Eye On Jackson June 2015

Eye On Jackson www.eyeonmag.com

Choosing Hope or Despair A New Look for Historic Downtown Newport Standard of Enforcement with Jami L. Cook A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

June 2015

326 Lindley Lane

870-523-6539

In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note I’m Going to Jackson

7/NEDC Report

Choosing Hope or Despair?

8/Healthy Women of Unity

First Annual Kids Color Run a Success

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9/Seniors, can we talk?

Social Security?

10/Cover Story

The Standard of Enforcement

13/Faces 13/Notes from the Clearing Jackson in June

17/Great Tastes

Father’s Day Feast

18/I Do

Your Wedding

18/In the Field with Randy Weeding the Soybeans

20/Things To Do 21/U of A, Division of Agriculture, Research & Extension Are Canners Passed Down for Generations Safe?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association. He is retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

Rebecca Pearrow is marketing director at Unity Health-Harris Medical Center. She attained an AA at Central Baptist College followed by a BS at Arkansas Tech University. She completed an MBA from Harding University in 2014. She was employed 12 years at White County Medical Center prior to returning to Harris Hospital, and is now happy to be an associate of the new Unity Health system that resulted from the alignment of the two hospitals. She spends her free time traveling to support her kid’s athletics, gardening, raising chickens and scrap booking.

Meet Your Writers...

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.

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 Photography by Elizabeth Johnson Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

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Editor’s Note I’m Going to Jackson Joseph Thomas

Hello fellow Jackson County citizens, friends, neighbors and aquaintences. We hope you are all more than well. Kimberlee and I didn’t want to speak too soon, but we have Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas Photo by Cheryl Mauldin opened Chill Factory on 220 East Main Street in Batesville and invite you all to come taste our wares and find your favorite new frozen treats; Frozen Yogurt, Gelato and Italian Ice, as well as coffee and soft drinks. I also wanted to respond to Jon Chadwell’s article on the next page.

Kimberlee and I have worked in Independence and Jackson County hard for six plus years and have heard some of the same complaints about both downtowns; that it is dying or drying up. We opened Chill Factory Frozen Yogurt May 18th and Main Street came alive immediately with happy faces. Honestly, the number of local faces coming and going everyday has surprised everyone. It is understandable not to know if something is going to work, but nothing will happen if we don’t try. We can give up and say it is too much trouble, but we see neighbors all the time in every town

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across America that will watch their homes fall apart around them, because it is just too much work or too expensive to repair. Let’s not do this to our beautiful communities when they are just waiting to be loved and cared for. I don’t know anyone that enjoys taxes, but if they are being spent on our community, isn’t that worth spending a little more?

We also invite you to read on and discover Adrienne Freeman’s Father’s Day offering, Caroline Beauchamp delves into Social Security and Sarah Metzger discusses the possible health hazzards of using older canning equipment.

Jon Chadwell speaks of choosing HOPE, Randy Chlapecka discusses weed control in soybeans and Rebecca Pearrow shares some images and thoughts about Eagle Pest Management, LLC the First Annual Kids 1775 Porter Street, Batesville Color Run . We have some sweet local faces 870-307-0582 and many things to do, Toll Free: 877-313-2453 so please read on and we will see you around.

Commercial and Residential Stay safe and enjoy Your Termite and Pest Control Services Specialist Serving North Central Arkansas June in Arkansas! N Waymon Long President

wlong1@sbcglobal.net

NEDC Report Choosing Hope or Despair?

Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director Imagine with me for a minute that you don’t feel well and you decide to go to the doctor. When you pull up outside the office, all you want is for the doctor to make you feel better. The doctor examines you and after a few tests says, “Well, you know we all have to die sometime and so I think you should just prepare yourself and get ready.” You quickly ask the doctor, “Isn’t there anything I can do?” The doctor responds, “There are some medicines, but they are awfully expensive and there is one treatment but it takes a lot of time, effort and work, so I would recommend that since you are going to die one day anyway, you just go ahead and do it now.”

Now I think I know what most of us would do. We’d jump in the car and head to another doctor. And this time the second doctor says, “Hey, let’s put you on this medicine and start this treatment and I think that with a little time you’ll be able to have a full life again.”

The next time you didn’t feel well, which doctor would you go and see? The one who says there’s nothing to do or the one who gives you hope and shows you a chance to get better? Of course, we’d all choose hope over despair. We’d all choose to spend a little money, work a little harder and have longer to live.

A town is much the same way. There are people who will tell you “downtown is dead.” Or maybe “Our town is drying up.” None of their statements are really based on facts, but rather on their dissatisfaction. When people say, “We can try this and see if it will help,” they respond with the standard responses, “It costs too much” or “It will never work.” The result is a vision for the future of the community that is full of despair and decay.

Other people in town say, “Imagine if we do this or that.” Or even, “You know I think we can make a difference by doing this project.” Some of the projects are easy and simple and some are hard and complex.

But much like the person who will do anything to live a better life, these people will do anything to have a better community. They are sharing hope and belief.

