Obituary: Beverly Jean Lyons (1948-2025)
Beverly Jean Boatright-Lyons, 77, of Mansfield, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Beverly was born on February 28, 1948, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Doyne and Udene Boatright.
Beverly is survived by her living children, Stephanie (David) Morgan, April (Mike) Robles, and Brock Lyons of Mansfield, Arkansas, Kiemeche (Westin) Corbin of Charleston, Arkansas, and Dokatha Lyons of Van Buren, Arkansas; her seven grandchildren, Kayla (Michael) Winters, Cheyenne (Chris) Little, Michael Robles and Jasmine Nelson, Cody Robles and Hailey Stidman, and Addison Robles, all of Mansfield, Arkansas, Ellie Lyons of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Connor Corbin of Charleston, Arkansas; six great-grandchildren, Kinlee and Easton Winters, Leena Ledger and Letty Little, and soon-to-arrive Winsley Robles, all of Mansfield, Arkansas; her brothers, Alan Boartright of Sunriver, Oregon, Larry (Betty) Boatright of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Donna (Mack) Webb of Howe, Oklahoma; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen (Leroy) Self, and mother-in-law Patsy Lyons of Bowie, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James B. Lyons Jr., her parents Doyne and Udene Boatright, and her brothers Bill and Jim Boatright.
Beverly was a proud veteran and served in the United States Air Force. She took great pride in her community serving on the Mansfield City Council and the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce for many years.
Beverly was a loving and selfless mother to her children and grandmother to her grandchildren, and a friend to anyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Mansfield, Arkansas. A service for Beverly will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Mansfield, Arkansas with Bro. Gary Colley officiating. Interment will follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include David Morgan, Mike Robles, Michael Robles, Cody Robles, Michael Winters, Chris Little, and Westin Corbin.
Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Mansfield.
White Bluff–Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department Marks 33rd Annual Santa Run with Heartfelt Community Celebration
Even under an overcast sky and a chill that hinted at deeper winter, the warmth of community was unmistakable on Sunday, December 7, 2025, as the White Bluff–Rye Hill Rural Volunteer Fire Department carried out its 33rd Annual Santa Run. What began more than three decades ago as a small holiday outreach has grown into one of the most cherished traditions in the fire district—uniting families, volunteers, and first responders in a day built entirely on generosity and joy.
For several days leading up to the event, the fire stations buzzed with activity. Volunteer “elves” — firefighters, auxiliary members, families, and community helpers — worked tirelessly to stuff bags of treats, organize donations, decorate the apparatus, and prepare each detail of Santa’s journey. Trucks were cleaned, fueled, checked, and staged, ready to carry Christmas cheer to children and adults across the district.
By early afternoon on Sunday, three fully staffed pumpers rolled out, each assigned to one of the mapped routes that ensure Santa visits every corner of the White Bluff–Rye Hill fire district. Riding proudly on the tailboard was Santa himself, surrounded by a cheerful crew of elves. Behind them followed a support convoy including Sebastian County Emergency Management and law enforcement, lending not only manpower but festivity — complete with sirens and lights dancing against the gray sky.
The very first stop of the day carried deeper meaning for the department. A beloved member of the WBRH fire family who, despite fighting cancer, refused to let illness keep him from being part of the tradition he holds dear. For the firefighters in the district, the visit symbolized the true heart of the Santa Run: community, resilience, and unwavering support.
As the parade of emergency vehicles wound through neighborhoods, excitement spilled into the streets. Children ran ahead of their parents, shouting that Santa was on the way. Many adults, now bringing their own children, recalled their own childhood memories of standing roadside waiting for the fire trucks to crest the hill with Santa waving from the top.
In the Shadow Lake community, the spirit of giving came full circle. Residents greeted the crews with homemade baked treats, returning kindness to the volunteers who bring holiday magic to their doorsteps year after year. The exchange embodied the bond between the rural department and the people they serve — one built not only on emergency response, but on shared traditions and mutual appreciation.
The Santa Run remains possible thanks to the generosity of dozens of local businesses, donors, and supporters who contribute annually. Their sponsorship ensures the department can continue to bring Santa to the district each Christmas season, spreading joy and strengthening the connection between first responders and the families who depend on them.
Though the air was cold, the hearts of all involved — volunteers, children, families, and first responders — were undeniably warm. After 33 years, the Santa Run continues to shine as one of the district’s most uplifting events, reminding all that the greatest gifts often come not wrapped in paper, but carried on the front of a fire engine, delivered by neighbors who care.
As the trucks returned to the station later that evening, the echoes of laughter and sirens faded into the December dusk — but the memories made across the district will last far longer, carried into the new year on the steady, generous spirit of the White Bluff–Rye Hill community.
*** A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE 2025 DONORS ***
First Responder Childrens Foundation – Toy Express * Summit Utilities / A.O.G. * Workmans Tavel Plaza * Hassett Body Repair * Brewton Plumbing Service, LLC * Casey’s General Store * Sean Baker and Family * Scott & Deborah Clark / BHC Insurance * Mike & Kaylee Conger * Scott’s Refrigeration * Bob Martindale Construction * JM Supply * A&B Pawn / Anglers Liquor / Lewellen Holdings * MSG Waste Management * Tri-State Trailer Rentals * Hawkins Water Treatment * Jack’s Building Supply * Didier Properties, LLC * Qualserv Solutions * Farmers Bank * Edwards Funeral Home * McConnell Funeral Home * Copher’s Boat Sales * The 3 Boys & Me Boutique * Blossom Box * Hi-Tech Truck Refrigeration * Hi-Tech Rentals, LLC * Thomas Electric * Maries Lock & Safe * Anonymous Donor * Cadence Bank * Mock Legal Solutions * Dr. James Butler * Ed & Eileen Savold * Harvey Preston Electric * Rheem * Heartland Business Systems – Jennifer Bricker * Kenny Wray’s Auto * Farm Credit * Faith Baptist Church * Klein Tools
Total Rehabilitation * ASE Alarm * PSG Pharmacy * Angela Judkins * Tim & Clara Garvey * Mary Connally * Chris Bunn * Joe & Vicki Taylor * T&J Specialty Contractors * Beshears Construction * Express Tree and Landscaping * Tackle Box * J.J. & Johnette Seiter * Kim & Matt Singer * Brixey Engineering & Land Surveying, Inc. * Charmaine Haunert * Mai Pad Thai * Pam Moreton * Jammie Moore * Nabholz Construction * Snap-On Tools * KTCS 99.9 * AAA U-Rent-It * A.M.A.C. – Larry Womack * Bobby’s Plumbing * Dusty’s Collision * In Good Spirits * Kyle Treece * Mars Corporation * Bulldog Nutrition on the Square * GP Bucket Brigade Education Division * Volunteer Firefighter Alliance * Arkansas Childrens Hospital * * Alert All * Docuprint * Calico County * Ben E. Keith * Springfield Grocers *
Glidewell Distributing * KMAC Enterprises * Moka Joes * Operation Gratitude * Arvest * DCS Communications * Hugg & Hall Storage * Laura & Ray W * Raising Cane’s Restaurant * BML Builders (Bill & Marylin Lovell) * 19th Tee * Choctaw Casino * US Fleet Tracking * Clean Machine Pressure Washing * Utility Tri-State, Inc * Whitt Truck Repair * * Shirley’s Tax Service – Greenwood * Shirley’s Tax Service – Greenwood * Harbor Freight * Malco Theaters * The Egg of Fort Smith * Cheddars * Alert All * Johnson Dermatology * Choctaw Casino * Umarex USA * Fulmer Candy Company * Casco Industries * Helena’s Beaute Bar * Pam Caldwell / Dr. Stiles – Eye Group * Metro by T-Mobile * A-Z Tools * A-Z Gifts * Greenwood Express Lube * * Zapatas Mexican * NAFECO * Longhorn Steakhouse * Texas Roadhouse * Sharum’s Garden Center * Alterations by Lori * Red Lobster * Parrot Island Water Park * Strands Hair and Lash Lounge * * Autozone – Hwy 71 south * Siddons and Martin * Southern Tire Mart * Warren’s Shoes * Tractor Supply-Greenwood * Thermoking of Fort Smith * ANONYMOUS DONORS
White Bluff-Rye Hill Firefighters * Medical 1st Responders * Auxiliary * Jr Firefighters * Board Members * Sebastian County Search & Rescue * Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office * Sebastian County O.E.M.
Timepiece: Hermit Poet of Arkansas
The Ouachita Mountains has produced its share of distinctive and eccentric individuals, but none more unique than Chalmers Ferguson, the hermit poet of Magazine. With a story much like The Scarlet Letter, Chalmers and his sister were born out of wedlock and suffered the pangs of growing up in a puritanical community. Scorned and ignored by the local population, his mother decided to end the life of both she and the children. Taking the two under her arms, she waded into a swift flowing stream attempting suicide by drowning. A rider rode up as the current carried the three into deep water and was able to rescue Chalmers but his mother and sister perished. The event was to have traumatic and life-long effects on the young man.
Raised to young adulthood, he joined Teddy Roosevelt and the rough-riders and was eventually shipped to Cuba and was said to have been present at San Juan hill. One of the first battles to employ modern weaponry such as the machine gun, the carnage and bloodshed during the battles further alienated young Chalmers who was serving as a band member and medic.
Seeking escape from a society he rejected, the arrived at the Blue Mountain train station. Dressed with his always present bandana around his neck, decked out in a green vest, and with a gold-braided bandsman hat tilted on his head, he looked more a product of the 60’s hippie generation than a turn-of-the century farmer.
Seeking solitude, Ferguson settled in a small cover under the rim of the western cliffs of Magazine mountain. Building a small three room house, he settled into the life of a hermit. He made friends of many varieties of wildlife found on the mountain, the most unusual being his friendship with snakes. Kept in his house, he described how he handled the serpents, “In making friends with snakes, I pick it up with a stick. I never touch it unless looking it in the eye.” Snakes strike at man only when they fear him. Its fear of each other that makes us enemies.” Fearing he would roll over on his snake friends at night and provoke attack, Chalmers built a coffin-like container in which he slept at night.
Left alone in the solitude, he would compose long poems, often about the beauty and solitude of the place he called home. Haunting and beautiful, the poems often mentioned thoughts of his mother and evoke feelings akin to reading the poetry of Edger Allen Poe.
The poem, To My Mother, begins: “Betrayed and outcast and forsaken, You were laid in an untimely grave. No eye nor no voice to take pity, No arm stretched to succor or save. But you rose in your chrysalis beauty, Bejeweled as heaven’s own bride; And I welcome the whispering message, That will summon my soul to your side.”
Hearing of his poems, John P. Cravens of the Arkansas Democrat traveled by train to Blue Mountain, hiked four miles up the mountain, and visited with Ferguson. He described Chalmers as a man of great intellect- one who spoke at least three languages, wrote poetry, created professional artistic work, and could discuss history and politics in detail. The man could play several instruments, wan an expert on dynamite, land surveying, carpentry, and photography.
During subsequent years, Cravens and the Arkansas Democrat published many of Chalmers poems. Often these were picked up by other news sources and Chalmers became widely known as the Hermit Poet of Magazine Mountain.
As the years went by, Ferguson gradually turned to human companionship. Building a small home in Blue Mountain, he started staying in town for longer and longer periods of time. Many of his poems speak of his primary love; birds, flowers, and most of all little children. Eventually, this intellectual, talented man began assisting and teaching in the local schools.
Ferguson died in 1934 and is buried in Danville, Illinois. His true legacy was and remains his years served as the hermit poet of Magazine Mountain.
