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Sr Lady Hornets: Building Strong Hive Slowly But Surely

Pictured is Madi Taylor

When the Hackett Sr High Lady Hornets started this basketball season, they knew they would be faced with a plethora of uphill battles. But it was also going to take more than that to get the Lady Hornets to about-face and run. Since moving from 2A basketball last year to the 3A this season, the Sr Lady Hornets have taken on some hard-core players such as Danville and most recently Paris. Hackett has also taken on West Fork, Mountainburg, and Dover. Although the girls played hard right up to the final buzzer in every match, they sit 0-5 in total season play.

Tuesday night the Sr Lady Hornets hosted the Lady Eagles of Paris. The first quarter ended with a score of 15-14 Paris after each team spent that time spreading their wings while trying to prove dominance. But things started to fall apart for the Lady Hornets as they went into halftime under 38-18. Unfortunately, Hackett was unable to recover and took a 61-27 fall. Getting down and gritty for the Sr Lady Hornets and leading in scoring was sophomore, Teonna Best, who is an offensive dynamo. Though each game holds different scenarios, one thing that remains the same is that Teonna consistently leaves opponents with the knowledge that they just faced the Best!

#10 Faith Thomas

With 5 points apiece in the match was sophomore, Kyleigh Hill, and junior, Madeline Freeman. Hill is a player who can meticulously run the court with skills better than Tom Crise in a Mission Impossible movie while Freeman leaves people questioning if she has eyes in the back of her head due to her ability to know where every player is every second of every game allowing her to shut down her opponent’s hoop dreams. With 3 points in the match, is senior, Madi Taylor. Taylor is light-footed and speedy and can dance circles around her opponents as if she was a figure skater in another life. Sophomores, Tori Blanton and Olivia Bouse, although talented in many areas, each have one main thing that sets them apart while helping them conquer the hardwood.

Bouse, who netted 2 points, is the smallest Sr Lady Hornet on her team at 5’1 and is able to use that to her advantage by swiftly maneuvering uptown, downtown, and all around the competition to collect blocks and baskets. And on the opposite height spectrum is Blanton who at 5’10 is one of two of the tallest on the team. Also snagging 2 points, Blanton rules the area under the net with a strong arm while delivering swifter sentences than Judge Judy. “Right now we just have to get back to the basics, take care of the ball, and value each possession,” explained coach, Broc Adams.

Lilly Slavens

“We knew it was going to be a tough league, and we have a lot of younger girls getting valuable minutes. It will just take some time to get the kinks worked out. We still have a lot of season left and I’ve told them from Day 1 that I want to be playing our best basketball in February. We are just going to go to work every day and try and get better!”

On Friday, December 18, the Sr Lady Hornets will hit the road to take on conference foes the Cossatot River Lady Eagles. “Cossatot is a very energetic team…we will have to slow the pace down and get them out of rhythm. They are undefeated right now, so it would be a great win not just on the road but to break their streak!”

#20 Madeline Freeman

Photos courtesy of Bridget Freeman

Midland Park Area Chosen for Sebastian County’s Solar Project

In June of 2020, the Sebastian County Quorum Court voted to move forward with a proposed solar project with national construction firm McKinstry Essention, LLC. McKinstry will install two projects in Sebastian County, one in the SWEPCO area at Midland Park, and the second in the OG&E area, where land has been obligated pending final evaluations.

The project is being funded by a $600,000 payment from the county’s general capital reserve account, with the remaining $1,995,760 balance financed for 20 years, at 2.79% interest.

Ordinance 2020-8 was enacted by the quorum court on June 16, 2020. It authorizes the “execution and delivery of an installment financing agreement with respect to the acquisition, purchase and financing of certain energy efficient equipment, including, specifically, solar equipment and related equipment and improvements…”

The Midland site has been cleared and the county is currently awaiting soil testing results. The OG&E site is scheduled for soil testing in the next week. According to Sebastian County Judge Hudson, solar modular equipment is scheduled for delivery in December, and that both sites should be completed by April 2021.

UAFS Graduates Celebrate Virtually

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith hosted a virtual commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 12, to honor graduation candidates of the spring, summer, and fall semesters of 2020 in a safe and socially-distanced manner to minimize the potential threat of COVID-19 for students, faculty, staff and their families. 

