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Hackett Artist Signs with Record Label

An up-and-coming artist from Hackett recently signed with a record label.

Waylon Potter, 17, signed on with Music Soup Records. Potter released a new song called “Everything Under The Sun” on Friday, November 10, under the name Waylon Wyatt.

Waylon Wyatt

The song is currently on all streaming services, including Spotify, and YouTube.

This young man has a bright future ahead of him, and we wish him well!

Waylon Wyatt – Everything Under The Sun Live Recording Video – YouTube

Velosky Crowned 2024 Arkansas Cover Miss, Miss Heart of the USA

Runa Velosky, 3, of Fort Smith was crowned the 2024 Arkansas Cover Miss, Miss Heart of the USA in August. The Miss Heart of the USA organization is a “Pageant with a Purpose” and focuses on addressing hunger and food insecurity both locally and nationally.

Runa will be collecting monetary donations and non perishable food donations over the next several months to donate to local food banks. She is also a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary unit 31 of Fort Smith. She is using her platform to serve local veterans and educate people on how they can serve our country’s heroes as well.  

She will be competing in the National Miss Heart of the USA Pageant this summer. You can follow her journey on Facebook.

Timepiece: Arkansas Presidential Visits

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Sirens screamed and lights flashed as the cavalcade of huge cars rushed past the intersection where we were standing.  The crowd waved, blew kisses, and clapped as the President of the United States flew by at an extreme rate of speed.  The date was May 6, 2000 and President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary were in rapid transit to Subiaco’s St. Benedict church for the wedding of a close friend.  Recalling those event to my inquisitive sons, they wanted to know if other presidents had ever visited the state.  The answer was yes, several of them and some more than once.

The first President to visit the state was Martin Van Buren who made an unmemorable stop in Chicot County as he brieflystepped off a steamboat for a few minutes.  More significant visits occurred as railroads developed and various presidents conducted “whistle stop” campaigns around the depots where they stopped.  One of the first to campaign in this manner was Benjamin Harrison in 1891 and his footsteps were followed by President Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, and FDR.   FDR made several stops in Arkansas during the 1936 State Centennial and followed that up in 1938 with a stop in Booneville where, accompanied by Hattie Caraway and Joe T. Robinson, he pledged support for the development of Mount Magazine.

Teddy Roosevelt spoke at the opening of the fifth annual Arkansas State Fair in 1910.  The fair was held at that time at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs.  One of the most colorful speeches, it was held on the track in front of hundreds of people dressed in colorful clothing patterned to form a human American Flag. Teddy seemed to enjoy Arkansas and made several trips to the state with stops in Ozark, Clarksville, Russellville, Carlisle, Conway, Hot Springs, and other small towns not normally visited by presidents.

John F. Kennedy visited several times.  On Oct. 29, 1961, a crowd of 15,000 gathered with he, Governor Faubus, J. W. Fulbright and John McClellan as he dedicated the Old Fort National Historic Site and stressed the importance of Fort Chaffee to our nation’s defense.  He returned to the state shortly before his assassination in 1963 and spoke at the dedication of Greer Ferry Dam and at the State Fair. 

In 1835, a less celebrated president, and one that represented the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, spent an extensive time in Arkansas as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army constructing the old military road from Fort Gipson to Little Rock.  Part of that road is still named the Jefferson Davis Memorial highway.

President Richard Nixon visit was one of the most memorial when he attended the “Game of the Century” between unbeaten Arkansas and Texas on Dec. 6, 1969.  He sat in the stands and watched as Texas defeated Arkansas 15-14 in a heart-breaker for Razorback fans.  Afterward, he present Texas with a plaque that named them, without authority other than presidential decree, the number one team in the 100th year of college football. Ronald Reagan held political rallies in the state during each of his campaigns. 

George Bush, George W., Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton were all on stage at one time on Nov. 18, 2014 during the dedication of the Clinton Presidential center in Little Rock. It was Jimmy Carters second visit; in 1983 he visited Newport and Weiner to duck hunt. 

Presidents have come and gone, most stopping for only a few moments to garner votes, political favor, and funding. After the elections, we return to our status as fly-over states as Air Force one whizzes past on trips to or from New York, Washington, and California.  With elections coming up next year, expect a flood of candidates from either party passing through for the same reasons.

McIntyre named LSC Offensive Player of the Week

RICHARDSON, Texas – Freshman right-side hitter Sophia McIntyre was selected as the Lone Star Conference Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week Tuesday, it was announced by the league office. 