Much like deciding which doctor to see in our illustration, we have to decide which vision for the future we would like to follow. The one that shows us only despair or the one that offers hope. The one that says downtown is dead or the one that says downtown can be great again. The one that says Jackson County is destined to fail or the one that says Jackson County has a bright future.

Fortunately for Newport and Jackson County, there are far more people who choose hope over despair.

There are many more who are willing to meet and give and work for a bright future than there are who are content to simply complain. Newport and Jackson County have a very bright future. Most people in town

realize this simple fact. We’ve chosen the right path, the path that leads to hope and promise, not just for us, but also for our children and grandchildren. If you want to help us work on the things that will bring about our bright future, feel free to call and see how you can be part of what is quickly making us one of the best small towns in Arkansas.

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!

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Front Street Park, a bright future rising from the fallen mortar of a proud history!

June 2015 | 7

Healthy Women of Unity

First Annual Kids Color Run a Big Success Rebecca Pearrow

Despite uncooperative weather, Healthy Women of Unity sponsored a morning of fun at the first annual Kids Color Run in conjunction with the Portfest 5k on May 16. Response was huge in the weeks leading up to the event, and although it was a dreary morning, 104 kids, ages 12 and under, still showed up to run a half mile while being showered with colored power. The kids had a great time while participating in a health centered activity. This Color Run is an example of the type of population health and wellness activities that Unity Health endeavors to endorse as they continue their mission in Newport.

HWOU has gained a reputation of hosting wellattended events that promote women’s health and now has expanded to providing a resource for children’s wellness also. Pediatrician Dr. Kishore Gaddam was on hand at the event passing out crayons and coloring books to reassure children that visits to the Pediatrician are not only necessary for illness and disease prevention, but can also be fun. A collaborative effort between Unity Health, Arkansas State University-Newport, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, HWOU sponsors and Junior Auxiliary of Jackson County provided this opportunity for children – not only from Newport, but from as far away as Bentonville, Fayetteville, Ft. Smith, Memphis, Wynne and Little Rock. It was a pleasure to see kids from more local surrounding areas such as Tuckerman, Grubbs, Pleasant Plains and Searcy as well.

With 85 pre-registrants who didn’t show up, probably due to the gloomy weather, it is anticipated that the event will continue to grow in subsequent years.

As always, this event wouldn’t have possibly gone so smoothly without my fabulous Healthy Women of Unity Advisory Council! At each event I feel like I just do all the pre-planning and provide structure and promotion, but then at actual event time these ladies just run with it and pull everything together seamlessly while I point and direct. It amazes me what can be accomplished when a dedicated group such as this combines talents and resources. Unity Health is deeply appreciative to this Council of influential ladies who so generously volunteer their time to bring wonderful health centered events to Newport! We look forward to the next one.

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Seniors, can we talk?

Social Security?

Caroline Beauchamp

Let’s talk about your Social Security benefits – when is the best time to start your Social Security? Do I have to pay taxes on it? Is it going to be enough?

Most retirement advice focuses on how to save enough money for your later years and how to make the best use of your pension (if you’re lucky enough to have one). For many, the most confusing part of retirement planning is our Social Security benefit.

“When should I start taking my Social Security? As soon as I’m eligible?” Taking Social Security benefits at “the right time” depends on your situation. You may be surprised to know that you can actually start receiving Social Security benefits as early as 62. Most people do not and most financial advisors suggest this could be a mistake. Every year you wait through age 70 will make your monthly check more. One person said if they retire this year at their full retirement age they would be eligible for a maximum monthly benefit of $2,663. If they had taken their benefits at age 62, they would only have received $1,997 – over 33% less.

Waiting to age 70 may not be right for you. If you can’t live without that money or if you have health issues or family history of dying young, you may want to take benefits earlier. Even if your benefits increased 8 percent (8%) a year, if you’re not around to collect that higher amount it certainly didn’t help you.

What if you are married and never paid into Social Security? You can still get benefits equal to half of your spouse’s benefits.

A friend of mine was married 11 years and has been divorced for 30 years. Since she never remarried, she’s  eligible for spousal benefits from her ex-husband.

Do you have to pay taxes on your Social Security retirement benefits? If Social Security is your only source of income, your retirement benefits typically are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return. If you have sources of income in addition to Social Security, then you may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits. Those additional sources of income include wages, self employment income, interest and dividends, pension income and IRA/401(k) withdrawals. Since I am not a tax advisor, I suggest that you contact your tax advisor for details  related to your situation.  Will I be able to retire and live on my Social Security?

Even though Social Security was only intended to supplement your retirement income, most intend to fund their retirement with their Social Security payments. This   makes Social Security more popular as a funding source than a 401 (k) plan, pension or investment portfolios.

Social Security may not be enough to provide the preretirement lifestyle you have. The average monthly  benefit in January 2014 was a little over $15,000           annually.                            Got something you’d like to talk about? Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?

