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Obituary – Kathleen Johnston Higgins (1932-2022)

Kathleen Johnston Higgins of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, March 15, 2022 in Waldron, Arkansas with her family by her side. Kathleen was born April 23, 1932 in Fouke, Arkansas to McKell and Mamie Adams. She was 89 years old. She was a member of Bates Assembly of God Church in Bates, Arkansas.

Kathleen enjoyed fishing and sewing. She loved her dogs and taking care of them. The highlight of her day was when her family would come and she could scoop up one of the little grandchildren or great grands and have a lap full of hugs, loves and big smiles.

Kathleen leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children: Ted Johnston and wife Janie of Shady Point, Oklahoma, Carl Johnston and wife Sheila of Waldron, Arkansas, Kenny Johnston and wife Kathy of Waldron, Arkansas, Terry (T.J.) Johnston of Waldron, Arkansas, Diana Hattabaugh and husband Jerald of Elm Park, Arkansas and John Higgins. Mamaw will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Todd Johnston, LaShae Lee, Jared Hattabaugh, Julie Biggs, Shawn Hattabaugh, Clint Ray Johnston, Lyndy Woodard and Jay Jay Mays as well as 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. She is also survived by one sister, Geniva Partain of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Kathleen will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews and extended family she loved dearly.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, McKell and Mamie Adams, husbands, Bud Johnston and John Higgins, one daughter, Debbie Johnston, one granddaughter, Ginger Johnston and one sister Florence Stuart.

Kathleen’s life celebrations will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Larry Free officiating. Interment will follow in the Weeks Cemetery in Weeks, Arkansas.

Kathleen’s pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons: Todd Johnston, Shawn Hattabaugh, Clint Ray Johnston, Jakob Johnston, Caleb Short and Lane Tallmadge.

Kathleen’s visitation will be Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Blevins Conquer Trader Bill’s Team Trail at Lake DeGray

Taking the safety, and best interest of the angler’s competing at last weekends Trader Bill Team Trail on Lake DeGray, the event originally scheduled for Saturday was postponed to Sunday.

Weather typically plays a major role in all tournaments this time of year. Some are postponed, or delayed to wind, and in some cases, even in March, snow and ice can be a tricky culprit to work around.

That’s the case with this event. Most of Arkansas witnessed snow with freezing temps late in the week causing the potential for dangerous conditions at the boat ramp. Regardless of which side you take, safety is always the right decision.

Eric and Dustin Blevins topped the 126 boat field with 24.70#’s which was 8 pounds heavier than second place team, Kevin Brown and Tom Brown with 16.81. Matt Baker and Paul Baker rounded up third place with 16.61.

The Blevins stated that their pattern was throwing a custom painted 3/4oz & 1/2oz Booyah One Knocker around grass. Originally from Bulls Shoals Lake area, the Blevins has found success on Lake DeGray, and “likes what they have found.”

Full results, and more information on Trader Bill’s Team Trail can be found HERE

📸 Courtesy of Trader Bill’s Team Trail

“Be Proud Be Pro” Comes to Waldron Schools

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, March 14, 2022; at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Mac David and Konnor McKay.  Board member Tammye Sherrill was not present.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Chris Lipham, Darla Jeffery, Ryan Walker, Keith Brigance, Kristi Sigman, Josh Atchley, Kristen Atchley, Tonya Cluck, Zack Taylor, Toni Dozier, Brittany Maine, Alex Maine, Tamara Haten, Keith Haten and Michael Galinato.

Vice-President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the February 21st Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders to ITSAVVY; D) Approve Purchase Order to White River Services; E) Approve Jana Pschier, SLP Contract for 2022-23 SY.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to approve the Administrators Salary Schedule for 2022-23 SY.  Motion carried 4-0.

