Arresting Agency – Mansfield Police Department: Amanda Anhalt of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 19 at 3:25 p.m. and released on signature bond December 19 at 6:49 p.m. Anhalt was charged with failure to pay fine, and overdraft/violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law – Misdemeanor.
Arkansas Parole Tammy Lee Branham of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 18 at 3:40 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Branham was charged with failure to appear – class C felony, and drug court sanctions.
Arresting Agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office: Lana Kaye Miller of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 17 at 3:10 p.m. and remains as a commitment hold for the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Gary Eugene Shelley of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 15 at 1:35 p.m. and released to the Arkansas Department of Corrections on December 17 at 9 a.m.
Arresting Agency – Fort Smith Police Department: Jeremiah Lee Slavens of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on December 16 at 3:15 p.m. and remains without bond as a fugitive from justice (out of state.) Slavens was also charged with failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.
*The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
Eugene Jackie Scott, known by his grandchildren as Papa Scott, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior in Paradise on December, 15 2020. He was born on February 19, 1935 in Boles, Arkansas to Johnny and Trilba Scott. Gene was a down to earth humble man who had a heart of gold and a smile that was contagious. He loved telling jokes and stories about his past while reminiscing with his family. His was a life full of faith in which he spent serving God. He loved sharing his faith with others and teaching the Gospel. One of his favorite quotes in the Bible was “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthews 17:20) He also spoke a lot about “Joy” in that a person should love Jesus first, others second and, lastly yourself. Gene believed the real value of a good person had nothing to do with monetary wealth or earthly possessions, but rather the gentleness and kindness in their heart and soul.
Gene was a highly skilled carpenter by trade, and took great pride in his work. If he built something, it was done right and built to last. He took great pride in his work and providing for his family. He also had several hobbies that included tinkering with just about any kind of project, listening to country music and gardening. He had several pets throughout the years, all of which he loved dearly but his all time favorite was a Border Collie named Buck that used to help him on the farm.
Gene has earned a place in Heavenly Paradise for all of his good works here on earth. There should be no doubt or worry in anyone’s mind who knew him, for we are certain he will be honored in Heaven for the pureness and kindness in his heart.
He was so loved by his entire family and all of his friends and will be deeply missed. Our earthly lives have changed forever without him but Heaven is rejoicing because he is home.
Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Irene Scott, two daughters from a previous marriage, Cindy Grubb and husband John, Jeanie Black and husband Kenny, two step daughters, Judy Caldwell and Connie Palmer, several grandchildren and great grandchildren and his brother Harold Scott and wife Ann.
Gene was preceded in death by his infant brother, Sherman Scott, sister Betty Scott, father Johnny Scott, mother Trilba Scott and brothers Charles Scott and C.L. Scott.
Graveside services will be held at Dooley Cemetery on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Boles, Arkansas with Rev. Rieiko Cothran and Rev. Randy Cothran officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be John Grubb, Kenny Black, Charlie Scott, Terry Scott, Gary Scott, Zerek Stewart, Kaleb Stewart, Glen Stafford and Brayden Stafford.
We would like to take a few minutes and recognize our December 8th grade students of the month!
Each month teachers nominate a male and female student for their hard work and the positive attitude that they have displayed throughout this school year.
The young man that has been selected as the 8th grade student of the month is Braeden Woodard. Braeden is a dedicated, and conscientious student. During his free time he likes playing video games and his guitar. He hopes to one day become a musician. He enjoys eating sushi and watching “Nightmare before Christmas.”
Hallie Oliver is the 8th grade female student of the month. Hallie is a creative and animated student who is always looking to help others. She aspires to become an artist. Her hobbies include playing softball and working on art projects. During her free time she loves watching “Frozen 2” and eating pizza.
We are extremely proud to have such great students at Mansfield Middle School, and we are even more encouraged by the presence their parents are making in their life. Each student continues to lead their peers by positive examples, and we will be saddened by the day these two young people move to the high school.
Few people today realize that Christmases of the past had little similarity to the ones we celebrate today. The combination of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, carols, presents, and cards are recent additions to our society. The great national division caused by the Civil War created and intensified many of our feelings and traditions about Christmas. Everyone needed a time of peace, a time to reflect on God’s blessings, and a time to be with and enjoy the families that they were so often separated from during the great war.
Many of our customs were derived from other countries, especially some of the German traditions such as decorating a tree and enjoying feasts of fruit, nuts, and candy. Commercialism and consumerism soon lead to the expansion of Christmas to include our other traditions.