Mansfield Early Childhood ABC Santa Letters
Mrs. Deanne and Mrs. Danielle’s Class
Dear Santa,
My name is Clifton and I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a tv, spongebob robot, Patrick robot, Patrick phone and case and a Santa gift.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Clifton
Dear Santa,
My name is Easton and I am 5 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a tv, a WII, a Santa toy, some balls, a window and a frog toy with AA batteries
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Easton
Dear Santa,
My name is Everly and I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a Santa teddy, a Santa sticky note and a Santa blanket.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Everly
Dear Santa,
My name is Harriet and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a magic tree racecar, a grinch toy, a big Christmas tree and a big helicopter toy.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Harriet
Dear Santa,
My name is Hezekiah and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year I would like a water bottle, a t-rex toy, and more toys.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Hezekiah
Dear Santa,
My name Hope am 5 years old. This year I have been maybe both,nice and naughty. For Christmas this year, I would like a rocking unicorn.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Hope
Dear Santa,
My name is Kayden and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like racecars, Santa, ketchup and mustard
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Kayden
Dear Santa,
My name is Kylah and I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a horse, candy canes, barbie dolls and a makeup set.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Kylah
Dear Santa,
My name is Liam H. and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like an RC car, Nike’s and a new phone that’s real.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Liam
Dear Santa,
My name is Lizzie and I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like cookies, donuts and Paw Patrol toys.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Lizzie
Dear Santa,
My name is Louvik and I am 5 years old. This year I have been naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like candy canes, cookies and candy.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Louvik
Dear Santa,
My name is Mason and I am 4 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like toys.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Mason
Dear Santa,
My name is Orion and I am 4 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like Spider-Man web shooters, Spider-Man costume and a mask.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Orion
Dear Santa,
My name is Parker and I am 4 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a makeup set, a Minnie Mouse kitchen and barbie dolls.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Parker
Dear Santa,
My name is Raelynn and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a batteries for my toy dog, new makeup and a new kitchen toy.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Raelynn
Dear Santa,
My name is Silas and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a Spider-Man car, a Flash car and a Shadow car.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Silas
Dear Santa,
My name is Wrett and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a trackhoe and a scooby-doo.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Wrett
Mrs. Darla and Mrs. Rachel’s Class
Dear Santa,
My name is Colston and I am 3 years old. This year I have been naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a crane truck, a blue present, a BIG TRUCK! And a MONSTER car.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Colston
Dear Santa,
My name is Amaya and I am 4 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a cake, a robot toy-maybe 2, Elsa robots, and a turtle.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Amaya
Dear Santa,
My name is Amyra and I am 4 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a pink car, a new toothbrush, Christmas decorations and nails-Halloween style!!
Love,
Amyra
Dear Santa,
My name is Braelynn and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like Frozen toys, Wednesday toys and my own thing.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Braelynn
Dear Santa,
My name is Brynlee I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like pony cookies and a unicorn
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Brynlee
Dear Santa,
My name is Willow and I am 4 years old. This year I have been naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a baby, markers, play-doh and white paper.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Willow
Dear Santa,
My name is Sage and I am 7 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a control car, paw patrol pillow, a Christmas tree and some new cars.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Sage
Dear Santa,
My name is Weston and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a present with a helicopter, Christmas tree-I need 2, a turkey I can eat and a bigger helicopter.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Weston
Dear Santa,
My name is Lakelyn and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a Wednesday toy, Elsa toys, Elephant blanket like Emma and Play-doh
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Lakelyn
Dear Santa,
My name is Raegan and I am 4 years old. This year I have been naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a camera, a radio with microphone, a mouse and a buggie.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Raegan
Dear Santa,
My name is Paisley and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a ninja toy, a new costume, pink and red colors and play-doh.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Paisley
Dear Santa,
My name is Zaiden and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a toy robot, spiderman car that turns into a robot and a ninja costume with toys.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Zaiden
Dear Santa,
My name is Barnabas and I am 2 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a dino that roars, a car and packets
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Barnabas
Dear Santa,
My name is Emma and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like toys, a princess, a unicorn and play-doh.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Emma
Dear Santa,
My name Scarlet am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a tablet, a secret Halloween party, a big house and a baby with pink play-doh.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Scarlet
Mrs. Emily and Mrs. Tristian’s Class
Dear Santa,
My name is Walker and I am 3 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like the grinch, pop, pizza and slime
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Walker
Dear Santa,
My name is Jaxon and I am 3 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a fishing pole, t-rex, legos, robux, a toy phone and something to color!
