Eye On Magazine August 2022

Eye On

AUGUST 2022 www.eyeonmag.com

Magazine

Peyton Olson

HERE TO

SERVE

At Community Insurance, we appreciate farmers and the positive impact that they have on our communities.

Our dedicated agents are here to serve you with a full suite of coverage types to protect your business.

• ROW CROP OPERATIONS • CATTLE OPERATIONS • POULTRY FARMING • AGRICULTURAL TOURISM • FARM-TO-FORK Call today for more information about these or any of your insurance needs!

870-793-9876 NOT A DEPOSIT - NOT FDIC-INSURED - NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY - NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK - MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE

Editor’s Note Awareness

Joey Thomas I don’t know if it is awareness in the now or a lack of it when I was younger, but every year I seem to learn more about how my surroundings work. This Spring seemed surprisingly wet and I wondered what had changed to make it so and then Summer hit and it has been dry enough to make it dusty again. The timeline for mosquitoes is one I’m more aware of now, perhaps I was always too busy slapping them away to gauge it.

Even if you haven’t noticed yet, I hope the heat has been kind to You in all the ways it can; not sure what that way is, but... Stay safe in it and do what You gotta do, here’s hoping You have fun in the process!

In the pages beyond, You’ll find our current allotment of tantilizing articles about Your surroundings, the fields, the banks and businesses, the hospitals, and even at the neighbor’s place. Thank You, Dear Reader, for grabbing us up yet again and flipping through our pages.

If You are looking for an edgy, tale about taboo vices, look for Twisted, Turned, and Bent at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

N

Family Medicine

Jerrod Anderson, MD Jerrod Anderson, MD, is accepting new patients and same-day appointments at The Diagnostic Clinic at WRMC. Dr. Anderson treats both acute and chronic illnesses in people of all ages.

r the are fo Hair Ce Family Entir

Family Care 3443 Harrison Street | Batesville, AR 72501 Monday – Thursday | 8am – 5pm

(870) 698-1635

Studio Salon 141 West Main Street, Batesville, Arkansas

Call (870) 698-9998

10

16

18

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.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 kthomas@eyeonmag.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.

Cover Photos by Storyteller Images Cover Design by Joey Thomas

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joey Thomas, 870.503.2226 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.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.

Buying? Selling? Relocating?

The Choice is Clear...Choice Realty www.BatesvilleRealEstate.net

513 Batesville Blvd., Batesville, Arkansas

3630 Hwy 167, Ash Flat MLS #22-252 / $425,000

Mini farm with well-maintained 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath, brick home on 5 unun restricted, fenced, cross fenced acres with pond located less than 4 miles from Ash Flat. Walk out basement, dedicated laundry, office, new kitchen, flooring, metal roof new in 2018, new HVAC in Dec 2019, new solar panels in 2021, and privacy fencing along highway. Extra storage in the detached garage/ shop, 10 x 16 Bald Eagle Barn. 40 X 40 barn with electric and water. Chicken coops established with fenced areas for them.

150 E Campground Road, Evening Shade MLS #22-216 / $125,000

2005 Manufactured 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on 1.81 acres +/-.

Home has open floor plan and 2 living areas, huge covered front porch and back deck. Land is already fenced and ready for livestock, chicken coop and out buildings.

23 Kiwanie Cir, Hardy MLS #22-261 / $129,900

Own a piece of history with this charming Girl Scout Lodge concon verted into a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with Lake Kiwanie views. New appliances and an updated kitchen, living room and dining area all with nice lake views. The G.S. Lodge shower building is currently being used a chicken coop but the possibilities are endless. Property is over 1.2 acres and has no restrictions. Owner financing possible with acceptable terms.

0A FM101, Highland MLS #22-196 / $24,900

Nice 1.0 acre lot -/+ cleared with several big trees left and ready to build. Lot is close to Spring River and Harold Alexander Wildlife Area and has no restrictions! This lot has city water, sewer, and electric available at the street. Agent has owner interest.

4 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

1 Patmos Drive, Cherokee Village MLS #22-231 / $124,900

Super cute 2 Bedroom, 1 bath home with vaulted ceilings in the open concept living area with lots of light from the high row of windows along the front. Nice rock wood burning fireplace for those cold afternoons. Home has original hardwood floors and comes furnished. The large 0.8 acre level yard has plenty of room to garden or fence part off for your fur babies.

00 E CC Rd, Hardy MLS #22-167 / $212,000

53 acres+/- that is already fenced and cross fenced ready for your livestock!! Property features an 1.5 acre pond.

Great spot to build and have your own mini farm that is out in the country but still close to town and amenities.

Electric is at road.

In This Issue 3/ Editor’s Note

18/ Cover Story

6/ Cherri Design

21/ In The Field with Randy

7/ Things To Do 8/ Unity Health Harris

22/ Thyme Enough

Awareness

Value in Community

Textures

Irrigation Termination

Chilled Tomato and Cucumber Soup (Gazpacho)

Wellness Screenings

10/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Always Keep Your Coffee Cans

12/ Seniors, Can We Talk?

Kinda?

13/ Local Faces 15/ Notes from the Clearing healing

17/ Book Review

When Ghosts Come Home TWELVE YEARS STRONG!

Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924

Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1

Family owned and operated Scott Kallsnick , Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick eyeonmag.com

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

AUGUST 2022 5

Cherri Design Textures

Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs. Cherri owns The Kitchen Shop at 610 Saint Louis Street in Batesville for all your kitchen needs.

Textures are an important feature in our home, as they help set the mood in our environment. Without textural contrast, your home will feel and look dull and one dimensional. Textures appeal to both our sense of touch and sight. Just as we like texture in our wardrobe, so we need them in our homes.

I prefer cold weather and always look forward to wearing my ‘warm fuzzies’ each year. The different textures of warm clothing appeal to my sense of touch. This is the same concept that we should apply in our homes. Texture can be used in a variety of surfaces, such as rugs, window treatments and upholstery. Bedding, blankets and throws are excellent ways to add textures. To give you ideas, I am using my own home as an example. My comforter has a corduroy top, faux leather trim and velveteen sides. Not only is this visually appealing, but it also appeals to my sense of touch. I also enjoy the feel and visual appeal of throws and have several in varying textures. Pillows are another great way to add textures. In addition, my towels, both kitchen and bath, have varying textures.

Walls can also add texture to your home. I prefer painted sheetrock, so mine are textured, with the visual ‘bumps’, as well as the feel of the ‘bumps.’ Wallpaper or other wall

coverings also add texture to your environment. Wall materials can include rock, brick, wood or metal. Wall art is another good way to add textural appeal. Metal, glass, wood and paintings are just some of the ways to add textural dimension to your walls.

Don’t overlook furniture with varying textures in your space. In my own home, I have some rough wooden pieces, smooth wooden pieces, pieces with metal and a tiled sofa table. These different surfaces stimulate my senses. Some chest type pieces have texture on the drawer fronts. Chests and trunks often have metal and leather. Baskets offer great textural surfaces and come in a range of materials, such as wicker, metal and wood.

When trying to add texture to your home, consider surfaces, such as countertops and flooring. Countertops come in a wide variety of materials, such as marble, granite, tile, quartz and formica, with a wide range of textures. The right countertop can add so much beauty to your kitchen and baths, as well as being appealing to the touch. Flooring is like countertops, available in a variety of materials, such as wood, marble, tile, carpet and cork. When choosing flooring, take into consideration not only the visual appeal, but the feel of the flooring under your feet.

Vary textures in your home for a more visually appealing space, as well as more appealing to the touch. Textures add dimension and interest to your home and create a haven of comfort.

N

ASU-Newport New Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Typhanie Myers

Arkansas State University-Newport is excited to announce Dr. Typhanie Myers as the new Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Myers has been with ASU-Newport since 2016 serving in various roles including Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Interim Dean for Applied Science, Dean of Nursing and Health Professions, Associate Dean of Applied Sciences, and Director of Academic Outreach.

N

We're your local lender. Which means we know the community you're wanting to live in. You can be confident that we'll find the best loan to fit your financial goals - we've been doing it since 1898!

6 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Kenny Thaxton – Senior Loan Officer / NMLS#

73845 1

2105 Malcolm Ave., Ste. 118 Newport, Arkansas Ph o n e: ( 870) 495- 3931 Email: k thax ton@boemor tgage.c om

Bank of England Mortgage is a division of Bank of England. NMLS 418481. Member FDIC

Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans 870 793 8892 Cardboard 110 Environmental Drive Batesville, AR Newspaper Call to receive your Glass FREE RECYCLING BIN today!

Magazines

Quality Name Brand Clothing for the Entire Family

2105 Malcolm Ave, Suite 105 - Newport / 870-495-3004

COUPON

20

%

Off

Entire Order. *Must Present Coupon ** EXCLUDES Tax Free Weekend Expires: Sept. 15, 2022 Close of Business

Things To Do

Batesville

Car Show by River City Cruisers August 5 @ 6pm is Night Cruise. Aug. 6 8am to 2pm. at Wood Family Dealership 1674 Batesville Blvd.

Cars ‘N Coffee, August 13, & Sept 10 @ 8am, Join Wood Family Dealership for Cars ‘N Coffee presented by River City Cruisers.

Mountain View

Arkansas Craft School https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Sept 6, 2022: 16 Week Training Program 870.269.8397

Newport

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber Also see newportarcity. org/calendar/ Back to School Immunization Clinic will be Tuesday, August 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. located at the Jackson County Health Unit, 1505 N Pecan Street. To schedule an appointment call 870523-8968 or walk-ins are welcome.

Arkansas Steel/KASU Monster Grooves features the Port City Blues Society Players on Tuesday, August 16, located at the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage starting at 7:00 p.m. Port City Blues Society Players will bring the sound of the Mississippi River to downtown Newport.

The Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will be Thursday, August 18 at 6 p.m. at the Newport Country Club. Hosted by the Newport School District Charitable Foundation, the Hall of Fame will be inducting Jane Parnell, Judge Harold Erwin, and The Brand Brothers (Rodney, Rodger and Mike) this year. Tickets are $30 each can be purchased at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 Hazel Street.

