By Tammy Moore Teague
A female administrator within the Waldron School District was arrested Monday afternoon on charges of sexual assault. The suspect, Middle School Assistant Principal, Jessica Williams, was interviewed by the Waldron Police Department and confessed to having an ongoing relationship with a 16 year-old student.
Officers interviewed the male student on Monday afternoon at the Waldron Police Department and during the course of that interview the juvenile disclosed that he had been having an ongoing sexual relationship with Williams throughout the summer. According to the police report, “the juvenile also disclosed that inappropriate photo’s had been exchanged on several occasions.” The officers were able to obtain evidence supporting the juvenile’s statement.
On Monday afternoon, the suspect was interviewed at the Waldron Public School Central Office. During the course of that interview she admitted to having sexual contact with the juvenile on several occasions. The suspect was then taken into custody and transported to the Scott County Jail. Williams faces up to five counts of sexual assault in the first degree as well as one count of tampering with evidence.
As of 1 p.m. this afternoon, Waldron Police Chief Jeremy Hunt noted that Williams was still awaiting a bond hearing. The Waldron Police Department is still actively investigating these allegations. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Waldron School Administrator Arrested
District Approves Additional Bus Driver Position, Changes Hartford Route
By Tammy Moore Teague
In a special board meeting of the Mansfield School District, members voted to approve the additional position for a bus driver, who will cover the Hartford area route. This route has also been changed. The initial drop off and pick up location was at the Hugs and Biscuits store, but it has been moved to the City Hall.
In other business, the board also approved the purchase of a new sound system for the football stadium. The regularly schedule School Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 20 at 6 p.m.
Hartford Welcomes New General Store
By Tammy Moore Teague
West Hartford residents, Keith and Tracy Dedmon saw a need in their beloved hometown and set out to fulfil it. The Dedmons, who grew up in Waldron, moved to the Hartford area in 2017. “After moving to Hartford we realized there are people here who don’t have the resources to get to Fort Smith or Greenwood for food and necessities,” commented Tracy Dedmon. The solution was to open up a store, the Hartford General Store.
In July of this year, the business opened its doors on Main Street. “We decided we would like to do what we could to help out the community, and we are trying to do that by passing on the good deals we get.” The location was available and suited the Dedmon’s mission to cater to the needs of Hartford residents. “We wanted to be on the Main Street so we would be easy to find,” added Tracy Dedmon.
The duo, who also own KAST Construction, worked hard to get the operation up and going, but it was well worth it. “My favorite thing about the store is the people who come in every morning at 7 a.m.,” she added. “There are several men here to drink coffee and eat breakfast. It is so much fun to hear their stories and it seems like everyone who lives here has an interesting story to tell.”
The store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. The Dedmons do plan to expand in the future, making it a “real general store.” They also offer biscuits and gravy in the mornings, sandwiches during the day and are planning to add soup and other things to the menu.
The Dedmons have three children, Keith Allen, Seth and Taely. Additionally, they have one precious grandson, Kason. You can find the Hartford General Store on their Facebook Page
Local Business Steps Up With Donation
Mansfield cross country coach John Mackey recently accepted a donation from customer service representative, Susan Martin of Today’s Bank.
“We were looking for a partner to help sponsor our Mansfield invitational cross country meet,” John Mackey, Mansfield’s head cross country coach, said. “Plaques, medals, t-shirts, and all the other services that we provide at our meet have gotten quite expensive. We we’re looking for an established community partner to carry some of the burden. Today’s Bank stepped in at the right time allowing Mansfield kids as well as other area athletes all the benefits.”
Based off of last season’s results, Mansfield expects around 30 schools to participate in this year’s September 29th home event. Projections indicate that between 400 to 500 athletes will be involved in the four races around the high school campus.
According to the Mansfield coach, specific upgrades to their 15th annual invitational will be in effect because of the contribution.
“We divided the races into big school and small school divisions,” Mackey outlined. “That means twice the medals and twice the championship plaques. More athletes are going to have a chance to share the wealth. We’ve also added free food and drink for participating athletes after the meet. This donation gives us the opportunity to make our meet a special experience.”
