Eye On Jackson August 2016

August 2016 www.eyeonmag.com

Jan Jackson Maris Crop Considerations The Purpose of the Law A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note Rested and Ready

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6/Notes from the Clearing Mental Shoes

8/Seniors, can we talk?

Over-Medicared

9/Great Tastes Chilled Soups

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10/Cover Story

Jan Jackson Maris

14/Discovering Arkanasas An Underground Adventure

16/Things To Do 18/Service Guide 20/In the Field with Randy Crop Considerations

23/Central Baptist Brief The Purpose of the Law

Eye On Jackson is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

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

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

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

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For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joseph Thomas, 870.252.0013 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

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755 St. Louis Street Batesville 870-793-3303

Cover Photography by Robert O. Seat Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

Editor’s Note Rested and Ready Joseph Thomas

photo by Robert O. Seat

July is my time, just as January the 1st is the perfect time for resetting a routine or beginning a new one, July for me has that same feeling. I rested and relaxed and recharged with my babies.

I hope that you all had a great 4th and hope this issue of Eye On finds you feeling great.

Randy Chlapecka writes about crop consideration, Adrienne Freeman prepares some chilled soups, new Eye On writer Grace Brown touches on a local

underground adventure and Caroline Beauchamp tells the tale of becoming over-Medicared. Kacey Burge introduces our August local Powerful Woman and friend of Eye On, Jan Jackson Maris and her defining character. Van Provence explains the new ASUN IGNITE Academy and its many benefits for our local students, we have things to do and more, so read on and stay cool dear reader. Thanks for keeping us in your company. N

Notes from the Clearing Mental Shoes

Joseph Thomas The defining winds wrought the day with a strength unremembered, caressing the landscape with a forceful hand, but the field of grass wouldn’t be tamed. The young boy sat at the edge of the tree line fully present, enjoying the push and imagining a helicopter just above. In his mind, this was a

Vietnam moment. He imagined this as one of the good days in that horrendous war, a day when bullets were stayed, fears were overridden and the sun spoke of home to the young men so far from it.

It was but a moment of trying on mental shoes just outside of the sandbox.

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Email me at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

Stephanie A. Smith Photography

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Cave City Watermelon Festival Crystal Crow

The Cave City Watermelon Festival has revealed its 2016 entertainment headliners. This year’s lineup includes three nationally recognized headlining artists, with one performing each night of the festivities.

Thursday, August 11th will be headlined by The JJ Weeks Band, whose music has been featured on the official soundtracks for high-profile films God’s Not Dead and Four Blood Moons. In 2013, the group earned a Top 10 single with “Let Them See You,” a song that remained on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart for 29 weeks.

Arkansas native, Barrett Baber, a rising Country music artist and finalist on NBC’s the Voice will headline Friday night’s entertainment. Baber won the national CBS Grammy Gig of a Lifetime in 2014.

Grammy -award winning Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives will be headlining Saturday night rounding out the 37th Cave City Watermelon Festival.

The band can be seen touring around the nation and on “The Marty Stuart Show” on RFD-TV’s Saturday Night Music Row. Other notable acts include the Lockhouse Orchestra, David Lynn Jones, Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers, Triple Nickel, Luke Stroud and the 50’s Beat, Maggie Thorn with more to be announced at a later date.

Admission to the three day festival is free, with the main stage entertainment live at the Cave City Park.

Artisans, food and craft vendors, and kid’s activities will be set up around the park. Mark your calendars to enjoy the Sweet Life at the 37th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival.”

About the Cave City Watermelon Festival Celebrate the sweet life at the 37th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. The festival will take place August 11th-13th, 2016. After its debut in 1980, the Watermelon Festival has evolved into a summer celebration, bringing Grammy winning artists, emerging talent and local favorites along with thousands of people from Cave City, the surrounding area and around the United States together each year for free entertainment and an unforgettable homecoming experience like no other. During the festival, the spotlight will shine on 11 artists, great food, family friendly activities, and of course, the World’s Sweetest Watermelons. For more details, please call 870-283-5301, visit www. cavecitywatermelonfestival.com, Facebook.com/ cavecitywatermelonfestival or Twitter: @CCMelonFest.

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White River Water Carnival Jamie Rayford The 73rd Annual White River Water Carnival is scheduled for Saturday, August 27 at Riverside Park in Batesville. Features include the River City Cruiser’s Car Show, a revamped kidzone, ziplines, knockerball and of course, the traditional parade. There will also be more music leading up to the headlining act, the BACC is happy to welcome Backroad Anthem. N

August 2016 | 7

Seniors, can we talk?

Over-Medicared

If you are eligible for Medicare, have Medicare Part A and B and are over age 65, you may have a Medicare supplement plan, a Medicare prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage plan to help you with your medical and prescription costs.

Ruth and her friend, Susie, came in my office. Susie was so confused about what medical insurance she has and asked for help. I asked to see her ID cards. She kept getting ID cards out of her billfold until she gave me three (3) cards.

She had a Medicare supplement, Medicare prescription and Medicare advantage ID card. Then I asked her which were still in effect (which was she still paying for). “All of them”, she said.

Oops! You cannot have both a Medicare supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare supplement plans work with Medicare – once Medicare pays a medical expense then the Medicare supplement plan pays. Medicare Advantage plans pay instead of Medicare. (If this sounds confusing, call me,) How did Susie realize she might have “a mess”? When she called to schedule a procedure, her doctor told her that he does not accept her Medicare advantage plan. She thought she could go to any doctor who accepted Medicare.

Susie and I were able to confirm that her Medicare supplement and Medicare advantage plans were both in effect. She has been paying for both plans for over a year!

Her Medicare prescription plan had been automatically cancelled when she enrolled in the Medicare advantage plan because it included prescription coverage.

Yes, Susie does have a mess. How did this happen? She’s not really sure. She was contacted by an agent to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that had lower premiums than her Medicare supplement plan. There would be copays at the doctor and hospital but that was ok. Were the pros and cons discussed or was the agent “hoping to make a sale” and make more than he would with the Medicare supplement plan?

What are her options? First option is to keep her Medicare advantage plan and change it during the annual/ open enrollment period. Second option is to cancel her Medicare advantage plan now. Since her Medicare advantage plan is with a company that Medicare has given low ratings to for at least the last 3 years, she can cancel it now and enroll in a Medicare prescription plan. This is called a Special Enrollment Period which is approved by Medicare. With this option she will keep her Medicare supplement plan.

Susie decided on option 2. She is going to call Medicare and cancel her Medicare advantage policy and enroll in a prescription plan. Susie is also going to change the agent on her Medicare supplement policy to someone who will look out for her benefit and who she can contact with questions or concerns.

Susie was glad she had come in with Ruth after she called 501-868-6650 and said “Caroline, can we talk?”

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eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

326 Lindley Lane

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?’.

870-523-6539

Great Tastes

Chilled Soups We are in the dog days of summer, the time where our southern climate is thick with humidity and the sun beams leave everyone a little pink and a lot listless. But, besides air conditioning, there are other great treats tucked into these hot days that come from the bounty of the garden.

Farmer’s markets and roadside vegetable stands boom with tomatoes, okra, peppers, squash and melons. Jackson County’s market is officially open Saturday and Wednesday mornings, but sometimes you will catch an ambitious gardener down there during the week. The only thing stopping you from creating fresh and memorable summer meals is your imagination. So while you are looking for ways to clear out those bushel baskets, turn your creative cooking to a chilled soup. A chilled soup is the perfect accompaniment to a pimento cheese sandwich or a BLT made with the succulent and sweet tomatoes that are available now.

So throw on a sun hat, grab a cappuccino and go pick up nutritious, locally grown goodies for the quintessential summer dinner on the patio.

GAZPACHO Because hot soups are so comforting, the idea of cold soup can sometimes be off-putting. With all fresh vegetables and refreshingly chilled, this versatile dish can be a new favorite. It’s a great use for those tomatoes that might be blemished.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 3 cups tomato juice (bottled and reserved juice from peeled tomatoes to achieve volume) 1 cucumber, chopped and seeded 1 red bell pepper, chopped and seeded 1 small red onion, chopped 1 small jalapeno, chopped and seeded (optional) 1 medium clove garlic, peeled 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 lime, juiced 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar

1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Fresh cilantro for garnish To prepare tomatoes: Fill a six quart pan with water and boil. Cut a shallow “X” in the bottom of the tomatoes with a sharp knife and drop them into the boiling water for 45 seconds. Remove with tongs. When the fruit is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and seeds over a strainer positioned in a bowl to catch the juice. Reserve.

Directions: Roughly chop the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeno, garlic and red onion into 1-inch pieces. Put each vegetable separately into a food processor fitted with a steel blade and intermittently pulse the vegetables until they are chopped into small pieces. Do not overprocess — you want these pieces to be almost minced, but easy to identify.

As each vegetable is processed, put it in a large bowl and combine. Add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, lime, cumin, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. Serve with a few cilantro leaves for garnish. N

Adrienne Freeman is a Jackson County based food writer whose work is published statewide. When not at the keyboard, she can be found in the kitchen, focusing on recipes and techniques that can be easily replicated by fellow enthusiastic home cooks. She always welcomes reader response at newport. foodies@yahoo.com.

Eye On Cover Story Jan Jackson Maris

A Woman of Honor and Integrity Jan Jackson Maris is a native Jackson Countian with morals and values firmly rooted in the southern culture of her hometown. Kind-hearted, devoted and steadfast are her trademarks. Cultivating, nurturing and maintaining strong relationships is what she does. As the President and CEO of Jackson’s Funeral Homes, Inc., and Jackson-Griffin Insurance Company, her dedication to serving the community is admirable, and the work she accomplishes, invaluable. Due to her strength, both in character and work ethic, we are proud to recognize her as one of Jackson county’s most notable female figures, making a difference daily in the lives of its people.

A Loving Sister and Friend Jan grew up on Dill Street in the red brick house located just behind the funeral home. It’s a place that evokes special emotions and memories of a fun-filled childhood, where neighborhood kids ran and played in the streets. From the public park on Hines Street to the Pentecostal Church on the corner, the smiles were contagious and laughter always filled the air.

Jan is the youngest of three children, her brother, Jerry Hulett, was 16 when she was born and sister, Linda Hulett was 15. Sadly, Jan’s brother recently lost his battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease

on December 27th, 2015. His wife, Diane Coe Hulett, lives in Diaz. Jan’s sister, Linda Hulett Pfeifer, married and moved to Conway where she now lives with her husband, Frank, and their granddaughter, Braelyn. Jan

remembers fondly many great times the family enjoyed together, cherishing those memories and keeping them close to her heart.

Growing up, she spent lots of time during her preschool and elementary years at Mrs. Wanda Jackson’s home adjacent to her childhood house. In addition to her own 4 children, Mrs. Wanda kept many others as well, so Jan was able to form lots of great friendships during that time. “I am still connected with Mrs. Wanda, her family, and the friends I made there,” Jan shares with a smile.

From Mrs. Doris’ Kindergarten class to Castleberry Elementary and Newport Junior and Senior High, where she graduated in 1982, Jan has nurtured and preserved many of the same friendships she started as a child. “My friends, I consider family,” she shares. And that quality of loyalty and commitment can be seen in the work she does today. It’s the cornerstone upon which her successful businesses have been grounded.

A Dedicated Student, Wife, and Mother After high school, Jan furthered her education and attended Harding University in Searcy from 1982-1983, and Hendrix College in Conway from 1983-1985, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics. “I feel very proud of my formal education,” Jan says. “But my true education came from working with my father, E. Bob Jackson, mother, Joyce McNutt Jackson, and brother, Jerry Hulett.”

Jan began dating Rhett Carlile Maris, also a native Jackson Countian, in 1981. They were married at Holden Avenue Church of Christ on December 28th, 1985. In 1988, Rhett joined the family business, and today manages the affiliate business of Jackson-Griffin Insurance Company, which provides final expense coverage to the communities served by Jackson’s Funeral Homes and Thompson-Wilson Funeral Homes.

The couple have a daughter, Jessica Joyce Maris Hubbard, who is married to Jonathan Hubbard and living in Carrolton, Texas. Jessica is an English teacher at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, and Jonathan works as an Urban Planner for the city of Prosper. When speaking about Jessica and Jonathan, Jan says, “They are wonderful, hardworking young people and they truly make me proud every day.”

A Generational and Inspiring Leader The Newport Funeral Home, located on Front Street was owned by Farmer’s Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro and Jan’s grandfather, Alvis W. Jackson, worked as an auditor for the company. When the funeral home manager stopped showing up for work, the owners asked Alvis if he would take over management.

“Being a ‘jack of all trades’ and always up for a challenge, he accepted,” Jan explains. “And when my father

came home from World War II, he ended up working at the funeral home with him.” After attending and completing mortuary school in Nashville on the GI Bill, E. Bob Jackson returned home and the father-son team purchased the establishment. Today, it is the oldest family owned business in Jackson County. “We value this tradition and continually strive to uphold the faith our customers place in us,” she says of their commitment to honor and serve their customers.

Now, the original family business of Jackson’s Funeral Home in Newport has grown to include four additional locations, one in Harrisburg in 1958 and Newark in 1963, and the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Homes in McCrory and Wynne. The family also added Backstreet Florist and Gifts in Wynne in 2004, and in 2015 opened the second location in Harrisburg.

Jackson-Griffin Insurance Company was born in 1958, and is an integral part of the Jackson’s operations. The family has extended their reach to offer their personal commitment to excellence, as modeled by their parents and grandparents before them, in the arrangement, and prearrangement, of funeral services for the families of the Jackson, Poinsett, Independence, White, Woodruff and Cross counties. “Our goal is to serve these great people, without interruption, for decades to come, using the same principles of customer service and care that have been our trademark for 70 years,” Jan says with confidence.

Jan recognizes her team at Jackson’s Funeral Homes as a dedicated group that shares her passion for serving.

“This is not a job you can do by yourself,” she admits.

“It takes an entire team.” One of the professional accomplishments she is proudest of is building a team of people who have been, and will continue to be, a blessing to the families in this community. “If anything makes me feel good about my role in Jackson’s Funeral Home, it is the people who choose, every day, to come to work with me,” Jan says humbly.

A Compassionate Counselor At Jackson’s Funeral Homes, integrity is everything.

They strive to create an environment that is comforting to the grieving family, while providing staff that deliver gentle guidance through the arrangement process. “We believe the highest standard of care is achieved when people are given the tools needed to make the most informed decision for the benefit of their family,” Jan explains.

Jan and her team provide funeral services customized to each individual family with careful attention to detail, while ensuring that they offer, and provide counseling, on all available options. They offer a wide variety of casket styles, across a wide array of price ranges. From remembrance styles that are traditional to non-traditional, dispositions of burial or cremation, they are present, helping through every step of the way.

It is their “commitment to excellence” that makes them a cut above the rest.

A Woman of Dignity and Distinction

Jan’s favorite aspect of the Newport community is the people and the connections that bind families and friends together. “I love the connection that I feel when generations of my family have served generations of their family,” she states proudly.

Jan Jackson Maris is a pillar of the community.

She has grown and managed a successful business that

is notable and well respected not only in Newport but throughout the state. She has achieved this by holding strong to her faith, morals and values, in both her personal and professional life, and being honest, caring and hardworking. Because of the good merit she brings to the community, and to all the people fortunate enough to know her, we are proud to recognize Jan as one of Jackson county’s most distinguished women. N

Kacey Clare Burge has a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University. She has written for a Southwest Florida lifestyles magazine and because of her outstanding work, she was featured in REAL Magazine as a contributing copy writer and editor. She has worked as a debt content writer for a financial advice website and had a successful freelance career for several years.

Kacey spends most of her free time with her husband, daugther and three rescue dogs, enjoying the outdoors and exploring what the state of Arkansas has to offer.

ASU-Newport to Launch IGNITE Academy in Fall 2016 Van Provence

Arkansas State University-Newport announced Friday that the two-year college will launch a career training center for high school students to be located on its Newport campus. The career center, which will be known as the ASUN IGNITE (Investing in Gen Next Industrial and Technical Education) Academy is scheduled to open with the beginning of the Fall 2016 semester.

The ASUN IGNITE Academy will provide a total of 70 high school students from four area school districts an opportunity to earn workforce-ready credentials upon graduation. The pilot program will allow students from Newport Special School District, Jackson County School District, Cedar Ridge School District and Bradford School District to receive training in Computer Network Technology, Welding, Diesel Technology or Phlebotomy/Certified Nursing Assistant.

These fields of study were determined through ASUN’s collaboration with the four school districts, program advisory committees and through discussions with regional leaders in business and industry.

Upon graduation from high school, students completing the program will have earned transferrable credits and certificates of proficiency or technical certificates in the four fields of study. The four school districts associated with the ASUN IGNITE Academy are not currently served by a secondary career and technical center, and will transport their students daily to ASUN’s Newport campus to study in both classroom and laboratory settings in their chosen field. Students desiring to enter one of the four fields of study will go through an application and interview process prior to acceptance. The program will be provided at no cost to the student.

“I am really excited for our students,” said Chester Shannon, Jackson County School District Superintendent. “It is a wonderful opportunity for students to improve their future and it will only get better every year. We have a responsibility to our students to prepare them for life and to make them employable. So much emphasis is placed on AP courses and preparing for a traditional four-year college, but that is the path that only a small percentage take. A four-year degree is great if that is what you want to do, but if you want a career in one of the fields that will be offered, that is something that needs to be available, and I am excited that it will be. These students will now have the opportunity to develop skills and earn certifications that will make them immediately employable.”

“I can’t say enough how excited I am to know that I will have the opportunity to hand a diploma to a young man or young woman that gives them an immediate chance to have a better quality of life and that will enable them to support a family,” added Shannon. “This is a wonderful opportunity and we will do whatever we 12 |

can to make it the very best.”

“I am extremely proud to be able to partner with ASU-Newport,” said Cedar Ridge Superintendent Andy Ashley. “They have gone above and beyond to accommodate the needs of our students. The opportunity for the students’ of Cedar Ridge to attend a career center is going to change the trajectory of our students’ lives. A secondary career center is way overdue for this area, and I am so proud of Dr. Massey, Dr. Ayers, and the others at ASU-Newport for their willingness to work to make this happen. I also appreciate Dr. Charisse Childers, director of the Arkansas Department of Career Education, for granting this pilot program.”

Between the four school districts that will be served by the Academy, approximately 50 percent of graduating seniors do not pursue post-secondary education and are underemployed. Students completing the program will now be workforce-ready, allowing them to seek employment that would have previously been unavailable, or prepared to continue their education at the college level.

“This is quite an opportunity for our students because of the flexibility it gives them,” said Dr. Larry Bennett, Superintendent of the Newport Special School District. “The fact that they will have access to courses that we don’t offer, and the opportunity to earn these certifications gives them more options and follows up on some of the career pathways that we are developing.

The relationship and partnership that we have with ASU-Newport expands the opportunities that these students have.”

Students entering the Computer Networking and Technology field will earn a Certificate of Proficiency from ASUN, which will also apply toward a CNT Technical Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree should the student decide to continue their education.

Welding graduates will have earned a Certificate of Proficiency from ASUN, a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core Card, NCCER Welding Card and at least one, but with the option of six American Welding Society Certifications. The Certificate of Proficiency will also apply toward a Technical Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree.

In addition to a Certificate of Proficiency from ASUN, students graduating from the Diesel Technology program will earn Get Ahead certificates in Freightliner, Western Star and Detroit engines from Daimler Trucks North America Service Training Academy.

The Certificate of Proficiency will also apply toward a Technical Certificate in Diesel Technology and an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Students entering the CNA/Phlebotomy fields will earn Certificates of Proficiency in Certified Nursing

Share your good news, events or holiday images with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

Assistant and in Phlebotomy from ASUN. These students will also complete a portion of the required courses needed to apply for the Licensed Practical Nursing program, and to transition into the Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing Program.

“Students entering these programs at ASUNewport will have the opportunity to earn a ‘valueadded’ high school diploma,” said Dr. Holly Ayers, ASUN Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “This ‘value-added’ diploma will increase their earning power should they decide to transition into the workforce immediately following graduation. For students who decide to continue their education, college credits and professional academic certifications and credentials will already have been earned while dually enrolled in high school.”

“Our IGNITE Academy will be an effective use of resources that will enhance, but not duplicate, the instruction that these students receive in high school,” Ayers added. “The Academy will provide a great return of investment for local taxpayers in the form of betterpaying jobs, and more completers at both the high

school and collegiate level.”

“We are extremely proud of the programs that we offer at ASU-Newport, and of the staff and faculty members that have put in many long hours to make this program a reality,” said Dr. Sandra Massey, ASUN Chancellor. “Without the collaboration of the superintendents and administrators from the four districts, along with our advisory boards and local business and industry leaders, this would not have been possible, and we are certainly thankful for their efforts in making these programs available to the students from these school districts. The opportunities these students will receive in the programs will pay dividends for our entire area in the future.”

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August 2016 | 13

Discovering Arkanasas An Underground Adventure

Roughly an hour outside of Jackson County lies a true gem nestled in the Ozark—St. Francis National Forest. If you are looking for a big adventure with limited travel, the caverns at Blanchard Springs are worth the short drive into Stone County.

In the late 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps founded Blanchard Springs Recreation Area surrounding North Sylamore Creek.

Today the recreation area contains a campground, hiking and biking trails, an excellent fishing spot, swimming holes, and the illustrious Blanchard Caverns.

Blanchard Springs and Caverns house some of the most astonishing natural features in the entire state.

Just recently I made the drive to Blanchard Springs to explore this wellknown spot for myself; needless to say I was impressed.

Upon arriving in the area it became clear the area caters to the nature enthusiast; around every corner lies a trail to explore and a memory to be made. Trails for mountain biking and hiking litter the area, and there are plenty of places to dip your toes in the water.

Thirty-one camp sites sit open to the public year round equipped with bathhouses, access to potable water, and a RV dump station; just make sure you run your RV off a generator because there are no hookups to be found.

The recreation area itself has access to two different swimming areas and a lake. The North Sylamore

Creek runs directly through the campground, offering places to swim and jump off a small cliff into the cool clear waters below. Further down the road you can fish in Mirror Lake and hike the trails surrounding the lake and the bluff.

The recreation area by itself is wonderful, but the addition of the caverns takes the experience over the top. Blanchard Caverns is the second longest cavern in the state of Arkansas, containing nearly six miles of explored area 366 feet under ground. The National Park Service offers tours of the caverns year round, and for a small fee you can experience the wonders of what lies beneath.

The caverns were first discovered in the 1930’s, but it was not until 1963 that a team of spelunkers ventured deep into the ground and explored more extensively. Thanks to the team led by Hugh Shell and Hail Bryant, visitors can explore the caverns for themselves.

There are two different trails located inside the caverns, varying in difficulty. Once you reach the bottom of the short elevator ride to the trailhead you experience a drop in temperature; it is 58 degrees inside the caverns year round, a much welcomed relief from the blazing summer heat.

Dripstone Trail is the easiest to go through, as it is only a half-mile trek covering two huge underground rooms. It is the only tour equipped with stroller and wheelchair access, allowing everyone in the family to enjoy the beautiful caves.

On this tour you encounter a variety of natural cave decoration; in fact this tour takes you through the most decorated parts of the caverns.

Make sure to keep an eye out for crystalline formations including sparking flowstone, towering columns, and soda straws.

Discovery Trail is a bit longer and more difficult; it covers a little over a mile through water-carved passages, under the natural cave entrance, along the stream, and through beautifully decorated rooms. This tour also leads visitors to the largest flowstone in North America.

The Forest Services uses this

trail for two different tours; one tour includes the cave lighting, and the other uses headlamps to increase the authenticity of the tour. The Discovery in the Dark headlamp tour takes place on the last part of the Discovery Trail. It is only moderately difficult, but still does not accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, or those with breathing, heart, and walking problems. The absence of cave lighting allows visitors to experience something similar to what the first documented explorers went through in 1963.

