86.8 F
Fort Smith
Monday, June 22, 2026
Home Blog Page 233

Waldron School Board Meets in Regular Session

0

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, October 16, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Mac Davis, Stan Cottrell and Angela Hunsucker. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Randi Hickman, Cheyenne Smith, Kim Solomon, Julie Woodral, Natalie Cadena, Darla Jeffery, Toni Dozier, Tonya Cluck, Chris Lipham, Ashli Hutchens, Quincy Cherry, Thomas Boggess, Jimmy Rincker, Jason Ehler, Jett Ehler, Bayleigh Reynolds and Zack Taylor.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.

Mr. McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Mrs. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to add Item E) Approve Purchase Order to Pearson Virtual Schools. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the September 11th and September 26th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Invoices to Winsupply Commercial Charge; D) Approve Bid from Crain Kia of Fort Smith; E) Approve Purchase Order for Pearson Virtual School. Motion carried 5-0.

Item A) Approve Petitions from Transfer of Student was tabled until further notice.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to approve Policy 4.11-Equal Educational Opportunity. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to adopt the attached Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2025 to and including June 30, 2026 and to approve the related Sample Ballot. Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Fielding presented Mac Davis and Konnor McKay with a Certificate of Boardsmanship for receiving 25 hours or more of ASBA training and credit hours.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to accept the resignations of Perry Ross as Bus Driver and Haleigh Hunt as First Step Paraprofessional as of 10-13-2023. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Cheyenne Owens as Full Time Sub Bus Driver as of October 23, 2023. Motion carried 5-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:07p.m.

Pieces Of The 3A-1 Puzzle Slowly Falling Into Place, But Not Completely Set

After last week’s final scores came in, there seemed to be a little bit of clear water poured into the muddle puddle called 3A-1 football. Although the thought of possible upsets was definitely on the mind of those who enjoy chaos, those who statistically should have won their games up to this point have done so. Booneville and Charleston are leading the way at the moment which sets up what should be another classic game between the two historic programs this upcoming Friday, October 20th. Both programs have earned the right to be at the top too as they sit 4-0 in conference play putting their matchup for the 3A-1 Championship in the minds of many. The winner will likely be dubbed as the champions while the loser will be set as presumptive runner-up. But to the joy of chaos lovers, there are other scenarios out there that could blow it all up.

Even though Cedarville and West Fork are having a down season, either is capable of upsetting a top team in the final three weeks of conference play.
Photo Courtesy of Malinda Mizell

The Lavaca Golden Arrows have been lying in wait to prove themselves to the conference all season. Sitting with a 6-1 overall record and 3-1 conference record, the Golden Arrows could play spoiler to one of the 3A-1 crown bearers. Lavaca’s only loss was the only upset of the season so far in the 3A-1 as the Golden Arrows suffered an out of nowhere 42-35 comeback loss to the Hackett Hornets in Week2 of conference play. The final three games for the Golden Arrows will be a tough feat to tackle though as they host Mansfield, travel to Booneville, and then travel to their Highway 22 rivals, the Charleston Tigers to close out the season. Lavaca dropped their last four games last season, and it may sound like the schedule is against them again this year, but they do have an advantage going into each game. Mansfield will be first on deck after falling to both Charleston and Booneville in back-to-back weeks. Lavaca will then take on Booneville a week after the Bearcats battle with Charleston. The Golden Arrows opponents’ schedules may allow them to sneak in a win or two against teams that have already beat up and tenderized each other.

The remaining 3A-1 schedule going into Week5 of Conference play.

Hackett isn’t backing down from anyone either. Although their losses to Booneville and Charleston stung, the Hornets still have the easiest route to the higher Playoff seeding. With Hackett having already played the current Top 3 teams in the conference, they only have one actual contender left on the schedule. The Hornets hold the tiebreaker win against Lavaca which gives them a distinct edge in the spectrum of a record tie between Hackett and the Golden Arrows. Their next two games will be against West Fork and Greenland, both of whom have had subpar seasons up to this point, which places the Hornets heavily favored in those matchups. If all pans out, Hackett should be going into their rivalry against Mansfield with a whole lot on the line. With Hackett having the tiebreaker over Lavaca, if Mansfield defeats the Golden Arrows, this one could be one between two evenly matched teams for the 3Seed of the State Playoffs. Unlike last year’s tornado-riddled muddy mess, this year’s game against the Tigers will be on Hackett’s home turf giving the Hornets a slight advantage in a game.

