RNN Sports photojournalist Ronni Tate Young of Charleston is on the court tonight at Walton Arena to bring you special photos from tonight’s Razorbacks mens basketball game with South Dakota State!
Watch for a special photo essay on tonight’s game on RNN Sports online this weekend! Just click on residentnewsnetwork.com and access the photos at no charge.
This is a special feature for our readers and we thank you for reading RNN Sports!
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking waterfowl hunters heading to the field this weekend to remain vigilant for any concentrations of sick or dead birds they find in the wild that may be the result of avian influenza. The risk of humans contracting the disease remains low, but hunters can help further minimize that risk by following a few simple precautions.
Hunters and wildlife watchers who observe concentrations of sick or dead birds should contact the AGFC’s wildlife health program with information about the species, number of birds affected and location at agfc.health@agfc.ar.gov.
“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in domestic poultry flocks this year as well as one wild bird in Arkansas,” Dr. Jenn Ballard, state wildlife veterinarian for the AGFC, said. “It also has been confirmed throughout the Mississippi Flyway, so it was just a matter of time before we found it here.”
According to Ballard, various low pathogenicity strains of influenza always circulate in wild bird populations. The particular variant known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza causing recent headlines has much more potential to spread and has caused billions of dollars of damage to domestic poultry production in Asia, Europe and North America.
“HPAI was found in domestic birds in North America before, forcing producers to quarantine and eliminate flocks to prevent further spread, but it always fizzled out in wild birds,” Dr. Ballard said. “It now seems to have adapted to wild birds to a point that it is persisting. Dozens of species have been confirmed with thousands of birds dying.”
The risk for humans to contract HPAI is still very low, and cases where the disease has infected humans came from situations where working conditions caused people to be in close proximity to infected poultry.
As a general precaution, hunters should use good hygiene practices when handling, cleaning and preparing harvested waterfowl.
The more concerning risk associated with HPAI is its potential for spillover to domestic poultry.
Agricultural officials urge poultry producers to implement biosecurity measures around their flocks, especially during periods of waterfowl migration, but hunters who have contact with poultry should use extra caution. Avoid contact between poultry and wild birds or their parts. After handling waterfowl, change or clean clothing, shoes and other equipment before coming into contact with poultry, including commercial production facilities and backyard flocks.
More information on avian influenza is available at USDA APHIS’s website.
By Adam Allen
The 2021-2022 season saw the Waldron Bulldogs capture their third straight conference title and finish the year undefeated in the Waldron Activity Center, passionately referred to as the WAC. In fact, the Bulldogs have not lost a contest inside the friendly walls of the 34-year-old gymnasium in 675 days and counting. That’s right, Waldron last dropped a game at home on January 8th, 2021. “There is just something special about this place”, added Bulldogs Coach Josh Atchley, “it’s got some magic in it.” The ‘magic’ that he is referring to just might be the passionate Bulldog fans that found themselves getting to enjoy Bulldog basketball nearly every night at home this opening week.
The opening opponent of the Bulldogs was the 2A defending state champion Lavaca Golden Arrows on Tuesday, November 8th. Some early season jitters were evident as the Bulldogs struggled to find any consistency on the offensive end throughout the opening quarter of play. As the first quarter ended, the Dogs found themselves with seven turnovers and holding a narrow three-point advantage, 11-8. However, the next quarter Waldron started to heat up, growing their lead to nine as they capitalized at the free throw line going 11 for 13 in the second quarter alone. Senior guard Petey Justice opened up the second half on both ends of the floor. Lavaca dumped the ball down low as Justice stood his ground and absorbed the contact for an offensive foul. On the next trip down the court, senior guard Lidge Stinson dropped off a no-look pass to Justice in the middle of the lane where he finished an acrobatic lay-in. Battling foul trouble the entire first half, the Bulldogs returning all-state guard Trenton Hunt heated up in the 3rd. A steal led to a hoop and harm for the senior and then a transition three-point bucket pushed the Bulldogs’ lead to ten. Senior guard Ethan Mayberry intercepted the next pass and pushed it coast to coast with the lay in, as Hunt finished a baseline drive. The scoring run had built the lead to 16 and forced Lavaca to call a time-out.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair with Lavaca cutting into the Dogs’ lead but never could get it back below ten, winning by a final of 55-43, marking the first regular season loss for the Golden Arrows since Christmas time of last year. Hunt lead Waldron in scoring with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Mayberry finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Seniors Forrest Efurd and Lidge Stinson each added 8 points as well.
