Special Prosecutor will not Seek Charges in Shooting Death of a Charleston Man
The Office of Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge, 14th Judicial District, announced today that no charges will be filed in the July 10 shooting that claimed the life of a Charleston man.
Fort Smith, Arkansas — Special Prosecuting Attorney David L. Ethredge has completed his review of the July 10, 2025, incident in Sebastian County in which Mr. Richard Bradley Jones was fatally injured during a confrontation with Mr. Kermit Acosta. After a diligent investigation conducted by the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, and a review of all available evidence —
including the statements of three witnesses and information from the Arkansas State Crime Lab. The facts established are as follows:
Mr. Acosta acted in lawful manner under Arkansas law. The investigation revealed that Mr. Acosta was confronted by Mr. Jones and reasonably perceived an imminent threat of serious physical injury or death. The witnesses interviewed by investigators provided consistent accounts supporting the claim that Mr. Acosta’s actions were necessary to protect himself.
Under Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-607), a person is justified in using deadly physical force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves from death or serious physical injury. Based on the totality of the evidence — including witness testimony, physical evidence, and investigative findings — the State cannot disprove that Mr. Acosta’s actions were legally justified.
The decision to file criminal charges must reflect the ethical obligation to the victim, the community, and the potential defendant. Prosecutors must never rush to charge an individual without the unwavering belief that, after hearing all the facts and evidence, a jury of twelve citizens in this jurisdiction would find beyond reasonable doubt that an unlawful taking of life had occurred.
“This decision is based solely on the evidence and the law,” said Special Prosecuting
Attorney David L. Ethredge. “While any loss of life is a serious matter, the law
recognizes the right of every individual to defend themselves when faced with an
imminent threat.
Our responsibility is to ensure that justice is pursued fairly, impartially, and only when the evidence supports it beyond a reasonable doubt. We commend the diligence of the investigating officers and the cooperation of the witnesses in ensuring a thorough and fair review. The Office of the Special Prosecuting Attorney thanks the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office for its professionalism and the community for its patience during the review process.
Ethredge was appointed special prosecutor on July 29 after Sebastian County Prosecutor Daniel Shue recused himself from the case. The incident occurred at the 1500 block of Highway 96 East in Lavaca on July 10, 2025.
Roots Run Deep: Edwards Honors Farming Legacy
Scott County native Regina Edwards sees farming as more than a livelihood—it’s a calling. Most days, she is hard at work caring for crops and livestock on her family farm. Other times, she can be found volunteering, sharing both the history and the rewards of a life deeply connected to the land.
“I want others to understand where their food comes from, and also the resilience it takes to work the soil,” Edwards said. “It’s not just about farming—it’s about heritage, family, and community.”
That heritage runs deep in Edwards’ bloodline. Her passion for the land is one inherited from generations before her, including her great-grandfather, W.C. Edwards, a Huntington farmer whose life was featured in the Southwest Times Record in 1973.
The article, titled “Wintertime and No Shoes,” told the story of W.C. Edwards, who was born in 1878 near Charleston, the son of an English immigrant. At the time of the feature, he was 95 years old and living in Huntington, still planting a small garden behind the Wilson Nursing Home.
Edwards’ memories, recorded in the article, painted a vivid picture of farm life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He recalled raising cotton for just a few cents a pound, losing crops to sudden downpours, and selling eggs for 5 or 10 cents a dozen. He remembered hauling timber to the mines in Huntington and being paid in gold, as well as witnessing the devastation of the great Fort Smith tornado.
“Wintertime and no shoes was hard going,” he said in the 1973 interview. “I’ve had more downs than ups, but I’ve tried to live straight all my life.”
Despite hardship, W.C. Edwards raised ten children with his wife, Mabel White, and passed down a philosophy of hard work, patience, and faith—values that remain alive in his descendants today.
For Regina Edwards, history isn’t just something to study—it’s a way of life she, and other members of the Edward’s family work to embody and pass along. Her message highlights how food production has evolved, while emphasizing the timeless lessons of sustainability, resilience, and gratitude.
“Farming has always required creativity and grit,” she explained. “My great-grandfather worked with almost nothing, and yet he built a life for his family. That’s the kind of perseverance I want young people to know they can carry with them.”
Preservation, for Edwards, goes beyond jars of canned goods and hours of labor. She continues to bridge past and present, honoring her family’s heritage while inspiring future generations to cherish the land beneath their feet.
