72.6 F
Fort Smith
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Home Blog Page 334

Paris Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Newly-Renovated Office

The outstanding work being done by the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce continues, and most recently, the Chamber celebrated the completion of renovation work on the Chamber office on Highway 22 in Paris. Led by executive director Tonya Fletcher and the Chamber board, office space that included interior work that was either donated or deeply discounted by Paris businesses and organizations was on display for business owners last week. The Chamber celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon cutting ceremony that was held at the office last week.

New businesses continue to open in Paris at a fast pace, and most visible are the great collection of new business ventures that are taking place in the vicinity of the Logan County Courthouse. The new businesses are increasing the circulation of money into the local economy, as well as increasing tax revenue to the city.

The Chamber is thriving in its work by their executive director and the Chamber board. Perhaps an indicator of the interest in the Chamber is illustrated by its annual banquet that is held in February. And again, this year’s banquet is a sell-out.

RNN salutes the work of the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce in making Paris and the surrounding communities the best they can be!

SR Lady Tigers Dominate Dragons, 70-33

The Mansfield Lady Tigers have had their fair share of battles in the 2A over the past couple of seasons. Magical moments at Magazine, amazing games against Acorn, and out of this world showdowns with the Future School Rockets. But win or lose, one team seems to always give Mansfield fits. The Mountainburg Lady Dragons. The Lady Tigers met Mountainburg for the first time in 2023 on Tuesday, January 10th in what was sure to be another knockdown drag out between the Red and Blue 2A powerhouses.

Kaylee Ward (#23) with an “in your face” rejection of a Mountainburg shot.

Past experiences told the Lady Tigers that Mountainburg would be a threat. It didn’t take long for the Lady Dragons to prove their case as they shut down Mansfield’s potent offense for the entire first quarter holding the Lady Tigers to a mere 13-12 lead. When the second quarter clock began to run, it was clear that the Lady Tigers were tired of playing Game of Thrones with Mountainburg. Kaylee Ward brought down the backboards with back-to-back board buckets which took the wind right out from under the Lady Dragons’ wings. Both teams were still playing extremely aggressive defense as fouls began to rack up on almost every player on the court. Mansfield wasn’t perfect with their free throws averaging only one point per free throw set. Fortunately for the Lady Tigers, Mountainburg’s free throw shooting was about the same. What wasn’t off shot for the Lady Tigers, was Mansfield’s three-point accuracy. The Lady Tigers extended their lead behind the shooting skills of Natalie Allison and Brooklyn Adams who both pulled the plug and drained threes with ease. Kynslee Ward tacked on a few unopposed layups to give Mansfield a commanding 34-17 lead over Mountainburg at the half.

Harlie Fuller (#3) plays a game of keep-away against three Lady Dragons.

Although slow starts have been the Lady Tigers calling card in their wins this season, this game was against a Mountainburg team who could potentially explode the second-half scoreboard. The Lady Dragons made a quick boom on the scoreboard by putting up the first second-half points, but Mansfield wasn’t shaken by Mountainburg’s early scoring. That’s because the Lady Tigers have a stick of dynamite who goes by the name of Kynslee Ward and when her fuse is lit, you’d better look out. Ward riddled the Lady Dragons defense with every method of scoring possible. Full-court layups, three-pointers, rebounds with putbacks, free throws, basically, if you can name it, Ward did it. Mansfield called a time-out with 2:58 left in the quarter to give the Lady Tigers a well-deserved breather. The Lady Tigers didn’t cool off though as Kaylee Ward and Alyson Edwards went right back to putting up points. To end the quarter on the right note, Kynslee Ward dropped back-to-back three-point shots to set the score at 52-27 in Mansfield’s favor when the third-quarter buzzer sounded. 

Kynslee Ward (#21) shows the Lady Dragons defense how to fly.

