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Obituary – Billy Jack Maxwell (1945-2021)

Billy Jack Maxwell of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, August 6, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his loved ones by his side. Billy Jack was born April 13, 1945 in Waldron, Arkansas to MC Maxwell and Lorine (Nix) Maxwell. He was 76 years old.

Billy Jack grew up in Waldron, Arkansas and graduated in 1962 from WHS. He served a time in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Abbott and started their lives together. He owned and operated Maxwell House Construction for 48 years. He was well known in and around Waldron for the hundreds of houses he built so people could make their dream homes a reality. For many years, Billy Jack’s hobby was his work. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed tinkering on cars. It’s been said that he was a “foodie”. He was always up for a good meal. Billy Jack was a long time member of Temple Baptist Church in Waldron. He was instrumental in the construction of the new sanctuary and even took a tumble off a roof while doing so. He was always excited and ready to spend time with his family. 

Billy Jack leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara of the home, and one son, Eric Maxwell of Waldron, Arkansas and one daughter, Shonna Maxwell of Arkansas. PaPa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Skylar Maxwell of Oklahoma, Lindsey Shaddon of Arkansas and Chealsea Burris of Arkansas as well as 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Charles Maxwell of Waldron, Arkansas, and his nieces and great-nieces and nephews. Billy Jack will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including an extended family of friends, neighbors, and loved ones dear to his heart. 

Billy Jack was preceded in death by his parents, MC and Lorine Maxwell.

Billy Jack’s graveside celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. George Barham officiating. Interment will follow.

Billy Jack’s pallbearers will be Rick Bice, Roger Brigance, Trey Plummer, Mike Stringer, A.G. Morrison, Robert Handley, Jimmy Maxell and Harley McCurry. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Plummer, Curtis Billings, Herman Balentine and Shelby McEntire.

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

Learn Bear-Hunting Basics with AGFC’s Lead Bear Biologist

Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications

FORT SMITH — Myron Means, large carnivore program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will host a series of seminars at AGFC nature centers throughout the state during August and September to teach people about one of Arkansas’s most prized hunts and the state’s former namesake.

“Arkansas was once known as the bear state because of all the bears that were here when settlers first arrived,” Means said. “That population was all but wiped out, but after many decades of relocations and conservation efforts, we have one of the most robust black bear populations in the country again.”

Means will present every aspect of hunting Natural State bears from scouting and bear behavior to field preparation for the hunt and care of harvested bears should a hunter score.

“This will basically be like Bear Hunting 101,” Means said. “If you’ve ever wanted to hunt bears, I’ll try to give you every bit of knowledge you need, but success will still hinge on how much effort you put into the hunt itself.”

Participants will get a crash course in bear physiology and what motivates bears during hunting season.

“Bear hunting really is all about finding food,” Means said. “They don’t have a rut during the fall like deer, but are about to go into their den cycle so they’re focused on one thing – eating.”

Means will help hunters use this knowledge to increase their chances of harvesting a bear, with tactics developed for private and public land hunters.

“We’ll cover baiting sites and how to pattern bears on private land,” Means said. “But we’ll also cover public land hunting, where baiting is not allowed.”

Finding bears on public land still revolves around finding food sources, but it requires much more work in scouting. Means says if acorns and other foods are plentiful, the bears will not need to move much to eat. During low mast years, they’ll move more and focus harder on particular trees that may still be producing acorns.

“The secret is finding these ‘natural bait sites’ and scouting them without disturbing bears that may be feeding,” Means said. “Bears are much less forgiving than deer. If you bust them out scouting, they won’t be back.”

Means says focusing your scouting on late morning and early afternoon improves the chances of not running into a bear before hunting season. Hunters should look for areas with good mast crop and telltale signs of bears visiting, such as bear droppings or scat and bear trails.

Seminar also will address what to do if your new knowledge pays off. Hunters can be intimidated by not knowing what to do with these massive animals after the shot, and poor preparation can lead to a poor experience at the table.

“Bears are much different than deer and can spoil quickly if not cared for properly,” Means said. “The fat layer they are putting on when gorging themselves can be very oily. Combined with them putting on their winter coats, a downed bear’s fat layer can begin rendering itself from the animal’s trapped body heat.”

