Obituary: Joe Neal Byford (1959-2026)
Born May 12, 1959, in Monette to Betty Louise Hanna and Robert Byford. Joe passed peacefully on May 24, 2026, at his home at Lake Hinkle, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Some men leave behind possessions.
Some leave behind stories.
But men like him leave behind entire pieces of themselves stitched into the hearts of the people who knew them.
He lived a life built with hardworking hands and a loyal heart. A husband for 30 wonderful years to Beverly Byford, he loved her in the quiet, steady way Southern men often do not always show with words, but in every sacrifice made, every long day worked, every act of devotion that never asked for recognition. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, family gatherings, and memories that will echo through generations.
He was a proud father to Stephanie Morris and her husband Anthony, and Sarahjo Byford and Austin. He adored his family fiercely and carried the role of husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend with honor. To his grandchildren, Paisley Ann, Ryker Gean & Bennett, and Alyssa, Carla, Autumn and Shantalle Morris he was more than just Papa, He was safety, He was wisdom, He was the kind of love that made this world feel a little less heavy. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren who will continue carrying pieces of his spirit forward.
He loved his siblings deeply. Whether through laughter, teasing, stories, quiet support, simply always being there when it mattered, or bossing them around (which Sue taught him a good lesson about bossing her around.) The bond he shared with them was stitched into the fabric of his life. Family was never just a word to him, it was something he showed in the way he loved the people beside him. He leaves behind his beloved siblings: Lilly Boothe, Maryjane Bedgood, Sue & Jon Young, Ryan & Holly Byford, Mae Oliver and Clinton & Jeanetta Byford. The memories they shared together will live on in old stories, familiar laughter, and the kind of love that never really leaves a family, even after goodbye.
He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was blessed with a coworker who became so much more than that, a true and loyal friend. During his health journey, he stood beside him and beside our family with unwavering support, kindness, and strength. In moments filled with fear, exhaustion, and heartbreak, his friendship became a source of comfort and light. The love and care he showed will never be forgotten, and our family will always carry deep gratitude for the way Scotty Claunts walked alongside us through it all.
If you were looking for him, chances are you’d find him outdoors somewhere God could reach him easiest sitting on the lake in a flat-bottom boat running trotlines, casting a fishing pole into still water, hunting in the woods listening to the sound of hounds, or soaking in the simple smell of campfire smoke surrounded by the people he loved. And though he may never have admitted it out loud, he secretly got a kick out of tubing on the lake too.
He spent most of his life working construction, building with the same strength and determination he carried in every part of his life. In the last ten years of his career, he worked for the county as a road grader, a job that suited the kind of man he was: dependable, steady, and always willing to do hard work without complaint. He also proudly served time in the military, carrying that same sense of duty and grit wherever life took him.
He was the kind of man whose presence filled a room without trying. The kind who’d give you the shirt off his back, help pull your truck out of a ditch, sit beside you in silence when words weren’t enough, and make strangers feel like family.
Now the lake feels quieter.
The fish won’t bite quite the same.
And the people who loved him are left learning how to live in a world that keeps turning without him in it.
But love like his does not disappear.
It lingers in old photographs and familiar laughter.
In every sunrise over the water.
In every backroad traveled.
In every cast of a fishing line into still waters.
Though his hands are finally at rest, the life he built and the love he gave will carry on long after this goodbye.
He was deeply loved.
He will be deeply missed.
And if love alone could have kept him here, he would have stayed forever.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
The Joint Education Committee met this week for a presentation about the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship Program, delivered by Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education, Lyndsey Laster, a 3rd-grade teacher from Poyen Elementary, Melanie Brotherton, who teaches 3rd grade at Drew Central Elementary in Monticello, and Lissa Monroe, a 3rd-grade teacher at Ward Central Elementary in Cabot.
The Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship program celebrates some of our state’s greatest educators. The program is intended to uplift educators who receive merit pay and make clearer to the public what great teaching looks like and how it is celebrated.
Selected teachers participate in a series of virtual sessions to improve their practice, increase understanding of the state’s Merit Teacher Incentive Fund, and raise public awareness of the teaching profession. Participants benefit from professional learning, networking, and collaboration and receive a $1,500 stipend.
Lawmakers spent over two hours on questions and answers with Secretary Oliva and the teachers, discussing the program, the new literacy standards for third graders, and other developments related to LEARNS Act standards.
For the first cohort in 2025, the Arkansas Department of Education selected 23 high-performing educators from across the state to participate in the inaugural fellowship program:
- Jessica Adair, a math teacher in the Vilonia School District in Vilonia.
- Cheron Atkins-Butcher, a 5th-grade teacher at Sherwood Elementary in Sherwood.