Although the Tigers allowed 42 points against Booneville, their defense has still allowed the fewest points of any 3A-1 team this season.
Photo courtesy of Joey Bolin

The Mansfield Tigers have lost back-to-back games against last year’s 3A State Champions and Runner-Ups. If that’s not enough of a mental challenge for the players to overcome, the Tigers now have to travel to Lavaca to face off against an air raid offense that has hung up 306 points on the season. Taking on the 3A-1s top offense sounds like quite the challenge, that is unless you have the conference’s top-ranked defense. Even in their losses to Booneville and Charleston, Mansfield has still held their last seven opponents to just 79 points combined. If that’s not impressive enough, more than half of those points came from just one game in Mansfield’s 42-7 loss to Booneville last week. The October 20th game between Mansfield and Lavaca will be a huge question mark of who’s number one is better than the others. The Tigers will host an uncharacteristically down Cedarville the following week in which they are heavily favored in before their final task of the regular season. Lavaca and Hackett may have the new Sebastian County rivalry, but Mansfield versus Hackett is bad blood that goes way back. Again, if everything falls just right, this annual small-town showdown should be an epic one for most likely 3Seed in the State Playoffs.

Current standings of each 3A-1 team going into Week5 on conference play.

Most everything going into the fifth week of 3A-1 Conference play leans on the results of Charleston hosting Booneville on October 20th. The winner is likely to be awarded the 3A-1s 1Seed going into the Playoffs. The 2Seed and 3Seed though, now those spots could be nasty to get ahold of. If Charleston or Booneville loses, they could be on the chopping block going into Lavaca in the upcoming weeks. Mansfield, Hackett, and Lavaca seem pretty equal on paper, but on the field could be a different story. If Lavaca wins out, they’d be the underdog team of the year. A Mansfield or Hackett sweep in their final games could solidify a high spot in the Playoffs while a loss could send them packing to a 3A-4 team in Round1 of the Playoffs as a lower seed. Either way the chips fall, with the Northwest Arkansas Teams falling off a hair this year, River Valley fans could see a group of five representing the area in the State Playoffs. The question is, who will hold what Playoff seeding when the regular season ends? To be continued…….

Law Enforcement Sends Lifesaving Reminder: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

0

Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes along our nation’s roadways.  The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (AHSO) is working with state and local law enforcement agencies to encourage drivers to put down their phones while driving as part of the statewide “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” high-visibility enforcement effort October 16 – 23. Arkansas law enforcement agencies will intensify their patrols aimed at drivers violating the Arkansas texting while driving law.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32,657 people died in distraction-related crashes over the 10-year period from 2012 to 2021. A distraction-related crash is any traffic crash in which a driver was identified as distracted at the time of the crash. Research shows that Millennials and Generation Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel. In 2021, 15 to 34 years old were 61% of drivers distracted by cell phones in fatal crashes. 

“Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, unneccesarily putting lives at risk. Beginning October 16th, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing those caught texting and driving.” 

During the upcoming enforcement period, parents are encouraged to discuss with their teenage children the subject of developing safe driving habits, including the practice of never sending or reading text messages or accessing social media while driving.  National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15 – 21 and parents should take the opportunity during the week to set a good example for their teenage children who are beginning to drive. When you get behind the wheel, make the smart choice to drive safely and put your phone away. Just because other people do it doesn’t mean texting and driving is “normal” behavior.

In addition to being unsafe, violating Arkansas’ distracted-driving laws can also be costly. Arkansas law prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone for texting, typing, emailing or accessing the internet while driving, regardless of the driver’s age. It is also a “primary offense” law, which means a state trooper, police officer or sheriff’s deputy can initiate a traffic stop without observing any other violation. Fines for distracted driving can range from up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for any subsequent offense.These fines can also be doubled if a crash results from a violation of this law. Arkansas state lawmakers passed a bill during the regular legislative session to enhance the existing penalties of the “Fewer Distractions Mean Safer Driving Act” A.C.A. § 27-51-1607. Violating this act can now result in additional penalties and can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor if serious physical injury or death result from a distraction-related crash. 

