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Niche Recognizes Greenwood as Top Spot to Live in Sebastian County

Tammy Teague
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Niche Recognizes Greenwood as Top Spot to Live in Sebastian County

Niche, an online rating website that showcases research across the United States, featuring colleges, school, neighborhoods and companies. They have named the City of Greenwood the top place to live in Sebastian County. In fact, they have recognized their school district as one of the best in the state.

–See related story

Niche complies data based on reviews and city reports to generate a letter grade scale. This to benefit those families or individuals looking to relocate, providing information on jobs, homes and education.

Overall Niche grade for the City of Greenwood:

  1. Public Schools A+
  2. Crime & Safety A-
  3. Housing A
  4. Nightlife C+
  5. Good for Families A
  6. Diversity B-
  7. Jobs B-
  8. Weather B
  9. Cost of Living A
  10. Health & Fitness B-
  11. Outdoor Activities B+
  12. Commute C+

The website described the city as “…a town in Arkansas with a population of 9,357. Greenwood is in Sebastian County and is one of the best places to live in Arkansas. Living in Greenwood offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Greenwood there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Greenwood and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Greenwood are highly rated.”

Niche gave the city an overall grade of “A.” You can read the report in full HERE. Greenwood was also rated an “A” for best city for families, schools, best place to buy a house, best place for retirees, and lowest cost of living.

Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow alluded to the high rankings in his recent State of the City address. He praised the Greenwood Police Department as “one of the best in the state.” Also, the city’s fire department: “…our volunteer fire department is second to none in the state,” stated Kinslow. Adding that the city now has an ISO rating of two.

Lastly, Kinslow recognized Greenwood Schools Superintendent John Ciesla, who “…has led our school district as number two rated district in the state…Greenwood has also been rated as number one as the best place to teach in Arkansas.”

The website also attributes citizen reviews as part of the rating. “I love the safe, small town atmosphere of Greenwood. Perfect for raising my 2 boys,” shared one current resident. “We love the school district and are so very thankful for the wonderful teachers that will help shape the minds of our future.”

Greenwood City Hall and Police Department Close

Tammy Teague
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Greenwood City Hall and Police Department Close

In an announcement made yesterday, Wednesday March 18, Greenwood City officials announced the closure of both city hall and the police department. The closures went into effect today, Thursday, March 19.

The lobby of the police department is closed to the general public. In a statement released on the Greenwood Police Department’s Facebook page, “…the safety of our employees and the general public is of the upmost importance during this time.”

It was noted, however, that if someone needs to file a report, you can call the police department at 479-996-4119 for assistance. Phone calls will be answered during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Incident or accident reports can be sent via email or postal mail by request. Fingerprinting services have also been suspended until further notice. The department remains operational and is continuing to answer emergency calls.

Greenwood City Hall is also closed to the public effective today, Thursday, March 19. City departments and employees may be reached by phone or email during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The water department’s drive-thru will remain open for payments. If you have any questions, you can contact city hall at 479-996-2742.

Both the Police Department and Greenwood City Hall will remain closed until further notice.

Early Voting for General Primary Runoff Election

Tammy Teague
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(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston wants to remind voters that Early Voting for the Tuesday, March 31st General Primary Runoff Election begins next Tuesday, March 24th. 

Early voting will be available during your county clerk’s normal business hours, March 24-March 30. Polls will be closed Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th. 

The Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners has provided guidance to local election officials in Arkansas to explore all available options to make the March 31st General Primary Runoff Election as safe and accessible as possible. Due to the ongoing precautions being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board recommended notifying eligible voters of the option to vote by absentee ballot if they wish.  

All Arkansans who are eligible to vote in a runoff election are eligible to cast an absentee ballot under Arkansas’s existing absentee voting law. To receive an absentee ballot, the eligible voter must submit an application to his or her local county clerk. Applications sent via mail, fax, or email must be received by the County Clerk no later than March 24th. If you are unable to mail, fax, or email your absentee ballot application by March 24th, then you may request one in person or through a designated bearer from your county clerk so long as the request is made by close of business hours on March 30th. Please note that a designated bearer may only request two absentee ballots per election. Absentee ballots received by the County Clerk by 7:30 pm on March 31st will be counted. You may download an absentee ballot application from the Secretary of State website at:  https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Absentee_Ballot_Application.pdf.

