Resident News Network

Wood Return Successful At NJCAA Region Race

Sports

Tammy Teague

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1:13 am

Wood Return Successful At NJCAA Region Race

Contributed by Coach John Mackey

It had been exactly five weeks since former Mansfield runner Jadelynn Wood last competed for her University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Bucks cross country team. Sidelined with an overuse injury common to young runners, Wood made a successful return on October 27 to compete in the NJCAA Region II championships.

Racing off the starting line for the first time in over a month, Wood ran well in the women’s 5K championship race hosted by UARM at the Mena Lions Disc Golf Course. The college freshman mastered her fears of returning from injury to round the two loops in 24:26.69. The time was a UARM team best and the seventh fastest mark of the afternoon for the women. Because Jacksonville College’s participation was excluded from the regional standings, Wood’s mark was officially elevated to fourth place.

“I was very nervous to come back after the injury,” messaged Wood to her high school coach, John Mackey. “I felt really scared for the race because it was my first race back and I didn’t know how I was going to do.”

Wood had recently battled what medical staff diagnosed as apophysitis of the iliac crest. The injury occurred not long after her last competitive race which was held on September 23 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. That Cowboy Jamboree hosted by Oklahoma State University along the Greiner Family XC Course was where Wood ran her first 6K race.

An inflammation or stress injury occurred around the curved part of Wood’s upper right hip soon after the race and subsequent follow up practices. Pain to the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues surrounding her growth plates were felt in that localized area. According to medical personnel that particular type of injury can sometimes be experienced with repetitive activities such as running.

“I feel like I missed out on a lot because of my injury,” continued Wood. “The race was very tough. That course is never easy but I definitely ran a good race.”

Wood shared that her road to recovery in preparation for the regional meet was not without stress. She was relegated to ice, rest, and stationary bike rides for the last month. She also had to attend physical therapy twice a week to promote healing and regain strength.

Despite the long detour in making her way to postseason competition racing, Wood was excited with her individual results and her most recent National Junior College Athletic Association medal.

“I didn’t even know I was getting it,” said the surprised distance runner. “I wish Karen (Campos) would’ve gotten one too. She was so close.”

Karen Campos, another Buck freshman, finished in 12th place overall and in 8th in the regional standings. Their third teammate Adriana Montiel was 26th.

The NJCAA Division II National Championship will be in Huntsville, Alabama on November 11. It will conclude Rich Mountains’ cross country schedule that began way back on August 25 at the Bucks Season Opener.

“I’m very sad now that my season is almost over,” offered Mansfield’s former team captain and Rich Mountain’s lead runner for a large portion of the season. ”But, I’m excited for our national meet coming up.”

Arrest Reports 10/22

Police Reports

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10:55 pm

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Malorie Alumbaugh of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 7:59 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Alumbaugh was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and petition to revoke – misd.

Joshua Shane Bowman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 31 at 5:14 and remains at the SCADC without bond. Bowman was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, and Return To Testify.

Christopher Cook of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 4:14 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 28 at 1:10 p.m. Cook was charged with Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, and aggravated assault.

Miranda Leah Gibson of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 3:25 a.m. and released on signature bond October 28 at 10:54 a.m. Gibson was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Obscene Language or Gesture.

Clayton Willie Holbrook Junior of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 23 at 2:59 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Holbrook was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Stephen Kolker of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 6:26 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Kolker was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Fighting, Criminal Trespass – Premises, Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, Battery in the Second Degree – Officer, and Aggravated Assault Upon a Certified Law Enforcement Officer or an Employee of a Correctional Facility.

Nathan Wayne Mackey of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 2:01 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 29 at 3:42 p.m. Mackey was charged with Domestic Battering in the First Degree – Physical Injury – 2 priors in 10 years.

John Thomas Mott of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 23 at 7:41 p.m. and released on cash bond October 23 at 9:59 p.m. Mott was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Matthew Davis Remaley of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 31 at 11:20 a.m. Remaley was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class C Felony.

Matthew Alan Taylor of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 30 at 8:06 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 30 at 12:10 p.m. Taylor was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Caleb Allen Bailey of Fayetteville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 11:53 p.m. and released on October 31 at 2:18 p.m. Bailey was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony and Fleeing -On Foot-Misd.