“It’s more than farming,” she said. “It’s a tradition and legacy…feeding our own families and/or the world.”
AGFC extends $777,800 to Arkansas schools
By Randy Zellers
At today’s (August 14) regular meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission commissioners unanimously voted to offer more than three-quarters of a million dollars from money collected through wildlife and boating violations fines to Arkansas schools through conservation education grants for the current school year. The money will be available through grants administered by the AGFC’s partner, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Department of Rural Services.
Contrary to popular belief, the AGFC doesn’t use any of the fine money collected from wildlife and boating infractions. Instead, that money is collected at the county level and earmarked for schools to use toward conservation and outdoor recreation programs to help strengthen students’ appreciation for the natural world.
“Many schools use these grants to support some of the great archery and shooting sports programs we offer through our Recreational Shooting Division,” AGFC Education Chief Mary Beth Hatch said at a briefing on Tuesday. “We anticipate many applications for these grants from our schools participating in our School of Conservation Leadership Program to help fund some of the activities required for that designation.”
An application for this grant money will be available on the Department of Rural Services website (www.arkansassedc.com/rural-services) soon. Visit www.agfc.com/educationgrants for more information about the program and qualifying activities.
Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock to complete a land exchange with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to trade the Service’s currently landlocked Oakwood Unit in Desha County with a portion of Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita Wildlife Management Area in Ashley County. Under the exchange, the former Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA property would be absorbed by the bordering Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge and remain open to public hunting opportunities, and the AGFC would add the Oakwood Unit to its WMA system, effectively increasing public hunting opportunities in this portion of the state by more than 2,200 acres.
AGFC Assistant Chief of Wildlife Management Matthew Warriner said the exchange will help the USFWS complete a vital corridor of property, spanning from Felsenthal NWR in Arkansas to the Lower Ouachita NWR in Louisiana and was a focus of former AGFC Director Pat Fitts, who recently died.
“Opening this area to public access in Desha County was very important to Pat, who spent most of his career in Southeast Arkansas,” Warriner said. “This exchange has been a long time in the making, and we’re excited to open this land up to outdoors enthusiasts in Desha County upon its completion.”
The Commission voted to approve a budget increase of $51,000 from unobligated Marine Fuel Tax funds to build a canoe and kayak access on Lake Atkins in Pope County. The access will be constructed on the north side of the lake, near the dam, and will be used exclusively for canoes, kayaks and other watercraft capable of being launched by hand.
AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock highlighted the efforts of the agency’s Recreational Shooting Division during his report to the Commission, noting that August is National Shooting Sports Month.
“Recreational shooting has a very strong link to conservation,” Schoenrock said. “A portion of the purchases of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment is being allocated back to the states for conservation support.”
In addition to highlighting some of the special promotions being conducted at AGFC ranges, Schoenrock explained how the Recreational Shooting Division and AGFC Research Division are working together to learn more about people’s attitudes toward efforts to expand shooting sports like trap and skeet shooting as collegiate sports offerings.
“This is a fast-growing segment of education experiences, and AGFC Recreational Shooting Chief Jose Jimenez and his team are at the forefront of the charge to make it a reality in more Arkansas schools and colleges,” Schoenrock said.
The Commission also formally agreed to send a letter of support to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, requesting the new Arkansas Highway 88 bridge over Little Bayou Meto in Reydell be named in honor of former Commissioner Joe Morgan when it is completed. The new bridge is needed to increase flow through the bayou and improve drainage to George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. Morgan served on the Commission from July 2017 until his death on the opening day of duck season 2020 and was a stalwart advocate of improving public hunting opportunities on Bayou Meto.
In other business, the Commission:
- Heard a presentation from Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation President Deke Whitbeck about the Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame, scheduled for Aug. 23 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
- Approved a budget increase of $221,000 from unobligated federal wildlife restoration funds and AGFC state funds to renovate a water-control structure on Galla Creek WMA in Pope County. This water-control structure is required to flood the greentree reservoir on the WMA, offering vital wetland habitat to waterfowl in this portion of the state.
- Approved a budget increase of $573,000 from unobligated federal wildlife restoration funds and AGFC state funds for the removal and replacement of a water-control structure at Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA in Conway County. The water-control structure is essential to management of moist-soil units that provide wildlife habitat for wetlands species and migrating waterfowl popular with hunters on the WMA. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.3 million.
