Eye On Magazine September 2023

River Haunt 2023!

Editor’s Note

September

Joey Thomas

This month brings in the end of Summer heat, the beginning of football, and another great issue of Eye On Magazine!

We are proud to bring You another packed page turner, full of faces You know, events You’ll enjoy, some You might have missed, and a story that You’ll be glad You read.

So don’t waste another minute, get to it and if You have a story You’d like to share, email eyeonjoseph@gmail.com or call 870.503.2226. Enjoy this month, this issue, and all that life has in store! N

Eye On

ADVANCING STUDENTS, COMMUNITIES, AND INDUSTRIES IN ARKANSAS AND BEYOND.

Studio Salon

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonkimberlee@gmail.com. ASSOCIATE EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joey Thomas ADVERTISING

/ PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas, PROOFING

DEPARTMENT: Joey Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joey Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: MAGNA PUBLISHING COMPANY

Eye On Magazine 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 eyeonkimberlee@gmail.com. Mailing address: 504 Guffey Street / Newport, AR 72112. 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 © 2010 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 or eyeonkimberlee@gmail.com.

Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council awarded Eye On Independence the 2014 Wilson Powell Media Support Award for its dedication to tourism in the Gateway Region and Arkansas.

Cover Photo Submitted by MSB

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Tasty Talk

Farming for Gardens

When most people think of farming, they do not take gardening into consideration. Gardening is defined as the act of tending and cultivating, while farming is the act of growing crops and raising livestock. Most people tend to think of gardening as the act of growing crops. However, the definition of farming sums up the act of gardening. While gardening is an extensively covered topic, let us talk about farming and how raising livestock can also be considered a form of gardening.

A proper animal-human relationship is essential for the growth and nutrition of the land – the land in which our food is grown. Caring for any animal helps us have better gardens, but certain animals are more beneficial. Livestock animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs help clear and

till the land, as well as providing meat and dairy. Bees and butterflies multiply, helping grow our gardens through their pollination process. Honeybees even provide honey and beeswax if you tend to them. Earthworms and ants are another garden essential that tend the land underground as they provide an array of nutrition to the soil. Fowl and poultry are known for their egg production but can also be eaten for their meat. Raising them is easy and beneficial to ridding your land of pests, insects, and other unwanted visitors. Birds are another source of pest control that will not harm the garden. Hummingbirds, in particular, are efficient pollinators that will help your garden grow and multiply. A good indicator of a thriving garden are lizards, as they eat garden pests and live in areas with minimal pollutants and heavy metals. Hedgehogs feast on slugs, insects, and keep edible groundcover clear.

Animals were created to know what to do and how to help us. They will instinctively graze the land to eat what we spray to get rid of, take care of bad

landscaping, fertilize the earth, and even provide tree trimming services (depending on what animal you have). Animals are so multipurposed that it can be fun working with them and their natural instincts. For example, goats are so good at knowing what vegetation to eat and trampling the earth that they are essential in the prevention and putting out of land fires. Sheep are also good for their wool, making them essential to our clothing industry. Traditional opinions believe that animals can tell you the upcoming weather and seasons.

If you live on a plot of land that needs year-round attention, consider hosting an animal that was created to do what needs to be done. Do some research and talk to people who have that animal to learn how to care for them. If your garden is struggling to produce, consider adding more pollinators or worms. Certain animals are even great for eating garden pests while not harming the garden. Animals were created to help us tend the land and can be beneficial for our gardens if we let them.

Things To Do

Batesville

Enameling with Fine Silver, Sat. Sept. 9 from 9am to Noon. In this workshop, you will create two fine silver pendants or earrings using champleve enameling techniques to add amazing color and depth. Tuition: $228 Register at arkansascraftschool.org.

Old Indepenence Regional Museum 25th Anniversary Celebration, Thurs. Sept. 14 from 6 to 8pm. September 14 marks Old Independence Regional Museum’s 25th anniversary. We will celebrate with our patrons from 6:00 through 8:00 with hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Browse the museum’s exhibits as you listen to Danny Dozier as he makes his guitar come to life. Tickets are $50.00 per person and $90.00 for couples. Please call 793-2121 to RSVP and pay for your tickets.

Housed in the historic National Guard Armory, Old Independence Regional Museum relies on the stories and personal artifacts from its patrons to bring history home. Many of our current exhibits will transform within the next year into several new and additional standing exhibits along with a thrilling new venture we have taken on in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution relating how our individual communities come together over a good meal. Titled “A Taste of Community”, this exhibit will begin in January 2024 and

Hannah Rogers recently returned home after serving 5 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a cook. She enjoys time with her dog, baking, hiking, and serving others.

continue for 18 months. Email Cathy Shonk at oirm.educator@gmail.com.

