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Whedbees Celebrate 75th Wedding Anniversary

Tammy Teague
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Whedbees Celebrate 75th Wedding Anniversary

Charles and Ivalee Whedbee of Dayton, Arkansas will celebrate their 75th Wedding Anniversary on January 11, 2021.

The Whedbees were married in Witcherville, Arkansas on January 11, 1946. Mrs. Whedbee, the former Ivalee Yancey is a homemaker. Mr. Whedbee is a retired Southern Baptist Pastor. The couple have three children: Tommy and Betty Whedbee of Dayton, Arkansas; Barry and Terry Whedbee of Liberty, Oklahoma; and Pam and Tom Williams of Advance, North Carolina. They have 6 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Due to the pandemic, they are unable to celebrate with a gathering. You are invited to celebrate with them through a personal phone call or a card.

Fingers Crossed for 2021: Huntington and Mansfield Donate and Receive a Free Long-Sleeved T-shirt

Tammy Teague
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Fingers Crossed for 2021: Huntington and Mansfield Donate and Receive a Free Long-Sleeved T-shirt

As Arkansans ring in the new year, Arkansas Blood Institute has its “fingers crossed” for 2021! Blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved “2021 Fingers Crossed” t-shirt and a free pass to the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.

Arkansas Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with Huntington and Mansfield Community on Thursday, January 7, from 1 to 5:45 p.m. at the Mansfield Community Center. Individuals ages sixteen and up are urged to give blood.

Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins will be managed as schedules allow. All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.*

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this drive. Call 888-308-3924 or email coviddonor@obi.org to make an appointment.

“Arkansans really did their part throughout a tough 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges, and we thank them for their selflessness,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “We urge you make a resolution to take just an hour out of your busy schedule to give the precious gift of life—and offer families hope, healing and comfort this new year.” 

Arkansas Blood Institute is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.   

Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Arkansas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org. More information on Arkansas Blood Institute can be found at arkbi.org.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.  Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation. 

The Unfinished Story

Tammy Teague
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The Unfinished Story

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

The trail looped back and forth, each loop steeper and more rugged than the one before.  The four-wheelers chugged away, trying to gain and keep traction on the rocky surface.  We were somewhere north of the Mulberry river out of Turner Bend; five of us following a local explorer intent on finding a local Civil War site.

Finally, our guide stopped his vehicle, the rest of the journey would be on foot and straight down the mountainside.  I could faintly see Indian Creek, some distance down the cliff face and to our west.  Carefully, we clung to trees and outcrops of rock as we descended the mountainside.  About half-way down the mountain side, we turned sharply to our left under the overhanging bluff.  Exposed was a tumble of exposed rock, and there it was!!! Carved into the light surface of the sandstone was the memorial that we had risked life and limb to see.

By 1864, the state was essentially divided into camps.  Rebel forces under General Sterling Price held the southern part of the state, Union forces held the major towns of Fort Smith and Little Rock and the northern portion.  The middle portion, the Arkansas River Valley was essentially controlled by no one and was afflicted by bands of conflicting guerrilla forces.  Deserters and bushwhackers were common and preyed on the locals.

A group of three deserters had discovered this site above Indian Creek.  It was isolated, difficult to get to, and easy to defend.  To survive, the men stayed hid out and survived by stealing from the locals.  Eventually, the local home guard discovered where the men were camped.  Slipping quietly down the hillside we had just traversed, they silently creeped upon the three sleeping deserters.  A tumbling rock, a broken limb, some sound alerted the three.  A fire fight ensued and two of the deserters were killed.  The third rolled down the hill, the enemy firing repeatedly as he tumbled.  The hill of his boot was shoot off but yet he continued in flight until he reached the creek bed below and fled.  Pursued throughout the day and night, he eventually escaped.

Two years later in 1867, he returned to the site and created the memorial to his fallen friends and colleagues.  It must have taken some time because the rock work was intricate and well done.  Carved upon the stone was the inscription; Here the last night of their lives lie JM, MC, and VS 1865.  There is additional lettering and then his initials and the date 1867 as the time that he returned.  The lettering is still clear; although the slab has been broken by rock tumbling from above.