- Approved a minute order to remove a stolen firearm from inventory with an original value of $424 and a current net book value of $0.
A video of today’s meeting is available on the AGFC’s YouTube Channel.
Obituary: Fritz Morales (1937-2025)
On August 19, 2025, at the age of 88, Federico G. (Fritz) Morales passed peacefully from this life. He is now rejoicing in Heaven! Fritz was born on March 3, 1937 in Norwich, Kansas. His parents were Natividad and Refugio Morales. His siblings were: Juanita, Ben, Beatriz, Pauline and Leonard (all deceased).
Fritz and Pat began married life in Wichita, Kansas. They later moved to Conway, Arkansas before being transferred to Waldron in 1963 with the Soil Conservation Service. He served as a Civil Engineer Technician until his retirement. During his employment, he received a special merit award in Washington D.C. for Outstanding Cost Reduction Achievement. Only 5 employees of the Soil Conservation were honored that year. President Lyndon B. Johnson honored the group by presenting a short address.
From a young age, Fritz loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Even something as simple as a walk in the woods brought him great joy.
During his childhood in Norwich, Fritz began to develop his love of sports. In high school, he played basketball, football and ran track. He went on to play college football for one season for the University of Wichita Wheat Shockers.
During the late 1960’s in Waldron, Fritz coached a pee wee basketball team, the Falcons. It was also during this time that he began, what would become a 56 year tenure as the football announcer for the Waldron Bulldogs and would become known as “The voice of the Bulldogs”. He began announcing in a wooden pressbox on the North side of Sawyer Wright Field, then finally to the beautiful new pressbox that is named for him at the current football field. He loved announcing and always took great pride in making sure that the visiting teams, band and fans always felt welcome. Nothing made him happier than Friday nights with his “crew”, (Jeto, Ray, Roger and David). And of course, some of “mama’s chocolate cake”.
Fritz is survived by his wife of 68 years, Pat, daughters: Carla Terry (Michael) and Mareta and one son Mark (Kathy). He will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Michael Terry (Raven), John Terry (Meghen), Jennifer Adcock (Monty), Brandy Hopkins (Nathan), and Dustin Waters (Tiffany) as well as great grandchildren: Aiden Terry, Lily and Eli Hopkins, Sophia and Logan Waters, Maddox and Marley-Grace Adcock and Oliver Terry.
Fritz’s visitation will be Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2025 at the St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Waldron, Arkansas. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Birdsview Cemetery.
Fritz truly enjoyed life and all the people he met along the way. He seemed to never know a stranger and always had a story on hand to share. He found the good in everyone and was always positive even during difficult times.
The motto Fritz wanted to share was: “I didn’t always win, but I ran a good race.”
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to the Waldron Athletic’s Program at 1560 West 6th Street, Waldron, Arkansas 72958 or online at http://waldronbulldog.weebly.com/store/c4/Donation.html
Council Addresses Sanitation Fees, Ordinances, Police Policies and Media Misreporting at August Meeting
The Mansfield City Council convened for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, August 19, with all council members present: Julie Thomas, James Steele, Glen Hurt, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins, and Boyd Farmer. Also in attendance were Mayor Buddy Black, Recorder/Treasurer Joy Maly, and City Attorney Travis Plummer.
Following approval of July’s minutes and financials, the council heard departmental reports:
Fire Chief Michael Smith reported 39 total calls in July—three fire-related and 36 EMS. He also reported meeting with Wes Milam, the new dispatch center director. Smith also attended a meet-and-greet with First Choice EMS and announced the expected arrival of a new skid unit.
Police Chief Wyatt McIntyre detailed 17 traffic stops, five citations, 11 warnings, and two warrants issued. The department responded to 11 incidents, one accident, and 14 animal-related calls. Officers conducted 112 security checks and logged eight training hours.
Public Works Director Derrick Pollard reported 67 completed service orders, 23 One Calls, and repairs to three service line leaks. A new tap was installed on Hwy. 378, and road damage near the city lake bridge has been addressed. R&R continues to finish roadwork throughout town.
Lastly, City Attorney Travis Plummer noted that they would be reviewing some ordinance changes later in the agenda.
