Varnell Enters Race for State Representative for District 46
Curtis Varnell of Subiaco has announced that he will be a candidate for Arkansas State Representative for district 46. Curtis is a life-long educator and has taught in schools and universities across the state. Curtis is a graduate of ATU and worked himself through college as a stock clerk and butcher at a local grocery. During a career of teaching and driving a school bus, he was employed during summer months as a park ranger, a line-worker at Tyson and Cloyes Gear, and as a farm-laborer. Later, he ran the Summer Youth Employment Program for Logan, Franklin, and South Sebastian County and supervised over 150 school-age employees as they gained work experience. Recently retired after working for the Guy Fenter Education Cooperative, Curtis is still involved in teaching adjunct classes at ATU and working with AR-AIMS at schools across the state.
In his announcement, Varnell stated, “ There are many good candidates running for this position but I feel I have some unique skills that will offer the people of this district the best representation possible. First, I am retired and can serve full-time. Being retired, I am not looking for political advancement and I owe no-one anything except the people of this district which I will represent. That provides me the unique ability to say NO to measures that I feel will not benefit our constituents here in this district. I stand for what the Republican party preach but don’t always deliver; Term limits, conservative and limited government, moral responsibility, strong schools, 2nd amendment rights, and openness in operation.
Although an educator, I feel I know the needs of our district. My family are farmers, factory workers, and small-business owners and I am aware of the problems they face. Our small-schools face some of the most serious situations encountered in recent history and I will fight to keep them open and successful. I also support work-force education in schools- training the 80% of our students that don’t go to college for jobs in our region. I have worked extensively recently with ATU and UAFS to offer concurrent college education as well as work-force education to our area students while they are still in school. For our Franklin County neighbors, I stand with you opposed to a 1.2 billion dollar prison.
If you want someone you can talk with at anytime, a life-time resident that cares for you and your kids, and a person who serves because he loves this region and chose to spend a life here. Vote for a new voice, a new vision of what we can be, vote Varnell.
Let’s talk about – the BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL! (Part Two)
By Anita K Mize, CPA PLLC
Part One, we discussed the new deductions for social security, tips, and overtime. Now, let’s look at a few more provisions in this big beautiful bill!!
Standard Deduction – (Made Permanent) – the standard deduction is a specified amount of income that is tax-free. Depending on your filing status, this amount is deducted from your income before tax is calculated. For 2025 – Single taxpayers and those claiming Married Filing Separately may deduct $15,750, Married Filing Joint deducts $31,500, and Head of Household will deduct $23,625. These amounts will be adjusted each year for inflation.
Itemized Deductions – this is a group of items that are deductible from taxable income. Your tax preparer either uses the standard deduction mentioned above OR the itemized deductions, whichever is greater. You can’t take both, but you should review your itemized deductions each year just in case they are greater than the standard deduction allowed.
The Big Beautiful Bill has introduced several new deductions that are called “above the line” deductions. This means you can deduct these items from your taxable income AND still take the full standard deduction.
The deduction for tips, overtime and the social security deduction are all “above the line” so you don’t have to itemize to take advantage of those deductions!!
Car Loan Interest – (Effective for tax years 2025-2028) This is another new deduction that doesn’t require itemizing on your tax return. There are some requirements:
1. Your vehicle loan must be secured by a lien on the vehicle, and it must have been originated
after December 31, 2024.
2. The vehicle must be a new vehicle – it doesn’t apply to used vehicle purchases.
3. Personal vehicles only – no business or commercial vehicle qualify.
4. The vehicles can be a car, van, minivan, SUV, pickup, or motorcycle with a gross weight of less than 14,000 pounds.
5. Lenders must file annual information returns with the IRS and the taxpayer.
6. VIN numbers must be included on the tax return.
7. Maximum annual deduction is $10,000.00.
8. VEHICLE MUST BE ASSEMBLED IN THE US – this will be verified by the VIN number.
Federal Savings Accounts for Children – (Children born between 2025 and 2028)
This is a tax-advantaged (no tax until it’s withdrawn) savings account that is meant to be a retirement account for your child. Starting early offers them the opportunity for the account to grow over their lifetime. This is a very controversial item in the BBB and there is definitely more to come! A few current details include:
1. $1,000 one-time deposit from the federal government.
2. ONLY children born in 2025 – 2028 qualify.
3. Can’t be withdrawn until the child turns 18, and then with a potential penalty.
4. Some withdrawals can avoid the penalty if funds are used for specific purposes like education, new home, or a new baby.
5. Parents/Grandparents can contribute up to $5,000 annually – after tax dollars, no tax deduction.
6. Employers can contribute up to $2,500 annually (reduces the $5,000 above).
7. Child must be a US citizen and have a valid social security number.
8. At least one parent must have a valid social security number. Some sources state that both parents must have a social security number valid for work in the US.
9. Parents may open the account for their newborn, or the government may open the account.
There are certain to be more developments on this one. I will watch out for latest information and be prepared to help guide you through this at tax time to be sure you get the best benefit!
Have a wonderful week!
Obituary: Lee Barnett (1969-2025)
On August 4, 2025, Lee Roy Barnett of Waldron, Arkansas, rode off into the sunset one last time, leaving behind a trail of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He was 55 years old. Born December 18, 1969, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Elzie Gene and Barbara Butler Barnett, Lee Roy lived his life full throttle – doing what he loved and loving the people around him fiercely.
