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Obituary – RJ Dale Slater (2002 – 2025)

RJ Dale Slater, age 23, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away on November 5, 2025. He was born on August 3, 2002, to Roger Dale Slater and Raelene Faye Boehm Slater.

RJ grew up with a deep love for the outdoors. He found his greatest joy in fishing, hunting, running dogs, and attending field trials. His passion for the land and animals reflected his generous spirit and appreciation for simple, meaningful moments.

RJ is survived by his siblings, Abigail Slater of Waldron, Bella Slater of Waldron, Joe Slater of Waldron, half-sister Nisa Lander of Virginia, and half-brother Christian Lander of Waldron. He is also survived by his grandmother Sandra Glade (Dale) of Y City and Patrick Boehm of Decatur, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by Barbara Slater and Lee Jo Slater, who now welcome him with open arms.

RJ’s memory will live on through the love he shared, the laughter he brought, and the countless adventures he enjoyed under open skies.

The family will host a private memorial celebration of life at a later date.

Obituary – Neil Cherry (1939 – 2025)

Neil Quincy Cherry, 86, of Waldron, Arkansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, as their voices joined together singing the old hymns he cherished, Neil peacefully left this world, eager to meet his Savior face to face.

Neil was born on November 2, 1939, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Herbert Douglas Cherry and Ollie Irene (Rodgers) Cherry. With his father serving in the U.S. Navy, Neil’s early years took him to Washington, D.C., San Diego, and several other places before the family settled in Waldron, Arkansas, where he grew up and became a lifelong resident.

On December 22, 1957, Neil married the love of his life, Wanda Jean (Hawkins) Cherry. Together they shared 67 wonderful years and raised five children: Neil Russell, Elizabeth Denise “Beth”, Tammy Amelia, Randal Vernan “Randy”, and Quincy Brett.

Neil served his country with great pride in both the U.S. Army and the Arkansas National Guard for a combined service of ten years. He was deeply patriotic and loved his country. In 1974, he opened Cherry Auto Parts in Waldron, where he worked faithfully until 2001, becoming a trusted friend and familiar face to nearly everyone in town. While in business he demonstrated his heart for helping people. No matter when the phone rang, whether in the middle of the night or Christmas morning, he’d grab his keys, open the parts store, and make sure everyone from loggers to locals had what they needed to get their job done.

In 2015, his love for his community led him to serve as Mayor of Waldron, continuing his lifelong mission of helping others.

Neil was a man who truly lived his faith. He was one of the founders of Manna Ministries, served as President of the Waldron School Board, President of the Downtown Merchants Association, Board Member of the Scott County Senior Citizen Center, President of GCE, and was a devoted church deacon of First Baptist Church. His faith in God guided everything he did, and his kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

To his family, friends, and community, Neil was affectionately known as Pop, and he truly was everyone’s Pop. Even in his final days, the nurses who cared for him lovingly called him by that name. His warmth, humor, and love for people made him someone others were naturally drawn to. Pop’s life was a living example of faith, humility, and love. He didn’t just talk about God’s love-he showed it in the way he lived and the way he treated everyone around him.

Woodworking became one of Pop’s greatest passions. After retiring, he spent countless hours in his shop creating beautiful pieces by hand, each one made with care and pride. In recent years, he especially enjoyed making clocks and lamps-treasures that now grace many homes throughout Waldron as a reminder of his skill and generosity.

Neil’s life was a living testimony to the scripture;
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda Jean Cherry; daughters Beth Self (Bruce) and Tammy Thompson (Roger); sons Randy Cherry (Cynthia) and Brett Cherry (Robin); grandchildren Amelia Sanford (Josh), Bobby Cherry, Dustin Faber, JoBeth Hilliard (Shane), Blake Cherry, Brandy Cherry, Tommi Ellis, Austin Holloway (Macie), Ajay Cherry, and Piper Cherry; 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; as well as 2 nieces Jalene Newborn Casias and Shanon Newborn Hodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Irene Cherry; his son Neil Russell Cherry; his sisters Carolyn Cherry and Sharon Cherry Newborn (Paul); and his son-in-law Tommy Ellis.

Neil will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of family, his deep sense of duty, and his lifelong desire to serve others. His legacy of love and service will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Neil’s celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2025 at the Waldron First Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Crow and Rev. Ken Overturf officiating.

Neil’s visitation will be Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Memorial/Monetary donations may be made to Manna Ministries of Waldron or Scott County Senior Citizens Center.