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Jaxon
Dear Santa,
My name is Ellison and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like an airplane with a controller, a racing car, a Christmas present and a xylophone.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Ellison
Dear Santa,
My name is Lucas and I am 7 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a Christmas present.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Lucas
Dear Santa,
My name is Peyton and I am 3 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a tree, candy, a toy and a hug!
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Peyton
Dear Santa,
My name is Kaylee and I am 6 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a new house, a “jumpoline” and a ball.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Kaylee
Dear Santa,
My name is Kahmarri and I am 3 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a a dump truck and playdough.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Kahmarri
Dear Santa,
My name is Xavier Cole and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a dragon, cars, a road they can drive on and a monster truck with cars.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Xavier
Dear Santa,
My name is Hartlyn and I am 3 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a kid phone, a little bunny rabbit and a puppy dog.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Hartlyn
Dear Santa,
My name is David and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like hot wheels and monster trucks!
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
David
Dear Santa,
My name is Jaddex and I am 3 years old. This year I have been naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a monster car!
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Jaddex
Dear Santa,
My name Jayce Marcotte Charles and I am 4 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would like a big gun and a motorcycle.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Jayce
Dear Santa,
My name is Penelope and I am 3 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like unicorn toys, 3 shirts, some paint, play-doh, paper and a new phone.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Penelope
Dear Santa,
My name is Amelia May and I am 3 and a half years old. This year I have been NICE! For Christmas this year, I would like more barbies(2 of them), and a dinosaur car.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Amelia
Dear Santa,
My name is Jace and I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year I would like a Christmas present, a lot of them.
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Jace
Dear Santa,
My name is LaineyLynn and I am 1 year old. This year I have been nice! For Christmas this year, I would like a barbie, a jingle bell, colorful shoes, 2 more rooms and a new Santa jacket
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Laineylynn
Dear Santa,
My name is Liam B. and I am 3 years old. This year I have been maybe both, nice and naughty! For Christmas this year, I would likeHot Wheels and a Mario Hot Wheels truck
Merry Christmas Santa
Love,
Liam B.
Students fill Commission meeting with passion and pride
Jill McMahan and students from East Pointe Elementary talked about their quest to become one of the AGFC’s designated Schools of Conservation Leadership. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.
Students from three Arkansas elementary and high schools attended the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s monthly meeting at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center to talk about their experiences being a part of two growing educational efforts in the AGFC: the School of Conservation Leadership Program and the Generation Conservation Summit, which took place Nov. 5-6 in Hot Springs.
Third-grade Teacher Jill McMahan and students from East Pointe Elementary in Greenwood spoke about their experiences as East Pointe has worked this year to attain the AGFC’s School of Conservation Leadership designation.
“This program has really lit a fire with a bunch of our kids,” McMahan said. “It has definitely been a learning opportunity for us.”
To achieve a School of Conservation Leadership designation, schools must accomplish a variety of tasks that incorporate some of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s many educational offerings focused on conservation and outdoor recreation. AGFC programs such as Archery in the Schools, Fishing in the Natural State and Schoolyard Habitat are all keystones in the program, and all have been adapted to ensure they are aligned with Arkansas educational standards.
East Pointe jumped in with both feet this year; all grades had at least one teacher involved in conservation and outdoor recreation curriculum as well as their special education instructors and leadership team.