​Each of the principals reported on the happenings at their buildings. Mr. Walker stated that Literacy Week was a success. Walker also informed the board that the Body Walk starts March 15th.  He also stated that the GT program just completed their Living Wax Museum. Mr. Lipham stated that 5th and 6thgrade Quiz Bowl competes March 15th.  Middle School Cap Conferences for the upcoming 9th graders will be this week. Lipham also informed the board that they are doing a “March Madness” to promote attendance for ACT preparation.  The Middle School socials will be starting back next week as well. Coach Atchley praised the Sr. High Basketball boys on their back-to-back State appearances.  Basketball will be assigned a new conference in the days to come.  He also stated that baseball and track is starting in full force.  Once again, Coach Atchley wanted to announce that “Be Proud Be Pro” will be here on April 5th for 9th thru 12th graders.  April 14th will be CAP conferences for High School students.  FFA is now selling Blue and Gold bacon, sausage and chicken.  Sr. High Girls won State Indoor and the Sr. High Boys got runner-up.  He also informed the board members that the 11th graders just finished taking the ACT test.  March 31st and April 1st will be testing days for the new Work Keys program.

Superintendent Fielding reported that the track is near completion within a week or two.  Mr. Fielding also informed the school board members and others present that the School Calendar may be revised due to the State approving for school to start a week earlier than originally set.

​Adjourned to executive session.  Time dismissed:  7:10   Time returned:  8:10

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to accept the resignation of Amber Craig from Food Service, effective as of February 22, 2022. Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to accept the resignations of the following:  

Larry Underwood – Retire from MS Custodian as of the end of 2021-22 SY.

Gina Brown – Resigning from MS Special Education Paraprofessional as of the end of 2021-22 SY.

Gina Brown – Resigned from Bus Driver as of the end of 2021-22 SY

Marvin Gillean – Retire from Head Transportation Mechanic as of the end of 2021-22 SY.

Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Davis and seconded by McKay to accept the resignation of Sue Williams as High School Nurse effective March 25, 2022.  Motion carried 4-0.​

A motion was made by McKay and seconded by Davis to accept the resignations of Josh Clemmer, Media Specialist at ES; Connie Crotts, ES Teacher; and Shelley Hunt, ES ALA Teacher as of the end of the 2021-22 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by McKay to re-hire the licensed staff.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by McKay to hire Michael Wilmott as a part time Level 1 Bus Mechanic with 0 years of experience as of 03-28-2022.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to accept the recommendation that Ryan Walker by assigned to Principal for the Adventure Online Academy, effective July 1, 2022, as well as Pre-K Principal.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to accept the recommendation that Darla Jeffery be named Waldron Elementary Principal as of July 1, 2022.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Davis to adjourn.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

Franklin Leads Booneville Over Paris, 8-2

On a gray, overcast, and late winter day, the Booneville Lady Bearcats traveled to Paris for an anticipated high school softball match-up with the Paris Lady Eagles. And for five innings, the game was a good as many thought it would be, but then Booneville exploded in the top half of the fifth inning to eventually go on to win 8-2 over Paris.

Booneville was led by their sensational sophomore pitcher, Lexi Franklin, who dominated Paris hitters all day. Franklin went the distance in the circle, giving up just two runs to a Paris offense that had been scoring in large numbers in their previous, early-season victories. Franklin was simply overwhelming to the Paris hitters. The Lady Eagles were able to scatter a few hits, including a deep fly ball to left center by Jayden Wells, but were unable to get key hits with runners on base to close the gap.

Lady Eagles senior Karsyn Tencleve went the distance in the loss for Paris. Tencleve pitched well and battled every hitter, but did not have the benefit of run support from the Paris hitters against Franklin’s pitching. Tencleve has pitched well this season and will be counted on heavily as the Lady Eagles play for the opportunity to make another post-season drive to the state tournament.

The Lady Eagles will travel to Cossatot River on Thursday for another conference match-up with the Lady Eagles. Booneville will take a break from conference play on Thursday when they go to Pottsville to play the Class 4A Lady Apaches.

