Eye On Jackson February 2015

Eye Jackson On www.eyeonmag.com

D.R.I.V.E. Delta Visual Art Show Women’s Heart Health A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

February 2015

Accommodating.

Kishore Gaddam, M.D. Pediatrician

Our new pediatrician understands your busy schedule.

At Newport Pediatric Clinic we understand how difficult it is to juggle your family’s busy life. That’s why our office hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. It’s also why we’re proud to introduce Kishore Gaddam, M.D., our newest and second on-site pediatrician. Dr. Gaddam specializes in treating various childhood illnesses and administering wellchild checkups and immunizations. As the only after-hours pediatric clinic in the area, we’re here to provide convenient care that fits your schedule. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call 870-523-1008 to schedule an appointment.

2000 McLain St., Suite F Newport, AR

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note Hello from the Heart

7/Great Tastes

Let the Good Times Roll

8/Seniors, can we talk?

Life Lessons

7

14

8

16

10

18

12

23

10/Cover Story

Let’s D.R.I.V.E. This Home

12/Faces

Caring for Her Heart

16/Feature

The 7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show ASU-Newport,

18/I Do

Holmes - Miller Wedding

20/Notes from the Clearing Motivate Me

20/Things To Do 21/NEDC Report

Honoring Those Who Protect

23/Newport Chamber News Welcome Felicia

793-3303 755 St. Louis Street Batesville

Cover Photography by Cheryl Mauldin of Studio 1910 Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

Meet Your Writers...

Hunting for a Home Loan?

Julie Allen has served as the executive director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce since 2002. She is a 1994 graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Communications - Radio/Television.

Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widely-published informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

Jon Chadwell is the executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC). The NEDC is funded by a ½ cent sales tax collected in Newport and works to assist in the development of business and industry in Jackson County.

Adrienne Freeman is a Jackson County based food writer whose work is published statewide.

When not at the keyboard, she can be found in the kitchen, focusing on recipes and techniques that can be easily replicated by fellow enthusiastic home cooks. She always welcomes reader response at newport.foodies@yahoo. com.

Sarah Henry Metzger is County Extension AgentInterim Staff Chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

She has worked for Extension the last 9 years, after obtaining a BS and MS from the University of Central Arkansas. She works in the following 4 initiative areas: Food and nutrition, health & aging, resource management and Marriage, parenting and Family Life. Also, 4-H is another important program she oversees. Her free time is spent with her two boys.

Rebecca Pearrow is marketing director at Harris Hospital. She attained an AA at Central Baptist College followed by a BS at Arkansas Tech University.

She completed her MBA from Harding University in December 2014. She was employed 12 years at White County Medical Center before her success in Community Relations brought her back to Newport.

She spends her free time traveling to support her kid’s athletics, gardening, raising chickens and scrap booking.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Cheryl Mauldin PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

Eye On Jackson is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2013 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

Editor’s Note Hello from the Heart Joseph Thomas

Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas Photo by Cheryl Mauldin

Happy Valentines, Fat Tuesday and February everyone! We hope that you all are doing wonderful in this newly born year.

We’d like to welcome a new writer for Eye On Jackson; County Extension Agent Interim Staff Chair, Sarah Henry Metzger. She shares a New Year’s financial check up with us, Adrienne Freeman looks at the rich culinary traditions of Mardi Gras, Caroline Beauchamp looks at life lessons and Rebecca Pearrow focuses on HER heart.

Jon Chadwell talks about honoring our veterans, Juile Allen welcomes a new employee, Felicia Simpson and looks ahead while Kimberlee brings us the Holmes - Miller Wedding. I caught up with Jon Chadwell about the fruition of a D.R.I.V.E. initiative and about the 7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show, I offer another installment from the Clearing and between our Faces and Things To Do, we should all be busy until next we meet here again....same Eye Time.... same Eye Channel.

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Accepting New Patients (870) 569-4909

Call to Schedule your FREE Consultation

920 Harrison St., Suite A Batesville, AR

Dr. Dustin Taylor , D.C., CCEP 6 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

Great Tastes Let the Good Times Roll Adrienne Freeman

One of the most famous “food” cities, New Orleans, is right in our back yard. On March 4th, New Orleans hosts one of the most famous holidays in the world, the American version of Mardi Gras. A day with deep religious ties, Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday. Fat Tuesday is the popular name that refers to the practice of eating all the rich, fatty foods in the house that would have to be forsaken for the fasting Lenten period that begins the next day.

Although originally a time predominately observed by the Catholic faith, the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans has grown to the point that it is synonymous with the city in most people’s minds and is a major draw for tourism. The official slogan for the city is “Laissez les bons temps rouler” - Let the good times roll.

Cajun style cooking is rich with taste and tradition.

The cuisine is rustic, a combination of French and Louisiana Creole food. It is the predominant style of cooking in South Louisiana and along with the raucous parades, it is the star of the festival. Ingredients like the plentiful fresh seafood - shrimp, oysters and crawfish - are prepared simply with local spices and vegetables.

Traditional dishes often start with the “trinity” – a mixture of bell pepper, onion, celery – seasoned with aromatic spices like cayenne, garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, parsley or green onions.

Your kitchen can become your own Big Easy.

Creating a Mardi Gras celebration at home is simple and fun. If fresh seafood isn’t available, frozen can be easily substituted. All other ingredients are readily available in the supermarket. Let the good times roll!

Directions: In a large pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour to make a light roux. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, green onions, garlic, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

If using the sherry, add now and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock and crawfish tails and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, approximately 8 to 10 more minutes. Add the lemon juice.

Stir in the parsley and remove from the heat.

Adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve over hot rice.

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326 Lindley Lane

870-523-6539

CRAWFISH ETOUFEE (Recipe courtesy of Doug Stelly, Who Dat’s Restaurant in Bald Knob) Ingredients: 1 stick butter 2 Tablespoons flour 1 large onion, chopped, approximately one cup ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped green pepper ¼ cup chopped green onions 1 pound peeled crawfish tails, fresh or frozen 2 teaspoon minced garlic 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon salt ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 Tablespoons dry sherry, if desired 1 ½ cup shrimp stock or plain water 1 pound crawfish tails, fresh or frozen 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 3 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves Cooked rice

February 2015 | 7

Seniors, can we talk?

Life Lessons

Caroline Beauchamp Ruth finished opening her last Christmas gift.