The Christmas’s of my youth were much simpler. Our trees looked more like that acquired by Charlie Brown than those tinseled or well-groomed trees of today. We simply went out into the pasture as a group and picked out a cedar tree that looked like it would fit within our home. Often the limbs were unbalanced, the bottom boughs brown and dry, and the tree tilted sharply on the wooden base we constructed. We had great fun using red and green construction paper to make strands that encircled the tree. Adding more fun, although not necessary appealing to the eye, we added strands of popcorn we strung together with thread and then threw silver icicles randomly about the tree. I mentioned icicles to my children this year and received blank looks. Noticing they were busy texting their friends on personal telephones, I decided not to suggest making the popcorn strands.
My grandmother would cook for days before, preparing cakes, pies, and dessert for the huge but scattered Varnell clan. These would include my favorite jam cake, made from an entire pint of blackberry jam and cups of black walnuts, to huge bowls of banana or pineapple pudding. She would hit Sterlings, Ben Franklin, and other stores. Although she was limited on money, she would purchase some small gift for each of her ten boys and the forty-three grandchildren.
Everyone in the community where I was raised attended the same church and many of the holiday functions was centered around church Christmas parties and gatherings which culminated with the annual Christmas play. We had preschoolers singing three different carols, all at the same time. Sheep, cows, and shepherds running everywhere across the stage and cousins playing the angels that were anything but. Once the entire manger backdrop fell to the floor right in the middle of the production. What a great and memorable time!
As you rush around this year buying those last minute gifts of hand sanitizer, face masks, and toilet tissue, take time to remember the original reasons for the things we celebrate; peace, family, and most of all, God’s gift of his son to the us.
Iva (Hutchens) Darling of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Thursday, December 17, 2020 in Waldron, Arkansas. Iva was born December 25, 1926 to Arch and Lola (Ballard) Hutchens. She was 93 years, 11 months and 23 days old.
While visiting family in Wyoming Iva met the love of her life, Robert Darling. They married and set up a homestead. They lived in Wyoming and raised their children their until they relocated to Waldron in the early 1970’s. Iva was a woman of many talents. She loved to garden and can the fruits of her labor, she could cook a meal fit for a king and she was known for her strawberry perserves and made the best cherry phosphates in town. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, she loved to dance and listen to music. She especially loved to listen to her good friend Bob Shores. Iva was a kind and loving woman and more than anything, she treasured time spent with her family.
Iva leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children: Jane Hood and husband Walter of Henderson, Texas and Janet Burris and husband Steven of Kansas City, Missouri and Robert Darling Jr. and wife Cheryl of Cody, Wyoming. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her 6 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren. Iva is also survived by her siblings: Darvin Hutchens and wife Glenda of Waldron, Arkansas, JT Hutchens and wife Josephine of California, Bill Hutchens and Shirley Johnson both of Waldron, Arkansas. Iva will be missed by all who knew her and the many whose lives she impacted, including numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors she loved dearly.
Iva was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Robert Darling, her parents, Arch and Lola Hutchens, and her siblings, Vester Hutchens, Jerry Hutchens and Doris Ferguson.
Iva’s graveside life celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 21, 2020 at Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Doyle Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Hackett Lady Hornet senior, Kayla Richardson, has dreamt of playing softball at the college level since she was six years old and on Thursday, December 17, those dreamscame true. Kayla, along with her proud parents and little brother, committed to Jefferson College located in Hillsboro, MO just south of St. Louis, and is ready for a different set of wings as she prepares for life as a Lady Viking. “I absolutely loved the campus at Jefferson and knew that I was going to end up going there the second I stepped foot onto campus. I also loved the softball program at Jefferson as well and that the campus felt as if everyone was one big family,” expressed Richardson. Kayla has plans to major in Marine Biology.
Dad Jeff, Kayla, Mom Debbie, and Brother T.J.
“I knew accomplishing my dream wasn’t going to be easy and that I had to work just as hard every day to get to that point. I strive to be the best player on and off the field, and I knew if I just kept working hard then at some point it would eventually pay off!” Kayla is pretty much the jack of all trades when it comes to softball positions but her favorite would be outfield. “Growing up with the sport I love and the people I love has made me the person I am today and I wouldn’t change that for the world. So I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has gotten me to this point such as my family, friends, teachers, and coaches. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all of you and I am lucky enough to have had this many people push me to achieve my dreams!”
The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, December 17. Council members present were: Rick McDaniel, Sheri Hopkins, Beverly Lyons, Julie Thomas, and Dave Johnson. Jan Carlton was absent. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the minutes and financials of the October and November meetings, the council heard the city services reports.
