Adam Watson Announces Independent Run for Arkansas Senate District 26
BRANCH, AR – Adam Watson, a business development professional and small farm operator in Franklin County, has announced his candidacy for the Arkansas Senate, running as an Independent for District 26.
Watson’s decision to enter the race follows more than a year of deep involvement in opposing the proposed prison project in Franklin County-
-an effort that gave him, in his words, “a front-row seat to how political priorities get
forced on rural communities who have no real say in the matters.”
“I’m running because the people of District 26 deserve better than backroom deals and top-down decisions. We deserve honesty, accountability, and a representative who answers to neighbors—-not to party leaders or special interests in Little Rock,” Watson said. “It’s time someone stood up to say enough with the political theater. Let’s get back to facts, fairness, and common sense.”
Watson is the founding director of Gravel & Grit, the nonprofit organizing against the Franklin County prison project, and serves as Vice-Chair of the Arkansas Civic Action Network, an organization focused on civic engagement and education. He brings over a decade of experience as a paralegal and currently works in business development while building a small farming operation in rural Arkansas.
Running as an Independent, Watson’s campaign will focus on issues where he says one-party rule has failed the state while undermining the very values rural Arkansans care about most.
“Whether it’s the attempt to spend millions to build a mega prison with no local input, ignoring the affordability of our healthcare and groceries, weakening Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act, or denying the District’s basic right to representation—none of it is working for the people,” Watson said. “This isn’t about left versus right. It’s about right versus wrong.”
Watson says his platform will prioritize restoring local control to rural counties, protecting our rural hospitals, strengthening government transparency, leveling the playing field between public and private schools, reining in runaway spending and political patronage, and reviving accountability and ethics in state government.
He says his campaign slogan— “People over party. Policy over politics.”-sums up the values he says are missing from the State Capitol, adding:
“I’m not running to play the political game—I’m running to make sure decisions are made with you, not for you.
This campaign isn’t powered by party machines. It’s grounded in real people, real problems, and real solutions. They’ve had their turn, now it’s ours. Our government works best when the people rule.”
Obituary: Bruce Owens (1958-2025)
Bruce Wayne Owens, 67, of Waldron, Arkansas, was called to his Heavenly home on November 6, 2025. Bruce was born on September 7, 1958, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Willie “Shorty” Owens and Leota Jean (Cheesman) Owens.
Bruce was a lifelong resident of Waldron and a proud graduate of Waldron High School, where he played football and developed his lifelong love for the game. He was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church, where he found strength and fellowship throughout his life.
In his younger years, Bruce married the love of his life, Connie (Tucker) Owens, and together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. They grew up side by side, building a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and family. Bruce was a devoted husband, father, and “Papa,” whose greatest joy was spending time with those he loved most.
Bruce worked for many years at Magnetics in Booneville until its closing. Always determined and hardworking, he later attended Arkansas Tech University-Ozark, earning his associate’s degree in Auto Mechanics. He went on to work for the Arkansas Highway Transportation Department, where he made many lifelong friends before retiring.
Bruce had a love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler, or practicing with his bow-a skill in which he took great pride. In his later years, he enjoyed the quiet comfort of watching old Westerns and reminiscing about good times shared with family and friends.
Bruce’s life was one marked by love, faith, friendship, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Owens; daughters Amber Owens and Megan Mueller and husband Michael; and his cherished grandchildren, Audree Bowman, Owen Mueller, and Katie Mueller. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law Janis McGaugh; siblings Gwynda Walker (Mike), Brenda Hartness, Steve Owens (Nancy), and Brian Owens (Cassie); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom he loved dearly.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Shorty and Leota Owens and brother Russell.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12:00 noon, with Bro. Larry Free officiating. Interment will follow in Birdsview Cemetery.
Bruce’s pallbearers will be Michael Mueller, Steve Owens, Brian Owens, Justin Keener, Cole Tucker and Chris Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be Owen Mueller and Arkansas Highway and Transportation Dept friends.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
The family would like to extend a heart felt Thank You to the nurses and staff at Dalton’s Place for treating him like family with such heartfelt care and compassion.
Obituary: Donald Ray Wright (1940 – 2025)
Donald Ray Wright, known by most as Don, by his favorite people as Grandad, and by an elite few as a member of the Old Dudes fishing duo, passed from this life on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Don was born on January 11, 1940 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was married to the love of his life, Lucy Wright, for 65 wonderful years. From hunting rattlers in Texas to serving his country proudly in the Air Force to chasing big game in Colorado, Don embraced life as a true adventure.
Don’s second love in life was his time spent on the water-pole in hand, line baited, waiting for the next big one to bite. Fishing every hole of water and river around, he loved being on the water more than on the land. In his later years, he teamed up with Clarence McConnell to form the ‘Old Dudes’. Together, they won tournaments, told tall tales, and created memories that will spark laughter for years to come. Every morning, they gathered at their reserved table at Fred’s Country Cookin’, where the coffee flowed and the fish grew longer.
Not only was Don an avid fisherman, but he also spent many days during deer season in pursuit of the next big buck. At deer camp, he claimed a sleeping spot in the back of the cook shack. After the evening meal, nightly card games, and talk of the day’s hunt, he’d shoo everyone out so he could get a good night’s sleep-well away from the camp snorers. Don continued hunting throughout his life, though his methods grew a bit more comfortable over the years. His self-built cabin, complete with sliding windows and a warm heater, ensured he stayed toasty while waiting for the next trophy to appear.
Don was also a gifted and humble craftsman and artist. Whether working with wood or paint, his creations reflected his care and creativity. Need a table, a shelf, or a bench? Don would craft a beautiful, lasting piece. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren received a hand-painted, handcrafted, Disney-themed toy box-treasures that will be cherished for generations. If Lucy wanted a new painting of a chicken, Don painted her two. Though his family encouraged him to share his art with the world, he created only for those he loved.
Don is preceded in death by his father, Roland Wright, and his parents, Othel and Eunice Ledgerwood; his wife, Lou Ella Wright; and his grandchildren, Aaron and Lisa. Don is survived by his three children and their spouses, Steve Wright and wife Sherri, Donna Duncan and husband Eugene, and Chuck Wright and wife Becky; his grandchildren, Chris Wright and Candace, Amy Slater and Keith, Travis Bottoms, and Tyler Wright; his great-grandchildren, Tristian, Pierse, Atticus, Olivia, and Remington; his sister-in-law, Treva Harberson and Tommy; his brother-in-law, Bill Slagle and Pat; along with a host of family and friends.
In honor of Don’s memory, a celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 on November 10, 2025, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, with his granddaughter, Amy Slater officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Chant Cemetery or of Gideon Bibles in his memory.
Judge Brian Jones Seeks Re-election in 2026 Primary
Scott County Judge Brian Jones has officially filed for reelection in the March 3, 2026, primary election. Jones, who is running on the Republican ticket, is currently in the third year of his first term.
Jones said he remains committed to upholding the values that define Scott County — faith, family, friendship, and community. “As CEO of the county, this job is multifaceted,” Jones explained. “It’s not just about roads. It involves working with FEMA, coordinating with officials in Little Rock, managing budgets, overseeing sanitation, and maintaining all county buildings.”
During his time in office, Jones has focused on continued education and training in county governance and fiscal management. He said his main priority moving forward is to “keep Scott County moving in the right direction.”