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State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

Little Rock – Student enrollment continues to grow at most colleges and universities throughout the state.  Retention and graduation rates are also continuing to rise.  The University of Arkansas Systems total Fall 2025 headcount was 71,705 students, an increase of 2,000 students from last fall.  

Key figures include record enrollments at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with over 34,000 students and Arkansas State University with almost 18,000 students enrolled.  Arkansas Community Colleges also saw overall increases in enrollment, with the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton showing a 23 percent jump. 

This is the fifth consecutive year, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville has set an overall enrollment record with 34,175 students for the Fall 2025 semester. The highest enrollment in the university’s history. 

Arkansas State University is celebrating a record-breaking student body this fall with 11th-day enrollment count surging to 17,926. Fueled by the largest freshman class ever with 2,222 first-year students, a 12 percent increase compared to last year.  

Arkansas Tech University recorded an 8 percent increase in total enrollment this fall with a 13 percent increase in transfer students and 6 percent increase in graduate students.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences had a 6.4 percent increase in enrollment for Fall 2025. 

This fall, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock had a minor increase in overall enrollment with approximately 7,011 students, after achieving their largest increase in enrollment in 20 years in Fall 2024.  Freshman enrollment saw a sizable gain with a 33.3 percent increase from Fall 2024.

Henderson State University’s Fall 2025 enrollment was 2,258 students, a 9 percent increase from the previous year.  This includes 572 first-time freshmen, a 46 percent increase, plus 196 transfer students, a 32 percent increase.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the system’s only historically black college, had a slight decline from Fall 2024 enrollment, although graduate student enrollment increased by 4 percent over last year.  Furthermore, the university was recently awarded a $2 million grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to launch PRIDE RISES — Prioritizing Recruitment to Innovate and Drive Enrollment for improvements.

Notable increases at public two-year colleges grew from Fall 2024 with UA-East Arkansas Community College, Forest City saw a record-breaking enrollment of 1,566 students for Fall 2025, a 11.2 percent increase over the previous year.  This is a new high for the college, which had 1,399 students in Fall 2024.  North Arkansas College in Harrison saw a 4.9 percent increase in its student headcount to 2,190 for the fall 2025 semester, up from 2,087 the previous year.  For the third consecutive year, UA Hope-Texarkana had a fall-to-fall enrollment increase which climbed by 7.7 percent.  Black River Technical College, Pocahontas saw a 1 percent drop in Fall 2025 enrollment, although they welcomed 253 first-time freshmen and had a 12.6 percent increase in Career and Technical Center enrollment.  Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff had a decrease by 1 student and ASU Three Rivers in Malvern saw a slight decrease of 1.6 percent from the previous year. 

HOLIDAYS: Tips for holiday shopping on a budget

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

As the holiday season approaches, the cost of gift giving can add stress to already-stretched household budgets. To help Arkansas families avoid overspending, an expert with the Cooperative Extension Service offers tips and tricks for shopping wisely.

The Cooperative Extension Service is the outreach branch of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“It’s time to start planning for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” said Teresa Henson, extension assistant professor of EFNEP for the Division of Agriculture. “During this time, we have the tendency to overspend money we don’t have in our budget, and we end up in debt for the upcoming year.”

Henson shares the following tips for shopping smart and getting creative with gift giving:

  • Set a holiday limit. Decide how much you can afford to spend overall. Break this cost down by person or category, including gifts, decorations or food for celebrations.
  • Make a gift list early. “Prioritize who you’re buying for and brainstorm affordable gift ideas,” Henson said. “Consider group gifts or family gifts instead of individual ones. By gifting something like tickets to an event or a fun board game, you can provide an experience that the whole family can enjoy.”
  • Track your spending. This element is key, Henson said. “Use a budgeting app or a spreadsheet to stay on track,” she said. “The best way to avoid impulse purchases is to make your list and stick to it.”
  • Shop early. Take advantage of sales like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday or weekly local grocery store deals. If shopping online, check for relevant promotional codes before checking out. “Keep an eye out for early sales and spread out your purchases to avoid a big financial hit all at once,” Henson said.
  • Get started early on handmade gifts. “Bake treats, make crafts or create a personalized scrapbook with photo gifts and family recipes,” Henson said. “A heartfelt letter or memory book can be much more meaningful than a store-bought item.”
  • Try a gift exchange. To avoid having to buy presents for multiple members of a large family, try setting up a Secret Santa exchange or having each family member draw names to pick gift recipients. Then, set a maximum gift budget that the family agrees to stay within.
  • Get thrifty. Check out local thrift shops, dollar stores or outlet malls. “You can often find unique and budget-friendly items that don’t break the bank at your local secondhand store,” Henson said.
  • Give experiences instead of things. Henson suggests offering babysitting, a homemade dinner or a day out together. “Create coupon books for services or fun activities to do together,” Henson said. “Wrap these books up and put them under the tree, so the recipient still gets to enjoy the fun of opening a present.”  
  • Shop your pantry first when planning for meals. “When planning family holiday meals, check your own pantry first to see if you already have any staple ingredients that the recipes call for,” Henson said. “Then, make a detailed list of what you need before heading to the store. Buying only what you need can help you avoid spending money on unnecessary extras.”
  • Plan potluck gatherings. “If you’re hosting, ask each guest to bring a dish,” Henson said. “This adds variety to the table and saves you the time, money and stress of cooking everything yourself. If you and friends are planning a get-together, be the one to suggest a potluck-style meal. Chances are, everyone could benefit from sharing the cost.”