N             

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           

June 2015 | 9

Eye On Cover Story The Standard of Enforcement Joseph Thomas

Mr. Jim Bishop caught up with Kimberlee and me while we were dropping off Eye On Jackson at his place of business, Jim’s Furniture. He was excited to tell us about his daughter, Jami L. Cook, and her latest accomplishment of becoming the first female Director of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. He arranged a meeting with her when next she visited her home town of Newport, Arkansas on a visit to speak for the Rotary Club. She is an amazing woman and a fine example of just how capable and accomplished women truly can be. She sat down and told us all about her appointment, her journey there and some great stories of working with her father, (the then Jackson County Sheriff) as a Newport Police Officer.

Cook wasted no time, after graduating Newport High School, in beginning college with the intention of majoring in business. One Criminal Justice class later, her intention changed. Under the tutelage of Dr. Mary Parker, “Who is still a legend because of her research in the criminal justice system specifically in prison and prison reform,” explains Cook. Cook grew up knowing the police force like family and knew the path. “Dr. Parker is still on the board, but after attending her class, I knew it was my calling.” Cook graduated ASU in 1994 with a degree in criminology. She thought hard about going on to earn her masters, but wanted to work in Newport first. She called Mayor David Stewart, who was Chief of Police at the time. “I asked him if he had any openings. He said, ‘I have one.’ I said, ‘Well, can I have it?’” Cook began working for the Newport Police in 1994 and protected Newport for two years before joining the State Police in Little Rock. She attended the Basic Police Academy in 1995 and then Troop School in 1996, both in Camden. “I said when I left in 1996, that I was never going back to Camden because the training courses are so intense. Twenty years later, where does my path lead me? To Camden...and I’m grateful to be there.” Cook married Nathan Cook in 1997 and worked as a State Police Officer for quite some time before taking a sabbatical to raise their son (Jacob, now 15), and daughter (Anna 11). Nathan (who is now Chief of Police in England, Arkansas), and Cook are celebrating nineteen years of marriage this year. Cook started on her master’s before Jacob was born and finished when he was two years old, she holds that Master’s in Criminology at UALR. She went back to the State Police Department and became program director over policies, procedures, training, special projects and even helped with the Legislative Session for ten years. She acknowledges all of the fine Coloniels and Majors she has worked with and the tremendous work they do for the state of Arkansas, “I truly believe we have one of the best State Police Agencies in the nation,” adds Cook. She was appointed six years ago by Arkansas Governor Beebe 10 | Jackson in June

to the Commission on the Law Enforcement Standards and Training. This board oversees all officers in the state of Arkansas and determines who is certified and who is decertified. “It is quite a substantial responsibility and a definite privilage to be on that board. If an officer is decertified they are suspended from duty from that day forward with no chance of return to the force. We are very diligent in this service, because while I believe fully that most of our officers are very dedicated and wonderful servants to our community, when you have a bad officer, it reflects poorly on us all,” says Cook. “This is a judgment that is determined through due process, which everyone deserves, and the names of any officers that are decertified go into a national database to ensure that they may not become officers in another state.”

Cook says fortunately that is not the norm, that most officers are true to their training and their community.

Ken Jones was the Director of the Commission before Cook and he stepped down with Governor Hutchinson’s election. Cook received a call from Governor Hutchinson about the appointment. A second phone call two weeks later and a vote from the board confirmed her position as Director of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. She says she had an advantage because of her time on the commission and her knowledge of the inner workings. The Commission oversees nineteen thousand officers in the state of Arkansas; all of their requirements to be Police Officer’s, their continuing education requirements to maintain that certification, but they also run the Basic Police Academy in Camden and in Springdale, Arkansas.

They also oversee all of the other training facilities in the State and the standard of training given. “My job oversees three campuses, the Police Academy in Camden and Springdale and the Standards Office in Little Rock,” adds Cook, “So, I’m in the car a lot.” She also explains that Troop School is specific training for State Troopers in addition to any police training they may have already undergone, with an emphasis on highway training.

Cook says she has never known any subjugation due to her gender. She has been very diligent to stand on her own merit and says she has been fortunate to work with officers and chiefs that allowed her to do her job without any gender bias. Nor has she been given any special treatment, Cook has earned her position from the ground up and knows without a doubt that she got where she is due to her parents grounding and humble raising. She says they made her and her siblings toe the line in every occasion and to be responsible for all of their actions. Cook says her sister, Laura, works in respiratory therapy sales and her brother, Brad, works in the farming industry. All three were raised in Newport and attended Holden Avenue Church. Cook worked at Merchants and Planters Bank for Mr. Jim

Gowen Sr. in high school and really loved it. Gowen told her to get a business degree and come back and work for him. She thought that sounded like an outstanding idea, but the pull from that Criminology Course made all the difference. She says, “I remember telling Daddy that I was going to change my major to Criminology and he said, ‘You mean I’m gonna pay for four years of college so you can become a cop?’ But I know he was proud of me and it makes me proud to see my parents so excited about my appointment on this commission.

I always want to make them proud that I am the person they raised me to be.” She admits it is humbling to stand in front of Basic Police Training graduations and visit with the new officers. She shares with them that the servant’s heart that guides a great officer does not change, that your character and integrity is everything.