Craftsman Day, Sat. Sept. 16 from 10am to 2pm. On September 16 Old Independence Regional Museum will host Craftsman Day. We have invited local flintknappers, forgers, mineral and stone workers, and other craftspeople to sell their wares at the museum. These vendors are masters of their crafts and will show our patrons how they create their beautiful wares. Patrons can choose from a large variety of crafts to take home as beautiful works of art for themselves or as thoughtful gifts for others.

Patrons will be able to experience the museum as they shop for unique local crafts since we will offer free admission throughout the event from 10:00 – 2:00.

Dr. Julie Morrow, Station Archeologist at Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro station of the Arkansas Archeological Survey, will give an informative talk about Mississippian-era artifacts at 1:00. She will have dozens of stunning artifacts for you to see and touch. If you have an artifact and would like to know the time period it was shaped and used, bring it to Dr. Morrow. While she will not assess its value, she will date it for you and provide you with a history of its uses.

Homeschool Classes at OIRM, Wed. Sept. 20 from Noon to 4. Homeschooling classes at Old Independence Regional Museum give your children ages 5-18 a great interactive afternoon to learn about the world around them. Our theme for the next few years is “Decades of Progress”. We began in 1820 when Batesville was founded and have marched through a number of decades with a rundown of all the exciting and intriguing events within each ten-year time span. Lessons are heavily interspersed with arts, crafts, science experiments, and projects as we use hands-on methods to stimulate understanding. Classes are the 3rd Wednesday of every month unless noted otherwise. For the remainder of this year, our classes are from 12:00 – 4:00 on September 20, October 11, and November 15. Cost is $13 per student. Enrollment is limited; please call 793-2121 to reserve a spot for your child.

White River Health Foundation Golf Classic, Fri. Sept. 22 from 9am to 7pm. White River Health Foundation and presenting sponsor First Community Bank invite you to WRHF’s Golf Classic. This year’s event supports the expansion of White River Health Oncology and Infusion Center. The beautiful Course at Eagle Mountain is host to the four person scramble event. For sponsor and player information contact, Sheila Mace at 870-262-7993 or smace@whiteriverhealth.org

Independence County Library Poetry Slam, Fri. Sept. 22 from 6 to 8pm.

Tabletoop Gaming at the Library, Sat. Sept. 23 from 11am to 4pm. Every fourth Saturday in the Independence County Library, hosted by them and NEA Gamer’s Guild.

Main Street Batesville: Dueling Pianos, Sat. Sept. 23 from 7 to 10pm. $50/person or $80/couple. Main Street Batesville brings the famous Dueling Pianos to Downtown Batesville AR! Join us for a night of infectious music with Matt and Mateo who bring a charismatic and witty character to every venue they visit. Request all of your favorites (we promise they’ll know them ALL!), sing along and interact with the talented musicians of Little Rock AR. Your ticket will include 3 hours of LIVE entertainment along with drinks and light hors d’ouevres! We hope you join us at The Citizens Bank Pocket Park for a night of downtown fun while supporting the mission of Main Street Batesville. A non-profit organization that focuses on the economic growth, beautification and community engagement for our downtown area. See you there! 870.569.1572.

The Sandtown Shuffle, Sat. Sept. 30 from 7:45am to 4pm. The Sandtown Shuffle (Fall Edition) “No Frills” gravel bike ride in the Foothills. Come and hang with us at The Dirt Church! (Camping Welcome!)

Join us in Sandtown AR. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.bikereg.com/the-sandtown-shu ffle?fbclid=IwAR121gB0IZGysyf7wfeGfWkOlAH5oZvQv9u 2kf_THCXa6omTkzXHODMW4Q8.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Trap Shoot, Sat. Sept. 30 from 8am to Noon. All proceeds go to provide equipment, scholarship, and camp opportunities for students in Northeast Arkansas. Shooters must provide: shotgun, ammo (50 rounds), shooting pouch, ear & eye protection. Other events of the day include: silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and food vendor onsite at the Independence County Shooting Range; $500 per squad (includes shooters’ lunch). 870.834.6774 jeffe53@gmail.com. Please register by September 21, 2023.

Mountain View

Arkansas Craft School

https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Also see newportarcity.org/calendar/

The Newport Lions Club is selling Boston Butts for pick-up on Friday, September 1, located at the Village Mall parking lot from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Boston Butts will be $40 and can be ordered by calling Christel (870) 523-1009 or contacting any Lions Club Member.

Add your community event. Email details to director@ newportarchamber.org.

Don’t forget to check for new jobs on our website. Go to www. newportarcity.org and click on “Job Opportunities.”

Updated weekly! N

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber

In The Field with Randy

Harvest Aids

I’m writing on August 11 and am still optimistic about the potential of the 2023 crop. Nothing is in the bin yet so that’s all I’ve got at this point, but it feels good to have that. I think we could see some exceptional soybean and corn yields. I think rice is good too but it’s a lot more unpredictable. Sunshine and moderate temperatures are important for high rice yields, and while things haven’t been bad in those two areas, it could have been a little better. We’ll know for sure when the combines hit the field.

