Voters from across Franklin and Logan counties filled the Jeral Hampton Meeting Place on Thursday evening, December 11, 2025, for an in-depth candidate forum featuring contenders from Senate Districts 26 and 28, as well as State Representative District 46. The event offered residents a rare opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a debate-style setting moderated by the highly respected Don Cloud Davis.
The forum served as a second chance for candidates who were unable to attend the earlier event, and it delivered on its promise of deeper, more extensive discussion. Audience members submitted questions at the door, allowing for a wide-ranging conversation on issues important to local communities.
Confirmed Candidates in Attendance
State Representative District 46
Ronni Young
Brian Cooper
Curtis Varnell Tonya Fletcher was not present.
Senate District 26
Ted Tritt
Brad Simon
Adam Watson
Mark Berry
Wade Dunn Stacie Smith was not present.
Senate District 28
Senator Bryan King Bobby Ballinger Jr. was not present.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Organizers extended special appreciation to moderator Don Cloud Davis, whose steady guidance kept the conversation informative and productive. Additionally, Lance Stinson who made sure the response times were equal as timekeeper. Thanks were also given to the evening’s panelists: Haskell Hicks, Deanna Rice, Jessica Ree, Cameron Kehler, and James Forbes, each contributing to the thoughtful structure of the event.
The large crowd of attendees demonstrated strong community interest in the upcoming races. Several local leaders were also recognized, including Logan County Sheriff Jason Massey, Logan County Judge candidate Bryce Cobb, and Arkansas Supreme Court candidate John Adams.
Venue Appreciation
A sincere thank-you was expressed to FirstWestern Bank in Booneville for generously allowing use of their meeting facilities, ensuring the forum could be held in a comfortable and accessible space for all.
The evening ultimately provided voters with valuable insights as election season approaches—highlighting the importance of community involvement, informed decision-making, and open dialogue between candidates and the citizens they seek to serve.
Driving into downtown Ft. Smith on Rogers Avenue stands one of the most noticeable statues in the state, that of William O. Darby. Darby is depicted in his full W.W.II uniform riding on his famous Harley-Davison motorcycle. Always unique, daring, and adventuresome, Darby rode the motorcycle checking on his elite troops and leading them into battle.
William O. Darby was born in Fort Smith and grew up there. Upon his graduation from Fort Smith high school, he gained an appointment to West Point. It is worthy of note, although he became one of the greatest of American soldiers, he was actually third on the Arkansas list and only achieved his appointment when the other two withdrew their names.
After graduation in 1933, Darby was assigned to an artillery unit and became a career officer. When WWII began, he was a part of the first group sent to Europe to fight. While stationed in Ireland, Darby became interested in the British Commandoes. The Commandoes were a unique fighting force. Men selected for the Commandoes were the best of the best. Specially trained to carry out the most difficult and dangerous tasks, they were the first to be sent into battle. Darby was appointed by General Russell Hartle to organize and train a new elite commando group called the Army Rangers. The group was first used in the battle for North Africa. The elite troops established their reputation by executing several successful night raids with the daring Darby fighting in the front alongside his men. His commanding officer report read, “Lt. Col. Darby struck the heavily fortified enemy position at dawn. Always conspicuously at the head of this troops, he personally led assaults against the enemy line in the face of heavy machine gun and artillery fire.”
“Darby’s” Rangers were expanded to include four battalions and were involved in battles across North Africa. The 1st,3nd and 4thRanger battalions spearheaded the invasion in Sicily and on mainland Italy. In January of 1944, the Rangers were sent into battle in Cisterna, Italy. Attempting to flank the enemy by following a half empty irrigation ditch, the group was discovered and faced the full attack by a German Panzer division. Pinned down and with no help coming, the 1,500-strong Ranger group was decimated with only 500 surviving. Back at Army Headquarters, Darby asked his staff to leave the room, placed his head down and sobbed quietly for the men he lost.
The Rangers were absorbed into other units and as a hero, Darby was sent back to the War Department to spend the rest of the war. Unhappy, he appealed to command until being sent back to Europe on an inspection tour. Hearing that the commander of the 10th Mountain Division was injured, he volunteered to report to the front. While there, his troops spearheaded the attack on a bridgehead in the Po River Valley. As he was outlining plans for the next day, a German shell exploded near his location and he was killed by a piece of flying shrapnel. Two days later, German forces in Italy surrendered. Darby received a promotion to brigadier general, the only soldier to receive such a promotion posthumously.
