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Waldron Mayor Looks to Fulfill Work in Progress with Second Term

There is nothing more pressing than work that’s gone undone. However, for Waldron Mayor David Millard, that is the driving force behind his desire to seek a second term.

“I want to see through the things that I started in my first term,” a heartfelt Millard stated.

Mayor David Millard speaking at Dalton’s Place.

He has seen great success throughout his four years in office. He credits that success to the cooperative effort of hard-working and dedicated city employees. Since 2019, the city, under Millard’s leadership, has received multiple and sizeable grants including:

  • Fire Department – $3,900.00
  • City Park – $9,000.00
  • Cares Act – $14,337.01
  • Airport – $311,085.69
  • American Rescue – $699,032.26
  • Storm Sirens – $21,000.00
  • Broadband – $4,004,218.00
  • Sidewalks – $213,508.00
    Total Grants = $5,276,080.96

Another element of success, a vision for the city. “The folks with the broadband company (Tracy and Shanda Jones) are investing in our town. They want to put businesses in and high-end apartments on Main Street.” Millard noted that once the service is up and running, the generated revenue would be circulated back into the town.

Pictured from left: Brandon Nelson, Amanda Falconer, Mayor David Millard, Chanda and Tracy Jones

“We have so many businesses in our town that are truly an asset,” Millard stated. “My wife and I are firm believers in shopping local. We love our True Value store!”

In fact, Millard shared, that throughout the pandemic, the city brought in more revenue than when Walmart occupied the location. “The Lord has blessed our city and our finances,” he added. That prayer has been consistently on the lips of the mayor and city employees since he took office.

While the pandemic presented some difficulties, Millard was steadfast. “I didn’t feel a mask mandate was necessary. I feel like people are smart enough to take care of themselves.”

Reflecting on the past four years, Mayor Millard recalled his favorite part of the job, seeing kids and families gather together for events such as “Mayor Dave’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt.”

“It is my absolute favorite event and the thing I enjoy most,” added Millard. “Easter was always a special time for my dad, and it is for me too.” Millard takes it upon himself to provide prizes for the town’s event, which is unique to his time as mayor.

His work and passion for the City of Waldron are at the very heart of who he is. And, with four short years and many accomplishments under his belt, Mayor David Millard is looking to finish the work he started with a second term in office.

Obituary – Paul “Punky” G. Lee Jr. (1950-2022)

Paul G. Lee Jr., also known as Punky or Little Paul, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, April 17, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Punky was born February 11, 1950 in Waldron, Arkansas to Paul Lee Sr. and Deloris (Carruth) Lee. He was 72 years old.

Punky was an avid outdoorsman. He was a member of the Scott County Coon Hunters Association. He could always be found hunting, fishing or just driving the backroads. Punky grew up in Waldron in and around Lee’s Service Station and Tire Shop working with his dad helping the people of his community. Punky eventually took over and ran it for several years but later found a passion for serving his community in another way. Punky spent over 20 years of dedicated service in helping to keep the Waldron Country Club in top shape. He could be found on a mower, tractor or doing whatever need be on the grounds. With a big smile and even bigger personality, Punky was loved by all.

Punky leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Cheryl Lee of the home, daughter, Amy Mobley and husband Nathan of Mansfield, Arkansas, two grandsons, Chase Harris of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jarrett Harris and wife Faith of Baton Rouge, Louisiana as well as step daughters, Abby Morgan of Van Buren, Arkansas, Ashley Ridenhour of Waldron, Arkansas and Michelle Nix of Bates, Arkansas and siblings, Don Lee and wife Jean of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and Janis Mays and husband Bennie of Rogers, Arkansas. Punky will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends he loved dearly.

Punky was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Deloris Lee and one son Payton Lee.

Punky’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Butch Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the Birdsview Cemetery near Waldron. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Punky’s pallbearers will be Rick Powell, Johnnie Morgan, Reggie Owens, Steven Lee, Randell Taff and Keaton Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Ernie Holt, Kenny Johnston, Ronnie Powell and Marty Nelson.