With harvest getting underway, many will consider the use of a harvest aid. The primary harvest aids used are Sodium Chlorate for rice and Paraquat (Gramoxone) for soybeans. These harvest aids can make harvest easier and more efficient by drying down the green tissue on the crop itself or weeds that may be in the field. They also have the potential to negatively impact yield and quality if they are applied too

early and/or if harvest is not timely.

Some rice producers apply harvest aids to much of their acreage, some apply only in specific situations, and some never apply harvest aids. Sodium Chlorate should be applied when the average moisture is below 25 percent for varieties and below 23 percent for the hybrids. Many times the hybrids have such large panicles and varying moisture on the same panicle that applications should be delayed just a little so that moisture can be a little more uniform. Sodium Chlorate usually should not be used after the moisture dips below 18 percent to prevent overdrying. When it’s all said and done, my preferred moisture for sodium chlorate applications is around 19-21.

Milling quality reductions are potentially a problem if rice kernels get too dry, so it is important to harvest within 5 days of a Sodium Chlorate application to prevent overdrying and potential milling quality reductions. Aim is also labeled as a harvest aid for rice if morningglories are the primary reason a harvest aid is being used.

The use of harvest aids in

soybeans has increased as we have shifted to more of an early soybean production system. Besides Paraquat, other products labeled include Sodium Chlorate, glyphosate, Aim, and Sharpen.

The University of Arkansas recommendation is to apply Paraquat when one-half of the soybean leaves have dropped and the other one-half are yellow on determinate soybeans. For indeterminate soybeans, apply when 65 percent of the pods are brown and remaining pods are turning yellow. Louisiana research has shown that as long as the seeds within the pod have separated from the white membrane in the pod, then harvest aids can safely be applied. This is considered Growth Stage 6.5 and the plants are beginning to yellow at this point. Be careful not to apply soybean harvest aids too early as both yield loss and quality issues can occur. A lot of the farmers using harvest aids are ones really pushing for high yields. They can defeat everything they have done in this system if they desiccate too early.

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

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association, 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.

Seniors, Can We Talk?

Medicare Supplement vs Group Plans

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 widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

In February I told you about Ruth’s brother, Greg, passing away and the great support his widow, Toni, had received. Toni’s sister, Linda, and Toni’s best friend, Judy, both moved to be near her.

Judy had moved from Southern Arkansas and loves it here so much she should be on the local Welcome Committee!

Two of Judy’s friends called the other day. Since both are moving here and both are turning 65, they asked the same question – “should I keep my group coverage or sign up for Medicare?”

Sounds like a simple question, right? not necessarily. I suggested we compare benefits (group insurance vs Medicare benefits) and cost (the premium).

In our initial conversation, we talked about Medicare Supplement and

Medicare Advantage plans -what they do and don’t do including the cost. Even though Scottie and Jan are both only interested in Medicare Supplement plans, their situations are very different.

Scottie and Jan gave me a summary of their current benefits, what it will cost them when they leave, a list of their prescriptions and the pharmacy they want to use. They also provided their household modified adjusted gross income. Why do I need their income? Medicare Part B and Part D have an “income-related monthly adjustment” (IRMA) based on income. Even though this affects only a small percent, that small percent could include you!

Based on Scottie’s income, she will have an extra premium (IRMA) to pay for her Medicare Part B and Part D. Her group monthly premium is about $800 which is more than her Medicare Part B + IRMA for Part B and D + the Medicare Supplement and Prescription plans she’s interested in.

Now let’s look at the benefits of each plan. Her group plan has a $3000 deductible and maximum out of pocket of $5000. The Medicare Supplement plan she’s interested in has a $226

deductible and the drug copays are about the same as she’s paying now. Huge difference in benefits.

Scottie decided to sign up for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement and prescription plan.

Jan’s situation is different. She will not have an extra premium for Medicare Part B or Part D. Her group insurance monthly premium is $108 because she is a dependent on her husband’s plan. Her Part B cost of $164.90 + the Medicare Supplement and prescription plans she’s interested in would be approximately $330 monthly. The group insurance monthly premium is much less.

What about her benefits? Her group plan has an $850 deductible and a maximum out of pocket of $2850. The Medicare Supplement plan she’s interested in has a $226 deductible. Even though her group plan has a higher deductible and higher maximum out of pocket, Jan feels her overall potential cost (premium + deductible + maximum out of pocket) could be lower staying on the group plan since she never meets her deductible.