The online ceremonies featured 469 UAFS graduates who elected to participate and brought the traditional elements of commencement to life on the screen, including speeches of praise and encouragement, the singing of the Alma Mater, and an induction to the UAFS Alumni Association.

Although a virtual ceremony was not how most graduates envisioned this day, many were still thankful for the opportunity to be acknowledged and to celebrate their accomplishments with their families.

“Of course, missing out on an in-person graduation ceremony was upsetting to a lot of seniors, but I know UAFS cares so much about the safety of its students and our families,” said Taely Dedmon of Mansfield, who graduated this fall with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. “My mom and I were doing some shopping, so we parked to tune into the live broadcast at 10. She burst into tears as soon as the music started playing,” Dedmon laughed, “And I think I was just as nervous as I would have been crossing the stage!”

Coby Porter, a fall 2020 Media Communication graduate watched from his apartment in Chicago, having already accepted a job this fall while finishing his degree online. Donning his UAFS Alumni t-shirt for the first time, Porter joined a Zoom call with friends and family in Fort Smith to celebrate the day.

“Graduating from UAFS was a dream come true,” Porter said.  “Though I wasn’t able to walk across a stage, it was a blessing to be able to zoom with my family, and listen to our great chancellor and UAFS staff honor and congratulate the graduates.”

The virtual event began with the launch of a video in which UAFS Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley welcomed graduates and their supporters to this new kind of celebration and applauded the hard work and dedication of the 2020 graduates.

“Since day one you’ve stayed dedicated to your classwork, you’ve made great new friends, you’ve worked with amazing faculty and caring and dedicated staff members,” Dr. Riley said in her address. “We know that you can achieve any goal you set for yourself, and we look forward to the day when we can gather to provide you with your diplomas in person. Until that time, the very best of luck to you. We know you can do anything you set your mind to.

University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt followed Riley’s speech, commending the graduates on their perseverance during such an uncertain and tumultuous time.

“It is you, our graduates, who have enriched this campus over the past several years with your presence and your dreams, and you now provide inspiration for us all during these challenging times,” Bobbitt said. “You have shown that if one holds fast to one dream in spite of these significant challenges, it can be achieved even if it requires that we travel new unexplored paths.”

Commencement speaker John Jeter, director, and conductor of the Fort Smith Symphony, encouraged students to embrace their excellence, stay enthusiastic, and look forward to the future each day. 

“Your accomplishments are particularly impressive in light of the very strange year of 2020,” he said. “You have had excellent teachers, demanding instruction, and challenging coursework. Having collaborated with UAFS faculty for over 20 years, I am confident that the quality education you received has made you more skilled at your craft, giving you a much greater understanding of your field of study, as well as making you a more well-rounded individual. There’s no doubt that you have the tools and skills ready to start the next phase of your lives.”

Members of the UAFS Foundation Board and the UAFS Board of Visitors, including Fort Smith mayor George McGill closed the initial video with advice, congratulations, and praise.

UAFS administrators welcomed graduates for a traditional reading of names and degrees conferred during a virtual processional in subsequent videos. Each college presented a unique video tribute with introductions from faculty and deans, including Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology; Dr. Latisha Settlage, interim dean of the College of Business; Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Linus Yu, interim dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Dr. Lynn Korvick, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences.

The UAFS alma mater was played under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, associate professor of music, and featured soloist Audra Weathers, a UAFS music major. The final element of the virtual commencement ceremony was a tribute from the UAFS Alumni Association, welcoming graduates into the next phase of their life as Lions.

While the virtual ceremony was open to spring and summer graduates who wished to participate, a total of 448 students completed graduation requirements during this year’s fall semester.

For more commencement information and a link to the playlist, go to academics.uafs.edu/records/commencement-information.

Elizabeth Spencer of Sallisaw
Elizabeth Spencer
Coby Porter of Fort Smith
Coby Porter on Zoom

Time Out for Tech 2021 Preview Days Planned For Feb. 11-13

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (December 14, 2020)–Arkansas Tech University is planning a pandemic-altered version of its largest annual preview event for high school seniors.

Time Out for Tech 2021 will provide prospective students with an opportunity to learn more about the academic and campus life opportunities available at Arkansas Tech University while adhering to the safety protocols spelled out in the ATU pandemic recovery framework.