Distracted driving has impacted the rise in fatalities of non-motorists as well, with pedestrians and bicyclists being increasingly affected. In 2021, there were 644 nonoccupants (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and others) killed in distraction-related traffic crashes across the United States. For the same year in Arkansas, there were 79 pedestrian fatalities and 10 bicyclist fatalities, resulting in a total of 89 non-motorist fatalities. Distracted driving takes the driver’s attention away from the road and surroundings, instead focusing on the distraction. This is deadly for all road users, but especially pedestrians and bicyclists who are vulnerable to injuries and fatalities when distracted drivers aren’t aware of their presence.

The AHSO and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. Drivers are encouraged to follow these suggestions to ensure a safe driving experience:

If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe location. Only after you are off the roadway and stopped is it safe to text.

Ask your passenger to be a “designated texter.” Allow the passenger access to your phone for responding to calls or messages.

Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. If you see someone texting while driving, speak up. If friends text while driving, tell them to stop. Listen to your passengers: If they catch you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down. Help break the dangerous habit of distracted driving. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Also learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org

Game Notes: Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL- After a shaky start with an early season loss to Texas followed by a lackluster win at South Florida, the Alabama Crimson Tide has returned to its roots of running the football with its physical running game. Quarterback Jaylen Milroe seems to be settling in as the Tide’s starting quarterback after having a big game last week at Texas A&M.

The Hogs will return to the road for a fourth consecutive week that has seen them lose at home vs BYU and then followed by three losses on the road to the Aggies, LSU, and Ole Miss. Turning that streak around this weekend at Alabama will be a tall task for the Razorbacks.

Here are some pregame notes for this weekend’s game at Tuscaloosa as provided by the University of Arkansas:

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (2-4, 0-3 SEC)
AP/Coaches: NR/NR
Head Coach: Sam Pittman (Pittsburg State, ‘86)
Career Record: 21-21 (4th season)
Record at Arkansas: Same

• Arkansas, on the road for the fourth consecutive week, will look to snap its four-game losing streak when it goes up against SEC Western Division leader Alabama. Kickoff between the Razorbacks and the nationally ranked Crimson Tide is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, on ESPN.

• The Hogs’ Road trip to Tuscaloosa, Ala., is their fourth consecutive SEC game away from the friendly confines of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. This season marks the first time since 1925 that Arkansas is playing each of its first four conference games away from home.

• Arkansas, seeking its first win in Tuscaloosa since 2003, has lost 15 consecutive games against Alabama dating back to the 2007 season. The Razorbacks are 8-25 all-time against the Crimson Tide, picking up four of those eight wins on the road in Tuscaloosa (1993, 1995, 1997, 2003).

• QB KJ Jefferson has completed 110-of-1164 passes (67.1%) for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 136 yards and a touchdown through six games this season. Jefferson, who has thrown for at least one touchdown in each of his last 17 games under center, ranks first on Arkansas’ career touchdown responsibility list with 80 (60 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns).

• RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, who missed three games earlier this season due to injury, entered the year as a preseason All-American and has rushed for 91 yards and two scores on 34 carries (2.7 ypc) in three games played. Sanders has also been a viable option in the Razorbacks’
receiving game with seven catches for 58 yards (8.3 avg).

• WR Andrew Armstrong has quickly emerged as QB KJ Jefferson’s go-to receiver, leading the Razorbacks with 35 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns through six games this season. The Texas A&M-Commerce transfer, who is in his first year at Arkansas, has recorded at least one
catch in 22 consecutive games dating back to 2021.

• LB Jaheim Thomas is the Razorbacks’ leading tackler through the first five games of the 2023 campaign, racking up 59 total stops with six tackles for loss, including three sacks. The transfer from Cincinnati has a team-leading four double-digit tackle efforts this season and has recorded
five double-digit tackle games in his career.

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

Obituary – Charles Bliss (1932 – 2023)

Charles H Bliss was born January 6, 1932 in Shirley, Arkansas.

Named after one of his uncles, Charles was given the nickname “Dutch” by another uncle early in life. 

Dutch was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Chester and Pauline (Brown) Bliss,
and his wife Ruth Ellen (Ridling) Bliss. 

He is survived by his 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 10
great-grandchildren: Gyda (Bliss) Lane, her children David & Jenifer Dipboye, grandchildren Luther David, Karis Lynnette and Adelynn Bliss.