Acting quickly to skin, quarter and cool the bear is the key to great meals later.

“You also want to get as much of that outer fat layer off as you can before storage,” Means said. “There’s enough marbling in a bear’s muscles to give the meat flavor and prevent it from drying out while cooking. That outer layer just adds too much and has an unpleasant taste.”

Seminars will be available at the following locations and dates:

August 24 — Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith

Obituary – Jerry Eugene Richey (1952-2021)

Jerry Eugene Richey of Nella Arkansas passed from this life, Saturday, July 31, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas. Jerry was born May 6, 1947 in Mena, Arkansas to Giles F. Richey and Viola M. (Wilhite) Richey. he was 74 years old.

Jerry served a 2-year term in the United States Navy. He later was a truck driver until he retired. Jerry enjoyed being with his family.

Jerry leaves behind to cherish his memory, one son, Jerry Richey Jr., and one grandson of Nella, Arkansas and two sisters, Glenda Bilbo of Nella, Arkansas, and Sharon Armijo of Reserve, New Mexico and four brothers: Monte Richey, Dewy Richey, Danny Richey all of Mena, Arkansas and Furlon Richey of New Mexico. Jerry will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of extended family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.

Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Obituary – Ronnie Douglas Mays (1952-2021)

Ronnie Douglas Mays of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. Ronnie was born October 7, 1952 in Mena, Arkansas to Bob D. Mays and Needa Faye (House) Mays. He was 68 years 9 months and 28 days old. 

Ronnie began school in Boles, Arkansas. In the early 1960’s the family moved to Littlefield, Texas and then to Portales, New Mexico where Ronnie spent most of his childhood days. While living there Ronnie would hang around at the collage baseball field and after a while, they started letting him play with them. There he learned a lot about pitching.

In 1969, the family moved back to Arkansas. Ronnie finished his school in Waldron and graduated with the class of 1970. He was active in several clubs and was a class officer his sophomore year. He also ran track and played wide receiver for the Waldron Bulldogs. Following graduation, he attended vocational training and received his Auto Mechanics license.

Ronnie, or as his brother Bobby would call him, “Duck”, enjoyed drag racing, dirt bike riding, and playing baseball. He played American Legion baseball for Mena and Waldron and even tried out for the Kansas City Royals. He made the first cut to move up, but he didn’t want to move. He played for a lot of different teams and was positioned as third baseman and pitcher. He was known for how hard he could throw the ball and how far he could hit the ball.

Ronnie was a very hard worker and had several different jobs to which he was very dedicated. He served in the US Army and then in the National Guard. 

In 1977 Ronnie became the proud father of his first child, a son, Thomas. In April of 1989 he married Phyllis and gained a daughter, Phylisa. In 1991 Ronnie and Phyllis welcomed a daughter of their own, which they named Sarah.

Ronnie obtained his pilot license and for several years enjoyed flying his private airplane with his family and friends. Many locals have special memories of flying with Ronnie. 

Ronnie enjoyed many things including, fishing with his grandkids, working on vehicles, sitting on his porch looking over his pastures and just being outside. His greatest love was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always looking for a way to do something to help his family.

Ronnie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 32 years, Phyllis Mays of the home, his children: Phylisa Millard and husband Michael of Waldron, Arkansas, Sarah Catlett and husband Brandon of Conway, Arkansas, and Thomas Mays and wife Dayna of Waldron, Arkansas and one sister, Dyiana Kane and husband Matt of Waldron, Arkansas. Grandad will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Brayden, Cody, Logan, Kaylee, Paxton, Kaylynn, Liam, Autumn, Elizabeth and Claire. Uncle Ronnie also leaves a legacy with his nieces and nephews, Douglas, Crystal, Kerstein and Hunter. Ronnie will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Needa Mays, one brother Bobby Mays, one sister Sharon Faye Mays, one grandson Memphis Kade Mays and one nephew Little B.D. Mays.

Ronnie’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt and Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Patriot Guard Riders Honor Fallen Heroes

A local organization has made it their mission to ensure that the utmost dignity and respect is paid to fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans.