Several books have been written about Darby and his exploits. In 1958, the motion picture Darby’s Rangerswas released with James Garner playing Darby. Several other films included stories concerning his exploits. His list of metals is too extensive to list, two Army installation in Europe are named for him, and the U.S. Ranger training facility is called Fort Darby. Darby Jr. High in Fort Smith is named in his honor as is a high school in Italy. Army General George S. Patton, a man known for his bravery and well as his candid speech said of Darby, “He was the bravest man I ever knew.” It is said that a man’s life is like a book with the cover at birth, the story within, and then death at the back. Dead at 34, Darby’s front and back cover would be very thin but it is the life and legacy of those few pages that make this unforgettable man a hero.
Beverly Jean Boatright-Lyons, 77, of Mansfield, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Beverly was born on February 28, 1948, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Doyne and Udene Boatright.
Beverly is survived by her living children, Stephanie (David) Morgan, April (Mike) Robles, and Brock Lyons of Mansfield, Arkansas, Kiemeche (Westin) Corbin of Charleston, Arkansas, and Dokatha Lyons of Van Buren, Arkansas; her seven grandchildren, Kayla (Michael) Winters, Cheyenne (Chris) Little, Michael Robles and Jasmine Nelson, Cody Robles and Hailey Stidman, and Addison Robles, all of Mansfield, Arkansas, Ellie Lyons of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Connor Corbin of Charleston, Arkansas; six great-grandchildren, Kinlee and Easton Winters, Leena Ledger and Letty Little, and soon-to-arrive Winsley Robles, all of Mansfield, Arkansas; her brothers, Alan Boartright of Sunriver, Oregon, Larry (Betty) Boatright of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and Donna (Mack) Webb of Howe, Oklahoma; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen (Leroy) Self, and mother-in-law Patsy Lyons of Bowie, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James B. Lyons Jr., her parents Doyne and Udene Boatright, and her brothers Bill and Jim Boatright.
Beverly was a proud veteran and served in the United States Air Force. She took great pride in her community serving on the Mansfield City Council and the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce for many years.
Beverly was a loving and selfless mother to her children and grandmother to her grandchildren, and a friend to anyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Mansfield, Arkansas. A service for Beverly will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Mansfield, Arkansas with Bro. Gary Colley officiating. Interment will follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include David Morgan, Mike Robles, Michael Robles, Cody Robles, Michael Winters, Chris Little, and Westin Corbin.
Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Mansfield.
Even under an overcast sky and a chill that hinted at deeper winter, the warmth of community was unmistakable on Sunday, December 7, 2025, as the White Bluff–Rye Hill Rural Volunteer Fire Department carried out its 33rd Annual Santa Run. What began more than three decades ago as a small holiday outreach has grown into one of the most cherished traditions in the fire district—uniting families, volunteers, and first responders in a day built entirely on generosity and joy.
For several days leading up to the event, the fire stations buzzed with activity. Volunteer “elves” — firefighters, auxiliary members, families, and community helpers — worked tirelessly to stuff bags of treats, organize donations, decorate the apparatus, and prepare each detail of Santa’s journey. Trucks were cleaned, fueled, checked, and staged, ready to carry Christmas cheer to children and adults across the district.
By early afternoon on Sunday, three fully staffed pumpers rolled out, each assigned to one of the mapped routes that ensure Santa visits every corner of the White Bluff–Rye Hill fire district. Riding proudly on the tailboard was Santa himself, surrounded by a cheerful crew of elves. Behind them followed a support convoy including Sebastian County Emergency Management and law enforcement, lending not only manpower but festivity — complete with sirens and lights dancing against the gray sky.
The very first stop of the day carried deeper meaning for the department. A beloved member of the WBRH fire family who, despite fighting cancer, refused to let illness keep him from being part of the tradition he holds dear. For the firefighters in the district, the visit symbolized the true heart of the Santa Run: community, resilience, and unwavering support.