Classic Movie Night at the Jane Parnell Performing Arts Hall will be showing The Wiz on Saturday, August 20, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Wiz follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy twenty-four year old Harlem schoolteacher who finds herself magically transported to the urban fantasy land Land of Oz, which resembles a dream version of New York City.

N

Gränges Hiring Event is Friday, August 12, at the Newport Economic Development Commission, 201 Hazel Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Gränges starting pay is $15.37/hour with opportunities to advance quickly.

TWELVE YEARS STRONG!

eyeonmag.com

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

AUGUST 2022 7

Unity Health Harris Wellness Screenings 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 wellbeing 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.

Wellness screenings are an important part of maintaining good health throughout your life and especially as you get older. Many health complications and even death could be prevented if people got simple, regular health screenings as recommended by your doctor.

Health screenings can detect problems early, when chances for successful treatment are greatest.

Age-appropriate health screenings are a preventative health measure that should be a priority for everyone. Patients often put off wellness visits when they feel fine and consider themselves in good health. But here at Unity Health Newport we understand the

importance of these routine wellness exams, and Samantha Anderson, APRN is here to help you support your overall health and help spot potential problems before they start. Samantha will provide routine physicals, risk assessments, and comprehensive wellness exams to our Unity Health patients.

8 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Wellness screenings are an important step in living a longer, healthier life. Knowing as much as possible about your health enables you to take steps to prevent and manage diseases that may develop.

So, schedule your appointment today and let us help you stay healthy 870.523.0193.

N

DIESEL

TECHNICIANS

earn up to $38,000/yr

in just 10 Months!

E

NLIN APPLY O

NOW AT

www.asun.edu

The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

TWELVE YEARS STRONG!

eyeonmag.com

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

AUGUST 2022 9

Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Always Keep Your Coffee Cans

Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor at Batesville High School and the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. She lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.

Parents to adult children heed my warning: If you have something in your home you have not laid eyes on in more than a decade, and have not used it or missed it, please for the love of your children and your sweet widow, trash it or rehome it.

I know it’s so easy to get sentimentally attached to things that seem to hold memories for us, but my memories are in my heart and my head, not in a box in the garage.

This entire experience of getting mom a fresh start in a new place with things she loves that bring her joy (yes the cat is coming too), has motivated me to clear out my own shop. I cannot imagine what Cole would do with his papers from Kindergarten, and a suitcase full of tiny socks. Sure they make me smile and remind me of that sweet baby boy, and the light he brings into my life, but I sure don’t want him struggling to figure out what in the world to do with all of this “stuff” when I am gone one day.

I have always enjoyed my Dad’s shop, even when I was a kid, because he was such a keeper of things. He kept the things from his own parents that meant so much to him, things of his and my mom’s, things from my brother and me that brought back happy memories for him, and so much from my Cole, his only grandchild (and favorite human). On a funny note I never understood why I never can seem to throw away old coffee cans without feeling like I need to keep them to do something with, and I realized why!! My dad kept so many things in old coffee cans, so I have seen them out there forever and never realized it!

I need to do some cleaning out on my own shop, after experiencing this clean out; and maybe you do too. I promise you will still have those memories in your heart without the stuff, and your family will thank you️, Love, an exhausted daughter on day 478 of cleaning out my Dad’s shop N

Adult Education A Parent?

Low-income?

Need basic skills for employment or GED?

We can help!

Workforce Preparation Workforce Training Job Search and Resume Building Costs associated with: Tuition Earning Credentials Earning Certificates Childcare Transportation (gas cards)

Basic Needs

(food/shelter/clothing)

Serving Independence and Sharp Counties (870) 612-2164 adulted@uaccb.edu This ad paid for with funds from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program

10 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Supporting your all-star student.

With in-depth financial resources & robust digital banking, we can help set them up for success wherever life brings them.

Grow your savings Learn about budgeting Stay cyber secure Understand credit

Learn More

thecitizensbank.net/learn

Seniors, Can We Talk?

Kinda?

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?’.

When Ruth and I met for lunch, David joined us. Since David has moved back, he is rethinking some of his insurance.

David asked if he could change Medicare Supplement plans without having to answer medical questions. I asked him if he was on a group plan, and he said “kinda.” Well, “kinda” like being “kinda” pregnant?

David retired when he had moved out-of-state. His employer provided a flat amount for him to use toward his Medicare Supplement plan (he is not on a group plan). David selected a plan, keeping in mind he was getting that check from his employer. He did not think about the premium/cost that he would have to pay if his employer stopped helping him or when the premium increased.

His prior employer just notified him that they will stop helping/subsidizing

his Medicare Supplement plan effective January 1. David said his Medicare Supplement that he purchased out-ofstate has a higher premium than plans offered in Arkansas and that he needs to look at options.

Now eight years since he enrolled in his Medicare Supplement plan and several medical conditions and procedures later...

Can he change to another Medicare Supplement plan with a lower premium without answering medical questions (guaranteed issue)? Unfortunately, no.

He may apply for a plan and answer medical questions, but based on his medical conditions and procedures he has had, the policy probably would not be offered.

There is another option. He may apply for a Medicare Supplement plan that charges an extra premium for those with medical conditions. The policy will be issued, but we need to determine if the extra premium charged would be a savings for him.