The Patriot Guard Riders, or PGR, in West Central Arkansas, answers the call from veteran families to attend services of fallen heroes. The Patriot Guard Riders are completely volunteer-based and a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Newly appointed Ride Captains Gus and Gina Gustafson stated “we just want the community to know about our organization and that we do need to be invited by the veteran’s family to attend. We will not just show up at a service. Also, we would like to have the funeral homes know this and recommend us to the families of veterans, law enforcement, and fire.” The Gustafsons, who have been PGR members themselves since 2005, are hoping to increase membership and build up the organization in this area. “Anyone can join, it’s free,” added the PGR Captains. “Anyone can volunteer, they do not have to be veterans. They can be any age and they do not have to ride a motorcycle.”

The Patriot Guard Riders are a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation, with one thing in common, an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. The only prerequisite, respect.

“Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family,” the Gustafsons stated. “Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives. First, show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. And secondly, shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters. We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.”

The Patriot Gaurd Riders also work in conjunction with organizations like SADA, Students Against Drunk Driving and Scouts of America. For more information on the Patriot Guard Riders in West Central Arkansas, you can visit their Facebook page, or contact Ride Captains Gus and Gina Gustafson at 928-404-3841.

Gas Consumption Up; Prices Reach Highest Average Since October 2014

More people were hitting the road during the first half of 2021, with demand driving gasoline prices to their highest levels since 2014.

The July 29 report by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, showed U.S. retail gas prices averaging $3.247 a gallon in the third week of July. This was the highest weekly average gas price since the second week of October 2014. 

“Gasoline prices have fallen slightly in the past week but remain among the highest in several years,” John Anderson said on Thursday. Anderson is an economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Prices are far above last summer levels, when COVID restrictions sharply curtailed travel and, by extension, demand for gasoline. However, “prices are also up from pre-COVID levels: July retail gasoline prices have averaged about 15 percent higher than July 2019 and more than 40 percent higher than last July,” he said.

Seasonal consumption

“While gasoline consumption virtually always increases from January to July, this year, consumption increased 23 percent from January to July,” Anderson said.  “This is the largest seasonal increase in gasoline consumption in EIA data going back to 1992.”

Higher consumption in spite of higher prices is an unmistakable sign of strong demand, he said. However, as consumers slacken their summer travel and COVID surges back into the picture heading into fall, prices may weaken. 

“Looking ahead, fundamental support for gasoline prices should begin to soften, at least a little,” Anderson said. “Demand should already be weakening seasonally, a tendency that should accelerate as we move from summer into fall. 

“Unfortunately, we may also see demand soften even more if the current increase in COVID cases leads to a return of restrictions and/or widespread risk avoidance behavior by consumers,” he said.

See Anderson’s full analysis of this report: hhttps://bit.ly/3xuREo1.

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

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Cedarville’s Phenom Running Back Is Un”Kattich”able

Every high school program has that one guy who is looked back upon as one of the greats. For the Cedarville Pirates, that guy isn’t a historical figure of the past but rather a history-making figure of the present. Pirates Running Back, Darryl “The Kraken” Kattich, has been the bane of defenders existence since he first stepped foot on the gridiron and going into his senior year, aims to not only be one of the best in Pirates football history but THE best. “Darryl has the opportunity to be one of high school’s all-time greats with a chance to hit the 5,000-yard career mark,” expressed Head Coach Max Washausen. “He is everything you want in a running back. Power, vision, speed, and durability. He also had perfect attendance this summer during workouts.”

When Kattich hit the scene in 2019, everyone took notice as he gained All-State recognition by rushing for 1,511 and 18 touchdowns in his sophomore year. That’s not a typo. Yes, a tenth grader rushed for more than 1,500 yards in the 3A-1 and he wasn’t even at 100% healthy towards the end of that season. As a junior last season, everyone was gunning for him and he still ran rampant gaining All-State honors again with 2,007 yards on 216 carries (9.2yrd average) and 25 touchdowns. Basically, if you need a reason why they call him the Cedarville Kraken, just flip through his stats. Two years, 3,518 yards, 9 yards per carrying average, and 43 touchdowns.

