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Obituary- Jenna Marie Singleton (2001-2020)

Jenna Marie Singleton of Y-City, Arkansas passed from this life, Saturday, June 13, 2020, in Dardanelle, Arkansas. She was born July 23, 2001, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Vernal Carl Singleton and Teresa (Claunts) Singleton. She was 18 years old.

Jenna was a Waldron High School graduate “Class of 2019”. She loved to sing in the choir, hang out with her friends but most of all she enjoyed having fun surrounded by her family. Jenna’s kind heart and loving spirit made her a natural at being a care giver. She enjoyed her work and always had a smile for everyone.

Jenna was so much more than any individual piece in this family. She was the glue that brought all of us together. Her love made us stronger as a family. Without her, none of us would have been so close. She is the pride and joy of our family and that will never change. As young as she was, her empathy and wisdom surpassed us all. If you ever needed someone to talk to she was always there.

Jenna leaves behind to cherish her memory, her parents, Carl and Teresa Singleton, two sisters, Stacia Davis and husband David of Florida, and Destiny Singleton of the home, one brother, Devin Dvorak and wife Morgan of Fayetteville, Arkansas and one beautiful niece RaeLynn Davis. Jenna is survived by her paternal grandparents, Vernal and Alice Singleton of Y-City, Arkansas and her maternal grandparents, Marie Lord of Heavener, Oklahoma and Nancy Claunts of Booneville, Arkansas. Jenna will forever be missed by an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends classmates and co-workers she loved dearly.

Jenna was preceded in death by her grandfather Jerry Claunts.

Jenna’s graveside life celebration will be at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, June 18, 2020, at the Chant Cemetery in Y-City, Arkansas with Rev. Keith Elmore officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Jenna’s pallbearers will be Ryan Davis, Steven Sexton, Chase Plowman, Jake Laird, and Ira Banta. Honorary pallbearer will be Eli Plowman.

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. We must limit public gatherings. 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 can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at 87.9 FM.

Please feel free to bring a lawn chair.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jenna Marie Singleton, please visit our floral store.

Obituary- Lois Jean Vincent (1944-2020)

Lois Jean Vincent, better known as Jean, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, June 15, 2020, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas with loved ones by her side. She was born May 16, 1944, in Tiptonville, Tennessee to Frank Sweat and Ethel Mae (Jordan) Sweat. She was 76 years old.

Jean was a LPN at the Waldron Nursing Center for many years. She was a member of the Waldron Assembly of God Church. She was strong in her faith and shared her faith with her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved family get togethers and being surrounded by the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jean leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Roy of the home, two daughters, Cheryl Lee of Waldron, Arkansas and Shannon Hattabaugh and husband Chase of Greenwood, Arkansas. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her 9 grandchldren and 17 great grandchildren. Jean is also survived by one sister, Jerry Helton of Siloam Springs and one brother Ray Sweat of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ethel Sweat and two daughters, Angela Hunt and Seanna Martin.

Jean’s life celebration will at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Lamb Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Jean’s pallbearer’s will be Justin Sweat, Brandon Sweat, Hylan Sweat, Stacey Adams, Jeremy Hunt and Christopher Thornsberry.

Jean’s visitation will be Thursday, June 18, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lois Jean Vincent, please visit our floral store.

Food Bank Provides More Than 19,000 Bottles of Hand Sanitizer Through Distribution Program

FORT SMITH (June 16, 2020) — The River Valley Regional Food Bank, in a partnership with Feeding America and Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, began a hand sanitizer distribution program this week.
The program began Monday with the food bank distributing 1.75 liter bottles to local community partners. This program will continue on Tuesday with the food bank providing sanitizer to clients during the USDA commodities distribution program. The food bank will continue the hand sanitizer distribution program in a similar fashion to clients and community partners across the River Valley while supplies last.
The food bank recently received over 19,000 bottles of hand sanitizer from Feeding America. The project was underwritten by Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith.