Another option is to consider a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Election Period October 15 through December 7. The policy would be issued and would cover his pre-existing conditions. Policies issued during the

Annual Election Period are effective January 1, so this would coordinate with David losing check/help ($$) from his employer. Even though the Medicare Advantage policy would have a lower premium than his Medicare Supplement plan, he needs to compare the benefits it provides and make certain his doctors accept the plan.

The good news for David is that he has options, and these options may reduce his monthly premium/cost.

If David was still on a group plan, he might have an additional option. If his current coverage was “creditable” based on Medicare guidelines, he might be able to change to a Medicare Supplement plan without answering medical questions, which could have a lower premium.

Details, right? Unfortunately, there are many variables. What you currently have determines the options to which you may change.

If you think your premium is high, if your policy is not meeting your needs when you go to the doctor, or if you are just unsure, contact a certified, qualified agent.

If you need some guidance, call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

N

Less than 22 weeks until

Christmas

Start saving for your holiday spending.

Open a Christmas Club account today!

www.mandp.bank 12 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Local Faces

ASU-N Awarded 1.17 Million in Grants & Two Marked Tree Students Place Nationally Jeremy Shirley Arkansas State University-Newport received a Regional Workforce Grant in the amount of one million dollars to support its transportation programs.

ASU-Newport received the notice on July 8, 2022, that funds would be granted to purchase new equipment and improve facilities for its transportation programs including Commercial Driver Training and Diesel Technology, both located at the Newport campus. ***************** Two Arkansas State University-Newport at Marked Tree students shined at the National Leadership and Skills Conference hosted by SkillsUSA. Taylor Matthews, of Cherry Valley, and Lauren Putman, of Cooter, Mo., both competed at the national event held in Atlanta, Ga. in June. Matthews won bronze in the Cosmetology category. This category required finalists to demonstrate skills in hair color, cutting, styling, and long hair design.

Putman competed in the Esthetics category. She,

SkillsUSA Cosmetology Third Place Winner - Taylor Matthews of Cherry Valley.

too, earned bronze by demonstrating techniques and professionalism in skin care including facials, makeup, and fantasy makeup application on her model Evelyn Castillo of Senath, Missouri.

Matthews and Putman earned their spots at the national level by winning gold at the Arkansas SkillsUSA competition.

These ASUN-Marked Tree students were just two of more than 6,000 competitors that included high school and college students competing in more than 100 categories. SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving schools across the country in preparing students to enter trade and technical career occupations.

“While we know the quality of education we provide our students at ASU-Newport, it’s always great to be able to showcase that success at the national level,” Chancellor Dr. Johnny M. Moore said. “Our faculty and staff work diligently to make sure our students are prepared to enter a highly skilled workforce, and I’m proud to see our students succeed.”

The competition is the nation’s largest hands-on workforce development event for students. SkillsUSA works to empower its members to become world-class workers and leaders. Learn more about SkillsUSA here. N

SkillsUSA Esthetics Bronze Winner - Lauren Putman of Cooter, Missouri and model Evelyn Castillo of Senath, Missouri.

First Community Bank Honored by Arkansas Business Best Places to Work 2022 Angela Connell First Community Bank was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in Arkansas. In its ninth year, Arkansas Business continues to offer this program in partnership with Workforce Research Group. This survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Arkansas, benefiting the state’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 50 companies.

First Community Bank has been named one of this year’s Best Places to Work in Arkansas.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements: - Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity; - Be a publicly or privately held business; - Have a facility in Arkansas; - Have at least 15 employees in Arkansas; - Be in business a minimum of 1 year.

TWELVE YEARS STRONG!

Employers are asked to fill out an in-depth questionnaire about their company, while employees are asked to take a survey. These elements allow Workforce Research Group to collect direct information and honest feedback about their workplace to determine if they’re one of the Best.

All of our winners will be celebrated and category winners including the Benchmark Award winner will be revealed at a special awards ceremony featuring company representatives in person as well those joining via virtual watch parties on September 29, and then published in a special supplement of Arkansas Business on October 3.

For more information on the Best Places to Work in Arkansas program or to purchase ticket packages visit www. arkansasbusiness.com/bestplacestowork or contact Awards Events and Marketing Lead Kelli Roy at KRoy@ABPG.Com or (501)455-9336. N eyeonmag.com

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

AUGUST 2022 13

Citizens Bank Named One of the “Best Places to Work” for Fourth Time Sara Doerfler Citizens Bank, headquartered in Batesville, Arkansas, has been named one of the 2022 “Best Places to Work”

by Arkansas Business. This is the fourth time the bank has received this honor and follows a year of progressive leadership growth.

“We continue to create something unique in Arkansas’s banking industry,” said Adam Mitchell, president and CEO of Citizens Bank. “To be recognized multiple times in this way enables us to spotlight our ‘People First’ mission and culture, which is demonstrated daily by our outstanding team.”

In partnership with Workforce Research Group, Arkansas Business conducts a survey and awards program dedicated to identifying and recognizing the area’s best employers and providing organizations with valuable employee feedback.

Nearly seventy years after its founding, the bank’s mission continues to put “People First.” The bank leadership recognizes the heart of the organization is a culture designed to give back both personally and professionally.