Football is an integrated part of Darryl’s genes. Kattich has played football since the first grade, he watched his brothers play while he was growing up, and his father coached him for years in Little League. And rumor has it that the family lawnmower even has plenty of yards under its belt. Sure, Darryl Kattich is naturally blessed with his skills and it’s in his blood, but talent doesn’t work if the player doesn’t work and Kattich is a workhorse on and off the field. When asked “What drives you to get up and train every day?”, Darryl responded, “I wake up every day knowing that going to practice is going to result in more team victories and will make myself as well as my teammates better. We have a strong backfield, speed, and the ability to take over in fourth-quarter situations. And we all know we have to work hard to reach our goal of becoming Conference Champions this year.”

Kattich with Coach Washausen

Although Kattich is a huge advocate of team first, he also has some personal goals on his hit list. To achieve a personal goal or team goal by itself is something hard to do to start with, but Kattich is bound and determined to succeed in both areas this season. “We want to be Conference Camps. Period!” Part of that road will lead directly into a home field battle with the 3A-1 perineal powerhouse, the Charleston Tigers. “I’m looking forward to the Charleston game because it’s going to be a great game between two very skilled teams that have rivaled each other for years.” Kattich has the personal goals of becoming the Cedarville Pirates all-time rushing leader as well as leading the entire state in rushing in 2021If the past two years can serve as a magic ball for this upcoming season, then rest assured that each of the Krakens goals is not only achievable but downright probable!

Paris Lady Eagles Tested by Tough Greenwood Volleyball Camp Field

If you believe as I do, the preseason is an excellent opportunity to play tough competition that will make your team better in the conference and post-seasons. On Tuesday of this week, that is exactly the opportunity that the Paris Lady Eagles volleyball team had as a participant in the Greenwood Lady Bulldogs volleyball camp. The teams that participated in the camp included the defending Class 2A state champion Mansfield Lady Tigers, as well as bigger schools from Class 4A to Class 6A. On the Lady Eagles schedule for this day were the Mena Lady Bearcats, the Russellville Lady Cyclones, Greenwood Lady Bulldogs, and the Hot Springs Lakeside Lady Rams. A daunting schedule that featured two-set matches with each school, including a Greenwood Team 1 and a Greenwood Team 2.

Resident Press Photo

Noticeably absent from the Lady Eagles was front-line hitter Akira Robinson. Paris rotated many players and player combinations and line-ups throughout the day, developing players and increasing the quality of depth on the team. And there were some spots that showed Paris that they still have some preparation to perform over the final two weeks of the summer. There were stretches where the team struggled with serving and setting. But make no question: this is a very deep and talented club that, if they remain healthy and continue to progress from week to week during the season, could make a serious run through the state tournament and possibly a return engagement in the state finals, or possibly a Class 3A state championship. Their conference will include the defending Class 3A state champion Hackett Lady Hornets that will be primed for their own state championship run, as well as improved conference opponents Charleston and Booneville.

Resident Press Photo

Paris will open their season in two weeks when they host the Farmington Lady Cardinals in a preseason, non-conference match that will benefit the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) catastrophic injury fund. The season schedule will officially open on Monday, August 23, when the Lady Eagles will travel to Russellville to take on the Lady Cyclones.

Stay with Resident Press for the most complete coverage of Paris volleyball from the first spike to the final point in what hopes to be another championship year for Paris volleyball! Additionally, more photos from the Lady Eagles matches at the Greenwood volleyball camp are now available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports for viewing and / or downloading at no charge.

Thanks for reading Resident Press, and I will see you on August 19 for the Lady Eagles AAA benefit game with Farmington!

Obituary – Fay Maxine (Vaughn) Wiscour (1961-2021)

Fay Maxine Wiscour of Dutch Creek, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, August 2, 2021 in Danville, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Maxine was born April 24, 1961 in Waldron, Arkansas. She was 60 years old.

Maxine enjoyed making everyone laugh with her sunny disposition. She loved her family and was especially proud of her girls and grandchildren. She was active in her church. She loved helping with Bible School, the Christmas program, and leading Sunday song service. She wrote many songs and enjoyed singing. She loved going on vacation with the whole Vaughn clan and making memories. 

