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Sweet 16 in Quarantine

Birthdays are always special. Especially when it’s your 16th birthday. Celebrating a year closer to being an adult, the ability to drive, and the freedom that accompanies the privilege.

Wait. Freedom? Not in this case….

Natalie Allison who has been quarantined for two weeks celebrated her birthday in a not so typical, but typical way this evening. With many families resulting to moving parades, sending their loved ones well wishes from a safe distance, Allison’s party on wheels was one that could not be missed.

15 vehicles adorned with balloons, and streamers lined up and proceeded towards the surprise, and impromptu visit. Honking horns, with voices screaming, “We love you, Nat!” being yelled from the vehicles as they passed.

It was fitting for the now 16 year old to be celebrated in such a glamorous fashion.

Confetti explodes from the bed of a parade participants truck.

Nothing but smiles from friends and family.

Mom, Miranda Allison couldn’t wait to see her daughter and was overcome with tears of joy for the first hug in two weeks.

Birthday buddies!

Chaffee Crossing Dog Park Ribbon Cutting

FORT SMITH, Ark. (September 29, 2020) – ERC Holdings of Fort Smith, Ark., has constructed a new dog park that will be conveyed to the City of Fort Smith for a public park facility in Chaffee Crossing. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and a blessing to celebrate the completion of park construction will take place at 12:00 p.m. noon, Thursday, October 1, 2020. The dog park is located at 8204 Veterans Ave., Fort Smith, AR. The public is invited to attend.

ERC Holdings, City of Fort Smith Parks & Recreation Department, and Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority will co-host the ribbon cutting. A local chaplain will offer a blessing for the park. 

Mars Petcare associates will be there to make a special announcement.

Kitties & Kanines will attend along with a few of their friendly dogs available for adoption.

Fort Smith Police K-9 Officers and Fort Smith Fire Department will be in attendance.

The new dog park features:
       – An exercise yard with a ramp, spiral tubes, a slalom, and tractor tires
        – A 100′ x 250′ running yard contains a spiral exercise mound
        – A separate small breed yard
        – A gravel walking trail around the perimeter of the fenced area
        – Bench seating
        – A drinking fountain for pets and people
        – Parking lot to accommodate visitors

The park is located near the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center and Wells Lake.

Obituary- Kyla RaeLene Owens (1990 – 2020)

Kyla RaeLene Owens, 30, of Paris, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on January 10, 1990 in Fort Smith to her parents, Danny Owens and Stephanie Lowery.
She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Lloyd McCullah and her paternal grandfather, Donny Owens.

She is survived by her mother, Stephanie Lowery and husband Ron of Paris; her father, Danny Owens and wife Michelle of Paris; three brothers, Jerad Owens and wife Hannah of Hindsville, Jace Owens of Springdale and Zeke Owens and wife Libby of Waldron; her maternal grandmother, Chris McCullah of Waldron; her paternal grandmother, Kay Owens of Mansfield; two nieces, Ashlynn Owens, Fallon Harless and two nephews, Finn Owens and Lane Owens.

A private family memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris officiated by James Atchison. Burial of cremated remains will be private at Baxley Cemetery in Paris under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook is available –HERE-.

We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 100 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.

Obituary- Betty Jo Frost (1927 – 2020)

Betty Jo Muroney Frost, age 92, of Parks, Arkansas passed from this life on her way to glory on September 28, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born in Arcadia, Oklahoma, on October 27, 1927, to Joseph and Bessie Mae Lewis Muroney. She was a faithful and loving servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to His church at Parks Baptist in Parks, Arkansas for more than 60 years.

She enjoyed playing dominoes and cards with her family, gardening and cooking all those delicious meals and special treats for her family of which they all remember so well. She enjoyed her many, many days at the Parks Senior Citizens Center with all of her dear friends.

She looked forward every Lord’s day to attending her church and worshiping her Savior and Lord, spending time with her church family and singing all of her favorite hymns which she knew word for word.

Betty looked so forward every Christmas and Thanksgiving to spending time with all of her loving family at her home, preparing those delicious meals and just enjoying all the love that was shown by her family to her, but more than that of giving of her love and her kindness for the ones that she had been blessed to call family.

Betty will truly be missed by all who knew her. Those that were blessed to call her Mother, Granny and friend are all the better for the positive impact that she made in all of our lives. More than anything though, she loved her Savior Jesus Christ and shared that love openly with all that knew her.

Betty is survived by her daughter Kay and husband Danny Morran of Parks, AR, daughter Pat and husband Harvey Combs of Parks, AR, and son Bill and wife Barbara Frost of Traskwood, AR. Granny also is survived by her 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren of which she was the light of all of their lives. Betty also leaves to cherish her memory a whole host of dear friends who are all better for having the blessing of calling her friend. Betty enjoyed every moment she had with all of her grandchildren, they all were the gleam and sparkle in her eye.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Harlon, three brothers and five sisters.

Betty’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Parks Baptist Church, in Parks, Arkansas with Rev. John Elmore and Rev. Bill Harwell officiating. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be her two grandsons; Tim Combs and Bryan Frost and her great-grandsons: Jeremy McCutcheon, Daniel Taff, Philip Elmore, and Kyle Combs. Honorary Pallbearers will be her granddaughters: Gay Lawson, Angie Elmore, Casey Wilder, and Shannon McCutcheon.

Bettys’ visitation will be Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings and 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 social distancing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jo Frost, please visit our floral store.

Arrest Reports 9/20

Jesse TL Emery of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 20 at 9:47 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Emery was charged with three counts of failure to appear – class B misdemeanors, and driving while intoxicated – first offense.

Johnanna Dawn Helms of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 21 at 1:16 a.m. and remains at the SCADC. Helms was charged with failure to appear – class C felony.

Colton Duane Goff of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 22 at 8:10 p.m. and released on signature bond September 22 at 9:01 p.m. Goff was charged with contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)

Stacy Diane Howard was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 23 at 8:27 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Howard was charged with petition to revoke – felony, contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine,) violating parole, and absconding.

Travis Jeremiah Martin of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 25 at 2:22 a.m. and released on signature bond September 25 at 4:15 a.m. Martin was charged with contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine.)

Steven Sean Meskus of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 23 at 2 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Meskus was charged with petition to revoke – misdemeanor, criminal trespass – occupiable structure, theft by receiving, failure to appear – class B misdemeanor, fleeing on foot – misdemeanor, failure to appear – class C misdemeanor, and surrender off bond.

Chad Lee Stinson of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 21 at 4:45 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Stinson was charged with contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine,) parole violation, assist outside agency – felony, contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine,) and is on ADC commitment hold.

Waldron Police Department:

9/21 
Dustin Lane of Waldron was arrested on a warrant for probation violation

9/22
James Alderman of Waldron was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and served a warrant for failure to pay fines and costs

9/22 
Lisa Allen of Waldron was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and served a warrant for failure to pay fines and costs

9/22
Richard Bates of Waldron – warrant for failure to pay fines and costs

9/22
Donna Farley of Waldron – warrant for failure to pay fines and costs

9/23
Cody Shores of Little Rock, AR was arrested for residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief

9/25
Morris Froedge of Waldron was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia

9/28
Johnny B. Davis of Ft. Smith, AR was arrested on an absconder warrant

9/28
Levi Kastl of Waldron was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and served a warrant for failure to appear

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

GPD Investigates Walmart Incident

The Greenwood Police Department is conducting an investigation into an incident occurring on Monday evening, September 28 at Walmart, Liberty Dr.

Police Captain Richie Wolford stated a mother filed the report, alleging that an unidentified male had attempted to grab her child.

After the department was notified, security camera footage was retrieved, and investigators began their preliminary assessment. Wolford added that a specialized IT technician will be assisting them with this case.

If you have any information regarding this case, or any related incident, you are asked to call the Greenwood Police Department at (479) 996-4119.

Sr Lady Tigers Come Together In Nail-Biting Victory

Last Thursday was a night that will go down in Mansfield volleyball history as the Sr High Lady Tigers came together to pull off an edge of your seat victory against the Lavaca Lady Arrows. Facing adversity due to the fact that Mansfield was down two of their starting setters in Natalie Allison and Madelen Jones, the Lady Tigers stepped up to the challenge as the girls took charge of spots they were not used to playing in. While at times the anxiety in the gym was so high that not even radar could locate it, Mansfield stood strong and stayed tough leading them to an all-out victory party. With final sets of 21-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 15-6, and a final score of 3-2, the Sr Lady Tigers added yet another win to their undefeated season placing them at 11-0 in total play and 9-0 in conference.