The Lady Tigers didn’t take their lead for granted going into the fourth quarter. Alyson Edwards was fouled right off the bat and then turned around and put up a board bucket to force an early time-out by Mountainburg. After the time out, Mansfield sent in their defensive specialist group to close out the game. Normally when Skylynn Harris, Seven Sanderson, Kaylie Lowery, Brooklyn Adams, and Raine Hecox hit the court it means it’s time to run the clock out. Not this time though. Instead, they showed up and showed out on the scoreboard. Seven Sanderson kicked things off with a rebound and put back. Skylynn Harris followed suit with a putback of her own and then knocked down a three-pointer. Sanderson and Harris again dominated the backboards for another pair of baskets which allowed Kaylie Lowery to go unguarded for a sweet spin and swish score. The Lady Tigers continued to pour it on Mountainburg as Raine Hecox made it rain down more points with a long range three-point shot and was backed up by Skylynn Harris who sank the final points of the game with another three-pointer. When it was all said and done, Mansfield walked off the court with a dominant 70-33 win over Mountainburg.

Raine Hecox (#2), Skylynn Harris (#24), and Alyson Edwards (#12) quickly set up their dominant defense.

The victory extends the Lady Tigers overall record to 16-2 and gives them an undefeated 4-0 record in their conference. With their only two losses being to teams from larger conferences (Dover and Springdale Har-Ber) and multiple wins over other bigger teams, the Lady Tigers have nothing to hang their heads about. On the other hand, Mansfield has outscored their conference opponents 242-147 leaving little doubt that they are one of the favorites picked to win it all in 2023. They’ll have to keep working though as they host JC Westside for Homecoming on Friday, January 13th to take on the Lady Rebels. Although JC Westside is beatable, they also have the ability to stun the Lady Tigers too. Mansfield better bring their A-game to keep their immaculate record intact. 

Ashford and Gilbert Appointed to the Waldron City Council

The Waldron City Council met in regular session on Tuesday evening, January 10.
Council members present were Dawna Young, David Tull, Doyle Dickens, and Josh Lovett. Also present, Mayor David Millard, City Clerk/Treasurer Brad Dick, and City Attorney Mark Johnson.

After the approval of the December meeting minutes and financial reports, the council heard the city services’ reports.

Following those reports, the council unanimously accepted the resignation of Councilman Eddie Hutchens from Ward 1, Position 1. The council then moved to appoint replacements for two open seats. In addition to the opening left after Hutchen’s resignation, councilman Trey Plummer had also formally resigned after moving out of Ward 3.

Councilman Tull made the motion to go into executive session. After reconvening, the motion was made to appoint Mark Ashford and Jeff Gilbert for those positions. Both were approved unanimously and immediately sworn in to begin their terms on the council.

In other items of business, the council approved Resolution 2023-01, regarding the regular meeting dates and rules of order and procedures for the City of Waldron; Resolution 2023-02, amending the 2022 operating budget for the City of Waldron; and Resolution 2023-03, appropriating funds for the 2023 operating budget for the City of Waldron.

The last order of business, an affidavit for retention policy. According to the city’s policy, 2012, 2013, and 2014 supporting records were approved to be destroyed.

With no other items of business, the meeting of the Waldron City Council was adjourned.

Arrest Reports 1/1

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Tristain Skye Button of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 3 at 6:35 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond on January 4 at 7:56 p.m. Button was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – misdemeanor, possession of controlled substance – schedule VI misdemeanor < 4 oz., endangering the welfare of a minor in the third degree, and driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked.

Patrick Wayne Craig of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 6 at 10:25 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 7 at 4:35 p.m. Craig was charged with refusal to submit to a chemical test – adult, driving while intoxicated 1st offense, and driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked.

Wesley David Elmore of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 1 at 6:40 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on January 6 at 8:17 p.m. Elmore was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony, ADC Commitment Hold, and return to testify.

Justin Boyd Gipson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 5 at 10:33 a.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Gipson was charged as an ADC commitment hold.

Dustin LaRay Goff of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 3 at 7:02 p.m. and released on January 9 at 5:02 p.m. Goff was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Morgan Gene Jones of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 5 at 9:43 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 6 at 9:26 p.m. Jones was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia – Felony, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Travis John Martin of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 1 at 1:48 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 1 at 6:49 p.m. Martin was charged with four counts of aggravated assault, and Battery in the Second Degree – Reckless.

