Resident News Network

River Valley Snowfall Closes Area Schools

Networks

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3:02 am

River Valley Snowfall Closes Area Schools

It has seemed to many residents of the River Valley that for the past few years, winter snowfall has occurred in the time period of late January to mid-February. This year has proven to be no exception.

After a period of bitterly cold temperatures in late November to early December, residents were treated to unseasonably mild temperatures to start 2023. But that all changed last week when both cold and moisture hit the area to produce the first measurable snowfall of the winter season.

Although the snowfall that hit most of western Arkansas and the River Valley was a beautiful, large, flaky snowfall, the winter precipitation did not come without causing problems. Power outages were reported for thousands of customers ranging from just a few hours to days until power was able to be restored. Area schools closed, utilizing AMI (alternative methods of instruction) days on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Area basketball games were also postponed.

At press time for this story, the Weather Bug forecast for this week was predicting high temperatures ranging from 36-46 degrees to low temperatures ranging from 28-33 degrees. A chance of freezing rain was forecasted on Wednesday, February 1.

If history holds true again this year, we may be in store for one more round of wintry mix weather before schools are out for spring break. But, who knows?

We shall see.

AGFC cleans up trash at Lake Wilhelmina

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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1:34 am

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AGFC staff and Polk County recently gave Lake Wilhelmina in Polk County a thorough cleaning after wildlife officers were informed of a growing trash problem accumulating around the 200-acre AGFC-owned lake.

Chris Crawford, a wildlife officer in Polk County, received complaints from a homeowner who lived near the picturesque Ouachita Mountain lake about a large quantity of trash left behind by campers. Upon further inspection, five locations around the lake had accumulated not only garbage left behind by campers but also materials that were illegally dumped on the property. Crawford contacted fisheries staff in the AGFC’s Hot Springs Regional Office as well as Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison about the situation. Ellison offered the use of a front-end loader, dump truck and two county personnel to help with a cleanup effort.

After several hours, AGFC staff Brett Hobbs, Andy Yung, James Rogers and the two Polk County workers worked with officer Crawford to remove nearly ¾ of a large dump truck from the land surrounding Wilhelmina.

Obituary – Katherine (Ledbetter) Crutchfield (1924-2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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1:19 am

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Obituary – Katherine (Ledbetter) Crutchfield (1924-2023)

Minnie Katherine Ledbetter Crutchfield, 98, passed away on January 23, 2023. She was born June 27, 1924 in Hartshorne, Oklahoma to Charles Fredrick and Katherine (Silva) Ledbetter and graduated in 1942 from Heavener High School. After attending Hill’s Business College of Oklahoma City she was employed by The Kansas City Southern Railroad.

On December 11, 1953, Katherine and A. C. Crutchfield were married and spent their honeymoon in Florida, later moving to Alaska and then to San Jose, California. In 1958 they came home to Waldron, Arkansas and began a cattle business before purchasing the OTASCO store. Later they purchased The Exxon distributorship before retiring.

Katherine enjoyed all sports to the fullest including tennis, basketball, football, baseball and the Olympics. She was a fan of such notables as John Daly, Wes Welker, Rafel Nadal and could talk sports with the best of them.

Of special interest to her is the annual July 4th Crutchfield reunion.
At the age of 65, Katherine took up golf, joining the Waldron Country Club and eventually becoming a board member. She played golf at many of the courses in Arkansas and Oklahoma as an avid lover of the game. She enjoyed the many friends she made because of golf.

Katherine relished traveling, touring Europe several times.

Later in life, she encountered congestive heart failure, a broken hip and colon cancer. She survived each one living a full and meaningful life with the help of Mercy doctors, nurses and staff along with Concordia Senior Living staff and friends and family. Good Shepherd Hospice comforted her in her last days.

She is survived by sister Sylvia Ann Ledbetter and husband James L. Monk of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma several nieces, nephews, friends such as Marta McGaugh and Linda Goodner.

