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COSL announces Scott and Sebastian County

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8:46 pm

COSL announces Scott and Sebastian County

The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Sebastian and Scott counties raised over $673,800, the Commissioner of State Lands announced.

The regional auction drew 111 registered bidders, who purchased 44 of 45 parcels for $673,880.28 Results were as follows:

Scott County: 10 parcels offered; 10 parcels sold; $81,634.67 total; $7,593.25 taxes collected
Sebastian County: 35 parcels offered; 34 parcels sold; $592,245.61 total; $41,620.96 taxes collected
The auctions offered real estate parcels with taxes delinquent since 2020.

“Most owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes; we only auction a fraction of the parcels certified for delinquent taxes,” Commissioner Tommy Land said. “Of course we hope property is redeemed if the owners want to keep it, but it is vital that the parcels return to the county’s active tax rolls.”
The COSL office disburses taxes and interest to the county, whether that money is collected through redemption or sale.

“Last year, the Commissioner of State Lands Office sent more than $18.7 million to school districts and county governments,” Land said. “Of that, $937,300.88 went to these two counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools.”

Those turnback amounts were:
Scott County: $61,315.51
Sebastian County: $875,985.37
Auction sales are final.
Unsold parcels may be redeemed online at www.cosl.org, using a credit or debit card, or owners can call 501-324-9422 to request a Petition to Redeem. Redemption does not grant ownership; it simply makes the taxes current.

Parcels that did not sell at the public auction will be available after 30 days and can be purchased through an online auction by viewing the Post-Auction Sales List at www.cosl.org.

BACK TO SCHOOL: After-school ideas for smart snacking

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8:42 pm

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BACK TO SCHOOL: After-school ideas for smart snacking

Snacking shouldn’t be overlooked. After a full day of learning, the body needs a little refueling. (Image via Pixabay)

By The U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

A little extra time spent on Sunday can make after-school snacking a little easier, said Teresa Henson, extension assistant professor-nutrition, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. By the U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. 354 words. With art of MyPlate, file art of fruit kabobs, trail mix.

Henson is part of extension’s family and consumer sciences, which provides life skills training for home, food and finances.

Snacks shouldn’t be overlooked.

“After a full day of learning, kids need a snack to recharge,” she said. “Whether they’re heading to basketball practice, a baseball game, or just unwinding at home, having healthy options ready can make a big difference in supporting their energy and well-being.”

With family members coping with full and sometimes competing schedules during the school week, Henson suggests that “prepping snacks in advance on Sunday can make weekday afternoons stress-free.”

School-age children need snacks to fulfill their daily nutritional requirements from all the MyPlate food groups, according to the Dietary Guidelines for America 2020-2025. My plate recommends servings from five food groups: dairy, fruits, grains, proteins and vegetables.”

MyPlate, which replaced the Food Pyramid, calls for:

Half of a consumer’s plate to be made up of fruits and vegetables,
Half of all grain-based foods be whole grain,
Consumers to move to low- or fat-free dairy milk, yogurt or fortified soy versions
Varying proteins to include seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, nuts and pulses such as lentils.

Henson offers some easy and healthy after-school snacks organized by food groups:

Fruit:

Fruit kabobs
Sliced fresh fruit and yogurt dip
Cheese sticks with fruit
Fruit and yogurt parfaits
Unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon
Muffins made with fruit

Grains:

Homemade chewy granola bars with whole-grain oats
Trail mix with whole grains such as oats or cereal
Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread
Whole grain snack crackers and cheese
Whole grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and apple
Popcorn

Dairy:

Yogurt in dips and parfaits

Protein:

Packets of nuts, cheese, meat
Trail mix with nuts
Peanut butter on a sandwich or crackers

“Having healthy snacks ready for your kids after school is a great way to keep their diet balanced and nutritious,” Henson said.

Find recipes and more online at the Cooperative Extension Service.

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.

Obituary: Phyllis Rae Southern Aspinwall (1946-2025)

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4:25 pm

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Obituary: Phyllis Rae Southern Aspinwall (1946-2025)

Phyllis Rae Southern Aspinwall of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 78. She was born on September 6, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to William A. Southern and Lylda June Hedspeth Southern.

Phyllis spent her childhood and formative years in Wynne, Arkansas, where she attended grades 1 through 12. She continued her education at Arkansas College in Batesville, where she studied for two and a half years. On November 25, 1966, she married the love of her life, Wallace L. Aspinwall, in Wynne.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis was also a dedicated educator. She worked for Waldron Public Schools as a Library Instructional Assistant for 30 years before retiring in 2011. Her gentle spirit, love of books, and caring nature left a lasting impact on countless students.