Then sadly had Christmas dinner. This was the first Christmas she’d had without Bob. I talked with Ruth and asked her to share some of the “life lessons” she’d learned since April when Bob died. Where to start? – she had so many. When Bob was first diagnosed with cancer she learned how their critical illness policy worked. Bob received a lump sum of $10,000 which helped with unexpected expenses.

Then another $10,000 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Instead of worrying about expenses and money, these checks helped Bob concentrate on healing.

When he got worse, Bob’s long term care policy reimbursed them for the cost of his care up to the amount he had selected in his policy. Their savings did not have to be touched. Both knew that Ruth would need those monies to live on when Bob died and his Social Security and retirement ended. Without money worries there was less stress and more happy moments.

When Bob died his life insurance paid all his funeral expenses. He never wanted a “fancy” funeral but did want a nice funeral - for Ruth’s sake. When Bob died, Ruth found out that Bob had gone to the funeral home and made all his arrangements. This was his last gift he gave Ruth.

Ruth told me she was so thankful for her local banker who took a personal interest in her. Remember she’d never written a check! She has learned to be independent and loves bank drafts. Drafts comfort her in knowing that if she forgets to pay a bill the money will automatically be taken out of her checking account.

Her insurance agent has helped Ruth review her policies. What policies should she keep? What options should she consider? Her critical illness, long term care and life insurance policies were reviewed. Some

changes were made. They also looked at her dental and vision policy and Medicare Supplement and Medicare Prescription plan. This was Ruth’s first Annual/Open Enrollment Period without Bob. She remembered that he always talked with their agent after they received their annual notice from the insurance company notifying them of the changes for the upcoming year and she did the same. She also talked with her doctor and this year was able to change from name brand prescriptions to generic prescriptions which saved her money. Ruth had called me to review her existing plan with the other 28 plans available to her. Even though her Medicare Supplement plan was not included in the enrollment period we still looked at it. Since Ruth is healthy and has no medical history, we were able to change her Medicare Supplement plan and save her $40 a month. This savings was enough to pay her Medicare Prescription Plan premium.

What’s ahead for Ruth in 2015? Well, she did meet Betty’s charming cousin, David.

Got some life lessons you’d like to share? Call me at 870-523-6771 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N

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8 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

NEWPORT • GoGreenway.com

Disabled American Veteran Van Drivers Needed Submitted

The Newport Chapter 34 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has been operating the Van Transportation System since 2005. They have logged over 137,000 miles and transported numerous veterans to and from McClellan and Fort Roots Veterans Hospitals in Little Rock and North Little Rock. The Nationwide DAV Transportation System is celebrating ten million miles this month. The Newport Van originally ran on Tuesdays and Thursdays but only runs on Thursdays at this time because of a shortage of drivers. They had several drivers that had to quit because of age and health reasons. The van leaves Newport on Thursdays at 7:00 AM and makes stops in Bradford, Bald Knob, Searcy, Beebe, Cabot and Jacksonville. The van returns after all the patients have finished their appointments but no later than 3:00 PM. There is a great need to resume the Tuesday run because of the number of veterans needing transportation and the fact that there are procedures that are only available on Tuesdays.

The van driver positions are strictly voluntary unpaid positions but drivers do receive a lunch voucher for the noon meal. Drivers must have a valid drivers license, a clean driving record, and proof of insurance to prove that you are insurable. There is no age limitation as long as the driver can pass a medical screening and a

background check. Drivers can be male or female and do not have to be affiliated with the DAV or VFW, and does not have to have served in the military.

Interested drivers can contact the Voluntary Services Office at McClellan VA Hospital at (501) 2576991 or locally contact Larry Doyle at (501) 416-6257 for more information.

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February 2015 |  9

Eye On Cover Story Let’s D.R.I.V.E. This Home Joseph Thomas

I have to give Mr. Henry Boyce credit for leading me in the right direction on this month’s Cover and Feature stories. He is helping me with another upcoming story and enlightened me on just how much the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.) is accomplishing. Kimberlee and I thought we’d better find out all we could and then Feature the Delta Visual Arts Show because we are very excited to see the growth and progress of these two efforts. Jon Chadwell was gracious enough to make time within his busy schedule for a sit down and he told me all about it.

It was nice to see him and visit such a warm friend on such a cold afternoon.

D.R.I.V.E. was started by Mayor David Stewart before Chadwell began his position as the NEDC Director for the City of Newport. Stewart asked ten volunteers to begin a brain storming session on what they could do to improve downtown. Chadwell says in early 2005, the newly formed organization invited one of the vice presidents of Union Pacific Railroad to come to Newport for a conversation about cleaning up the rail yard.

The Union Pacific official committed a forty-nine thousand dollar grant towards the completion of a master development plan before that conversation was done.

This grant is being used within the designated Downtown Improvement District which extends from the Blue Bridge to Hwy 69 and from the river to the alley across Third Street. This fifteen block area is the focus of D.R.I.V.E., exclusively. D.R.I.V.E. successfully applied for non profit status in 2006 and began a fundraiser where sixty local residents pledged $25 a month for five years.

There have been small projects done along the way, such as the rock wall on the site of the old Sterling Building, also known as the Wishon Building. “When I moved to Newport, that whole block of Front Street where Shear Magic and Associates Title Company now reside was empty,” says Chadwell, “Now it is full, with two occupied loft apartments. There is a perception exercise that we do with the New Vision Newport students every year where we ask them if they believe Downtown Newport is dead. They always answer yes, but then we ask them to name the businesses they know of and we list them on the board.” There are some seventy businesses in the downtown area which, once listed, makes everyone start to question why they thought it was void of life.

There are four buildings on the 400 block that D.R.I.V.E. purchased in 2008. They have applied for six historic preservation grants to restore the buildings but have been denied because the structures are in such disrepair, besides the fact that the grants are only given for buildings with a committed end use and no one wants to commit without knowing what condition 10 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

the buildings could be restored to. The Virginia Holmes Trust owns the first building in that block, closest to the newly restored fountain, but has agreed to donate that space as long as the organization demolishes the building and uses it as public space. So, the buildings will be torn down less expensively than they could be restored.

D.R.I.V.E. has a rent subsidy program within the Downtown Improvement District that consists of D.R.I.V.E. paying for 25% of the first years rent for any business that applies, 20% the second year and 15% the third. Chadwell says this subsidy has really helped about two thirds of the new businesses that have applied for it remain open. Their hope is that new businesses will use that money to advertise and help bring more consumers downtown. “In 2012, the Mayor and I garnered, through a meeting with the Highway Department, Downtown Newport a grant for new sidewalks. The grant amount was $250,000 with a $50,000 match with Newport paying all architectural cost, which was another $25,000. D.R.I.V.E. fundraised, and it speaks volumes for the citizens of Newport, they raised $75,000. When we bid the project, we found out that we could pay for half of the downtown sidewalks with the grant and the money raised, but that for another $175,000 we could do it all. It made since to us to continue fundraising for that extra $175,000 to finish the project. We did just that, again, thanks to the generous residents of the city, and only $25,000 of that $475,000 came out of the City General Fund. We feel really good about that,” explains Chadwell.

Chadwell is often asked what D.R.I.V.E. has actually done and he has had to explain that the planning and red tape involved in procuring the grants and monies from the fore mentioned fundraising events take time. He is relieved that improvements are beginning to be seen so that those citizens don’t loose faith in the organization or their purpose. He adds, “The Iron Mountain Train Depot is already a success for downtown. The facility is rented out practically every weekend of the year for various celebrations. The new fountain was an old well found under the Wishon Building, which was built in 1893, so there is no telling how old the well is. The well was made a fountain by the New Vision Newport Class of 2014 and our plan is to build a brick walkway from the sidewalk to the fountain and on to an upcoming veterans memorial that we hope to have finished by Veterans Day of 2015. This is a project of the 2015 New Vision Newport class.” Chadwell goes on to explain the plan of another brick walkway just west of the fountain that will run from the sidewalk to an outside permanent stage where bands will perform and movies will be watched. Parking will be added and the alley to the east of this space will be blacktopped for ease of loading and

unloading the stage. KASU has committed to using this stage for Bluesday Tuesday every month from April to October. River Country 96.7 has agreed to bring local bands and performers to the stage once a month, also from April to October and ASU Newport has agreed to bring movies and staff for Movies in the Park once a month provided D.R.I.V.E. covers the blowup screen, projector and sound system. “That’s at least three events a month downtown and that is exciting growth that new restaurants and other businesses will find easier to set up around or possibly relocate for,” adds Chadwell.

There is a momentum that has started and it will bring further life to a downtown that already has seventy businesses, over five hundred employees, a number of churches with large congregations and two huge yearly events. I am excited, but also very inspired by the progress that a voluntary organization supported by local donations and government grants can achieve with the optimism and D.R.I.V.E. that this organization has (pun intended). It gives me, and I hope you, a rekindled faith in community and what we can all achieve when working toward the same goal.

D.R.I.V.E. is made up of Jon Chadwell, Director of the Newport Economic Development Council, Julie Allen, Executive Director of the Newport Chamber of Commerce, Mayor David Stewart, City Clerk Debbie Hembry, R. M. Bledsoe, Manager of Farmer’s Elevator,

Marvin Thaxton, a retired attorney, Merchants & Planters Bank Chairman Jim S. Gowen, Sr. and Dr. Larry Williams, former chancellor of ASUN. N

Family Medicine Cardiology

Roddy Lochala, DO • Matthew Jackson, MD • Matthew Haustein, MD

Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Newport

1500 McLain • 870-523-9337 NEABaptistClinic.com

Family Medicine Newport

February 2015 | 11 Family Medicine

Faces

12 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

Harris Hospitality Caring for Her Heart Rebecca Pearrow

Over the past few years, the Healthy Woman program has hosted “Paint the Town Red” event for women’s heart health in February. With the new acquisition by White County Medical Center, Healthy Woman is evolving with a new name as we transition to a non-profit organization. This will bring very exciting opportunities, as we continue to finalize details that will engage the program with the WCMC Foundation. We appreciate your continued support as Healthy Woman adjusts just a bit while continuing its mission of focus on women’s health issues. Look for more information in the near future! For more information on the important topic of women’s heart heath during National Heart Month in February, visit www.wcmc.org and click on Heart Health for information about cardiac services.

Also, Dr. Samuel Mortoti, is at Newport Cardiology Clinic locally at 2000 McLain St., Suite H and is available by calling 870-523-2404 or www.mynewportheart.com.

I hope you enjoy this article that includes some good information related to women’s heart health. Happy Valentine’s Day! When most of us think of a heart attack victim, chances are, we picture a man. However, a woman’s risk of having a heart attack is higher than a man’s – and heart attacks are still the leading cause of death among women.

• Each year, more than 400,000 women in the U.S. die of heart disease - approximately one death every minute.

• Women are 15% more likely than men to die of a heart attack - American Heart Association Cardiovascular disease is the number-one killer of women over age 40, and the risk rises with age. Despite this evidence, just 34 percent of women in a 2000 national American Heart Association survey correctly named heart disease as a leading cause of death – and only 8 percent could identify it as their number-one health threat.

Traditionally, men have gotten the bad rap for their reluctance to visit the doctor, and the stereotype of the negligent male patient and the more health-conscious wife, daughter or girlfriend endures. However, the rate of heart disease and related risk factors are actually increasing in women, and decreasing in men. There are many reasons for this disparity.

Heart Attack Symptoms for Women Include: Traditional Symptoms • Chest Pain • Pain down the left arm Atypical Symptoms • Stomach Ache • Nausea or vomiting • Unexplained sweating • Unusual shortness of breath

• Fatigue Dont’ ignore any of these symptoms! Call your doctor or have a friend take you to the ER immediately.

Atypical symptoms Heart attack symptoms for women can be different than those that typically occur for men and often, women dismiss these symptoms as being a sign of stress, a panic attack or fatigue.

Biological factors Certain biological factors that only affect women carry a certain degree of heart disease risk. * Health occurrences during a woman’s pregnancy – once thought to have no significant bearing on her long-term health – now have been determined to be contributing risk factors for heart problems. A woman who develops preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension), gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure during pregnancy increases her risk for glucose intolerance, obesity, diabetes and hypertension later in life – all risk factors for heart disease. In fact, according to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, 80 percent of women ages 40 to 60 have at least one risk factor for heart disease. * Menopause is also thought to contribute to elevated heart disease risk, because in addition to the drop in estrogen production, post-menopausal women also experience changes in the walls of the blood vessels (making it easier for plaque and blood clots to form), a drop in HDL (good) cholesterol and an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol, and an increase in the level of fibrinogen in the blood, a substance that makes it easier for the blood to clot. * Some heart conditions affect only women due to the structure of a woman’s heart, and women often have a more difficult recovery, post-heart attack.