Ouida Jane Bliss & Dennis Richardson, their children Rachel Lea Wallace & Boone Buckley, grandson Augustus Brooks Wallace Buckley; Mary Ruth (Wallace) & Jeremy Muse; Stephen Richardson; Jonathan & Andrea Richardson.

Charles Hilton & Liz (Taylor) Bliss their children Daniel & Holly Palmer, grandson Landon; Taylor (Parrish) Chesnut and grandchildren MacKenzie Hitchcock, Kassidy Chesnut and Gracie Chesnut.

Jon Ethan & Shelly (Whisenhunt) Bliss, their children Katy Ellen (Bliss) & Andrew Brown and grandson Tucker Brown; Emma Claire (Bliss) & Brandon Plute and grandson Wesley Plute; Madison Nicole Bliss and Jacob Ethan Bliss.

Dutch is also survived by his brother Harold Bliss and wife MaryBell, sister Jo Caroline (Bliss) Bobbitt, sister-in-law Serena (Ridling) Holt; and numerous nieces, nephews, great- and great-great- nieces and nephews in both the Bliss and Ridling families who lovingly call him Uncle Dutch. He was preceded in death by his nephew Bruce Bobbitt.

Dutch grew up in Shirley roaming the woods and creeks of Van Buren County with his many Bliss and Brown family cousins, aunts and uncles. He was also an avid fisherman, hunter and ball player. He loved math, mechanical devices and working with wood.

In July, 1944 the Bliss family moved to Waldron, Arkansas. At the age of 12 Dutch started 8th grade then graduated with honors from Waldron HS. He enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and served as a Machinist Mate 2ndClass on the USS Sproston DD/DDE. After his honorable discharge he bought the Gulf Service Station in Waldron and began courting the love of his life, Ruth Ellen Ridling. They were married in the Methodist Church on October 16, 1955.

Ruth and Dutch moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1956 where he began work as an auxiliary turbine operator for the Tulsa Power Station of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (now an AEP company). Known there by many of his co-workers as Charlie, he worked his way up to Operations Superintendent and retired in 1988.

Life in Tulsa was full of family and friends, church and school, work and play. Dutch and Ruth raised four children, encouraging them through opportunity and example to be musicians and athletes, scouts and scholars; to be hardworking, respectful, considerate, and helpful. Dutch was scout master and baseball coach, teacher and mentor, for his own kids and countless others. He and Ruth never missed a concert, Court of Honor, ballgame, play or program their children participated in. Dutch could fix anything and his garage and workshop were always open to whoever needed him. He took his family on amazing vacations all over the United States yet managed to show the wonders right there in the backyard.

After retiring, Dutch and Ruth returned to Waldron to build their dream home. They were constantly active with their children and grandchildren, continued to be involved in the United Methodist Church, and loved traveling, camping, and visiting friends and family. Dutch always had a project fixing, building, or creating, especially something beautiful out of wood.

Dutch and Ruth enjoyed life to the full. But Dutch slowed down when Ruth became ill. He was her constant caregiver through many years of decline until Ruth’s untimely death in 2007. He missed her terribly, but continued to “be there” for his grandchildren, helped with the food project at the church, roamed around with his faithful canine companion Tobias, and created more beautiful things with wood. Life was pretty good, but after so many years it seems like Dutch just couldn’t wait any longer to be with Ruth again.

Celebration of Life for Charles H “Dutch” Bliss will be 10:00 am Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the Waldron United Methodist Church, officiated by David Dipboye. Interment will follow in Sehorn Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are David Dipboye, Daniel Palmer, Stephen Richardson, Jacob Bliss, Andrew Brown, and William Maxell.

Dutch’s visitation will be Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 5:00-7:00pm at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Arrest Reports 10/8

Arresting agency – Arkansas Game and Fish:
Jimmy Scott Barron of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 8 at 4:11 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 8 at 8:08 a.m. Barron was charged with Minor in Possession, Possession of open container, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Toni Lynne Bassett of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 10 at 1:03 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Bassett was charged with absconding and parole violation.

Dylan Ray Nicholas of Ratcliff was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 14 at 8:38 a.m. and released on signature bond October 14 at 8:14 p.m. Nicholas was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
James Michael Beaver of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 10 at 2:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Beaver was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Jeremie Edward Boyster of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 11 at 3:28 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Boyster was charged with Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.