Should we compare your benefits and costs? Call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N

FEST

ARKANSAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL + HOMECOMING

OCTOBER 27-29, 2023

PIPE BAND EXHIBITIONS

HIGHLAND ATHLETICS COMPETITION

HIGHLAND DANCING

THE KILTED MILE FUN RUN

ENTERTAINMENT TENT

BRITISH CAR SHOW

SHEEP DOG DEMONSTRATIONS

DOG SHOW

FOOD, ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS

CEILIDH AND DANCING

KIRKIN' O' THE TARTAN WORSHIP SERVICE

BONNIEST KNEES CONTEST

LYON COLLEGE HOMECOMING SOCCER MATCHES AND MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT PAMELA.PALERMO@LYON.EDU

Unity Health Harris

At Unity Health, we believe caring for your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health. We offer compassionate behavioral health services close to home on both an outpatient and inpatient basis for all ages.

Behavioral Health is a term covering the full range of mental and emotional well-being – from the basics of how one copes with day-to-day challenges of life, to the treatment of mental illnesses, such as depression or personality disorder, as well as substance use disorder and other addictive behaviors. Our team of psychiatrists, licensed mental health counselors, psychiatric nurses and other specialists provide medication management, counseling and therapy services, and psychological testing to people of all age groups.

Outpatient Services:

Unity Health offers outpatient mental health services at our Clarity Health and Wellness clinics in Searcy, Cabot and Newport. Our team of psychiatrists can provide medication management as well as our therapists who provide counseling sessions to people of all ages. Some specific areas of treatment include: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Life stressors, Trauma and

If you would like more information about our outpatient services, please call 501.203.0055 in Searcy, 501.422.6431 in Cabot or 870.495.1260 in Newport.

Adolescent care

At Unity Health - Specialty Care in Searcy, our adolescent inpatient acute behavioral unit offers therapy to children ages 12 - 17. Courage is an 11-bed

Newport Chamber Ribbon Cutting

unit for adolescents who are still in school but are having emotional or behavioral health difficulties that require short-term hospitalization. The young patients at Courage will meet with their psychiatrist and other members of their treatment team daily to review their progress and work on their individual goals. Patients will take part in therapeutic group activities, while an on-site certified classroom ensures that they won’t fall behind in school during their stay.

Adult care

Our Compass program, located in both Searcy and Newport, provides short-term inpatient care and treatment for adults ages 18 - 54. Patients at Compass receive a full range of mental health treatments for emotional and behavioral difficulties. They will meet with their psychiatrist and members of their treatment team daily. Patients will also take part in therapeutic group activities and recreational therapy.

Senior care

Our Clearview inpatient program, located in both Searcy and Newport, serves adults age 55 years and older. Our Clearview team provides comprehensive treatment to address the unique behavioral health needs of seniors. Clearview offers help for seniors dealing with loss, depression, anxiety and other behavioral health concerns. Patients may take part in individual counseling sessions, group therapy, family therapy and activity therapy. Our utmost goal is for our patients to move to a more independent lifestyle.

To make a referral to one of our Inpatient Behavioral Health units, please call toll-free 844.255.8229. N

Local Faces

New Vision Newport Class 19 applications are due September 8! Much appreciation and and pride for Class Eighteen! N

Michelle Foshee is a wife, mother, dog lover, and Newport native who promotes Unity Health Harris Medical Center to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities we serve through compassionate care. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and prior to joining Unity Health, she worked in sales and marketing in Little Rock. She challenges herself and others to be Health Centered – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

UACCB Alumna Shares Her Silver Lining Story

Andrea Bruner

When her original plan to attend college fell through, Kristina Balentine found out every cloud has a silver lining.

She regrouped and found a solution in her own backyard - and thanks to her degree from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, she was able to transfer to a four-year university while maintaining affordable tuition.

Balentine attended Hillcrest School District her entire school career and although her involvement in various types of community service pointed to a career in nursing, Balentine said her interests lay elsewhere.

“I grew up with a fear of storms. ... That fear turned into fascination.” Balentine spent a lot of time watching the weather and tracking storms, and by the time she was in 10th grade she knew she wanted to study meteorology, saying it was a way to combine her love of weather with wanting to help people. “I later found photos and drawings I’d done in elementary school that showed I had a clear interest in weather when I wasn’t aware of it,” she said. “I just think weather is beautiful and very complex – I love learning and studying God’s creations.”

Balentine graduated in 2017 and knew that in order to get a degree in meteorology, she would have to go out of state. She looked for a college in New York because her mother is from there. She applied and was accepted to one of the colleges there, excited to have a plan in place.

“I was supposed to have a good deal to go to college – four years and it would only cost me $8,000,” she said, “The next day I got a bill in the mail for $8,400, and that was just for the fall semester,” she said. “That was very different from what had been quoted to me.”

It was time to regroup. She said fortunately, Hillcrest helped all seniors apply to UACCB before they graduate, and she had earned some scholarship money there. “I called UACCB; I thought I had accepted my scholarships but I had not,” she said. She went to UACCB to make her case and was able to enroll with the scholarships she was offered that summer.