“We even got our school resource officer involved. It really was a whole school effort,” McMahan said.
The school has already applied for grants to the National Rifle Association to acquire archery equipment and an Arkansas Environmental Education Association mini-grant to start a butterfly garden.
“We really want to develop that butterfly project into a pollinator garden, and we want to create another garden to develop a seed-to-table project to show our students where their food comes from and get them eating more vegetables,” McMahan said.
Students from East Pointe spoke about some of the activities they’ve enjoyed so far and what they were looking forward to completing. Growing plants, shooting a bow and participating in a fishing derby next spring were a few of the top items students were excited to explore — all components of the School of Conservation Leadership designation.
Much of the curriculum presented to Schools of Conservation Leadership was put to the test this year with the inaugural Generation Conservation Summit, a two-day event filled with competitions spanning all aspects of the AGFC’s conservation mission.
According to Mary Beth Hatch, chief of the AGFC’s Education Division, the initial goal for this year’s Generation Conservation Summit was to have 75 schools represented between the 22 on-site competitions and five pre-conference competitions completed at the schools.
“Our goal was 75 schools; we saw 110 join us in Hot Springs,” Hatch said at a briefing on Wednesday. “We had over 1,000 students competing during the two-day event, and had 60 vendors and partners present.”
Hailey Robinson spoke about her experience at the summit, where her students at Lincoln High School dominated the events and earned first-place overall in the high school division. Robinson, who teaches life sciences and outdoor education, said the programs offered by the AGFC and brought to her school have made a real difference in her students’ lives, both in academics and real-world applications.
“These kids won’t be the lost generation,” Robinson said. “We are outside and we are unplugged, at least a few hours every week.”
Jhett McLavey, a junior at Lincoln High, said the outdoor education program has changed the way many students look at science and how it fits into their communities and daily life.
“It makes science real and reachable, and gives students the chance to learn strengths they didn’t know they had,” McLavey said. “Some of my classmates have even been inspired to explore careers in environmental sciences, biology and conservation because of this program.”
Rainey Yeager, Mt. Judea Elementary school counselor, also brought a few of the students who participated and excelled at the summit.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, but sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate it,” Yeager said. “This is what this program has reminded us and our students; how special our home really is and that they belong in conservation and outdoor leadership…. It wasn’t just a competition for our students, it was a door opening, a big one.”
Deke Whitbeck, president of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, added to the excitement surrounding the summit, announcing the creation of the Bob L. Martin endowment, thanks to a generous donation by the Fisher Family Foundation. The endowment, named after former Commissioner Bobby Martin, will enable schools to apply for and receive grants to offset expenses related to attending the summit in the future.
Martin, who was in attendance, said the summit and endowment were far beyond his expectations in its initial year and that he’s excited to see how much it grows in the future.
“Serving as a commissioner is still one of the most meaningful things I’ve done in my life,” Martin said. “I don’t know another state or foundation and its agency that’s come close to doing what you’ve launched with the Summit. This and Arkansas’s lead will be transformative, not just for Arkansas but the nation in conservation education.”
In other business, the Commission:
- Heard from Darrell Bowman, recreation and access coordinator, who gave a thorough presentation on the many ways various AGFC divisions support outdoor recreation tourism and public access to the outdoors throughout the state.
- Recognized U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Regional Director Paul Wilkes, who presented Matt Warriner, assistant chief of wildlife management for the AGFC, with the Conservation Partnership Award for his leadership of the Federal Aid Working Group on behalf of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs, benefitting wildlife, sport fish and their habitats as well as public access both nationally and throughout The Natural State.
- Recognized Chad Warner from PRADCO Outdoor Brands, who updated the commission on the current state of the fishing industry and PRADCO’s investments in Arkansas’s outdoors.
- Recognized Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation President Deke Whitbeck, who updated the Commission on the Foundation’s fundraising efforts and progress on the revitalization of exhibits at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center.