“Even though we will be unable to host many of our signature Time Out for Tech events, including our large opening session at Tucker Coliseum, we believe it is important to provide this opportunity for high school seniors to visit Arkansas Tech in person,” said Jessica Brock, ATU director of admissions. “The groups will be smaller and additional safety precautions relative to the COVID-19 pandemic will be in place, but Time Out for Tech will remain a beneficial experience for any high school senior considering Arkansas Tech. We want them to experience ATU for themselves and discover why our university is the right fit for a diverse community of almost 11,000 students.”

In-person groups will be organized based on academic interest. Rather than occurring on one day as is tradition, Time Out for Tech will be spread over three days in order to facilitate social distancing.

High school seniors interested in programs offered through the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of eTech and those who are undecided on their academic interest will visit ATU on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Those interested in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences as well as the College of Natural and Health Sciences will have their Time Out for Tech experience on Friday, Feb. 12, while the College of Education and the College of Business will welcome their prospective students to campus on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The daily in-person Time Out for Tech programs are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:15 p.m. with an optional campus tour to follow.

High school seniors who opt to participate in Time Out for Tech in a virtual environment will log in and learn about ATU on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Regardless of date or delivery method, all Time Out for Tech participants will learn more about scholarships and financial aid. Faculty from each college will visit with Time Out for Tech attendees and provide them with insight on their academic programs. There will also be question and answer sessions with current students and representatives from the ATU Office of Admissions.  

Attendance for the in-person Time Out for Tech sessions will be limited. Each high school senior will be permitted to bring one guest. Participants at the in-person sessions will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a complimentary brunch or lunch.

“The Go 2 ATU app will be available to all attendees, in-person and online, with additional exclusive content available to connect students with areas of campus they’re unable to meet with, as well as to encourage peer interaction,” said Brock.

Advance registration for Time Out for Tech 2021 is required.

Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/ATUTOFT2021.

Jr Tigers Split Hairs In Close Loss To Lavaca

Last night, the 7th-9th Grade Mansfield Tigers hit the town for a guys night out as they landed in Lavaca for a three-game showdown against the Golden Arrows. The 7th Graders got things underway first but after a hard-fought battle, Lavaca took the win 33-28. Next up was a fast-paced face-off with the Jr High JV squads which resulted in another close final score of 28-24 Lavaca. Finally, to sum up the evening, the Jr High boys took to the court. And what would transpire, caused every fan to endure four quarters of heart palpitations.

Travis Tobey

The first quarter for the Tigers opened up with pitbull, Travis Tobey, sinking a three-pointer and from there it was game on. If either team had planned to run away with the game, that mindset was changed rather quickly within the first minute of the match. From start to finish, the name of the game was most definitely defense. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 9-8 Mansfield. But as the rest of the game would prove, each team would take turns leading the end of the quarter scoreboard.

Tyler Turnipseed

To end the first half of the battle, along with Tobey’s 3, Tyler Turnipseed and Dakota Langford earned 2 points each and Peyton Martin netted 6. Mansfield and Lavaca hit halftime with the Golden Arrows up 20-13. Although it was 30 degrees outside, you wouldn’t have known it inside the gym as the Jr Tigers and Golden Arrows turned the heat on the court up to 500 degrees in the second half. For every successfully dropped Lavaca basket, Mansfield would answer right back with a hoop of their own.

Dakota Langford

The third and fourth quarters were the perfect epitome of what a basketball match should look like with neither team backing down and each player playing to their full potential and then some. The Jr Tigers took back the reigns and the third quarter ended with a score of 26-25 Mansfield. As the court prepared to see the final quarter of this hardwood hand-to-hand combat, the intensity in the air was so thick that not even a chainsaw could cut through it.

Peyton Martin

For the next few minutes, it was a fight to the finish. But as the end drew near, it was the Golden Arrows who pulled ahead to take the win 42-35. Turnipseed picked up 10 more points in the second half and did so well that coaches were calling him out to their players. Langford made 6 more points and again had the strongest soft shots under the board. With Christmas coming up, Tobey (3) and Martin played the role of the “3 Kings”. And Zach Hayslip (3) was on fire rebound and steal wise especially in the fourth. The Jr Tigers will be back in action at the beginning of the new year when they travel to take on Monroe on January 4.