Travel smart

If you and your family plan to travel by plane or car during the holidays, stopping to purchase food can quickly become expensive. To save money, Henson suggests:

  • Pre-packing healthy snacks in your carry-on bag or suitcase, such as trail mix, granola bars, almonds, mixed nuts or dried fruits. “If driving, take the time to pack plenty of snacks for the road, including a cooler if you have room — this way you can also take sandwiches and beverages on-the-go,” Henson said.
  • Instead of purchasing bottled water, take your own water bottle. Airports and hotels have water stations, and you can fill up without spending more money.

“You can enjoy the holidays without stressing about your finances if you start early and plan ahead,” Henson said. “This a great way to have a memorable and joyous holiday with your friends and family, without the cost of the season weighing heavily on your mind.”

For more household budgeting tips and help with personal finance, visit the uaexMoney page on the extension website.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visithttps://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Week 10

Final week of the regular season. Sadly, for some, this is where the journey ends. It is not fun nor is it glamorous. All the work in the summer, the years leading up to this week, only ten chances to fight alongside your friend that you have had since kindergarten. Once again, we stand at the doorstep to closing out this season and we remember the student athletes that did not finish the season. Danville Senior Nate Foster, who was lost in a car accident at the beginning of the season. The Seniors that fell to season-ending injuries, it was a tough year for a lot of kids. It is what sports do though, it teaches resilience and perseverance. Teams, be good stewards of sportsmanship this week.

There are three area games this week that will absolutely without a doubt carry the weight of playoff seeding on their shoulders. Only issue, only one can be the Stone Cold Lock Of The Week. Booneville and Charleston were a low scoring affair, with Charleston getting the number 2 spot in the Class 3A-1 conference. The 6A West playoff seats could still be up for grabs.

Stone Cold Lock Of The Week

Greenwood vs Mountain Home

Since 2020, Greenwood has only traveled to Baxter County twice, in that time the Bulldogs and Bombers have played nine times. This Friday, Greenwood makes their third trip to Bomber Stadium. Greenwood has been a thorn in Mountain Home’s side eliminating them from the playoffs four of the last five seasons. For the second year in a row, a Mountain Home victory could knock Greenwood out of the first seed in the playoffs. The Bombers have a balanced attack that took Shiloh Christian to the wire on October 3rd. Mountain Home features 1500 yard running back Senior Barrett Miller. In the past nine games Greenwood has outscored the Bombers 45-5, that average can change this week.

The Others

Clinton vs Ozark

With Dardanelle in the same conference, it was just a possible battle for number 2 in conference. This week we got just that in Class 4A-4. This was tough choice for the Lock of the Week, both teams’ only conference loss was to Dardanelle by a total of six points. Ozark has super sophomore John Skolarski, who we will hear about for years to come. Clinton brings a very experienced offensive line, and arguably one their best teams since the back-to-back 12-1 seasons in 2017 and 2018. Currently Ozark holds a 8-2 series record against the Yellow Jackets and will be looking to avenge their 41-20 loss from last year.

Mansfield vs West Fork

Mansfield will score as many as they want to in this game. Strategically, I would look for the Mansfield Tigers to play conservatively with a play-off gauntlet looming over the next four weeks.

Waldron vs Lamar

The Bulldogs are coming off their first win of the season over Dover in a 31-14 rout of the Pirates. This week a trip to Lamar. The Warriors sit 3-6 on the season but identically 1-5 in conference one place ahead of Waldron. No play-off seeding to worry about, just two teams looking to end on a high note.