McIntyre totaled 23 kills and hit .488 in a pair of wins over the weekend against Midwestern State and Texas Woman’s. In her first career start against the Mustangs, McIntyre tallied 11 kills without an error for a .647 attack percentage. She followed that up with 12 kills, five blocks and four digs and a .385 attack percentage in a regionally ranked win against the Pioneers. 

McIntyre and UAFS will next take on Texas A&M-Kingsville in the quarterfinals of the LSC Tournament Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Dallas, Texas. 

Homestand continues for Women’s Basketball Wednesday

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women’s Basketball continues its season-opening homestand this week by hosting Southern Nazarene Wednesday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions will take on the Crimson Storm Wednesday with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. UAFS will then travel to Northeastern State Saturday for a 1 p.m.game followed by a home game November 21against Arkansas Tech at 5:30 p.m.

Both home games will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network and broadcast on Fox Sports Radio 103.5. Live stats and coverage links for the SNU game can be found at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: The Lions opened the season with a pair of home wins against Westminster, defeating the Griffins, 78-47, and 55-36.

GIMME THAT: UAFS forced 57 turnovers in the two wins, including 28 steals. Guard Zyniah Thomas led the Lions with eight steals.

36: The 36 points allowed are the fewest allowed in a game since January of 2019, when the Lions defeated Texas A&M International, 89-36.

OFF THE BENCH: UAFS received 45 points from its bench in the 78-47 win over the Griffins.

SCOUTING SNU: SNU was picked as the preseason favorite in the GAC this season and has started the season 2-0, including a win over then No. 2 Minnesota State Mankato. Three players are averaging double figures for the Storm, led by guard Lauryn Reither at 16.5 points per game.

SCOUTING NSU: The Riverhawks are 1-1 on the year under first-year head coach Keith Ferguson. Guard Halie Jones leads three players averaging double figures in the two games with 15.0 points per game.

SCOUTING ATU: The Golden Suns won their opener and will face Pittsburg State Thursday before visiting Fort Smith. Guards Pacious McDaniel and Hayleigh Wyrick each scored 19 points in the season-opening win.

THE SERIES: This is just the second ever meeting with Southern Nazarene, with the Storm winning last year’s matchup. UAFS is 4-5 against Northeastern State and this will be the inaugural meeting between the Lions and Arkansas Tech.

Waldron School Board Meets

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​The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall,Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay and Stan Cottrell.  Board member Mac Davis was not present.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Toni Dozier, Keith Brigance, Cheyenne Smith, Zack Taylor, Darla Jeffery, Erica Dozier, and Chris Lipham.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:34p.m. 

Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

​Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded byKonnor McKay to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 16th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the recommendation of Superintendent Daniel Fielding to give all licensed and classified employees a one-time bonus in the amount of $500.00 to be paid November 17th.   Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve policies 3.28.1, 4.29.1 and 8.22.1-Technology Resources Policy.  Motion carried 4-0.

​Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building. Mrs. Dozier reported that ABC/First Step will be having Ryan Walker Parent Night with cookie and ornament decorating on December 7th.  Donations can be made in honor of Ryan Walker to Waldron Pre-K Activity Fund.  Mrs. Jeffery informed the board of multiple things that are coming up at Waldron Elementary, some of which include; 3rd grade Parent Night on Thursday, ESL Parent Night on Wednesday, Celebration Friday to recognize academic achievements and they are also in the middle of their Read-A-Thon.  Mr. Taylorinformed the board of all the activities happening at the Middle School, some of which include; Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming Spirit Week, Socials that have started back up, Veterans Days program, Parent Night Paint Party, Pep Rallies and Progress Reports go out on Thursday of this week.  Mrs. Solomon had many things to add which included that the Juniors took their 1st ACT test recently.  Other happenings included; Bulldog Brew coffee cart on Thursday’s, there will be the first ever Basketball Homecoming and dance that will be sponsored by Boys and Girls Club, Work keys testing Tuesday and Wednesday for Seniors, and High School students are participating in a change war that will be donated to Boys and Girls Club in honor of Mr. Ryan Walker.  She also stated the “Be Proud Be Pro” was a huge hit for the students.  

​Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham reported that Waldron Athletics will be in the same conference next year.  Cross Country State Meet was a success with boys finishing 7thin the State and girls finishing 12th. Landon Defoor, Teagan Johnson and Damien MacPherson received All-Conference in Cross Country.  Emily Defoor and Karis Pritchard also received All-Conference in Cross Country.  Cheerleading competitions are underway for both Senior High and Junior High Cheerleaders. He also reported that there will be a Homecoming bonfire on Wednesday sponsored by FCA.