We thank Feeding America and Rath Auto Resources for the opportunity to give back to those we serve and are thankful to our community partners for the work they do for families in our area.

Mayor Comments on Changes to Freedom Fest

By Lindsay LaChapelle
City of Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow provided an update today, Monday, June 15, on the upcoming annual Freedom Fest.

A test run of the fireworks was performed at Greenwood’s Bell Park, but after careful consideration, the decision was made to continue having the show in the same spot as in previous years, behind the Fire Department on Bell Road. 

While Bell Park is quite a picturesque location, the visibility is problematic to Greenwood residents who are staying at home this Independence Day. Officials involved with the planning were stationed at various locations around town during the test run to assess how many homes would be able to see the show. It was decided, however, that more homes would be able to view the fireworks if they remained with the usual location. Another deciding factor in the decision was the safety of surrounding homes and wildlife. If any problems were to arise, the fire department can access the original location much easier than Bell Park because of its surrounding rugged terrain. 

Parking will be available off of Bell Road, Main Street and all surrounding residential streets, however residents are asked not to park along 10 Spur. Parking Lots in front of City Hall, Post Office and Courthouse will be open as well. Social Distancing guidelines are still in effect and while the parks are not closed, it is still suggested that residents enjoy the show from inside of their vehicles, or truck beds. 

Obituary- Chase Kennedy Hale (2001-2020)

Chase Kennedy Hale of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, June 13, 2020, in Dardanelle, Arkansas. He was born October 5, 2001, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Russell K. Hale and Heather (Oliver) Hale. He was 18 years old.

During his time at Waldron High School, Chase spent much of his time in FFA, Auto Mechanics, on the Arrow Dogs Archery Team, and with the Water Dogs Fishing Team. He was an active member of the Scott County 4H, competing at both state and county fairs showing his prize winning goats, taking top prize of Grand Champion on more than one occasion. He was proud to be a Class of 2020 Graduate and was looking forward to many new adventures.

To know Chase was to love him. He lived life to the fullest and had a huge heart, willing to help whenever and wherever he could.Chase was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. But he was never happier than when he was spending time with his girlfriend Jenna.

Chase leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents, Russell and Heather Hale of Waldron, Arkansas, paternal grandmother, Jeanette K. Hale of Russellville, Arkansas, maternal grandmother, Shirley (Soderling) VanDeWiele, of Waldron, Arkansas, uncle Todd VanDeWiele and wife Toni, of Waldron, Arkansas and cousins, Kynlea Rhodes, of Russellville, Arkansas, and Tristan VanDeWiele and Taylor VanDeWiele both of Waldron, Arkansas. Chase will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, classmates and dear friends.

Chase’s life celebration will be 9:00 a.m.Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Lake Hinkle Recreation Area Pavillion with Rev. Jack Smith officiating. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Chase was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Roy(Jr.) Hale, maternal grandfathers, Bill Oliver and Curtis VanDeWiele and his aunt Melanie Rhodes.

Chase’s pallbearers will be Bladyn Mays, Paul Davis, Trenton Settle, Nathan Settle, Bradley Smith, Mitchell Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be graduating “Class of 2020”.

Chase’s visitation will be Tuesday, June 16, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

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. We must limit public gatherings. 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 can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at 87.9 FM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chase Kennedy Hale, please visit our floral store.

Mansfield Native Promoted to FSPD Deputy Chief for the Non-Uniform Bureau

The Fort Smith Police Department announced on Monday, June 15, the promotion of Mansfield native, Officer Jason Thompson.