Recent studies have shown that a type of heart disease known as coronary microvascular disease (MVD), which affects the heart’s smallest arteries, is more common in women. And, standard tests for coronary heart disease don’t always detect MVD in women, according to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute. Thus, women once thought to be at lower risk for heart disease may have actually gone undiagnosed. * Finally, women are more likely than men to suffer depression following a heart attack, and are less successful at adopting new – and healthier – lifestyle habits. Therefore, their risk of a repeat heart attack is higher.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.

Sources: American Heart Association www. americanheart.org, National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute www.nhlbi.nih.gov, WebMD www.webmd.com N

February 2015 | 13

ASU-Newport Announces Chancellor’s, Vice-Chancellor’s Lists For Fall 2014 Semester

Van Provence

Over 275 Arkansas State University-Newport students were named to the Chancellor’s or Vice-Chancellor’s lists for academic excellence for the Fall 2014 semester, the college announced Thursday.

To be named to the Chancellor’s list, students must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours, excluding developmental courses, during the semester and earn a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), based on a 4.0 scale. Students enrolled at the Newport campus, the Marked Tree Campus or the Jonesboro campus and on the Chancellor's List are: Bald Knob – Jennifer Horn Batesville – Samantha Finney Bono – Sarah Guffey Bono – Hannah Knight Bono – Lonnie Lawson Bono – Christidon Pyles Bradford – Megan Ballard Bradford – Joseph Cagle Brookland – Madelyn McMickle Cash – Kimberley Keedy Harrisburg – Jason Gardner Harrisburg – Samuel McGinnis Harrisburg – Keely Moore Harrisburg – Steven Pierce Harrisburg – John Smith Harrisburg – Vanessa Smith Harrisburg – Christie Willbanks Jonesboro – Lindsey Adams Jonesboro – Edward Allen Jonesboro – John Angelo Jonesboro – Oleta Barnes Jonesboro – Steven Brimlett Jonesboro – Santosha Burton Jonesboro – Toni Cecil Jonesboro – Matthew Criswell

Jonesboro – Jason Drake Jonesboro – Katherine Gann Jonesboro – Audrey Gray Jonesboro – Robert Green Jonesboro – Phylllip Hopkins Jonesboro – Abigail Houston Jonesboro – John Ingram Jonesboro – Erica Jordan Jonesboro – Rachael Keith Jonesboro – Vanessa Lewis Jonesboro – Amy Liles Jonesboro – Sasha Potter Jonesboro – Caitlin Proctor Jonesboro – Aaron Redmond Jonesboro – Cassandra Saddler Jonesboro – Samantha Shaw Jonesboro – Stephanie Shelton Jonesboro – Kara Terrell Jonesboro – Amber Throgmartin Jonesboro – Tarnisha Tilson Jonesboro – Bethany Tyner Jonesboro – Laura Vargas Jonesboro – Matthew Wheeley Jonesboro – Dylan Whitehurst Judsonia – Melissa Daugherty

Lepanto – Christopher Crawford Little Rock – Colten Highley Marked Tree – Michael Cooksey Marked Tree – Tuesday Gaddis Marked Tree – Mary Grubbs Marked Tree – Chad McCrary McCrory – Dakota Conerly McCrory – Emily Dewitt McCrory – Matthew Dix McCrory – Autumn McCuan McCrory – William Wiggins Newark – Natasha Lovell Newport – William Borie Newport – James Brannon Newport – Nathan Duncan Newport – Abrahm Garcia Newport – Pearl Gilmore Newport – Chandler Pigg Newport – Lacy Shelton Paragould – Freddy Horad Paragould – Donald Kain Pocahontas – Hannah Cagle Saffell – Renee Hutchison Smithville – Emily Gates Swifton – Cassandra Simpson

Texarkana – Taylor Belk Trumann – Monte Arnold Trumann – Haley Bratton Trumann – Michael Conaster Trumann – Kylie DeFord Trumann – Alicia Dyer Trumann – Donna Fagan Trumann – Tonya Jackson Trumann – Nathan Maxwell Trumann – Rene Shelton Trumann – Jackie Simpson Trumann – Tommy Thorn Tuckerman – Samantha Dunavion Tuckerman – Laura Hutchison Tuckerman – Kimberly King Tuckerman – Sonya Thompson Turrell – Rico Lowery Tyronza – Laura Hardin Tyronza – Kaitlyn Lard West Memphis – Katrina Morris Wynne – Glenda Bolden

To be named to the Vice-Chancellor's List, students must carry a minimum of 12 hours, excluding any developmental courses, and earn a GPA of 3.50 to 3.99. Students enrolled at the Newport campus, the Marked Tree Campus or the Jonesboro campus and on the Vice-Chancellor's List are: Batesville – Blake Baker Batesville – Candice Hicks Bay – Maria Bedwell Bay – Caitlyn Jones Bay – Bryan Moon Bay – Melissa Scott Bay – Sara Sharp Bay – Malachi Stallcup Bay – David Thompson Bay – Mykia Trotter Bay – Sheila Whitlock Bono – Hannah Doss Bono – Lexie Holloway Bono – Traci Lackey Bono – Tammy Monteniszs Bono – Mary Rhodes Bono – Haven Saffell Bradford – Keely Burress Brookland – Christopher Cox Brookland – Phillip Hitchcock Brookland – Tucker McKay

Brookland – Alisha McKay Brookland – Lisa Ming Brookland – Leslie Shipman Caraway – Brandi Bryan Caraway – Shaunda Hicks Caraway – Krystal Pettit Cherry Valley – LuAnne McCammon Corning – Bethany Williams Etowah – Coy Poag Fisher – Samantha Dale Grubbs – Jalen Ivy Harrisburg – Breanna Ballew Harrisburg – Kefton Brown Harrisburg – Brandi Deckelman Harrisburg – Jordan Gardner Harrisburg – Megan Griffith Harrisburg – Stephanie Grigsby Harrisburg – Korey Harlson Harrisburg – Jennifer Lyons Harrisburg – Jackie Rolland Harrisburg – Shakilya Sims