Unique professional development programs, incentives and benefits set the bank apart as a great place to work.

Taking care of its associates and their communities is a core tenant of the bank’s culture. Citizens Bank is expanding its footprint to give more communities access to its beyond

banking philosophy and “People First” mission.

Citizens Bank’s other recent recognitions include: 2021 Best Places to Work - Arkansas Business; 2020 Bank of the Year (Category 2) by Arkansas District Office of the Small Business Administration; 2020 Best Places to Work - Arkansas Business; Excellence in Business Award – Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards; 2019 Community Commitment Award – American Bankers Association Foundation; 2018 Best Places to Work in Arkansas Top 40 - Arkansas Business; and 2018 Community Collaboration Award – Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards. N

A&P Commission Announced Holiday Event Pitch Contest Chris Hill The City of Batesville’s Advertising and Promotions Commission proudly announces its Experience Independence Holiday Pitch Contest.

The contest is an opportunity for interested and experienced parties to pitch their idea and compete for funds to support the implementation or expansion of the event. Applicants will pitch a unique, well-researched, and practical concept for a new holiday-themed event to attract overnight stays to Batesville.

“This is a great opportunity for organizations and individuals to compete for start-up funds to support holiday events,” said Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce COO Jamie Rayford.

The A&P Commission is funding the pitch contest to offset expenses related to promoting the area as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™ and encourage tourism growth.

Award amounts range from $100 to $12,000. The

number of awards granted depends on the applicant pool’s quality and request size.

“Batesville has built a reputation as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™, and we are excited to see what new ideas our community comes up with,” concluded Rayford.

Learn more and start planning your event at experienceindependence.com.

N

Leadership Batesville Learns About Placemaking

At the July session, participants learned about the vision of placemaking, which improves quality of life.

Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of the community.

Participants met with leaders from the community, and concluded the session by attending the City of Batesville Advertising and Promotion Commission quarterly meeting, where they learned about our community's visitor attraction strategies. N

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Batesville program, presented by Citizens Bank, prepares emerging leaders to serve our community.

Through shared experiences and frequent interactions, participants engage in a nine-month curriculum inspired by the community-developed IMPACT Independence County strategic plan.

14 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Scott Wood Opens the First, Exclusive Jeep® Showroom in Arkansas Chris Hill The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Arkansas’s first exclusive Jeep® showroom at Scott Wood Chrysler Dodge Jeep + Ram. “This is another milestone for Wood Family Dealerships,” said Scott Wood. “Jeep is an iconic brand and an important part of our product portfolio.”

“We are super excited to be part of the opening of the new jeep showroom,” said BACC Chief Operating Officer Jamie Rayford. “It’s amazing to see a long-standing business in our community continue modernizing what they do.”

“In 1942, Jeep got its start as a tool for war. Since then, Jeep has grown to have ten models available,” said General Manager Phil Brissey. “We are excited to open this new showroom and celebrate this excellent brand.” N

Notes from the Clearing Joey Thomas

Clients at New Directions in Batesville hold up an ice cream craft they made to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, which was Monday, July 18. They then capped off the day with a visit from the Sweet Treats ice cream truck with Charlie Willis. Pictured are (back row from left, in blue shirt) Michael Foster, Chris Crabtree, John Taylor, Doug Burrow and Billy Scarber; (middle row, in black shirt) Justin Ferrell, Anna Shults and Twyla Taylor; and (front row, in tiedye shirt) Angie Allen, Jacob Solimine, April Williams and Bethan Murrell. New Directions is one of two adult day treatment facilities operated by Network of Community Options, Inc.; the other is The Martin Center in Ash Flat. These centers serve adults with developmental challenges with a goal of enhancing the social lives of the adults it serves as well as helping them learn or improve everyday living skills.

For more information about services provided by NCO, Inc., visit www.networkofcommunityoptions. org or call 870-612-5900.

N TWELVE YEARS STRONG!

I felt for the hope, the belief, and the fortitude of healing. If We are Source and Source is capable of anything, what is holding us back? Persons with Disassociative Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder), have been shown to hold different resting heart rates from one personality to the next. Even a difference in ocular pressure. These are conditions that stay consistent, per personality, as does our own. So, does that mean our physcial measurements can be changed by our minds; Blood Pressure, Resting Sugar, Heart Rate? Eye color, height, fat loss, muscle development? All indicators point to that being true, so, what is it that prevents us from changing the things we wish to change? Actual Physical restrictions? Mental restrictions? Belief?

N

Charlie Willis is the girl in the ice cream truck. eyeonmag.com

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

AUGUST 2022 15

BACC Announces Upcoming Chamber University Session Chris Hill The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) proudly announces the next Chamber University session, presented by First Community Bank. BACC’s Chamber University program brings relevant information to members in a quick and engaging format.

Join us on Tuesday, August 3, to hear from Ted Abernathy as he talks about “Workforce Challenges in 2022...and beyond.” Ted will interactively address why we are all challenged to find enough workers with the right skills—and what we can do about it.

Abernathy is the managing partner of Economic Leadership, a small group of data, strategy, and policy experts working with private and public clients to analyze competitiveness, develop strategy, support leadership, and reimagine the future.