Phyllis was a faithful and active member of Waldron First United Methodist Church, where her warmth and service enriched the lives of many.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 58 years, Wallace L. Aspinwall; three sons: W. Lee Aspinwall and wife Renee, Daniel Aspinwall and wife Teresa, and Chris Aspinwall and wife Karen. She was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren-Alex, Cade, Lindlee, and Brandi-and four great-grandchildren: Ruthie, Emersyn, Avery, and Adelynn.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Visitation will take place the same day from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at the chapel. Rev. Roger Rice will officiate the service.

A graveside service will follow on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Black River Cemetery in Williamsville, Missouri.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parsons-Burnett Scholarship Fund, c/o ARTA, 1200 Commerce Suite 103, Little Rock, AR 72202.

Casey’s is Coming to Waldron

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Cassie Coben

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3:55 pm

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Obituary: Larry Evans (1951-2025)

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12:26 pm

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Larry G. Evans of Parks, Arkansas passed from this life Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Larry was born January 5, 1951 in Waldron, Arkansas to LoMoine Evans and Veda (Franklin) Evans. He was 74 years old.

Larry grew up in and around the Waldron area. As a young boy he attended Bates School and then transferred to Waldron. He graduated from WHS in 1969. He lived in the Parks area with his wife of 50 years and where they raised their son Travis. Larry worked at US Motors in Mena where he retired after 42 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed fishing and especially hunting.

Larry leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Sharon of the home, one son Travis Evans and wife Hala of Parks, Arkansas. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his four grandchildren: Hunter Evans, Gage Evans, Karlie Evans and Gunner Evans. Larry is also survived by his siblings: Tammy Fisher of Bluffton, Arkansas, Bill Miller (Danni) of Parks, Arkansas, Leo Evans (Christina) of Heavener, Oklahoma and Billy Wayne Miller (Donna) of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Larry will be missed by all who knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Larry was preceded in death by his dad LoMoine and stepmom Christine Evans, mom Veda Miller and stepdad Rubin Miller, and siblings: Ray Evans, Darrell Evans, James Miller, Johnny Miller as well as two nephews and one niece.

Larry’s celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Todd VanDeWiele officiating. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Larry’s visitation will Friday, August 1, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Mercy Hospital in Waldron Hosts 1st Choice EMS for Community Meet-and- Greet

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6:35 pm

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Mercy Hospital in Waldron Hosts 1st Choice EMS for Community Meet-and- Greet

Waldron, AR — On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the co-owners of 1st Choice EMS were officially welcomed by the community during a meet-and-greet event hosted by Mercy Hospital in Waldron. The gathering brought together members of the community, county leaders, Mercy administrators and staff, political candidates, and the Mercy Life Line flight crew, all eager to show support for the county’s new emergency medical service provider.

Mercy Life Line was a part of the Meet-and-Greet for 1st Choice EMS.

This marks a major transition in Scott County’s emergency medical services, as 1st Choice Ambulance Service has officially acquired Liberty EMS. The operational change took effect Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., with 1st Choice taking over emergency response responsibilities while continuing under the Liberty EMS name for the time being.

Jeff Divine visits with Mercy Hospital staff.

“It was the day of the eclipse last year when Jeff asked me if I wanted to buy an ambulance company. Immediately I said yes,” recalled Dr. Tim McClure, co-owner and medical director of 1st Choice EMS. McClure, a physician based in Pine Bluff, is currently completing the credentialing process to work occasionally at Mercy Hospital in Waldron.

His business partner, Jeff Divine, NR-P, has been working tirelessly to strengthen relationships and repair past divisions between the EMS service and the community.

Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores and Mercy Hospital Administrator Kim Russell.

Several notable guests attended Tuesday’s event, including State Representative District 52 candidate Crystal Malloy, Scott County Judge candidate John Eigsti, Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores, Scott County Emergency Management Director Janet Hopper, crew members from 1st Choice Ambulance, and the Mercy Life Line flight crew.

Owners of 1st Choice EMS and crew visit with Mercy staff.

Mercy Hospital Administrator Kim Russell extended a warm welcome to 1st Choice EMS, expressing optimism for the partnership and the future of emergency care in Scott County.

A follow-up feature will explore the vital role Mercy Hospital Waldron plays as a rural healthcare provider and the ongoing collaboration between the hospital and emergency services.

Welcome to Resident News Country 1st Choice EMS!