Per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the Arkansas Department of Health, voters should continue to observe appropriate social distancing measures when going to vote, and maintain a six-foot distance from others, if possible. County officials and workers are receiving guidance on additional measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

To check your voter registration information and get information on your local polling location, contact your county clerk.

Sebastian County Cleanup Slated to Get Underway

Tammy Teague
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Sebastian County Cleanup Slated to Get Underway

The Sebastian Countywide Spring Cleanup is set to get underway in April. In the letter from Sebastian County Judge David Hudson, residents are encouraged to “help pick up litter, tackle illegal dumps and do whatever it takes to put the shine on Sebastian County.”

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturdays starting April 4 and go through May 9. Proof of Sebastian County residency is required. Drivers can show their Arkansas drivers license for disposal of trash at the cleanup site.

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“By working together to clean up our properties we all can make a difference and make our community a more beautiful, safer and healthier place to live, work and play,” says Judge Hudson.

As in the past cleanup campaigns, dumpsters will be placed in several locations throughout the county in order for county residents to have a convenient place to bring collected trash for safe and legal disposal.

Dumpster schedules and locations are as follows:

Obituary- Shawn Philip Epperson (1974-2020)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary- Shawn Philip Epperson (1974-2020)

Shawn Philip Epperson, (formerly of Waldron, Arkansas) of Van Buren, Arkansas passed away March 11, 2020. He was born February 8, 1974 in Waldron, Arkansas to Alton P. Epperson and Joy Diane (Taylor) Epperson. Shawn was 46 years old.

Shawn leaves behind to cherish his memory his father, Alton Epperson of Waldron, Arkansas. Shawn will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Shawn was preceded in death by his mother and both sets of grandparents.

A private life celebration will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Square Rock Cemetery. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

The United Way of Fort Smith Area Goes Live With 2-1-1

Tammy Teague
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The United Way of Fort Smith Area Goes Live With 2-1-1

The United Way of Fort Smith Area in partnership with the United Way of Northwest Arkansas, has implemented a 2-1-1 call center for Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, Franklin, and Scott Counties.

The 2-1-1 call center will be an incredible resource for local citizens to have access to speak live to a well-trained information and referral operator to get needed information 24 hours a day. The United Way of Fort Smith Area has had an outstanding Community Resource Guide in printed copy and online and now the River Valley community will have access to the nation’s largest health and human service resource call center locally. 2-1-1 can be accessed by simply dialing 2-1-1 or going to www.arkansas211.org. You can also reach 211 in Arkansas by texting your zip code to 898-211 or by calling 866-489-6983. The 211 service is also available to the counties we serve in Oklahoma. Again, simply call 211 or text 211OK to 898211. They are also available online at https://www.211oklahoma.org/

“We are extremely excited to partner with the United Way of Northwest Arkansas to make 2-1-1 possible for our local community. 2-1-1 will allow our citizens to be one phone call away from vital information. We are also excited to help take a load off our 9-1-1 call centers for non-life threatening questions about health and human services. In times of crisis like the flood or COVID 19, vital resources will be made available and easily accessible 24 hours a day” commented Eddie Lee Herndon, President and CEO of United Way of Fort Smith Area.

211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services and childcare and family services. No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives. In 2018 alone, 211s in the US answered more than 11 million calls and almost 1 million texts, chats and emails, helping millions with life-changing support. There is no other network in the country that has a similar pulse on America’s needs.

For updates and information about 211 and COVID-19 visit unitedwayfortsmith.org

Winters Serves 20 Years as Volunteer Fireman

Tammy Teague
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Winters Serves 20 Years as Volunteer Fireman

Mansfield resident Mike Winters recently retired from the Mansfield Fire Department after serving the past 20 years as a volunteer.

Winters began serving on the Huntington Fire Department in 1990, under the leadership of then Chief Gary Lawrence. After Winters moved to the Spur Lake area near Mansfield, he sought to join the Mansfield Department. “They were a strong and full department then, and because I lived further than three miles, I wasn’t able to join right away,” shared Winters.

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However, in 2016, Mayor Larry Austin added Winters onto the department. “I enjoy it,” added Winters. “It gets the heart racing when that pager goes off! I would really like to see more young people get involved. ”

His passion to serve as a volunteer fireman is supported by his wife of 36 years, Sandy Winters. Mike Winters is employed by the Mansfield School District as a school bus driver. He enjoys fishing, and gardening.

Although Winters has stepped away from the department, he hasn’t ruled out coming back to volunteer again!

“I want to thank Mike Winters for his years of service to the City of Mansfield and the Fire Department,” shared Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black. “He is a good man, and a tremendous asset to this community.”

Longtime Coach and Administrator Passes

Megan Hecox
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Longtime Coach and Administrator Passes

Bill T. Fox, a beloved coach and administrator at both Mansfield and Hartford Schools has passed.

Fox left a legacy throughout this area, and he will be remembered as a “good man and coach.”

He was a 1960 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, and held a Masters Degree From the University of Arkansas.

Fox coached for the Hartford School District for more than two decades, from 1973-1992. One former player said, “Bill was my basketball coach my senior year. We had a very good team. Lost one game going into the state tourney. He was easy to play for. He never yelled at us, but we gave him all we had because we really liked him.”

News of Fox’ passing on March 17 spread quickly throughout the small community. Since that time, hundreds have expressed their love and sympathy towards his wife Sharon and their three children, Leigha, Justin and Jessica.

OBITUARY

Bill T. Fox was born on February 21, 1938 in Huntington, Arkansas to Audra and Flossie Ann (Hampton) Fox.  He passed away on March 17, 2020 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 82.

He is survived by:

His wife Sharon Fox of the home

Three children:

Leigha Fox of Florida Keys

Justin Fox and wife, Sue, of Fargo, ND
Jessica Bailey and husband, Aaron, of Stigler, OK

Grandchildren:

Jake and Kate Fox

Andrew and Audra Bailey

Numerous other relatives

Bill was preceded in death by one sister and brother-in-law, Linda and C.B. Carter and his parents.

He loved hunting, fishing, coaching, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball; and family.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Stigler First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Jim Hill officiating.

Wanted Texas Man Shoots at Waldron Police Officer

Tammy Teague
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Wanted Texas Man Shoots at Waldron Police Officer

The Waldron Police Department has released photos of Texas man who shot at a Waldron Police officer on Tuesday night.

Waldron Police Officer Brittney Fletcher was checking on a male and female on Tuesday evening, March 17. The male fled, and Fletcher chased the man. At one point during the foot chase, according to Waldron Police Chief Jeremy Hunt, the man fired a shot at Officer Fletcher. Fletcher was not harmed, however.

Renee Bulduc has warrants in Texas for escape, aggravated assault and violating parole.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Game and Fish, Mansfield Police Department and the Highway Patrol are all assisting in the search for Bulduc, who was last seen in the apartment complex near 8th Street in Waldron.

If you have seen him, you are asked to call 911. Bulduc is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a white male, 6’3″ tall, 198 pounds, hazel eyes and brown hair. Bulduc has tattoos on his face and his hands.

Residents are being asked to keep their homes, cars and outbuildings locked.

Obituary- James D Hughes (1942-2020)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary- James D Hughes (1942-2020)

James Dale Hughes passed from this life Monday, March 16, 2020, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born June 18, 1942 in the Square Rock community north of Waldron, to John J. and Aughtie Hughes. He was 77 years, 8 months and 27 days old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, L. Wayne Swaim and G. Aldon Hughes, and a nephew Randy Swaim. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Clydene DeWitt Hughes, one daughter, Jamie LeAnn Bettinardi (Matt), three grandchildren, Maebrie Jean, Anleigh Grace and James Alexander Bettinardi, a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

After high school he earned a degree in body and fender repair from a trade school in Kansas City, Missouri. He then returned home to Waldron to work several years for Denton Motor Company. During that time, he earned the certification as Master Automobile Technician. He moved on to work as a truck mechanic at Tyson Foods from where he retired.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. He enjoyed working on his family cattle farm, mowing and baling hay, fixing fence, and doing anything else required to keep the place running. Farm work led to one of his favorite hobbies: working on and restoring antique tractors. He and his brother, Aldon, passed many hours rebuilding tractors together. He also loved hunting and enjoyed spending time with his friends and cohorts at the Muddy Creek deer camp.

James’ celebration of life service will be Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ken Overturf, officiating. Interment will be in the Square Rock Cemetery near Waldron, AR. Arrangments are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Butch Sims, Rick Sims, Jerry DeWitt, Darrell DeWitt Jr., Eric Sims, and Jeffrey Sims.

Honorary Pallbearers are “The Herman Moore Muddy Creek Deer Hunting Camp” and Arkansas Valley Antique Tractor Club.

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