14 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

Harrisburg – Zoe Terrell Hoxie – Gerri Taylor Joiner – Julius Bolden Jonesboro – Joshua Allen Jonesboro – Maribel Alvarado Jonesboro – Inice Barber Jonesboro – Victoria Barber Jonesboro – Katie Barnes Jonesboro – Hannah Bergman Jonesboro – Kelly Bishop Jonesboro – Tipton Boling Jonesboro – Sharneiqua Bones Jonesboro – Virginia Bradsher Jonesboro – Gerald Brewer Jonesboro – Bailey Bruce Jonesboro – Tiffany Byais Jonesboro – Julia Carey Jonesboro – William Carson Jonesboro – Amanda Cooper Jonesboro – Jacob Davis Jonesboro – Jeremy Elkins

Jonesboro – Kaitlyn Gathright Jonesboro – Brittany Gilbert Jonesboro – Grayson Grant Jonesboro – Molli Hall Jonesboro – Al-Fredia Hampton Jonesboro – Allyn Hoke Jonesboro – Chad Holland Jonesboro – Donna Holland Jonesboro – Gatlin Hufstedler Jonesboro – Willie Jackson Jonesboro – Zelda Jones Jonesboro – Heather Lassen Jonesboro – Amy Metcalf Jonesboro – Sheena Moody Jonesboro – Nathan Moss Jonesboro – Katie Nelson Jonesboro – Cora Nichols Jonesboro – Trupti Patel Jonesboro – Holly Pruitt Jonesboro – Zachary Riggs Jonesboro – Katelyn Sharp

Jonesboro – Mallory Smith Jonesboro – Bradley Snyder Jonesboro – Ariel Spears Jonesboro – Larry Spencer Jonesboro – Jordan Spotts Jonesboro – Robert Stone Jonesboro – Bradley Tounsand Jonesboro – Madeline Treat Jonesboro – Chandler Vance Jonesboro – Braxton Vaughn Jonesboro – Dominoque Walker Jonesboro – Katelyn Williamson Jonesboro – Andrew Wilson Jonesboro – Alixandria Yahnke Keiser – Kristy Fox Lake City – Cynthia Davis Lake City – Julie Sheedy Lake City – Stephanie Timms Little Rock – Jason Atherley Marked Tree – Vickie Green Marked Tree – Daniel Rucker Marked Tree – Amber Smith Marked Tree – Sarah Watson Marked Tree – Crystal Wright

McCrory – Bethany Alberson McCrory – Logan Briley McCrory – Nathan Daniel McCrory – Logan Immel McCrory – Katelyn Wheeler Monette – Tori Reid Monette – Sarah Roddy Monette – Katelyn Sparkman Newark – Megan Galloway Newport – William Bowen Newport – Leticia Caballero Newport – Stephanie Cox Newport – Donita Davis Newport – Edgar Garcia Newport – Lisa Howerton Newport – Kaelin Hutchinson Newport – Rita King Newport – John Lassiter Newport – John London Newport – Ramiro Macias Garcia Newport – Haley Pridmore Newport – Krystle Reed Newport – Margaret Turner Newport – Emily Winemiller

Oil Trough – Charles Burrow Paragould – Christopher Churchwell Paragould – Shelby Hall Paragould – Felicia Henson Paragould – Britane Moss Paragould – Christopher Tilley Paragould – Meghan Wade Paragould – David Wells Patterson – Shelby Ball Piggott – Jacob Richardson Pleasant Plains – Lisa Watts Rose Bud – Teresa Buchanan Rose Bud – Brian Buchanan Searcy – Brad Carr Searcy – Tina Yeboah Swifton – Alicia Hazelip Thida – Madison Randleas Trumann – Derrik Adams Trumann – Ashley Blagg Trumann – Nathan Buie Trumann – David Burchfield Trumann – Deandre Campbell Trumann – Cody Davison Trumann – Lee Hammell

Trumann – Jagger Harness Trumann – Macy Hicks Trumann – Megan McGowan Trumann – Julia McRee Trumann – Sherry Reynolds Trumann – Albert Walker Tuckerman – Sarah Brunner Tuckerman – Brandy Fields Tuckerman – Philip Helms Tuckerman – Drake Hopkins Tuckerman – Taylor Peavy Tuckerman – Christy Woodard Tupelo – Colton Montgomery Turrell – Shawanda Reel Tyronza – Chelsi Bickerstaff Tyronza – Casey Fisher Tyronza – Donna Jenkins Tyronza – Kaitlin Young Tyronza – Cori Young Waldron – Dalton Dozier West Memphis – Morgan Miller White Hall – Roxanne Stewart

Arkansas State University-Newport is a degree granting community college with campuses in Jonesboro, Marked Tree and Newport, Arkansas. It is a part of the Arkansas State University System. For more information about happenings at ASU-Newport, visit us on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ASUNewport, where you will find news and photos highlighting achievements and events at all three campuses. Follow us on Twitter for quick information about what is going on at ASUN by following @ASUNewport.

This and other releases about Arkansas State University-Newport can be found online at www.asun.edu. N

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February 2015 | 15

Eye On Feature The 7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show Joseph Thomas

February 28, 2015 is an anxiously awaited day for many artists and art lovers alike. It is the date of the 7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show in Downtown Newport, Arkansas. Jon Chadwell says, “We have held the booths at one hundred and seventy-five this year, the same number as last year. We have grown every year and we decided we needed a year or two to just stabilize.” The 2015 art show was booked up by the first of September 2014, with twenty on a waiting list, just to touch on the attention this event is getting. Last year at these same numbers, “The artists sold over one hundred thousand dollars worth of art in one day in Downtown Newport.

Chadwell says it takes about one hundred volunteers, which they have always had plenty of. Again, as eluded to in the Cover Story, this speaks to the volume and reach of the giving spirit in Jackson County.

This has become a huge show, one of the largest in Arkansas. “Every year we try to tweak something. We give the artists a survey after the show and one prior to the next to see what we can do to shape it into an event that everyone wants to come back to every year. I love that I can go out of town now and when people find out I am from Newport, ‘Oh, you guys have that big art show,’” admits Chadwell. He says that gives us a positive identity and is a great boost for the city. With one hundred and seventy-five booths and at least one hundred and eighty artist, Chadwell adds, “We pull artists from six states, but over half of the one hundred and eighty artist are from North East Arkansas, which is an amazing number of artist for this region.”

This event was the first project with the Clinton School of Public Service and the Delta Visual Arts Show was Emily Fisher’s deliverable. “We knew we wanted an art center here in Newport and she explained to us that we would never garner the financial support for such an endeavor without a successful track record,” explains Chadwell. I would say the growth of this project has been more than successful. As Chadwell explained to us last year when we covered the 6th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show: the first year it was held in the Iron Mountain Train Depot with seventeen artists with two workshops and one hundred and eighty visitors. The second year thirty-five artists set up in the depot and NEDC building with over three hundred visitors. The third year, the art show expanded out of just those two buildings and into the old Post Office thanks to Frank and Ann Hearn.