Public Works Director, Joe Manes, was not present. Mayor Black read the following report: performed 121 work orders, made a sewer line repair at 105 North Main, cleared a bad sewer plug at North Hills Apartments, changed the #2 SBR pump at the sewer plant, repaired the hydraulic line on the trash truck, and repaired dumpsters. The council reviewed a proposal by Manes to purchase a mini lift 4-wheel drive truck. The council voted to approve the purchase of the 2006 Suzuki, contingent of a warranty, for $11,200.
Fire Chief Michael Smith presented his departmental report, noting there were a total of 39 calls, five fire and 34 EMS. He stated that things had picked up, and that they ended the year with a total of 50 fire calls and 221 medical calls. Smith informed the council that both pumper trucks had air leaks, and needed repair. Also that the rescue unit is having a fuel rail issue. Lastly, that the roof over the bay area is still leaking on the north wall. In total, Smith has worked a total of 198 hours for the month.
Police Chief Wayne Robb presented his departmental report, stating they issued 26 citations in Scott County and 20 in Sebastian. Also one misdemeanor warrant issued in Scott County, and four misdemeanor warrants in Sebastian County. There were 48 total calls, with 16 agency assists, 10 in Scott and 18 in Sebastian. There were three school calls, 13 incident/arrest reports, three accident reports, 131 traffic stops, 90 total warnings, one DWI arrest, three drug arrests, and 28 animal calls. In total the department had 540 hours of training.
City Attorney Matt Ketcham was present and spoke about his proposed contract with the city. Ketcham stated that he had never had a contract since his start with the city in 1997. He agreed to write up a letter of understanding to be revisited every year.
In matters of unfinished business, the council voted to approve the 2021 budget. Additionally, to approve the salary increases as proposed, and to hire a part time assistant water clerk.
In the last item of unfinished business, the council discussed the annual retired elected officials pension increase. The city attorney presented the council with various ordinance options. Those included setting the increase anywhere from zero to three percent, correlating the pension increase with social security increases, or his recommendation of correlating the raises with the CPI, or consumer price index. Former Mayor Glen Hurt was also present and addressed the council. After a lengthy and contentious exchange, Lyons proposed to enact Ordinance 2020-6, tying the pension rate increases to the CPI, up to three percent annually. McDaniel seconded the motion. Voting for: Hopkins, McDaniel, Lyons, and Thomas. Voting against: Johnson.
In May of this year, the council voted 5-1 to nix the increases. –See related story
In matters of new business, Mayor Black presented Councilman Dave Johnson and Librarian Anna Carter with a certificate of appreciation from the city. Johnson has served on the city council since February 2003. Carter has served at the Mansfield Public Library since June of 1994.
Next, the motion was made to pass Resolution 2020-6, authorizing the city to purchase a police vehicle. That motion carried unanimously.
The council voted to table the next item on the agenda, the revision of a policy put in place in September of 2006. According to those meeting minutes “there would be allowances made for the elderly and/or handicap” when the council voted to implement rural water users reading their own meters.
Before adjourning, Mayor Black thanked all who participated in the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the Parade of Christmas.
Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black presented Librarian Anna Carter with a certificate of appreciation from the city.
Retiring Mansfield Librarian Anna Carter with staff members of the Scott-Sebastian Library.