The 2022 season is young, and both Paris and Booneville figure to be in the mix late in the season when post-season play begins with district, regional, and state tournaments. Both Paris, behind the pitching of senior Karsyn Tencleve, and Booneville, behind Lexi Franklin, have more opportunities ahead of them for what promises to be another great year of Class 3A-4 softball.

You can follow all of the action here at Resident News Network Sports!

Obituary – Daniel S. Allen (1938-2022)

Daniel Stuart Allen of Harvey, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, March 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born September 15, 1938 in Harvey, Arkansas to Stewart Wayne and Myrtle (Lewis) Allen. He was 83 years old.

As a young man Dan loved to play baseball and was good enough to pitch a no hitter against Mena. He went to St Louis to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals but found out he wasn’t quite that good. He joined the National Guard and then married the love of his life, Margie Slater in 1961. Together they made their life in Harvey, Arkansas. “Boone” was very outgoing and made many life long friends while working at the Waldron Furniture Factory and then as an ironworker. He loved being up on the high beams towering above everything. Together, he and Margie raised two children and became grandparents and great grandparents and enjoyed spending time with family. Dan was a Christian and a strong leader of his family. Dan was a big story teller and prankster as his friends and family can tell you. There was no bigger Razorback fan and many weekends were spent watching the games with family. He loved to hunt and fish and passed that love along to his son, grandsons and great-grandsons.

Dan leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Margie of the home, two children: Tammy Slagle and husband Robert of Y-City, Arkansas and Lenny Allen of Harvey, Arkansas. “Pa” will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Chance Slagle, Chelsea Ridenhour and Gunner Allen as well as his great grandchildren: Evan, Carson, Hadlee, Dorian, Chloe, Reed and Madi. Dan will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends he considered family.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents: Stewart and Myrtle Allen and siblings: Madge Blair, Norman Allen, Dean Allen, Kenneth Allen and Frank Allen.

Dan’s celebration of life service will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Ralph Peery officiating. Interment will follow in the Lamb Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Dan’s pallbearers will be Chance Slagle, Robert Slagle, Gunner Allen, Sean Allen, Ronald Blair and Wade Ridenhour.

Dan’s visitation will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

If You’re Going to Drink to St. Paddy; Plan a Safe Ride Home

The boisterous celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day are expected to return this year. Regardless to what extent the celebrations may trend toward in local communities, drivers who may participate are encouraged to make plans for a safe return home.

The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office is offering advice to the celebratory crowd, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

A sober driver is one who hasn’t consumed any alcohol, and to help keep local communities safe, Arkansas law enforcement officers are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. Even one drink can be one too many.

According to NHTSA officials, 10,142 people were killed in drunk driving related crashes during 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people died annually between 2015 through 2019 in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver who was drunk. That’s one person killed in drunk driving crashes every 52 minutes.

“Everyone has their own particular reason to celebrate at one time or another, but when they do, we want Arkansans to realize the importance of safe driving,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police, and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “If you’ve been drinking, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

During the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day period (March 16th, 6 PM to March 18th, 5:59 AM), almost half (46%) of crash fatalities involved a drunk driver. Additionally, from 2015 to 2019, a total of 280 lives were lost in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day period. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

If you’re the designated driver, make sure you don’t drink so you can keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets. Take the role of designated driver seriously — people are relying on you.

Before heading out for a celebration, it’s vital to plan before anyone drives. Be honest with yourself; acknowledge whether you’ll be drinking or not. Don’t depend on the luck of the Irish, follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers live another day.

• It’s never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
• Do you have a friend who has been drinking and is about to drive? Take away their keys, then make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
• Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against the drunk driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to www.TZDArkansas.org to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.

New Eagles Coach Leads Paris Back to the 3A State Basketball Tournament

The 2021-22 Arkansas high school basketball season has now come to an end, and fans everywhere are reflecting on their teams’ seasons. Many experienced success at different levels, and for the Paris boys basketball program, new Eagles coach Josh Ferrell led his program back to the state tournament for the first time in several seasons.

And even though the Eagles were eliminated in a highly-contested first round loss to Osceola, the Paris boys have much to be proud of. In fact, the Eagles will return three starters next year off of this year’s team, and coach Josh Ferrell will have his first chance to develop his team during the off-season as he and Eagles fans turn their sights to next season.

The 2021-22 season was full of ups and downs throughout the early months, but as post-season play approached, Ferrell had his Eagles playing their best basketball just in time to compete for a district tournament, regional, and state championship run. The Eagles played an inspiring district tournament that saw them play four games in five days at Cedarville. The Eagles finished as district tournament runner-ups to the home standing Pirates, but played their way into a two seed in the following week’s regional tournament at Booneville. In the regional tournament, it was the Eagles again playing inspiring basketball to defeat Valley Springs in the first round to secure a berth in the state tournament for the first time in many seasons. The defeat knocked Valley Springs out of the state tournament, just one week prior to when they would have been the host team in the first three rounds of the Class 3A state tournament. Paris went on to play in the state tournament as a four seed and gave the Osceola Seminoles all they wanted in a narrow loss in the state first rounds. A disappointing loss for Paris, but one that Eagles fans everywhere were proud of the team’s effort and the progress they had made in the last month of the season.

I asked Coach Ferrell for his comments regarding his team’s performance and progress that was made in his first year as the Eagles boys basketball coach. He replied by saying, “This season was a success for our senior high boys team. I could not be prouder of this group. We overcame a lot of challenges and adversity, and we handled it well. We had ups and downs throughout the year, but we grew as individuals and as a team. I believe we started playing our best basketball later as the season went on, which is what you want to do. There was a lot of accomplishments this team achieved; from having a tough road to the finals of the district tournament which took beating a tough Hackett team and then beating the number one seed Waldron Bulldogs to getting to the semi finals of the regional tournament. This team got to the state tournament which hadn’t been done in a while and we had a 20-win season which also has not happened in a while. Everyone on our roster contributed to the success of this team. Everyone of them bought in to what I had asked them to do daily and they worked hard and were very coachable all year. I am very proud to be able to coach these guys.”

From a fans’ perspective, it was obvious that the Eagles did buy-in to Coach Ferrell’s expectations and coaching, and for that reason, it appears that the boys basketball program at Paris is on solid ground and will have high expectations going into next season.

Congratulations to the 2021-22 Eagles basketball team on a great season, and best of luck next year!

Obituary – Elizabeth Soisouvanh (2000-2022)

Elizabeth Soisouvanh, who may be better known as Lizzie to her friends and family, passed from this life and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 near Hartington, Nebraska. Elizabeth was born July 19, 2000 to Ouphavanh Soisouvanh and Victor Soisouvanh. She was 21 years old.

Elizabeth leaves behind to cherish her memory, her two sisters, their husbands, and a brother: Alice Price and her husband Cody Price, Olivia Wood and her husband Jake Wood, and Archibald Soisouvanh. She is also survived by her parents: Ouphavanh Soisouvanh and Victor Soisouvanh. Elizabeth will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and boyfriend Kyle Young.

Elizabeth grew up and graduated high school in Waldron, Arkansas. Being the youngest of 4, it was only natural how loved she was by her family and friends. She was a big help to her parents on the chicken farm. She regularly went with her mother to Fort Smith, Arkansas to go shopping. Elizabeth was very active and involved in school. She was a member of the Waldron High School Color Guard, Future Farmers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, BETA club, and STEM club. She was also a member of the floriculture team. After graduating high school, she started her college career taking prerequisites at Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas before finding her new home at Harding University, a private Christian institution, located in Searcy, Arkansas. Elizabeth was a Christian and committed to Christ and the Bible as the Word of God. She attended church and bible studies regularly. She was a Junior Nursing Major at Harding University. She was a member of the Air Force Reserves and proud to serve her country. She planned to commission as an officer and become an Air Force nurse upon graduation.

