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Obituary – Catherine Pace (1928-2021)

Catherine Sims Pace of Ft. Smith, Arkansas passed from this life to her Heavenly home on November 7th, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 13, 1928 to Herbert Sims and Dovie (Watson) Sims in Boles, Arkansas. She was 93 years, 2 months and 25 days of age.

She was a member of the Boles Freewill Baptist Church. Cat met the love of her life, Tommy at the age of 14 and married him at 17. Together they had 6 boys who were the center of her existence. She always made each son feel like “she loves me most”.

Cat leaves behind to cherish her memory, four sons: Tom of Santa Barbara California, Mickey of Boles, Arkansas, Randy and Rocky both of Ft. Smith, Arkansas and their spouses, one sister, Sue Watkins of Waldron, Arkansas, 14 grandkids, 24 great grandkids and 3 great great grandkids as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Cat was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Dovie Sims, her loving husband of 64 years, Tommy Pace, 2 sons, Greg and Dennis, 3 brothers, Omar Sims, Buddy Ray Sims and Doug Sims, 3 sisters, Evelyn Blalock, Jean Barker and Betty Payne.

Cat’s life celebration will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Boles Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs and Rev. Mike Shaddon officiating. Interment will follow in the Dooley Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Ethan Eccleston, Roger Broomfield, Park Barker, Danny Sims, Jeff Gilbert and Rusty Sims.

Cat’s visitation will be Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Bulldogs Set Tone for the Season

Following the historic season of last year’s team, Bulldog fans were excited to finally see their team back in the WAC (Waldron Activities Center) to kick off the year.

The team lost a lot of seniors and hired a new coach to lead the Bulldogs. Coach Josh Atchley will be at the reins this year as he hopes to guide the team to back-to-back state tournament appearances. Their first matchup of the season was against the Caddo Hills Indians who bested the Bulldogs last year on their way to a 2A state runner up trophy.

Right from the opening tip, the Dogs started off hot as they hit three straight jump shots from Drew Owens, Ethan Mayberry, and Camdon Holcomb to jump out to an 8-0 lead. Those would be the only first quarter points Waldron would score as they had problems securing a defensive rebound and turning the ball over. Waldron had some foul trouble early and the Indians took advantage as they made several trips to the free throw line. As the whistle blew to end the first quarter, the Dogs were up 8-7.

The Bulldogs started the second quarter with a bang as senior Jayden Mcconnell, affectionately referred to as “Fish” by his teammates, buried a three from the right corner to extend the lead to 4. Waldron began to substitute which allowed some of their football players, Trenton Hunt and Chris Lopez, who have not been able to spend much time in the gym to get some minutes. Hunt’s presence was felt as soon as he stepped on the court as he hit a floater in the lane and caused havoc on the defensive end. Caddo would then go on a run as they switched to a zone defense that gave the Dogs fits. Waldron foul trouble continued in the second quarter as senior Drew Owens picked up his second foul which caused him to head to the bench. As Waldron headed into halftime, they felt good about only being down 3 because they knew some of their key players that had gotten into foul trouble were going to be back on the court in the second half.

To begin the second half the Dogs quickly tied things up at 23, and not long after took the lead as “Fish” McConnell converted an old fashioned three-point play and junior point guard Lidge Stinson got another to push the lead to 28-23. Waldron did a better job of securing rebounds and stayed out of foul trouble which allowed them to maintain their lead through three quarters. Senior postman Camdon Holcomb added another jumper which grew the lead to 37-32 heading into the 4th quarter.

As the fourth quarter began the Dogs knew that they had to step up their game to put the Indians away, and that is exactly what Camdon Holcomb did. He started off the 4th with back-to-back layups to make the lead 41-34. Not long after junior guard Ethan Mayberry made a three-point jumper to push the lead to double digits. Caddo began a full court press which caused the Bulldogs to turn the ball over and allowed the Indians to get within 5, but after a charge taken by Sophomore Chris Lopez, the Bulldogs began to pull away. The interior duo of Camdon Holcomb and “Fish” McConnell proved to be too much for the Indians as they combined for 16 points in the fourth. After a final lay in by Lidge Stinson, Coach Atchley decided to call off the Dogs and walk away with a 61-46 win in his first outing as head coach.