- Authorized AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock to complete a permanent property easement over approximately 0.40 acres within Camp Robinson Special Use Area and Stone Prairie Wildlife Management Area to Mid-Arkansas Utilities to build and maintain an underground water line across the property.
- Authorized Director Schoenrock to execute all documents needed to accept a 0.39-acre easement and a 0.12-acre easement on the Little Missouri River at Gilmer Bridge in Pike County to be used as a public access area on the south side of the river off Pike County Road 153.
- Authorized Director Schoenrock to execute all documents needed to execute a permanent right-of-way easement on 2.8 acres at Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area for the construction and maintenance of overhead power lines through the area.
- Authorized the removal of a building on Harold E. Alexander Spring River Wildlife Management Area from commission inventory.
- Authorized a budget increase of $23,000 to the capital outlay budget from existing operations and maintenance funds to purchase hardware needed for satellite internet service at the Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex in Mayflower and the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery at Mammoth Spring.
- Authorized a budget increase of $227,000 to the FY2025-26 agency budget from the Stability and Enhancement Fund to pay for demolition and removal of the remains of the Jonesboro Field Office that burned earlier this year and design services for a similar replacement building.
- Authorized Director Schoenrock to enter into and amend the agency’s subgrant agreement with the University of the Ozarks to provide $202,500 of available federal funding through unobligated federal Wildlife Restoration Program and Hunter Education funds for its ongoing shooting range partnership with the university. The AGFC has already committed to helping fund up to $2 million in matching funds to construct an outdoor public shooting facility with a combination skeet, trap, pistol and rifle range on university property in Johnson County.
A video of the meeting is available on the AGFC’s YouTube Channel.
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – In 2023, the Arkansas Legislative Council set aside $200 million for the construction of a new state-of-the art, Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL). The legislature approved requests totaling $19. 4 million for the architectural designs, purchase of the land and to cover contractor costs. In September 2025, the Legislative Council’s Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) Subcommittee approved $131.9 million for construction and building costs. The Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the umbrella agency for the crime laboratory and as good stewards of the state’s money the new building is projected to come in approximately $48 million under the original projected cost of $200 million.
The current crime lab moved into a building at #3 Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock in April of 1981. It shared the building with the Arkansas State Police until 1997 when they moved to their new headquarters in southwest Little Rock. The laboratory then took over the 80,000 square foot building. However, it quickly outgrew the space.
According to the ASCL, the number of deceased Arkansans has increased by 25% in the last two years. Furthermore, the state’s forensic capabilities have fallen behind mainly due to the fact the current crime lab is more than 40 years old. Limited space and outdated infrastructure have made the job harder. In many cases two employees working in a space meant for one, and lab and administrative duties are carried out in the same small and cramped areas. The laboratory plays a critical role in public health and safety and the new building will improve and expand the space needed to transform forensic work across the state.
The new building is expected to be completed by July 2027 and will be three stories tall, 190,000 square feet and sit on 19 acres in North Little Rock. It will more than double the current capacity. The facility will allow the lab to advance its technology and expand its capabilities. Plans include implementing rapid DNA testing at law enforcement booking stations across the state that will help improve turnaround time and statewide coordination. In addition to lab functions, the new facility will create opportunities for public engagement, training, and education. Officials hope these upgrades will not only improve service delivery but also strengthen partnerships with communities and law enforcement across the state which is invaluable to their work.
DPS has made a conscious effort to significantly boost salaries for lab employees to the established labor market rate to attract qualified candidates and retain them. In fact, two new forensic pathologists were recruited to the crime lab in October, marking significant advancement in forensic science in Arkansas, addressing the nationwide shortage of board-certified forensic pathologists. Across the United States, there are only about 800 board-certified forensic pathologists despite an estimated need for nearly twice that number. By securing two top-tier recruits, ASCL is strengthening its capacity to serve the citizens of Arkansas while setting a new standard of excellence.