The FSPD released the following on their Facebook page:

The Fort Smith Police Department is honored to announce the promotion of Jason Thompson to the rank of Deputy Chief for the Non-Uniform Bureau. Deputy Chief Thompson started his career with the Fort Smith Police Department on May 8, 2006, as a Patrol Officer. His commitment to the vision of FSPD — to improve the lives of everyone we encounter — emerged early in his career when, in 2009, he earned the FSPD Life-Saving Award for brave actions taken in the line of duty. In 2012, he was named the FSPD Officer of the Year. “Jason has spent all of his 14 years as a public servant working to improve the culture of this Department. He has already demonstrated the leadership skills necessary to this position serving as acting Deputy Chief for the last year, and his strong community policing mindset has been crucial in guiding me in moving the department forward with 21st Century policing,” said Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker. “I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Fort Smith as Deputy Chief,” said Deputy Chief Thompson. “The Fort Smith Police Department has made great strides in forming partnerships with our community, and I look forward to continuing those relationships and building new ones. I am proud to be a member of the Fort Smith Police Department and look forward to leading the men and women of the department into the future.” Deputy Chief Thompson was selected for the position after input from a diverse, experienced interview board of citizens and community leaders. He is married to his wonderful wife Christy and has three children: Blair, Braylee, and Brinley. As Deputy Chief for the Non-Uniformed Bureau, Thompson will oversee operations for CID and Support Services. Congratulations, Deputy Chief!

Accident Claims the Lives of Two from Scott County

An accident in Chickalah, AR claimed the lives of two from Scott County on Saturday, June 13.

According to a report from the Arkansas State Police, Chase K. Hale, 18 of Waldron and Jenna M. Singleton, 18 of Boles were traveling north on Highway 27 at around 7:20 a.m. when the vehicle, a 2016 Nissan, left the roadway, traveled down the ditch line and struck a fence line and telephone pole. Before coming to rest, the vehicle struck an embankment and overturned in a creek.

Road and weather conditions were listed as dry and clear.

Garner: the First Sheriff of Logan County

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

A jungle of brush and saw briars surround an isolated cemetery plot at Anderson, the now deserted former county seat for Sarber (Logan) county. Once nice tombstones and fence are now in disrepair, the stones so old and marked they can scarcely be read.

One of the foremost pioneers of the region, James L. Garner is buried in the south east corner of the small cemetery. The stone is damaged beyond repair and the once famous resident largely forgotten. Garner lead a life comparable to Crocket, Boone, and other famous pioneers found in our history books.

Born in Alabama in 1828, he moved to the Dardanelle area in 1845 and started a family there. He enlisted in the military during the Mexican War and fought in several battles, including the battle at Palo Alto where former Arkansas Governor Archibald Yell was killed by being run through with a pike. After returning from the war, he married Emily Barnes and began a family. Not content with farming, he joined a wagon train and traveled to California during the gold rush. Unlike many others, Garner struck gold and brought back a copper pot containing nearly fourteen pounds of gold dust. It is said he returned by ship around the tip of South America.

Garner later bought land near Revilee just south of what is now Paris on Red Bench Road. At some point, he also owned the grist mill located on cutter creek.

When the Civil War began, he enlisted in the Union Army as part of the 4th Arkansas Cavalry. Letters and stories abound from the Civil War days and the atrocities committed by bushwhackers representing both sides during the war. James would return home for leave but was afraid to remain in his home for fear of attack by the bushwhackers. Instead, he would remain in a cave above the family farm until his wife signaled with a sheet that things were safe. While he was absent fighting, his home was raided and his gold and other valuables stolen.

It is possible he was home during the Haguewood Prairie skirmish in September of 1863. Regardless, his brother-in-law Benjamin Wilkins was killed in the battle and James and Emily raised their three kids. He became ill in 1864 and was mustered out of service.

After the war, those fighting in the Confederacy lost the right to vote for ten years so all political power fell into the hands of the former Union supporters. With the population expanding, the state began to carve out new counties. Garner became involved in politics and was J.P. for the mountain district and then assisted in forming Sarber (later Logan) county and served as state representative. He was very colorful and wore a rattlesnake belt and vest made from snakes caught on the bluffs above his house. He and two other men established the first county seat at Revilee (Anderson) and a court house and jail was built. The county seat remained there less than two years.