Cedarville vs Hackett

It is Senior night in Hackett as the Hornets clinched a playoff berth with win over West Fork last week. A possible four-hour trip to Smackover, in the first round, is on the horizon.

Siloam Springs vs Fort Smith Southside

Another Senior Night in the River Valler as the Mavericks host the Siloam Springs Panthers. A Siloam win could put them in the playoff picture, but Southside has a very good offense. Southside rolls in this one.

Charleston vs Greenland

The May Bowl as one poster on Fearless Friday called it. Greenland Head Coach Brock May faces off against Charleston Head Coach Ricky May. After sewing up the number 2 seed for the playoffs, the Tigers cruise into the next week.

Magazine vs Hector

The Rattlers have put up their best season since 2020 with a 6-3 record for the 2025 season. There are some scenarios that may have the Rattlers going to the playoffs. A win over Hector and a Bigelow loss to Conway Christian, it puts Magazine as 4th seed. But hold the phone as Mountainburg can also make a run at the 4th seed with a Magazine and Bigelow loss and a win over Johnson County Westside by more than three points. Things could get crazy Friday night in the Class 2A-1!

Lavaca vs Booneville

I looked for Booneville to have a great year, even undefeated in the regular season. Injuries and ball security plagued the Bearcats at the worst time. It is Week 10 and a win over Lavaca after a 21-7 loss to Charleston, maybe what the Doc orders for run in the playoffs.

Paris vs Two Rivers

Paris rolls into Two Rivers and rolls the Gators.

GamesRoss’ PicksAdam’s Picks
LOTW Greenwood vs Mountain HomeGreenwoodGreenwood
Clinton vs OzarkClintonClinton
Mansfield vs West ForkMansfieldMansfield
Waldron vs LamarWaldronWaldron
Cedarville vs HackettHackettHackett
Siloam Springs vs Fort Smith SouthsideSouthsideSouthside
Charleston vs GreenlandCharlestonCharleston
Magazine vs HectorHectorHector
Lavaca vs BoonevilleBoonevilleBooneville
Paris vs Two RiversParisParis

Stacie Smith Announces Campaign for Arkansas Senate District

Stacie Smith, a longtime Greenwood resident who has spent her career serving Arkansas communities, has announced her Republican candidacy for the Arkansas State Senate representing District 26. The district includes portions of Franklin, Johnson, Logan, and Sebastian counties. The primary election is currently set for March 3, 2026, pending the outcome of litigation.

Smith said, “The late Senator Gary Stubblefield leaves behind a legacy of strong, principled leadership. Moving forward, we need a Senator who honors that legacy and brings the skills necessary to tackle today’s complex issues. As a Government and Community Relations leader with a strong background in both Economic Development and Civic Engagement, I will effectively serve our district and ensure our voices are heard in Little Rock.

“I am running for Senate because, as a 30-year resident of Sebastian County, I find it unacceptable that our community may go unrepresented during the fiscal session. Furthermore, I am against the proposed prison at Mill Creek Mountain. As your Senator, I would not support it, nor would I vote to fund it. As a fiscal conservative, I cannot support spending $1 billion on a 3,000-bed prison when our state has so many other needs. Our jails are overcrowded and we need more prison beds, so as Senator I’ll work with everyone to find a responsible solution for a new prison in a location that makes sense. That is my commitment to the people of District 26.”

Stacie Smith emphasizes her deep connection to the River Valley – a region she describes as “rural but mighty” – and aligns herself with its values, hard work ethic, strong families, and community involvement. Smith’s platform centers on strengthening education, healthcare, and workforce development, positioning District 26 as a hub of innovation and prosperity – a cornerstone for Arkansas’s future.

About Stacie

Stacie Smith is currently the Community Affairs Coordinator for Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (AOG), a subsidiary of Summit Utilities, Inc., where she leads the company’s efforts to support local families, businesses, and community partnerships. She previously worked 18 years in Government Relations at Golden Living, where she advocated for eldercare issues and was a champion for improving the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.

A graduate of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, her strong record of community involvement includes currently serving on the boards of the United Way of Fort Smith Area as well as the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is also an alumna of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Arkansas Class II, and was honored with the Key to the City of Greenwood for her volunteer efforts with the city’s “Teen Green” initiative to help students earn volunteer hours through recycling efforts which enhanced their college and scholarship applications.

Stacie and her husband, Tim, raised six children and recently welcomed their second grandchild. They attend Harvest Time Church in Fort Smith, as faith and family are central to their lives.