Zach Hayslip

James Jenkins

Austin Ruiz

7th Grade Tiger Joseph Carter

7th Grade Tiger Kanon Fisher

Common House Problems and How To Solve Them

Owning your own home comes with many advantages, such as enhanced privacy, a stable living environment, and the ability to receive a high return on investment. However, homes also come with a variety of potential issues that you’ll need to take care of to preserve your living space. Here are some of the most common house problems and how to solve them so that you can keep your place in tip-top shape.

Poor Surface Grading

Proper surface grading is essential to preventing water from pooling in your lawn or, worse, near the foundation of your home, which can cause cracks, leaks, and other types of damage. If you notice puddles of water beginning to form on your yard or around the base of your home, you likely need to improve the grading of your lawn. To do so, consider renting a skid steer and using it to add, remove, and smooth the soil in your yard until it forms a gentle slope away from your home. When renting a skid steer, make sure to choose one equipped with rubber tracks, which will provide minimal ground disturbance so that the heavy machine doesn’t end up tearing up your lawn. If you aren’t comfortable taking on this project on your own, you can always hire a professional company to regrade your lawn.

Inadequate Insulation

Poor insulation is another frequent issue many homeowners face. Negative effects of poor insulation range from substantial temperature differences throughout the house to extremely high monthly energy bills. If you’re experiencing signs of poor insulation, consider having a professional insulation contractor inspect your space and recommend the most beneficial insulation material for your home’s unique needs. 

Roof Leaks

Another common house problem is roof leaks. Roof leaks can occur for a number of reasons, from clogged gutters that cause water to pool along the edge of the roof and slowly seep through to damaged shingles and flashing. An improperly insulated attic, which increases the potential for harmful ice dams to form during the wintertime, can also cause roof leaks. To prevent pesky roof leaks from forming, make sure to clean your gutters regularly, inspect your flashing and shingles for signs of damage, and ensure your attic is properly insulated.

Condensation Around Windows

Condensation or moisture buildup around windows plagues many homeowners. Surplus condensation around window frames can cause the wood to rot or increase the potential for mold and mildew growth. To prevent excess moisture from accumulating, consider improving the ventilation in your home—especially in the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry area—by installing storm windows or keeping window treatments that can trap heat, such as blinds and curtains, open.

4 Crucial Signs Your Home Needs a New Roof

A home’s roof plays one of the most important roles in protecting the condition of your property. From keeping water at bay to acting as a shield against harmful temperatures and storm conditions, these materials are designed to be sturdy. However, as strong as these components are, they don’t last forever. In fact, homeowners always seem to find themselves needing a new one sooner than they initially thought. These are some of the tell-tale signs your home needs a new roof and why you should waste no time in tackling this project.

Shingles are Damaged or Falling Off

Exterior damage to the shingles is the first major indicator that your roof is no longer effective. While any form of cracking or looseness is considered a problem, this is especially the case if it’s happening more and more often. If it is, this means that your roof’s materials can no longer handle the stress. In fact, you may even find that some shingles are breaking free and going missing—leading to additional issues.

Indoor Leaks or Water Damage

Any type of leak or interior water damage is also an important sign your home needs a new roof. When the shingles are no longer sealing out rain water, it will start sinking into the wooden frames of the home, forming leaks. Should this go unnoticed, it can start weakening the structure of your home and even result in the growth of mold. So, if your attic is feeling a bit damp or there are visible wet spots along the walls after a storm, make sure you get your roof replaced immediately.

Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old

Even if you don’t notice any blaring problems with your current roof, you may still want to replace it after a certain number of years. By the time your roof is around 20 years old, chances are high that most of the previously mentioned problems have already begun to occur. This is due to the fact that standard shingles eventually become brittle from the elements and lose their ability to properly protect the home. As such, it’s always wise to get a new roof every 20 years or so, just to play it safe.

It No Longer Fits with Your Home’s Style

You may want to get your roof replaced simply because you don’t like the way it looks anymore. A home’s design can change a lot over 20 years and, should you have recently done a remodel, you might find that it no longer looks right. Additionally, even specialized metal roofing comes in a series of different styles to choose from. So, you’re guaranteed to find something that meets your standards in both appearance and strength.