Although she was disappointed her original plans didn’t work out, she was thankful she didn’t move a thousand miles away from everything she’d ever known.

“So realistically, I wasn’t ready for it,” she admitted. “I got a job at the campus bookstore and made friends –it didn’t take long to build connections.” Balentine also said she knew the class sizes would be smaller at UACCB than the other college she’d planned to attend, but she was also thankful for the help she received while there. “I never really had to worry about anything,” she said.

Balentine achieved an associate degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), with a goal of transferring to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in meteorology. “I was looking at several four-year universities, their prices, and where I might want to go. As a first-generation, low-income student I needed all the help I could get,” she said. One

of the colleges she considered was Mississippi State University. Mississippi and Arkansas are both Academic Common Market states, which offer in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students pursuing a specialized field.

“I was talking to my supervisor at the bookstore, Luanne Barber, and because my dad’s work schedule was too hectic for a campus visit, she offered to go with me to see Mississippi State. When Debbie Frazier, who was the chancellor at the time, found out she (Barber) was taking me, she said, ‘I want to come!’ That’s just how amazing and supportive the people at UACCB are!”

Balentine lucked out because MSU not only is a member of the Academic Common Market but it also “has a great reputation for broadcast meteorology,” she said. “I was able to get an in-state scholarship there because of the Academic Common Market. The fact I was able to pay in-state tuition was phenomenal, and I was able to stack other scholarships. It ended up being a very sound financial decision.”

In May 2022, Balentine earned a bachelor’s degree in geosciences with a concentration in professional meteorology and an emphasis in broadcast meteorology, with a minor in broadcast journalism. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in geosciences, with a concentration in professional meteorology/climatology; she plans to graduate next May.

Balentine said she is grateful for her start at UACCB and for the faculty who helped her make that happen. She said going to UACCB “was one of the best decisions I ever made even though I didn’t make it by myself. Debbie Frazier has done so much for me – it would have been difficult to make the transition to Mississippi State without her help. ... Ms. Frazier and Luanne held my hand for a lot of the transitions,” Balentine said. “Andrew [Muse] and Doug Muse, they both taught math and they were great. Beverly Meinzer, my chemistry teacher also supported me a lot; she was so excited for me and keeps up with me on Facebook. Everybody there just helped me so much while I was there for two years, and I still go visit them on my breaks. ... I made friends there that will be friends forever. I look back with happy memories.”

REESOR PROMOTED WITH FIRST COMMUNITY BANK

Angela Connell

First Community Bank has announced that Michelle Reesor has been promoted to executive vice president, chief risk officer for the financial institution. In her role, Reesor oversees the bank’s risk management function; strategic planning; project management, including entrance into new markets, branch construction and opening; bank acquisitions; and policy formulation.

Reesor said, “It is an honor to be recognized. Building a strong risk management strategy has remained one of our organization’s top priorities—and this approach ensures that we remain secure as we grow.”

Reesor has been in the financial industry for 36 years, and she was one of the original 14 employees that started First Community Bank when it opened in 1997. She is a member of the bank’s executive committee, product development team, and she serves on numerous bank committees. Reesor is a graduate of Lyon College and the School of Banking at Louisiana

State University.

She is invested in community service and serves on the board of visitors for the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and she is a past board member for United Way of Independence County. Her family includes husband, Jerry, two sons, Clint (wife, Whitney) and Cameron (wife, Hannah), and three grandchildren, Elliot, Opal Jane, and Auggie. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with her family.

“Michelle is a valued member of our executive team who has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in her role,” said Boris Dover, president and chief operating officer for First Community Bank. “She is a tremendous asset to our team, and we are thrilled to recognize her with this well-deserved promotion.”

First Community Bank’s main lobby is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The drive-thru is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition to the Batesville main location, First Community Bank also has three other Batesville locations: 301 E. Main Street, 3 Eagle Mountain Boulevard, and 1 Allen Chapel Road. First Community Bank offers competitive loan and deposit products and an impressive array of online and electronic banking services. Some of these include mobile banking and deposits, online bill pay, online/mobile account opening and custom eAlerts.

For more information about First Community Bank, call 870-612-3400 or visit www.

firstcommunity. net. N

BACC Groundbreaking & Ribbon Cuttings

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of JayBird Clothing Company.

Family-owned and operated by mother and daughters trio Sissy, Shay, and Morgan, JayBird Clothing Company offers “clothing you want, in the sizes you need, at prices you can afford.” They carry clothing for men and women, including men’s big and tall and women’s plus sizes up to 6x. The store also proudly features several Arkansas-made products.