Copeland invited Mackey down to the Mansfield branch on Friday, August 10 to accept bank’s check. To his surprise, Susan Martin, one of the coach’s former track athletes made the presentation.
Martin is currently a teller and customer service representative at the Mansfield site. She was a 2004 graduate of Mansfield High School and an All-District member of Lady Tiger track team.
Fishing Derby Snags Big Win
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Saturday, August 4, Mayor Mike Gipson and the City of Mansfield hosted its First Annual Kids Fishing Derby. The event was sponsored by Wal-Mart, Calvert McBride, 10 Box, Sam’s Club, Cockrum’s Meat Market, Amerigas and the Arkansas Game and Fish, who stocked the Mansfield City Lake in preparation for the big event.
The horn, maned by Mansfield Volunteer Fire’s Steven Haysmer, sounded early that morning and kicked off the fishing fun. Boy Scout Troop number 330 was on hand to showcase the organization and promote new members. Mansfield’s Dixie Pawn donated a box full of tackle that was given away in a drawing, and awarded to Cameron Gipson. Volunteers prepared and served food to round out the day.
When the derby ended, AGFC’s Terry McGinister assisted Gipson in awarding the winner’s plaques across three age groups. The volunteers and sponsors made it a special event for all the kids who participated.
Local Construction Company Paves the Way Back-to-School
By Tammy Moore Teague
Local construction company, Silco Construction, worked well into the evening on Friday, August 10 to ensure that Caldwell Street in Mansfield was open for parents and drivers on the first day back to school.
“They’ve done so much, I don’t know how to thank them,” commented Mayor Mike Gipson. City employees worked during the day to prepare the roadway, pressure wash and repaint the bridge. Caldwell Street has routinely needed repairs near the bridge, but Gipson hired the construction company to make longer lasting repairs and improvements to the road. “We plan on adding reflective strips to the sides of the bridge in the future,” Gipson added.
City workers also spent time last week cutting brush and cleaning up the roadsides. This work paved the way to a smoother back to school.
Mayor Seeks Volunteers for City Service
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Mayor of Huntington, Gary Lawrence, is asking anyone who “believes in the town” to participate and make a difference by serving on the beautification committee. On September 1, at 4 p.m., anyone who wants to volunteer is asked to attend the city hall meeting.
Roles for those on the committee include working to promote events for the city, raising money for special items needed for police, fire, public works or city, working with property owners to keep the city looking nice, park work and upkeep.
Mayor Lawrence added “If you believe in Huntington and its people, come be a part of this committee.”
Judge Hears Arguments in Potter Case
By Tammy Moore Teague
The 88 year-old Korean War Veteran, Fred Potter, returned to a Scott County courtroom on Thursday, August 9. During the hearing, Judge David McCormick heard arguments and reviewed evidence in the ongoing civil case.
Before the hearing the judge met with defense attorney, Jack Skinner, as well as Potter’s attorney, Kevin Hickey, in his chambers. He notified counsel that he is aware of the fraud charges filed against Cassaundra Holmes in Crawford County. –See related story
Allen Potter, nephew of Fred Potter, stated in regards to the fraud case: “Skinner said if he questions Fred about the one dollar bill of sale and he does not admit to signing it, he is going to file perjury charges against him. Fred’s lawyer left the judges chambers to meet with Fred and advise him of Skinner’s threat. Fred said he did not sign that document and with a quick review of Fred’s deposition and court minutes, Fred’s lawyer agreed with him. Fred’s lawyer returned to the judge’s chambers and told Skinner to go ahead. Skinner did not bring up the one dollar bill of sale in the court hearing.”
The court continues to hold Potter in contempt of court, fining him $1,000 per day. He will continue to stay in contempt until all of his and his late wife, Betty Potter’s, personal property is returned to the home at 2151 W 6th Street in Waldron. At this hearing, Potter was required to present all his trust assets, including account numbers, to the court as well as his living expenses and total income.
Skinner was handed all required documents including an Edward Jones statement, bank statements, living expenses, income statements, inventory of trust assets, itemized inventory of trust items returned, and roughly 1300 pictures of all trust items returned to the Waldron home. Those items can be reviewed –here– . This property will be auctioned off, as the court rejected all of Potter’s receipts for items purchased after September 20, 2004.