“We are fortunate to be able to offer face time with a leading national economist to the professionals leading our businesses in Independence County,” said BACC COO Jamie Rayford. “Our Chamber staff have been the beneficiaries of Ted’s foresight in the past and are proud to partner with First Community Bank to offer our members useful information to combat current challenges and plan for future success.”

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce members can enjoy free admission to this event to learn directly from Ted’s expertise. Admission is $40 for non-members. All attendees must register by July 29 at batesvilleareachamber. com. N

The IMAD “Read N Roll” Program is the newest additon to the IMAD summer youth program held each summer. The “Read N Roll” program is designed for children ages 7 to 14 years. In the program kids get to enhance their reading skills during the summer months while learning other important skills to prepare them for the future.

Life skills, critical thinking, and people skills are just a few offered with the “Read N Roll” program.

Participants are exposed to literacy with extensive

reading and comprehensive exercises to enhance reading levels, followed by treats such as roller skating at the IMAD Premier Event Center, which is a great source of exercise for a generation of kids not in tune with as many physical activities.

The first session of “Read N Roll” ran July 11th through July 15th from 8:30am to 4pm. It entailed a trip to the Memphis Zoo as a camp finale. There is an application process for all children who wish to participate in this free program, with a second week long camp to be announced later this year.

IMAD provided 2 meals and a snack for each child and the program is free. There is space for 50 kids per session. For more information or to register your child, please contact IMAD at 870.495.3048 IPEC (Please Leave a Message). email immakingadifferencenow@ aol.com, visit www.imadorganization.com/read-n-rollprogram.

N

Book Review

When Ghosts Come Home

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

Wiley Cash returns to the roots of his fiction in his new novel, “When Ghosts Come Home.” While his third novel was historical, based on the famous 1929 millworkers’ strike in North Carolina, his first and second novels were family based, focusing on children who grow up in turmoil and loss but find ways to survive that and prosper.

His new novel is a crime novel but is still securely family-based.

The crime part starts the novel.

The county sheriff, Winston, awakes in the night hearing a low-flying plane heading for the local smalltown landing strip near the North Carolina coast. Fearing a crash landing, he dresses and drives to the airport. There he finds an empty DC-3 cargo plane with broken tail gear and a local man dead with a bullet to the chest.

So was the cargo drugs? Tire tracks show something was hauled away. Where have the smugglers and drugs gone? Is the dead man part of a drug gang? Who else is involved?

Then comes the family part.

The dead man, Rodney, was the son of a local high school history teacher and had a good job, a young wife, and a son just a few months old. Rodney’s grieving widow and his father are sure he had nothing to do with drugs or gangs, and was an innocent by-stander who’d gone to the all-night grocery for diapers, saw the plane coming in, went to the strip to check it out, and was murdered by the smugglers to eliminate an eyewitness. Winston tends to agree with them. But a young hotshot running for sheriff against Winston in the upcoming election wants everyone to believe Rodney, who’s Black, was part of a

Black drug gang, perhaps killed by rival gang members.

Then there’s Winston’s family.

His twenty-something daughter Colleen leaves her husband, a young prosecuting attorney in Dallas, and comes home. She’s still deep in mourning for the loss of her stillborn son just three months earlier. With her husband at work every day, she’s been home alone weeks on end, with no child to care for and no one around to share her grief with. She still loves her husband very much, but she has come home for support he hasn’t been able to supply.

Back to the crime: since the plane seems to have carried drugs, the FBI sends two agents from nearby Wilmington to take over the case, and a third agent, a veteran who’d flown DC-3s, arrives from Miami to repair the landing gear and fly the plane out. Both he a Colleen stay with Winston and his wife, and Colleen notices a couple of odd things about him but says nothing.

To complicate the situation, the hotshot candidate, a developer of luxury homes close to the ocean, causes one crisis after another.

The worst is his intimidation of Rodney’s widow and her neighbors by leading a caravan of night-riders through the Black neighborhood shining searchlights and firing guns into the air. The hotshot wants their property to expand his development.

Thus the crime story merges with two family stories as both Rodney’s family and Colleen deal with loss and grief as Winston tries to support all of them while also trying to identify and capture the smugglers and murderers while working from the sidelines where the FBI agents have placed him.

By the end of the novel, Winston succeeds and readers discover who the smugglers and murderers are and see the families work out of their grief. They’ll be satisfied with those discoveries, though like me

they may find one plot twist at the end unmotivated and not quite so satisfying as most of the conclusion.

Wiley Cash is this year’s winner of Lyon College’s Leila Lenore Heasley Prize for Fiction. He’ll be giving a Public Reading at Lyon at 7:00 Thursday November 17. The event is free of charge and open to all. N