​Superintendent Fielding informed the board members that there are a lot of good things going on in our school system.  He announced that the Waldron High School has been awarded $20,500.00 from the State of AR for recognition of academic growth.

​Adjourned to Executive Session:  7:06

​Returned from Executive Session:  7:48

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the resignation of Leticia Smith from First Step as of October 31, 2023.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Kiley Hill as Middle School Paraprofessional as of November 14, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Melissa Bennett as Elementary School Special Education Teacher effective January 8, 2024.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to adjourn.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

Game Notes: Florida International

FAYTETTEVILLE- After a devastating loss at home last Saturday to the Auburn Tigers, the Razorbacks will now shift their focus to Florida International who will be coming to Fayetteville this weekend. Arkansas will be attempting to finish the season on as much of a positive note as possible while rumors circulate about coaching changes for next season.

Here are notes on Saturday’s game with the FIU Panthers as provided by the University of Arkansas:

FIU PANTHERS (4-6, 1-6 CUSA)
AP/Coaches: NR/NR
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (Georgia Tech, ‘89)
Career Record: 54-80 (11th season)
Record at FIU: 8-14 (2nd season)

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (3-7, 1-6 SEC)
AP/Coaches: NR/NR
Head Coach: Sam Pittman (Pittsburg State, ‘86)
Career Record: 22-24 (4th season)
Record at Arkansas: Same


Arkansas continues its three-game homestand at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium against Conference USA foe FIU in the first meeting between the two programs since the 2007 season. Kickoff between the Hogs and Panthers is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, on ESPNU.

  • Under head coach Sam Pittman, the Razorbacks are 11-2 overall against non-conference opponents, including an 8-2 mark against non-conference FBS opponents. The Hogs are
    a perfect 3-0 against FCS opponents in the Pittman era.
  • QB KJ Jefferson has completed 173-of-266 passes (65%) for 1,918 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing for 342 yards and two touchdowns through 10 games this season. Jefferson, who is one of only three SEC quarterbacks, along with LSU QB Jayden Daniels and Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, to pass for 1,900 yards and rush for 340 yards this year, ranks first on Arkansas’ career touchdown responsibility list with 85 (64 passing, 21 touchdowns). He is just one passing
    touchdown away from owning the outright school record.
  • RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders looked like his old self in the Razorbacks’ win at Florida (Nov. 4), rushing for a season-high 103 yards on 18 carries (5.7 ypc) to become Arkansas’ first 100-yard rusher of the 2023 campaign. Sanders, who has missed five of the Razorbacks’ 10 games
    due to injury, has rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 10 receptions for 75 yards this season.
  • WR Andrew Armstrong has solidified himself as QB KJ Jefferson’s go-to receiver this season, leading the Hogs with 48 receptions for 657 yards and four touchdowns through 10 games. The Texas A&M-Commerce transfer, who is in his first year at Arkansas, has at least two catches
    in all 10 of the Razorbacks’ games this season and has recorded at least one catch in 26 consecutive games dating back to his 2021 campaign at Texas A&M-Commerce.
  • LB Jaheim Thomas is the SEC’s fourth-leading tackler this season, racking up a team-high 87 total stops with 6.5 tackles for loss, including 3.5 sacks, through 10 games. The transfer from Cincinnati has recorded a team-leading five double-digit tackle games this season and has logged six double-digit tackle games for his career.

Razorbacks fans may be treated to a look to the future on Saturday. Some expect quarterback Jacolby Criswell to play on Saturday once K J Jefferson breaks the touchdown pass record for Arkansas.

But regardless of what happens, it all points to an eventful offseason as changes are surely to be coming to the Razorbacks football program.

Note to Our Readers: Portions of this story were sourced directly from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.

Obituary – Carl Davis (1933 – 2023)

Carl E. Davis Jr., of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, November 9, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas with his loving wife by his side. Carl was born November 17, 1933 to Card Edgard Davis Sr. and Arlene (Daneron) Davis in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Carl was 89 years, 11 months and 23 days old.

Carl was married to the love of his life, Fay “Gwynn” (Mohon) Davis for 30 marvelous years. They played a huge role in the lives of the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carl was still working at almost 90 years old. He loved his job working in advertisement for KACT Radio out of Texas and during the Christmas season he would play Santa. Carl was a Christian man who enjoyed hanging out with his church family and playing games. Whether it was bowling or playing pool at the senior center he always had a wonderful time being with friends and family. He was a football fan and always cheered for any team from Texas. Carl enjoyed spending time with his family. The memories they made together will forever be cherished by each of them.