Sr Lady Tigers Play Grrrreat In Double Wins

As the basketball season continues full speed ahead, the Mansfield Sr High Lady Tigers are keeping pace right along with it. And with three games nearly every week, that says a lot about the hunger these girls have to succeed. Last week, the Sr Lady Tigers picked up three more wins for their stat book. Along with their Mulberry victory, Mansfield also secured wins against Valley Christian 58-8 and a conference crowning of 47-34 against Acorn which sets the Sr Lady Tigers at 2-0 in conference play and 6-3 overall.

Danielle Lillie

With the two nights combined, aside from the girls earning 105 points total, the Sr Lady Tigers also garnered 67 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 31 steals. Representing the sophomore squadron on the court for this two-game hoop fest was Natalie Allison, Seven Sanderson, Skylynn Harris, Lita Hecox, and Serenity Brunson. Last season in Jr High play this group was moving mountains and this year is no different. Allison, who snagged 8 points, plays her guard/shooting guard position with pristine focus as she can not only read plays two steps ahead but she can find open shots better than Sacagawea exploring the Louisiana Territory.

Makayla Strutton

The other four sophomores are able to use their height to dominate in the forward/power forward positions. Due to this fact alone, Harris, Sanderson, Hecox, and Brunson are the ultimate basket bodyguards standing so firm in their spots under the net that not even F5 tornado winds could waver them. Harris walked away with 11 points while Sanderson made 2.

Kiara Thomas

Holding down the junior genre is Kiara Thomas, Sadie Roberts, and Sarah Fisher. Combined, this deadly trio brought in 18 points from last week’s matches with Valley Christian and Acorn. Not only can these girls do damage offensively but they are lethal in the defense department as well. Not afraid to get dirty with their dives, jumps, and in your face coverage, the juniors make a game of hockey look like a round of golf.

Chloe Creekmore

And then you have the quartet section of seniors who are made up of Chloe Creekmore, Danielle Lillie, Brooke Wright, and Makayla Strutton who spend full matches mopping the floor with their opponents. Strutton was the offensive leader in both games netting 30 points total and bringing her total season points to 115 from a mere nine games. Brooke Wright secured 11 points while defensively she’s a bulldozer not afraid to plow over anybody that gets in her way. Because of her willingness to do whatever it takes to get the ball, Wright has already earned a total of 36 rebounds, 9 steals, and 5 blocks.

Halftime vs Valley Christian

Creekmore logged 9 points from this pair of games and thanks to her smooth moves like Jagger, she has been able to bring in a total of 63 points, 53 rebounds, and 10 steals and by the rate that she is going, these numbers will probably be doubled by the end of the month. And with a total of 13 points, is Danielle Lillie who with 26 steals on the season, her playing style is like steam from a tea kettle. There one minute and gone the next.

#24 Brooke Wright

The Sr Lady Tigers have two big conference games this week to prepare for. First up on Tuesday, December 15 at home is the Future School who the girls have already faced and beat 51-19. Then, the Lady Tigers will head to Lavaca to take on for the first time this season, the Lady Golden Arrows on Thursday, December 17.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

By Brittney Schrick, PhD 
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

This year is weird. There, I said it. Nothing has been normal, and as the numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to climb, normal doesn’t seem to be coming back in the near future. Many of us had hoped the pandemic would be under control by the fall and winter holidays so we could see family and friends in a normal-ish way. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case.  

All recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arkansas Department of Health have been clear: Just stay home. 

Although this is disappointing, it doesn’t change the nature of the holidays. We have adjusted and readjusted our work, home, school, family and social lives all year long, and we can do it again to ensure our own safety and the safety of those we love (and those we don’t even know). 

Recent statistics have highlighted the lag time between exposures, hospitalizations, and deaths related to COVID-19. 

Based on the average time frame, those who are exposed during the holidays could greatly increase the death toll around Christmas time. We’re seeing this play out as daily death rates continue to climb nationally following the Thanksgiving holiday. Those sickened during the Christmas holiday are likely to continue or worsen this already awful trend, and lead to increased death rates in the new year.  

The CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health are strongly urging people not to travel for the holidays to avoid spreading COVID-19 across the country. With this in mind, it is important to consider that staying home and away from those you love this holiday season could be the kindest thing you ever do for them, and they for you. 

How can I stay safe this holiday season? 