Lee Roy was happiest with the sun on his face and the wind in his hair – either riding his motorcycle down backroads or standing on a riverbank with a fishing pole in hand. “If it was a nice day and you weren’t riding or fishing,” he’d say, “you were wasting it.” And he meant it.
Fall meant Razorback football – and family time. Saturdays were for grilling out, tossing the football with the kids at halftime, and hollering at the TV with a house full of laughter. Those were the moments he treasured most.
Behind the jokes and the good-natured orneriness was a man of quiet faith. Lee Roy spent countless peaceful hours reading and studying his Bible. His relationship with God was personal, steady, and deeply important to him.
He worked for many years in retail, including at the Waldron Wal-Mart, where he built lasting friendships and served his community with a smile. When he wasn’t working or outdoors, you could find him in his woodshop, gaming, or cracking jokes with the people he loved. If Lee Roy teased you, you knew you had a special place in his heart.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tammy Barnett; his parents, Elzie and Barbara Barnett; his brother, Kenneth (Amanda) Barnett; sisters-in-law, Tonilyn Waddle and Misty Wilson; nieces, Paige Somphounout, Tara Johnson, Heather Molholt, Natasha Barnett, Corryn Lowe, and Alicia Barnett; nephews, Blake Barnett, Kyle Waddle, Eric Kozderka, Joshua Sheppard, and Evan Watkins; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Also surviving are his father-in-law, Curtis (Lillie) Haney, and one very special little girl who had his whole heart, Savanna Michelle.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, David and Susie Butler and Elsie Leroy and Laora Barnett; his brother, Michael Barnett; his mother-in-law, Lynda Drury Waddle; his sister-in-law, Bobbye Waddle Abernathy; and uncles, David and Johnny Barnett.
A celebration of Lee Roy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Rev. Jeff Wilkerson officiating.Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, also at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Elmore, Blake Barnett, Joshua Sheppard, Eric Kozderka, Drakelyn Barnett, and Jayden Wade.
Lee Roy’s legacy is one of deep love, quiet faith, and a whole lot of joy. He’ll be remembered in every ride down a winding road, every fish tugging on a line, and every backyard game of football. He taught us to never waste a good day – and to love big, laugh loud, and live well
Mansfield Schools Welcome Wellness Center Coordinator, Reaffirms Commitment to Students
After 32 years of inspiring young minds in Mansfield classrooms, Mary Jane Brewer is embarking on a new chapter — one that keeps her close to the students and community she loves. Brewer has accepted the position of Wellness Center Coordinator for Mansfield Schools.
“I feel truly blessed for this opportunity to continue serving our students, staff, and community in a new capacity,” Brewer said.
Located on the Mansfield Elementary campus, the Wellness Center is a vital resource that offers a wide range of health services through trusted partners including Mercy Clinic, Bishop Dentistry, Newman Counseling Services LLC, and Baker Counseling Services LLC.
“The Wellness Center is a tremendous asset to our school and community, and I’m passionate about helping it grow to support even more families,” Brewer shared.
The district first allocated space for mental health services at the Wellness Center in 2013, and in 2020, providers were given permanent offices. Newman Counseling Services, LLC, and Baker Counseling Services, LLC, each maintain an office on campus, providing mental health support to students and families. “We are open to referrals from all providers,” said Meghan Newman, LPC.
Superintendent Joe Staton noted that when he came to the district, outside providers were already seeing patients, but that it became a priority to give them a permanent, dedicated office space.
“Our mental health providers are invested in this community. Both Meghan and Tara have children in Mansfield Schools, and they want to see our kids succeed,” Brewer added.
Brewer’s plan for the Wellness Center includes adding an on-site vision care provider to serve students. “At other district campuses, providers often share space,” Staton noted. “Here at Mansfield, they’ll have their own dedicated offices.”
The district-owned facility already includes dedicated office space for an optometrist with three exam rooms. Dental provider Dr. Bryan Bishop has also made the Wellness Center his professional home, with three exam rooms and a dedicated orthodontics room.
Mercy Clinic’s nurse practitioners, Carmen Oxford, APRN, CNP, and Loretta Smithson, ARPN, offer general practice services including well-child exams, sports physicals, immunizations, acute illness treatment, and chronic disease management.
Leona Skaggs, practice manager, explained the center’s layout: “We have five exam rooms, provider offices, a nurses’ station, lab, and reception area. We even have an isolated waiting room reserved for students so they don’t have to wait with the general public. Again, it’s all about the students.”
Skaggs added that Brewer’s role will help coordinate care, ensuring students get from the school nurse to the clinic quickly and efficiently.
Brewer herself has seen the benefits of having a school-based clinic. She recalled being stung by a wasp last year on the playground: “I didn’t have to leave work to go wait at a clinic. I was able to come over here, get a shot, and get back to class.”
The same convenience applies to parents, she said. “If a mom suspects her child has an earache, they can still send them to class. We can have them seen, treated, and back in the classroom without parents missing work or kids missing school.”
Future plans for the Wellness Center include extending services to the district’s new preschool addition.
“It’s all about the kids,” Staton said. “The more we can do to remove barriers to learning, the more successful our students will be.”