I have searched war records, talked to locals, visited area cemeteries but have yet to match the initials with entire names.  The partial story handed down by tradition creates an interest in knowing more.  Who were these men?  Were they locals or bushwhackers from afar?  What families did they leave behind?  So much we would like to know.  It is truly and unfinished story!!

Fingers Crossed for 2021 Waldron Donate and Receive a Free Long-Sleeved T-shirt

Tammy Teague
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0
Fingers Crossed for 2021 Waldron Donate and Receive a Free Long-Sleeved T-shirt

As Arkansans ring in the new year, Arkansas Blood Institute has its “fingers crossed” for 2021! Blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved “2021 Fingers Crossed” t-shirt and a free pass to the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.

Arkansas Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with Waldron Community on Tuesday, January 5, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Individuals ages sixteen and up are urged to give blood.

Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins will be managed as schedules allow. All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.*

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this drive. Call 888-308-3924 or email coviddonor@obi.org to make an appointment.

“Arkansans really did their part throughout a tough 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges, and we thank them for their selflessness,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “We urge you make a resolution to take just an hour out of your busy schedule to give the precious gift of life—and offer families hope, healing and comfort this new year.” 

Arkansas Blood Institute is the local, non-profit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 40 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.   

Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Arkansas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org. More information on Arkansas Blood Institute can be found at arkbi.org.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.  Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation. 

Sr Lady Bulldogs Breeze Past Lavaca

Megan Hecox
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Sr Lady Bulldogs Breeze Past Lavaca

Pictured is Hailey Stidman

To open up their basketball season, the Waldron Sr Lady Bulldogs saw three close losses against three talented teams before the Covid brakes put a two week stop to their gameplay. And although two weeks might not sound like a long time, to a sports program and their team, it can be crippling. But the Sr Lady Bulldogs took it like a champ and after spending their next four games back in action knocking the rust off, their hard work finally paid off as they brought home their first win of the season on Monday, December 21st against the Lavaca Lady Golden Arrows.

With nothing to lose, the Lady Bulldogs put everything they had on the line. And after hardcore hustle and big-time bustle, Waldron pulled away with a commanding final winning score of 46-33. Hailey Stidman was the top dog of the game as she earned a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Stidman has consistently shown offensive and defensive progress since last season and it shows every time she hits the hardwood. Although last season she was a huge assisting presence, this year she is leading the pack and proving that she can not only make points but she can take points as well. Stidman also earned 6 deflections and 4 steals in the match.

With 11 points was Rheagan Sanford who is the perfect accomplice to her teammates on the court in any position she’s needed. Sanford snagged 6 assists, 2 deflections, and 6 rebounds to boot. When it comes to a player not to be messed with on the hardwood it’s Molly Richmond who due to her powerful presence is able to defend the court better than an ADT alarm system. Richmond netted 4 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 deflections.

Also scoring 4 points each was Kadance Espinoza and Summer Imperiali. Espinoza who also picked-up 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 deflections is the perfect secret weapon as she seems like a non-threat to the competition, and then BOOM! explodes into action like a torpedo sending opponents flying in every direction. And Imperiali who grabbed 6 rebounds and 1 assist in the match, plays with an ease that makes chopping wood look like a walk in the park. Bianca Hinojosa rounded out the points with 3 along with 3 rebounds while Jinjer Ward scored 1 rebound and 1 deflection.

The Waldron Sr Lady Bulldogs will be busy, busy, busy next week as they take on three teams, in three games, for three days in a row. First up on December 28th, it’s Horatio at home. Then on Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs will travel to Ozark to compete against the Lady Hillbillies. And to wrap up 2020, Waldron will host Southside on December 30th.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Tull

Obituary – Paul W Davis (1946 – 2020)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary – Paul W Davis (1946 – 2020)

Paul W. Davis of Waldron, Arkansas left this earth for his home in Heaven on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at age 74. He was born on October 3,1946 to W.W.(Dick) Davis and L.V. (Plummer) Davis. The First Baptist Church in Waldron is where he was saved and baptized as a young man. Paul was an honor graduate of WHS with the class of 1964.