Support Our Advertisers ASU Newport-------------------------------- 9 Attention Medical Supply------------------- 22 Bad Boy Mowers---------------------------- 21 Bank of England---------------------------- 6 Citizens Bank-------------------------------- 11 Coldwell Banker Choice Realty------------- 4 CustomEyes Vision Care of Newport------- 20 Delta Medical-------------------------------- 5 First Community Bank---------------------- 2 Independence County Library-------------- 3 Independence County Recycling Center--- 7 Kallsnick, Inc.------------------------------- 5 KBAP 88.1 FM------------------------------- 9 Merchants and Planters Bank-------------- 12 M & P Insurance and Investment Services-12 Rae’s Clothing Co.-------------------------- 7 Southern Tire Mart-------------------------- 9 Storyteller Images-------------------------- 8 Studio Salon-------------------------------- 3 The IMAD Village Community Talk Show-- 16 Thompson’s Jewelry------------------------ 19 UACCB--------------------------------------- 20 UACCB Adult Education--------------------- 10 Unity Health Harris Medical Center-------- 24 White River Health Systems---------------- 23 White River Medical Center----------------- 3

Kimberlee Dannette Thomas is a Chandler, Oklahoma native. She relocated to Jackson County in 1986. She has five children, five grandchildren, is co-owner and creator of Eye On Magazine. She is recognized from her years of co-hosting on many Cable Channel 15 & 6 broadcast with Bud & David Black. She earned her Associates from ASUN in Fine Arts.

Value in Community

Peyton Olson is the daughter of Bill and Hayes Olson. She is a Batesville native; born, raised and educated within the beauty of the Ozark foothills and scenic White River. She is a 2017 Batesville High School graduate and a 2021 University of Arkansas alumni.

Peyton has spent the past year as a Special Education teacher within the Batesville public school system, serving high school students. However, there is great change coming in Peyton’s life, a change that will see her leave the familiarity of home and travel over 8,300 miles to Kenya.

Standard professions have always felt a little lack luster to Peyton and her heart drew her to the field of special education, “While I have known that I love working with individuals with disabilities from the time I was 15, I was still unsure of what I wanted to do with that. In college, the major that made the most sense to my passions was Special Education, even though I wasn’t psyched to be a school teacher.”

It was on the first day of Peyton’s junior year in college that fate or perhaps destiny would reveal itself, “I went to class. I had a new professor who had been in the Peace Corps-more interestingly; she worked with individuals who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” As the professor proceeded through her “about-me” lecture her words struck a chord with Peyton, “I opened up my laptop to create my applicant portal for the Peace Corps. My professor most likely thought I was extremely rude but the truth is that she had opened my eyes to the first career option that not only made sense to me but also made me excited.” From that day on, Peyton has been in preparation for this opportunity and hasn’t stopped working towards her dream job.

Peyton will be moving to Kenya this October to work for the Peace Corps. Her trip will include three months of training and two years of service in country for a total of 27 months. While in country, she will have the opportunity to work with the Deaf community of Kenya and teach Deaf Education at the local specialty school.

Peyton explained, “Local is a relative term, considering there is a possibility I could be walking an hour to work every day!” This particular job stood out to her because of her background in Special Education and her passion for working with individuals with disabilities. Peyton further shared, “At my day job, my main responsibilities are working on reading comprehension skills, improving literacy levels, influencing a positive reading culture in leisure activities and family gatherings, and advocating for those with disabilities.”

Peyton’s goals reach beyond simply teaching in

country, “I am interested in facilitating an organization that influences women empowerment and displays the correlation between longevity of education and success in the workforce in all countries-not just Kenya.”

The gravity of this opportunity is not lost on Peyton, “I’m extremely blessed to not only have this opportunity but to also have an army of people who are helping me reach my goal. I mean seriously, my whole family would push me on a plane yesterday if they could!”

When asked, “What do you hope to accomplish” Peyton was torn between what she felt was the diplomatic answer and what her heart told her. “I brainstormed for a moment trying to find an answer.

I’m sure the standard answer is: I want to make a difference, change the world, live my life helping others, and work towards a greater good.” While certain all of the previous statements were true, she knew it was about more. “I mainly am hoping to grow in myself. I hope that this evolves me to a human who finds more comfort in change and progression than in stagnant thoughts, a person who listens more with her heart than her mind, and a woman who finds more value in community and family than daily possessions.”

Peyton looks forward to immersing herself in the culture, “While I am moving to Kenya to lend a helping hand, I am confident that my new community and this experience will give far more to me than I can dream of returning.”

This opportunity is one Peyton has been striving towards for more than three years, “There were many

times I was terrified that joining the Peace Corps wasn’t in the cards for me.

Even on the days that I felt my dream was unreachable, I was still working towards it.” When asked if she had any words of wisdom to share she was quick to reply, “When something sparks a passion in you that makes the world make sense, make that something yours.”

N

Thompson’s Jewelry 870-793-7136

www.thompsonjewelry.com

Serving you since 1924

255 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville

Where your hometown jeweler should be

LPN to RN Program Applications Open Applications open July 1 and close September 30 Both on-ground and online tracks available. https://www.uaccb.edu/rn-program

20 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

In The Field with Randy Irrigation Termination

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.

As I write this on July 12th, farmers are battling dry and hot conditions. I try to record rainfall and temperature data from Newport (Newport Municipal Airport) and Jonesboro (my backyard). As of July 12th, we have gone 47 days without significant rainfall at Newport and 36 days at Jonesboro.

Farmers are doing all they can to keep up with irrigation needs but it is tough in conditions like this. It’s hard to believe that the end of irrigation is in sight, but one of the major considerations in August will be irrigation termination especially for a lot of the corn and rice, and even the earlier soybeans. I will review recommendations for corn, rice, and soybeans in this article.

