ESI Staff
Mary Elizabeth (Donley) Thompson Jan. 2, 1953 – Nov. 29, 2025
Mary Elizabeth (Donley) Thompson passed peacefully Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Circle of Life Hospice facility in Bentonville, Ark. She was born January...
Wilma Laverne Welch Oct. 16, 1930 – Feb. 3, 2026
Wilma Laverne Welch, a compassionate and caring soul, passed away on February 4, 2026, at age 95. Born in Busch, Arkansas, on October 16,...
Donna (Swopes) Epley Dec. 5, 1934 – Feb. 22, 2026
Donna (Swopes) Epley, passed to the celestial life above on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 91.
On December 5, 1934, she was...
Deloitte, Jamie Barker and their next possible taxpayer victim
I have been writing about how political profiteer, Jamie Barker is cashing in by becoming a “partner” at a lobbying firm, Gilmore Davis Strategy...
Measuring what matters, protecting what counts
Part 1 emphasized a foundational principle: study design determines what becomes visible—and what remains hidden. An interim study must operate at the basin...
Reflecting on the Valentine’s issue
I have magnetized this week’s Independent Thinker to my refrigerator. My late husband used to call Eureka a womb where the lost came...
History might be repeated but shouldn’t be rewritten
Dakoda’s “What Could be More American” article in the Feb. 11, 2026, Independent serves as “wake up call” to all concerned citizens to this...
American Insights
Words Worth Remembering: Washington’s Warning of the Love of Power
George Washington was once again in the spotlight. It was nothing new. Years earlier, in...
Dinner for Six
A Seat at the Table
A quick-fire Q&A with the people who make our town interesting, and six people they would invite to dinner.
Rae Hahn...
Back Porch Thoughts
The magic of White Street is low right now, re-energizing for the months ahead. Last fall I saw magic as I stood in the...