She says without it, you don’t have a place in law enforcement. She speaks of officers learning to keep their public and private life unsullied and to stay a cut above because of the power they wield. Cook borrowed a phrase from her Father and taught her children; ‘There is no one in this world any better than you are, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you are better than anyone else.’ Cook was taught to treat others with respect no matter who or where they are and that no matter what you do with your life, do it with heart and do your very best. And, like her Mom says, it is harder to be a good parent than it is to be a bad parent, but it is worth the hard work. Jami Cook is a testament to that fact and not only was it a pleasure to meet her, but to know that she is helping to keep our officers on the right track. We wish her to best of luck in her new position and are glad to know she is part of the system that keeps us all safe. N

June 2015 | 11

Chill Factory Receives Grant from First Community Bank and FHLB Luanne Gregory

While Chill Factory owners, Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas were excited to be opening a new Main Street Batesville shop which features soft serve frozen yogurt, gelato and Italian ice, they were ecstatic to learn that they qualified for a $10,000 Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) grant through First Community Bank.

“Kimberlee and I love Batesville and think that the improvements being made to Main Street make it an excellent place for people to gather during the day, after work and on weekends,” said Joseph. “We decided that a specialty frozen yogurt shop in the heart of downtown will be a great addition to the shops and growing activities going on in our historic district. It was a godsend when First Community Bank’s Herb Lawrence shared information about the FHLB grant program. Ten thousand dollars is a great deal of money to a new business just getting off the ground. Downtown Batesville, like Downtown Newport are in need of people gathering, eating, shopping and this is a first step. We are excited for the renovations on Front Street in Newport and hope that maybe someday we could expand to branch out in Downtown Newport as well.”

Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas are not strangers to small business ownership. The entrepreneurial couple own and publish Eye On Independence and Eye On Jackson, two monthly magazines that highlight area events. Until recently, they also produced several features

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on Sudden Link’s open cable channel.

“Just like First Community Bank, we like to keep things as local as we possibly can,” said Kimberlee.

“Even our frozen treats are made by Honey Hill Farms, a Russellville, Arkansas company. Their yogurt products have five different types of probiotic cultures, which we are learning are key to good health. In addition to a number of delicious frozen treat choices, we’ll have tasty options for those with special dietary needs, such as low or no sugar and gluten free desserts. With the assistance we’ve received from Herb, coupled with help from of our personal lender, Matt McDonald, we’ll have even more to offer our customers.”

“Small businesses, like the Chill Factory are the life blood of our community,” said Lawrence. “There are often options for organizations and business owners, which will foster and support local growth. The grant that Joseph and Kimberlee received matched their personal investment dollar for dollar. The grant program through the FHLB of Dallas is just one of the options we are eager to help businesses and organizations explore.”

The Chill Factory opened for business on May 18th, with plans for an official grand opening and ribbon cutting in June. Hours of business are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and they are open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Faces

201 Hazel, Newport 870-523-1009 Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas, of Chill Factory, recieve a grant from FHLB through First Community Bank.

“The mission of the Newport Economic Development Commission is to facilitate an environment that will be conducive to economic growth and stability. The

Notes from the Clearing Jackson in June Joseph Thomas

The green grass growing towards the sky waves in a school like fish, mimicking the blackbirds that turn and fall and flicker across the blue sky above. The breeze is a magnet, pulling me up and out into the hypnotic air that lulls my senses to a peaceful condition. The sun renders to a pink - orange hue as it reaches for the horizon with a grip that speaks of sleepy solar affection and the frogs warm their voices for the night that soon will have fallen upon the beautiful Terra the green singers inhabit. The chorus of croaks will fill the land with a serene rhythm that sets the world at right and readies my head for the pillow with a sense of ease and thanks for...well, all of this.

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commission will work to enhance, promote, and create increased opportunities for economic well being by developing and implementing strategies that will improve quality of life, community aesthetics, and encourage new investment in Newport and Jackson County.”

June 2015 | 13

ASU-Newport Students Grab Four Gold Medals at Arkansas SkillsUSA Competition Van Provence

Nine Arkansas State University-Newport students earned medals, including four gold medals, at the Arkansas SkillsUSA competition held last week at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Aaron Redmond of Brookland won the gold medal in Information Technology Services competition, Seth Smithee of Paragould took top honors in Electrical Construction Wiring, Kaitlyn Lard of Tyronza grabbed the gold in Cosmetology and John Angelo of Jonesboro topped the field in Internetworking competition.

Angelo led ASU-Newport to the top three finishes in Internetworking, as Cody Dickens of Harrisburg earned the silver medal and Chandler Vance of Jonesboro took home the bronze medal.

All four of ASUN’s gold medalists will now advance to the National SkillsUSA competition this summer in Louisville, Ky. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel, and is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are

Four Arkansas State University-Newport students won gold medals recently at the Arkansas SkillsUSA competition in Hot Springs. Gold medal winners were (from left): Seth Smithee of Paragould in Electrical Construction Wiring, Aaron Redmond of Brookland in Information Technology Services, Kaitlyn Lard of Tyronza in Cosmetology and John Angelo in Internetworking.

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preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.