Gary Micheal Bridges of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 10 at 6:53 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 11 at 10:05 a.m. Bridges was charged with Violation Of A Protection Order Misdemeanor.

Crystal Michelle Corgill of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 4:04 p.m. and transferred back to the Arkansas Department of Corrections on October 15 at 9:10 a.m. Corgill was returned to testify as an ADC commitment hold.

Matthew Paul Keomounghkhoune of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 12 at 1:50 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Keomounghoune was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd., Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree, Contempt-Failure to Comply w/ Court A Misd., and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Emily Hope Owens of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 11 at 6:56 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Owens was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony, and Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Dayne Aaron Roberds of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 10:48 p.m. and released to another agency on October 10 at 11:26 a.m. Roberds was charged with two counts of Assist Outside Agency-Misd., and Fleeing – By Vehicle-Misd.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Aleeah Jaci Marie Blansett of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 9 at 12:22 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 9 at 1:42 a.m. Blansett was charged with Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely a Misd.

Timothy Scott Craig of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 12 at 2:50 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 12 at 8:46 a.m. Craig was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Jason Daniel Patillo of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 13 at 4:09 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 13 at 8:15 a.m. Patillo was charged with Failure to Comply with Reporting Requirements of the Sex and Child Offender Registration Act.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Connie J  Montigue of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 13 at 4:47 p.m. and released on signature bond October 14 at 2:48 p.m. Montigue was charged with Disorderly Conduct – Obscene Language or Gesture.

Brandi Michelle Talavera of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 12 at 10:40 p.m. and released on signature bond October 13 at 8:04 p.m. Talavera was charged with Public Intoxication – Danger to self or others.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police, Troop H:
Dearl Edward Suttles of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 12 at 3:13 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Suttles was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony, and parole violations.

Kimberly Ann Suttles of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 12 at 3:04 p.m. and released on October 12 at 9:13 p.m. Suttles was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Keith Hill, 59 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 8 at 1:39 a.m. Hill was charged with driving while driver’s license cancelled, suspended or revoked, and no insurance.

Larry Robinson, 41 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 9 at 9:28 a.m. Robinson was charged with body attachment.

Melissa Catlett, 49 of Blue Mountain, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 10 at 10:36 a.m. Catlett was charged with failure to appear.

Dayne Roberds, 22 of Hackett, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 10 at 1:57 p.m. Roberds was charged with contempt of court.

Tabetha Koch, 38 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 10 at 4:27 p.m. Koch was charged with criminal trespass, and public intoxication.

Joseph Johnson, 40 of Branch, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 10 at 5:14 p.m. Johnson was charged with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and parole hold.

Joshua West, 37 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 11 at 1:25 a.m. West was charged with body attachment.

David Gilmore, 43 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 13 at 10:43 p.m. Gilmore was charged with failure to pay.

Blaine Duvall, 26 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 14 at 3:48 a.m. Duvall was charged with violation of probation/suspended imposition of sentence.

Arresting agency: Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
Alston Lee Taylor, 28 of Charleston, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 9 at 4:29 p.m. Taylor was charged with criminal impersonation – 2nd degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA), and absconding.

Ronnie Hunt, 75 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 11 at 2:45 p.m. Hunt was charged with rape/sexual intercourse/deviate activity, and sexual assault – 2nd degree.

Leona Jean Walker, 60 of Cecil, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 11 at 2:19 p.m. Walker was charged with failure to comply with conditions of pre-trial release.

Joseph Wayne George, 34 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 10 at 7:58 p.m. George was charged with four counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Bubba Rogers, 21 of Missouri, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 14 at 2:41 p.m. Rogers was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Cheyene Ham, 22 of Clarksville, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 14 at 12:38 p.m. Ham was charged with failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

George H McIlroy, 49 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 14 at 12:12 a.m. McIlroy was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated – DWI 2nd drugs, two counts of defective equipment, and two counts of refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Shirley Kayla-Nicole Kessler, 36 of Ozark, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 13 at 3:34 p.m. Kessler was charged with four counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

Jim Adron Ridenour, 45 of Mountainburg, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 13 at 9:18 a.m. Ridenour was charged with two counts of revocation parole violation.

Thomas Edward Darter, 45 of Altus, was booked into the Franklin County Detention Center on October 12 at 3:37 p.m. Darter was charged with six counts of failure to appear on unclassified misdemeanor (FTA).