They had seventy-four artists attend and another boost in visitor numbers. The fourth year brought the need to set up tents in the street; last year three tents were needed. It has been a heck of a track record.

“This will be,” says Chadwell, “the second year that we have received a grant from the Arkansas Arts Council for collaborative projects. We don’t charge the artists, there is no charge to the public and we always provide 16 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

two workshops for younger kids, two workshops for older kids and four to six workshops for adults and all supplies are free. These two grants have paid for about half of our cost both years.” He says they were begging for money the first year, fearing it might be a hard sell.

But, they asked the artists if they would rather pay for a booth every year or donate work for sale and auction.

The artists all agreed that they would like a voluntary donation policy to fund the show. This has been very successful idea leaving the event organizers over a hundred pieces of art that are exhibited in the NEDC building for sale and whatever isn’t sold by August, goes into the auction at the Newport Country Club and the money adds up to fund the next years show.

Chadwell goes on to touch on some of the upcoming projects, such as walking/bike trails and the goal of building an Art Center. He says all of the upcoming projects, some of which are still evolving, all come back to this downtown center and the growth that it will stimulate is just a part of the bright future their motto mentions. It is always exciting for me to talk to Jon Chadwell about such things because his faith in Newport and ability to look forward is contagious, to say the least.

Chadwell says the Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts project is a joint project of the Iron Mountain Regional Arts Council, the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (DRIVE), the city of Newport, the Newport Economic Development Commission, Merchants and Planters Bank, Suddenlink Communications and hundreds of local volunteers.

Funding for advertising is supplied through the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council.

And if you don’t think you want any art or don’t typically enjoy the art scene, Ann Hearn’s Peanut Butter Pie (which is my favorite), is a treat worth getting out for. Hearns runs Downtown Pie Company in Downtown Newport and they offer 5-inch and 10-inch pies in 15 flavors, including Lucille’s Chocolate. The pies are available to order by calling at (870) 495-3894 or emailing Hearn at piesrme@gmail.com. N

Newport Flag by Matt Coburn - limited edition print.

ASU-Newport, Maverick Transportation Partnership Begins Van Provence

Arkansas State University-Newport and Maverick Transportation began a training partnership on January 21 that will produce as many as 96 drivers yearly for the North Little Rock-based trucking company.

The partnership joins one of the state’s top commercial driver training centers with one of the state’s leaders in the transportation industry. When training began in late January, eight Maverick-supplied students began studying at ASUN’s state-of-the-art facility in Newport. Upon completion of the four-week course, students will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Commercial Driver Training, and take the state’s Class A Commercial Driver’s License test. ASU-Newport boasts a 97 percent pass rate for its students taking the state exam.

As one of the state’s top commercial driver training facilities, ASU-Newport provides students with classroom training, on-the-road options and hands-on-exposure to the college’s simulators. The simulators are designed to provide numerous types of hazardous situations that drivers will encounter on the road, including weather, traffic and accident scenarios.

Robert Summers, Dean for Applied Science at ASUNewport, stressed the significance of ASUN’s partnerships.

“Every partnership opportunity not only strengthens existing programs, but paves the path for overall improvement in every area of our institution. I am thrilled with the relationship we are fostering with Maverick Trucking and anticipate great future endeavors.”

The partnership follows Maverick’s recent announcement that the company will provide pay increases for all divisions of its drivers. Students who begin with Maverick holding a new Class A CDL with less than six months of driving experience can now expect to earn over $53,000 in their first year. Founded in 1980, Maverick operates over 1,400 units. The company provides over-the-road and dedicated service to the flatbed, glass and temperature controlled transportation markets throughout North America.

Arkansas State University-Newport announced a record enrollment of 2,494 students in the Fall 2014 semester, and in December the Chronicle of Higher Education listed ASU-Newport as the sixteenth-fastest growing community college in the nation. Classes in the Commercial Driver Training program begin every four weeks and are currently forming. For more information about training for a career as a commercial truck driver, call 870-512-7800 or log on to www.asun.edu.

Arkansas State University-Newport is a degreegranting community college with campus locations in Newport, Jonesboro and Marked Tree, Arkansas and is part of the Arkansas State University System. For more information about happenings at ASU-Newport, visit us on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ASUNewport, where you will find news and photos highlighting achievements and events at all three campuses. Follow us on Twitter at @ASUNewport for quick information about what is going on at ASUN. This and other releases about Arkansas State University-Newport can be found online at www.asun.edu.

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February 2015 | 17

I Do Do

Holmes - Miller Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

Miles Witt Boyer Photography

Mary Elizabeth Holmes and Zachary Charles Miller first met in August of 2012 at the home of a mutual friend in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mary shared, “The first time I met Zach I was pretty smitten. We became great friends very fast. The romance followed shortly after.” Zach echoed her sentiment, “She pretty much had me at first sight.”

Time moved along as it does for all of us and the couple became inseparable. Zach planned a very beautiful evening for Mary to cherish and share when asked about the proposal. “Zach surprised me with dinner at Herman’s in Fayetteville at the very table we sat at on our first date.

After a wonderful supper, we left to go meet up with our friends.” On the way Zach handed Mary his tie and asked her to put in on like a blindfold. This request resulted in an initial refusal followed by a million questions, ultimately she agreed. Upon arriving at the mystery location Zach assisted Mary from the car. “He asked me to take off the blindfold, I was really nervous by now and didn’t want to! Eventually he was able to convince me to remove the blindfold. I opened my eyes to find him standing in front of me at the overlook on Mount Seqouyah.” The couple was surrounded by roses, rose petals and candles. “I had figured out exactly what was happening and I was shaking with excitement.” Zach asked and of course Mary answered, “Yes”. Zach had arranged for friends to have everything set up and waiting; they had been hiding and taking pictures from the moment the couple arrived at the overlook. “I was so surprised when Austin, Maggie, and Anna along with our dog, Charlie, jumped out of hiding and surprised us.” After reveling in the moment, the small group loaded up and headed to Theo’s (also in Fayetteville), where they were greeted by family and friends who were waiting to celebrate with them. Mary shared, “The rest is history!”