Logan Renee Nelms of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 5 at 6:53 p.m. and released on January 9 at 4:48 p.m. Nelms was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Steven Ray Ritchie of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 1 at 6:21 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Ritchie was charged with ADC Commitment Hold, Return To Testify, Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Bettie Jeree Cossey of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 6 at 2:15 p.m. and released on bond January 6 at 9 p.m. Cosset was charged with improper lane change/usage/left of center, possession drug paraphernalia – felony, possession of methamphetamine <2 g, and petition to revoke – felony.

Randall A Faulkenberry of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 6 at 2:11 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 6 at 9:13 p.m. Faulkenberry was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
Anthony Floyd Elkins of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 3 at 6:23 p.m. and released on signature bond January 3 at 8:29 p.m. Elkins was charged with petition to show cause.

Arresting agency – Hackett Police Department:
Kimberly Kay Faldon of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 3 at 10:36 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 4 at 9:12 a.m. Faldon was charged with theft of property <$1k.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Chad David Gentry of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 2 at 10:41 a.m. and released on cash bond January 2 at 1:13 p.m. Gentry was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Brandon Wayne Thomas of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 3 at 7:12 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Thomas was charged with parole violation, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Pack, Repack and others, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
David Heath Haney of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 4 at 4:05 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on January 10 at 8:54 a.m. Haney was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor, Assist Outside Agency-Misd., Parole Violation, and absconding.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Mark Allen Horton of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 7 at 3:49 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond January 7 at 11:12 a.m. Horton was charged with Refusal To Submit To a Chemical Test-adult, and Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Joshua Glenn Johnston of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 6 at 2:49 p.m. and released on cash bond January 6 at 5:18 p.m. Johnston was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Lavodia Jean Webber of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 7 at 12:02 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Webber was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Third Degree, and Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.

Ryan Zink of McAlester, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 7 at 1:24 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Zink was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule VI 4-10oz Felony, and theft by receiving.

Arresting agency – U.S. Marshal’s Service:
Susan E Mcgahey of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 5 at 1:14 p.m. and is on hold at the SCADC for the U.S. Marshal’s Writ.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Aaron Klein, 41 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 5 at 9:44 a.m. Klein was charged with disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.

Jerrid Farnam, 31 of Sallisaw, OK, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 5 at 8:37 p.m. Farnam was charged with public intoxication, theft of property, criminal mischief in the first degree, breaking or entering, and residential burglary.

Gary Miller, 63 of Subiaco, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 6 at 11:22 a.m. Miller was charged with two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, body attachment, and possession of schedule I or II controlled substance with purpose to deliver.

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

Powell Hangs Up Collar At Waldron

On Monday, January 9th Waldron’s head football coach, Doug Powell, resigned. Powell’s overall record with the program was 8-19 with a 2-15 conference record during his three-year tenure. Only one former Waldron coach since 2007 has finished their Bulldog career with a better overall record. Averaging 2.3 wins per season, Powell was just a hair under Waldron’s 2.6 wins per season average over the past 22 years.

The Bulldogs take down a Dover runner in their 2020 35-14 victory over the Pirates.

In Powell’s 2020 inaugural season, the Bulldogs finished with a 4-5 overall record which was the best record achieved by Waldron since 2017. To top things off, the Bulldogs secured a playoff berth in 2020. Unfortunately, Waldron’s playoff hopes were dashed due to COVID issues, but they still earned their spot. That season saw the Bulldogs convincingly beat Gentry, Atkins, and Dover while also achieving a 41-0 blowout win over their Scott County rivals, the Mansfield Tigers. There was also the 2020 thriller against Mena where the Bulldogs narrowly fell 28-22 in the last minutes of the game.

Waldron heads to the endzone against Scott County rivals, Mansfield, in their 2020 41-0 win.