Elijah Jordan Martin of Lincoln was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 22 at 2:51 a.m. and released on signature bond October 22 at 12:28 p.m. Martin was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

April Dawn McDaniel of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 24 at 8:07 p.m. and released on signature bond October 24 at 10:19 p.m. McDaniel was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Bobby John Melton Junior of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 11:36 p.m. and released on signature bond October 29 at 8:29 a.m. Melton was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Vicia Ruby Ollar of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 23 at 7:56 p.m. and released on October 31 at 4:50 p.m. Ollar was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID, Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Lacey Crowley of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 11:11 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 28 at 8:05 p.m. Crowley was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Tyler Hammons of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 31 at 8:01 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Hammons was charged with Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, Fleeing -On Foot-Misd., Criminal Mischief in the First Degree > $5,000 but < $25,000, and Breaking or Entering – Vending.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Patricia Leann Kyle of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 27 at 9:52 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Kyle was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Chad E Pickett of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 28 at 2:52 a.m. and released on signature bond October 28 at 10:03 a.m. Pickett was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Kimberly Marie Patton of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 24 at 3:33 p.m. and released on cash bond October 24 at 8:37 p.m. Patton was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Stephanie Ranae Primm of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 24 at 4:59 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 27 at 3:21 p.m. Primm was charged with Breaking or Entering – Catchall, and Aggravated Assault.

Cody Jackson Stafford of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 24 at 5:04 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 24 at 11:13 p.m. Stafford was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Audrey Buckner, 36, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 22 at 8:51 p.m. Buckner was charged with domestic battering in the third degree, and aggravated assault on a household or family member.

Richard Waldrup, 34, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 23 at 1:48 p.m. Waldrup was charged with theft of property.

Kenneth Blalock, 33 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 25 at 1:52 a.m. Blalock was charged with left of center, failure to use turn signal, driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and refusal to submit to a chemical test DWI.

Arielle Stone, 33 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 27 at 12:13 p.m. Stone was sentenced to days in jail.

Loren Cowan, 35 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 28 at 1:20 a.m. Cowan was charged with failure to pay.

Gary Rice, 60 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 28 at 8:48 p.m. Rice was charged with failure to register or verify registration as a sex offender.

Jason Dinkel, 44 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 29 at 10:37 p.m. Dinkel was charged with failure to appear.

Arresting agency – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Joshua Wane Tucker, 40 of Clarksville was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 31 at 11:54 p.m. Tucker was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated – DWI 1st.

Robert Boswell, 49 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 31 at 10:35 p.m. Boswell was charged with two counts of domestic battering – 3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes serious physical injury.

Blaine Alen Duvall, 26 of Scranton, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 30 at 5:21 p.m. Duvall was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Trista Nicole Norris, 37 of Booneville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 30 at 4:41 p.m. Norris was charged with hold for another agency.

Michael Thomas Zakrzewski, 34 of Waldron, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 28 at 5:42 a.m. Zakrzewski was charged with domestic battering – 3rd degree/purpose of causing injury, causes serious physical injury.

Darissia Lynn Lovelace, 27, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 27 at 10:19 p.m. Lovelace was charged with failure to comply with pre-trial release.

Dennis Shawn Coburn, 48 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 27 at 12:23 a.m. Coburn was charged with eight counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA)

Anthony G Carr, 61 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 26 at 10 p.m. Carr was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA) and failure to comply.

Wesley Taylor Campbell, 37 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 24 at 9:58 a.m. Campbell was charged with possession of scheduled drug, failure to comply with conditions of suspended sentence or probation, and failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

Albert Nunnery, 48 of Cleveland, TN, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 24 at 9:28 a.m. Nunnery was charged with schedule I or II GT 10 GM, but LT 200 GM, possession of schedule VI LT 4 oz., and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

Confederate Gold

Featured

Tammy Teague

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1:37 am

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

A beautiful small town, Mena sits at the base of Rich Mountain in the middle of the Ouachita mountains. It’s best known for Queen Wilhelmina State park or possibly for the scandal involving the contras of Nicaragua, guns, and drugs once funneled through the local airport.

Like many small towns in the mountains, it is rife with stories of hidden gold, lost treasures, and hidden fortunes. In the case of Mena, some of it may be true. In 1991, following old tales recited by his grandfather, Bob Brewer found his first cache of treasure- a glass jar crammed full of old coins. Following clues left from a group called the Knights of the Golden Circle, Brewer has since found additional caches of gold and silver coin having an estimated value of $200,000 dollars. According to Brewer and his collaborator, Warren Getler, there’s millions of dollars more, just waiting to be found.

The money, scattered in a broad area over several states, is said to be have been Confederate treasure hidden by the Knights of the Golden Circle, just waiting until the South would rise again. The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) was a secret society founded in 1854 by George Bickley. Its initial goal was to annex Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and part of Central America as slave states. By the time the Civil War broke out, the plans had changed to just forming a new country out of the above countries and the South. The initiation ritual of the KGC began “The first field of our operations is in Mexico; but we hold it to be our duty to offer our services to any Southern State to repel a Northern army … The Southern States must foster any scheme having for its object the Americanization and Southernization of Mexico.”

The KGC was said to have many influential members, many in the federal government including vice-president John Breckenridge. During the war, it was said that the KGC and its several sub-groups consisted of more than 250,000 oath-bearing members in the mid-west alone, a number that could never be documented. Active during the Civil War, the organization was said to have ties with John Wilks Booth and to have encouraged the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. According to stories, when the organization realized that they could not reach their goals through war, the decided to take their funds and other Confederate gold and hide it for future use. The money was to be secreted away and hid, protected by members known as the “home guard.” Other members, including Jessie and Frank James, the Younger Brothers, the Cole family, and people of like persuasion were to collect additional funds which would be hidden away. Some of the members, Jessie and Frank James, the Younger brothers, the Cole family, and other men of such ilk were to collect additional funds.

Many of the men are associated with Western Arkansas. Albert Pike, one of the founders of the KGC, lived and taught in Sebastian County and had property in Mena. General Shelby often traveled through Yell and Logan county and was close friends of the Titsworth family of Roseville. The James gang operated in the area and knew all the hideouts.

The K.G.C. had an elaborate set of rituals, codes, signs, and passwords that could only be interpreted by other members. When the supposed gold was hidden, a “home guard” member and his decedents were responsible for hiding the money and marking the area where it could be located in future years. In Warren Getler’s book, Rebel Gold, these symbols are examined and explained. Brewer found success using those symbols as a map and has expanded his search into surrounding states. Some of his work has been featured in the History Channel and he served as a consultant in the movie, National Treasures: Book of Secrets.

Symbols similar to those located by Brewer have been located throughout the Ouachita mountains. Locally, three large stone were found at the base of Magazine Mountain. Containing carvings of arrows, turtles, and strange symbols and dating from the mid-1800’s, these etchings have attracted treasure hunters from around the country. Mysterious trails, bent trees, and hidden caves have made the search interesting but nothing of value has yet been located.

Is there a Confederate treasure just waiting to be found? The jury is out but it provides a great excuse to get outdoors, check out Magazine, Rich Mountain and other of the Ouachita and enjoy the beauty of an Arkansas autumn. Who knows? Maybe one of those celebrated cross-county bike trails being developed in Mena might lead directly to a pot of gold.

A String Fort Smith presents Chamber Music for Strings

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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1:30 am

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A String Fort Smith presents Chamber Music for Strings

The opening concerts of A String Fort Smith’s 2023 Fall Season will take place on Thursday, November 16, at 6pm, at JKC Cellars, 7709 Ellis Street, Fort Smith, and on Friday, November 17, at 7pm, in the sanctuary of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith. The performance will also be offered virtually on A String Fort Smith’s YouTube Channel. Repertoire to be performed, includes: Centennial Flourish by local composer Cory Winters; Serenade from String Quartet in F, Op. 3, No. 5 by Franz Josef Haydn; String Symphony No. 10 in B Minor by Felix Mendelssohn; Horn Concerto in D Major, TWV 51:D8 by Georg Phillipp Telemann; and Danzas de Panama by William Grant Still.
“Our upcoming Fall concerts – marking the opening of our fourth season – will offer a variety of beautiful chamber music by composers spanning nearly four centuries. I’m so pleased to share the accomplishments of A String Fort Smith – a truly remarkable ensemble of young musicians, faculty, and guest artists – in two public performances which are free and open to all, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to the popular JKC Cellars and gorgeous sanctuary of St. Bartholmew’s Church!” enthuses Lori Fay, Founder and Director of A String Fort Smith.
A String Fort Smith, founded in the summer of 2020 by Lori Fay, is aimed at fostering excellence and unprecedented performing opportunities for junior- and high-school aged students interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts. Assisted by four devoted colleagues – Anthony Verge, assistant director and violin; Nathan Boyd, double bass; Barbara Godette, violoncello; and Cory Winters, viola – A String Fort Smith participants are selected based on an audition.
The ensemble consists of the most advanced and dedicated students – approximately twelve to fifteen (12 to 15) per semester – who make a commitment to rehearse for one hour once per week, on Monday evenings at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith. Members of A String Fort Smith’s 2023 Fall Semester – all of whom won a spot in the ensemble based on their outstanding audition – are from a combination of Southside and Northside High Schools. Southside participants include: Luis Galdamez, double bass; Justin Han, violin; Hieu Le, violin; Thanh Lu, viola; Alejandro Morales, violoncello; Tzideny Romero, violoncello; and Adren Stahl, double bass. Northside participants include: Isaac Edwards, violin; and Trieu Le, violin. A String Fort Smith is delighted to welcome back alumni Gregory Allen, violin, and Allijah Rutherford, viola, and extends an enthusiastic welcome to Tru Reynolds, viola.
Members of the general public cherish performances by A String Fort Smith, not only because of Fay’s striking programming and the talented student participants, but because of outstanding guest artists and student soloists. The upcoming November 16 and 17 performances will be no exception.
Among the many highlights of the upcoming concerts by A String Fort Smith, will be an appearance by guest artist Evan Mino, acclaimed French horn player, in a performance of Georg Phillipp Telemann’s extraordinary Horn Concerto in D Major, one of the most popular pieces of the French horn repertoire. Mr. Mino will be joined by members of A String Fort Smith and guest artist Ben Henderson, harpsichord. Audiences will also be treated to a performance of Centennial Flourish, composed by Cory Winters in celebration of Maestro John Jeter and the 100th anniversary of the Fort Smith Symphony.

Evan Mino is in high demand as a performer throughout the state of Arkansas and the surrounding area. He holds the positions of Assistant Principal Horn with the Fort Smith Symphony and 2nd Horn with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, and performs on a regular basis with other orchestras such as the Arkansas Symphony, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Evan also serves as the horn professor at Arkansas Tech University, where he maintains one of the largest and most successful horn studios in the state. Mr. Mino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UA–Fort Smith and a Master of Music degree from Southern Methodist University. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Memphis, nearing completion on his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in horn performance. He has participated in summer festivals such as the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, the Kent Blossom Music Festival, and the International Festival Institute at Round Top. An active keyboardist and church musician, he also serves as the organist for First Lutheran Church in Fort Smith.

Ben Henderson is the Director of Music and Organist at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. He received his Master of Music in organ performance at Rice University in the studio of Ken Cowan, his Bachelor of Music in organ performance from The Eastman School of Music in 2020, and at Eastman, was awarded the Performer’s Certificate while in the studio of Nathan Laube. He is an aspiring composer and enjoys singing.
Cory Winters began his musical studies as a violin student with the public-school orchestra program in his hometown of Fort Smith. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Music in 2010 and continued his education at Belmont University earning a Master of Music in 2012. Cory’s musical influences include Irish and American folk music, shape-note singing, blues, country, and a variety of art music.
Founder and Director Lori Fay is a widely respected violinist, and brings years of symphony orchestra, chamber music, solo performing, and recording experience to the Fort Smith area where she resides. Ms. Fay received a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (Houston, TX), as well as a Master of Music in Teaching from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Oberlin, OH). Since settling in Fort Smith nearly 20 years ago and establishing a career as Associate Concertmaster of the Fort Smith Symphony, Co-Founder and Co- Director of DuoBrava (www.duobrava.com), private violin, viola, and piano instructor, and more, her passion remains working with young string players interested in improving their skills and deepening their love of music.
A String Fort Smith concerts are FREE and open to the public. JKC Cellars and St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church are accessible for the physically impaired. For patrons who are unable to attend an in-person performance by A String Fort Smith, the November 2023 concert – and all A String Fort Smith concerts – will be offered virtually in perpetuity, on A String Fort Smith’s YouTube Channel.
For more information about the work of A String Fort Smith, or for string players interested in auditioning for A String Fort Smith, please send an email to office@astringfortsmith.com

Lori FAY, ASFS Founder & Director – photo credit: Angela Kiefer

Lions to close out road slate with three-match trip

Sports

Tammy Teague

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11:15 pm

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Lions to close out road slate with three-match trip

FORT SMITH, Ark. – One final regular season road trip awaits University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball, as the Lions embark on nearly a weeklong, three-match road swing.

Wednesday will see UAFS visit UT Tyler for a 6 p.m.first serve before heading to Angelo State Friday for another 6 p.m. start. The Lions conclude the weekend at 2 p.m. Saturday at UT Permian Basin.

All three matches will be live streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: The Lions went 2-0 over the weekend, sweeping St. Edward’s and St. Mary’s at the Stubblefield Center. UAFS now has 10 sweeps on the season.