Coach Atchley went on to add, “I am really proud of my dudes. Typical first game jitters hurt us a bit, but I am very thankful to come out with a win. Still ironing out some details as far as personnel, rotations, and mindsets but we will get there. The Dogs are 1 and 0, #FlytheW!”


The Bulldogs will take on the Cobras of Fountain Lake back at the WAC on Thursday, November 11th. Jr Girls will kick off the action at 4:30, followed by Jr Boys, Sr Girls, and Sr Boys.

15 Good Gifts from Dollar Tree

If you are like me you put a lot of thought and care into gifts. A random last minute gift card leaves me feeling guilty, but I also can’t afford to a spend a fortune on gifts. Our gift list seems to expand each year, and I don’t want to take anyone off but I’m learning to be more aware of our budget limits.

When you think of Dollar Tree do you think of junk? I was almost an adult before I went in one, and I was pleasantly surprised by all they had to offer. With the addition of a craft section it seems the selection has just gotten better and most things can’t be beat for $1 an item.

Ready to go shopping? I have some gift ideas to help you out for $4 or less per gift!

Gifts for Teens & Adults

-Grab one of the large clear ornaments ($1) and some filler ($1), add a photo (varies depending on how you print) total approx. $4

-clear ornament ($1), hot chocolate packets w/marshmallows (6/$1), candy canes 12/$1 (Pour contents of packet into ornament, crush and add candy cane)- total less than $2 each

Ornaments from dollartree.com

-Grab some Mossy Oak men’s socks, a set of 3 would make a great gift- total $3

Mens Mossy Oak socks, photo from dollartree.com.

-Hot chocolate bomb ($1), mug ($1), cozy socks ($1)- total $3

-Cozy socks ($1), nail polish ($1) wrap socks around bottle of nail polish- total $2

-Pair an adult coloring book ($1) with a set of markers ($1) total-$2

-Makeup remover towel ($1), face mask ($1), candle ($1) the perfect way to end the day! Total $3

-Pedicure set ($1), add a bottle of nail polish and remover or give as is, Total $1-$3

Pedicure set courtesy of dollartree.com

-Hex key set ($1), always handy and a great stand alone gift- total $1

Kids Gifts

-1 tub of play dough ($1), set of Christmas cookie cutters (6/$1) divide all cookie cutters and have play dough kit gifts for $1.16 each or $2 for a bigger set

-Base plate for blocks ($1), clear container ($1), pack of 100 blocks ($1)- glue base plate to top of container, put blocks inside total $3 (+cost of glue if not already on hand)

Sample box from dollartree.com

-Fidget toys are so popular! Find a good selection for $1 each! Total $1

-Hot wheel car ($1), track ($1) (add more tracks depending on your budget) Total $2+

Hot Wheels track from dollartree.com

-Dress up pieces ($1/item) Total-varies

-Use Excavation kits for a fun and cheap sensory gift ($1) total- $1!

There are tons of hidden gems in Dollar Tree, it may just take a little out of the box thinking for Christmas gift pairings. Dollar Tree is a great place to start marking names off your list this Holiday season!

Obituary – Gearld Elmore (1941-2021)

Gearld Elmore of Mansfield, AR, was born October 26, 1941, to Hobert and June Pettus Elmore in Mansfield. He went to his heavenly home November 8, 2021. He retired as a lineman from SWEPCO in Greenwood. His favorites past times included playing pool at the Sr. Center with his buddies, golfing, fishing and being with family and friends.