The final item of unfinished agenda items, the consideration of sanitations fees. “We have been able to offer trash pickup for free since 2001.” stated Mayor Black, “I hate to do it…and people don’t want to pay more, but I am going to have to propose a $10 trash fee…it is either that or bring in CARDS at $18 or $20 a month.” Currently the deficit for sanitation services is to the negative, $66,000. Residents do pay a $4 fuel surcharge, however that is not enough to make up for continued rising costs. Ultimately, the council would vote unanimously to approve the $10 charge for the city’s trash pickup. That fee will be assessed on resident’s water bill.
Next, the council considered Ordinance 2025-2, a clarification of the city’s dog ordinance. Mayor Black noted that “We’ve had some real problems with dogs…We have a dog ordinance, but it is unclear as to what we can charge in penalties and fines.” The council would go on to unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-2, which sets a $30 daily fee for the release of impounded animals, applied per dog and inclusive of the day the animal is seized.
Two police policy manual changes were approved:
- Removal of a provision allowing arrestees to contact an attorney or friend at the officer’s discretion.
- Elimination of radar usage restrictions during peak traffic hours.
In the next item of new business, Mayor Black addressed inaccuracies that were reported in the August 5 issue of The Waldron News. “There was more than some…there was quite a bit of discussion about it…I am going to go through and correct a few sections in there…” Mayor Black would go on to list the inaccuracies:
1. Four local bars: “we do not have bars here.”
2. Aging Infrastructure: “that was not mentioned”
3. Rural parking fees: “we do not have any rural parking fees… I think that was mistaken for our rural fire dues, but we do not have any rural parking fees.”
4. What constitutes a motorized vehicle: “Again, related to the parking fees, but we did not discuss that.”
5. Satellite imagery – “I don’t believe there was anything regarding that either.”
6. It was stated that the council entered into executive session with no mention of business discussed upon reconvening. “But I did, and that is what I am required to do.”
“I think that about covers it, I am not going to keep going on,” concluded Black. Alderman James Steele would respond to Mayor Black stating, “this article was written by Brittney Maine, and it says she is the editor. Was she here at the meeting?” Black responded, “no she was not here, but she is here today.” Steele would then inquire as to how Maine received her information regarding the meeting. Black responded that she had made a FOIA request to the city and that he had provided her with the audio recording of the meeting as well as the agenda, as required by law. “I just feel like it is a misrepresentation to the public by a news media,” stated Steele. “…It is beyond bad. This article makes us looks like a bunch of bums who don’t know what in the world we are doing…and where she got the word bars from out of what was provided to her is unbelievable. She has a duty to report truthfully about what we do here representing the city. What she reported isn’t even close. I am just beyond aggravated with this.” Mayor Black continued, noting, that he believes that things will “get better.”
Before adjourning the meeting, the council approved a change in the upcoming meeting date. The meeting in September will be held on September 11, 2025. With no further announcements or comments, the meeting of the Mansfield city council was adjourned.
Registration for fall edition of Walk Across Arkansas opens Aug. 25
By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
What starts with your feet can do a world of good for your brain, said Bryce Daniels, assistant professor and state extension health specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
It’s something Daniels knows firsthand.
“Walking has mental, physical and social benefits that can improve brain clarity and body functioning to handle the challenges of life,” he said. “I relied on walking outside to complete my doctoral dissertation.
“I wrote in my acknowledgement that ‘this dissertation does not get completed without all the workouts and leisure time physical activity I performed’,” he said. “May this document demonstrate that a 30-minute brisk walk can take you a far ways.”
Arkansans will have a chance to commit to similar power-ups through the fall edition of Walk Across Arkansas. This year, the fall edition runs Sept. 8 to Nov. 2, with online registration at walk.uada.edu opening on Aug. 25.
“We want to increase the number of participants this year in hopes that more people are tracking their physical activity minutes and enjoying the benefits of being physically active,” Daniels said. “Walk Across Arkansas is a long-standing program that uniquely brings together people and have Arkansans tracking their physical activity to bring awareness to living an active lifestyle.”
Spring 2025 stats
The event isn’t just limited to walking. Participants can record biking, running, aerobics or any other exercise.
When it comes to the amount of participant physical activity in the spring 2025 edition of Walk Across Arkansas, those 18 years and younger averaged the most hours per week at 14.6. However, the next older age group — 19 to 29 — averaged the fewest hours of physical activity per week at 2.5.
The event attracted 376 participants across 42 counties.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
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 three campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your county agent or [email protected] as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.