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


Obituary – Kenneth R. Titsworth II (1957 – 2023)

Kenneth Ray Titsworth II, 66, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, October 13, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Kenneth was born February 22, 1957 to Kenneth Ray and Dorothy Lee (Johnson) Titsworth in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Haw Creek Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas.

Kenneth was married to the love of his life, Darla Jean (Davis) Titsworth for 27 years. Together they raised three amazing children who he loved very much. Kenneth enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. He was a public servant at heart; tough when he needed to be but also had a sweet compassionate side. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for a person in need. Kenneth was a police officer for more than 35 years in California, Oklahoma and in Arkansas. He served in the Army as a military police officer and was honorably discharged after eight years of service.

Kenneth leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Darla Titsworth of the home. He will forever remain in the hearts of his three children: James, Charity and Kenneth III. Kenneth is also survived by his six siblings: Daniel Titsworth and wife Carol of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Terry Titsworth and wife Donna of Barling, Arkansas; Gloria Wilson of Henryetta, Oklahoma; James Titsworth and wife Diane of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Donald Titsworth and wife Sue of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; and Kathleen Alsobrook and husband Clay of Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth and Dorothy Titsworth.

Kenneth’s life celebrations will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 at the Haw Creek Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. John Elmore officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Hogs Fall Short at Alabama, 24-21

TUSCALOOSA, AL- A frantic comeback attempt by the Arkansas Razorbacks fell just short at Bryant-Deny Stadium on Saturday with the Alabama Crimson Tide hanging on to defeat Arkansas, 24-21. The Hogs will finally return home next weekend to host Mississippi State after four straight weeks on the road.

But before the Hogs host the ‘Dogs, here are some final post-game notes on the Alabama game as provided by the University of Arkansas:

QB KJ Jefferson has thrown for at least one touchdown in 18 consecutive games. His 62 career passing touchdowns tie with QB Ryan Mallett for second-most in Arkansas history. Jefferson completed 14 of 24 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns while gaining 26 yards on the ground.

» QB KJ Jefferson notched his 20th career game with multiple passing touchdowns.

» WR Andrew Armstrong has recorded at least one catch in 23 consecutive games. The streak dates back to his 2021 season at Texas A&M-Commerce.

» With his 55-yard field goal in the first quarter, K Cam Little is now 4-for-4 on 50+ yard field goal attempts this season. For his career, Little is 7-for-10 from 50 or more yards out. Little finished 2-for-2 against the Crimson Tide, drilling field goals from 55 and 49 yards out.

» DL Landon Jackson set career highs in tackles (11), tackles for loss (3.5) and sacks (3.5). It is his first career game with 10+ tackles.

» DL Landon Jackson, who had 3.5 sacks on the day, is the first Arkansas defender with 3+ sacks in a game since Chris Smith tallied 3.0 sacks against Southern Miss in 2013. Jackson’s 3.5 sacks are the most sacks by a Razorback defender against Alabama since Antwain Robinson finished with 2.5 sacks against Alabama in 2006.

» LB Jaheim Thomas racked up 10 tackles, including a 0.5 sack. It’s his fifth double-digit tackling performance this season.

» Arkansas recorded its most sacks (5) against Alabama since 2006 (5).

» P Max Fletcher booted a career long 70-yard punt vs. the Crimson Tide. It’s Arkansas’ first punt of 70 yards since P Reid Bauer booted a 78-yard punt at Auburn on Oct. 29, 2022.

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

Game Notes: Mississippi State

FAYETTEVILLE- After a month away from DWR Razorbacks Stadium, the Hogs return home on Saturday to host the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Saturday’s game with State is crucial for Arkansas if they have any hope of returning to a bowl game this season. The Hogs are 2-4 on the season with games remaining with Miss State, Florida, Auburn, Florida International and Missouri. To get to the magic number of six wins on the season, Arkansas will have an uphill battle for the remainder of the season.

Here are some pre-game notes on Friday’s game with Mississippi State as provided by the University of Arkansas:

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS (3-3, 0-3 SEC)
AP/Coaches: NR/NR
Head Coach: Zach Arnett (New Mexico, ‘09)
Career Record: 4-3 (2nd season)
Record at Mississippi State: Same

• After four consecutive SEC games away from home, Arkansas returns to the friendly confines of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to host SEC Western Division foe Mississippi State. Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Bulldogs is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, on ESPN.

