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Obituary – Hubert Lawson (1954-2022)

Hubert Lawson of Booth, Arkansas passed from this life, Thursday, April 21, 2022 in Booth with loved ones by his side. Hubert was born January 23, 1954 in Riverside County, California to Donald Lawson and Thelma O. (Lang) Lawson. He was 68 years old.

Hubert Lawson was from the old school of “a man is only as good as his word”. If he gave you his word, consider it done. A man of few words, Hubert strived daily to pass on a legacy of hard work, determination and following through with the task at hand to his family. He loved his family and enjoyed time with them.


Hubert leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sons: Seth Lawson of Booth, Arkansas and Phillip Nolen of Greenwood, AR. Grandpa will forever remain in the heart of his grandson Colton Scott Lawson. Hubert will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family and friends.

Hubert was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Thelma Lawson, his wife , Cindy Jo Lawson, one daughter, Jessica Lawson and two brothers: Bill Lawson and Randy Lawson.

Hubert’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Cedar Grove Cemetery with Donny Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Booth, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Hubert’s pallbearers will be Dustin Clopton, Austin Coe, Justin Johnson, Derek Elmore, Kenny Williams and Cody Robles.

Hubert’s visitation will be Monday, April 25, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Booneville Survives Late Paris Rally, Defeats Eagles 8-7

It has been said many times before, and it still holds true. Regardless of sport, anytime Paris and Booneville get together for a contest, it is going to be hotly contested. And Friday’s game at Paris was no exception. It was a game that was well-played by both schools, and the quality of play was exceptional. Both teams are very good and should go far in the weeks to follow in post-season play.

And if it were not enough to play Booneville in the final regular season game for the Eagles, it was Senior Day in which seven outstanding Paris seniors were honored. The 2022 class of Eagles have made significant impacts in the sports of football, basketball, and baseball, and as a result, have been one of the most successful senior classes in recent memory for Paris athletics. Each senior is an outstanding person as well as athlete, and they will all be sorely missed next season. The Paris seniors have set a high bar of expectations for Eagles athletics, and it will be a challenge for future classes of athletes.

Paris trailed for most of the game until Eagles junior Mason Bradley tied the game with a deep, two-run home run over the left field fence. Bradley’s blast tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning at 5-5. Bradley had a big week, pitching over five innings of stellar relief on Wednesday to give the Eagles a chance to win over Dover, and then contributing offensively on Friday against the Beaarcats. Booneville answered with three runs to re-take the lead at 8-7. But the Eagles would not quit, and that has been their signature all season.

The Eagles scratched for two more runs in the bottom of the seventh and had the tying run aboard when the inning and the game came to a close. Booneville would hold on to win the game, 8-7. It was a tremendous game by both teams, and considering the competitiveness that both schools have for each other, it was well-played with minimal fireworks from either team.

Resident News Network will have more next week on the upcoming 3A-4 district baseball tournament that will be held next week at Cedarville. Stay with RNN Sports for the best coverage of the high school baseball playoffs!

“Just Roll with It” Serving Up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins
Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Such a beautiful spring day this Friday, birds are singing, and the sun is shining. Our heavenly Father sure made us a beautiful place to live. I believe it was back in 1982, give or take, that I worked in Fort Smith at an engineering company. Curtis Feimster also worked there and we rode to work together. Fun is not a strong enough word to describe our time at that establishment. I have a story or two to tell on Curtis, but I will wait for another time.

One day while there, I was reading the paper and spotted an advertisement for a trip to Nashville. It was going with a group on a tour bus, and it was like a three-day trip. I called Lisa Smith Favela and asked her if she wanted to go. We paid our money and could not wait till the time to leave. We hadn’t been anywhere so we were so excited. We were to meet the bus at Central Mall and leave from there. Guess what? Lisa and I were late getting there. Thankfully they didn’t run off and leave us. They were not happy when we got there. They loaded our luggage and we went to get on the bus and this is the kicker. The bus was loaded with senior citizens. Now here we are two teenagers and a bus full of senior citizens.

While we were getting on the bus they all acted mad at us for being late and they were giving us the snake eye. We go on our fun-filled weekend with a busload of senior citizens. There was only one other young couple maybe in their early 20s on the bus. They were on their honeymoon of all things on this bus. I love elderly people and I am now one of those elderly. We loaded up and decided to make the best of it. Needless to say, we ended up having a blast. We went to the Grand Ole Opry, Twitty City, Opryland theme park, we met Johnny Cash’s mother, toured Elvis Presley’s airplane–the Lisa Marie, saw Graceland from the road, and went down one of the famous strips in Nashville. We didn’t let them old folks slow us down. We were late for almost everything but they decided to just deal with us. Even the bus driver liked us before it was over. I will never forget that trip, it was so much fun. Lots of laughs for sure.

Y’all know I am on a poke cake kick. I love a good ole poke cake. They are easy and quick to take somewhere. This week we are doing a coconut one. Coconut is my favorite. When I was a kid I always requested a coconut cake for my birthday.

COCONUT POKE CAKE
1 White Cake Mix (if you can find it, use a coconut flavored cake mix)
1 Can Cream of Coconut (this is not alcohol, but is found with the drink mixes)
Sweetened flaked coconut
Make the cake mix according to the package directions. Poke holes in it and pour the cream of coconut on top. When the cake is cooled, spread Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with flaked coconut. Keep the cake in the refrigerator. Enjoy the cake and have a blessed week.

Sebastian County Fire Association Honors Longtime Service Leaders

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Sebastian County Fire Association meeting, held on Thursday evening, April 21, long-standing President Gary Lawrence was honored for his years of service.

Lawrence, who had served as President for many years, stepped down from that position last month.

The association also honored former Vice President Noel Yowell and former County Training Officer Duane Logsdon for their leadership roles within the association.

Pictured from left: Secretary/Treasurer – Mary Yowell (E.M.P. VFD; Vice President – Gary Lawrence (Huntington VFD); President – Gina Condren (White Bluff- Rye Hill VFD)

Members voted unanimously to appoint Gina Condren from White Bluff’s VFD as President. The new board will also consist of Lawrence as Vice President, and Paul Sanders from Lavaca’s VFD as Training Officer. Mary Yowell from E.M.P. VFD will continue to serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

Paris Softball Senior Day Re-scheduled to May 2

Rainy weather in the last weeks of the regular season has forced the re-scheduling of the Paris softball Senior Day ceremony and game.

The regular season game with Acorn has now been cancelled and the Lady Eagles softball program has scheduled Lavaca to play in a non-conference game in Paris on Monday, May 2. Senior Day ceremonies will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the game will begin at 5 p.m.

RNN will be in Paris to bring you coverage of both Senior Day and the game with the Lady Golden Arrows in its online edition on May 3.

Alma Defeats Paris 9-1 in Non-conference Game on Thursday

It has been a tough season for the Paris softball program this year, and on Thursday, their struggles continued with a 9-1 five innings loss at Class 5A Alma. The Lady Eagles’ offensive troubles continued against the Lady Airedales. With the loss, Paris drops to 11-14 on the season as they now turn their attention to next week’s district tournament.

This year has been a bit of a surprise for Paris softball fans. The Lady Eagles returned all starters from last year’s state semifinal team with the exception of all state pitcher, Jayden Hart. Hart was clearly the difference last year for Paris, and that loss due to graduation in 2022 has only been amplified.

With all of that said, Paris is still an experienced and talented team, and will be a dangerous out in post-season play. The post-season is a chance to wipe the slate clean from a disappointing regular season, and more often than not, a team can get hot just at the right time and make a run through the post-season. Just look at St. Peters in the NCAA Mens’ Basketball Tournament this year as the low seeded St. Peters team upset the giants of the tournament and lost just short of making the Final Four. I would not count out the tournament-experienced Lady Eagles.

As of press time, there is an issue with a possible make-up game with Acorn to celebrate Senior Day for the Lady Eagles. As soon as that information is know, RNN will let our readers know of the re-scheduled date.

Resident News Network Sports will be in Paris today for the Eagles baseball game with Booneville. Senior Day ceremonies will begin at 4:15 p.m., and the first pitch is slated for 5 p.m.

Stay with RNN Sports for the best coverage in baseball and softball post-season play that begins next week!

Obituary – Edna Jo Jett Johnson (1935-2022)

Edna Jo Jett Johnson was called home, Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with family by her side. She was born in a small house in Hon, Arkansas, on August 10th, 1935. She was born the fifth child of George Delmar Jett and Jenny Tellie Cole Jett. At the age of six, her father passed, and her mother married Tom Cheek, who raised her as his own his remaining years. She spent her childhood fighting her sister, Anna over scarce undergarments (something they both laughed about decades later). She attended Waldron Schools walking two miles, uphill, in the snow both ways. 


On August 16th, 1951, at age 16, she married a handsome cowboy, John (Jake) Johnson. Together they had two children, Ronald David and 21 years later, Shanna Lynette. They spent 53 years driving each other nuts. She spent her years working at various places in Waldron where she made life-long friends.


Granny Jo spent her leisure time hunting yard sales, riding her lawnmower, spending time with her crazy family, and attending Temple Baptist Church. She was known for being a perfectionist in appearance, home décor, and her flowers. She was always ready to offer sweat tea, her famous mac-n-cheese, and a long talk. On more than one occasion she has made her family laugh until they cried (even at a couple of funerals).


Jo is truly a treasured piece of the Johnson family and community. To have known her is to never forget her, never forget her words of wisdom, and never forget her laugh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, and siblings, Iva Ridenhour, and Eursell, Lester, and Cliff Jett. 


She is survived by children, Ronnie Johnson and wife, Terri, and Shanna Smith all of Waldron; grandchildren, Cassie Deer and husband, Joey of Greenwood, Crystal Casey of Huntsville, Kelly Scott of Waldron, Zakary Smith and wife, Brittany of Mena, Jessica Hattabaugh of Russellville, and Kaylee Smith of Waldron. Great-grandchildren, Dilan Powell, Devin Powell, Hayden Deer, Preston Scott, Gavin Scott, Jaymz Scott, Gracelyn Scott, Brody Scott, Grant Casey, Tinley Smith, Emery Smith, and Chevelle Smith. Great-great-grandchildren, Cayden and Charity Deer. Siblings, Anna Jett of Grass Valley, CA. and Eugene Jett of Wittier, CA., and loads of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Brother, Jackie Smith officiating. 

Public Involvement Meeting Held for Traffic Relief Project

The Arkansas Department of Transport hosted a public involvement meeting for the City of Greenwood Traffic Relief Project on Thursday, April 21. The meeting for project 040861 and 040862 was held from 4-7 p.m. at the Greenwood First Baptist Church.

The projects consist of the widening of Hwy 10 from two lanes to five lanes with curb and gutter for 1.6 miles between Hwy 71 and Fowler Street in Sebastian County. It also includes the construction of a bypass from Hwy 10 to Hwy 96.

For those who could not be in attendance at today’s meeting, you may fill out the following for and submit it to ARDOT via mail or email.

Paris Comes From Behind to Defeat Dover 9-8 in the Bottom of the Ninth at ARVEST Ballpark

With the heavy rains that have soaked most of the state, Wednesday was filled with doubt as to whether the non-conference match between Dover and Paris scheduled for ARVEST Ballpark in Springdale would be played. But as it turned out, the rain stopped, and Northwest Arkansas seemed to be not as affected by the heavy rains as had the River Valley. So, it was “game on” in Springdale, and on a cool and overcast afternoon that eventually turned to night in an extra innings thriller, the Paris Eagles completed a comeback to win in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Eagles won in “walk off” fashion when senior Nate Henderson sacrificed a lead runner to third base and was followed by another senior, Cooper Haley, hit the game winning RBI to score Konnor Edwards from third with one out to defeat Dover, 9-8. Junior relief pitcher, Mason Bradley, in a gutty relief appearance, got the win on the mound for the Eagles.

Resident News Network Sports Photo / Jim Best

Eagles coach Josh Hart, thrilled with his team’s effort and comeback win at ARVEST Ballpark, said after the game that he thought, “It will be a game that they will remember for the rest of their lives and will talk about for a long time. It was an awesome experience getting to play on such a nice field and win in a thrilling nine inning, one run game.”

And thrilling it was. Paris started the game with a big first inning, retiring the side in the top half and then scoring three runs in the bottom of the first. Dover then scored in a big fifth inning to give the Pirates a 6-4 lead. Coach Hart said after the game, “But we never backed down or let it bother us. Mason Bradley came in to relieve in the fourth and shut them down holding them scoreless for five and two thirds innings. That was huge for us. He gave us the chance by holding them to come back and tie it in the sixth. That allowed us to set up the walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth. These boys just don’t have any quit in them and never get rattled.

This special group of seniors will be honored tomorrow in a Senior Day pregame ceremony in their last home game. The opponent will be Booneville, and I expect this very special group of Paris athletes will give it their best in their final home appearance in a Paris uniform.

The Paris win over the 4A Dover Pirates was a big one for the Eagles as they now prepare to end the conference season and look ahead to the district tournament and beyond. The Eagles are deep in talent and experience, and have plenty of pitching to make a deep run in the state tournament.

Resident News Network Sports will be in Alma today to bring you coverage of a non-conference game between Paris and the Lady Airedales. First pitch in Alma is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Stay with RNN Sports for the latest in River Valley baseball and softball action!

Candidate for State Representative Responds to Incumbent’s Address

In an article published on the Greenwood Resident on Wednesday, April 20 we covered the Focus on Greenwood meeting in which current State Representative Dr. Lee Johnson served as guest speaker. Johnson spoke about his campaign and issues during that meeting. –FULL STORY HERE– In the interest of fairness, we reached out to his opponent, and candidate, Wade Dunn. He responded with the following statement:

“There is not an elephant in the room. There is a RINO in the room. Lee Johnson is a good guy, he’s just not a conservative. He’s a woke politician. He’s voted for upwards of $1 billion in tax increases, he’s voted with a handful of democrats to stop a bill that would have prohibited chemical|surgical castrations on underage children in gender reassignment procedures, and he’s voted against the Republican Party platform principles time and time again.

Lee can play politics on the transgender chemical|surgical castration issue all he wants – fact is he never went to the well and raised any issues with the bill, never filed an amendment, or yet never tried to alter the outcome. Now, he wants to say I’m attacking him personally. This is not a personal issue with him. Lee Johnson is a nice guy. He just has no convictions on conservative issues. He’s just wrong!”