As a young boy, Paul had a great interest in horses. It was in his teen years that he began his rodeo journey. Paul and his well trained mare, Jeanie, participated in the Arkansas High School Rodeo at Conway, Arkansas in his sophomore, junior and senior years in the cutting horse event. His senior year they won State and were honored to be contestants in the National High School Rodeo in Valentine Nebraska. Paul’s second rodeo event, saddle bronc riding, started at Waldron’s arena and continued with him through his college years. He was affectionately tagged with the name “Pete” throughout his rodeo days. His college education was in Animal Science at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Paul and his family lived several years at Satana, Kansas before moving back to Waldron where he worked in farm and cattle management with his Dad.

He was was preceded in death by his parents, and one step-granddaughter, Kristy (Hauser) Farhat.

Paul is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Chris, one daughter, Paula Beth Higgins of Lipan, Texas, one son, Warren Davis (Kayla) of Waldron, Arkansas and his sister, Phyllis (Davis) Richardson (Gary) of Waldron, Arkansas. He will always be lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren, Hunter Wagner and Delaney (Wagner) Fox of Lipan, Texas, Destiny Davis, Paul Logan Davis, Bently Davis and Sophia Davis all of Waldron, Arkansas and one great grandson, Brax Fox of Lipan, Texas as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Paul’s life celebration will be a private family service, Monday, December 28, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Bill Harwell and Butch Morgan officiating.  Public visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory.

The service will be live streamed on Paul’s memorial page at www.heritagememorialfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Waldron Nursing Center activity fund.

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

Waldron Sr Bulldogs Earn Fifth Straight Victory

Resident News Network
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Waldron Sr Bulldogs Earn Fifth Straight Victory

On Monday, December 21st, the Waldron Sr High Bulldogs won their fifth game in a row after defeating the Lavaca Golden Arrows 57-50.  The Golden Arrows got out to an early 11-9 lead before the Bulldogs used a 16-2 run to end the first quarter and start the second quarter. A Trenton Hunt three ignited the Bulldog run late in the first quarter and the Dogs scored on their first six possessions of the second quarter. The 25-13 lead was the biggest of the night for either team. But Lavaca would not go away easily as they used an 8-2 run to end the first half with the Bulldogs leading 27-21.  

The Bulldogs would start the scoring in the second half with a Lidge Stinson floater to extend the lead to 29-21. The Arrows then deployed a 9-2 run to get within a point, 31-30 but the Bulldogs fired back a 7-0 run as Trenton Hunt hit a running jumper, Isaac “The Real” Villarreal hit two free throws, and Caden Fuller scored a three point basket. Jaden Hutchens added another basket inside the paint to end the scoring for the Bulldogs in the third quarter. A late basket by Drake Grantham cut the Bulldog lead to 6, heading into the 4th quarter. 

Gada Wagner would start the scoring for the Bulldogs in the fourth, with two made free throws, to extend the lead to 42-34. The Arrows would get within 5, with two Luke Watson free throws, but a Jaden Hutchens finish at the rim, plus the free throw, would push the lead back to 8 points. After trading some baskets and free throws, and the Bulldogs leading 49-43 with 1:48 to go in the game, Gada Wagner would connect on a three-point basket after a Bulldog timeout. Wagner would add two more from the foul line to extend the Bulldog lead 54-43.

The Bulldogs would end the game with a 57-50 win moving them to 9-3 on the year. Coach Joshua Brown stated, “Our second group was huge. They went on a 16-2 run and really sparked our team. They got the start in the second half because of their effort. When our starters went back in, they played with a lot more fire. We feel like we have a lot of depth and that’s a great thing. We have 19 guys who come to work every day. If someone is having an off night, we have the depth to pick up the slack.” 