The couple wed on October 4, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church in Batesville. Reverend Leslie Roper and Reverend Alan Ford presided over the traditional ceremony. “Our wedding was very traditional and full of meaningful touches,” explained Mary. She wore her mother and aunt’s wedding gown on her special day, “I had it updated by Kay Wehrung.” Her bouquet held a broach belonging to one of her great grandmothers and she wore her grandmother’s necklace. Rice, cotton and magnolia leaves were used to set the tone for the décor, “Tresa Elms at Imaginations Events really listened to us and created just the look we wanted.” There was a bagpiper playing on the front lawn of the church to greet guest before the service. “Our ceremony was super traditional with lovely old prayers; and the music was just beyond beautiful. Ceil Smith provided the organ music. My cousin, Robert Fitzgerald, sang “The Lord’s Prayer”, and Ellie Johnston graced us with “Ave Maria”.” Reverend Leslie Roper led the couple through the ceremony with love and solemnity. “Reverend Roper does the best weddings!

Reverend Ford read our scriptures beautifully and led us in prayer,” recalled Mary.

The couple wanted to honor the Presbyterian ties to Scotland, “After the ceremony the Bagpiper led us out of the church piping us down the sidewalk.”

The newly weds spent a week honeymooning at the Royal Catalonia Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Mary shared, “It was wonderful.”

The couple currently resides in Fayetteville. Zach is a closing agent with Waco Title Company located in Bentonville. Mary is the new Northwest Arkansas Advisor Acqusition Coordinator for Northwestern Mutual in Fayetteville. Mary shared, “Our plans are to stay in Fayetteville with our two English Springer Spaniels, Charlie and Carolina. We want to continue to advance our careers and eventually start a family full of little Razorback fans.” N

FREE EDUCATIONAL EVENT

QUALITY INITIATIVES

What WRMC is Doing to Provide Quality Care

Join us for a free presentation by Dr. Chris Steel Tuesday, February 10th 12:00–1:00PM Josephine Raye Rogers Center for Women & Imaging Conference Center Lunch is on us!

www.WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com

1710 HARRISON STREET | BATESVILLE, AR White River Health System is an Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer

Notes from the Clearing Motivate Me Joseph Thomas

The stars aligned may give me strength, but unaligned, they do not deter me from my quest. And though the details of my quest are not yet clear to me, I know that I must be prepared... and so I ready myself for the unknown chaos ahead that will test my resolve and maturity. Far from perfect, I will prevail in serving the light that once my soul was pulled from; the positive clouds of etherial substance that keep me grounded to the spark beneath my skin.

The unseen chemistry that makes me want to create, that make my eyes see farther than the organic tissue permits, that makes my smile brighter than the material curve of skin should allow, that makes me try harder than I have to. I will be better than I was yesterday and still better tomorrow than I am today. No one can stand in my way, save for myself and the excuses that haunt my yesterdays so wickedly, for laziness is a crime to my very existence that I shall not allow reign any longer...starting tomorrow. N

Things To Do

An Event to Remember The Keep Newport Beautiful (KNB) organization will be hosting their annual fundraiser, “An Event to Remember” on Saturday, February 14, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Iron Mountain Depot in Newport. Dinner, entertainment, dancing, and a silent auction will all be part of the evening’s festivities. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets may be purchased at M & P Bank, the Pink Poodle, and the NEDC Building. Also you can purchase tickets from these KNB members: Ronnie Kay Erwin, Carole Ann Young, Shirley Williams, Helen Bullard, and Jerry Carlew. For more information, contact Shirley Williams by dialing 870 523 1009. Join us for a great time with your Valentine and other friends.

7th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show 175 booths with over 185 artists will collect Downtown Newport on February 28 from 10 am – 6 pm. This event has free admission with free adult workshops, free children’s workshops and a children’s art contest and adult art contest.

There will be door prizes and much more.

And More Jackson County Book Nook The Jackson County Book Nook, located directly behind Umsted Methodist Church on McLain St., is open each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They offer a wide range of books for all ages. Friends of the Jackson County Library operate the Book Nook and all proceeds go to help with programs and needs of the library.

Tuckerman City Council Meeting The 2nd Tuesday of each month. Tuckerman Water & Sewer 870-349-5336. N

20 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

Eagle Pest

Management, LLC 1775 Porter Street, Batesville

870-307-0582 Toll Free: 877-313-2453 Commercial and Residential Your Termite and Pest Control Services Specialist Serving North Central Arkansas Waymon Long President

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Saturday February 28th 10 am – 6 pm

COME SPEND A DAY IN A FINE ARTS ENVIRONMENT, LOOK, LEARN, BUY AND ENJOY!

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Hands-on Adult Workshops / Hands-on Children’s Workshops “Children of the Delta” Art Contest / Art Bucks Door Prizes “This is the Delta” Adult Art Contest for Registered Artists And much more!

A FINE ARTS SHOW IN DOWNTOWN NEWPORT, ARKANSAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 870-523-1009 Newport Economic Development Commission 201 Hazel Street Newport, AR 72112 www.newportaredc.org

NEDC Report Honoring Those Who Protect

Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director Another exciting development is taking place in downtown Newport! An Action Team from New Vision Newport is working with the VFW and with D.R.I.V.E. (Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort) to create a Jackson County Veteran’s Memorial.

While plans for the exact memorial have not been finalized, there will be ways in the memorial area for individuals to honor Jackson County veterans who are among their friends and family. The memorial is planned for the new park on Front Street that is under development and the hope is that it will be completed in time for a dedication on Veteran’s Day this year.

Everyone agrees that our veterans are worthy of any honor we can give to them. They leave the comforts that we often take for granted and are ready at a moments notice to travel to the most dangerous places in the world for our freedom. Often we think of the sacrifices made by those who give their lives defending our county, but sometimes we forget that those who serve and come home have made and continue to make sacrifices. The costs for the veterans are things like missing the birth of a child, birthday parties which they can only attend by video or time away from a spouse. Sometimes they come home with physical injuries or stress related struggles. Every single man or woman who has served this country has sacrificed and should be

given honor for their willingness to put their needs behind the needs of the country.

A Veteran’s Memorial is not honor enough for what they have done. But it is a start. The memorial will let veterans know that they have not been forgotten and that they remain important to the country they served. A walk of honor with engraved bricks is planned so that we can put a name to the soldiers, sailors and airmen that we know personally. The bricks will be on sale at a later date.

Currently the New Vision Newport Action Team consisting of Haley Bethel, Tara Harris, Bea Jones, John Pettie and Amy Thaxton is seeking donations for the construction of the memorial. If you would like to participate in that project, please contact one of the team members or feel free to call the NEDC at 870-523-1009.

