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December 29.2025
2 Minutes Read

Honoring Peggy Ann Yoakley: A Cherished Member of Our Community

Map of Fort Smith Metro area with 'News Briefs' text overlay.

Remembering Peggy Ann Yoakley: A Cherished Life

Peggy Ann Yoakley, a beloved member of the Clarksville community and a dedicated nurse, passed away at the age of 68 on December 19, 2025. Her life was a testament to love, care, and the importance of family. Born on February 15, 1957, in Boise, Idaho, Peggy always carried her roots with her, embodying the values instilled by her parents, Ralph and Deloris Hoppensteadt.

A Life of Devotion and Service

Peggy was not just a professional; she was a healer at heart. As a nurse, she dedicated her life to caring for those in need, earning her the affectionate title of "everyone’s mama." Her nurturing spirit and compassionate demeanor were hallmarks of her career, making her a cherished figure not just in her immediate family but within the broader community. The impact she made in the lives of her patients and the love she showed to everyone she encountered is a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Connecting Family and Community

Family meant everything to Peggy. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Feikema, and son, Jason Reames, along with their respective families, including six grandchildren and a great-grandchild. This close-knit family structure reflects not just Peggy's love but also her commitment to building connections that transcend generations. Her relationships exemplified the spirit of community and the responsibility of caring for one another, values that many local business owners and influencers hold dear in the River Valley region.

Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

A celebration of Peggy's life will be arranged at a later date, allowing friends, family, and those whose lives she touched to share their memories and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, honoring Peggy’s fighting spirit and her advocacy for those battling this challenging disease.

Impact on Local Community

Peggy's influence can be felt throughout Fort Smith and Van Buren, where she spent her life enriching the community with kindness and service. Local businesses often thrive on the foundation laid by individuals like Peggy, who emphasize the importance of compassion and social responsibility. For entrepreneurs and local influencers in the River Valley, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have through service and love.

Final Thoughts

In reflecting on Peggy Ann Yoakley's life, we are inspired not only by her dedication to family and career but also by the values she instilled in those around her. It is essential to honor her memory by continuing to foster community, support local initiatives, and extend kindness in our daily lives.

If you wish to remember Peggy and show your support to the family during this difficult time, consider making a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, a cause that would have been close to her heart.

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12.28.2025

What Inszone's Acquisition of Williamson Insurance Means for Fort Smith and Van Buren

Update Williamson Insurance Joins Forces with Inszone: What This Means for Arkansas In a significant move within the insurance sector, Inszone Insurance Services has acquired Mark V. Williamson Co., Inc., known regionally as Williamson Insurance. This acquisition, announced on December 24, 2025, marks a strategic expansion for Inszone, which has now acquired 170 businesses in the insurance sector. With this acquisition, Williamson Insurance, an established agency in Little Rock since 1974, is set to benefit from Inszone's broader resources while continuing to serve the Arkansas community. A Legacy of Service: The Story of Williamson Insurance Founded by Mark V. Williamson, the agency has been a staple in the Arkansas insurance landscape for over five decades. His son, Mark S. Williamson, who took on a prominent role in 1988, has been integral in sustaining the family legacy and adapting the agency to meet the evolving needs of its clients. In an age when many larger firms overlook smaller mid-sized accounts, Williamson Insurance prides itself on its dedicated service tailored for community members and local businesses. Inszone’s Commitment to Community Engagement Inszone Insurance Services, headquartered in California, has committed itself to an expansive outreach across 22 states. According to CEO Chris Walters, the company's aggressive growth strategy includes recognizing and addressing the specific needs of local communities. This acquisition is poised to enable Williamson Insurance to deepen its service offerings while maintaining its community-centric ethos. “Inszone values Main Street America, aligning perfectly with our philosophy,” states Mark S. Williamson. Local Impact: What This Means for Businesses in Fort Smith and Van Buren As one local business owner might consider, the merger may bring both challenges and opportunities. For those running enterprises in cities like Fort Smith and Van Buren, the added support and resources from a larger entity like Inszone could mean access to better coverage options and more competitive rates. It’s an opportunity to reassess insurance needs and benefit from a broader range of services that Inszone offers, from personal to commercial insurance. Future of Insurance in the River Valley Region With Williamson Insurance remaining operational in its Little Rock location, community members can expect a seamless transition with the same skilled team they’ve come to trust. The potential for new technologies and streamlined processes through Inszone’s advanced systems will likely enhance service quality. As the River Valley region witnesses this evolution, business owners and consumers alike should remain informed about how this could affect their future insurance decisions. Considerations for Local Consumers For local consumers and businesses, understanding this acquisition is crucial. The insurance landscape is changing, and staying abreast of these changes can be the difference between adequate coverage and comprehensive protection. Engaging with Williamson Insurance in its new capacity can provide insight into how to navigate this transformation in the insurance sector, as businesses look to adapt and thrive. In summary, with Inszone’s acquisition of Williamson Insurance, the local community can anticipate a range of enhanced services and resources tailored to meet their specific needs. As this partnership unfolds, Arkansas stands to benefit from continued commitment to high-quality, personalized insurance service.