She was preceded in death by her husband A.C. Crutchfield, her parents Charles Fredrick and Katherine (Silva) Ledbetter, sister Sara Jane Ledbetter & Bernard (Tut) Bartzen, Alberta & Floyd Ward, L.R. & Ruth Crutchfield, Doris & Kenneth Deatherage, Quida & R.M. Blackwood and Leah Fern & Buddy Campbell.

Katherine’s life celebration will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas and will be laid to rest at the Sehorn Cemetery.

You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Katherine’s family by visiting: www.heritagememoriafh.com.

Obituary – Nicole Michele (Gonzales) Benward (1975-2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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1:13 am

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Obituary – Nicole Michele (Gonzales) Benward (1975-2023)

Nicole Michele (Gonzales) Benward, 47, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Nicole was born on March 27, 1975 to Jeffrey and Christina (Marling) Gonzales in Oceanside, California.

Nicole was married to Robert Benward on January 7, 2018. Nicole was loving, she had a big heart and loved her children, James, Julie and Brittany. Nicole was funny and was always trying to prank people and make them laugh. There was a joyful spirit about her, she loved animals and always helping others.

Nicole leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Robert Benward. Three children; James Bolton, Julie Lour and Brittany Bolton. She will forever remain in the hearts of her seven grandchildren: Justin Lour, Brianna Crow, Jason Crow, Hunter Lour, Elizabeth Crow, Kyle Lour and Emily Lour. Nicole will be missed by all that knew her.

Nicole was preceded in death by her parents, Jeffrey and Christina Gonzales.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

You can leave words of remembrance for Nicole’s family by visiting www.heritagememorialfh.com

Razorbacks Basketball Performance Center to Be Renamed After Martin Family Donation

Resident News Network

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7:32 pm

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Razorbacks Basketball Performance Center to Be Renamed After Martin Family Donation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Marsha and Marty Martin Family has made a $5 million gift to the Razorback Foundation in support of Arkansas Athletics. In recognition, the Basketball Performance Center on the University of Arkansas campus will be named in their honor and unveiled on March 4, 2023.

The name of the facility was formally considered and approved by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees at its scheduled meeting on Thursday.

“We are humbled by the generosity of the Martin family for this extraordinary gift,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “For more than four decades, the Martins have displayed their passion for our program in numerous ways, including in investing their time and energy into cheering on our teams while also providing the support to help ensure our student-athletes and coaches are positioned for success. Our men’s and women’s basketball teams are fortunate to train and compete in one of the best basketball performance centers in the nation. It is certainly appropriate that this spectacular day-to-day Home of Razorback Basketball will now also honor this special family of Razorback fans.”

The Martins are long-time supporters and members of the Razorback Foundation with more than 40 years of consecutive giving. As members of Cardinal & White, the Razorback Foundation’s major giving society, their gifts support Razorback student-athletes in the most valuable ways including scholarships, nutrition, personal and professional development, and medical care.

“On behalf of the Razorback Foundation, we are most grateful to the Marsha and Marty Martin Family for their years of steadfast support, and this amazing gift which will benefit Razorback Athletics in numerous ways,” Razorback Foundation Executive Director Scott Varady added.

“We are lifelong, avid Razorback fans and we could not think of a better way to show our support than with this gift,” Marsha Martin said. “We look forward to continuing to cheer on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams and all other Razorback sports to much future success.”

The Martins have also demonstrated their generosity through their financial support of other organizations such as American Heart Association and Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

The Marsha and Marty Martin Family Basketball Performance Center is home to both Razorback men’s and women’s basketball teams and serves as their training facility. The 66,000-foot facility opened in 2015 and includes two full-court gymnasiums, locker rooms, a weight room an athletic training room, coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms, student-athlete lounges, study areas and an equipment room.

The naming of the facility will be officially celebrated at a ceremony on March 4, 2023, prior to the Arkansas-Kentucky men’s basketball game at Bud Walton Arena.

Note to Our Readers: This story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications.