Carl leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Gwynn Davis of the home and five children: Larry Davis of Katie, Texas; Brad Davis of Andrews, Texas; Robin Grewe of Waldron, Arkansas; and Wendy Inlow of Andrews, Texas. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his eight grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Carl is also survived by one sister Doris Spain of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a host of extended family and friends.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Arlene Davis; one son, Mark Davis; two grandchildren: Amber Inlow and Diane Grewe; and three sisters: Anita, Betty and Margret.

Carl’s family will be hosting a memorial life celebration at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

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

Arrest Reports 11/5

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Hunter Luke Brandenburg of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 6 at 12:30 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 6 at 8:19 a.m. Brandenburg was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Corey Brown of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 10:22 p.m. Brown remains at the SCADC with bond. Brown was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, and Failure to Appear Felony-Class D Felony.

Rodney Duane Dorsey of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 9 at 3:31 p.m. and released on November 9 at 9:11 p.m. Dorsey was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Adam Gene Elkins of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 11:14 p.m. and released to another agency on November 8 at 1:49 a.m. Elkins was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Nicholas Heath Franklin of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 8 at 6:45 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Franklin was charged with ADC Commitment Hold and return to testify.

Melissa Sue Galicia of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 6 at 11:44 a.m. and released on cash bond November 6 at 8:40 p.m. Galicia was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Patsy Hannan of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 5 at 11:42 a.m. and released on signature bond November 6 at 9:03 p.m. Hannan was charged with Lottery Fraud.

Dennis Charles James of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 6 at 3:09 p.m. and released to an outside agency on November 7 at 12:53 p.m. James was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Jared Dow Martin of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 11:56 a.m. and released to an outside agency on November 8 at 12:21 p.m. Martin was charged with two counts of Assist Outside Agency-Felony, two counts of Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Sarah Denise Trager of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 11 at 11:55 a.m. and remains at the SCADC on time served. Trager was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Brandi Lee Witt of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 10:39 a.m. and released on cash bond November 7 at 2:06 p.m. Witt was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Tayler Holliday Carrothers of Vian, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 9 at 9:08 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 10 at 5:15 p.m. Carrothers was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Jesse TL Emery of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 9 at 2:49 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Emery was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Criminal Trespass – Premises, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Lana Nicole Putman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 3:53 p.m. and released on signature bond November 7 at 9:20 p.m. Putman was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Nikki Maray Wright of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 6 at 10:39 a.m. and released on November 11 at 5:31 p.m. Wright was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Aaron Klein, 42 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 6 at 7:54 a.m. Klein was charged with disorderly conduct.

Larry Harrower, 46 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 6 at 2:18 p.m. Harrower was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Terry Williams, 53 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 10 at 4:38 p.m. Williams was charged with contempt of court.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Brandon Michael Fenner, 24 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 11:12 a.m. Fenner was charged with two counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Shawn Eric White, 38 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 5 at 3:04 a.m. White was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes serious injury, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a minor – 3rd degree – recklessly risks physical/mental harm.

James Joel Atkinson, 66 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 10 at 8:35 p.m. Atkinson was charged with two counts of parking improper, two counts of driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st, two counts of possession of schedule I or II LT 2GM, and two counts of refusal to submit to chemical test.

Elijah Wilson Lawson, 28 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 9 at 11:46 p.m. Lawson was charged with two counts of driving while license suspended.

Albert W. Rook, 71 of Pine Bluff, AR, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 9:12 p.m. Rook was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Jennifer Michelle Phillips, 37 of Paris, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 2:17 p.m. Phillips was charged with obstructing governmental operations, and failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Cameron Moss, 44 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on November 8 at 11:44 a.m. Moss was charged with two counts of theft by receiving less than $25,000 but greater than $5,000.

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

Perez Accepts Police Chief Position in Hartford

Hartford Mayor Richard Hartsfield swore in new Police Chief Kelly Perez on Tuesday, November 14.

Perez served in the City of Mansfield as a patrol officer for nearly five years and has spent the last year as a Franklin County deputy.

Perez stated that she is looking forward to serving the citizens of Hartford and is anxious to be involved within the community.

Welcome to Hartford, Chief Perez! We’re happy to have you!  

Hartford Police Chief Kelly Perez