Obituary: W.D. “Rabbit” Ray (1937-2025)

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5:53 pm

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William Dennis Ray, better known as “Rabbit” went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, July 27, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Rabbit was born February 2, 1937 to George W. Ray and Virgie (Henry) Ray in Jenkins, Arkansas. Rabbit was 88 years old. Rabbit was a long time member of Harmony Baptist Church in Waldron. He lived his life serving the Lord and showing love and kindness to everyone he knew.

As a young boy Rabbit would get to ride with his dad on the KC Southern Railroad every other week between Mena and Kansas City, Kansas. He sometimes would get on at Heavener, Oklahoma. He loved the railroads and spending time on the train was unforgettable.

He was a graduate of Waldron High School and spent most of his life in and around the Waldron area. After high school, Rabbit found himself drafted by the United States Army. He also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for a total of 12 years of service.

In his younger days, Rabbit learned to Square Dance and it became a favorite hobby for him. Rabbit was not shy about his love of all Razorback sports, it could be said that he was a “sportaholic”. Rabbit enjoyed being on the bowling league in Waldron and for many years he was the coach of the Bank of Waldron “Championship Ladies Softball” team. He was proud of his players, their hard work and their drive and ambition to be that championship team. It was on the ball field that lasting friendships formed and many became like family.

Rabbit retired from The Waldron Furniture Factory and after a little time had passed he put his talents as a Master Designer back to work. Along with his life long friend Alvin Carnahan, they developed C&R Designs. It was here, Rabbit got to really show off his custom designs, custom builds and see his visions become beautiful masterpieces for people to have in their homes. In 2010, Rabbit again retired and began to travel with his beautiful bride along with his siblings and their spouses. These trips were places that great memories were made, good times were had and many laughs could be heard.

When Rabbit wasn’t loving on his family, going to grandchildren’s ball games or doting over Billie Sue, he could found sitting on his front porch just soaking in nature and just enjoying life.

Rabbit leaves behind to cherish his memory, two daughters: Simone Ray and Lisa Ridenhour both of Waldron, Arkansas and daughter in law, Kim Hale of Hale Town, Arkansas. “Poppa” will forever remain in the hearts of grandchildren: Jodi (Joe) Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma, Chelsea (Jacob) Lord of Wasilla, Alaska, Kendra Kisling of Waldron, Arkansas, Dustin (Hope) Kisling of Dover, Arkansas, Kayla (Ronnie) Cox of Waldron, Arkansas and grandson in law Austin Thomas of Ola, Arkansas. His great grandchildren include: Bryson (Codi) Jones, Jake Perry, Raylyn Thomas, Miles and Rhett Lord, Isaiah, Zachery, Kenya, Natalie Cagle, Luke, Connor and Ethan Kisling, Madison and Joejoe Cox and one great great grandchild Walker Jones. Rabbit is also survived by one brother John (Susan) Ray of Waldron, Arkansas and will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Debbie Taff, Judy Self, David Lawson, Dilan (Brianna) Powell, Devin (Dani) Powell, Diane Morris, Beverly Deutschman, Jonette (Brock) Moses, David (Denise) Ray as well a host of great nieces and great nephews. Rabbit will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including many friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Rabbit was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Billie Sue (Lawson) Ray, his parents George and Virgie Ray, one daughter, Shannen Ray, one son Billy Joe Hale, one brother Joe Bob Ray, sister and brother in law Virginia and L.D. Powell, brother and sister in law, George W. “Sonny” and Sylvia Ray, one granddaughter Lyonette Thomas, one niece Shelly Powell and nephews, Russell Ray and Brad Powell.

Rabbit’s celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Jeff Jenson officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Rabbit’s pallbearers will be Bryson Jones, Jake Perry, Dilan Powell, Devin Powell, Dustin Kisling, Ronnie Cox and Travis Taff. Honorary pallbearers will be Alvin Carnahan, David Lawson, Jacob Lord and Austin Thomas.

Rabbit’s visitation will be Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

State Representative Candidate Addresses Council

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8:34 am

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State Representative Candidate Addresses Council

At a recent council meeting, Kristain Thompson, candidate for State Representative in District 52, was in attendance and took a moment to address the council and community members.

“I am here tonight not to ask for your vote,” Thompson stated. “I am here to let you know I want to earn your vote.”

Thompson expressed appreciation for the years of service provided by current State Representative Marcus Richmond, who has represented the district with dedication. He vowed to be equally available and accessible to constituents should he be elected, emphasizing his commitment to listening to and working alongside the community.

His remarks were met with attentive interest from those present, as Thompson outlined his desire to build trust and connection through active engagement and accessibility.