“Thank you all for coming to celebrate the opening of JayBird today,” began owner Sissy Wilson. “I do want to say a special thank you to my village. It takes a lot.” Wilson gave a special thank you to forty individuals and six businesses that have supported her through getting JayBird Clothing

Company up and running. “When I say it takes a village to make this happen, I was not kidding,” she laughed.

Opening a small business takes a lot of effort,” said BACC Director of Membership Sarah Barnhill. “JayBird Clothing Company is a great example of a new business with a fantastic network of supporters, and they’re very grateful for that.”

“These people that are up here with me have worked countless hours with me for two months, and we got it done, and I appreciate everyone up here very much. Thank you all for coming; now let’s go shopping!” concluded Wilson.

JayBird Clothing Company is located at 1255 E Main Street in Batesville and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. N

10th Annual Citizens Bank Pioneer Invitational Golf Tournament Announces Winners

The 10th Annual Citizens Bank Pioneer Invitational Tournament was held Tuesday, August 1st at The Course at Eagle Mountain. Batesville School District’s Coach Brian Krug and Citizens Bank partner on this event each year and invite surrounding school districts to participate.

The winners of this year’s event are as follows:

Girls

Boys Team Champion: Cedar Ridge

Boys Team Runner Up: Valley View

Girls Team Champion: Valley View

Girls Team Runner Up: Greene County Tech

Boys Medalist: Caden Griffin of Cedar Ridge

Girls Medalist: Kenzie Greene of Valley View N

Boys Team Champion - Cedar Ridge

Sara Doerfler

Team Champion - Valley View

Dalton Corter and Allie Rolins first met when they were shooting trap for the Cave City Sharpshooters. The two attended different schools; Dalton attended Cave City while Allie attended Batesville. It was their mutual love of the sport that found then on the same trap shooting team. It didn’t take long for the two to become best friends. Five years later it was clear the two had their sights set on being more than just friends.

The simple friendship evolved into a “couple”. The day before their one year anniversary, they were out checking cows, as was part of their normal routine. Dalton pulled through the gate, got out of the truck and came around to open Allie’s door like he always did. As Allie turned to climb out of the truck she realized Dalton had dropped to one knee. There he was with a ring in hand asking her to marry him. She could not have imagined a more perfect proposal.

Allie and Dalton knew from the beginning that they would get married at the Cherry Wedding Barn in Poughkeepsie. Why the Cherry Barn? They both loved the venue and its owner, Marilyn Cherry, who happened to be their trap shooting coach. Remember? That is how the two sharp shooters first met.

The wedding was held the evening of June 17, 2023 outside in a beautiful open area with the pond and wooden bridge in the background. The Grandparents and Parents were seated to “Growing Old with You” by Restless Road. The wedding party came down the aisle to “More Than Me” by Ian Munsick. Allie’s brother, Austin Rolins, stood as Dalton’s Best Man. Blaine Counts and Blayden Croslin stood as groomsmen. Alexa Dowell

stood as Allie’s Maid of Honor. Chelee Brewer along with Kerri Counts, Dalton’s sister, stood as Bride’s Maids. Ester Bradley was the couples flower girl accompanied by Dalton’s nephew, Bentley Counts, as ring bearer.

Allie was escorted down the aisle by her dad to the song “I Promise to Love Her” by Blane Howard. Every bride knows you must have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Allie hit the mark in every category. Her something old: a beautiful clip-on earring that belonged to her great grandmother was attached to her bouquet. Her something new: A simple necklace gifted to her by Dalton and a bracelet she received from her mom and dad on her wedding day. Her something borrowed: A 1946 penny she carried in her shoe. The penny was borrowed from family friend, Clara Cossey, who carried the same penny in her shoe on her wedding day. Clara’s daughters and granddaughters also carried this lucky penny on their big day. Allie’s something blue: a blue patch sewn in under her dress bearing the words, “He is my something blue” in honor of Dalton’s profession as a police officer.

Allie and Dalton knew they wanted a beautiful wedding. But more than anything they wanted God to be the center of their union. The ceremony was presided over by the couple’s pastor, Trent Bradley. The couple chose to assemble a unity cross to show their commitment to each other and God. Pastor Bradley read the commitment that they made to each other. After the assembling of the unity cross the two families came and circled Allie and Dalton as Allie’s childhood pastor, Chuck Miller, prayed over them. The couple then exchanged

rings and repeated the vows of marriage. Once pronounced husband and wife, Dalton removed his cowboy hat and kissed Allie behind it. The newlyweds returned up the aisle to “Whole Lotta Little” by Emily Ann Roberts.

Family and friends all gathered indoors for the reception and send off. Inside, there was a beautifully decorated memory table holding pictures of loved ones who are no longer this side of heaven to celebrate the happy time. There were also numerous pictures of the happy couple around the room and a large board holding pictures of the couple together over the last few years. Instead of doing a guest book the couple chose to have everyone sign a quilt square. The signature squares will be sewn together with squares featuring their wedding colors culminating into a treasured memory quilt. Dalton and Allie wanted a unique way to remember who was there to be part of their special day.