Needa Faye Mays of Boles, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, December 16, 2020 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Needa was born July 10, 1933 in Mt Ida, Arkansas to Claud & Beulah House. Needa was 87 years old. Needa married her sweetheart, Bob Mays, on January 21, 1949 in Mt Ida, AR. Bob & Needa were together for about a year prior to getting married. Growing up in a small community like Chant Lane, of course there wasn’t an over abundance of recreation. Bob & Needa spent a lot of their time together going to Boles to watch the movies played at the small theater there. After getting married, they lived at Mill Creek and Bob worked in the woods with Needa’s father, Claud House (Grandad). Bob & Needa had two sons, Bobby Ray & Ronnie Douglas. In the early 50s Bob & Needa moved to Littlefield, TX where they lived for about 8-9 years. Bob worked in the cotton gin, worked as a mechanic and later joined the police force. Needa worked as a waitress and a grocery clerk. Around 1952-1953, while Needa was working as a waitress, Waylon Jennings, (who was from Littlefield), came into the restaurant to buy something to drink. When it came time to pay, he did not have enough money (this was before he became a famous country singer). Needa let him borrow the money and he assured her he would pay her back one day. Wasn’t too long after that, he returned and paid her back. In 1958 Bob & Needa had a daughter, Sharon Faye, who went on to be with the Lord. In the early 1960s they moved to Portales, New Mexico where Bob worked as a mechanic for the Highway Department. In 1965 they adopted a daughter, Dyiana Lynn. They moved back to Arkansas in 1969. In the 1970s Bob, Needa & Dyiana spent a lot of their time traveling & evangelizing. They also pastored a church in Crumptown during this time. Needa spent several years doing what she loved to do… waitressing. If you ever stopped in at Fred’s Truck Stop or The Midway Restaurant, you more than likely saw Needa’s smiling face. Around 1996 Bob & Needa moved to Bronte, TX where they lived for a few years before moving back to Arkansas. Needa spent the last few years of her life at Dalton’s Assisted Living Center and then the Waldron Nursing Center. Needa loved her children, her grandchildren, and all those around her. To know Needa, was to love her. Needa leaves behind to cherish her memory: one daughter, Dyiana Kane & Husband Matt of Waldron; one son Ronnie Mays & wife Phyllis of Waldron; one brother, Troy House & wife Gayle of Boles, and two sisters, Mae Woodard & husband Herman of Boles, and Helen Townsend of Belton, TX. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her 8 grandchildren: Andrea Taylor, Crystal Mays, Douglas Mays, Thomas Mays, Phylisa Millard, Sarah Catlett, Kerstein Kladis, and Hunter Kane; as well as 18 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Needa will be missed by all that knew her and the many lives she impacted; including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones dear to her heart. Needa is preceded in death by her parents, Claud & Beulah House, her husband Bob Douglas Mays, one son Bobby Ray Mays, one infant daughter Sharon Faye Mays, one grandson Little BD Mays, one sister Melba Dean Royall, and one brother Johnny William (Jay) House. Needa’s life celebration will be Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Interment will follow in the Chant Cemetery in Y-City, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Needa’s pallbearers will be Hunter Kane, Douglas Mays, Larry Boren, Gary Lynn House, Randall Woodard, and Tyler Mays. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Royall, Larry Townsend, Thomas Mays, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Needa’s visitation will be Friday, December 18th from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heriatge Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
Evilee Plummer of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 15, 2020, after a brief illness. She was born March 27, 1922 in Olio, Arkansas to thomas Jefferson Hudson and Ada Lou (Wilson) Hudson. she was a 1939 Graduate of Waldron High School. A faithful servant of her Lord, she was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Waldron and she sincerely enjoyed being a member of the Golden rule Sunday School Calss. She was a cosmetologist by training and a former dry goods merchant but what she loved most, second only to being a devoted and caring mother and Nanny, was her passion for flowers. She retired from the Gift Box in Waldron at the age of 93. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by her family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Plummer, one son, Ronnie Plummer, her parents, Tommy and Ada Hudson, and two brothers, Grady Hudson and Odell Hudson.
She is survived by two sons, Gary Plummer (Jeanine) and Terry Plummer (Jackie), one daughter Elodee Cash (J.C.) and one daughter in law, Sherry Pluymmer, seven grandchildren: Tracie Mathis (Darriell), Jon Plummer, Andrea Wolf, Travis Plummer (Shannon), Trey Plummer (Evanie), Cole Cash (Genesa), Kristen Owens (Shane), ten great grandchildren, Cayla Plummer, Seth Plummer, Lauren Mathis, Lillie Mathis, Josiah Plummer, Evilee Plummer, Edie Plummer, Trace Plummer, Sayler Plummer, and Cash Owens, along with numerous nephew, nieces and a host of friends.
Pallbearers will be Travis Plummer, Trey Plummer, Cole Cash, J.C. Cash, Darriell Mathis and Seth Plummer.
Evilee’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 19, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Trey Plummer officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Point Cemetery in Hon Arkansas.
Evilee’s visitation will be Saturday, December 19, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
During these trying and difficult times, we must follow the guidelines we have been given to do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but everyone must wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet apart. For those who want to attend the service but wish to remain in your vehicles, the funeral service will be live streamed on our website.
Captain Stanhope Wilkinson has been a mainstay of the City of Greenwood Fire Department for over three decades. On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Wilkinson attended his final meeting.
“People ask me ‘how is it that firefighters run into a burning building when everyone else is running out?’ Courage is the answer,” shared Wilkinson’s brother, Ed.
His career accomplishments include being named 2016 Firefighter of the Year.
The City of Greenwood is grateful to Captain Wilkinson for his selfless service to the community!
