Brenda L. Brewer, a lifelong educator, licensed REALTOR, small business co-owner, Christian, Conservative; who is very family oriented from Booneville, Arkansas, today announced she is running for State Senate in District 26. This seat was previously held by the late Senator Gary Stubblefield, who was dearly loved and respected in District 26. Brenda Brewer pledges to continue Gary Stubblefield’s commitment to the people of District 26. Brewer is currently the Justice of the Peace for District 11 in Logan County, a member of the Logan County Republican Party and serves as both First Vice Chair and District Committee Woman in the Logan County Republican Party. Having worked since the age of 11, she knows how to work hard and will put that work ethic to use in the State Senate District 26. Brewer is Pro-Life, a champion for education and educators, greatly supports farmers, veterans, and those in law enforcement fields. She believes in less taxes, and is a defender of Second Amendment rights. Brewer believes communication is essential to success and has learned how to communicate with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the communities in which she has taught and lived during her time as an educator. She was the Chairwoman of the Personnel Policy Committee in multiple school districts and this is where she learned how to work with others from all walks of life to ensure success for everyone. She plans on using those same communication skills to work with the people of District 26 to advance their causes, concerns, values, and to improve their lives. She is against the prison being located in Franklin County and believes communication in advance with the community members could have solved a multitude of problems and would have saved the state a great amount of money. Brewer was born in Booneville, Arkansas and has lived the majority of her life in Booneville and the District in which she wishes to serve. She is married to Aaron Brewer and has two children, Brittany (Haley) Goff and Blake Haley, all of Booneville. Her pride and joy are her grandchildren, Callie Goff, Claralee Goff, and Chloe Goff. She is a member of Glendale Baptist Church in Booneville, Arkansas, and a graduate of Arkansas Tech University.
Obituary: Harley McCurry, III (1969-2025)
Harley L. “Harlo” McCurry, III, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away at his home on September 26, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on February 6, 1969, in Charleston, Arkansas, Harlo lived a life filled with adventure, loyalty, and love for those closest to him.
Harlo shared his heart and home with his fiancée, Debbie Maxey. He was a devoted brother to Josh and his wife Kelli of Waldron, and a proud uncle to his nephews, Raylan and Clayton, who knew him simply as “Uncle Harlo.” He was preceded in death by his father, Harley L. McCurry, Jr., with whom he shared many cherished memories.
A true patriot, Harlo served his country as a medic in the National Guard, completing a tour in Saudi Arabia. His service reflected the caring and selfless spirit he carried throughout his life. Later, he worked on the pipeline first driving 18 wheelers, then as a pipeline inspector, and eventually he worked his way into the job he loved and cherished as a construction coordinator. It was here that the wide skies of Montana and Wyoming became some of his favorite places to be.
Harlo had a deep love for the simple joys in life-riding his Harley-Davidson on the open road, caring for his loyal dogs Jasper and Lexie, and spending quiet moments with his Quarter Horses, Jazz and Newt. He especially treasured his trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, riding there three times, with the most memorable journey being the one he shared with his dad. Whether hunting, fishing, or sharing a laugh with family, Harlo’s happiest moments were spent outdoors and with the people and animals he loved.
He will be remembered as a man of strength, kindness, and adventure-someone who gave his all to his family, his friends, and his country. His legacy lives on in the memories he created and the lives he touched.
A private graveside service was held at Shiloh Cemetery to celebrate Harlo’s life. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas.
Obituary: Sharon Taylor (1964-2025)
Sharon Jean Taylor, 61, of Waldron, Arkansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 10, 1964, in Waldron, Arkansas.
Sharon lived a life filled with faith, music, and joy. She loved God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength, and she loved her neighbor as herself. She was the personification of the scripture, “the last shall be first and the first last,” always putting others before herself.
A talented musician, Sharon played guitar, fiddle, bass, and piano, glorifying God with her gifts and bringing joy to everyone who heard her. She was a faithful member of Packsaddle Community Church, where she shared her love of Jesus with all who met her. Every day, without fail, she sought first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Sharon married the love of her life, Guy Taylor, and together they enjoyed countless adventures, especially camping and fishing trips. She cherished every moment spent with her daughters and her beloved granddaughter, filling their lives with warmth, laughter, encouragement, and peace. She loved bringing tranquility and unity to her family, for, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
For many years, Sharon worked as a realtor, helping families find their dream homes. Later, she realized one of her lifelong dreams by establishing Travelers Lane RV Park in Waldron, creating a welcoming place where others could gather and enjoy the beauty of God’s Creation.
She is survived by her husband, Guy Taylor; two daughters, Ria Taylor and her husband Glen Scott, Chelsie Jones and her husband Ethan Jones and step children Guy Taylor Jr. and Danielle Taylor; one granddaughter, Ava Scott and step grandchildren, Lindsey Taylor, Gavin Taylor, James Taylor and Daniel Almario; and four sisters, Wanda Carolan, Lana Richie, Sandy Pyles, and O.J. Hinds.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Clyde Smith, and her brother, Tommy Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be George Martin, Ken Hinds, Gordon Pyles, Bobby Carolan and Dan Richie.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God, with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow at Sehorn Cemetery.
Honoring her life as pallbearers will be Jim Ivy, John Ivy, David Jones, Konnor McKay, Thomas Mays, Bryan Self, and Andrew Parsons.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Sharon Jean Taylor will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, faithful sister, gifted musician, and above all a true servant of Jesus Christ. The love, joy, generosity, peace, and faith given to her by Jesus Christ will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Lavaca Honors Retiring Police Chief Randy Toon
Family, friends, city officials, and members of law enforcement gathered at noon on Saturday, September 27, to celebrate the retirement of one of Lavaca’s most respected leaders, Police Chief Charles “Randy” Toon. The ceremony was filled with emotion as the community reflected on the decades of service Toon devoted to the city.
Chief Toon has served the City of Lavaca for 30 years, leading the police department with dedication, fairness, and a steady commitment to public safety. Over the course of his career, he became known not only for his leadership skills but also for the kindness and respect he showed to everyone he encountered.
The event drew a strong turnout, with members of the Lavaca Fire Department joining Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion, Chief Deputy John Miller, and other law enforcement officials to honor Chief Toon’s career and legacy.
(Left) Chief Deputy Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance and reflected on moments of brotherhood that truly made the difference. (Right) Sheriff Runion led a powerful prayer of thanksgiving.
Lavaca Mayor Hugh Hardgrave reflected on the challenge of finding the right words to capture Toon’s impact. “I knew it would take some time to find the right words,” Hardgrave said. He went on to highlight that Toon was deeply loved in the community and recognized for treating all people with respect, regardless of their circumstances. Hardgrave praised Toon’s leadership, describing his years of service as both dedicated and inspiring.
As Chief Toon begins his retirement, the community he served so faithfully looks back on his career with gratitude. His influence and example, leaders noted, will continue to shape Lavaca for years to come.