Other medalists for ASU-Newport at the Arkansas SkillsUSA competition were Matthew Wheeley of Jonesboro, who won the silver medal in Automotive Service Technology, Savanna Reed of Monette, who took silver in Job Skill Demonstrations and the team of Brittany Reed of Morrilton and Skye Roach of Trumann, who won the silver medal in Esthetics. Stephen Rasnic of Jonesboro earned the bronze in HVAC competition.

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 what is going on at ASU-Newport, visit us on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ ASUNewport.com, 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. N

Arkansas Hospice Recognized Scott Christian

We Honor Veterans has named Arkansas Hospice as a Level 4 Partner, the highest recognition awarded by the nationwide program that aims to improve the care of veterans nearing the end of life.

We Honor Veterans was launched in 2010 by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs. The program’s goal is to address the unique healthcare needs – both physical and emotional – facing America ’s veterans and their families, many of whom are unaware of end-oflife services and benefits available to them. At least 25 percent of those who die every year in the United States are veterans.

The program recognizes participating organizations – or partners – with a tiered, 4-level system, based on their ongoing efforts to improve care for veterans. Currently, We Honor Veterans has more than 2,500 hospice partners enrolled in the program. Of those, Arkansas Hospice is the first in the state to reach Level 4, the highest ranking awarded by We Honor Veterans.

“All our patients deserve the best care we can provide, but veterans hold a special place in our hearts,” said Judy Wooten , President and CEO of Arkansas Hospice. “We Honor Veterans gives us a wonderful opportunity to recognize and thank the men and women who sacrificed to protect our freedom.”

As part of its efforts, Arkansas Hospice has developed a process to make sure its veteran patients are identified, properly diagnosed and given assistance in obtaining VA benefits and connecting them with other veteran service programs. Patients who’ve indicated they would like to be recognized for their time in the military are thanked for their service with framed certificates and table flags.

“We have also been going out into the Arkansas community speaking to various organizations about veteran outreach and are working to locate veterans in rural areas in order to connect them with VA benefits and service providers,” said David “Doc” Kenser, an Arkansas Hospice chaplain and chair of the organization’s We Honor Veterans Committee.

For all of its patients, Arkansas Hospice offers quality, compassionate care with a team-oriented approach of expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support. The not-for-profit organization cares for patients of all ages, regardless of ability to pay, wherever they may be: in their own home or a family member’s, a nursing home, a hospital, an assisted living facility or at one of Arkansas Hospice’s three inpatient facilities.

Arkansas Hospice’s Batesville office is seeking volunteers to help care for patients in Independence and Jackson counties.

Ror more information, please email Harriet Hawkins, director of volunteers, at hhawkins@arkansashospice.org or call 870-793-1938, or toll-free at 877-794-1938, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. N June 2015 | 15

ASU-Newport to Host Media Day Showcasing Technology Van Provence

Arkansas State University-Newport will host a Media Day June 10 to showcase the capabilities of the college to conduct distance learning at rural locations, made possible

by ASUN’s installation of equipment provided through a USDA Rural Utility Services Distance Learning Technology grant.

Through the RUS-DLT grant, Arkansas State University-Newport is now able to provide college access to more rural citizens in order to increase the number of Arkansans with degrees and certificates. In 2014, ASUNewport completed the connection of its campus locations in Newport, Jonesboro and Marked Tree to three Arkansas school districts in an interactive partnership that will allow for citizens of these rural areas to take college courses in their communities.

Arkansas State University-Newport received the RUSDLT grant of approximately $460,000 that has allowed the two-year college to connect with the Harrisburg School District, the McCrory School District and the East Poinsett County School District. In Harrisburg, ASUN is connected with Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg Middle School and Harrisburg Elementary School, in McCrory ASUN’s service extends to the high school, and the EPC School District has connections in Tyronza at the elementary school and in Lepanto at the elementary and high schools.

In addition to coursework from ASUN, the network

allows the K-12 schools to connect with one another to share courses, professional development opportunities and content to better meet Arkansas educational standards.

ASU-Newport’s Media Day activities will begin at 10:00 a.m in Room 118 of Walton Hall on the Newport campus. Connections with the remote campus locations will be established in order to demonstrate the capability of the technology, and officials from ASU-Newport and the outlying institutions will be available for questions.

Media Day activities will run for approximately 90 minutes, with light refreshments being served.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION CONCERNING THE RUS-DLT GRANT Video network infrastructure resides at the hub site on ASUN’s Newport campus, while servers will allow outlying sites to record and make available on-demand a wide variety of course content. All three of ASUN’s campus locations are now equipped with custom integrated distance learning classrooms. These classrooms enable ASUN instructors to share content, instruction and professional development, giving the outlying sites the same “virtual” experience they would have if they were live in the classroom. A variety of peripheral devices will keep the students engaged and interested, rather than the instructor becoming a “talking head” on a video screen. N

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Great Tastes Father’s Day Feast Adrienne Freeman

The month of May just saw National Barbeque Month and National Hamburger Month, but the allure of cooking outside doesn’t dampen until the late fall or the first frost. One of the traditional joys of summer are barbeques - leisurely days spent outside by the grill, enjoying friends and family while ribs, chops or sausages sizzle and take on the perfect char. In many families these days commonly involve Dad at the grill, wearing a stained “Kiss the Cook” apron and keeping the recipe for his special sauce close to the vest. But when Father’s Day rolls around the third Sunday in June, Dad deserves a day off. With a little prep, the rest of the family can provide great barbeque alternatives no matter what the weather and without violating Dad’s sacred grilling domain.