The program looked to be improving as year one came to a close but low roster numbers, continued COVID protocols, and injuries riddled the Bulldogs in Powell’s second year leading to a 2-7 record. Then in 2022, Waldron was shuffled into a new conference with the AAA realignment. This pitted the Bulldogs against what many called one of the toughest conferences in the entire 4A. The new 4A-7 consisted of the eventual 2022 State Champions Malvern, two semifinalists in Nashville & Arkadelphia, a second-round playoff team from Ashdown, and a first-round playoff team in Mena. Although Waldron gave it their best, they fell 0-5 in conference play and finished with an overall record of 2-7 in 2022.

Coach Powell’s postgame talk with the SR High Bulldogs after a 2022 loss.

Even after dealing with the pandemic, injuries, new conferences, and a rebuilding process, Doug Powell showed that the Bulldogs program will always be ready to compete. According to Powell, there is a lot of talent and depth at Waldron’s disposal in upcoming years which bodes well for the Bulldog faithful. Whoever Waldron selects as Powell’s successor, they will have a good solid foundation already laid out and set before them.

Obituary – Kathryn Ann (Shannon) Duncan (1948-2023)

Kathy Duncan, of Waldron, Arkansas, sadly left us on January 8, 2023 at the age of 74 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on December 20, 1948 to Walter and Lucille Shannon in Barstow Ca. Soon after, the family moved to Cleburne, Tx. where Kathy grew up and went to school. During this time Kathy became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Just before her senior year the family moved to Waldron, Ar. where Kathy would complete her senior year of high school. During her senior year, Kathy met the love of her life, Larry Duncan. On June 2, 1967 the two were married at Pilot Church in Waldron. Together, the two of them raised 4 amazing children. Kathy enjoyed being a mom and housewife. In later years, Kathy enjoyed crafting, quilting, and more than anything shopping, eating Mexican food and playing with her dog Buddy. Kathy loved being with her children but especially loved spoiling her grand kids. Kathy lived a long full life. She was very loved and will be missed terribly.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Lucille Shannon of Waldron, her husband, Larry Duncan, her daughter Jennifer Jerozal, sister Mary Miller of White Settlement, Tx. and brother Jimmy Shannon of Waldron.

Kathy is survived by her son Michael Duncan of Canton, Tx., daughter Stephanie Redd and her husband Kenny of Palestine, Tx., daughter Brandi Duncan of Waldron, Ar. Grandchildren Brittany Hickman and her husband David, Mikey Duncan and his wife Kelsey, Corbin Carnes, Konnor Smith, Kennedy Smith, William Jerozal, Cannon Holt, Kai Holt and Kruz Holt, 5 great grandkids and Buddy the Dog.

Kathy’s graveside celebration of life will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2023 at the Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Kathy’s visitation will be Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Obituary – Gayland Fisher Sr. (1947-2023)

Gayland Lynn Fisher, Sr, passed from this life, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at his home with his loving wife Sharlotte and family by his side. Gayland was born on June 24, 1947 in Lee County Arkansas to Floyd and Emma (Hicks) Fisher. He was 75 years old.

Gayland was a hard worker but gentle soul who loved his family and most of all his great-grandchildren. He was an avid hunter, and also enjoyed trapping. Gayland was a member of the Haw Creek Baptist Church.

Gayland leaves behind to cherish her memory, his wife Sharlotte of Nella, Arkansas; one daughter, Emily and spouse Johnny Gossett of Nella, Arkansas; one son, Lynn and spouse Lisa of Poteau, Oklahoma. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his five grandchildren: Randall (Sabrina) Gossett, Matthew (Jessica) Fisher, Megan (Jonathon) Fisher, Quiency Pate, Attacus Pate and his eleven great-grandchildren: Rrya, Evelyn, Tristen, Kilani, Taylor, Linux and Quientin Gossett and Keeley and Kendrick Tyson and Luke and Macie Fisher; one brother Benny (Linda) Fisher of Hackett, Arkansas and one sister Bertha (Wayne) Flahrity of Roe, Arkansas.

Gayland was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Emma Fisher and three sisters: Agnes McNair, Juanita Martin and Emmajean Barnes.