Allen Potter was the first to take the stand. “I was on the stand for 2.5 hours,” remarked Allen Potter. Skinner questioned Allen Potter extensively about the silver bullion asking him to agree “under oath” that all the property that Allen and Fred Potter removed, and all the property that was at the house on the first inventory was returned. However, Allen Potter could not agree, stating that he did not remove most of the property, and he was not in the state when it was removed. Allen Potter did agree to moving the silver into a safety deposit box at Chambers bank and to putting the box in his and Fred Potter’s name.
Skinner accused Allen Potter of taking trust money from Fred Potter. He responded that the checks that Skinner had as evidence were reimbursements for movers fees. “Fred does not have an ATM card, Allen Potter said. “So I paid the bill and he paid me back.” Allen Potter offered to bring up his bank account and show Skinner the ATM withdraws as evidence, but Skinner declined to see them.
On cross examination, Hickey asked why the safety deposit boxes were in Fred and Allen Potter’s personal name, Allen Potter responded that the bank required safety deposit boxes to be tied to an actual person, not an entity like a trust. Also on cross examination Allen Potter was asked about the wedding rings, Allen Potter responded that Betty’s ring is in the safe in Hickey’s office and Fred’s is on his hand and Fred wants to wear it until the court makes him hand it over. Hickey asked Allen why the rings are not at the 6th street house, Allen Potter responded “that it would be careless to leave them in an empty home.”
Fred Potter was then called to the stand. Hickey questioned the whereabouts of some personal items. He responded “that all items have been returned from my house in Alma, even my clothing as required by the court.” Hickey asked Fred Potter about his trust money and banking accounts, painting a clear picture of any money movement, proving that he was not in violation of court order. Hickey also asked him about ownership of a Stradivarius Violin, he responded that “he wished he had one.”
Skinner on cross examination questioned Fred Potter extensively about the silver listed in Fred Potter’s trust. Hickey had many objections that were sustained by the judge. Skinner went into detail about items returned to the 6th St. home. Fred could not remember some items, but on re-cross examination, through photographs, was proven they had been returned.
Fred Potter was questioned by Skinner about a golf cart, he responded that it was leaking battery acid on his garage floor, it did not run, and he did not want it. “It was hauled off by a junker,” Fred Potter explained. He was then asked about gold bullion, he responded that “the only gold I have is in my teeth, and I guess you want that too.” Skinner then inquired about antiques. He responded “most of the stuff is just old, I’m tired of hearing antique this and antique that. I’m old, but not an antique. In all this questioning, Cassaundra is not showing proof of what she says is missing.”
At this time, as stated by Skinner, Fred Potter owes $66,000 in contempt fees to the court. The judge is satisfied with money being held in Fred’s locked trust account. The court did order that Fred return all monies to his trust account. He was allowed $10,000 from his trust to refurnish his home in Alma. He has been allotted $40,000 in legal fees. The court found that Fred Potter’s pension is adequate for living expenses and that he may not touch any of his frozen trust assets.
The next hearing in the case will be held at the Scott County Courthouse on September 27 at 9 a.m.
Mansfield School District Adds Hartford Bus Line
By Tammy Moore Teague
As many as 29 students from the Hartford area have already registered to attend classes within the Mansfield School District. However, Superintendent Robert Ross, said there could be as many as 40 students who make Mansfield their School Choice.
The district will be running a bus to Hartford starting August 13, the first day of school. There will be two stops, one at the Midland Park/Walking Trail with pickup at 7 a.m., and drop off at approximately 3:50 p.m. The second will be at Hugs and Biscuits in Hartford, pickup at 7:15 a.m. and drop off at approximately 3:40 p.m. Ross noted that those are only approximate drop off times due to the fact that this is a new route.
It will help parents of students living in the Hartford area, knowing that the district will bus in their students.
Lavaca Police Department Promotes School Safety
By Tammy Moore Teague
On Wednesday, August 8, Lavaca Schools participated in a professional development day.
Randy Toon, Police Chief, hosted the event. Teachers and staff gathered at the police department where they received school safety instruction from law enforcement officers.
Partnering with the Chief Toon is Lavaca Public School’s Director of Safety and Security officer, Dale Teague.