Gearld is survived by two sons Michael (Ann) of Maumelle, AR and Darrell (Evelyn) of Mansfield and one daughter, Dr. Vicki Hall (Liniel) of Dardanelle, AR. Five Grandchildren: Joshua (Amy) Elmore of Waukesha, WI; Keesha (Josh) Hamilton of Dardanelle; Jonathan Elmore of Brooklyn, NY; Dr. Alexis Elmore (Dr. Jure Baloh) of Maumelle, AR;  Samantha VanCleave (Emrys) of Hampton, VA. Eight Great Grandchildren: Timothy, Aubri, Logan, Charlotte, Emrys, Lydia, Asher and Emily. Siblings: Delpha McConnell and Virginia (Tommy) Eckle of Mansfield, Don (Vadona) Elmore of Booneville, Ronnie Elmore of Lavaca, Jackie (Janie) Elmore of Cassville, MO; Teresa (Gary) Clark of Huntington and one brother-in-law Jim Johnson of Mansfield and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by a special friend, Linda Henley-Hamilton of Mansfield. Gearld was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 50 years, Margaret Johnson Elmore; Three brothers Kenneth, Hurley and Carroll.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield, Arkansas

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2021 at James Fork Baptist Church with burial in Coop Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home in Mansfield, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Gary Clark, John Steele, Bobby Polk, Liniel Hall, Josh Elmore, and Jonathan Elmore.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Mansfield Alumni Scholarship Fund” c/o Linda Udouj 2011 Frazier Road, Hartford, AR 72938 OR Coop Prairie Cemetery c/o Today’s Bank 101 S. Sebascott Ave, Mansfield, AR 72944.

Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com

WSD Presents Annual Report to the Public

MINUTES
WALDRON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PUBLIC
NOVEMBER 8, 2021
6:00 P.M.

The annual Report to the Public was presented by Superintendent Fielding; Kristi Sigman, Federal Programs Coordinator; Natalie Cadena, Special Education Director; Julie Woodral, GT Coordinator; Ryan Walker, Elementary Principal; Chris Lipham, Middle School Principal; Kim Solomon, High School Principal; Toni Dozier, Adventure Online Academy Principal.

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 8, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Tammye Sherrill, Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, and Mac Davis.  Board member Konnor McKay was not present.  Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kristi Sigman, Tonya Cluck, Julie Woodral, Natalie Cadena, Kim Solomon, Ryan Walker, Keith Brigance, Darla Jeffery, Toni Dozier, and Chris Lipham.

President Tammye Sherrill called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Mac Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Clay Woodall to add item E) Approve Invoices for Alliance Propane to the Consent Agenda.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Clay Woodall and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 25th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approval of Purchase Order to Jupiter Education Services, LLC dba Red Comet; D) Approval of Purchase Order to Ben E. Keith Foods; E) Approval of Invoices for Alliance Propane.  Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Clay Woodall to approve the recommendation of School Board President Tammye Sherrill to give all licensed and classified employees a one-time bonus in the amount of $1,000.00 to be paid November 19th.  Mrs. Sherrill stated that the board is well aware of everything the teachers and staff are still doing and how hard they are working.  Motion carried 4-0.

The board tabled Item B) Discuss and Appoint a Voting Delegate for ASBA.

Mr. Fielding informed the board member that School Board Election Zones had been looked at and Waldron School District is one of the few schools that their zones do not need changed.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to increase the purchase price threshold for bidding commodities to $15,000.  Motion failed 2:2.

A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to increase the purchase price threshold for bidding commodities to $12,500.  Motion carried 4:0.

A motion was made by Clay Woodall and seconded by Mac Davis to add item E) Secondary Career Center Site for Welding through UARM.  Motion carried 4:0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Clay Woodall to approve the request for Waldron School District to become a Secondary Career Center Site for Welding through UARM.  Motion carried 4:0.

Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building. Mr. Walker reported that the Fall Festival was a great success and the largest they had ever seen.  He also stated that Elementary is working hard on getting their SpEd scores up.  Mr. Lipham invited the board to the Veteran’s Day program that will be Thursday at 11:30 at the High School Auditorium.  The student council is also hosting a canned food drive that will be donated to local church food pantries.  Mrs. Solomon bragged on the accomplishments of the Band program, the band has had great scores in the competitions that they have been competing in.  She also stated that Cross Country girls and boys have both scored very well in their meets.  Mrs. Solomon was so proud of how Homecoming went and how everyone enjoyed the sense of normalcy.

