Article by Jack James
There was a great discussion on the Facebook page “If You Ever Lived In Fort Smith” about progress. Two sides were discussing the pros and cons of change in their community. They brought up ideas that business and families were established in Northwest Arkansas instead of Western Arkansas because the politicians in charge, backed by a few well-established entrepreneurs who didn’t want this area to grow. Some believe that this group would keep the River Valley in the Eisenhower Era if they could swing it while good jobs in industry and technology found more favorable waters up in the north.
Being a bedroom community in the Fort Smith metropolitan area, the discussion is one that affects us. Many of our jobs, our careers and our shopping are in the businesses in the big city. I have always wanted the big boys, the money ‘muckidy mucks’ to put the river front to good use. A wharf and boardwalk on the bank of the Arkansas River would be such a draw to our area. Put a couple of restaurants and clubs in it and watch it draw folks, especially with the Marshal’s Museum planned just next door. Secure a paddle boat, the type from the antebellum days of the old Mississippi River, and provide music and refreshments as it travels from the Garrison Bridge to the Van Buren port and back.
My problem is that I have Lincoln Continental ideas with a Lincoln penny budget. Yes, I am an idea man. Problem is that the pay is horrible. After researching my family history back almost five hundred years, I discovered something quite disturbing; I come from a long line of poor. It is useless for any of my line to be putting on the dog, so to speak. Empty pockets are hereditary in our line with few blooms of true success on the family tree.
But I am blessed! I have a house. It’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. I have transportation. I have a full stomach (over full is more like it). My wife and sons are healthy and relatively well-adjusted. I can worship my God as I please. I don’t live in fear for my life and I am free. I read where a person like me is better off than more than 98% of the world’s population. How blessed are we?
This is why I play the lottery. Now, I believe God has told me that I will never win because being wealthy might ruin the salvation of my family and me for possible generations. But maybe, just maybe, if I tell you all the plans that I have for this community, maybe He’ll give me a break to see if I can really spend the funds wisely. Well, even a man with a pocket full of pennies can dream!
We Built This City
Lavaca Berry Festival Date Set
This years Lavaca Berry Festival will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the County Baseball Fields from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Vendor registration can be accessed by the form below. Vendors are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
For more information, you can visit Facebook.com/Lavaca-Berry-Festival
Scott County Library Hosts Reading Program
The Scott County Library, in Waldron, will offer and independent reading achievement program through the summer for children ages 4 and up.
Participants will record completed books and earn prizes and incentives. Those meeting minimum requirements will be invited to a party at the end of summer.
Registration for the program begins May 29th and is open through the end of the program, July 26. Games and contests will be held each week.
Admission is free.
MMS Honor Roll and Principals List
5th Grade Principal List
1. Rylie Bentley
2. Drew Holland
3. Trinity Triska
5th Grade Honor Roll
1. Winston Allison
2. Zachary Chapman
3. Presley Curry
4. Tracey Drews
5. Emilie Eaton
6. Boston Elmore
7. Isabella Escalante
8. Brooklynn Fraize
9. Summer Frazier
10. Zaida Knight
11. Kaylie Lowery
12. T’Nyah Meadors
13. Caydence Moore
14. Skyla Moore
15. Cameron Pettus
16. Treyshon Powell
17. Maylei Rogers
18. Austin Ruiz
19. Jeremy Strozier
20. Matthew Swanger
21. Tobias Towe
22. Carter Whiley
23. Laney Wood
6th Grade Principal List
1. Alyson Edwards
2. Zach Hayslip
3. Dakota Langford
4. Peyton Martin
5. Kadence Mathisen
6. Alyson McClain
7. Kaile Sysakayavong
8. Tyler Turnipseed
9. Turner Wright
6th Grade Honor Roll List
1. Aiden Bailey
2. Johnathon Bowers
3. Jesse Cook
4. Carys Desormeaux
5. Harlie Fuller
6. Jaxon Hweydenreich
7. Riley Morse
8. Emilie Nelson
9. Alexander Quick
10. Diamond Scoma
11. Brandon Segura
12. Travis Tobey
13. Donovan Walker
14. Ethan Walker
7th Grade Principal List
1. Natalie Allison
2. Serenity Brunson
3. Braxton Byers
4. Caleb Collier
5. Nathaniel Elmore
6. Skylynn Harris
7. Connor Hattabaugh
8. Madelen Jones
9. Alina Lawhon
10. Trenton Leroy
11. Travis Martin
12. Kindel Noblitt
13. Chandlan Silvey
14. Sara Smith
15. Clinton Stovall
16. Alayna Swanger
17. Rebecca Young
7th Grade Honor Roll List
1. Greyson Baggett
2. Olivia Bouse
3. Cassidy Carlton
4. Seth Carter
5. Shasta Christopher
6. Reegan Emery
7. Kinley Hanfelder
8. Lita Hecox
9. Chloe Jones
10. Bethany Sartin
11. Alayna Turner
12. Gary Willis
8th Grade Principal List
1. John Branche
2. Aaron Brewer
3. Alyssa Frasher
4. Ryan Hayslip
5. Haylee Helms
6. Harleigh Mars
7. Kiara Thomas
8th Grade Honor Roll List
1. Shawn Brown
2. Hailey Chachula
3. Ethan Chapman
4. Jaden Elmore
5. Joseph Flynt
6. Amanda Lasavath
7. Ethan Pettus
8. Jonathan Sayvongsa
9. Daylee Smedley
10. Wesley Wilson
Restaurant Owner Finds Success Returning to Roots
By Tammy Moore Teague
It was her mother who told her, “a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Darla Dobbs said it was that memory accompanied by the alluring smell that consumed the home of her great aunt, Geraldean Miller, that shaped her future. “You never went to Aunt Jerry’s that there wasn’t food cooking and you never left her house hungry,” said Dobbs. “I knew that’s how I wanted to be remembered when I grew up.”