• When Arkansas takes the field this Saturday, it will mark the team’s first home game in Fayetteville in 35 days (Sept. 16). The Hogs’ away stretch is the second-longest in college
football this season, with Coastal Carolina (37 days between home games) having the longest.

• Beginning with Mississippi State, Arkansas will play four of its final five regular-season games at Razorback Stadium, including three of its final four SEC contests. This season marks the first time since 1925 that Arkansas has played each of its first four conference games away from home.

• QB KJ Jefferson has completed 124-of-188 passes (66.0%) for 1,450 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 162 yards and a score through seven games this season. Jefferson, who has thrown for at least one touchdown in each of his last 18 games under center, ranks first on Arkansas’ career touchdown responsibility list with 82 (62 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns).

• RB Rashod Dubinion has totaled 213 rushing yards with a touchdown on 65 carries (3.3 ypc) to go along with eight catches for 72 yards and a touchdown through seven games. Starting in place of injured RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, Dubinion ran for 26 yards on 14 carries (1.9 ypc) and caught one pass for a 14-yard touchdown in Arkansas’ three-point loss on the road at Alabama (Oct. 14).

• WR Andrew Armstrong has solidified himself as QB KJ Jefferson’s go-to receiver this season, leading the Hogs with 39 receptions for 485 yards and four touchdowns through seven games. The Texas A&M-Commerce transfer, who is in his first year at Arkansas, has recorded at least
one catch in 23 consecutive games dating back to 2021.

• LB Jaheim Thomas is the SEC’s leading tackler this season, racking up 69 total stops with 6.5 tackles for loss, including 3.5 sacks. The transfer from Cincinnati has a team-leading five double-digit tackle efforts this year and has six double-digit tackle games for his career.

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

Paris Defeats Two Rivers 45-12 for Third Win of the Season

OLA- After a rocky start that saw the Two Rivers Gators take an early 6-0 first quarter lead, the Paris Eagles settled in and scored multiple times in the second quarter to take a 14 point lead into the locker room, leading 26-12. The Eagles would add another 19 points on the scoreboard in the second half that included a second half opening kickoff that was returned for a touchdown to break the game open. Paris never looked back, defeating the Gators 45-12 for their first 3A-4 conference win of the season.

With the win, Paris improves their overall record to 3-4 and 1-3 in conference play. The win keeps Paris’s playoff hopes alive and sets up an extremely important conference match-up next week at home against the Centerpoint Knights.

Tonight’s win at Two Rivers moves the Eagles into a three-way tie for the fifth playoff spot in the conference. Paris, along with Jessieville, and Danville have 1-3 conference records. Jessieville has the tiebreaker advantage over Paris by virtue of their head-to-head win over the Eagles last week. Centerpoint defeated Jessieville tonight by the score of 16-12 to improve their conference record to 4-0. Magnet Cove, who was upset by Centerpoint last Friday, lost at home tonight to Bismarck by the score of 50-15.

So, with the results of tonight’s games, the 3A-4 standings are:

Glen Rose 4-0

Centerpoint 4-0

Bismarck 3-1

Magnet Cove 2-2

Jessieville 1-3

PARIS 1-3

Danville 1-3

Two Rivers 0-4

Remaining games for each of the conference teams contending for playoff berths are:

PARIS

10/ 20 vs Centerpoint

10/ 27 at Magnet Cove

11/ 3 vs Danville

JESSIEVILLE

10/20 at Magnet Cove

10 /27 at Danville

11/02 vs Two Rivers

CENTERPOINT

10/20 at PARIS

10/27 vs. Glen Rose

11/03 at Bismarck

For the Eagles to make the playoffs, the best-case scenario is to defeat Centerpoint and Magnet Cove to have head-to-head wins over both teams while Centerpoint is playing the top teams in the conference, Glen Rose and Bismarck. Paris needs to win out the remainder of their schedule to lock up a state playoff berth while hoping for a Magnet Cove win over Jessieville next week.

So, for Paris, it is first things first…next Friday’s Senior Night game against Centerpoint is the most important game of the season so far for the Eagles. The Eagles must focus on what they can control, and that is getting a win over the Knights next Friday.

Photos from tonight’s game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Monday.

Have a great weekend!