If Dad wants to enjoy his special day making birdies at the golf course or catching fish on the lake, his favorite barbeque dishes can be made in the oven with the same tender and delicious results as leaving them on the smoker for hours. Oven baked ribs also fit another recipe category that is always in demand – easy and trouble-free.

Fresh Tangy Coleslaw is a new spin on the old side staple. The freshness of the cabbage with a homemade dressing makes zippy accompaniment very different from the deli or takeout variety. The slaw is not sweet, so if your family loves the sweeter variety, add a few tablespoons or sugar or artificial sweetener (Splenda) to the dressing before tossing.

1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 Tablespoon chives, chopped Kosher salt, as needed Fresh ground black pepper Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and whisk until combined. Toss dressing with cabbage and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add 1 – 2 Tablespoons of sugar or sugar substitute (Splenda) to taste with dressing before mixing with cabbage. N

Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs 1 rack baby back ribs, rinsed and patted dry 3 Tablespoons Liquid Smoke 1 jar of your favorite rib rub, such as What’s This!

Spice mix (made right here in Jackson County!) or other favorite rib seasoning Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Remove the membrane on the back side of the rack by making a few slits between ribs bones, loosening the membrane with a paring knife then working off with your fingers.

Liberally season ribs with seasoning, rubbing over all surfaces well, front and back. Place ribs in short-sided roasting pan and cook uncovered for approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours. Ribs are ready when they are tender and the meat can easily be separated from the bone.

If you prefer “wet” ribs, apply your favorite barbeque sauce in the last hour of cooking and cover with foil.

Roll up your sleeves and enjoy.

Fresh Tangy Slaw 1 bag pre-shredded cabbage for slaw ½ c. buttermilk 3 Tablespoons plain yogurt (low fat sour cream can be substituted) 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise 1 Tablespoon pickle juice June 2015 | 17

I Do Do

Your Wedding

Kimberlee Thomas

So, you got married....had a wonderful honeymoon , I hope? And now what,...other than enoying the rest of your life with the one that you love, let us know how it came about! Email us at kthomas@eyeonmag.com and we will ask you some questions...it’s just that easy, so what are you waiting for? We love to talk about you and would be more than happy to honor your special day with Jackson County and the world.

N

In the Field with Randy Weeding the Soybeans

Randy Chlapecka We finally got a break from the rain and got a large part of the rice planted between April 26th and May 8th. The rains came back on May 9th which helped get the crop emerged and herbicides activated. Some soybeans were also planted during that dry spell but the majority of the crop remains to be planted as I write on May 15th with more rain in the forecast.

As we get into soybean planting, everyone needs to stay on top of their weed control program, especially pigweeds. In my opinion, farmers have been doing a much better job on pigweed control over the last few years and hopefully they won’t let their guard down.

The keys to an excellent pigweed control program are starting clean, overlapping residual herbicides, making timely postemergence herbicide applications, and managing the soil seedbank.

Starting clean can be through tillage or the use of burndown herbicides. Good burndown herbicides for pigweed control include Paraquat, Sharpen, and Liberty.

If planting Liberty Link soybeans, try to avoid using Liberty for burndown as this can lead to an overuse of Liberty.

There are numerous residual herbicides available including but not limited to Dual or generics, Metribuzin, Zidua, Anthem, Fierce, Valor, Envive,

Political Roundtable with Arkansas Senators Representatives moderated by John Brumett.

18 | Jackson in June

Valor XLT, Authority MTZ, Authority Elite, Sharpen, and Verdict. Depending on the planting situation, these can be applied before planting, after planting and before crop emergence, or in the case of Dual and Zidua postemergence up to the third trifoliate. The key is to overlap residuals, in other words have a second residual applied and activated before the first one runs out. Rainfall or irrigation is needed to activate these herbicides. They all work great when activated and they all fail when not activated.

Postemergence herbicides available for pigweed control in soybeans include Liberty, Flexstar, and Blazer. To be effective, applications of these herbicides must be made early, typically within the first 7 to 10 days following emergence. Follow label directions on the proper application of these materials including proper equipment setup, spray volume, droplet size, spray additives, etc.

Managing the soil seedbank involves the use of all of the above recommendations to control pigweeds and then using any means possible to control pigweed escapes both in the field and around the field.

For more information, feel free to contact me at 870-318-0739 or by e-mail at randychlapecka@gmail. com.

N

and

Clinton School Team - Joyce Akidi, Alexi Lanis, Shanell Ransom, Jeremy Ratcliff, sharing information about the Community Alumni Network.

Cash Saver receives their ReNewport Grant for exterior improvement to their store.

Dr. Sandra Massey announces the monthly Movies in the Park series to be hosted by ASU-Newport in the new downtown #Newport park!

