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Obituary – Betty Smith (1937- 2019)

Obituaries

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7:24 pm

Betty Smith of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday August 20th, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with her loving family by her side. Betty was born May 7th, 1937 in Cauthron, Arkansas to Leroy and Edith Harrison. She was 82 years old.

Betty was a remarkable lady. She was a devoted Christian and loved her family with an unconditional love. Mema, as she was affectionately known, had a special bond with each of her kids, their spouses and grandchildren. Mema was a great listener and had a wonderful sense of humor. She had a love for animals and flowers. She enjoyed cooking, garage sales and loved her weekly trip to Dee’s beauty salon. If there was a child around, they could usually be found in Mema’s lap.

Betty leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 63 years, Melvin; one daughter, Debbie Byford and husband David of Waldron, Arkansas; one son, Rick Smith and wife Mandy of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Betty will be missed by all who knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Wanda and brothers Bob and Roy Glen, her son James, and her granddaughter Terry.

Betty’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m Friday, August 23rd 2019 at the Heritage Memorial Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Pastor George Crump officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Betty’s pallbearers will be Rick Smith, Zak Smith, Jastin Smith, David Byford, Brad Byford, Travis Tabor and Alvin Carnahan.

Betty’s visitation will be Friday, August 23rd, 2019 from 9:00-10:00 am at Heritage Memorial Chapel.

You may leave words of remembrance for Betty’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com

More than $678,000 Available for Wildlife Conservation Education Grants in Arkansas

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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4:34 pm

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More than $678,000 Available for Wildlife Conservation Education Grants in Arkansas

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services has announced the Wildlife Conservation Education Grants Program application period is open now through Oct. 4. More than $678,000 is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Funds for these grants come from fines collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“Strong communities are the foundation for economic development, and education plays an important part in those efforts,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “These grants provide needed funds to help us preserve wildlife for future generations as well as support educational opportunities for children. School districts across the state should apply and use the funds to broaden the experiences of our students.”

AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion says the grants can really enhance learning opportunities for youth, especially in rural areas of Arkansas, where education dollars are at a premium.

“Many schools participating in our shooting sports, archery and conservation education programs are able to keep the programs going thanks to this partnership,” Kinion said. “We also hear from many teachers who are able to make conservation-oriented field trips possible thanks to the money we collect from wildlife fines.”

Programs eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, the study of general fish and wildlife conservation issues, Project WILD Workshops, Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program, Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, Fishing in the Natural State, Arkansas Stream Team, School Yard Habitat Site Development, and specialized AGFC conservation education/educator training workshops focused on the programs above. Funds may also be used for field trips to AGFC Nature Centers, Conservation Education Centers and Wildlife Management Areas.

For a county-by-county listing of available funds and an application, www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.

Charleston Tigers Host Hackett in Preseason Football Scrimmage

Sports

Resident News Network

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3:43 pm

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Charleston Tigers Host Hackett in Preseason Football Scrimmage

It was a football / volleyball double-header night with Charleston hosting Hackett for both sports’ preseason AAA benefit games with the Hornets. The football Tigers played an abbreviated scrimmage game with the Hornets that lasted just two quarters. As both coaching staffs focused on preparation for the start of next week’s season, both were interested in getting in some final work while preventing injuries before the start of the season. Hackett will open the 2019 season at Mansfield on Thursday, August 29. The Charleston Tigers will open the season versus the Melbourne Bearkatz on Friday, August 30. The game will be played on a neutral site at Hendrix College in Conway.

Coach May was pleased overall with the way his Tigers played. “I thought we played well at times. Just had a few mental breakdowns that we have to fix. Obviously, when we get that fixed we will be ok. I felt like we played fast. I feel like the kids got after it pretty good on offense and defense. We just have to get better.”

As the summer workouts conclude, Coach May admitted that it felt good for his players to get to play someone else. “I think that was the biggest thing. They saw a different colored jersey and they got a little bit more excited about it, a little more enthused. And now we are in game prep mode.”

With the start of the regular season now just a little more than one week away, the Charleston coaching staff turns their attention to the firs week opponent, Melbourne. “Now we can kind of get into a routine, so we are excited about that part.”

Several Tigers impressed the coaches with their performances last evening. “Breckon Ketter looked really good running the football. Jeff Scott and Kaden Benge played really well on defense. Offensively, Brayden Ross made some good reads, made one bad one, but that’s why we have a scrimmage. He came back the next series and connected and did well.”

With approximately ten days before the start of the season, Coach May indicated that he is going to get some rest in for his Tigers before game preparations begin. “We’re going to rest a little bit tomorrow, do a little running, and then come back Thursday and really get after it again.”

So, Tigers fans, the start of the new season is just around the corner. Football is back!

Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Defeats Hackett in Preseason Benefit Match

Sports

Resident News Network

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1:46 pm

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Charleston Lady Tigers Volleyball Defeats Hackett in Preseason Benefit Match

Perhaps an indication of the tough schedule that awaits, two highly-competitive volleyball teams waged a friendly but intense battle Tuesday night at the Charleston volleyball gymnasium. The Lady Tigers took a big preseason step to the start of the 2019 season with a 3-1 victory over the Hackett Hornets.

The night featured two high school volleyball programs that are very similar in almost every respect. Both programs are relatively young but have become conference and state contenders virtually overnight. Both programs featured two of the more outstanding volleyball coaches in Arkansas; Coach Bridget Freeman of Hackett, and Coach Ryan Rachuy of Charleston. Both coaches had their teams ready to play.

On a night that was held to benefit the Arkansas Activities Association’s catastrophic injury fund, fans from both communities were treated to outstanding, high level volleyball. Junior high, senior high junior varsity, and senior high varsity matches were played. Hackett swept the junior high match with a 2-0 victory. Charleston returned with a junior varsity sweep of 2-0, and a varsity win by the score of 3-1. Every game was played at high intensity and showed both teams to be poised and ready for the start of the upcoming season that begins next week.

Charleston coach Ryan Rachuy was ecstatic over his teams’ effort and performances. “I thought we came out with good intensity. Our girls, when their energy is up, their intensity is up, our effort is there. They really came after a really excellent Hackett team and was able to take the first two sets from them. Dropped the third set, made some mistakes, had some unforced errors, our serve-receive was not near as good as it was in the first two sets, but we cleaned that up in that fourth set. We got on a couple of really good serve-receive runs and was able to pull it out.”

Commenting on the strength of volleyball, Coach Rachuy said, “I honestly believe that Hackett is going to be one of if not the top team in their conference. Coach Freeman pushes them in every camp they play in; they want to play the toughest team there. She has the same philosophy I do that you have to play tough teams.”

Charleston’s final preseason matches will take place at the 3A Preview Festival at Harding Academy in Searcy on August 24. The Lady Tigers first match will be versus Central Arkansas Christian Academy (CAC). That match is tentatively scheduled to start at 2:15 p.m. “For us, it doesn’t get any easier. Some of the top teams in 3A; it just gets tougher. So you’ve got to be ready to play.”

The Lady Tigers open the 2019 season at Clarksville on Monday, August 26. First match will begin at 4:30 p.m. Based on last evening’s team performance, Coach Rachuy will have his Lady Tigers ready to play!

Big Or Small, Hackett Plans To Conquer Them All

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:05 pm

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Big Or Small, Hackett Plans To Conquer Them All

On August 20, the Sr High Hackett Hornets loaded up their gear and headed to Charleston for a small-town football scrimmage. During the energetic eye-catching match-up, the Hornets flew through each play against the Tigers with ease and finesse.

Although the final score was 21-14 Charleston, Hackett never let up with their intensity on the field. “I thought we did a lot of good things,” says Head Coach, Michael Meador. “We showed some flashes throughout the game but we need to be more consistent.”

Making some big runs for the Hornets was Fischer Shipman and Weston Winters. Ethan Slavens went downhill bringing the wood on some opposing players. Blocking Charleston’s powerhouses better than a beaver dam in a river was senior high newbie, Mason Oelke. Once in open space, Avery Hester proved what a challenge it was going to be to take him down in future games. And clogging the gaps upfront on defense better than hair in a drain was Briar Goines.

Up next for the Sr High Hornets is the highly anticipated faceoff against the Mansfield Tigers. The action gets started on August 29 as the Hornets take to the field in Tiger territory. When it comes to playing the Tigers, Coach Meador adds, “We are going to have to get better at tackling and executing on both sides of the ball against Mansfield.”

Bulldogs Hold Tight Grip On Winners Circle

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:28 am

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Bulldogs Hold Tight Grip On Winners Circle

The Bulldog golf teams continued their winning ways by sneaking out a one-stroke win at the Waldron Country Club on August 20.

Kaylin Watson was again the medalist on the Bulldog girls’ side of the golf match with a score of 44 and freshman Kylee Day finished the day with a score of 52. Bulldog Golf Coach, Josh Atchley, adds, “Hopefully, Kaylin can keep cutting strokes off her scorecard and be primed when district gets here. Kylee doesn’t play like a freshman. If she sticks with golf she has tons of potential.”

The boys’ team also brought home another victory. The Bulldogs shot a combined 129 to secure first place with Fort Smith Northside coming in second at 130. “I was proud of my guys for adding another win while braving the hot weather conditions. Also, I would like to send a huge thank you to Mrs. Sandy Tull for braving the hot temps and taking pictures during the match.”

The next match for the Bulldogs will be on Thursday, August 22 at Cherokee Creek Golf Course in Booneville.

Six Arrested in Huntington Drug Bust

Tammy Teague

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6:29 pm

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On Monday, August 19, six suspects were placed under arrest at a Huntington residence. Charges ranged from trafficking methamphetamine to possession of drug paraphernalia.

