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Obituary – Larry Falconer (1953-2025)

Obituaries

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10:27 pm

Larry Andrew Falconer, age 72 of Waldron, AR passed away July 19, 2025. He was born August 21, 1953 in Los Angeles, CA to the late Charles and Coy Falconer.

Larry was known for his wit and “quirky nature”. “Unique” was also a word that I would use to describe him. According to his brother Dennis he created quite a bit of mischief in his younger years. He even made his own glue on Elvis Presley sideburns because his parents wouldn’t agree to buy the real ones. He loved his hot rods and even owned a few in his time. He could always bring a laugh out of people. We are blessed to know how many peoples lives he’s been a part of, whether big or small. A lot of you knew him from the places he frequented around town and know he’s never met a stranger. A story teller he was , fact or fiction, your guess is as good as mine. He was inviting and easy going. He became a fan favorite at the Waldron nursing center and helped those that cared for him develop a little more patience, wink, wink. He was one of a kind. We always knew we were loved and that he was proud of us, of that there was no doubt. We will forever cherish the time and memories with him.

He is survived by his 5 children. Jason Falconer and wife Christy; Jennie Davis and husband Mac; Christine Bobbit and husband Justin; Larry Falconer and wife Amanda; Christopher Kelley and wife Kathryn; 13 grandchildren, Jalon, Allen, Logan, Ethan, Evan, Keaton, Jillian, Kason, Layklnn, Eralynn, Jayden, Michael, Emberlyn; 8 great grandchildren; Ava, Ryder, Rylen, Rayce, Maryjane, Emma, Wrenley and Braylon. Brother, Dennis Falconer and wife Karen.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Coy Falconer and brother Gregory Falconer.

We will be holding a small memorial service for family and close friends at a date to be determined. Per Larry’s request his ashes will be scattered where his lifelong friend, Rod Fredricks ashes were also scattered.

A heartfelt Thank you to all who have prayed, or reached out in any way. It means more than you know.

Bell to Bell, No Cell Act: What You Need to Know

Networks

Brandy Young

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4:18 pm

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Act 122 of the 2025 regular legislative session was signed into law by Governor Sarah Sanders. This new law, known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, will have a major impact on students, educators, and parents in our community.

The act was sponsored, in part, by local Representative Jon Eubanks of the 74^th District which includes parts of Logan, Franklin, Johnson, and Sebastian counties. This new law prohibits the use of cell phones, smart watches, or any other personal electronic devices by students for the entirety of the school day.

Although the law applies to all Arkansas school districts, each district has been tasked with setting their own policies and procedures. While there are small differences that will fit each school and district best, most districts have adopted a similar policy: all personal devices must be powered off and kept in a backpack, locker, or other storage area and cannot be kept on the student’s person. There are exemptions and policies in place for those that must use their phone as a medical device, like those linked to a blood sugar monitor. Those individuals will need to meet with their district offices to discuss policies. Exemptions are also in place for after-school extracurricular activities and individualized education plans (IEP’s).

Each district is also responsible for setting their own disciplinary action for infractions. These may range from a warning to confiscating devices, or even suspension for repeat offenders.

It is no secret that electronic devices in the classroom have become a major distraction for both students and educators. Many also blame electronics and social media for the rise in mental health issues among young people. Governor Sanders was inspired to launch the 2024-25 phone-free schools pilot program after reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. During the pilot program, participating schools received containers where students would store their devices during the school day.

Arkansas lawmakers are not alone in prohibiting cell phone use in schools. Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Louisiana all have similar restrictions in place. There is a growing resistance across the country to phones during school hours, leading more states to pass their own laws or executive orders.

While there are benefits to the new law, there are also concerns. Many parents worry that the new law poses a safety risk. They fear that in the event of an emergency students will not be able to easily access their devices to call for assistance. There is also a concern among districts that enrollment may be affected, with some choosing to home-school rather than not being constantly connected to their students. There may also be students who choose to home-school to avoid losing their electronic access.

There will be an adjustment period for everyone involved, no matter which side of the issue they agree with. Please check with your district for their policies and procedures regarding the new law.