From April to October free family movies in Newport! #BrightFuture.

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June 2015 | 19

Things To Do

A Day with Janet Carson The Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service, ASUNewport, and the White River Garden Club (WRGC) will host a gardening seminar ”A Day with Janet Carson” in Newport, Arkansas. This event will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the ASU Newport Student/Community Center. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and will end by 3:00 p.m.. The Cost is $15 (Paid in Advance) which includes lunch , door prizes and other goodies . The coffee break refreshments will be provided in part by the Jackson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. Other providers for the day will be, Walmart, Cash Saver, Harris Hospital,and Newport Diagnostic Center . You must pre-register by June 4. To pre-register or for more information , please contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 870 523 7450 or email wbarker@uaex.edu.

Please make your check payable to WRGC and mail it to 649 Jackson 917, Newport, Ar 72112 . We hope to see you at this fun, informative event June 11th.

34th Annual PortFest Festival June 5-6, 2015 2015 marks the 34th year for the Portfest “Rollin’ on the River” Festival, sponsored by Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. Portfest is held the first full weekend in June each year and is held on the banks of the White River at beautiful Jacksonport State Park.

This year’s festival will be June 5-6, with the carnival opening on Wednesday, June 3.

Portfest welcomes approximately portfest visitors 12,000 people during the two-day event. Considering that Jackson County’s population is approximately 18,000 people and we’re located in the Delta, you can imagine the impact thousands of visitors provide for our area. Entertainers for the weekend include Riverbilly and The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, June 5 with Little Texas and Josh Thompson on Saturday, June 6.

The music, however, is only one partportfest vendors of what attracts families to our festival.

With the purchase of an armband, most of the family attractions on Saturday are free without any additional cost. People throughout the region can let their children enjoy everything within the gates such as the petting zoo, huge children’s tent and inflatables without having to shell out a lot of hard earned cash. The goal of the festival is always to offer high-quality entertainment for families at a low cost. We’ve been affordable for over 30 years while our costs continue to soar. Public and private support has allowed us to continue meeting our goal.

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.

20 | Jackson in June

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

Chris Massingale with DRA moderates a workforce development panel at the Arkansas Rural Development Conference.

U of A, Division of Agriculture, Research & Extension Are Canners Passed Down for Generations Safe?

Sarah Henry Metzger

Although I do not have my grandmothers pressure canner, many canners are passed down or bought at estate sales or yard sales. While there is definitely nothing wrong with that, it is important that the pressure canner be working properly. The only way to know that is to have it tested to ensure the safety of the food being processed.

If your canner isn’t working properly the foods in the jar can be under-processed, which even in a pressure canner, can increase the chance that botulism spores may still be present in the jars.

Pressure canning is the only recommended method for canning meat, poultry, seafood, and low acid vegetables.

Pressure canners destroy the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum which can be found in low-acid foods when they are processed at the correct time and pressure in pressure canners.

If Clostridium botulinum bacteria survive and grow inside a sealed jar of food, they can produce a poisonous toxin. Even a taste of food containing this toxin can be fatal. Using boiling water bath canners when a pressure canner is intended will pose an increased real risk of botulism poisoning.

Pressure canners for use in the home have been extensively redesigned in recent years. Models made before the 1970’s were heavy-walled kettles with clamp-on or

turn-on lids. They were fitted with a dial gauge, a vent port in the form of a petcock or counterweight, and a safety fuse. Modern pressure canners are lightweight, thin walled kettles; most have turn-on lids. The older models are still safe, as long as the dial is accurate, they are just heavier.

Newer models will have a jar rack, gasket, dial or weighted gauge, an automatic vent/cover lock, a vent port (steam vent) to be closed with a counterweight or weighted gauge, and a safety fuse.

Pressure does not destroy microorganisms, but high temperatures applied for an adequate period of time do kill microorganisms. The success of destroying all microorganisms capable of growing in canned food is based on the temperature obtained in pure steam, free of air.

A canner operated at a gauge pressure of 10.5 pounds of pressure provides an internal temperature of 240°F. Green beans and tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables for home canning. Because of their low acidity, vegetables such as green beans must be processed in a pressure canner.

If you have questions concerning canning or want to test your canner come by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Jackson County Extension office, 649 Jackson 917, e-mail me at smetzger@uaex.edu or call 870-523-7450. N

June 2015 | 21

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A New Look for Historic Downtown Newport

Batesville Spine & Health Solutions------- 16

Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.), has worked for the last eleven years as a nonprofit ogranization dedicated to revitalizing downtown Newport.

A number of milestones have been reached during that time, which include twelve new businesses in the downtown area, a sidewalk and lighting project worth nearly half a million dollars and the growth of annual events like the Delta Visual Arts Show and Depot Days, both of which bring thousands of people downtown each year. On May 13, 2015, D.R.I.V.E. working with the City of Newport and a host of local citizens, kicked off its largest initiative to date.