In corn, the development of the starch layer in the kernel should be monitored to determine when you can terminate irrigation without sacrificing yield. If the starch layer has progressed 50 percent or more down the kernel and you have good moisture, then you should be able to safely terminate irrigation with furrow irrigated corn. With pivot irrigated corn, the starch line needs to be 75 percent or more down the kernel

before irrigation is terminated since less water is likely applied during each irrigation. If in doubt, I would err to the safe side and go ahead and irrigate one more time especially if hot and dry conditions are forecast.

With rice, the University of Arkansas has a couple of rules of thumb that can be considered in regard to when you can safely drain fields. One is that the field should be 25-30 days past 50 percent heading, 25 days for long grain varieties and 30 days for medium grain varieties.

The other rule of thumb is based on visual observation of the maturing grains on the panicle. On silt loam soils the panicles should be two-thirds straw-colored and on clay soils the panicles should be one-third straw-colored prior to draining.

A personal rule of thumb that I have always used is that I want the end grains to be straw colored and I want the base grains to be milky before I begin to consider making a drain recommendation. I always consider predicted weather and soil type when using any of these methods.

With soybeans, research has shown that there needs to be good moisture until about Growth Stage R6.5 in order to obtain maximum yield. This is the point where the beans separate from the white membrane within the pod wall. You should start seeing the beginning of color change at that point.

If producers will utilize these irrigation termination recommendations, they can avoid losing yield after pretty much all inputs have already been spent on the field.

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

N

Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY

TWELVE YEARS STRONG!

eyeonmag.com

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

AUGUST 2022 21

ATTENTION MEDICAL SUPPLY “Where you get the ATTENTION You deserve!”

2200 Malcolm Ave., Suite C Newport, AR 72112 (870) 523-2408 The four-wheel LiteRider™ scooter from Golden features 12.5-mile range, a Delta Tiller standard, more attractive styling and more vibrant colors. A modern tubular frame design supports its 300 lb. weight capacity, and its completely wireless disassembly makes transporting a breeze. The LiteRider GL141’s 9-inch, black low-profile tires are mounted on high-strength steel rims.

Its plush, deep-black vinyl stadium style seat comes with adjustable armrests and a full 360-degree swivel mechanism for getting on and off the scooter easily. You will also appreciate our two storage baskets, one on the tiller and one under the seat. A true beauty, the LiteRider scooter is available in deep shades of red and blue.

Thyme Enough

Chilled Tomato and Cucumber Soup (Gazpacho) Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 58 years and are still having fun cooking and living! Find Sandy’s newly published thriller Dead in the Shadow of Doubt on Amazon.com.

Cool Baby Cool Travel is always expansive. Our daughters and son-in-law recently returned from a trip out East to visit Kate and Nelson or “Young” Nelson as I’ll refer to him to distinguish him from “My” Nelson or the famous Eye On Recipe-ist, who is not called “Old” Nelson, but he is “Young‘s” grandfather. Are you confused yet?

Just let me say, when you belong to a family who has a tendency to name everyone the same name, you know when you holler someone will come.

Being our children, when we travel food is not far from our points of interest, the visitors and hosts dined in one of Asheville’s most noted restaurants, Cu’rate. Spanish, yep, which explains the glamourous use of Gazpacho rather than the more familiar tomato and cucumber soup. But regardless of what you want to call it, it is a winner. I have the Cu’rate cookbook, and I have made this simple, and simply delicious chilled summer soup that in these hot days makes a fine supper. You can eat it with a spoon or it is thin enough to sip. And another plus, you don’t have to turn on the oven.

Chilled Tomato Soup from the Cu’rate Cookbook/Authentic

Spanish Food from an American Kitchen, by Katie Button What’s In it: 1 large red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, diced, divided 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced, divided 2 pounds super- ripe tomatoes, cored and diced, divided 1 medium garlic clove, chopped, divided 1 cup 1-inch cubes crustless baguette, divided 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar, divided 2 tablespoons dry sherry wine, divided Kosher salt 1 1/2 cup Arbequina extra-virgin olive oil, divided How to Do It: · 1. You need to work in batches to puree this soup in standard home blenders: combine about one-third of the pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, garlic, bread cubes, vinegar, wine, and 1 teaspoon salt with 1/2 cup water in a good blender. Low to High. With the machine running, add one-third of the oil in a steady stream, then puree until totally smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. · 2. Repeat two more times with the remaining ingredients, using 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup water for each batch. Taste the mixture and add more salt to taste (you won’t need it), and more water for the right consistency. It should be drinkable. Depending on how much water your tomatoes are holding, you may need to add another 1|2 cup water to the strained soup. (I doubt you will.) · 3. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. When it is very cold, it is ready to serve. Stir well and adjust the seasonings again just before serving. Enjoy!

N

22 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Your family is our

family.

When you really care about someone, you want what’s best for them. At White River Health, formerly White River Health System, we want that and more for you — making better lives possible through the big-city medicine that keeps you well and close to home. Around here, we treat people well — with lifelong care that builds better habits, healthier communities, and brighter futures.

Visit our website or social media pages to learn more about your hometown partner in health.

ARKANSAS