Arkansas Tech names newest members of University Honors program

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2:43 pm

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Arkansas Tech names newest members of University Honors program

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Obituary: Michael Allen Davidson (1972-2025)

Obituaries

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2:03 pm

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Obituary: Michael Allen Davidson (1972-2025)

Michael Allen Davidson, 52, passed away on July 19, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by his family and friends. Michael was born on November 21, 1972, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to parents George Allen and Betty (Loyd) Davidson. In 1991, Michael became a graduate of Mansfield High School. He went on to achieve many things in his life, but his two greatest accomplishments were his commitment to putting God first and his family. He loved telling people about Jesus. He was currently serving as lead Pastor at Faith Community Church of the Nazarene in Poteau, Oklahoma and selling fire equipment with SOS Fire LLC. He, along with help from his fellow church members and friends started 411 compassionate ministries at Faith Community Church of the Nazarene, helping feed those in need. He loved to cook food and grill for anyone. He was a Paramedic for over 21 years and served as a volunteer firefighter for EMP VFD, Greenwood Rural VFD, Liberty VFD, Hogeye VFD and Howe VFD for a total of 21 years. For over 20 years he volunteered and was looking forward to helping this year at Upward Sports. He loved playing basketball and would take every chance he got to beat the youth at a game of 21, which earned him the nickname “Father of Time”. He was also the President for the Poteau Ministerial Alliance. He became an avid Howe Lions fan, following Micah to all her games and as an avid “Hog” fan, could be heard “Calling the Hogs” anytime the Arkansas Razorbacks were playing. He loved to follow the weather and would always volunteer his time to bring his chainsaw and help someone cut up their fallen limbs. He was loved and will be dearly missed by all that knew him. The lessons he instilled in so many and his passion to help others and share God with them along the way will live on in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his father George Davidson, his grandparents J.D. Loyd and Lucille Loyd, and paternal grandparents John Davidson and Bertha Davidson.

Michael is survived by his wife Jennifer Davidson of the home, his daughters Abigail Perkins and husband Tyler Perkins and Micah Davidson all of Poteau, Oklahoma, his son Dakota Fox of Poteau, Oklahoma, his granddaughter Everlynn Perkins of Poteau, Oklahoma, his mother Betty Berry and husband Danny Berry, and his brother Kevin Davidson, along with many other relatives and friends.

The Celebration of Life Services for Michael will be held 2pm – Thursday, July 24, 2025, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Ave Poteau, Oklahoma with Rev. Dwight Campbell officiating and burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, Oklahoma. The Family of Michael Davidson will greet friends from 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, also at The Cedars on Dewey. Casket bearers will be Joey Marsh, Rob Lambert, Tyler Perkins, Kevin Davidson, Keith Stewart, and Frank Johnson. Honorary Casket bearers will be the Pastors of Green Country Zone and fellow Paramedics and Volunteer Firefighters.

Matthew 28:18-20KJV

18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Booneville Business Leader Announces Candidacy for Arkansas State Representative District 46

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2:59 pm

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Booneville Business Leader Announces Candidacy for Arkansas State Representative District 46

Brian Cooper, a respected Booneville business leader and lifelong Logan County resident, officially announced his Republican candidacy for Arkansas State Representative in District 46.

With a platform centered on Community First, Future Strong, Cooper aims to be a strong, commonsense voice for the people of the district, including Booneville, Charleston, Magazine, Paris, and Scranton, in the state legislature.

The Republican primary election is set for March 2, 2026.

As General Manager for six small businesses across District 46 and Safety Manager for an industrial refrigeration company, Brian Cooper brings firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local entrepreneurs, workers, and families. “I’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of this district,” Cooper said. “I’m not a career politician, I’m a problem-solver, and a father who wants to make sure our district’s future stays strong.”

Cooper’s top campaign priorities reflect the real concerns of District 46 residents: • Jobs & Local Growth: Cutting red tape and taxes to unleash the potential of local farmers, entrepreneurs, • Education That Works: Fighting for equitable school funding, classroom resources, and hands-on career training for students. • Restoring Trust: Listening to every voice, from Charleston’s concerns about the proposed prison to fixing District 46’s crumbling roads and highways.

Raised in Booneville, guided by faith and family, Cooper offers a hands-on perspective to address District 46’s needs, including improving healthcare access. “We don’t need more promises,” Cooper said. “We need action rooted in faith, family, and common sense.”

Cooper’s campaign will officially kick off at a public event in August TBA. Residents are invited to meet Brian, hear his vision, and learn how to get involved.