As is tradition the first dance was reserved for the happy couple. Allie and Dalton danced to “Forever and Ever Amen” by Randy Travis. The bride’s father then enjoyed his moment with his baby girl to Cody Johnson’s “God Bless the Boy”. Dalton and his mother then took the floor to Brittnee Kellogg’s “My Little Man”.

DJ, Colyn Bowman, provided music for the remainder of the evening while photographer, Harmony Brookshire and videographer, Brit Gant captured the day’s beauty and joy. Friends of the couple, Jacob Birkhead and Layton McDoniel, served as ushers. The wedding flowers were arranged by Mary Painter, who came out of

retirement as a personal favor to the bride and groom, to be part of their special day. Marilyn Cherry made the four tier naked wedding cake with pink and blush roses. Kimmy Carter made the grooms cake and food was catered by Cowboy’s Barbeque.

As the evening wound down the couple had a beautiful sparkler send off. For their honeymoon they drove to Colorado and stayed at Copper Mountain. They did lots of sightseeing including Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. They enjoyed their honeymoon but were happy to return back to Cave City to begin their life together.

Dalton is employed as a police officer for Cave City Police Department. He is also a volunteer fire fighter for the Cave City Fire Department. Allie is employed by Mark Martin Ford in Batesville. She has also started a side business “The Punchy Babe” where she carries jewelry and accessories. The couple resides in Cave City where they attend the First Free Will Baptist Church. N

The River Haunt is under construction for the 9th season of scary fun!

Main Street Batesville began a haunted house in 2015 as a fundraiser at the suggestion of David Thompson, Thompson’s Jewelry Store, who has been involved with building haunted houses since the mid 80s as a member of the Batesville Jaycees. Main Street had just acquired the old Barnett Building and built it on the first floor of what is now our beautiful Independence County Library. Charlie Grant and Steve Thomas were instrumental in the design of many features of The River Haunt today.

The next year Main Street was allowed by the city to take over part of the old Jaycee Building by the old River Stadium, and they have been building and growing every year since.

David continues to serve as the chairman of The River Haunt committee and recruited Patrick and Tammy Arnold who had been involved with the haunted houses for many years and Suzanne Magouyrk with many years of set design and building for Batesville Community Theatre. Many Main Street board members and volunteers from the community are involved every year, from 5 to 93 years of age, and even one family with 3 generations volunteering.

River Haunt 2023

Suzanne Magouyrk, The River Haunt Coordinator; A.K.A., S.C.A.B. the Clown.

Several volunteers attend the Transworld Haunted Attraction Convention in St. Louis every year, receiving hours of instruction for safety and actor training –and also getting tons of new ideas and equipment and networking with other haunts. Two committee members are C.H.O.A.S safety certified.

The River Haunt characters can pop up anywhere –We have participated in parades and many other events, and we host Easter Egg Haunts, Don’t be a Chicken Night, and Lights On Tours for very faint-of- heart.

Anyone interested in volunteering at The River Haunt can access our application form on The River Haunt Facebook page or on Main Street Batesville’s website and return it to 570 Stadium Dr. when attending to one of the workdays or trainings required in August

and September as listed on the application. All volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult for training and haunting.

Danny Dozier and Patrick Arnold have continued in the building of the haunt. Also, we survived CovidMasks and constant disinfecting after every group- No Cases!!

The River Haunt opens at 7 pm every Friday and Saturday night and Halloween beginning October 6. The price will be $13/head, and reservations may be purchased online through the Main Street Batsville website for $21 each. Call 844-462-4482 or email mainstreetbatesville@gmail.com.

Many new surprises are in store for our Victims of 2023 - we hope to see you in some dark corner! N

Book Review

Leif Enger’s Peace Like a River

in, he shoots them both. When the authorities see that he has lured them into the house in order to kill them, they charge him with manslaughter. But Davy escapes and disappears into the frozen night of a Minnesota winter. Thus the family’s odyssey: they set out to find Davy.

become Mrs. Land?

Novelist Leif Enger will be at Lyon College to give a Public Reading on November 16, the Thursday before Thanksgiving. Let me tell you about his first best-selling novel Peace Like a River.

In one way the novel is like Homer’s Odyssey. The central characters leave their small-town home, go on a three-month trek, and return home at the end. Yes, three months is shorter than Odysseus’s twenty years, but still there’s the departure, the distance traveled & perils encountered, and the return. As in the Odyssey, the perils provide the story’s suspense.

In another way, the novel is like the parable of the prodigal son. It centers on a family headed by an idealized, totally loving father (with no wife/mother present), a “bad” son and a “good” son (along with a younger daughter, Swede).

The “good” son, Reuben Land, is the narrator. He was 11 in 1962 when the events occurred. He’s a married twenty-something with three kids as he tells what happened to his family back in the day.