- Mark Bauer, a geometry teacher at Rogers High School in Rogers.
- Jamie Bond, a 3rd-grade teacher at Genoa Central Elementary in Genoa.
- Monica Brewington, a 5th-grade math teacher at M.D. Williams Int. School in Pocahontas.
- Melanie Brotherton, a 3rd-grade teacher at Drew Central Elementary in Monticello.
- Hayleigh Harris, a 5th-grade English language arts teacher at Valley View Middle School in Jonesboro.
- Kim Herdes, a 4th-grade teacher at Willowbrook Elementary School in Bentonville.
- Amber Hern, an English language arts teacher at Danville High School in Danville.
- Chelsea Jones, a 4th-grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School in Van Buren.
- Lee Ketchum, a 5th-grade teacher at Central Elementary in Magnolia.
- Lyndsey Laster, a 3rd-grade teacher at Poyen Elementary School in Poyen.
- Heather McGhee, a mentor teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Fort Smith.
- Lissa Monroe, a 3rd-grade teacher at Ward Central Elementary in Cabot.
- Tiffany Moore, a math teacher at Spring Hill High School in Hope.
- Carlie Qualls, a 5th-grade English language arts teacher at Cave City Elementary in Cave City.
- Araya Ossius, a 4th-grade science teacher at Eastside Elementary School in Greenbrier.
- Lou Petrone, an 8th-grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Woodland Junior High in Fayetteville.
- Melissa Rogalla, a Biology and Environmental Science teacher at eStem High School in Little Rock.
- Beverly Rogers, a 3rd-grade teacher at Cherokee Elementary School in Highland.
- Sonya Taylor, a 5th-grade teacher at Thomas C. Brunson Elementary in Warren School District.
- Ginny Schwope, a 3rd-grade math and science teacher at Nashville Primary School in Nashville.
- Lance Walters, a 5th-grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary School in North Little Rock.
Obituary: Russell Hudman (1964-2026)
Russell Edward Hudman, 62, of Mansfield, Arkansas, passed away on May 18, 2026, in Fort Smith. He was born on January 23, 1964, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to Harvey and Betty Hudman.
Russell was a talented welder and fabricator who took tremendous pride in his work. He spent the majority of his career at Sappa/Alcoa in Magnolia, Arkansas, and later completed his working years at Elite Comfort Solutions in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His dedication and strong work ethic carried him through to his final days.
In September of 2005, Russell married Lori, the love of his life. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. Russell enjoyed hunting of all kinds, woodworking, gardening, tending to his chickens, and spending countless hours on his tractor. Some of his greatest joys came from phone calls with his brother Jimmy, spending time with his beloved dog, Lillie, and hearing stories about his granddaughters and all they were doing.
He is survived by his father, Harvey Hudman; his brother, Jimmy Hudman; his daughter, Erica Hudman; his stepdaughter, Brandy Hattabaugh and husband Shay; his stepson, Buck Mathews and wife Anne; and his granddaughters, Izabel Miller, Dallie Mathews, Clancy Mathews, Paisley Jeffrey and Brooke Hattabaugh. He also leaves behind many nieces, great-nieces, and great nephews who will cherish his memory.
Russell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lori Hudman; his mother, Betty Hudman; his sister, Brenda Hudman; his sister-in-law, Janice Hudman; his brother-in-law, David Burson; his son-in-law, David Jeffrey; and his mother and father-in-law, Ann and Elliott Burson.
Russell will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
Waldron School Board Approves Multiple Hires for 2026-27 School Year
The Waldron School Board approved several personnel recommendations during a special meeting held Wednesday evening, May 20, at the district’s Central Office Building.
Vice-President Konnor McKay called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. Board members present included McKay, Angela Hunsucker and John Keener. Board members Clay Woodall and Toni VanDeWiele were absent. Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Chris Lipham and Kristi Sigman were also in attendance.
During the meeting, the board unanimously approved the hiring of Abi Sims as an elementary STEAM classroom teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
Board members also approved the hiring of Kristan Shaddon as the high school computer science teacher for the upcoming school year.
Additional personnel approved included Tyler Sanders as teacher, seventh grade/junior high assistant boys track coach, head senior boys track coach and assistant seventh-12th grade football coach.
The board also approved Lawson Wilkins as teacher, head baseball coach, head junior high football coach and assistant seventh grade/senior high football coach.
Blake Owens was approved as teacher, assistant baseball coach and assistant seventh-12th grade football coach.
The board further approved the hiring of Hannah McCullah and Abbigail Stark as middle school special education teachers pending they meet all requirements for the positions.
All motions passed unanimously by a 3-0 vote.
The meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.