GETTING DEFENSIVE: Just .001 separates Angelo State and UAFS as the top two defensive teams in the LSC. ASU allows opponents to hit .153 and UAFS allows .154.

TOP 5: UAFS ranks fifth in in the country in digs per set at 19.06, which leads the LSC. Libero Paola Fragalle ranks 24^th national and third in the LSC with 5.08 per set.

RECORD WATCH: Setter Chloe Price continues to inch towards the all-time assist record, now just 154 behind with 2,154 career assists. She also ranks 10^th with 769 digs while right-side hitter Reagan Macha is just four kills shy of moving into the top five with 870.

SCOUTING UTT: The Patriots won three in a row before having the weekend off and enter the matchup 13-9, 7-4 LSC. Outside hitter Shaye Koski leads UTT with 3.63 kills per set while libero Addison Evans leads the back row with 4.86 digs per set.

SCOUTING ASU: The Rambelles won the first meeting earlier this season in five sets and are 20-4, 10-2 LSC while receiving votes in the AVCA Top 25 poll. ASU is second in the league in attack percentage and first in assists and kills. Outside hitter Hannah Kinnison averages 3.94 kills per set and is hitting .341 on the season.

SCOUTING UTPB: The Falcons had a three-match win streak snapped in their last match and are 16-7, 7-5 LSC. Former Lion Chyra Thompson leads UTPB with 1.01 blocks per set while outside hitter Gloria Geurin paces the attack with 2.55 kills per set.

THE SERIES: UAFS leads the series against UT Tyler, 3-2, is 3-4 against Angelo State and 18-1 against UT Permian Basin.

Obituary – Julie Marie Crisman (1964 – 2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:24 pm

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Obituary – Julie Marie Crisman (1964 – 2023)

Julie Marie Crisman, 59, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life on Saturday, October 28, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Julie was born February 6, 1964 to Richard Crisman and Linda (Pearon) Graham in Richmond, Missouri.

Julie had a big heart, was a kind and caring person and an animal lover. She also was known for being a prankster. Those that knew her knew to be on alert for her memorable hilarious antics. Julie enjoyed spending time with her family and loved going camping and canoeing with her children. She was a simple woman and loved being out in nature. Julie was the best grandma and the memories made with her loved ones will forever be treasured by each of them.

Julie leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: James Templeton of Waldron, Arkansas; Cassandra Thomas and husband Don of Trenton, Missouri; Mark Templeton of Spickard, Missouri; and Keila Templeton of Polo, Missouri. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her 17 grandchildren and her one great grandchild. Julie is also survived by her mother: Linda Graham of Sedallia, Missouri and her three siblings: Virgil Stevens of Richmond, Missouri; Susan Rodriquez of Waldron, Arkansas; and Minnie Stach of Knobnoster, Missouri.

Julie was preceded in death by her father Richad Crisman, one sister and three brothers.

Julie’s family will have a private family memorial at a later date. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Leo Valera (1953 – 2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:21 pm

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Leo B. Valera, 70, of Parks, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, October 27, 2023 at his home. Leo was born January 9, 1953 to Eufemio and Prescentacion (Briosos) Valera in Abra, Philippines.

Leo was married to the love of his life, Helen Lena (Sydoruk) Valera for 50 marvelous years. Together they raised two amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren. Leo was a carpentry artist and created beautiful work details with his wood turning skills. Leo enjoyed the outdoors and fishing at the lake. In his later years he could be found outside gardening and raising chickens. He was an avid sportsman and loved basketball. The Lakers was his favorite team to watch. Leo was a kind and caring person. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was the most loving husband and doting grandfather. The memories made with his loved ones will forever be treasured.

Leo leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Helen of the home and two children: Christina Carter and husband Craig of Parks, Arkansas; and Philip Valera and wife Melissa of Porter Ranch, California. Grandpa will be missed by his three grandchildren: Caitlyn Carter, Alexander Valera and Cheyanne Carter. Leo is also survived by five sisters and two brothers: Elvira Umbay of California; FeFatima Fontanilla of California; Abelardo Valera of California; Asterio Valera of California; Asteria Ambida of Canada; Araceli Morgan of Nevada; and Socorro Jimeno of Canada. Leo will be missed by all his nieces, nephews and grandchildren; including a host of extended family and friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents: Eufemio and Prescentacion Valera.