Maxine leaves behind to cherish her memory, two daughters: Kristin Haggard and husband John and Racheal McKibbin and husband Dustin all of Dutch Creek, Arkansas. Maxine will forever remain in the hearts of two grandchildren, Alexis Haggard and Porter McKibbin. Maxine is also survived by her mother, Fayreen Vaughn; one sister, Melissa Lunsford and husband Steve; two brothers, Tony Vaughn and wife Diane and Jeffery Vaughn all of Union Hill, Arkansas; and one sister-in-law, Glenda Vaughn of Blue Ball, Arkansas. She is also survived by two nieces Kerry Stark and husband Scott; and Angela Vaughn; and two nephews Chris Vaughn and wife Calista; and Brandon Lunsford and wife Mary; and several great nieces Abbi and Katy Stark; Madison Miller; and great nephews Damon and Dakota Vaughn. Maxine will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and loved ones dear to her heart.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband James Wiscour, her father Leon Vaughn, one brother, Leslie Vaughn, and nephew, Anthony Vaughn.

Maxine’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Friday August 6, 2021 at the Union Hill Church with Rev. Zack Hale officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Maxine’s pallbearers will be Parker Cox, Mason Cox, Lincoln Hale, Tim Defoor, Rusty Defoor and Mark Defoor. Honorary pallbearer will be Tim Cox.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fay Maxine (Vaughn) Wiscour, please visit our floral store.

Cedarville’s El Capitan Eager To Light Some Fuses

Pictured is Cedarville Quarterback, Cody Dickens

There’s no such thing as a suppresser or silencer to put on a cannon. Everyone can hear the BANG and see the flash of fire as it hurls a destructive ball of steel into enemy territory. Imagine if you will though if somehow engineers found a way to develop one and there was minimum noise on the first test fire. The enemy would look at each other in shock and likely say something like “What in the Dickens”?

In 2020, the big guns in Cedarville’s offense belonged to their highly talented and ever-powerful running backs. Defenses in the 3A-1 prepared their entire game plan around stopping the enormous BANG of the Pirates run game. But if you look at the game film, you’ll notice something that wasn’t heard as loudly but can be seen very clearly. At the helm of the Pirate’s potent 2020 offense was Cody Dickens. While opponents stacked the box, Dickens quietly and meticulously destroyed them by completing 50 passes for 946 total yards with an average of 18 yards per pass and 7 touchdowns on the season. You read that right, Dickens nearly hit a thousand-yard season with just 50 completions. “Cody leads by example,” explained Head Coach, Max Washausen. “He had perfect attendance this summer during workouts. He’s very smart and extremely important to our offense and he knows the offense very well. But he’s also just as important on defense at the cornerback position. He has a strong arm and I expect him to have a huge season!”

That was last season though. Dickens earned a plethora of experience and had an entire off-season to perfect the art of his quarterback position, form a better understanding of his opponents, and become a premier player in the monstrous 3A-1 conference. “The personal goal I have set for myself is to get over 1,000 passing yards. The main goal though is to do my part to help bring the Conference Championship in football to Cedarville for the first time ever,” explained the senior. The Pirates may have one of their best teams in decades to suit up going into 2021 and their motivation for this season? Last year’s 2020 season. Cedarville lost two of their games against Charleston and Greenland by a combined total of four points and the Pirates are determined not to let that happen again.

“We’re mentally and physically ready this season,” said Dickens. “Last year’s results help drive me every day. We lost a couple of close games last year that we should’ve won. One strength this team brings to the table this year is the huge amount of Sr leadership. We’ve all had experience and are hungry to win. This team is also very dependable. Everyone shows up to practice and loves to play football. The game that I myself and the whole program have circled on the calendar for this year is definitely Charleston. I think we all still have a bitter taste in our mouths from the past and are ready to change that.”

Cody Dickens will be a staple of this season’s success, not because he’s the biggest cannon on the field but because of his love for the game of football. Dickens started off in the 1st-grade playing football and hasn’t looked back since. Cody’s influence in the game was none other than his father. “My dad definitely started my passion for football. He coached our little league team and every year we’ve been playing catch in the backyard since I could talk.” With a family backing at home and a family backing on the field, it’s no wonder that Dickens is ready to fire at will this season. So for anyone who may ask “what in the Dickens”, the answer is simple. Go buy a ticket at Pirates Bay in Cedarville and watch some Pirates football. You’ll get your answer to that question there.