Scott County GOP Launches Essay Contest Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
The Scott County Republican Party is inviting area high school students to participate in a new essay competition celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The “Celebrate America’s 250th: Defending Independence” essay competition encourages students in grades 9-12 to explore how Arkansas history has helped shape and defend American independence.
According to organizers, students are asked to write a maximum 500-word essay focusing on an Arkansas person, place or historical event that embodies the spirit of defending freedom.
One suggested topic includes the WPA-built Scott County Courthouse and its role as a symbol of resilience and public service in Scott County.
The competition is open to all high school students in grades 9 through 12. Essays must be submitted by noon on June 6, 2026. Organizers emphasized that artificial intelligence-generated content will not be accepted.
Winning entries will receive prizes and public recognition. First place will receive a $50 Visa gift card, publication in the local newspaper, display at the “Defending American Independence Gala,” and placement at the Scott County Museum. Second- and third-place winners will each receive a $25 Visa gift card.
All winners will also be invited to attend the “Defending American Independence Banquet” scheduled for June 13 at 6 p.m. at Waldron High School.
Essay submissions may be dropped off during the Mansfield MADE Car Show from 4-8 p.m. on May 29 or during Trade Days in downtown Waldron from 9-11 a.m. on June 6. Entry forms may also be requested by emailing SCRPArkansas@gmail.com or by calling or texting (918) 331-8863.
Organizers said essays will be judged on historical accuracy, thematic connection, originality and writing mechanics. Essays containing AI-generated content or identifying information on essay pages will face automatic disqualification.
City of Greenwood to Break Ground on Inclusive Playground
The City of Greenwood Parks & Recreation will host a groundbreaking celebration for the new Greenwood Inclusive Playground on June 1, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the project site, 400 Westwood Ave, Greenwood, AR 72936.
The Greenwood Inclusive Playground is designed to be a space where children of all
abilities can play, connect, and belong. The project will include accessible play
structures, open gathering areas, and features that encourage inclusive recreation for
families across the community.
“This project represents our commitment to creating spaces that serve everyone,” said
Casey Craig, Parks Director. “The goal is simple—build a place where every child has the
opportunity to play and every family feels welcome.”
The project is being made possible through a collaborative effort with the Greenwood
Parks Department, Unlimited Play, Swift Recreation, and the Greenwood Adaptive
Playground Project (GAPP), along with the support of local partners and sponsors who
helped bring the vision to life.
Community members are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and help
celebrate the start of construction on a park that will serve Greenwood residents for
generations to come.
For more information, contact Greenwood Parks & Recreation at 479-996-2742.
Arvest Shares Fraud Protection Tips for Summer Travel
With summer travel coming up, Arvest Bank encourages customers to take simple steps to protect their finances and make the most of their vacation.
According to NerdWallet’s 2026 Summer Travel Report, 84% of those surveyed said they plan to use a credit card to pay for vacations this year. With travel volume expected to reach record highs this year, staying alert is key to avoiding financial headaches while away from home.
“Summer travel should be about fun and relaxation, not worrying about card declines or security breaches,” said Lori Winesburg, sales manager of Arvest Bank – Fort Smith/River Valley region. “If you take a little time before your trip to get your accounts ready and learn how to avoid possible risks, you can travel with confidence knowing your finances are safe.”
Winesburg offered these tips for summer vacationers.
Prepare Your Cards and Accounts
Card interruptions often occur due to unexpected out-of-state or international activity. Notify your credit card company or bank if you are traveling abroad, especially if you’re leaving the country. This ensures the bank knows to expect transactions from your destination and is less likely to freeze your card for suspected fraud. If using a credit card while traveling abroad, be sure you’re familiar with any foreign transaction fees you might incur.
Leverage Digital Tools for Security
Your smartphone and other technology can help safeguard your finances when used appropriately.
● Digital wallets. Consider using digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, which offer stronger encryption protection than physical cards.
● Tap-to-pay. Use the tap-to-pay feature at gas stations to reduce the risk of card skimming at the pump.
Monitor Accounts
Monitor all your accounts regularly, including those you are not actively using.
● Enable push notifications. Set up real-time alerts for all transactions to catch unauthorized activity the moment it happens.
● Know how to “lock” your card. If a card goes missing, know how to instantly “lock” it to prevent unauthorized use.
● Report fraud immediately. If you experience fraud while on vacation, contact your credit card company or bank as soon as possible to report the fraudulent purchases. You may also want to report any scams or instances of fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
About Arvest
With more than $27 billion in assets, Arvest is a full-service bank delivering financial solutions to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Since 1961, Arvest has been committed to providing financial solutions that help communities thrive and grow. Today, the bank has more than 200 locations throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more, visit arvest.com.