From 1871-1874 he served as first Sheriff or Logan County. After his death, he was buried near the old home place.

In recent month, Sherriff Massey and others have worked to clean the cemetery and site. The eventual goal is to make the cemetery more public and to place a suitable grave stone at the site to honor Garner. Donations can be made directly to Mr. Massey, Curtis Varnell, or left at Castle Graphics in Paris

Obituary- Gerald Dean Sparks (1938-2020)

Gerald Dean Sparks of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, June 14, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas with loved ones by his side. Gerald was born June 17, 1938, in Waldron, Arkansas to Arvil Sparks and Opal (Cheek) Sparks. He was 81 years, 11 months and 28 days old.

Gerald was a member of Haw Creek Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. He loved the Lord and was strong in his faith. Gerald was a retired farmer and also retired from Tyson Foods as a field tech. He enjoyed bluegrass music and followed his family around to festivals and shows where they were playing. Gerald loved his family. He looked forward to quality time making memories.

Gerald leaves behind to cherish his memory, Mary Sue Sparks of the home, his children: David Sparks and wife Tiffany of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeff Sparks and wife Danielle of Maumelle, Arkansas, Susan Henry and husband Alan of Raleigh, North Carolina, Deb Stowe and husband Jon of Plano, Texas and Nicole Harrison and husband Ray of Waldron, Arkansas. Gerald is also survived by two nephews, Roger Sparks and wife Tammie of Waldron, Arkansas and Russell Sparks and wife Dawnette of Lavaca, Arkansas. Pops will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gerald will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including an extended family of friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Arvil and Opal Sparks, one brother, Glen Dale Sparks and his wife Carrie Sparks.

Gerald’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. John Elmore officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Gerald’s pallbearers will be Roger Sparks, Russell Sparks, Taylor Sparks, Bear Sparks, Tucker Sparks and Ray Harrison.

Gerald’s visitation will be Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

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. We must limit the number of people at public gatherings. 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.

Cool Ways to Spruce Up a Bedroom

Sometimes the space you’re in can affect your mood. For example, everyone spends frequent time in their bedroom, and a boring, plain room can damper their mood. Some people may not know how to convert their current spaces into something more inviting. Fortunately, these cool ways to spruce up a bedroom will help. Read on to learn how you can add creativity through some artwork, rearranged furniture, mood lighting, and sewn crafts.

Rearrange Furniture

One easy way to change up a plain bedroom is to rearrange your furniture. Aesthetics get stale after a while, so changing the bedroom layout can refresh things. Move your bed from one side of the room to the other or rearrange it from vertically to horizontally against a wall. Rearranging furniture may also give you more space than before. From there, you can add or get rid of furniture pieces you like or dislike. Either way, this can create a dream sleeping spot.

Cover Any Blank Spots

Another neat trick is to cover any empty spots on your walls. Art, posters, pictures, or other decorations turn a blank wall into a canvas. Since this is your bedroom, you can decide what you want to hang. Even silly trinkets and toys make great decorations. Consider hanging shelves that can show off your prized possessions. Seeing your walls adorned with various items might surprise you.

Sew Some Nifty Décor

Most people purchase their pillows, blankets, linens, coverings, and bedspreads from the store, but you can use some bedroom sewing projects to add color and creativity. Some examples are restyling pillows, creating room dividers, decorating your nightstand, or making your own furnishings. Rather than spend money on these items, you can start a new hands-on hobby where you make them yourself.

Change Up Your Lighting

Finally, changing up your lighting is a cool way to spruce up a bedroom. Ambient and mood lighting not only make you feel more relaxed, but also make your living space more relaxing. Alternatively, you can opt for a reading sconce that swivels in whichever direction you desire. Dimmer switches and multicolored bulbs can create a calming environment. There are endless possibilities to add different light fixtures to your bedroom, so take your time and choose some that appeal to you.