949 – 2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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4:11 am

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Emma Dean Brown beloved wife and mother was called to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 22, 2023. Emma was born August 5, 1949 to Ralph and Edith (Miner) Johnson in the Y-City community. She was a member of the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God.

Emma married the love of her life, Larry on August 11, 1967. She embarked on a journey of being his partner in work of many different positions. She loved her family. It was evident in anything she done. She loved antiques. Many happy memories were of her on antique trips with her sister’s. She loved the outdoors, taking rides in her mule, enjoying her cabin and the hunter’s, even though she had to listen to deer and turkey stories dozens of times.

Emma leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Larry, two sons: Larry “Bang” Brown and wife Sheila of Greenwood, Arkansas, and Jason Brown and wife Traci of Waldron, Arkansas as well as three grandsons: Dylan and wife Alisha, Payton and Ryder Brown all Waldron, Arkansas and two step grandsons: David Russell and wife Jenna of Greenwood, Arkansas and Jimmy Russell of Waldron, Arkansas, one great grandson, Sterling and one great granddaughter on the way, step great grandchildren: Dalton, Joseph and Maebree Russell all of Greenwood, Arkansas. Emma is also survived by her sisters: Lorene Beck of Mena, Wanda Holdron of Mena, Violet Becker of Ft. Smith, JoAnn Betterton of Alma, Patsy Ward of Altus and brothers: Jerry Johnson of Mansfield, David Johnson of Nashville, and Micheal Johnson of Mena. Emma will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Emma was preceded in death by one son Marcus Heath, one grandson Tyrone Ryder Brown, her father and mother, Ralph and Edith Johnson, one sister Sandra, and brothers in law: Audie Powell, Robert “Bob” Becker, Doyle Beck and Wayman Betterton and her best and dearest lifelong friends Deloras and Larry Horn.

Emma’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating.

Interment will follow in the Friendship Cemetery near Waldron. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Emma’s pallbearers will be Dylan Brown, Payton Brown, Ryder Brown, David Russell, Jimmy Russell, Jarrod Johnson and Russell Powell. Honorary pallbearers will be Sterling Brown, Randall Barnett, Jerry Bottoms, Brian Horn,

Emma’s visitation will be Sunday, December 24, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

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