The following people should not participate in any in-person holiday events to avoid the risk of exposing others: 

  • Anyone who has tested positive for the coronavirus and should be isolating, even if they do not have symptoms. 
  • Anyone recently exposed to someone diagnosed with coronavirus/COVID-19 and is in their quarantine period, even if they have tested negative during that time. 
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, or is otherwise feeling unwell. 

What can I do instead of a big extended family dinner? 

There are lots of ways to have a safe and happy holiday season this year, including: 

  • Having a small dinner with your own household. You can decorate and play games or make it very low-key. 
  • Hosting a virtual dinner with extended family and friends through Zoom or other video technology. Zoom even waived its 40-minute limit for free users during Thanksgiving.  
  • Even if holiday shopping together is a tradition, consider shopping online. You can even combine online shopping and Zooming by sharing your screen with a friend or family member to shop together. 
  • Look for online, outdoor, or drive-in options for worship services. 

Some “medium risk” activities include: 

  • Having a small group (fewer than 10 people) outdoor dinner with family and friends while maintaining physical distance of at least six feet and wearing cloth face coverings (masks). If you are meeting with anyone outside your household, masking and physical distancing are important precautions. 
  • Going to an outdoor holiday activity such as a Christmas tree lot or farm, walk-through holiday light display or other similar large outdoor venue where mask use is enforced and people can maintain physical distance. 
  • In-person shopping at times when stores are not busy, masking is enforced and physical distance can be maintained. 

The Arkansas Department of Health recommends avoiding these high-risk activities: 

  • Taking an elderly relative out of a nursing facility, hospital, or retirement community. 
  • Traveling outside the local area. 
  • In-person shopping during any peak times. 
  • Large indoor gatherings with people outside your household, including with other family or friends. 
  • Attending other indoor events like parties, movies, etc. where many people from many households are likely to attend. 

It’s not just about this year 

Even though it can be difficult to think about doing the holidays differently this year, it only takes one sick person at a gathering where precautions are not taken or are lax to spread the virus among your entire family, friend group, church, neighborhood, or whomever is present. It may help to think about it this way: It’s not just about this one holiday, it’s about all the Thanksgivings, Christmases, and birthdays to come. If even one person dies or their quality of life is severely impacted by this year’s gathering, you will be reminded of it every year going forward. 

Stay safe. Stay home.  

The Cooperative Extension Service has many resources to help individuals and families cope with stress. Be sure to contact your county extension office or visit https://www.uaex.edu/health-living/personal-family-well-being/

To learn more about extension and research programs in Arkansas, visit https://division.uaex.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk, @uaex_edu or @ArkAgResearch. 

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. 

Obituary – Margaret Louise Williams (1928 – 2020)

Margaret Louise Williams of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, December 11, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas. Margaret was born December 12, 1928 in Elbing, Kansas to Louis Blair and Esther (Barber) Blair. Margaret was 91 years, 11 months and 30 days old. She was a longtime member of Union Hill Baptist Church in Union Hill, Arkansas. Margaret had strong faith and she lived by it daily.

Margaret was married to the love of her life, Ed for 65 treasured years. Together they raised their family and endured good times and bad but making each adventure a life lesson to learn from. Margaret was a sweet and kind lady with a love for the simple things in life such as front porch sitting and watching nature in its element. She enjoyed quilting, watching old western movies and travelling with Paw. But most importantly, Margaret loved her family and being surrounded by them. Family time together was priceless.

Margaret leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children: Johnny Williams and wife Loretta of Booneville, Arkansas, Bob Williams and wife Teresa of Greenwood, Arkansas, one sister in law, Ellen Mae Essman of McKinney, Texas and two nephews and three nieces. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her 16 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren. Margaret will be missed by all who knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and neighbors she loved dearly.

Margaret is preceded in death by her darling husband Ed Williams, her parents Louis and Esther Blair, two daughters, Linda Smith and Francis Waston, one son, Kennith Williams, one sister, Betty Patrick and one brother, Jes Blair.

Margaret’s graveside life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Union Hill Cemetery in Union Hill, Arkansas with Rev. Jason Franklin officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkanas.

Margaret’s pallbearers will be Raine Shigley, Tommy Metcalf, Carol Franklin, Joe Franklin, Henry Paul Metcalf and Robert Page.

Margaret’s visitation will be Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Louise Williams, please visit our floral store.