Back to School: How not to get an F in spending
By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
It’s not too early to plan for the Aug. 2-3 back-to-school sales tax holiday, said Laura Hendrix, extension personal finance expert for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“The old saying is ‘failure to plan is planning to fail’,” she said. “Plan ahead by making a list and setting a spending limit.”
Budgets are easy to break when shoppers are confronted with so many choices and stores are designed to encourage spending.
“Making a shopping list ensures that you prioritize necessary items and helps avoid impulse buys,” Hendrix said. “Examine your budget to determine how much you can afford to spend. Setting a spending limit frees you from the stress of overspending.”
One important factor is deciding how to pay.
“Credit card fees and interest can offset any savings you might have from not paying sales tax,” she said. “If using credit cards, have a plan to pay them off as soon as possible.”
What is a sales tax holiday?
The sales tax holiday in Arkansas occurs during the first weekend of August each year. State and local sales taxes will not be collected on the purchase of certain products. All retailers are required to participate. This year, it begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, , and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.
The sales tax holiday allows Arkansas shoppers to purchase certain electronic devices, school supplies, school art supplies, instructional materials and clothing free of state and local sales or use taxes.
“Some limits apply. For example, clothing must be less than $100 per item but there is no limit to the number of items,” Hendrix said. “Most clothing is covered but sewing patterns, fabric, and sewing notions are excluded.
“The list of qualified clothing is extensive, covering almost everything from diapers to wedding apparel, including shoes, undergarments, belts, and outerwear,” she said. “There is no cost limit for electronic devices.
This year’s list of items and restrictions is available online
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: Vivian Arlene Napier (1941-2025)
Vivian Arlene Napier, lovingly known as “Viv,” passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at the age of 84. A woman of immense love, resilience, and dedication, Vivian’s life was one of service to her family, her community, and the countless students whose lives she touched.
Born on January 17, 1941, Vivian was a woman driven by a passion to provide a better life for those she loved. Early in life, she trained as a hairdresser, but her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a women’s clothing store in Ridgecrest, CA. She moved back to Waldron in 1982 after liquidation of her store. Her journey didn’t stop there. Vivian obtained her real estate license, all while taking classes to pursue a teaching degree. She continued her education with an unyielding commitment, attending evening courses and summer sessions at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she earned a Master’s degree to become a counselor. One of her proudest accomplishments was seeing her name engraved at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus, a symbol of her hard work and determination.
Vivian’s career in education began when she taught as a GED teacher at Waldron High School. She later transitioned to a counseling role at Waldron Middle School, where she remained until her retirement. As a counselor, Vivian made an unforgettable impact on many students. Her warm, caring nature helped her students feel loved and supported—many of them remembering her as a guiding light in their lives.
Her life was a testament to her belief in the power of love and service. Vivian lived by the motto that love was the answer to all of life’s challenges, and she continually poured her heart into her family, friends, and community. She never hesitated to put others first, always ready to offer a helping hand, no matter the cost to herself. Her kindness, compassion, and dedication left an unforgettable mark on those who knew her.
Vivian’s love for her family was immeasurable. Her connections with each family member were deep and enduring, and she cherished the memories they made together. She often shared that “love is all you need,” and she lived that truth every day.
Vivian loved her Lord and Savior. She often expressed gratitude for the blessings in her life, always acknowledging that her love came from Him. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31, encapsulated the strength and grace she lived by: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Vivian is survived by her beloved son, Charlie Scott, and his spouse, Marion Scott, both of Waldron; her sister, Virginia Ladda, also of Waldron; and five grandchildren—Justin & Kelly Scott, Travis & Delia Scott, JJ Scott, Jacob Scott & Kaitlen, and Jenise & Shawn Briley. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren: Brendan, Addy, Brooke, Conner, Travis, Brianna, Ethan, Preston, Gavin, Jaymz, Gracelyn, Ava, Viviana, Brody, Ben, Kentley, Aubrey and Aiden; as well as four great-great-grandchildren: Adelaide, Eloise, Ryler, and Rowan. She is also survived by three nieces, Jeannie & Kenny Black, Judy Napier, her nephew, John Napier, all of Waldron, and Cindy & John Grubb of Boles; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nora Napier; her brother, Virgil Napier; and her son, James K. Scott.
A celebration of her life viewing will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00-4:00 p.m. Her memorial service will take place at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Vivian’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. In her honor, we carry forward the love she spread in this world. Vivian would want us to lift our faces to the sun, spread kindness, and remember that love is the most powerful gift we can share
Pall Bearers: Justin Scott, Travis Scott, JJ Scott, Jacob Scott, Brendan Scott, Jaymz Scott
Obituary: Royce Owens (1941-2025)
Royce Don Owens of Waldron joined his family in heaven on Monday, July 14, 2025 at his home. Royce was born January 20, 1941 in Union Hill to Ules D. Owens and Willow (Parker) Owens. He was 84 years old.
Don was a loving father and Pa. His greatest joy was spending time with family and listening to a good coyote race. He spent countless hours at the fox pen he built in Lick Skillet. Hearing a good race with friends always brought him pleasure as well as hunting deer with his son, grandsons, great grand sons, son-in-law, and extended family. Owens Camp was a yearly tradition and brought many hours of story telling and tall tales around the campfire.
Royce leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, Tammye Sherrill and husband Phillip, his grandchildren: Clayton Owens and wife Tesia, Caroline Pearson and wife Rachel, and Caleb Sherrill. Pa will forever remain in the hearts of his great grandchildren: Natallie, Austin and Gracie Owens, Clayton Miller, Ryleigh Sneed and Presleigh Sherrill, two brothers, Jim Owens and wife Pat, Roger Owens and wife Darlene. Royce will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors and friends he loved dearly.
Royce was preceded in death by his wife Gloria June Owens, son, Greg Owens, parents, Ules Pud and Willow Owens, his twin sister, Joyce Chrisman.
Royce’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the Mt. Moriah Community Church with Caleb Sherrill officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Cemetery in Union Hill, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Royce’s pallbearers will be Billy Chrisman, David Chrisman, Tim Cox,, Darren Hatton, Justin Abernathy and Jeff Ridenhour. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Owens, Jerry Wilson, Derek Barnett, and all members of Scott Co Fox and Wolf Hunters Association.
Royce’s visitation will be Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Obituary: Thomas Atchley (1959-2025)
Thomas Marion Atchley of Cedar Creek, Arkansas departed this life on July 11, 2025, in Mena, Arkansas. Tom was born on February 12, 1959, in Phoenix, Arizona to Harley Douglas Atchley and Marion June Lamborn Atchley.
Tom grew up in the Keener Community with his grandparents, ML and Thelma Atchley. He attended school at Waldron where he enjoyed playing football and basketball.
Tom began his career of 30 years as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from the Scott County Road Department in 2007.
Tom leaves behind his companion, Opal Mae Dobbs, who he loved very dearly, his son, Larry Atchley and two grandchildren Allie and Braden Atchley. His brother, Perry ( Karla) Atchley, friends at the Green House Cottages in Mena and extended family.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Harley Atchley and his mother Marion. His grandparents, ML and Thelma Atchley.
Tom’s life celebration will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. A visitation will be held at 9:00 am before the service.
Pallbearers will be Mark Ward, Dillon Ward, Willie Ward, Ty Clark, Paul Atchley, and Brad Keener.