12.25.2025

Oklahoma Court Ruling Threatens Poultry Industry and Local Economy in Arkansas

Update Impact of the Oklahoma Court Ruling on Arkansas Poultry Industry An Oklahoma court ruling has sent shockwaves through the poultry industry in Arkansas, threatening operations that are vital to the economy of the region. U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell's recent decision holds poultry companies accountable for phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River watershed, where much of their waste has been used as fertilizer. This ruling not only imposes financial penalties but also imposes severe restrictions on how poultry waste can be utilized in farmland across the affected areas. Understanding the Legal Context: What Led to This Ruling? The case, which has been in the courts since 2005, centers on the assertion made by the Oklahoma Attorney General that major poultry producers, including Tyson Foods and Cobb-Vantress, allowed practices that contributed directly to environmental harm in the watershed. Frizzell determined that the companies had long been aware of the negative impacts resulting from the land application of poultry litter and failed to make adequate changes to prevent this pollution. Environmental Implications and Economic Consequences While the court's ruling aims to rectify environmental damage, it also opens a significant can of worms for local poultry growers who fear job losses and financial ruin. Many regional poultry contracts could be terminated due to these new compliance requirements, leaving growers in dire straits. Dan Wright, president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, voiced his concerns that this ruling has the potential to disrupt the poultry industry across Arkansas, ultimately affecting local economies in cities like Fort Smith and Van Buren. Community Voices: Mixed Reactions from Local Stakeholders Local business owners, community influencers, and consumers are divided on this ruling. Some advocate for stricter environmental regulations in the face of climate change, believing it is essential to protect local ecosystems. Others argue that the ruling comes without vital stakeholder involvement, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both environmental sustainability and economic viability for local farmers. Future Predictions: What Lies Ahead for Arkansas Poultry? Looking forward, this ruling may compel the poultry industry to change its practices significantly. Farmers might need to explore alternative methods of waste management to remain operational. Meanwhile, environmental advocates will be closely watching the implementation of this ruling to ensure accountability among poultry producers. As stakeholders navigate this challenging landscape, the future of Arkansas’ poultry industry remains uncertain yet full of potential for transformative change.

12.24.2025

Navigating Economic Growth and Consumer Concerns in Fort Smith

Update GDP Growth vs. Consumer Confidence: A Tale of Two EconomiesThe U.S. economy is sending mixed signals as the real gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2025 surged by 4.3%. This figure surpasses the previous quarter's 3.8% growth and exceeds the consensus estimate of 3.2%, indicating a robust economic expansion. However, the good news is countered by a noticeable decline in consumer confidence, revealing a bifurcated economic recovery that local business owners in communities like Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the broader River Valley must navigate with care.Understanding Consumer Sentiment Amidst Economic GrowthAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), consumer spending gains during the third quarter were driven largely by increases in services and goods, particularly in health care and recreational vehicles. Yet, these positive spending trends come hand-in-hand with a significant downturn in consumer confidence, as reported by the Conference Board. This paradox illustrates a K-shaped recovery where the affluent continue to prosper while the vast majority grapple with financial anxieties.The Disparities Within Consumer ConfidenceDespite the economic upturn, consumer confidence has been waning, reflected in a December index reading of 89.1, down from 92.9 in November. Observations from economists like James Knightley highlight the stark contrast in the economic experiences of the top 20% of earners compared to the bottom 60%. While higher-income households maintain a strong spending capacity, others are increasingly worried about job security and rising costs, particularly influenced by tariffs and inflation, which loom large over their purchasing decisions.Local Implications: What This Means for Our CommunityFor local business owners and community influencers in the River Valley, the disconnect between GDP growth and consumer sentiment demands an adaptive strategy. Understanding that a significant portion of potential customers may be feeling financially insecure emphasizes the importance of targeted marketing and promotions that resonate with the concerns of middle and lower-income brackets. Engaging these consumers may require innovative approaches such as increased community outreach and tailored offerings that acknowledge their current financial challenges.Looking Ahead: Economic Predictions and Community ResilienceAs we look toward the future, predictions around ongoing consumer sentiments indicate that the economy may face continued volatility. Economic experts suggest that businesses should prepare for fluctuating consumer confidence, making it essential for local entrepreneurs to stay informed and responsive to changing economic dynamics. Building strong community ties and fostering trust can help sustain businesses even in uncertain times.In summary, while the GDP climb suggests an overall positive trajectory for the American economy, the accompanying decline in consumer confidence creates an intricate challenge. Local business owners should leverage this information to reassess their strategies, ensuring they cater to the diverse economic realities of their customer base. By actively engaging with consumers and adapting to their evolving needs, businesses can not only survive but thrive amidst changing economic climates.

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