Superintendent Fielding informed the board members that the house remodel the building trades department is taking on has perked interest with Michelle Viney from Communities Unlimited who encouraged Mr. Fielding to write a letter to the Smithsonian Community of Innovation committee describing the story behind the home and remodel.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Clay Woodall to approve the resignation of Murray (Murphy) Barber as of October 26, 2021.  Motion carried 4-0.

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

Obituary – Dalana Gail (Cantrell) Williams (1958-2021)

Dalana Gail Williams of Mansfield, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 29, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on October 24, 1958, in Arkadelphia, AR, the daughter of Delous Cantrell and Bennie Joan Williams Cantrell. She was 63 years old. She was a member of Abbott Pentecostal Church of God. She had a strong faith in her Lord, a servant’s heart, and lived by example for those who knew her. She adored and loved her church and church family.

On December 17, 2010 she was married to Charles “Arnold” Williams. Together they have loved spending time together, working in the yard, gardening, hunting, and fishing. Dalana enjoyed mowing the yard and was quite insistent she do it. However, as much as she enjoyed life, it was her love of her family that trumped everything else. Her family time was cherished and memories made will be treasured by all. 

Dalana leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Charles “Arnold” Williams of Mansfield, Arkansas; daughter, Amanda Stroud and husband William Stroud; daughter Alicia Wilson and husband Ronnie Wilson all of Amity, Arkansas, step-daughter, Linda Lowery and husband Davy Lowery of Mansfield, Arkansas, step-daughter, Julie Jennings and husband Josh Jennings of Checotah, Oklahoma. Nana/granny will forever remain in the hearts of her nine grandchildren: Mayla Wilson, Kimey Wilson, Blaine Smith, Paris Stroud, Emma Smith, Danielle Lowery, Kaylie Lowery, Aaron Evans and Austin Evans. Dalana is also survived by two aunts, Reba Kuykendall and Francis Judy. Dalana will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of cousins, extended family, and friends she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers Stephen Alan Cantrell and Clinton “Dale” Cantrell.

Dalana’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. James Self and William Stroud officiating. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home
in Waldron, Arkansas.

Dalana’s pallbearers will be William Stroud, Blaine Smith, Paris Stroud, Darren Crawford, Paul Williams, and Bill Weaver. Honorary pallbearer will be Ronnie Wilson.

Dalana’s visitation will be Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dalana Gail (Cantrell) Williams, please visit our floral store.

Amateur Chili Cookoff Brings the Competition

On Saturday, November 6, the Witcherville community hosted an Amateur Chili Cookoff at Buckner Park.

In addition to the chili and salsa competitions, there were also hot wheel races and a kid’s checker tournament.

Hot Wheel Races (four entries):
First place – Cooper Harris
Second place – Max Harris
Third place – Sophia Harris
Fourth place – Aaryn Gass

Kid’s Checker Tournament (six entries):
First place – Cosmo Whiley
Second place – Quinn Gass

Salsa Competition (nine entries):
First place – a tie between Kynady Thomas and her father, David Thomas
Third place – Mary Reamey
Fourth place – Rebecca Gass

Chili Cookoff (nine entries):
First place – Cory Daggett
Second place – tie between husband and wife, Julie and David Thomas
Third place – Randy Davis
Fourth place – George Harris

A special thanks goes out to the two competition judges, State Representative candidate Wade Dunn and Charles Whiley

Johnny Cabe with his grandson, John Paul.
Johnny Cabe with his daughter-in-law Dominique and grandson John Paul.
Salsa competition winner, Kynady Thomas
Chili cookoff winner Cory Daggett
Cookoff brings out the competitors to Buckner Park!

4 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Skid Steer Tires

When it comes to caring for large sections of a property, skid steers are among the best pieces of equipment you can own. Able to carry several hundred pounds worth of dirt at once, these machines offer one of the most efficient methods for sculping fields to your specific requirements. However, if you’re going to get the most out of them, it’s vital that you know how to keep their tires operating as intended. Here are a few tips for extending the life of your skid steer tires and protecting your investment.

Purchase Quality Models

While there are several other types of skid steer attachments that affect the way these machines perform, your tires are the most important of them all. Responsible for absorbing shock from the landscape and ensuring accurate movement, these components make sure that your skid steer only does what you want it to. Because of this, purchasing quality skid steer tires from the very start is the key to helping them last for several projects to come.