For more information about Stacie’s campaign, please visit www.StacieSmithForArkansas.com

Dunn Declares Candidacy for Senate Seat

(Submitted by Wade Dunn)

Today, after thoughtful consideration and conversations and support of the Stubblefield family, I will make the trip to Little Rock to file to be the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate – District 26. I’ve wrestled with this decision, but I feel like this is a calling that is placed upon me to help lead Arkansas and be a conservative voice for our River Valley values.

Senator Gary Stubblefield wasn’t just my State Senator who represented me, my family, my interests, and advocated for our rural River Valley values – he was one of my best friends.

He will never be replaced, but I feel it’s important we have someone who understands our district, our conservative values, and someone who will listen to our needs.

Senator Stubblefield led the fight to protect Franklin County when it was disclosed a new prison was going to be built in our backyard. He fought tirelessly to bring transparency to the people of this district, and I will tirelessly carry that fight forward. I will carry this fight for all the people of Senate District 26 with a citizen over government approach.

It is critically important that the next State Senator help provide accountability and transparency to our State, not just be a rubberstamp for any agenda that does not reflect who we are or what we can afford. Billion dollar prison boondoggles and power grabs must be stopped immediately.

We will begin immediately to hit the campaign trail. Please take some time to learn more about me – I’m an open book. My wife, Susan, and I have run businesses and raised our family in this district. It is our home. I look forward to you getting to know me and my family.

In the meantime, I would like to ask you for your prayers and consideration as this race – and the ultimate winner of this seat – will be an important voice for our conservative River Valley values – we will not be silenced.

-WD

Sebastian and Franklin County Extension office offers ServSafe Manager Course

ServSafe has been the industry standard since 1919 in training millions of people how to receive, store, prepare, and serve food safely. Through the Cooperative Extension Service, we offer training and certifications for the ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager, and ServSafe Instructor & Proctor programs. The Arkansas Department of Health is now requiring each food service facility to have at least one supervisory employee who has Certified Food Manager training. 

 A ServSafe Certified Food Manager Course will be offered on Tuesday, December 3rd, at the Sebastian County Extension Office located at 7600 Taylor Ave, Barling. The training will take place beginning at 9:00 a.m.. The course will cost $140 for New Managers and $60 for re-certifications. The course cost pays for the book and the exam. Participants who pass the exam will receive a ServSafe Food Manager Certification good for five years. All participants must pre-register and pay by November 26th. Class size is limited. Once the ServSafe books are distributed, they are non-refundable. 

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact the Sebastian County Extension Office at 479-484-7737 or email Tristin Bolton at [email protected].  You can also call the Franklin County Extension Office at479-667-3720 or email Casey Ford at [email protected]. Persons who require ADA accommodation, language and/or interpretation services for your ServSafe course instruction, and/or examination should notify the County Extension Office as soon as possible prior to the activity. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution.  If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Franklin County Extension Office as soon as possible.  Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

Obituary: David “Shawn” Krivanek

David “Shawn” Krivanek, born January 1, 1966, in Poteau, Oklahoma, passed away on November 2, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 59.

Shawn was a hardworking and dedicated man who lived his life with heart, humor, and integrity. A mechanic by trade, he found great pride and satisfaction in his work, often spending countless hours building and restoring vehicles. When he wasn’t in the shop, Shawn loved tending to his farm, where he found peace and purpose in the land he cared for.

A true racing enthusiast, Shawn enjoyed attending all kinds of races-drag races, NASCAR, and anything with roaring engines and cheering crowds. He was also a talented singer who loved sharing music and laughter with those around him.

A longtime and beloved member of the Bates, Arkansas community, Shawn was known for his kindness, loyalty, and readiness to help others. He touched countless lives through his friendship, generosity, and steady presence.

Shawn is survived by his loving parents, John and Linda Stolsworth; his children, Jonathan Walker (Brittany), Michael Harris, Amber Kay Neidecker, Amber Lynn Hill (Curtis), Rachael Zirbel (Aaron), Alisha Friskey (Michael), Daniel Seth Krivanek, and Daniel Staller; his brother, Michael Downey; and his companion, Mary Hemphill. “Grandpa” or “Papa,” as he was lovingly called, leaves behind a host of grandchildren whom he cherished deeply and who will forever hold his memory close in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Krivanek II, and grandparents, Mona and Alfred Brothers.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Bates Baptist Church in Bates, Arkansas.

Shawn’s family invites all who knew and loved him to join in remembering his life, sharing stories, and celebrating the joy he brought to others.

“Though your song has ended, your melody will live on in our hearts forever.”