As the parade of emergency vehicles wound through neighborhoods, excitement spilled into the streets. Children ran ahead of their parents, shouting that Santa was on the way. Many adults, now bringing their own children, recalled their own childhood memories of standing roadside waiting for the fire trucks to crest the hill with Santa waving from the top.
Hackett Police Officer and Hackett Fire Training Officer Todd Johnson
In the Shadow Lake community, the spirit of giving came full circle. Residents greeted the crews with homemade baked treats, returning kindness to the volunteers who bring holiday magic to their doorsteps year after year. The exchange embodied the bond between the rural department and the people they serve — one built not only on emergency response, but on shared traditions and mutual appreciation.
The Santa Run remains possible thanks to the generosity of dozens of local businesses, donors, and supporters who contribute annually. Their sponsorship ensures the department can continue to bring Santa to the district each Christmas season, spreading joy and strengthening the connection between first responders and the families who depend on them.
Though the air was cold, the hearts of all involved — volunteers, children, families, and first responders — were undeniably warm. After 33 years, the Santa Run continues to shine as one of the district’s most uplifting events, reminding all that the greatest gifts often come not wrapped in paper, but carried on the front of a fire engine, delivered by neighbors who care.
As the trucks returned to the station later that evening, the echoes of laughter and sirens faded into the December dusk — but the memories made across the district will last far longer, carried into the new year on the steady, generous spirit of the White Bluff–Rye Hill community.
*** A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE 2025 DONORS ***
First Responder Childrens Foundation – Toy Express * Summit Utilities / A.O.G. * Workmans Tavel Plaza * Hassett Body Repair * Brewton Plumbing Service, LLC * Casey’s General Store * Sean Baker and Family * Scott & Deborah Clark / BHC Insurance * Mike & Kaylee Conger * Scott’s Refrigeration * Bob Martindale Construction * JM Supply * A&B Pawn / Anglers Liquor / Lewellen Holdings * MSG Waste Management * Tri-State Trailer Rentals * Hawkins Water Treatment * Jack’s Building Supply * Didier Properties, LLC * Qualserv Solutions * Farmers Bank * Edwards Funeral Home * McConnell Funeral Home * Copher’s Boat Sales * The 3 Boys & Me Boutique * Blossom Box * Hi-Tech Truck Refrigeration * Hi-Tech Rentals, LLC * Thomas Electric * Maries Lock & Safe * Anonymous Donor * Cadence Bank * Mock Legal Solutions * Dr. James Butler * Ed & Eileen Savold * Harvey Preston Electric * Rheem * Heartland Business Systems – Jennifer Bricker * Kenny Wray’s Auto * Farm Credit * Faith Baptist Church * Klein Tools
Total Rehabilitation * ASE Alarm * PSG Pharmacy * Angela Judkins * Tim & Clara Garvey * Mary Connally * Chris Bunn * Joe & Vicki Taylor * T&J Specialty Contractors * Beshears Construction * Express Tree and Landscaping * Tackle Box * J.J. & Johnette Seiter * Kim & Matt Singer * Brixey Engineering & Land Surveying, Inc. * Charmaine Haunert * Mai Pad Thai * Pam Moreton * Jammie Moore * Nabholz Construction * Snap-On Tools * KTCS 99.9 * AAA U-Rent-It * A.M.A.C. – Larry Womack * Bobby’s Plumbing * Dusty’s Collision * In Good Spirits * Kyle Treece * Mars Corporation * Bulldog Nutrition on the Square * GP Bucket Brigade Education Division * Volunteer Firefighter Alliance * Arkansas Childrens Hospital * * Alert All * Docuprint * Calico County * Ben E. Keith * Springfield Grocers *
Glidewell Distributing * KMAC Enterprises * Moka Joes * Operation Gratitude * Arvest * DCS Communications * Hugg & Hall Storage * Laura & Ray W * Raising Cane’s Restaurant * BML Builders (Bill & Marylin Lovell) * 19th Tee * Choctaw Casino * US Fleet Tracking * Clean Machine Pressure Washing * Utility Tri-State, Inc * Whitt Truck Repair * * Shirley’s Tax Service – Greenwood * Shirley’s Tax Service – Greenwood * Harbor Freight * Malco Theaters * The Egg of Fort Smith * Cheddars * Alert All * Johnson Dermatology * Choctaw Casino * Umarex USA * Fulmer Candy Company * Casco Industries * Helena’s Beaute Bar * Pam Caldwell / Dr. Stiles – Eye Group * Metro by T-Mobile * A-Z Tools * A-Z Gifts * Greenwood Express Lube * * Zapatas Mexican * NAFECO * Longhorn Steakhouse * Texas Roadhouse * Sharum’s Garden Center * Alterations by Lori * Red Lobster * Parrot Island Water Park * Strands Hair and Lash Lounge * * Autozone – Hwy 71 south * Siddons and Martin * Southern Tire Mart * Warren’s Shoes * Tractor Supply-Greenwood * Thermoking of Fort Smith * ANONYMOUS DONORS
White Bluff-Rye Hill Firefighters * Medical 1st Responders * Auxiliary * Jr Firefighters * Board Members * Sebastian County Search & Rescue * Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office * Sebastian County O.E.M.