Keep Them Clean

Along with buying tires that you know you can rely on, it’s also essential that you keep them clean. Skid steers need to drive through all manner of dirt, mud, and gravel, getting these materials trapped in their treads in the process. If left to sit, these substances can bake into the rubber and start to wear away at the tires, hastening the need to replace them. So, remembering to wash your tires after every job can go a long way in keeping your tires in peak performing condition.

Limit Contact With Roadways

Another important tip for extending the life of your skid steer tires is to keep them away from concrete roadways whenever possible. Though these models can handle driving over this surface, rough concrete can generate additional wear on their treads. This accelerates the rate of deterioration and, like dirt, can lead to you needing to replace the tires sooner. For this reason, it’s recommended that you keep them on grass during operation.

Inspect the Tires Regularly

Above all, though, make sure that you’re inspecting your skid steer’s tires frequently. Inspections allow you to check on the condition of your entire machine and make the necessary repairs. This process also includes checking their tires for signs of excessive deterioration. Diagnosing corrosion early on can help you take preventative measures and better preserve the tires for future tasks.

By adopting these additional steps into your skid steer maintenance routine, you can protect its long-term functionality. This way, you’re not only saving money but also yielding better landscaping results.

The Determining Factors for Which Parent Gets Custody

If you aren’t aware of the determining factors for which parent gets custody after a divorce, check out this blog for the nuances the judge will consider when making their decision.

Child’s Age

A child’s age can have a big effect on a judge’s approach. For very young children, especially those who are still breastfeeding, the mother is commonly awarded primary custody. This is even more likely if the mother was already the primary caregiver.

For older teenagers, some judges will choose to listen to the child’s preference. It will never be the sole deciding factor, but if the child is already 16 or 17, the judge might believe they’re capable of picking their own living situation. This is assuming, though, that both parents’ living situations are suitable options.

Parents’ Living Situations

The judge will also consider the parents’ living situations. The judge will want to set up the child with the best possible environment to help them through this challenging transition. Often, the parent who keeps the home will be awarded custody because it allows the child to maintain some continuity. You’ll need to prove you can provide a proper living situation with enough space for you and your child. If you’re crashing on a friend’s couch or staying in a hotel, that will significantly hurt your chances of getting primary custody.

Level of Cooperation

Having the ability to maintain healthy relationships with both parents is in a child’s best interest, so judges will also take notice of your willingness to coparent. The court will want both parents to stay in the child’s life when possible, and they’ll reward couples open to building parenting schedules.

Parents’ Criminal History

A criminal record can affect your divorce case in various ways, one of them being custody. If you do have a criminal history, you’ll need to be prepared to show that you’ve rehabilitated your criminal past and that there isn’t a chance of repeat offenses. Also, obtaining a character statement from past parole officers or other officials who can attest to your reformation could help you.

History of Abuse or Neglect

Having a history of abuse or neglect is arguably the most critical factor in deciding custody. A judge will not send a child into an environment that puts them at risk. So if you have evidence of neglect or abuse against your former spouse, make sure your lawyer presents it to the court.

Now that you understand the determining factors for which parent gets custody, you’re hopefully better prepared for your court or arbitration dates.

Boles Community Center News

By Teresa Holleman

The Boles Community Center was awarded a $75,000 FUN Park Grant earlier this year to fund a playground for the community. After much anticipation, work has started on the site.

Chris Allen’s building trades class spent several days doing the concrete work, building the sidewalk and the pad for a picnic table. Students included David Sexton, Christian Parkhurst, Gatlin Lovett, Marcus Dye, Tate Miller, Gary Thomas, EJ Atchley, Brylee Canada, Brycen Hattabaugh, Eric Stockton, Emily Louk, and Jaren Howell. They did an excellent job. 

The board appreciates the backhoe work done by the county, Wade Ridenhour for moving the old swing set to its new location by the merry-go-round, and the folks at Arkansas Valley for cutting down a dead tree that was a hazard.