Leo’s life celebration will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Larry Shores officiating. A public viewing will be held prior on Saturday, October 3, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Funeral and Cremation Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Leo’s visitation will be Friday, October 3, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Fermented Chicken Feed

Madison VanRavensway

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5:33 pm

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Foods like yogurt, kefir, and pickles are made through the process of fermentation. Fermenting things makes them rich in gut-healthy probiotics. The same thing can be done with chicken feed!

Fermenting feed not only provides health benefits to your flock, but it can help cut down on the feed bill. The fermented feed is more nutritionally dense and has an increase in B vitamins. The process is also easy least, win win!

The fermenting process is covering chicken feed with water for 2 to 4 days. Once the feed is fermented it is ready to feed! Feed only what can be eaten in 15-30 minutes to avoid mold.

How to do it

In a good grade container (mine is a mason jar) place feed and enough water to cover feed entirely. Filtered water is ideal. Place in an area you will remember to burp/release gases from the jar at least once a day. Around day 3 the mixture should be bubbly, but the process could vary slightly and be done on day 2 or day 4. Save the water when you complete the process to have a jump start when adding more. In order to have a consistent stream of feed start multiple batches to feed each day.

P.S. in the photo mine are eating it with scratch on top because they ate breakfast before I thought to take the photo. I had to add scratch for them to come eat again.

Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pancakes

Madison VanRavensway

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6:06 pm

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Sheet pan pumpkin pancakes are the best food for Halloween! They are delicious and festive with the pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients

-1/4 cup of butter

-2 cups flour

-1/4 cup granulated sugar

-1 tbs cinnamon

-2 tsp baking powder

-1 tsp baking soda

-1 tsp salt

-1 can pumpkin purée

-1 1/2 cup buttermilk

-2 large eggs

Directions

Heat oven to 425*, and butter cookie sheet, set aside.
In a mixing bowl mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large measuring cup mix together the pumpkin, buttermilk, and eggs. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients in and butter.
Stir until combined then spread onto the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until a fork or toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy with maple syrup or pancake syrup!

What should you know about RMDs?

Business

Tammy Teague

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3:30 am

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You may spend decades contributing to various retirement accounts. But for some accounts, such as a traditional IRA and 401(k), you must start withdrawing funds at a certain point. What should you know about this requirement?

To begin with, the rules governing these withdrawals— technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — have changed recently. For many years, individuals had to begin taking their RMDs (which are based on the account balance and the IRS’ life expectancy factor) when they turned 70½. The original SECURE Act of 2019 raised this age to 72, and SECURE 2.0, passed in 2022, raised it again, to 73. (If you turned 73 in 2023, and you were 72 in 2022 when the RMD limit was still 72, you should have taken your first RMD for 2022 by April 1 of this year. You will then need to take your 2023 RMD by Dec.31. And going forward, you’ll also need to take your RMDs by the end of every year.)

Not all retirement accounts are subject to RMDs. They aren’t required for a Roth IRA, and, starting in 2024, won’t be required for a Roth 401(k) or 403(b) plan. But if your account does call for RMDs, you do need to take them, because if you don’t, you could face tax penalties. Previously, this penalty was 50% of the amount you were supposed to have taken, but SECURE 2.0 reduced it to 25%.

When you take your RMDs, you need to be aware of a key issue: taxes. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income, and, as such, they could potentially bump you into a higher tax bracket and possibly even increase your Medicare premiums, which are determined by your modifiedadjusted gross income. Are there any ways you could possibly reduce an RMD-related tax hike?

You might have some options. Here are two to consider:

• Convert tax-deferred accounts to Roth IRA. You could convert some, or maybe all, of your tax-deferred retirement accounts to a Roth IRA. By doing so, you could lower your RMDs in the future — while adding funds to an account you’re never required to touch. So, if you don’treally need all the money to live on, you could include the remainder of the Roth IRA in your estate plans, providing an initially tax-free inheritance to your loved ones. However, converting a tax-deferred account to a Roth IRA will generate taxes in the year of conversion, so you’d need the money available to pay this tax bill.

• Donate RMDs to charity. In what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution, you can move up to $100,000 of your RMDs directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity, avoiding the taxes that might otherwise result if you took the RMDs yourself. After 2023, the $100,000 limit will be indexed to inflation.

Of course, before you start either a Roth IRA conversion or a qualified charitable distribution, you will need to consult with your tax advisor, as both these moves have issues you must consider and may not be appropriate for your situation.

But it’s always a good idea to know as much as you can about the various aspects of RMDs — they could play a big part in your retirement income strategy.

This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones

20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855

479-963-1321

jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com

edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal

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