Ten Bulldogs got in the scoring column with Jaden Hutchens being the lone double-digit scorer with 13 points. The Bulldogs will return to action on Monday, December 28th at the WAC against Horatio. With no tournaments being played in 2020, the Bulldogs will then travel to Ozark on Tuesday, December 29th, and return home to play Fort Smith Southside on Wednesday, December 30th.  

Box Score:

Team1st Quarter2nd Quarter3rd Quarter4th QuarterFinal
Waldron1215131757
Lavaca1110131650

Waldron: Jaden Hutchens (13), Gada Wagner (9), Trenton Hunt (9), Lidge Stinson (7), Camdon Holcomb (6), Isaac Villarreal (4), Caden Fuller (3), Bryson Bailey (2), Braden Williams (2), Trevor Hunt (2)-57


Lavaca: Luke Watson (16), Drake Grantham (15), Kolby Glidewell (13), Alex Hobbs (5), Landon Brown (1)-50  

25 Things in 25 Years

Madison VanRavensway
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25 Things in 25 Years

I turned 25 on Christmas Day. I find joy in growing older, and have no qualms about sharing my age. Of course 25 isn’t old, so I hope I keep this mindset as the years pass. I also feel like I have so much left to learn about life, but I wanted to share some thoughts I have after my first quarter of a century on earth.

1. Act like you are leaving 15 minutes before you have to, whether you have children or just a husband. Both will make you late.

2. Marriage is hard. Make sure you love the person you choose a lot, because sometimes you are bound to not like them.

3. If you don’t have extra clothes you will need extra clothes. And diapers, a bottle, wipes- anything you don’t have you will need. Put extra everything in your vehicle.

4. Pack a snack- even if you don’t have children. Snacks make everything better.

5. People probably judge you way less than you think. They are too busy thinking about themselves.

6. It’s okay to step outside of the status quo.

7. Your parents are (usually) right.

8. It’s okay to be wrong, it’s not okay to be a bully because you are wrong.

9. No one else is responsible for your happiness.

10. Hobbies are important.

11. Life is full of lessons that teach us how to live. Be a good student.

12. Not everyone liking you is hard, but it’s reality. Not everyone likes apples, and apples did nothing but exist.

13. Learn to love yourself, you can’t exactly choose never to be around you.

14. Make time for people you love, no one is promised time on earth.

15. Mistakes happen; forgive yourself, forgive others, we are just human.

16. Trust your gut.

17. Choose your friends wisely.

18. No is a complete sentence.

19. You do not have to know what you want to do with your life right now. (This counts even if you’re not 25, but 30, 40, 53, 67, or 75. it really doesn’t matter.) Your passions will change, and that’s perfect.

20. Voting really is important.

21. It’s almost always more about the journey than the destination.

22. It’s fine to never “know” the meaning of life in a way that can be summed up in an eloquent philosophical sentence. Your life is not inhibited in anyway because of it.

23. Trying something new is always a good idea.

24. Second chances are important, but so is protecting yourself, your interests, and your time. Discern who deserves them for yourself.

25. Prayer is important.

Shop After Christmas Sales to Save BIG

Resident News Network
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Shop After Christmas Sales to Save BIG

The day after Christmas, you can stock up on wrapping paper, Christmas decorations, and all the other goodies you wanted, but at a much lower price.

With most people typically having off December 26th, the big box stores know people are looking to exchange their unwanted and wrong-sized Christmas gifts, and they tempt consumers to spend while they’re at it.

However, there is some huge day after Christmas sales you can really take advantage of when you use these simple steps below!

1. Browse the Christmas Isles & Big Box Stores

Many of the big box retailers have to unload all of their Christmas stuff they didn’t sell. This includes:

  • Christmas Decorations
  • Christmas Gift Wrapping & Packaging
  • Christmas Themed Candy & Foods
  • Anything else that is Christmas themed!

Knowing that people will be in the store, they first start with creating isles, typically in the back or sides of the story, with all the leftover Christmas stuff at a discounted rate. While the rate may vary, some items are marked 25% off and sometimes 50% off.

Looking to really up their sales before the slowest retail month of the year (January), stores also look to attract consumers and shoppers to get other things.

Clothing stores, appliance stores, and electronics are often sold at discounted rates – sometimes lower than before Christmas – with special incentives.

What to shop for:

Not everything is on sale. Just because you’re out shopping the day after Christmas doesn’t mean your groceries or hand towels will not be on sale (unless they’re Christmas towels). Obviously, holiday-themed items are on sale and will continue to be reduced each day from the day after Christmas all the way up to the New Year.

That being said, what to look for the following:

  • The aforementioned Christmas themed items (Never pay full price for wrapping paper again).
  • Winter items like jackets, boots, sweaters
  • Home decor
  • Gift-like items (Colognes, toiletry sets, etc.)

Pro Shopper Tip: Ask for the actual receipt when applicable from family members instead of a gift receipt. You will get more back on the return. Another option is to ask for gift cards instead of actual gifts if you have family members who always give you clothes!

2. Use the Week After Christmas Method

Use this with caution, because there is always the chance you might not find what you’re looking for, but the week after the day after Christmas is when you can really save some money!

Now beginning to hit panic mode with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, retailers are desperately looking to unload the leftover Christmas excess to find more floor space for their boxed chocolate displays.

This when the somewhat ransacked Christmas isles start to become littered with 75% off signs and “Buy One Get One Free in This Section” promotions. Whether you’re looking to scoop up a new Christmas tree or grab some more wrapping paper – now is your time!

Lastly, one of the best Christmas savings tips is to do your Christmas shopping the day after Christmas or subsequent days after. If you’re someone who is super organized and well-budgeted, the days after Christmas are some of the best opportunities to score gift like items for people.

The Verdict

With the increase in online shopping, combined with COVID, perhaps the best bet is to look online. But if you want to find a fake Christmas tree for 50% off or you’re like me, and you can’t stand to buy full price wrapping paper, then December 26th is your date to get some sweet sales!

Just be sure you have a list, don’t spend recklessly, and also keep this one last point in mind:

Make sure you have storage for all the deals you plan on capitalizing on! Fifty rolls of wrapping paper and 10 fake Christmas trees can take up quite a bit of space for 364 days!

Sr Tigers Take Hard Loss On Hardwood Vs Arrows

Megan Hecox
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Sr Tigers Take Hard Loss On Hardwood Vs Arrows

Pictured is Codi Chick

Never ones to disappoint, powerhouse teams the Mansfield Tigers and the Lavaca Golden Arrows hit the hardwood on Thursday, December 17 to deliver an action-packed rough and tumble showdown. This was the first matchup of two scheduled and after watching this game it’s safe to say that each team will be top contenders in the 2A-4 division. From tip-off to the final buzzer, the Tigers and the Golden Arrows performed under pressure better than Queen and David Bowie.

Clint Stovall

The first quarter ended with Lavaca up by one 15-14 but the power would switch as the game went into halftime with Mansfield on top 24-20. Hanging tough, Mansfield ended the third quarter up 38-33 but unfortunately, the Tigers lost their footing and fell to the Golden Arrows 48-55. Codi Chick, who logged 24 points in the game, delivered a star-powered performance that any NBA professional would be proud of. Chick managed to stay calm, cool and collected through every challenge that Lavaca launched at him.

Bri Sanderson

With 7 and 6 points, was Drew Elmore and Clint Stovall who each offered up a heaping helping of automatics as if they were going out of style. Making gameplay look easier than dropping dimes into a payphone was JoJo Bailey who with 5 points on the game could definitely give a lesson or two on how to make it rain. And with 2 points apiece was the trilogy of Ethan Pettus, Bri Sanderson, and Tyler Escalante. Their points were not as important as their assists though as they set up their teammates for easy buckets.

Drew Elmore

The Mansfield Tigers will go into their next game with a 5-7 season record and 2-2 in conference play. The Tigers will play at Hackett on December 28th.

JoJo Bailey

Ethan Pettus
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