Elizabeth loved to make coffee, put together puzzles, read, watch Netflix, exercise, travel, and try new foods. She was also a big lover of animals, especially cats and Corgis.

Elizabeth was a positive light in this world. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her. She had a kind soul and was very compassionate. She had the biggest heart and impacted many.

Elizabeth’s funeral ceremony will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13th, 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.

Elizabeth’s Celebration of Life will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2022 at East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There will be a reception after the ceremony, the location is to be determined.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Soisouvanh, please visit our floral store.

Attorney General Alert: Scam Artists are Phishing for Information

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning Arkansans of a prevalent scam taking place across the State. The method is called “phishing,” (pronounced the same as, ‘fishing’) and it is when scam artists email messages to consumers that appear to pitch products or services, when in actuality, these emails are specifically set up to gain information. Often times, the message will alert the individual to a potential problem with their account and request the consumer provide private information like an account number, date of birth or Social Security number in order to remedy the issue. Phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the internet without your knowledge. They are not only illegal, but they are dangerous to unsuspecting consumers.

“I urge all Arkansans to be cautious if you receive an email asking for your information, it could be scam artists trying to phish for your information,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Even with online protection software, scammers and con artists will continue to try to take your information; don’t fall prey to the trap.”

Remember these tips when safely navigating online:

  • No legitimate company will ever send you an unsolicited email asking for your personal information.
  • If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Contact the business identified in the original email directly. Using the customer service number provided to you on a reliable statement to verify that the issue in the original email is legitimate.
  • Do not give sensitive information in response to an unsolicited request.
  • Immediately delete all suspicious emails, and never open email attachments or click on links from unknown sources.
  • Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them regularly.

The Attorney General’s Office provides a tip card for consumers, how to spot phishing scams, information for parents to spot cyberbullying and tips on internet safety.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Attorney General’s office by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visiting ArkansasAG.gov.

Area Students Learn Outside the Classroom

Area teachers have discovered that student learning and retention of information is greatly boosted by active student involvement through active participation through field trips and outdoor activities. In the past, such activities have been viewed as rewards for classroom work. Teachers now know that the activities themselves contribute greatly to student knowledge and greatly increase student scores on achievement tests.  A student that observes nature on Magazine Mountain, visits history at Fort Smith National park or writes a poem about visits to the city park develop memory pathways in the brain that stick with them forever.

Magazine Mountain is one of the most popular locals for student visits during the fall months.  In the last year, Guy Fenter Education Cooperative, in collaboration with Arkansas State Parks and local schools have organized field-trips for groups from Waldron, Booneville, Lavaca, Hackett, Magazine, Scranton, County Line, Clarksville, and Paris.  Many of the younger students began the day at the visitors center where one of the local park interpreters provide local history or present programs on subjects ranging from local plants and trees to bears.  Dr. Curtis Varnell of the coop generally organizes history and science tours which take students to the high point of the mountain or on a loop into bear hollow, a little-used trail on the western slope of the mountain.  

Paris middle school annually conducts a two-day field trip on the mountain for all eighth grade students.  Using a unit developed by June Gilbreath, the students work math problems associated with the mountain trail, learn history as they visit the old home and hotel sites, and write poems about what they observe.  

Students from Hackett, Paris, and Magazine have visited the Old Fort and Judge Parker Courtroom in Fort Smith.  The trip usually involves a visit to Judge Parker’s court and a reenactment of a famous court case, visit to the old jail, a ride on the trolley, and often a visit for an ice cream in the museum soda shop.  

Other area students have visited Petit Jean Mountain, conducted an eagle watch and count on the Arkansas River, visited the coal mine museums, or gone through a lock and dam.  Eight local schools will participate in Student Assistant Day at the Huckabee Nature Center later this fall.  The day is organized around developing student and teacher relationships by actively participating together in activities ranging from kayaking, archery, to outdoor science.

Whatever the choice of activity, students realize real benefits from getting outside, getting physical and mental exercise, and learning from “real world” experience.