Punky’s visitation will be Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Keith Adamson (1962-2022)

Keith “Wayne” Adamson, 60, of Waldron, Arkansas gained his wings April 14, 2022. Keith was born March 24, 1962 in Monroe, Louisiana to Arling and Mabel (Richardson) Adamson.

Keith was a furniture maker by trade. He made Bent Willow Furniture also known as twisting sticks. Keith was an outdoor person. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Keith’s favorite time was when he was surrounded by family and grandchildren to light up his days. He looked forward to making precious memories and sharing his legacy to be carried on.

Keith is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Tamara Adamson. His sons: Thomas and wife Sam, Timothy and wife Amanda, James, Joshua and one daughter Kelli, 6 precious grandchildren: Ryan, Mabel, Laney, Jazmain, Caleb and Kylee Adamson all of Waldron, Arkansas. He is also survived by one brother Bud Adamson of Emmett, Arkansas, two sisters: Wilma Jean Cox of Waldron, Arkansas and Darlene Watson of Corinth, Mississippi. Keith will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his father Arling A. Adamson, his mother Mabel Adamson, one sister, Louise Bates, one brother Alfred Adamson and two brothers in law John Cox and Roger Watson.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

How To Choose the Right Fence Style for Your Home

We all have different living spaces, and how we choose to navigate those spaces are important to how we live our lives. You might be someone who relishes their privacy, so then there is a fence designed specifically for your needs. Or you may have children and pets, which would lean into other options.

Whatever the case, there are styles out there for whatever your needs may be. Depending on those needs will determine how to choose the right fence style for your home, so make the right decision and do yourself a favor with the right fence when you’re shopping around.

Privacy

If you enjoy your time alone when you’re not at work or you live a solitary lifestyle, you might discover that a privacy fence is right for you. You will have to adhere to certain guidelines that rely on your local and state government’s laws on your fence height, but you can even get a permit if you apply for one in certain states.

This would allow you an excess height advantage, but your cause would have to be substantial enough to carry weight with the law. For these fences, you can go with wood, stone, or vinyl, and most of them have a large multitude of options to choose from with materials.

Your Occupation

You may find that your job requires that you have a fence put in place, much like a farmer or business owner. In either case, you’re trying to protect something, whether that be your cattle or your collateral.

These fences range from barbed wire, gated, and chain links. You’ll find that they are all great options for either occupation or any that apply otherwise.

Wind Shield

Some instances only require that you need something to help with the climate where you live. If you’re trying to potentially dam up a flood zone, then having a sturdy fence might be a viable option for you.

If high winds are something that you’re used to, having something that can take the beating of a windstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado might be something you find yourself looking.

Protection

Most people want some level of security and protection for their home, and they view a fence as that initial layer of protection from unwanted intruders. This can mean any type of fence you want to go with as they are all applicable. Although most would state a wood fence should do the trick, this might be out of your budget.

If this is the case, you can try other options like chain link or vinyl. The chain link can be substituted with barbed wire, and both can be equipped with cameras for additional protection.           

Your home is your castle, and it should never feel any other way. So, make sure that you do your homework and make the right decision before installing a new fence. Make the fence equipped for your needs. This is how to choose the right fence style for your home that should be based upon your needs.

Obituary – Georgie Madison Brewer (1934-2022)

Georgie Madison Brewer of Needmore, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, April 12, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with loved ones by his side. Georgie was born April 7, 1934 in Boles, Arkansas to Vernie and Lela (Anderson) Brewer. He was 88 years old. 

Born and raised in Boles, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1951 to work. In 1952, Georgie saw Billie boarding the school bus and told his grandfather that was the girl he was going to marry and he did just that less than a year later on August 4, 1953! Even after the loss of his left arm in a car accident, Georgie worked as a highly skilled automotive painter. While working for Yellow Cab Company he was selected to paint their 50 year Golden anniversary edition Yellow Cab. They spent 16 years in KC before returning to Arkansas with their sons, Bill and Jeff. Georgie and Billie made their home on his father’s land, where they helped farm and feed their family and many others in the Needmore/Boles area. Georgie was well known in the area for his love of and skill with horses. He loved attending the Scott County Rodeo and riding in the rodeo parade. To have known him was to know his smile and laugh, his love for his family and his devotion to Billie. The Needmore Assembly of God was his church home for his entire life. 