Plans for a downtown music park and veterans memorial were released to the public and the major fundraising effort was started to construct an entertainment venue for downtown. The park will feature a permanent music stage, outdoor seating, green space and a memorial dedicated to veterans who have served from World War I through present day. The stage will be large enough to host the popular Depot Days Festival each year. The veterans memorial will honor the men and women who have served in each branch of service by displaying emblems of those branches along with the inscription “For All Who Have Served - present and future.”

Individuals can then purchase bricks to be placed as pavers within the memorial to honor veterans that have been special in their lives. The memorial will be lit at night and will be the dominant feature of the park.

The park will not only be a memorial park, but also an active entertainment park. KASU Public Radio in Jonesboro announced May 13, that starting in 2016 they will bring back the popular Bluesday Tuesday program and hold it from April through October in the downtown park. Bluesday Tuesday will bring free blues concerts to

Darling Pharmacy---------------------------20 Darling’s Fine Things----------------------- 21 D Q Grill & Chill----------------------------- 11 Eagle Pest------------------------------------- 6 ENG Lending--------------------------------- 5 Farm Bureau---------------------------------- 3 Fortune Inn and Suites--------------------- 11 George Kell Motors, Inc-------------------- 19 Greenway Equipment, Inc.-----------------23 H & R Block Tax Services-------------------- 6 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC------ 3 Merchants and Planters Bank--------------- 6 N E D C--------------------------------------- 13 Newark Furniture, Flowers and More----- 9 Southern Tire Mart--------------------------- 3 St. Michael’s Place---------------------------24 Studio 1910 Photography------------------- 12 T-L Irrigation Company--------------------- 9 T Tauri Movie Camp------------------------ 17 Unity Health Harris Medical Center------- 2 WRMC Newport Diagnostic Clinic-------- 15

22 | Jackson in June

Jon Chadwell

Newport once a month featuring talented blues artists from Memphis and the MidSouth.

RiverCountry 96.7 also made an announcement, sharing plans to hold another monthly concert in the park. During the same April through October timespan, RiverCountry 96.7 will have free concerts featuring local and regional bands. These concerts will feature some of the talented musicians in the southern rock, country and bluegrass genres from around northeast Arkansas.

ASU-Newport followed with the announcement that they will host a “movies in the park” program for families from April through October in the park. Once a month, ASUNewport will show a feature film in the park under the stars. Patrons can bring blankets or lawn chairs and have some wonderful family time in downtown. Like the other events, this program will also be offered free of charge.

D.R.I.V.E. also announced at the event that the music stage would be dedicated to the memory of Terry Scoggins. Scoggins, long-time owner of Frank A Rogers Company, served on D.R.I.V.E., loved music and supported Newport with all his heart. His impact on the community continues in much of the work that is done. By dedicating the stage, D.R.I.V.E. wants to honor the memory and the legacy of one of Newport’s most passionate and active citizens.

The cost of the park is estimated to be around $600,000.00. The fundraising effort for the park kicked off on May 13th with the announcement of several pledges toward that goal. The list of the pledges, which is included below, totals over $370,000.00. Major donors who pledge $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 will receive special recognition in the park.

The recognition will consist of a large area of pavers with the logo or names of the major donors engraved on them. They will range from

a four square-foot engraving for $5,000 to a sixteen square-foot engraving for $50,000. Pledges can be paid with the entire amount up front or can be paid out over a four or five year period.

Several ways were given that would allow people to help the park become a reality. Companies or individuals can consider making a major pledge that will go toward the cost of the park as mentioned above. The purchase of bricks for veterans will also help in the park construction as 100% of the proceeds from the bricks will be used in the park. In addition to the bricks for the veterans area, there will be an additional section of the park where bricks can be purchased in honor of, memory of or recognition of others who are important in a person’s life. Finally, D.R.I.V.E. will also consider and accept in-kind donations of labor and materials that will aid the construction of the park, within the specifications necessary for completion.

The contacts with D.R.I.V.E. for more information are Jon Chadwell and Julie Allen who can be reached at (870) 523-1009 or director@newportaredc. org. D.R.I.V.E. is a non-profit organization so all

contributions are tax deductible. D.R.I.V.E. is excited about this project which will bring a bright new future for downtown Newport while helping preserve the proud cultural past of the community.

See more at http://newportarcity.org/economicdevelopment/local-economic-developmentorganizations/d-r-i-v-e/d-r-i-v-e-front-street-parkproject/ N

The Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage

A DAY With JANET CARSON Helen Bullard

The Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service, ASU-Newport, and the White River Garden Club (WRGC) will host a gardening seminar “”A Day with Janet Carson” in Newport, Arkansas. This event will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the ASU Newport Student/Community Center. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and will end by 3:00 p.m. The Cost is $15 (Paid in Advance) which includes lunch , door prizes and other goodies . The coffee break refreshments will be

NEW Z435

provided in part by the Jackson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. Other providers for the day will be, Walmart, Cash Saver, Harris Hospital,and Newport Diagnostic Center . You must pre-register by June 4.

To pre-register or for more information , please contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 870 523 7450 or email wbarker@uaex.edu.

Please make your check payable to WRGC and mail it to 649 Jackson 917, Newport, Ar 72112 . We hope to see you at this fun, informative event June 11th. N

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June 2015 | 23