The Ouachita Mountains has produced its share of distinctive and eccentric individuals, but none more unique than Chalmers Ferguson, the hermit poet of Magazine. With a story much like The Scarlet Letter, Chalmers and his sister were born out of wedlock and suffered the pangs of growing up in a puritanical community. Scorned and ignored by the local population, his mother decided to end the life of both she and the children. Taking the two under her arms, she waded into a swift flowing stream attempting suicide by drowning. A rider rode up as the current carried the three into deep water and was able to rescue Chalmers but his mother and sister perished. The event was to have traumatic and life-long effects on the young man.
Raised to young adulthood, he joined Teddy Roosevelt and the rough-riders and was eventually shipped to Cuba and was said to have been present at San Juan hill. One of the first battles to employ modern weaponry such as the machine gun, the carnage and bloodshed during the battles further alienated young Chalmers who was serving as a band member and medic.
Seeking escape from a society he rejected, the arrived at the Blue Mountain train station. Dressed with his always present bandana around his neck, decked out in a green vest, and with a gold-braided bandsman hat tilted on his head, he looked more a product of the 60’s hippie generation than a turn-of-the century farmer.
Seeking solitude, Ferguson settled in a small cover under the rim of the western cliffs of Magazine mountain. Building a small three room house, he settled into the life of a hermit. He made friends of many varieties of wildlife found on the mountain, the most unusual being his friendship with snakes. Kept in his house, he described how he handled the serpents, “In making friends with snakes, I pick it up with a stick. I never touch it unless looking it in the eye.” Snakes strike at man only when they fear him. Its fear of each other that makes us enemies.” Fearing he would roll over on his snake friends at night and provoke attack, Chalmers built a coffin-like container in which he slept at night.
Left alone in the solitude, he would compose long poems, often about the beauty and solitude of the place he called home. Haunting and beautiful, the poems often mentioned thoughts of his mother and evoke feelings akin to reading the poetry of Edger Allen Poe.
The poem, To My Mother, begins: “Betrayed and outcast and forsaken, You were laid in an untimely grave. No eye nor no voice to take pity, No arm stretched to succor or save. But you rose in your chrysalis beauty, Bejeweled as heaven’s own bride; And I welcome the whispering message, That will summon my soul to your side.”
Hearing of his poems, John P. Cravens of the Arkansas Democrat traveled by train to Blue Mountain, hiked four miles up the mountain, and visited with Ferguson. He described Chalmers as a man of great intellect- one who spoke at least three languages, wrote poetry, created professional artistic work, and could discuss history and politics in detail. The man could play several instruments, wan an expert on dynamite, land surveying, carpentry, and photography.
During subsequent years, Cravens and the Arkansas Democrat published many of Chalmers poems. Often these were picked up by other news sources and Chalmers became widely known as the Hermit Poet of Magazine Mountain.
As the years went by, Ferguson gradually turned to human companionship. Building a small home in Blue Mountain, he started staying in town for longer and longer periods of time. Many of his poems speak of his primary love; birds, flowers, and most of all little children. Eventually, this intellectual, talented man began assisting and teaching in the local schools.
Ferguson died in 1934 and is buried in Danville, Illinois. His true legacy was and remains his years served as the hermit poet of Magazine Mountain.
