School Board Candidates
Joseph Carlson, 34, is a native of Hampton, Ark., and a graduate of Waxahachie, Texas, High School. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school graduation, and later joined the Army National Guard then served two tours in Iraq. He is a disabled veteran from injuries sustained when a rocket exploded near him. He recently graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in American history. He has worked as a security guard. He said he hopes to earn his doctorate and teach American history at a university. Carlson is the chairman of the Pea Ridge Parks Commission. He and his wife, Crystal, have three children: Alexis, 14; Michael, 10; and Julia, 8.
Jeff Cato, 44, is a native of Pine Bluff and graduated from Sheridan High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2011. He is currently the senior manager material handling expert, a position he’s held for about four months. He has worked for Walmart fo three years and in the engineering field since 1992. The Catos moved to Pea Ridge in 1994. He and his wife, Ann, have four children: Chattin; Curry, 17; Harrison, 12; and Heather, 11. Ann Cato is president of the Pea Ridge School Board.
John Dye, 37, a native of Seligman, Mo., graduated from Southwest High School in Washburn and then Southwest Baptist University in Boliver with a bachelor’s in accounting. He is a certified public accountant with Coffman and Company and owner of Dye Hard’s Gym in Pea Ridge. He and his wife, Bobbie Jo, have three children: Kamree, 10; Jace, 7; and Gannon, 3.
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK