William Earl Hooks born June 9, 1941 was a follower of Christ as well as a devoted husband and father. William enjoyed quiet country living and the cowboy way of life. His hobbies included gardening, farming, watching westerns and bull riding, spending time with family and eating homemade pies in his man-cave.
William leaves behind to cherish his memory four daughters: Sherri Hooks, Rhonda Campbell, Melissa Wright and husband Keith, Carla Wise and husband Bill; one son, Steven Hooks; three brothers, Lonnie Hooks, Eldon Hooks and Carl Hooks; one sister, Velma Thompson and a host of grandkids and great grandkids
He was preceded in death by his parents Warren A. Hooks and Dolpha Lindsey Hooks; wife, the love of his life, Marilyn Beaty Hooks; son, Jesse Lee Hooks; grandson, Dustin Lee Hooks; one brother, Jearld Hooks and two sisters, Geniva Dunnaway and Lucille Dunnaway.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.
I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. Psalm 119:147
Safely Home I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light.
All pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade’ Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt, dread’
Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s will.
There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth You shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When the work is all completed, He will gently call you home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!
Billy Wayne Wagner of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, August 28, 2022 at the age of 78. He was the youngest of four children, born November 6, 1943 to Dale and Velma (Jones) Wagner. Billy was a veteran of the Gulf War in the U.S. Army and was a retired Iron Worker and farmer.
On June 3, 1966, he married the love of his life, Amenda Lee Trumble (Wagner). Together, they raised three children and enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Billy loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In his retirement years, he was an avid reader and enjoyed maintaining a meticulous lawn.
Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years, Amenda Wagner; three sons, Travis Wagner and wife Sonya of Greenwood, AR; Clint Wagner and wife Mary of Anchorage, AK; and Ross Wagner and husband Patrick Taylor of Miami, FL; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his beloved Pomeranian, Mitzi.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Velma (Jones) Wagner; one brother, DJ Wagner; and two sisters, Melba Mourton and Shirley Slaughterbeck.
Services will be held at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron. Public visitation will be Wednesday, 31 August from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Life will be Thursday, 1 September at 2:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery near Waldron.
Billy’s pallbearers will be: Chase Wagner, Luke Scott, Steve Mourton, Will Vaughan, John Trumble and Terrell Trumble. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeto Piles, Mac Lee, Jim Williams and Charlie Jackson.
Contributed by Cassie Coben The Scott County Board of Election Commissioners held the ballot draw on August 29, 2022 in a public meeting. This draw was to determine the placement of candidate’s names on the ballot for the November Election.
Several local County and City candidates were in attendance including, Brad Evans, Randy Shores, Tracy McPherson, Tom Wagner, June Haas, Tim Starr, Clint McPherson, Dave Tull, Jamie Goff and Doyle Dickens. Also in attendance, representing the Scott County TEA Party, Gary Epperson. Y
ou can see the sample ballots for November on this website: https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView
Phones are designed to be intuitive and user friendly. They connect us to friends and family close and far away. They also can cause us to miss out on things happening right in front of us. My screen time is something I struggle with, and I’m trying to get a better hold on it.
There are several things to think about and implement to reduce the amount of time we use looking at our phones. Whatever your reason for wanting to put the phone down, it’s possible to lower that screen time amount.
Implement phone free zones, or parts of your day that your phone is put away. Deciding your phone doesn’t belong in your bedroom or at the table is a good place to start.
Limit your notifications- go into settings and tweak what apps send you notifications. Do you feel you must check every comment you get on Facebook? Turn off Facebook notifications to limit the desire to unlock and check.
Have a clear goal in mind. Smartphones are tools, they aren’t inherently bad. If you decide to sit on your couch and scroll social media as a way to unwind, that is okay. If you open your phone to find a recipe on Pinterest keep the task and find that recipe. When choosing what to do make sure you have a clear idea in mind, even if just scrolling is your idea.
Find screen time alternatives- feeling bored will happen. Rather than immediately grabbing your smart phone to dash away the board feelings think of something else to do. When was the last time you played solitaire? Have any books to read? Looked through an old photo album? Taught yourself a new hobby? The options are endless, think outside the phone case and come up with something different to do.
Turn your phone on loud and put it up. If you have your notifications limited it will be safe to check when a message or phone call comes through. Until then, put your phone in a safe space but out of site. It’s easier to resist the urge to pick up your phone when it’s not directly beside you.
Last, set those screen time limits and stick to them. Facebook effects my mood in a way Pinterest does not. So while I want to spend less time on Facebook, I enjoy looking at Pinterest when my children are napping. For that reason I want to set a limit for Facebook and then an overall limit for my whole phone. This lets me know when I’ve been paying too much attention to the virtual world and not enough attention on the real world.
Give yourself some grace if you are on a mission to lower your screen time. It may be a work in progress, and that’s okay. Knowing it’s something for you to work on is a great starting point.
As the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming Razorbacks football season grows each day, Hogs fans are eagerly anticipating a great season of Razorbacks football against some of the nation’s best teams. RNN Sports will bring our readers an exclusive story on the fans’ experience on game day at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium. RNN Sports will have two photographers on scene this Saturday as the Razorbacks host a big national contest with the Cincinnati Bearcats. RNN Sports photographer James Shelly will be on the sidelines to bring you the action from the field, and yours truly will be out and about the the stadium, bringing you pictures of the fans’ experience at the stadium.
Watch for this RNN Sports exclusive next week on the RNN platform. Readers can go to residentnewsnetwork.com to access this story at no charge.
The Stars and Stripes have represented our nation since 1776, and it’s still a symbol of hope, freedom, and unity for millions across the country. But just like any other piece of clothing or item in your home, there comes a time when you have to replace your flag. Multiple factors contribute to how long you can go without a replacement. Here are a few clear signs that it’s time to replace your American flag.
A Faded Flag
Exposure to the elements means eventual fading, especially if your flag is flown in a location that experiences lots of direct sunlight. Once the colors have begun to fade, that is a sign that it’s time to replace your American flag.
A Torn Flag
If your American flag is torn and worn, it’s time to replace it. The flag should never be flown in a ripped condition, as doing so would violate the U.S. Flag Code. A torn or soiled flag should be lowered and properly disposed of.
Observe how much damage it has sustained to determine whether your American flag needs replacing or repair. If you believe your American flag is showing signs of wear but is not yet ready for replacement, you need to take extra care to bring it in during inclement weather.
Indoor Flags
Flags are meant to be flown and, therefore, will sustain damage and need to be replaced. While displaying your flag indoors may improve its longevity, It should never be used outside the flag code for things like bedding or tablecloths.
If the American flag is no longer in a condition to fly with dignity and respect, then it is time for a new one. Old flags can be given to organizations like Boy Scouts of America, VFW Posts, or other patriotic societies that collect old flags for proper disposal.
Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced in its entirety by Mr. Glenn Parrish, Communications Director, Booneville School District.Mr. Parrish is a contributor to RNN Sports, and we appreciate him bringing Booneville sports news to RNN for our readers!
The Booneville Bearcats opened the season the same way they have since Doc Crowley was named head coach, with a win. This one at the expense of Dollarway, 36-6,
That’s not to suggest it was an ordinary night.
With eight minutes to play in the first half at Dollarway Cardinal Stadium the Bearcats took a 21-0 lead.
They also lost a second two-way starter to an injury on the scoring play.
After the kickoff, Dollarway picked up a pair of first downs and had reached the Bearcat 42-yard line with 3:40 to go in the half.
From there Demari Poole and Dax Goff made a stop for no gain, Poole and David Hicks made one of the 10 plays the resulted in a Cardinal loss to bring up third down.
Chase Plymale then recorded the season’s first sack and Dollarway was forced to punt giving the Bearcats 2:24 with which to work.
That would be more than enough.
Quarterback Peyton Tatum got loose for a good first down gain but a holding penalty moved the ball back to the 14-yard line.
Trace Hall bolted 86 yards from there and Goff ran for a two-point conversion and it was 29-0.
It was Hall’s third touchdown of the night. He finished with just five carries but gained 144 yards.
Before the half ended Goff and Dunn Daniel made stops for 16 yards in losses and Dollarway had totaled 49 yards in the half.
Out of the intermission Goff and Cody Elliott made another stop for negative yardage and, after a zero yardage play, an entire light bank on the Dollarway side of the field went dark, eliciting talk of a 1977 game from grandparent age fans.
After a stoppage, an agreement was reached to play the rest of the second half as if the sportsmanship rule was in effect.
It would be soon enough. Three plays to be exact.
Jace Washburn broke up a third down pass, Dollarway punted, and Goff ran 52 yards for a touchdown.
It would be Goff’s final carry and he finished with 109 yards.
Marcos Mullor added an extra point for a 36-0 lead.
Things got a little chippy after that with offsetting unsportsmanlike flags after one play on which Frank Gil had his helmet removed.
There was also a snafu with ball placement with the Bearcats ending the third quarter with a false start before a first down snap.
After another pre-snap penalty to start the fourth quarter it was first-and-10 again, essentially making the two penalties cost free.
RNN Sports Photo / Glenn Parrish
From there Garrick Barr and Dakota Mattson ran for first downs and the Bearcats were eventually at the Cardinal 6-yard line.
Rather than try to surpass the 40-point mark, the Bearcats sent on the field goal unit on a second-and-4. Mullor, freshly in uniform after arriving from Spain as an exchange student, just missed the 23-yard try.
Dollarway got on the scoreboard on a 67-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute left but Barr and Trevor Katowice prevented a try for two on what would be the final play.
The game began with Dollarway opting to defer after winning the toss.
It took the Bearcats four plays to score. Hall went 39 yards for the touchdown — he actually lost 3 yards on his first carry of 2022.
Tatum kept the ball for a two-point conversion and it was 8-0 with 10:10 left in the quarter.
On their first possession of 2022, Dollayway’s found itself in a third-and-31, then a fourth-and-31 after an incomplete pass.
The Bearcats were backed up due to a penalty on an ensuing punt return but needed only four plays to score again with Hall getting to the end zone again on an 8-yard carry.
Mullor added the PAT for a 15-0 lead with 5:26 left in the opening quarter.
Dollarway appeared to have answered with a 69-yard run but the ball carrier was marked out of bounds at the Bearcat 47.
A first down later the Bearcats took a time out but Dollarway went on to move to the 9-yard line ad had a first down.
The Bearcats got the ball back at the 14.
It took the Bearcats eight plays to go 86 yards with Rylen Ray scoring from the 13 to make it 21-0 with 8:00 to go in the second quarter.
Ray ran for 68 yards on his five carries.
The Bearcats will play their home opener on Friday against Ozark. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. —
RNN Sports Student Writer Intern, Amalyn Aloon, Charleston High School)
Note to Our Readers: The following story was written by RNN Sports Student Writer Intern, Ms Amalyn Aloon.
“We greater than me.” That’s what is displayed on the back of the warmup shirts of every lady tiger volleyball teammate. Tonight these girls really put some meaning into this quote. Although they took a loss to the Atkins Red Devils, they never quit playing as a team. Every point scored was celebrated and every score loss was given reassurance. It was a tough game for the Tigers tonight, but there is still hope for the rest of the season. As the volleyball season continues we hope to see some wins and some more of this team encouragement. The Lady Tigers will take on the the Booneville Bearcats on Tuesday and then The Hackett Hornets on Thursday.
Charleston’s recent history is to gain momentum as the season goes along and to be a factor in the post-season. One thing for sure is that the Lady Tigers will give everything they have all season and will improve with each week of the season.
Stay with RNN Sports for the latest updates on Charleston sports!
On August 10, Russellville native Amber Mickles took the reigns as CEO of the Diamond Hills Boys & Girls Club. This volunteer at heart is truly an asset and treasure within the community.
Mickles and her husband, Eric, are proud parents and grandparents. These “empty nesters” have filled their home with the company of three dogs, one cat and many chickens.
Mickles got her start with the club after moving to Paris. “I registered my daughter for softball and was asked to coach. I have never played softball and really knew nothing of the sport,” shared Mickles. “However, I volunteered anyway, because that is what you do! It was a wonderful experience actually.”
While working at the library in Paris, Mickles was able to partner with the Paris club to bring library programs and summer entertainment to kids. “The club did not have the means to transport the kids, so we went to them,” Mickles added.
As the club’s leader, Mickles plans to futher community partnerships and “keep a pulse in every town where we have a club location.” Mickles went on to stress the importance of fulfilling the club’s mission:
To enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
“I truly believe that we all have something that we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and when we come together we can make a huge impact,” Mickles explained. “The children that attend our clubs and/or involved in our sports programs need to know that they have community members cheering them on.”
Although Mickles has only been with the club for a short time, she has not wasted time in achieving her goals. Mickles is spending time with staff, and she’s impressed with the “amazing team that is committed to their area’s kids.” She added that the “BGC of the Diamond Hills also has an amazing and engaged board of directors. I look forward to working with them and growing those relationships.”
These interactions will help formulate a working plan so the team can work together and meet the needs of the children.
“I absolutely love to see children’s faces light up! And when a kid takes the time to draw you a picture or write you a note, you know you’re doing something right,” concluded Mickles. “It truly is the most gratifying job to work with kids. Obviously, it’s not always ideal, but kids sure know how to motivate you to continue on. When you can make an investment in the lives of children, you know that you are helping to impact your community long term.”
The children in the area of Alma, Mountainburg, Mulberry and Paris are fortunate to have Mickles at the helm. Her extensive experience in community programming, partnersips, leadership roles, grant writing and fundraising efforts ensure an exciting future is ahead.
Note to Our Readers: The following information was sourced from the University of Arkansas, Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson, Associate Athletic Director / Communications.
Razorbacks fans, it is game week! The Hogs open the 2022 season this Saturday in Fayetteville versus the Number 23 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bearcats are coached by Luke Fickle and were a college football national playoff team a year ago. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN starting at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
Here is some game information on this Saturday’s match-up as provided by the University of Arkansas:
• The Hogs are opening their season with a top-25 matchup in Fayetteville for the first time in program history. No. 19 Arkansas faces No. 23 Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 3, inside Razorback Stadium to begin the 2022 campaign. Kickoff between the Hogs and Bearcats is set for 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.
• This year marks the first time since 1974 that Arkansas is ranked in the preseason and opening its season against a fellow top-25 team at home. No. 20 Arkansas defeated No. 5 USC, 22-7, in a home game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark., to begin the 1974 campaign, finishing with a 6-4-1 record under legendary head coach Frank Broyles.
• QB KJ Jefferson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in all of college football, returns to lead the Razorback offense in 2022. Jefferson threw for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns while running for 664 yards with six scores on the ground last season, posting the SEC’s fourth-best passing efficiency (164.7). He is one of two returning FBS quarterbacks (Louisville QB Malik Cunningham) to lead their team in both passing and rushing yards one year ago.
• RB Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2021. The Rockledge, Fla., native earned SEC All-Freshman honors after running for 578 yards and five touchdowns last season, finishing second on the Hogs in rushing yards. Sanders was one of four Razorback ball carriers to rush for at least 500 yards in 2021 – a feat that had not been accomplished at Arkansas since 1975.
• TE Trey Knox is Arkansas’ most experienced returning pass catcher entering the 2022 campaign. After beginning his collegiate career at wide receiver, the Murfreesboro, Tenn., native, shifted to tight end last season to provide depth at the position. Knox, who has 55 receptions for 596 yards and four touchdowns in 33 career games, thrived in the role, catching 20 balls for 141 yards and one score while helping block for a ground attack that led the SEC in rushing with an average of 227.8 yards per game.
• LB Bumper Pool led the Razorbacks in total tackles with 125 last season, racking up 7.5 tackles for loss in the process. Pool, an All-America and All-SEC honoree, has posted two consecutive seasons with 100+ total tackles and boasts the second-most total tackles (320) among all FBS defenders since 2019. The Lucas, Texas, native enters 2022 with 349 career tackles – ninth-most all-time at Arkansas.
Watch for a feature story on Labor Day as RNN brings you “The Razorbacks Fans’ Game Day Experience” as we show you the game day atmosphere at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium!