A deputy from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office made contact with parolee Timothy Hutson, 45, of Huntington. Officers found Hutson walking through the yard with a bottle of pills and brass knuckles.

Inside the residence were Wesley Cumbie, 48, also on parole, Sterling Albright, 29, and Trinity McKusker, 41. After searching the residence, law enforcement discovered a meth pipe inside a dresser drawer and a black lock box under the bed. Inside, scales, a large amount of methamphetamine, approximately .323 grams, paraphernalia, and marijuana.

Also detained were Barbara Slate, 33, and a juvenile. After giving consent to search the vehicle, officers located two pill bottles. One had no label, and contained pills, the other, an unknown liquid.

Hutson was charged with a parole violation, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia – felony, two counts possession of a scheduled 4 substance, one count of possession of a schedule 1/2 substance, and maintaining premises drug act; Sterling was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – felony; Slate was charged with possession of misbranded drugs as well as several warrants; Cumbie was charged with a parole violation, possession of drug paraphernalia – felony and possession of a schedule 1/2 substance; McKusker was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia – felony.

Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office: Operation STOP

Tammy Teague

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4:43 pm

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Captain Philip Pevehouse with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office just thought his school days were over! But, thankfully for the safety of our children, they aren’t!

Pevehouse spent his afternoon riding a school bus route for Greenwood Public Schools, keeping a watchful eye out for drivers not obeying the “flashing red, kids ahead.”

In partnership with the Arkansas State Police, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office will be continuing the operation throughout the county. Pevehouse said he hopes to get approval from the Hackett and Lavaca School Districts next.

“We plan to keep it going throughout the school year,” added Pevehouse.

Everyday buses transport thousands of children to and from school, and law enforcement make it a top priority to keep them safe. A motorist must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. State law requires motorists to stop at least 25 feet away if he/she is traveling on a two-lane road or on a multi-lane highway. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,500 or 90 days in jail.

South Sebastian Trap Shooting Team Forms

Resident News Network

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10:14 am

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South Sebastian Trap Shooting Team Forms

Mansfield and Hackett school districts have combined students to form a trap shooting team, which includes home school students.

Students in grades 6-12 will be able to join with a $15 registration fee.

The mandatory hunters education course will be given to those who haven’t yet taken, and passed this requirement.

Parent / team member meetings and practices will be required along with fundraising to help support team expenses.

The first meeting will take place before Christmas, with team participation beginning in February 2020.

For more information, please contact Lisa Buckley at (479) 629-4130

*Photo courtesy of Jama Sanderson

Mansfield School Board Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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8:19 am

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The Mansfield School Board met in a regularly scheduled meeting on August 19 at 6 p.m. All members of the board were present. Also present Superintendent, Joe Staton.

Staton gave the Superintendent’s report, and asked Middle School Principal Floyd Fisher to update the board on several recent donations. Beverly Enterprises donated chairs and office furniture to the school. According to Fisher, the donation will allow them to replace old and outdated furnishings. Staton added, “it is some much needed improvement in our classrooms.”

Staton also shared that he had been speaking with Stephen Gebhart, Vice President of Operations at Mercy, about providing a permanent liaison on site at the school clinic. He added that he would like to expand the mental health services, and indicated that he would provide the board with more information in November.

He also indicated in his report that the air conditioning had been installed in the concession stand. Lastly, that they had been able to purchase 230 used Chromebooks at $10 a piece. “This will outfit our English and Science kids with 1/1, every kid and every class in the Middle School,” shared Fisher.

The board will undergo finance training in the near future at Mansfield, providing the board members with four hours of credits.

High School Principal Donnie Eveld echoed parental concerns over changing the graduation date. Currently, it conflicts with the Hackett School District’s commencement. Members of the board decided against the change, and chose to keep the currently scheduled date of Monday, May 11.

The next item on the agenda required action by the board. The district’s current budget fell short of its projection, and Staton asked the board to transfer funds from the building to the operating account. The board voted and passed the motion unanimously to complete the transfer.

Four student transfers were put before the board, one of those, members opted to take no action on.

Staton sought the board’s approval to obtain purchase power cards. These are credit cards that would be utilized at the administration’s discretion with a set credit limit. “We would get 10-12 cards, and Carol (Reano) and I would have dashboard access. It provides control, convenience and one percent cash back.” Following a brief discussion, the motion was made and passed unanimously to obtain the purchase power cards.

After approving the Arkansas Department of Education’s Statement of Assurances for Programs Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the board voted to hire Jenny Stovall as a part time dish washer at the middle school.

In other board communications, member Dewayne Ward asked how the old rock gym looked. “It looks really nice,” replied Fisher. “They did a really nice job on it…we use it every day for fifth and sixth grade P.E. and if it’s a rainy day, we use it as a recreational room during recess.”

With no other items of business on the agenda, the meeting of the Mansfield School Board was adjourned.

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