Arrest Reports 1/15

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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4:21 am

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Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Megan Nicole Billy of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 19 at 4:51 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Billy was charged with failure to appear – class C felony.

Carlton Deshane Mathews of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 15 at 4:47 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Mathews was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony, and Return To Testify.

Christopher Lee McNees of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 19 at 12:23 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. NcNees was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony, Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree > $1,000 but < $5,000, and Fleeing -Vehicle.

Brandon Townsend of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 21 at 1:49 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Townsend was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Arresting agency – Mansfield Police Department:
Andrea Rayne Brown of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 21 at 8:59 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Brown was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely.

Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Eric Samuel King of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 18 at 8:20 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. King was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Pamela Jo Presock of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on January 18 at 12:23 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Presock was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations-ID, Criminal Trespass, Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Jarrad Davis, 30 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 16 at 4:32 p.m. Davis was charged with body attachment.

Bryan Starnes, 33 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on January 20 at 2:26 p.m. Starnes was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

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

Obituary – Robin Barrett Barker (1959-2023)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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2:15 am

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Obituary – Robin Barrett Barker (1959-2023)

Robin B. Barker, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life on January 20, 2023 in Waldron, Arkansas. He was born on January 15, 1959 in Mena, Arkansas to Lone and Mildred (Simkins) Barker. Robin was 64 years old.

Robin grew up in and around the Boles area. He married the love of his life, Brenda McEntire. Together they grew up and started their life. Robin joined the Air Force for some time yet returned home and became a Master Carpenter at the ripe old age of 17 doing odd jobs with his Big brother Bill. He felt he needed new scenery in his profession so he ventured up North to form a partnership and lifelong friendship with Bilt Rite Framing where he worked tireless hours providing for his family, he was a hard working man. He would later retire some 26 years later and make his final resting place at home spending all of his time with his children and grandchildren that he loved so much.

Robin leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Brenda of the home; daughters Emily (punkin) and husband Lance, Jessie and husband Bobby all of Waldron, Arkansas, one son Barrett and Amber of Oregon. Papa (Poppy) will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Brendan (Jessica Holt), Addison, Victoria , Kaylee , Lidge (Daleigh Hunt), Elam ,and precious Stella . Robin is also remembered by one sister Patsy Slagle and husband Bill of Boles, Arkansas and one brother Bill Barker also of Boles, Arkansas. And a Host of nieces and nephews that he cherished so much. Robin will be missed by all who knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family and friends he loved dearly.

Robin was preceded in death by his parents, Lone and Mildred Barker, siblings: Loyd “Bub” Barker, William “Mack” Barker, Roseann Barker Isham and June Barker Hawkins Horton.

Robin’s celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Robin’s visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Homemade Baked Oatmeal

Madison VanRavensway

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10:01 pm

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Having breakfast ready and in the fridge makes our mornings go so smooth. My boys don’t particularly enjoy this oatmeal, but myself and my baby girl love it! It’s perfect to make once a week and place in the fridge.

I prepare ours by adding 1 Tbsp of butter and a generous drizzle of honey. Brown sugar is also a delicious addition! If you want a more traditional oatmeal texture, and some milk or cream to the heating up process. It’s also delicious topped with fruit. Microwave for 30-45 seconds.

The original recipe calls this Amish Baked Oatmeal. It also encourages it be served warm same day, but I promise it’s fine to store and eat on. It takes us about a week to eat through, and I’ve had no issues with it.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup maple syrup or brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

3 cups oats (rolled or quick oats)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350, grease 8×8 pan for later.
Mix together everything but oats, then slowly add in oats.
Pour into greased pan and spread out.
Bake for 30-40 minutes.
Let cool slightly and serve immediately, or let cool completely, slice and store in fridge.