Georgie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Billie, of the home, two sons: Bill Brewer and wife Rani of Chicota, Texas and Jeff Brewer and wife Melissa of Needmore, Arkansas as well as his brother, Vernon, of Joplin, Missouri, sisters in law: Mary Brewer, Dorothy Lynton, Roberta Luppens, Lavina Johnson, and brother in law Joe Luppens. Pops will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Mishayla Brewer, Josh Brewer (Tashia), Caleb Brewer (Chelsea), Daniel Brewer, Braden Taff, Kaleigh McAdams (Austin), Justin Kelley (Heather), and James Kelley as well as his great grandchildren: Madison, Josiah, Harrison, Noah, Emily, Gabe, Addilynn, Talyn and Brooklyn. Georgie will be missed by all who knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Georgie was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Lela, one sister Flossie Boren and one brother Lonnie Brewer.

Georgie’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. David Holt and Vernon Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Georgie’s pallbearers will be Bill Brewer, Jeff Brewer, Daniel Brewer, Josh Brewer, Caleb Brewer and Braden Taff.

Georgie’s visitation will be Friday, April 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Zackery Quell Blake Jennings (2021-2022)

Zackery Quell Blake Jennings of Waldron, Arkansas gained his angel wings, April 10, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas. Zackery was born December 24, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Zackery Jennings and Julia Taylor. He was 3 months old.

Zackery had the sweetest spirit and touched the hearts of many and was incredibly loved.  

Zackery leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents, Zackery and Julia, his grandparents, David and Nancy Taylor of Tennessee and Terri Jennings of Waldron, Arkansas and one aunt Nikki Taylor of Tennessee. Zackery will be missed by many friends and loved ones.

Zackery was preceded in death by one uncle, Anthony Blake Jennings Freeze.

Zackery’s celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Zackery’s visitation will be Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

The Origin of S’mores

S’more origins

S’mores are a summer classic, a staple, a sweet treat enjoyed around campfires enjoyed during warm summer nights. Just like Cindy Lou wondered of the Grinch “Where did he come from?” I had to know.

The Grinch is always welcome on our TVs just like a roasted marshmallow always sounds like a good idea to me. Turns out marshmallows have been around for a looong time. The first discovery of marshmallows was by the Ancient Greeks and Romans from a plant called Althaea officinalis. Rather than stuffed between two crackers, they used their findings to cure ailments from inflammation to constipation.

The French were the first to make a marshmallow as a treat. Combining the root juice from the plant with eggs and sugar. The paste was then made into a lozenge called pâté de guimauve which translates to marshmallow creme. The lozenges were used both as a sweet and for soothing sore throats.  That went on for a time until the 19th century. See, it was a lot of work to get the root juice, which made these tasty things expensive. Gelatin replaced the marshmallow root to make marshmallows more affordable while keeping about the same taste.

Before the s’mores of present day, there were some variations. The Victorian-era funnel cakes were often prepared for funerals, and sometimes included chocolate and marshmallows. During the 1890s the northeast states had a marshmallow roasting fad, newspapers back then called marshmallow roasting events. Following that in 1913 the cookie version of s’mores- Mallomars, hit stores. A few years later Moonpies made their debut, which are like a family member to a s’more. 

Despite how similar all of this was to modern day s’mores, the first ones we know of came around in 1927. A Girl Scouts guidebook titled “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts contained the first recipe for s’mores. The original recipe was called Some More and is credited to troop leader Loretta Scott Crew. The shortened name of s‘ more came along later, although the exact time of the shortening is unknown. Girl Scout books continued to refer to these delectable treats as Some More at least until 1971.

Whatever the case is on the name shortening, the result is a delicious gooey snack, best enjoyed around a campfire with loved ones. Maybe you can share your new found knowledge around the next campfire the next time you find yourself with a s’more in hand. 

Moore Makes Four Next Level Runners

Mansfield cross country runner Katlynn Moore is flanked by her parents as she signs to run next school year at the University of the Ozarks.

Every few weeks it seems like members of the Mansfield cross country team gather together for another signing. Such was the case on April 14 when the group made their way to the Tiger Trophy lobby. There before teammates, parents, and administration; Katlynn Moore became the latest Lady Tiger to commit to college.

Moore, a senior member of Mansfield’s most accomplished cross country team, signed to join the University of the Ozarks distance team.

“This was our fourth player off this year’s team to commit to run in college next year,” said Mansfield coach John Mackey. “Katlynn’s decision to run with the Eagles meant Mansfield had 80 percent of it’s senior distance runners move on to college.”

Moore will join Mansfield teammate McKenzie Griffin who committed on March 2 to also run cross country at the University of the Ozarks.

In consecutive order, Mansfield class of 2022 seniors signing to participate in college next year were Faith Rainwater, Darby Jones, Griffin, and Moore.

Rainwater took the first step by signing with UA Rich Mountain in Mena. Jones followed by accepting an offer from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. Griffin then put her signature on the University of the Ozarks paperwork followed by Moore’s signing on Thursday.

Moore was a contributing member of Mansfield’s two time class 2A state runner-up teams. Having joined the squad as a sophomore, she instantly fit into the team plans.

“Katlynn came to us two and a half years ago out of the offseason program,” noted Mackey. “Our cross country team was pretty good but we couldn’t score as a team because of the lack of numbers. Kat filled the void. From there, she just got better and better. Her commitment to the Tigers completed our team. Now, she’ll be soaring with the Eagles.”

Moore has earned All-District, All-Region, and River Valley All-Star credentials during her time with the Lady Tiger distance team. Her personal record for a 5K race according to ar.milesplit.com was 24:56.

In February, Moore added depth to the Mansfield indoor track team. That group went on to win the 2022 ATCA class 1A-2A state title. 

Currently, Moore runs a varied slate of distance events for the Mansfield outdoor track team.

Events Taking Shape At Mansfield Quad City

Mansfield track athletes Darby Jones and Jadelynn Wood receive specilaty awards at the Mansfield hosted Quad City Meet.

On April 12, Mansfield hosted an intimate track and field event for a core group of eight schools. The mission was to allow attending schools access to a state qualifying meet while also offering the ability to enter four athletes per event.

Count it mission accomplished, at least for the host Mansfield Lady Tigers. 

The Mansfield senior high squad got to enter a full lineup for only the second time this outdoor season, and earned two more state qualifiers in the process.

MHS participants Jadelynn Wood and Seven Sanderson each met pre-qualifying standards to earn early entry into next month’s state championship. Wood did so by running a career best in the 300m hurdles. Sanderson did equally as well with a personal record in the discus.

“This meet has become a cozy little meet designed for individual success,” said Mansfield coach John Mackey on the format of the Quad City Meet. “There were no team awards or total points accumulated. This gives players a chance to concentrate on their individual games and go for some qualifying marks.”

Sanderson was the first Lady Tiger to reach standards on the night. Already qualified in the shot put as a result of the previous week’s Gaile Hainley Relays, the junior home-school athlete surpassed the minimum mark in the discus. Her 96’ 1” measure easily overtook the 89’ 6” standard for class 2A.

Wood was next in line as the junior hurdler pulled away from a small heat to run the 300m intermediates in 51.33 seconds. That mark squeaked by the AAA distinction by a narrow eight-hundredths of a second.

“Jadelynn was determined to get this done,” confessed her coach. “She has been getting more confident. She’s been attacking the hurdles with a real purpose each consecutive week.”

For their efforts the two Lady Tigers did receive a pair of specialty awards distributed by the Quad City games committee. Sanderson received an individual plaque for Outstanding Female Thrower. Wood received the prize for Outstanding Female Sprinter.

Four specially designed awards went out for individual achievement in four different disciplines at the conclusion of the meet. Along with the previously mentioned plaques, there were also awards for Outstanding Jumper and Outstanding Distance Racer.

Mansfield also took the Outstanding Female Distance Racer award. Senior Darby Jones, a Ouachita Baptist signee, stole the show by winning both the 1600m and 3200m runs.

Waldron’s Hannah Jeffries took the Outstanding Jumper montra with wins in the long jump, triple jump, and 100m hurdles.

Four identical awards were also handed out in the men’s rankings. 

Acorn’s Caden Tarkenton won the Outstanding Distance Racer award for his first place mark in the 800m run. Tyler Wright of Waldron took home the Outstanding Sprinter plaque with wins in the 100m and 200m dashes. Brevyn Ketter of Charleston was named Outstanding Jumper with a six foot high jump. Charleston teammate Dale Smith was the Outstanding Thrower by displacing all shot putters by over a six foot margin.

Mansfield’s Brooklyn Adams neared the discus qualifying mark in her second meet of the year. The full time softball player came over to the track meet in hopes of a significant heave in the discus. 

The junior did throw well taking second in the event. Her measured toss was just shy of the state standard at 88’ 6”.

Lady Tiger Sadie Roberts was a highlight in the high jump event. The senior, who has already pre-qualified to state at two different meets, cleared 5’ 0” for the first time this season to win that event.

Natallie Allison, another full time softball player among other sports, did well in the triple jump. The junior All-State volleyball player went 29’ 9” in the triple jump for second place.

Tyler Escalante and Peyton Martin showed out for the Tiger men in the sprints. Escalante peeled back an 11.97 finish in the 100m dash. Martin crossed at 12.20 in the same race. The pair ranked third and sixth among 21 sprinters in attendance.

Tiger men finished second in two separate relays to boost their team credentials as they prepare for districts on April 26. In the 4x100m relay, MHS went 49.26. In the 4x200m relay, the Tigers went 1:43.40.

Ryan Hayslip won the men’s pole vault for Mansfield. The senior cleared 10’ 6”. Martin also jumped in the pole vault making the top four at 10’ 0”.

Seniors Faith Rainwater, Hope Rainwater, McKenzie Griffin, Shelby Cole, and Katlynn Moore all tallied points for Mansfield.

Summer Swimming Safety

Summer is a time for fun in and around water- swimming, floating, boating, and just hanging out near the lake or pool. As much fun as water is, it also can be extremely dangerous. Even though it is only April, hot weather will be here soon, and besides it’s always a good time to talk about safety!

So many of us have watched the movies where someone is “drowning”, and to show it they are splashing wildly and screaming for help. That’s not what anyone should expect from someone who is truly drowning. When a person is drowning there will likely be no noise at all, and they will have disappeared from the surface of the water making splashing impossible. If anyone goes down and does not resurface they could be actively drowning.

Never swim alone, no matter how good of a swimmer you are it’s not a good idea to go alone. Having a swim buddy allows both parties to be safer.

Keep a close watch on any kids, even when a lifeguard is around. If you take a child to swim avoid any distraction and provide as constant as possible attention to that child. 

If not in an are with a life guard assign someone the task of watching the entire group, adults can drown too. 

Do not rely on any sort of floaty device to replace the need for adult supervision. An adult should never be further than arms reach from an inexperienced swimmer, even one in a floatation device.

Swim lessons can save lives. If you frequent swimming pools, have ponds or other bodies of water close to your home, or own your own swimming pool especially consider enrolling your children in swim lessons. Even those who aren’t often around water can have more peace of mind in regards to their children if they have had proper swim lessons.

Additionally, choosing the right swim suit color is important. Even the best swimmer can have tragedy strike. Aquatic Safety Connection did a test on what color swim wear is most visible in pools and lakes. 

Alive Solutions swimsuit color test.

The colors most visible in pools were neon pink and neon orange. In lakes and the like the murky water made any color almost impossible to see at 2 feet deep, but colors tested in 18 inches of water showed neon yellow, neon green, and neon orange were the most visible. Looking for the neon colors that reflect where your swimmers are most often when shopping for swim suits could result in a much better outcome should the unthinkable happen and your child need help. For more great swimming safety tips check out Aquatic Safety Connection at alive-solutions.com and on Facebook. Special thanks to them for allowing us to share their photos!

Alive Solutions Swimsuit color test in lake water.