Gayland’s life celebration will be at 11:00 am. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Haw Creek Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Billy Harwell officiating with Rev. John Elmore, Bro. Mike Ragsdale and Bro. Ben Fisher. Interment will follow in Fishers Cemetery in Black Fork, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Gayland’s pallbearers will be Matt Fisher, Mike Ragsdale, Gary Clepper, JD Clepper, Blake Wright and Cody Holland. Honorary pallbearers will be Mac Lee and Lenny Lott.

Gayland’s visitation will be on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

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

Issues That Come From Water Damage in the Home

Water is a very destructive element; when it creeps inside your home, it can cause major damage. So, you need first to find the source of the water, then eradicate the problem to avoid more extensive property damage. Understanding the issues that come from water damage in the home allows you to identify signs early and encourages you to take steps to protect your property today.

Structural Issues From Water Damage

If you have water damage inside your house, that’s certainly a problem in itself. However, if it gets underneath your house, your property could experience structural damage. Typically, professionals seal off a home’s foundation so that the elements do not reach it. However, if water does find its way under the home, it could cause what’s known as dry rot to your beams and other structural components that hold the home together. If you let this rot sit for too long and it never dries out, your home could collapse.

Mold and Mildew Setting In

When the water starts leaking through pipes or open gaps in the roof, you’ll notice mildew and mold starting to grow in the areas where it stays moist. If you don’t dry an area immediately, the subsequent mold growth could contribute to deterioration, odd smells, and even allergy issues for those living in the home.

Lingering Smells and Stains

The stained materials, mold, and old water sitting around your home will contribute to more than just aesthetic issues. The moisture will cause a lingering smell, and water spots will appear. The only way to eliminate this problem is to replace and repair the damaged or affected areas. It’s crucial to ensure an area is completely dry before attempting to make repairs—otherwise, the moisture will continue to be a problem.

Increased Need for Repairs

As time goes on, if you fail to address the moisture, it can cause rot and damage in a variety of places in your home. What’s worse is that the longer things remain in disrepair, the more expensive the eventual repairs will be. The best thing to do when you encounter water damage is to fix the source of the issue as soon as possible. Working with a professional team will ensure you understand everything you need to know about water remediation and can take the correct next steps.

These are just some of the many issues that can come from water damage in the home. Keep an eye out for any of these issues if you suspect water damage.

RNN Sports Special: Action Photos From Lady Razorbacks Victory Over Florida Now on RNN’s Team Press Pass Page!

Razorbacks fans!

A new exclusive from RNN Sports is now available to our readers! As a thank you and appreciation for our readers and subscribers, RNN Sports is pleased to make available to you free action photos from the Lady Razorbacks’ win over Florida on January 5th!

Photos from the game may be found on RNN’s “Team Press Pass” page and are free for sharing! Just credit “RNN Sports Team Press Pass” when sharing the photos.

Over one hundred photos from the game are contained in two photo albums on the page. To access the photos, just click on https://www.facebook.com/TeamPressPass and you will see the albums on the page in the “Photo” section.

We hope you enjoy the photos as a thank you for following RNN Sports, and we look forward to bringing you continued Razorbacks coverage throughout the year!

GO HOGS!!

Paris Defeats the Bearcats at Booneville, 65-51

The Paris Eagles resumed conference play last Friday night for the first time since December 11 when they defeated the Danville Little Johns at Paris Gymnasium. Paris made the short trip to Booneville to take on the Bearcats in the first of two conference match-ups. The Eagles defeated Booneville by the score of 65-51 in a game that was not necessarily as close as the final score may indicate. With the win, Paris advances to 4-0 in conference play.

At press time for this story, the Eagles were looking ahead to their next conference game at Hackett on Tuesday and returning home on Thursday to play the Charleston Tigers. The week is extremely important to Paris as they look to make a big move in the standings of the first half of the conference season.

Eagles coach Andrew Tencleve has his team playing good basketball that features fast, pressing, up tempo offense and a tough man to man defense. Fans will be treated to a great home game on January 12 when the Charleston Tigers, led by Brandon Scott, visit Paris Gymnasium. Scott, the offensive player of the year in 3A football in Arkansas, recently scored 40 points in a Tigers’ basketball victory over Cossatot River. He will be a force to contend with for the Eagles, and fans will not want to miss this game!