Arkansas MBB Signee Named to McDonald’s High School All America Team

Resident News Network

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7:44 pm

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Arkansas MBB Signee Named to McDonald’s High School All America Team

FAYETTEVILLE – For the second straight year, Arkansas will be represented at the McDonald’s All-American game as signee Baye Fall will play for the West team. The 2023 McDonald’s All-American game is set for March 28 (Tuesday) in Houston’s Toyota Center at 8 pm (CT) and will be televised on ESPN.

Fall, a 6-10 center from Denver’s Accelerated Schools, is listed as the #3 player at his position in the country and is a consensus top 20 player in the nation. He is currently projected by NBADraft.net as the #9 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Fall becomes the 18th Razorback signee to be selected a McDonald’s All-American and the fourth at Arkansas under the direction of fourth-year head coach Eric Musselman. Prior to Musselman’s arrival, the most recent McDonald’s All-American was Bobby Portis in 2013 and Al Jefferson, who ended up being a first-round NBA draft pick out of high school, in 2004 before that.

Fall is averaging 16.3 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field while making 82.5 percent of his free throws to go along with 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots.

This past summer, Fall was a standout at the prestigious National Basketball Players Association top 100 camp when he led the event in scoring with 14.9 points per game in seven games. He additionally had a camp-leading 9.4 rebounds per game including an event-leading 4.9 offensive rebounds per game. Fall was also co-MVP at the 2021 Pangos All-American Camp.

Razorback Signees Named McDonald’s All-Americans

Ricky Norton (1980)

Willie Cutts (1981)

Andrew Lang (1984)

Ron Huery (1986)

Todd Day (1988)

Lee Mayberry (1988)

Corliss Williamson (1992)

Darnell Robinson (1993)

Kareem Reid (1994)

Derek Hood (1995)

Glendon Alexander (1996)

Olu Famutini (2003)

Al Jefferson (2004)

Bobby Portis (2013)

Nick Smith Jr. (2022)

Jordan Walsh (2022)

Anthony Black (2022)

Baye Fall (2023)

Note: Joe Klein was a 1980 McDonald’s All-American that signed with Notre Dame before transferring to UA.

Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Mike Cawood.

How Do Massage Guns Compare to Traditional Massagers?

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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8:17 pm

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How Do Massage Guns Compare to Traditional Massagers?

If you’ve ever suffered from muscle aches and pains, you’ve likely resorted to massage therapy at some point in the healing process. If done correctly, a massage can yield the relief you desire while your muscles recover from injury or stress.

Traditional massagers can’t always get to the root of the problem. Give yourself the relief you need by learning how massage guns compare to traditional massagers to keep the pain at bay.

A Percussion Massager Works To Penetrate Tissue

Not all massagers are built the same. You might think you’re getting a decent massage while you feel the vibration against your muscle for a few minutes, but unless your device targets the muscles with pinpoint accuracy, you’re likely wasting your time. Fortunately, massage guns penetrate deep inside muscle tissues to find those problem areas and loosen them up while you’re trying to find relief.

You Have All the Control With a Massage Gun

Because it is handheld, a massage gun puts you in control of your therapy. You’ll be shocked at how easy it is to use a massage gun! It includes a variety of settings so you can control your massage’s pace, speed, and depth for your personal needs.

Not every massage should be the same; not all injuries or ailments have the same treatments because they vary from person to person. Controlling every aspect of the experience keeps you on top of your health, and many people love this aspect of the massage gun.

Supplementation for Medical Appointments

When you have all the necessities to get by at home and away from the clinic, you’re exemplifying the advancement of future healthcare industry trends, such as active mobile covid testing, that help patients and physicians. Nowadays, it’s easier to schedule an appointment for your specific needs, even with scheduling conflicts between you and the doctor. A massage gun can provide medical-grade therapy in between appointments as needed.

Now that you know how massage guns compare to traditional massagers, you can see the benefits of these instruments. You’ll find they have a lot to offer and can make a painful day much more pleasant once you have tried them yourself.

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A Percussion Massager Works To Penetrate Tissue

You Have All the Control With a Massage Gun

Supplementation for Medical Appointments

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK