Our Times Magazine Winter 2019

TIMES Our

M A G A Z I N E Lawrence County, Arkansas

Inside

WWII History Shared

Winter 2 0 1 9

Also in this issue:

LMHF Hosts Gala

Event Showcases Art

Capt. Gregory Smith Vessel Dedicated

T O R WING NEED U O Y L L A R S FO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE • Tire Changes • Jump Starts • Door Unlocks • • Fuel Delivery • Heavy and Light Duty Towing • • Flat Bed Hauling • Semi Load Shifts • Underwater Recoveries • • Storage and Portable Building Transports •

886-7506 • 886-9821 • 273-8455 LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE 24-HOUR SERVICE 2

Winter 2 0 1 9

Stressed over taxes, payroll and bookkeeping?

We can help! Contact us today!

413 Southwest Third Street • P.O. Box 13 | Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72476 870.886.2772 | Visit us online at www.smithmayfield.com Winter 2 0 1 9

3

CONTENTS John Bland jbland@thetd.com

Ad Design & Sales Shantelle Redden sredden@thetd.com

Dedicated

Vessel named for Capt.

Gregory Smith

9

Celebrate

Lifelong friends mark birthdays together

14

Showcased

Local students’ talents highlighted at event

18

Giddy Up

Many enjoy annual trail ride

24

Memories

Wings of Honor hosts WWII speaker

TIMES Our

M A G A Z I N E Winter 2019 Year 1 • No. 1

27

Editor

Gretchen Hunt ghunt@thetd.com

Layout & Design Megan Heyl mheyl@thetd.com

Our Times Magazine staff: Nathan Hibbard, Renee Bland, Tammy Whitehead

870-886-2464 • 225 W. Main St., Walnut Ridge, Arkansas • P. O. Box 389, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 Our Times Magazine is a publication of The Times Dispatch in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and is published on a quarterly basis. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

We welcome suggestions for future stories, submissions for our upcoming events and nominations for our Local Flavor feature.

On the cover: WWII veteran Clifford Smith speaks at the Wings of Honor Museum. Photo by: Keith Boles.

4

Winter 2 0 1 9

ADVERTISERS Birdsong Peanuts City of Walnut Ridge Cook’s Wrecker Service Crowley’s Ridge College Families, Inc. Counseling First Choice Healthcare First National Bank Hatfield Ready Mix Hedge’s Portable Toilets Jades Boutique Jonesboro Travel With Us Lawrence Health Services Posey Patch Pratt’s Auto Salvage Roto-Rooter Smith-Mayfield, LLC The Spider’s Webb

To advertise in Our Times Magazine, contact Shantelle at 870-886-2464 or sredden@thetd.com

Publisher

Featured Stories

W

ith the launch of the new Our Times Magazine, I find myself reflecting on the time we find ourselves in here in Lawrence County. We have for a while now contemplated launching a magazine, but for one reason or another held back. As we neared the end of 2018, we began to meet and discuss again the potential for creating a magazine to highlight the people and events of Lawrence County. This time, the timing seemed right.

When our publisher, John Bland, proposed the name Our Times, I loved it immediately. It obviously is a wonderful extension of the name of our weekly newspaper, The Times Dispatch, but it is also an apt name for what we plan to accomplish with the magazine — share stories and photos of “our times” here in Lawrence County, Arkansas.

Add to that, the feeling that seems pervasive right now that this is “our time.” We are experiencing a lot of positives right now — economic growth, community development, forward progress. We definitely see the unlimited potential for Lawrence County and are so excited to announce that it is indeed our time for Our Times Magazine.

We look forward to sharing in this new experience with you, our readers, as we share about the people, places and events in our county. We hope you enjoy this and future editions of Our Times.

Gretchen Hunt, Editor

ORDER

CUSTOM

GRADUATION INVITATIONS HERE

Healthcare For The Entire Family

Preventative, acute and chronic care treatment for infants, children, adults and elderly.

Corning - 1300 Creason Road | 870.857.3399 Pocahontas - 141 Betty Drive | 870.892.9949 Walnut Ridge - 201 Colonial Drive | 870.886.5507

Ash Flat - 308 Highway 62 W | 870.994.2202 Paragould - #1 Medical Drive | 870.236.2000 Salem - 172 Highway 62 W | 870.895.2735

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, AR Kids, most insurance and self-pay patients Vi sit u s online at w w w.1stchoice-ar. org Winter 2 0 1 9

5

LMHF hosts W The Lawrence Memorial Health Foundation, which supports Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Lawrence Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation, hosted its annual Winter Gala on Feb. 9 at The Studio in downtown

Walnut Ridge.

Clay Sloan was honored as the 2018 Special Advocate. Lila Floyd, vice chair of the hospital and nursing home’s board of governors, made the presentation. Floyd noted that Sloan’s

Keri and Ron Ingram

legal expertise has been invaluable as the facilities have moved toward a not-for-profit status.

The crowd of approximately 125 attendees enjoyed a meet and greet, guitar music provided by Jackson For-

Dr. Ted and Deanne Lancaster (seated, from left), Dr. Shawn Peyton; (standing) Dr. Paul and Charmaine Vellozo, and Mark Peyton

Angie Abbott, Ashlyn Abbott, Sherri Thomas and Sarah Penn

Lesley Skinner, Mary Ann Foley and Keri Ingram Diana Shelton and Peggy Maryman

Penny and Clay Sloan

6

Winter 2 0 1 9

Renee Bland, Keri Ingram, Lesa Walter and Jackie Snapp

Winter Gala rester, a silent and live auction and a dinner catered by Mel Fender and the Chicken Shack Produce staff. Ronnie “Frog” Light served as auctioneer for the event, which raised funds for the LMHF projects.

Peggy Maryman and Jeff Taylor

Gary and Carol Sparks and Vanessa and Bill Wagner Jr.

Kim and Danny Simpson

Randy and Michelle Evans, Connie Mullen, Stephanie Harris and Becky Holder

Kim Gill, Mary Ann Foley and Marta Jones

Clay Sloan (left), the 2018 LMHF Special Advocate, with high-school classmate Scott Holder.

Sarah Penn (from left), Landon Hearnes, Madison Lane and Erik Hearnes view items in the gala’s silent auction.

Winter 2 0 1 9

7

It’s prom season in Lawrence County Everything you need to stand out from the crowd at an affordable price.

Tuxes for all styles and all budgets! We also offer prom packages for boutonniéres and corsages.

The store will have extended hours (till at least 5 p.m.) during prom season!

Posey Patch Florist & Gifts

870.886.6000

208 West Main Street • Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 | www.poseypatchfloristandgifts.com Store Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Closed Sundays

8

Winter 2 0 1 9

Smith Vessel

Dedicated C

aptain Gregory Smith of Hoxie received the highest honor the maritime industry bestows in November with the rededication of a vessel in his honor.

Smith and his wife, Mary, along with many family members, traveled to Paducah, Ky., for the dedication ceremony of the Captain Gregory Smith, a refurbished towboat in the American Commercial Barge Line fleet.

Smith said vessels are generally christened when they are built, but sometimes boats are rededicated and renamed. This particular boat was refurbished, gutted and remodeled

By Gretchen Hunt

and also had mechanical work done, including increasing the horsepower.

“The current CEO of our company, Mark Knoy, when he came on board approximately eight years ago, started a practice of naming our vessels after some of our more senior employees, particularly vessel captains, but sometimes office personnel,” Smith said.

The evening before the dedication, ACBL, a leader in barge transportation offering services throughout the Mississippi River system and its tributaries, hosted a dinner for company officials and the family.

“I come from a large family and 

Winter 2 0 1 9

9

quite a few in the industry,” Smith said. “I said how much I appreciated my company paying for our family reunion.”

Smith, who followed in his father’s footsteps, said his family is somewhat of a “river rat dynasty.” His brothers, cousins and nephews all work for the same company.

A special highlight of the dinner was the presentation of a new award, a medallion minted by ACBL to recognize distinguished service in the industry.

“They gave Dad the first one,” Smith said. “I got the second one.”

Smith said his father, Captain Larry M. Smith, a native of Imboden who

Greg Smith of Hoxie was surrounded by family when the Captain Gregory Smith was dedicated in November in Paducah, Ky.

10

Winter 2 0 1 9

is now retired, is responsible for the training of most of the pilots on the river.

“He either trained them or the people he trained trained them,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of people on the river who owe their careers to my dad. He had a knack for being able to train pilots, and he did a lot of it.”

Dedication ceremony Following vessel tours, the dedication ceremony included speeches by ACBL Vice President of Operations Paul Tobin and Director of River Operations Captain Randy Chamness.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the ship’s Bible, along with the presentation of the ship’s colors. The Coast Guard presented the vessel’s new U.S. flag, ACBL officials presented the company flag and chaplains from Seaman’s Church Institute presented the U.S. Merchant Marine flag.

A prayer for the vessel was also offered, as well as the ceremonial bottle breaking.

Smith’s wife, Mary, had the duty of breaking the bottle, which was covered in a crochet-type material to keep the glass from flying.

Mark Knoy (left), CEO of American Commercial Barge Line, has made it a company practice to name vessels after senior employees, such as Capt. Gregory Smith of Hoxie.

“When the time came for her to break it, I said you know its bad luck if you don’t break it on the first try,” Smith said, laughing. “She hit it so hard, but it didn’t break. The second time, it broke, but she knocked a chip of paint off the rail. The captain gave her a hard time.”

Smith said his remarks were mostly expressions of thanks to those who have helped him over the years. He

Among family members who traveled to Paducah, Ky., to help Capt.

Greg Smith (back, left) celebrate the dedication of a vessel in his honor were (front, from left): his parents, Pauline and Capt. Larry M. Smith; and (back) Capt. Charles Baughman and Capt.

Jim Smith. said he was able to keep his composure until he got to the point where he was to thank his wife.

“I could not have managed to do the things that I have done in my career without having a stable home life,” he said. “I have my wife to thank for that. I’d like to say I got lucky, but God blessed me.”

The journey Smith started his river boat career with a small company, Missouri River Barge Lines, in 1973, two weeks after graduating from high school. Prior to that he had worked summers with his dad and had even made some trips as a young boy. He recalled that the first time he drove a towboat was at the age of 12, when Captain Lawrence Trammell let him do so while he was riding along with his dad.

“I decided right then and there that’s what I wanted to do,” Smith said.

He said he did well in high school, though, and intended to go to college.

But, when he went to work on the river to earn some money to go to college, he realized he could become a pilot quickly if he stayed with it.

He got his license in 1976 and his pilot career began.

“The Coast Guard told me I was the youngest at the time,” Smith said.

“They called me ‘the kid.’”

Smith said throughout his career he

has technically worked for four different companies, but he never changed jobs.

“Through buyouts and mergers, I ultimately wound up working for one of the largest companies, ACBL, and I kept my seniority, so I’ve got 45 years in,” he said.

In addition, he serves as an instructor on a variety of topics and authored a book titled, “River Navigation.”

Smith also holds five U.S. patents for marine hardware, including some equipment that his brother-in-law, Danny West of Walnut Ridge, manufactures.

Smith said he has been blessed in a lot of ways.

“The timing of when I joined the industry helped,” he said. “My father helped. My family helped. I didn’t pull this off myself. It was in large part my family that got me where I am today.”

Winter 2 0 1 9

11

Great Style.

Terrific Customer Service.

Fantastic Prices.

• Shoes • T-Shirts • Jeans • Purses • • Jewelry • Home Goods • Gifts •

203 West Main Street Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72476 Open Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM Closed Sundays

12

Winter 2 0 1 9

Super Walnut Ridge Fundraising Watch Party

T

Angie Abbott (from left), Sherri Thomas with Chrystle Pressly of Jonesboro

Randy and Sally Golden were high bidders on several auction items to raise funds for The Children’s Shelter.

Brian Hill, who lives at Annieville and attends Sloan-Hendrix School, and Sharna Butts, event chair, take up money at the Watch Party.

Shane Hill (from left), Chantal Longoria, Brian Hill, Rose Murphy and (front) Gary Salard Jr. were some of the volunteers who assisted with the Super Walnut Ridge Fundraising Watch Party.

he Children’s Shelter benefitted from a fun night at The Studio, where attendees gathered on Feb. 3 for a Super Walnut Ridge Fundraising Watch Party. Sharna Butts, event chair, said over $3,000 was raised for the shelter.

The Watch Party included a large buffet of food, silent auction items, door prizes and eight big screens for watching the big game. Several area restaurants and food vendors donated food items for the party.

Butts said the donations and a committee of volunteers made the event happen.

“It’s a group effort,” she said.

Watching the big game together were (seated) Dana Hamilton and (standing, from left) Stephen Boyd, Ronnie LeBlanc and David Martin.

Photos by John Bland Winter 2 0 1 9

13

Juanita Tolson (left) and Catherine Ponder shared birthday honors at a birthday dinner held Nov. 12 at Old Walnut Ridge Baptist Church.

Catherine Ponder and Juanita Tolson share birthday celebration

Sam Ponder with his mother, Catherine Ponder.

14

Winter 2 0 1 9

Juanita Tolson is surrounded by her children, including (from left): Mary Margaret Tolson, Darla McEntire, Sharon Spades, Mike Tolson and Wendell Tolson.

C

atherine Ponder and Juanita Tolson shared honors on Nov. 12 at a birthday celebration in their honor at Old Walnut Ridge Baptist Church.

The event celebrated not only their long lives but also the long friendship they have enjoyed for more than 70 years. Catherine was also a first cousin to Juanita’s late husband, Bud Tolson.

Catherine’s 97th birthday was on Nov. 13, and Juanita’s 93rd birthday was on Nov. 16. They are the matriarchs of two well-known Walnut Ridge families, most of whom were present for the celebration.

This group includes (from left): Paul Cox, North Little Rock; Janiel Cox, North Little Rock; Peggy Hayes (standing), Little Rock; Juanita, Catherine and Edgar Cox, Little Rock.

Juanita Miller Tolson At age 93, Juanita continues to bowl in a Monday night church league with Winnie Tedder, Nancy Ervin and Juanita’s daughter, Mary Margaret Davis.

For her 89th birthday, she went parasailing in Orange Beach, Ala., along with daughter, Darla McEntire.

When she turned 90, she went to visit family at Cherokee Village and went tubing on Thunderbird Lake. As granddaughter, Christy Benson, said, “Who thinks a 90-year-old can’t have fun?”

Among the Tolson family members attending As a child, Juanita lived in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, the celebration were (front, from left): Peter Mo., the latter where she attended school. Her father sold insurance. and Ashley Davis, Walnut Ridge; Christy BenShe would first meet her future husband, Enos A. “Bud” Tolson, son and Brodan Boyd, Cherokee Village; (row when she was only 12. Bud was six years older and had come to visit two) Sharon Spades, Doniphan, Mo.; Darla McEntire, Walnut Ridge; Juanita; Mary Marga- a cousin, whose mother was living with Juanita’s family at the time.

Bud wrote to Juanita while he was in the service, stationed in ret Davis, Jonesboro; Wendell Tolson, Hoxie, Mike Tolson, Paragould; (standing) Miles Davis, North Africa, during World War II. They had a “correspondence romance.”

Jonesboro; Chastity Davis, Cherokee Village; Ron Tolson, Little Rock; Kim Roberts, Searcy; By the time Bud got out of the service, Juanita was working for Barry Tolson, Jonesboro; Molly Dutton, Walnut the telephone division of the Naval Department in Washington, D.C. Ridge; Phillip Tolson, Walnut Ridge; Marsha While there, she had the opportunity to attend President Franklin Tolson, Little Rock; Gail Tolson, Hoxie; Shannon Delano Roosevelt’s final inauguration on Jan. 20, 1945.

Tolson, Walnut Ridge; Mercedes Ontiveros and Juanita said she and Bud had one real date the night before they Zaid Guerra, Paragould. got married. Their marriage lasted 61 years – until his death in 2006.

“He was the love of my life.”

Catherine Cox Ponder Catherine was only 12 years old when she started playing the piano at the Old Walnut Ridge Baptist Church. She has continued to play the piano fairly regularly at the same church over a time spanning 85 years, except for a few gaps for illness and during World War II. In fact, it is well known that Catherine and her then two-monthold son Will, were at home in Honolulu, just about six miles away from the naval base in Pearl Harbor, when the bombing took place on Dec. 7, 1941.

In late November of 1941, her husband, Willis Miles Ponder Jr., had boarded the USS Pensacola and was bound for the Philippines.

His ship had just crossed the equator south of Honolulu on Dec. 7.

Catherine had just finished feeding two-month-old son, Will, and was laying down for a nap when the sound of explosions erupted in the air.

In addition to Will Ponder III, Miles and Catherine would have three additional sons, Mack, Sam and David, and a daughter, Paula.

Their son, Mack Francis Ponder, whose wife is Harriet, is deceased.

Catherine and Miles were married 74 years, until his death in 2015.

Despite a couple of serious falls, Catherine has bounced back quite well. She continues to play the piano at church and has recently traveled to New Mexico to visit family.

Among the Ponder family members present were (front, from left): Sam Ponder, Ruidoso, N.M.; Paula Bishop, Memphis; Catherine; Willis Miles Ponder III, Ruidoso, N.M.; Harriet Ponder, Walnut Ridge; David Ponder, Southaven, Miss.; (second row) Cindi Jones Brasher, Memphis; Hugh Bishop, Memphis; Catherine Jones, Walnut Ridge; Regan Ponder, Tulsa; Kris Ponder, Tulsa; Susan Harris, Round Rock, Texas; Spencer Ponder, Walnut Ridge; Shannon Ponder, Walnut Ridge; (back) Willis Miles Ponder IV, Austin, Texas; Franklin Everett, Walnut Ridge; and John Ponder, Southaven, Miss.

Winter 2 0 1 9

15

Whether you need a unit for an athletics event, an outdoor event or a construction site, Hedge’s Por table Toilet Rental is here to help!

Walnut Ridge 870.886.3757 Jonesboro 870.935.0300 Blytheville 870.763.4708 Toll Free 1.800.284.1311 www.hedgesinc.net | roto-rooter@hotmail.com

16

Winter 2 0 1 9

Winter 2 0 1 9

17

Visual and Arts Festi a-DORY-ble

Overlapping Bottles

by Dream Davis, 6th grade, Hoxie Elementary School

Collouette

by Erin Hicks, 10th grade, Walnut Ridge High School

by Kayde Inness, 11th grade, Sloan-Hendrix High School

It’s a Grate Life

by Judy Foster, Lawrence County Cooperative School

Patience

by Garrett Brown, 12th grade, Walnut Ridge High School

18

Winter 2 0 1 9

O Holy Night

by Rita McMullen, Lawrence County Cooperative School

Hoxie School Art & Vocal Awards

untitled

by Jordan Brock, 10th grade, Hoxie High School

Winter Sunset

by Raegan Lyons, 4th grade Sloan-Hendrix Elementary School

Sloan-Hendrix Art Awards

Performing ival Local student artists were featured at the 18th annual Visual and Performing Arts Festival on Jan. 27 at the Northeast Arkansas Education Cooperative in Walnut Ridge.

God Bless the USA

by Betty Clements, Lawrence County Cooperative School

Caged In

by Shyanne Foley, 11th grade, Walnut Ridge High School

Cheetah

by Jamie Gifford, 2nd grade, Hoxie Elementary School

Menagerie

by Rachel Jines, 11th grade, Sloan-Hendrix High School

America’s Favorite

Mood

by Katie Kersey, 11th grade, Walnut Ridge High School

Goodbye Ya’ll

by Thanaporn Mongkoljittanon, 10th grade, Sloan-Hendrix High School

Sloan-Hendrix Band Awards

untitled

by Bailey Rash, 12th grade, Hoxie High School

by Travis Russell, Lawrence County Cooperative School

Walnut Ridge High School Art Awards

Winter 2 0 1 9

19

The Spider’s Webb Gifts, Books & Things

GIFTS FOR EVERYONE • New and Used Books • Robert Rothschild Preserves • Gourmet Coffee • • Plunder Jewelry • Children’s Toys • Homemade Pastries • Candles • • Whispering Willow Soaps • Swig Wine Cups • Seasonal Decor • Much More •

201 WEST MAIN STREET • WALNUT RIDGE • ARKANSAS 870.679.9933 | THESPIDERSWEBBWR@YAHOO.COM

Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Closed Sundays Visit us on Facebook under “The Spider’s Webb” for updates on new merchandise!

20

Winter 2 0 1 9

Local Flavor

Kristy Whitmire Smithville I was taught to cook at a young age by my mom and my Grandma Lola.

My mom always made Christmas cookies with me and my brother and sister. That is when I started to love baking. Every child should learn how to cook before she/he leaves home. I make sure all of my children do.

I decided to start baking from home one or two days a week and

making deliveries last July while we finished up our store. We opened up our store, The Ozark General Store, at the end of October. I am so truly blessed that so many people love my baking! Everyone says the store smells so good when they walk in the door!

For the Our Times Magazine, I wanted to share my Harvest Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. Mitch and I

loved eating O’Charley’s restaurant’s Chicken Harvest Soup years ago.

After several attempts and taste tests, we decided we had captured a similar flavor. It is one of our favorite soups that I make, running a close tie with my homemade Cheesy Potato Soup.

What better recipe to share during our cold weather than a hearty flavorful soup!

Harvest Chicken N

2 cans cream of chicken soup 4 cans of chicke n broth 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash 2 cans of chun k chicken, undrained an d shredded 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon garl ic powder

oodle Soup

2 cups of milk 4 tablespoons dried minced on ions 5 medium size d potatoes, peeled and diced 1/2 bag of baby carrots, diced 1/2 to a whole b ag egg noodles (amount

can be adjuste Directions d based on pref erence )

Peel and cut po tatoes into bite pieces. Place ca -sized pieces. C rrots and pota ut baby carrot toes in a large are tender. Dra s into small pot, cover with in. Boil the egg water and boil noodles in larg directions. Dra until they e saucepan acco in. rding to the pa

Combine the re ckage maining ingred the vegetables ie nt s in a large pot and and noodles. Si bring to a boil. mmer until mix soup cooks, th Add ture is heated e thicker the br through. The lo oth becomes be noodles will st ng er ca use the starch the art to break do in the potatoes wn and thicke

Top soup with n the broth. and egg sh redded cheese baked bread, ro of your choice lls, biscuits or , if desired. Serv crackers.

e with fresh *You can add ot her vegetables celery, corn, gr de pe nd ing on what yo een peas. I som ur family likes etimes add a ca corn. Dried pa to eat — n of whole kern rsley flakes can el corn or crea be added to so m style up for some ex tra color.

Winter 2 0 1 9

21

Rose Ehrhardt represents WR at America’s Got Talent

B

y the end of her first year of teaching, in a tough West Memphis junior high more than 40 years ago, Rose Warren Ehrhardt said she had begun to “get my groove on.” She was no longer the shy student she had been at Walnut Ridge High School and Arkansas (Lyon) College. By the following year, Rose, 64, who grew up in Alicia, was teaching in Grubbs, where she had no trouble sparring with rowdy seniors.

Whether you would call her a late-bloomer, or someone who simply came out of her shell, there is no question that she is no longer the quiet type. As a math teacher, she spent 37 years in front of an audience, while finding time for extra-curricular adventures on the side.

While teaching, she twice served as the mayor of Alicia, and as an alderman. As an Avon representative, she had the chance to travel, having dinner with Patrick Dempsey, of Grey’s Anatomy, in Los Angeles, and kissing Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter on the cheek in New York City.

At home, she enjoyed going to

22

Winter 2 0 1 9

By Elizabeth Bland yard sales with her husband, Cleatus Ehrhardt, a carpenter and construction worker who grew up in Myrtle, Mo., and who died in 2009. She retired from the Tuckerman school system in 2014 and moved to Walnut Ridge on a whim the following year, where she joined the United Free Will Baptist Church, at the suggestion of her friend, Kathy Gates Kellett.

Rose’s hopes for the future include a stint as a stand-up comic, which sounds entirely plausible to those in her congregation and most everyone else who has spent time with her.

So it wasn’t much of a leap when she signed up to audition for NBC’s America’s Got Talent in Knoxville last November. She and a friend, Karen Foster of Searcy, hit the road for a four-day adventure, the highlight of which was shopping at Goodwill and other thrift shops.

On Nov. 8, the day of the audition, they showed up early at the Knoxville Convention Center to find themselves among at least 1,000 other hopefuls — singers and dancers, magicians, ventriloquists and some drag queens.

The America’s Got Talent crew alone numbered more than 100 people.

After hours of waiting in a huge ballroom with the other contestants, many of whom were practicing in front of everyone else, Rose was called in with 10 others to audition.

She sang an a cappella version of “He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels,” she said, as a witness for God. “That was the reason I wanted to go,” she said, “to spread His word.”

She made use of the long wait as well, meeting others and talking about the faith that had brought her there.

Contestants will find out by the end of February whether they will be invited to audition for the next round, which is performing in Los Angeles for the show’s celebrity judges, Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum. Rose, after seeing the hundreds and hundreds of talented people who came to Knoxville, has no illusions about making the cut, but says she accomplished exactly what she wanted to do — and had fun doing it. It is an approach that has always served her well.

We pride ourselves on being fast, reliable and affordable.

We offer multiple services from ready mix concrete, hauling and general contracting.

We invite you to experience for yourself the ease in ordering, the competitive pricing and service quality that has made Hatfield Ready Mix Inc. a leader in the building materials industry.

• Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • 100 Lesley Hollow, Batesville, AR 72501 | 870.793.5007 | 92 Jackson Street, Melbourne, AR 72556 | 870.368.5066

Healthy minds start young.

Thank you for voting us Best Counseling Center 3 years in a row! familiesinc.net Winter 2 0 1 9

23

H A P P Y

R

Photos courtesy of Debbie Richey, Monty Williams, Rhonda Thomas and Julie Webbe

24

Winter 2 0 1 9

T R A I L S

iders traveled from near and far for the 21st annual Turning Leaf and Harvest Moon Trail Ride, BBQ and Barn Dance Oct. 19-21 in Smithville.

The event included karaoke on Friday night and entertainment by Cody Noel and the Comancheros on Saturday.

Morning and afternoon rides on Saturday showcased the beauty of western Lawrence County, including old mine sites, historic homesteads, rolling hills and numerous creek crossings and wooded trails.

The weekend closed with a cowboy church service Sunday morning and one last leisurely ride.

Winter 2 0 1 9

25

Fall in Love With

Downtown Walnut Ridge

Guitar Walk

“Where Abbey Road Meets the Rock ‘n’ Roll Highway”

Citizens Vault

Restaurant & Private Club facebook.com/citizensvault/

The Studio

Event Center facebook.com/studiowalnutrid ge/

Beatles Park

Spider’s Webb

Books & Gifts facebook.com/thespiderswebb

wr/

For Restaurants, Shops and Musical History, visit:

DowntownWalnutRidge.org 26

WR Ad-State W 18.indd i n t e1 r

2 0 1 9

9/26/2018 4:45:34 PM

Remembering WWII I

Photos by Keith Boles and Randy Story

t was standing room only at the Wings of Honor Museum in Walnut Ridge on Feb. 12 as more than 100 gathered to hear World War II veteran Clifford Smith of St. Louis share his story of combat on a B-29 over Japan.

Smith, 97, spoke of his wartime experiences, including being shot down and participating in more than 30 missions in the bombing of Japan during WWII. Also present were D.J. Lawson of Paragould, a Navy veteran who operated a landing craft on Omaha Beach on D-day, and Robert E. Pucket of Bono, a Marine who fought in WW2, including the invasion of Saipan, as well as Korea and Vietnam.

Harold Johnson, president of the museum, said they hope to have additional WWII veterans speak in the near future, as well as expand exhibits at the museum, which shares the history of the World War II Walnut Ridge Army Air Field.

Delivering naturally nutritious peanuts from your fields to manufacturers around the corner and around the world.

Local 870.886.3205 Toll Free 1.800.348.6680

101 Lawrence 440 • Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72476

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 170 Industrial Drive • Hoxie, Arkansas 72433 www.prattsautosalvage.com Arkansas’s Home for Auto Parts Since 1983 Winter 2 0 1 9

27

UPCOMING

EVENTS FEBRUARY EVENTS Black Rock VFD Annual Chili Supper

5-8 p.m. • Feb. 23 Black Rock Community Center Donations for the Black Rock VFD will be accepted. Event will include entertainment, door prizes and an auction starting at 6:30.

MARCH EVENTS Children’s Shelter Pancake Breakfast

7-11 a.m. • March 2 Main Street Church of Christ Annex Support The Children’s Shelter while enjoying pancakes, sausage or bacon, milk, coffee and juice. Cost is $5 per person or $20 for a group of five.

Tickets can be pre-ordered by calling the shelter at 870-886-5191 or Sharna Butts at 870-679-9160 or purchased at the door.

Fun and Games Night

5 p.m. • March 2 Ravenden Municipal Building Help the Ravenden Fire Department celebrate 31 years of fun, featuring

28

Winter 2 0 1 9

BBQ, bingo, cake walks, drawings, concession stand and auction items including a 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster and a 8’ x 6’ trailer. Admission is free.

APRIL EVENTS Touch-A-Truck

11 a.m.-2 p.m. • April 6 Downtown Black Rock Admission is free.

Community Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. • April 20 Black Rock Ball Fields Admission is free.

3rd Annual Lawrence County Sport’s Hall of Fame Banquet

6 p.m. • April 27 Williams Baptist University Hosted by the Rotary Club of Lawrence County, tickets for the event are $25. A coinciding golf tournament will be held at Sage Meadows Golf Course in Jonesboro on April 26. Entry fee is $80 per person or $160 per team. Both events raise money for scholarships, as well as various community projects.

MAY EVENTS Keith Brand Memorial Pancake Breakfast

6:30-10:30 a.m. • May 4 Van Ellis Cafeteria (Walnut Ridge School) The Walnut Ridge Kiwanis Club, assisted by the Walnut Ridge Key Club, hosts the annual event, with a ticket price of $5 (children six and under free). Tickets can be purchased from members of either group, at Iberiabank in Walnut Ridge or at the door.

The event will also feature a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Funds raised will be used for service projects for both clubs.

Farmer’s Market

8 a.m.-1 p.m. • May 4 Downtown Black Rock $10 vendor fee, free admission for consumers.

WBU Commencement

10 a.m. • May 4 Southerland-Mabee Center Graduation exercises for the spring 2019 class of Williams Baptist University.

Walnut Ridge Youth Fishing Derby

8 a.m. • May 18 Stewart Park Prizes will be awarded in four age divisions ranging from three to 15. Final weigh-in is at 11 a.m.

Miles for Mom 5K

9 a.m. • May 18 Downtown Black Rock Entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for kids. Proceeds go to downtown Black Rock revitalization efforts and future events to be produced by Black Rock Main Street.

Find your new best friend at

Sparky

Chase

Daisy

Adoption Fees Vary

Donations Welcome! Including supplies and dog food.

Other services: Dog Bathing, $10; nail clipping available for extra fee.

Online Banking

24-HR SERVICE

886-7506 • 886-9821 870-273-8455

Have access anywhere with online and mobile banking now featuring iPay Solutions™.

Posey Patch Florist & Gifts

870.886.6000

208 West Main Street • Walnut Ridge

4 Holloway Rd. • Walnut Ridge Monday - Friday • 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(870) 809-1694 Jumpstart Animal Shelter is a 501(c)3 non-profit Winter 2 0 1 9

29

“People You Know Caring For The People You Love”

board ofImboden governors, administration, Rural Health Clinic Family Medical | Specialty Clinic physicians andCenter employees wish you and your family a very prosperous, 1309 West Main Street • Walnut Ridge, Arkansas happy and healthy

Lawrence Memorial Hospital | Lawrence Hall Nursing & Rehab

30

Winter 2 0 1 9

NEA’s Leading Travel Professionals

Your BEST Vacation Begins Here...

1825 E. Nettleton • 870-932-2060

Larinda Rainwater & Amy Cantin

2019 ESCORTED GROUP TOURS LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!

Natchez Spring Pilgrimage with Vicksburg MC • April 11 - 14

Take Me Out to the Ballgame MC • May 7 - 9

Discover Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City FI • May 28 - June 4

BEST SELLER!

Cape Cod, Nantucket & Bar Harbor FI • June 7 - 14

Niagara Falls & Toronto MC • June 16 - 22

Seattle, Coastal Oregon & San Francisco FI • July 5 - 13

BEST SELLER!

Alaska Land & Sea Journey FI • July 10 - 21

CABO Beach Getaway - Los Cabos Mexico FI • July 27 - 30

Discover Canada! Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City FI • Aug g 4 - 11

BEST SELLER!

Majestic 7 Day Alaska Cruise with Glacier Bay g FI • August 23 - 31

7-Day Western Mediterranean Cruise FI • August 29 - September 8

America’s Western Wonders MC • September 14 - 22

BEST SELLER!

4th Annual Autumn in New England FI • October 1 - 9

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Featuring Santa Fe FI • October 11 - 16

Holyland Journey FI • November 14 - 22

New York City Holiday Trip FI • November 16 - 19

FI = Fly-In MC = Motorcoach

Exotic Southern Caribbean Viking Cruise FI • November 1 - 11

870-932-2060

Christmas in Dixie Charleston & Savannah MC • Nov 30 - Dec 7

1825 East Nettleton Ave, Suite H www.jonesborotravel.com Winter 2 0 1 9

31

Let us help with your finances so you can focus on what’s most important.

This March

 �� ���

� � �  � ­ � €

�� �  � ‚ � ƒ � � „ ƒ