In the second game of the week-long homestand, the Bulldogs welcomed the Paris Eagles to town. A familiar opponent of the Dogs in past seasons as conference foes, these two had played against each other an amazing five times last season with Paris upsetting the top-seeded Bulldogs in the opening round of the district tournament, before Waldron got revenge in an overtime thrilling victory in the regional tournament. With both teams being state tournament participants last season, as well as each returning several key contributors, this game was set up to be a great early-season challenge for both sides. The scoring started with a step-back three-pointer by Hunt to get the Dogs on the board, which in turn made it rain stuffed animals on the floor. The annual ‘Toy Toss’ game features a toy drive where all items collected are donated to the Waldron City Hall to assist families at Christmas time. It wasn’t long before Mayberry got in on the three-point shooting by adding one of his own from the right wing.
The Bulldogs found themselves in foul trouble throughout most of the first half, but the scoring didn’t stop as Efurd, sophomore Roky Avila, and senior Kason Moudy stepped up for the Bulldogs on the offensive end and Hunt finished the first half with 15 points. Petey Justice and senior Jacob Daggs grabbed numerous rebounds and every loose ball en route to securing twelve boards between them. Avila, 6 foot 4, looked the part as he finished with eight points on the block for Waldron as they grew the advantage to 52-33 entering the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter showcased several of the young Dogs as sophomores Aden Allen and Keegan Lynch, along with juniors Kason Davis and Kaiden Johnson all got in on the scoring. Hunt finished with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Mayberry added 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Efurd had 9 points and was 3 of 4 from the three-point line. Coach Atchley had this to say about his team’s early season performances, “This team is so fun to coach. They absolutely understand the value of celebrating each other. Next time you watch a game notice how those guys love to hype each other up. I am proud of how they handled the challenges this tough opening week brought them. We will continue to iron out some personnel packages that we have been working on and really grasp our roles on this team. I just want to add a ‘Thank You’ to everyone who packed the WAC this week. We have been tough to beat in our gym and it is because of the energy you guys bring. Everyone wants to fly the W!”
Waldron will hit the road next week and head to Magazine for a four-game night on Tuesday, November 15, and finish the week in the opening round of the Mansfield Turkey Week Shootout when they take on the Tigers on Friday.
Marilyn (Wagner) Wheelis, better known as Sue to most, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, November 14, 2022 near Waldron, Arkansas with her family by her side. Marilyn was born December 7, 1956 in Mena, Arkansas to T.G. Wagner and Charlotte Millard. She was 65 years old.
Marilyn was a very laid-back person. She was happy just being surrounded by family and enjoying life. Marilyn loved her extended family and the close bond she had with them. Light blue and purple were her favorite colors. She did love to shop and especially finding a good yard sale to treasure hunt. She could always seek out a bargain and was proud of her goodies. Marilyn was a kind person and always had a big warm smile for those around her.
Marilyn leaves behind to cherish her memory, one brother Tim Wagner and wife Treva of Waldron, Arkansas and her nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to her as Big Sis: Jennifer (Chris) McCafferty, Amber (Torrance) Underwood, Misty (Danny) Parsons, Amber (Clint) Scott, and Daniel Urban all of Waldron, Arkansas. Marilyn also leaves a legacy of love and care with her greats: Samantha, Kodi and Danielle Underwood, Destiny and Trinity McCafferty, Brooklyn and Erika Brothers, Shelby Parsons, Lanee Powell, Brayden and Korie Underwood, Hunter and Trent Copeland and Lane Scott. Marilyn will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of cousins and friends she loved dearly.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother Christine Branham and husband Ray, father T.G. Wagner and wife Rose and grandparents, Iva and Sammie Wagner and Leona and Clifton Millard.
Marilyn’s life celebration will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt, Rev. Konnor McKay and Rev. Reiko Cothran officiating. Interment will follow in the Earl Ladd Cemetery near Danville, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Marilyn’s pallbearers will be Torrance Underwood, Clint Scott, Chris McCafferty, Danny Parsons, Hunter Copeland and Trent Copeland. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Evans, Jamie Hale, Jimmie Hale, Jeff Cabe and Justin Burton.
Marilyn’s visitation will be Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Jason Drew Dean of Pryor, OK was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 8 at 2:48 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Dean was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State.
Joshua Lee Featherstone of Subiaco was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 10 at 6:28 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Featherstone was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Assist Outside Agency-Misd.
Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Terry Ross Moore of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 10 at 4:13 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Moore was charged with parole violation, possession of drug paraphernalia – pack or repack and other, and possession of drug paraphernalia – ingest.
Charles Edward Weathers of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 7 at 3:58 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Weathers was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Schedule I/II Felony <2g, and Contempt of Court–(child support), FTAS, FTRespond Subpoena, FTComply WCO.
Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
William Barry Witt of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 9 at 3:33 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Witt was charged with Fugitive from Justice Out of State, Assist Outside Agency-Felony, and Theft of Property >$1k–motor vehicle.
Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Vernon Renfroe, 44 of Pine Bluff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 10 at 4:37 a.m. Renfroe was charged with absconding and failure to appear.
Hartley Ducharme, 58 of Waldron was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 10 at 7:28 p.m. Ducharme was charged with disorderly conduct.
Nicole Millsaps-Bollingham, 44 of Delaware, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 11 at 2:44 p.m. Bollingham was charged with failure to appear, and two counts of theft by receiving.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
By Cassie Coben OM VFW Post 1345 Auxiliary President
Waldron Middle School, Mrs. Tammy Chronister, and the WMS Student Council held their yearly Veteran’s Day program today. As always it was a very heart-touching ceremony and we appreciate their efforts!
The Ouachita Mountains VFW Post 1345 and Auxiliary would like to thank Mrs. Rachael Poor for her hard work with the 8thgrade students and the Patriot’s Pen Essay competition. We had close to 120 entries this year and Mrs. Poor always makes our job a bit easier by narrowing the number down to around 10. Members of the VFW Post and Auxiliary judged the remaining essays and chose the 3 winners. This year’s 1st place winner with a prize of $300, is Harlow Dickens, 2nd place, winning $200, Diann Balance and 3rd place Stephanie Parish winning $100.
Once again, we thank everyone involved in making this program so awesome every year!
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The 75th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has named the 2022 County Farm Families of the Year.
The 2022 Sebastian County Farm Family of the year is the Crelias. Caleb Crelia, his wife Hannah, and their two children, Thadd, age 2, and Halle, age five months, reside in the Washburn area. The family operates a cattle farm in the Dayton community.
The current family farm has been in operation for a year, however, Caleb Crelia has spent a lifetime working in agriculture.
The Farm Family of the Year program begins each year with the selection of top farm families in each county and culminates in December with the selection of the state Farm Family of the Year.
Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program has served as a vehicle to recognize outstanding farm families throughout the state. The objectives of the Farm Family of the Year program are:
Selection as Arkansas Farm Family of the Year include efficiency of production, conservation of energy and resources, leadership in agricultural and community affairs, home and farm improvement, and home and farm management.
Sponsors of the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program are Arkansas Farm Bureau, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Additionally, support for the program is provided by the Arkansas Agriculture Department, Arkansas Department of Career Education, Arkansas Press Association, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development.
Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of almost 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.
Congratulations to Crelia and his family on this outstanding achievement!
Sylvia Irene Plante, passed away peacefully on, November 12, 2022, while staying with family in Waldron, Arkansas. Sylvia was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on September 13, 1945, to James Mitchell Sr. and Evelyn (Cox) Mitchell.
Sylvia was married to the love of her life Maurice Plante for 52 years. Sylvia enjoyed travel across the country with her husband. She loved the Grand Canyon and spoke about her trip there often. Sylvia mostly loved to sit by the Ocean any chance she got. Sylvia loved reading, and fishing, she loved going to the Christmas Tree store. Sylvia loved to plant flowers all around her home. She had many hobbies, like crochet, pottery, flower arrangements. Sylvia, my mom, always made home feel like home. She cherished her family and would do anything for them. She will be missed beyond words.
Sylvia leaves behind her beloved daughter Julie Kilfoyle-Kelly and her husband John Mitchell Kelly of Leominster MA. She leaves her son, Steven Plante of Hampstead, NC. Four grandchildren, Jason A. Kilfoyle, Shawn. Kilfoyle of Winchendon MA. Eric Plante of NH and his wife Rose. Jacob Plante of NH. Sylvia leaves two great granddaughters, Sophia Rose Kilfoyle, and Vivian Plante. One sister: Gloria Avery of Waldron, AR.: Brother, Jim Mitchell of NH. Sylvia leaves many nieces and nephews, and was very close to her God, Daughter Cathy Belletete, and her husband Casey also from Waldron AR. Sylvia leaves her sisters-in-law Beatrice Morgan and Shirley Mitchell, among many nieces and nephews.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Maurice Plante, on August 17, 2016.
Sylvia’s life celebration will be Monday, November 14, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating.
Finally arrangements will be announced at a later date.
On November 11, 2022, our beloved matriarch was peacefully reunited in heaven with her son Randy and husband Robert. A mother of four, and grandmother of two, Betty Jo Lee was the third child born to Emmett Earl and Bertha (Dannenberg) Hines.
Betty Jo spoke fondly of her childhood years as a daughter of Waldron, the only town she ever called home. Betty Jo married Robert Lee in 1947, and welcomed the births of her beloved children Richard (husband to Lisa), Mike (husband to Viera), Randy, and Diana (wife to Dave). These were some of her happiest times, and some of her favorite memories to recount. This joy was sadly interrupted by the untimely passing of her son Randy, whom she loved tremendously.
Betty Jo found great purpose and support as a teacher, city-councilwoman, reporter, and as a committed friend to all. In her later years, she was devout in her love for her grandchildren, Miranda (wife to Ian, a welcome new grandson-in-law) and Gerick.
She was preceded in death by husband Robert, sisters Barbara Huston; Lela Rae Luttrell; and Elsie Earl Robbins, son Randy, and nephew Billy Luttrell. She leaves behind a sea of family and friends, including her children, Richard (Lisa); Mike (Viera); and Diana (Dave) Ward, grandchildren Gerick and Miranda (Ian) Johnson, niece Susan (Pat Svacina) Huston and nephew Robert (Kim) Huston. All of us will miss her terribly.
Betty Jo’s Mass will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Father Les officiating. Interment will take place at Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted with Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Betty Jo’s pallbearers will be: Don Jones, Horacio ‘Junior’ Gonzalez, Don Smith, James Forbes, Neal Sparks and Terry Pyle.
Betty Jo’s Rosary will be held at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Waldron, Arkansas on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 5:30 pm. Her visitation will follow from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, it was Betty Jo’s wish that donations be made in memory of Randy Lee to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay and Mac Davis. Board member Tammye Sherrill was not present. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Tonya Cluck, Ryan Walker, Keith Brigance, Cheyenne Smith, Zack Taylor, and Chris Lipham.
Vice-President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
Mac Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer.
Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 17th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the recommendation of Superintendent Daniel Fielding to give all licensed and classified employees a one-time bonus in the amount of $750.00 to be paid November 18th. Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Fielding informed the board about some negotiations that are taken place with the two buses that are being leased in order to purchase them.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to appoint Clay Woodall as School Board President. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to appoint Mac Davis as School Board Vice-President. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Clay Woodall and seconded by Mac Davis to appoint Angela Hunsucker as School Board Secretary. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to appoint Clay Woodall as Voting Delegate for ASBA. Motion carried 4-0.
Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building. Mr. Walker reported that ABC/First Step will be having cookie and ornament decorating with parents coming up. He also stated that there are 33 students enrolled in Adventure Online Academy. Mrs. Smith told the board about the great success of the Fall Festival, even after having to move it to the FBC Family Life Center. Mr. Taylor informed the board of all the activities happening at the Middle School, some of which include; Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming Spirit Week, Socials that have started back up, Veterans Days program, Paint Party and Pep Rally’s. Ms.
Cluck was so proud of how Homecoming went and how great the floats looked this year. She also stated the “Be Proud Be Pro” was a huge hit for the students.
Superintendent Fielding informed the board members that there are a lot of good things going on in our school system. He spoke about the reading program where the high school students are going to the elementary school and reading to the students and how much they all enjoy it.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the resignation of Ashley O’Dell as of November 14, 2022. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to transfer Haleigh Hunt to ½ time ABC Paraprofessional and ½ time First Step Paraprofessional retroactive to November 1, 2022. With 2 years’ experience. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konner McKay to hire Patricia Slade as High School Paraprofessional effective November 7, 2022. Motion carried 4-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
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