In the Lady Tigers and Lady Arrows’ first match earlier this month, Mansfield took a 3-1 win. This time around, it looked like the Lady Arrows had paid close attention to the Lady Tigers’ strengths and weaknesses as they skirted away with the first two sets forcing Mansfield to change things up a bit. Fortunately for the Lady Tigers, this new formula was the missing piece to the puzzle as the tables turned in Mansfield’s favor. One highlight from the game was sophomore, Skylynn Harris playing her best game yet earning a whopping 22 kills.

With better kills than a Mortal Kombat match was Harris with 22, Brooke Wright with 21, Brooklyn Adams with 10, Sadie Roberts with 6, and Kiara Thomas with 4. The Queens of the Court who drew aces in every hand was Wright with 8, Harris with 5, Thomas with 4, Adams and Haylee Helms with 3 each, and Alayna Turner with 2. With better digs than the rich and famous was Helms with 24, Thomas with 8, Turner with 5, Harris and Wright with 3 apiece, and Adams with 2. With a better supporting cast than Saved by the Bell was Adams with 28 assists, Thomas with 20, Harris with 3, and Roberts with 1. And Roberts and Wright came out of the game with 1 block each.

The Mansfield Sr High Lady Tigers will continue marching on as they take on the Thaden Barnstormers in round two of conference play. In their first match, Mansfield won 3-0. The girls will host Thaden on Wednesday, September, 30.

Ways To Save Money on Pet Expenses

Pets are a staple part of families everywhere. Unfortunately, pets can be an expensive aspect of a family. However, there are things that you and your family can do to lessen this expense. There are good and bad ways to save on pet-related expenses. Continue reading below for the right ways to save money on pet expenses.

Keep Your Pet Healthy

Fitness and health are important – especially for your pet. Not only should you keep your pet healthy by making sure your pet exercises, but by also monitoring how much food they eat. Unfortunately, obesity in pets can lead to many health-related issues and problems. Treating these problems cost money, so eliminating this to the best of your ability is the best option. Do your part in making sure that your pet has the best possible healthy lifestyle to ensure a healthy life.

Alternatives for Medications and Vaccinations

Vaccinations and medications can be an expensive aspect of owning a pet. Do your research, and it might just pay off. Not only could you give your pet three-year vaccinations that could ultimately be cheaper in the end, but you could also shop around for different types of medications that are cheaper than others. Both options allow you to care for your pet and give them what they need, but they also allow you to save money and lessen your overall expenses.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

There are just some things that you don’t need, and those dog clothes and extra toys are some of them. If you are trying to cut your pet-related expenses, only purchase and spend money on what your pet needs. While toys are always fun, there are different items and objects that you can use from around your house as toys. There is no difference to a dog than a toy to play tug with than an old knotted up shirt. They love the attention you are giving them just the same!

Cancel the Grooming Appointment

While grooming your pet might be a necessity, there are different avenues you can take to groom your pet yourself. This might not be what you want to do, however, it will lessen your expenses greatly. Yes, this might take a larger chunk of time out of your day – but it will be worth it when you see the expenses lessen and how great your pet looks when you are done!

The expenses that come with having a pet can be managed, while keeping in mind what is best for your pet. Follow these ways to save money on pet expenses to see if it makes the difference you need in your finances.

Parker Trial Postponed

Defendant Jay Parker was in a Scott County Court on Wednesday, September 16, alongside his attorney, Derick Allison.

Allison petitioned the court in June, seeking to be removed as legal counsel. Allison cited non-payment by his client, “pursuant to the agreement of both parties.” Circuit Court Judge Jerry Don Ramey took Allison’s motion to withdraw as counsel under advisement. It was noted that Parker does not qualify for a public defender.

Parker is facing 379 counts of cruelty to animals and two counts of theft of leased or rented property.
–See related story

Parker’s jury trial is set for November 17, 2020

Waldron Crowns Rheagan Sanford As Homecoming Queen

On Friday, September, 25, Waldron held their Homecoming before the start of their football game against Mena. Multitudes showed up in attendance to support their nominated Lady Bulldogs and to watch them relish in the spotlight. Picked for maids were 2 freshmen, 2 sophomores, 3 juniors, and 4 seniors. Pictured are the nominees along with the 2020 Homecoming Queen.

Junior Maid Kelsey Yother
Crowning of the 2020 Homecoming Queen Rheagan Sanford

2019 Queen Desiree Hunt and 2020 Queen Rheagan Sanford

Rheagan Sanford

Photos courtesy of Sandy Tull