Dobbs, nicknamed Jessi, is the sole owner of Backbone Mountain BBQ in Huntington. This restaurant is the product of her passion for the business. Although Dobbs spent most of her adult life in Greenville, South Carolina, she decided to return to her family roots and move back to Arkansas. It was then she met her now husband, Jerry Dobbs. “He was well known for his BBQ around Sugar Loaf Lake and our talents and desires became one.” The couple married September 23, 2016. Dobbs recalled the memory of her step-son walking her down the aisle. It was a special time for her as she had experienced the tragic loss of her own son at age 16. Dustin filled that void she had by accepting her as his own mother and making them a complete family.
This very personal loss was not the only adversity she has faced in her life. As work and repairs were being made to the restaurant, Dobbs experienced a major health setback and underwent a double masectomy. Financial difficulties also threatened the future of the business. “We reached a point where we were completely broke. The bills were stacking up, but my sister Carla and brother-in-law Buddy decided they wanted to help both physically and financially. What a Godsend!” Both encouraged Dobbs in times she felt like giving up. “My sister was my backbone,” she explained.
The greatest hardship was yet to come, however. As the restaurant opened on February 7, Dobbs mother fell ill. Dobbs had envisioned her mother being a big part of the operation. This plan was not to be as she passed on February 10. “I was and am still crushed.” In memory of her mother, she offered a free dessert to all moms on Mother’s Day.
Dobbs finds encouragement in the things that she says is a demonstration of God’s grace. Its through His grace that she has been able to overcome these difficulties and find success in that little restaurant on the top of Huntington Hill. The food served mimics that homemade comfort food she was raised on. It has made for a down home atmosphere as well. “We’re a big happy family and the good Lord has put all the right people here,” explained Dobbs.
She employees three workers and has one who just volunteers her time. “Tim helps in the kitchen, he’s my grill cook and Teresa and Haylee are waitresses and Rae volunteers her time here waitressing or in the kitchen, just anywhere need her on or off the job and that goes for any of my employees. They are all wonderful, just like family.”
Her plans are to retire one day, but not before she expands into the catering business. She hopes her story is an encouragement to others. “There’s nothing you can’t do, and where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Dobbs concluded. “The Bible says where two or more are gathered in my name and He abides in me and I in Him you can ask anything of the Lord and He will give it to you! It’s been a long road getting here but I sure have enjoyed the ride!”
Hartford School’s Emotional Last Day
By Tammy Moore Teague
Hartford students, faculty and staff heard the broken and emotional voice come over the intercom one final time, it was a dismissal, the final dismissal. The campuses of Hartford Schools are now closed.
It was at the beginning of 2018 that the announcement came. Superintendent Eddie Ray said “The cost to operate our district is exceeding the funding we receive from the state to operate.” The school consolidated with Hackett Schools in 2014, but continued to operate its Hartford campus.
Each event throughout the school year has been a “last,” but today as the loaded school buses pulled away it was a sad sense of finality. “It breaks my heart,” said Alumnus Tisha Davis. Many citizens are concerned about the future of the town itself. “Hartford School was the heartbeat of our town,” said Kathleen Harbottle. This decision has forced many families to move out the area, others are split between Mansfield Schools and Hackett Schools.
Sherry Barnes and other concerned citizens within the city formed a board to appeal to the state for funding of a Charter School. This would be a publicly funded, independent school. The application is pending and members of the board will meet with officials in Little Rock in August to determine its future.
Radley Named Interim Mayor
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Hartford City Council met in a special session Thursday evening at 6 p.m. to meet with candidates interested in the job of mayor. Four candidates, including Alderman Raye Morgan, Mary Radley, Joseph Tatro and Damon Yates, gave brief statements on their qualifications for the job.