The “bad” son, Davy Land, 16, is actually upright, independent, and totally focused on justice (rather that on love, like his father). Guided by his sense of justice, he kills two other teens who assaulted a girl (though they were stopped by his father before the worst happened) and then who briefly kidnapped his little sister, forcing her into their car, riding her around town for half an hour, and threatening her and the family with worse. The local lawman filed no charges but only “talked” to the two.

So one night, Davy takes a tire iron to the windows of the ringleader’s car, then waits in bed at night with his rifle in hand, knowing the thugs would come for revenge. When they break

In yet another way, the novel is like a saints-legend. The family’s allloving father, Jeremiah Land, is an extraordinary man who reads the Bible every morning, a man of miracles.

He was picked up by a tornado and set down miles away with no harm done.

When Reuben was stillborn, he entered the delivery room, picked him up, and commanded him in the name of Jesus to breathe—and he did just that.

When he stops the thugs’ assault, their victim sees his face glowing like an angel’s in the dark locker room where the thugs had cornered her.

When a guest appears at suppertime, the pot of soup he’d made for just the four of them feeds not only the family but also the hungry guest, bowl after bowl, and is still half-full when the guest leaves.

Reuben sees him walking on air one night while rapt in prayer.

Reuben also sees him touch and suddenly heal the leprous face of the school superintendent who’d just fired him.

On the trail, he drives for miles on an empty tank, stopping at just the right place to find Davy.

In going off to find Davy, Jeremiah is both the forgiving father of a prodigal son and also the good shepherd who goes out to find his one lost sheep.

Like the prophet Jeremiah he’s named for, Jeremiah Land doesn’t have an easy road toward the end he’s seeking. He does get help from old family friends in North Dakota whose farm the family visited every fall, getting a hint that Davy may have headed for the Badlands.

And when the car finally runs out of gas, he’s at the home of a single woman named Roxanna, a widow his own age who shelters them during a tremendous blizzard and continues doing so for days afterward as an attraction grows. Will Roxanna

But Jeremiah faces perils. He’s followed by an indefatigable FBI agent who’s also on Davy’s trail, and Davy, it comes out, is being sheltered by a deranged murderer in a remote mountain cabin reachable only on horseback. Also sheltered there is the murderer’s adopted daughter: he says he’s raising her till she’s old enough and then he’s going to marry her. The cabin sits next to a crevasse split open by a seam of burning lignite, as if a gate of hell has opened there. Davy thinks he can handle himself in this dangerous situation. But can he?

Enger leaves no loose strings at the end of the novel. He let readers know what becomes of all the Land family and even provides Reuben with a near-death experience and a glimpse of heaven. It’s not exactly a happilyever-after ending, but it’s a satisfying and hopeful one.

It’s no wonder Peace Like a River has been a best-seller. Come to Lyon’s Bevens Room (in Brown Chapel) at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 16 to hear him read from one of his novels, maybe his new one which he has just sent to his publisher. And bring a copy of Peace Like a River for him to sign after the reading. N

Terrell Tebbetts has taught English at Lyon College for over 50 years.

Unit y Health is a leading healthcare provider in Arkansas with three hospital locations, multiple physician clinics, specialty clinics, and a cancer center. As the second-largest Graduate Medical Education program in the state, Unity Health trains physician residents in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, and Transitional Year. Unity Health is a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, providing valuable medical resources to our providers and patients, close to home.

HOSPITALS

CLINICS

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

SPECIALISTS

CANCER CENTER

ARKANSAS

JACKSON

LONOKE PULASKI

WHITE

CLEBURNE

A FREE COMMUNITY WOMEN’S HEALTH EVENT

OCT. 17, 2023 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Batesville Community Center

Ladies, join us at HealthFirst: Women's Health Event!

Our game night themed event, Good Health is a Game Changer, is focused on bringing you a fun night while also offering education and screenings that are important to your health. You’ll get a free gift and will be able to sign-up for fabulous door prizes. Bring your family and friends! We can’t wait to see you there!

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS

Abnormal Skin Spot Checks

Balance Test

Blood Pressure

Cholesterol*

Diabetic Foot Screening

Eye Screening

FEV1 & Pulse Ox

Flu Shots

Glucose Screening*

Memory Screening

Thyroid Screening*

Waist Circumference

* Test will be done by blood draw. Results will not be available the same day.

EDUCATION

Cancer Treatment

Depression Education

Lung CT Scheduling

Mammography Scheduling

Mental Health Education

Narcan Education

Osteoporosis Education

Safe Sleep Sleep Education

Smoking Cessation

Stroke Education

EVENT COURTESY OF

MEGA BRAIN

The world’s only portable, inflatable, walk-through brain exhibit.

CARDS WITH A CARDIOLOGIST