So, what does a Veterans Memorial have to do with economic development? More than you might think.

Corporations are much like people. They want to be in a community that appreciates them. When a community takes the time to honor people who have served, it shows companies that this is a community that knows how to appreciate the groups or individuals that make a difference. One memorial is not the whole puzzle, but it is an important piece of putting together our bright future.

For more frequent updates follow the NEDC on Instagram at nedc_newport_ar, like us on Facebook or sign up for our email list. Also remember, download the Newport App on your smart phone so you can have local business information at your fingertips!

N February 2015 | 21

Support Our Advertisers Batesville Spine & Health Solutions-------- 6 Darling Pharmacy---------------------------- 9 Darling’s Fine Things------------------------ 9 D Q Grill & Chill------------------------------ 4 Eagle Pest------------------------------------20 ENG Lending--------------------------------- 5 George Kell Motors, Inc--------------------- 3 Greenway Equipment, Inc.------------------ 8 Harris Hospital------------------------------- 2 H & R Block Tax Services------------------- 15 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC------ 7 Living Spaces-------------------------------- 12 Merchants and Planters Bank--------------- 3 MFS Insurance - Julia Brand--------------- 3 NEA Baptist Clinic-------------------------- 11 N E D C--------------------------------------- 21 Newark Furniture, Flowers and More---- 18 Purdy’s Flowers and Gifts------------------ 11 Senior Circle---------------------------------23 Southern Tire Mart-------------------------- 17 St. Michael’s Place---------------------------24 Studio 1910 Photography-------------------20

U of A, Division of Agriculture, Research & Extension Conducting a New Year’s financial checkup Sarah Henry Metzger

How fit are your finances? It’s a good idea to give yourself a financial checkup at least once a year. Many consumers make New Year’s resolutions about money management, but, do you know if you’re financially stable? Now is a good time to check your financial health!

The three simple ways to benchmark financial well-being: * Net Worth – Net worth is the total of all assets minus the total of all liabilities. That’s the dollar value of everything you own minus everything you owe or your total debts. For example, if the current market value of your home is $150,000 you would list that in the asset column. Let’s assume you still owe $100,000 on your home mortgage loan. You would list $100,000 in the liabilities column. Net worth should be positive and increasing each year. A form to calculate net worth can be found at www.uaex.edu – type net worth into the search box. * Debt to Income Ratio – This ratio represents monthly debt payments -- excluding mortgage -- divided by net monthly salary. Debt payments include credit card minimum payments, car payments or other monthly consumer debt. Use your net monthly salary – that’s after taxes and other withholding has been taken out. Use the salary figure that’s actually your take-home pay. Sometimes health insurance premiums or retirement contributions are taken directly from the employee’s paycheck. A lower ratio is better than a higher ratio. Less than 10 percent is best. More than 20 percent could be a sign of trouble.

Use the online calculator at www.powerpay.org to explore repayment plan options. * Credit Score – Credit scores usually range from 300-850. The best scores are in the mid-700s and higher. Your credit report is free but you will have to pay for your credit score. If you’ve shopped for a car or home loan recently, potential lenders may have run a credit check and can give you a copy of your credit score. If you haven’t seen your score in a couple of years, it’s worth checking. Fees are usually less than $15. Companies may try to entice you to sign up for a feebased credit monitoring service. Most consumers don’t need this so be careful to only purchase the credit score. Some consumers may have a lower score because they haven’t used credit. This is often the case for young adults who are just starting their financially independent lives. Some consumers don’t like to use credit and prefer to pay as they go. This is perfectly acceptable. The benefit of a higher credit score is that consumers can save thousands of dollars in interest because they qualify for lower interest loans.

Learn more about personal finance at www.uaex.edu/Jackson County. The Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service has the latest research-based recommendations on money management to help you improve your financial stability.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. N

T-L Irrigation Company--------------------23 WRMC Newport Diagnostic Clinic-------- 19 22 | Happy reading and we hope you enjoy this issue of Eye On Jackson.

Newport Chamber News Welcome Felicia

Julie Allen, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is very excited to kick off the year welcoming a new employee, Felicia Simpson. A native of Swifton, Felicia began in December and will be the part-time Chamber administrative assistant and full-time building coordinator for the Newport Business Resource Center.

If your business or organization is in need of meeting space, give Felicia a call!

February and March are active months at our office in preparation for several events. The 79th Annual Chamber Banquet held at the Newport Country Club features a live auction, a fantastic dinner, a featured speaker and the presentation of annual awards including small and large business of the year, the ambassador award and the Jackson County outstanding citizen award. Not only is this a great networking opportunity for Chamber members, it is also a whole lot of fun. Call the Chamber for complete banquet details.

Portfest directors have begun meeting weekly in preparation for the annual Portfest Festival, which will be held on June 5-6 at Jacksonport State Park. Eight volunteers commit three or more years to serve as one of these directors. The first order of business will be securing entertainment and confirming sponsors. Portfest is wellknown for providing national-level performers at a low cost thanks to the support of local and regional contributors.

Vendor applications will be available at the end of February for arts and crafters and food vendors. Directors are also planning annual Portfest-related events that are held prior to Portfest weekend including the two-person golf scramble, 5k walk and run, and kids’ fishing derby as well as the buddy bass fishing tournament and horseshoe pitching tournament to be held June 6.

The Chamber’s 12th New Vision Newport leadership development class is working on three team projects that should be completed prior to the class graduation in May. Group one is working with the Newport Economic Development Commission to host an economic development summit in Newport. Group two has partnered with the Jackson County Historical Society to implement a local historic marker program. Group three, working with the downtown revitalization group (DRIVE), is working on a veterans’ memorial. All three groups are coming up with great ideas, and I am excited to see what they will implement.

Don’t forget to install the new Newport app on your smartphone for easy access to local businesses. Search for Newport, Arkansas in your app store.

If you would like to know more about Chamber or community events in and around Newport/Jackson County, call (870) 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber. org to sign up for our free “Upcoming Events” email. N

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Harris Hospital February 4 Lunch N Learn, Dr. Mortoti Heart Health February 9

Bingo

10:00

February 9

Diabetic Cooking Class

11:00

February 13

St. Valentine Luncheon

11:00

February 20 Bingo – Bald Knob

Noon

February 23 Bingo – Tuckerman

Noon

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February 2015 | 23