Morgan spoke first as to why she was interested in becoming mayor. “I’d like to do it in honor of my mother and father,” Morgan said. Adding that her mother had once held the position. “We need to run this city more like a business.” Radley was next explaining to the council that while she hadn’t prepared a formal speech, she would give the job her best effort. “I’ve done what I could to help, I’d like to continue doing that,” concluded Radley. Then Tatro gave laid out his qualifications to the council, which included a position as chief engineer of the City of Chicago. “The city’s on a roll,” said Tatro. “I would like to keep it going.” Lastly, Yates, who was the youngest of the candidates, had a much different approach to managing the city. “I want to get our youth and younger generation involved,” Yates said.
After hearing from each of the candidates, the council went into executive session. After a 30 minute discussion, they reconvened and Alderman Karen Griffin made the motion to appoint Radley as interim mayor. The motion was passed unanimously but the council. Following the appointment, Radley was sworn into office. She will complete the term of former Mayor Roy Shankle. In November the voters will decide who the next Mayor of Hartford will be.
All-Star Banquet List Headlines Five Tigers
It was about a year ago that Darren McFadden, a former Arkansas Razorback and Dallas Cowboy, greeted hundreds of award winning high school athletes at the inaugural Times Record Best of the Best River Valley All-Star Banquet. Now, Alex Collins of similar college and professional football fame will do the same on June 8.
The 2018 version of the River Valley All-Star Banquet will welcome another strong class of local high school athletes across Arkansas and Oklahoma. Among the many will be five Mansfield Tigers.
Nicodemus, a junior, was recognized for her achievements in softball. For the Lady Tiger diamond team she was a central figure. Team statistics showed she led in stolen bases, on base percentage, batting average, and slugging percentage. She was the overwhelming pick for Offensive Player of the Year for Mansfield. Conference coaches recognized that talent as well by selecting her to the All-District and All-State squads. She returns next season as one of the leagues most experienced pitchers.
Willsey, a baseball junkie by his own admission, made the All-Star event for the second time as well. An all-around force on the baseball field, he was named to the 3A District 1 All-District team for the second consecutive season. A high volume hitter as well as reliable pitcher and infielder, Willsey will lead the Tiger attack next season as a four year starter.
Weaver received her invitation because of her dominate performances on the volleyball floor. This past volleyball season she was awarded All-State honors out of the 3A-4 District. She was Mansfield’s Offensive Player of the Year and the Overall Player of the Year. This was her second time to be named the Lady Tiger Volleyball Player of the Year. She returns to the court next season as a senior.
James, a senior, made the All-Star Banquet for the second time in its two years of existence. He was a four year starter on the Tiger baseball team helping it win three conference championships. He received All-District and All-State honors as voted by the 3A Region 1 conference coaches. He was the Mansfield Offensive Player of the Year as well as one of its most dominate defensive players. At the yearend MHS Booster Club Sports Banquet, James received the T. Franklin Boyd Male Tiger Athlete of the Year plaque.
Rose, the most decorated of the Mansfield Tiger sports family this past season, received an invite because of her outstanding performances in both cross country and track. The college bound senior runner was a four time district champion in cross country and a state indoor and outdoor track fixture. She was named the 2017-2018 T. Franklin Boyd Female Tiger Athlete of the Year, Cross Country Athlete of the Year, and Track Athlete of the Year.
Megan Rose and Rylea Weaver were already named to the prestigious banquet back in the fall. After the spring sports were concluded, Rose received a second invitation along with newly elected members Brennan James, Caroline Nicodemus, and Hunter Willsey.
The River Valley Best of Best Banquet invites hundreds of athletes, coaches, and state championship teams from multiple counties in the Times Record readership area. The nearly three hour event offers attendees a formal look back at an outstanding athletic season through pictures, videos, and speeches. A catered meal in a first class setting at the Fort Smith Convention Center tops off the highlight evening.
Runion Wins Sheriff’s Race
By Tammy Moore Teague
After the votes were tallied, Hobe Runion was named the winner of the Sebastian County Sheriff’s race. With no contenders for the General Election in November, Runion will succeed the man who enodorsed him, current sheriff Bill Hollenbeck.
“Friends, I cannot thank you enough for your support, encouragement and hard work, said Runion. “I look forward to meeting you as we live life in our piece of the world, Sebastian County!”
Candidates McFadden and Copeland graciously conceded the race. Copeland stated he was proud of the clean campaign his team ran and respected the decision of the people. McFadden relayed his plans to continue serving wherever he’s lead.
1968 WHS 50th Class Reunion
The Waldron High School graduating class of 1968 will be hosting their 50th class reunion and would like to extend the invitation to the classes of 1966 thru 1970.
The event will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1816 Rice Street, Waldron, Arkansas on Saturday, June 9th.
Class of 1968 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.
They invite other graduating classes to join them from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.
Short program will begin at 6:30pm. Photos with alumni and faculty to follow.
Drinks and Sandwiches furnished.
Bring your favorite finger food as well as classmates, and friends.
For more information, please contact
Susan Jones Ray
P.O. Box 523, Waldron, AR 72958
(479) 637-2679
or, join their Facebook Group by CLICKING HERE