The final tour is the Wild Cave Tour, and believe me this is some serious spelunking as it takes place off the trails. Visitors are given the appropriate gear, excluding boots, and sent into the undeveloped parts of the cave. The tour lasts anywhere from four to five hours, and consists of climbing steep slopes, crawling across the cave floor on your hands and knees, and passing under low ceilings. This is the most difficult tour, and only those in good physical condition should attempt to take on this challenge.

Whichever tour you choose to embark on, I’m sure you will enjoy yourself. Blanchard Springs and Caverns is open year round; the Dripstone Trail can be toured year round, but the Discovery Trail is only open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. For more information on Blanchard Springs and Caverns please visit www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf or call 1-870-757-2211. Take advantage of the last few weeks of summer to discover all that Arkansas has to offer, you’ll be glad you did.

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Grace Brown was born and raised in Hot Springs Arkansas. Grace recently graduated from Lyon College with a BA in English and a concentration in journalism. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities, yoga, graphic design, and volunteering with Family Violence Prevention. She calls Independence County home.

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Preplanning a funeral is not something you do for yourself... it’s something you do for your family. It spares them from making emotional decisions—decisions that may not be consistent with your own wishes. We specialize in prearrangements... for your family’s sake. Three generations of service, one standard of excellence, Jackson’s Funeral Homes, a name you can trust.

Jackson's Funeral Homes Newport, Harrisburg & Newark

Thompson-Wilson Funeral Homes Wynne & McCrory

Jackson-Griffin Insurance Company 1900 Malcolm Ave Newport, AR 72112-3628

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(870) 523-5822 JacksonsFH.com

Things To Do

Artist Jennifer Wilson Artist Jennifer Wilson will be the 4th artist featured in the Delta Visual Arts Series in downtown Newport, Arkansas through August 19th at the Newport Business Resource Center at 201 Hazel Street, 870.523.1009.

IMRAC Membership Drive

The Iron Mountain Regional Arts Council (IMRAC) is having its annual membership drive. You can help support the arts and local events by becoming a member for $20 per single, $30 per couple or $40 family membership. IMRAC hosts a variety of events annually including Meet the Authors, sending children to Harding for live theater productions and other art & education programs for children. They also sponsor local events like Depot Days, the Delta Visual Arts Show, Portfest.

Membership dues can be sent to IMRAC, P.O. Box 1511, Newport, AR 72112.

Farmer’s Market Don’t forget to stop by the Farmers Market every Saturday and Wednesday mornings starting at 7 a.m.

Located in the market pavilion next to Newport Lake June through October.

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300

$

SAVE UP TO

ON FUNERAL SERVICES WITH THIS COUPON WHEN YOU PLAN IN ADVANCE

Must cut out and bring in to receive discount.

Some restrictions apply.

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

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

Manna Manna Food Pantry is located in the Newport Pentecostal Church of God at 205 Ray street in Newport.

They are an open door pantry which means people that are in need can come in and choose the items that their family will enjoy. They do not go by any kind of income guide lines and are open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. They have partnered with the NEA food bank in jonesboro and so are able to help more people in need. Anyone looking to donate to the pantry can contact Cynthia Lochridge. at 870-219-0857 or can log on to www.newportpcg.com.

They also accept food donations. N

Hangry (adj.) - An anger fueled by hunger.

A cranky state resulting from lack of food, especially something SWEET! Join our REWARDS program and earn points towards FREE Nosh!

15 Flavors of Soft Serve Frozen Treats Over 40 Scrumptious Toppings Macarons / Signature Candies Pints and Pies “To Go”

OPEN at Noon 7 Days a week 870-569-8050 220 E. Main - Historic Downtown - Batesville

Did you grab some pictures at a recent event?

We’d love to be the place for Local Faces, send them to EYE ON JACKSON and we’ll get them in! email eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag .com

or call Joseph at (870) 503-1150

BridgeDowntown SalonNewport & Spa Haircuts / Colors Highlights / Perms Blow Outs / Glazes Tonya 870-612-7376

Formal Hair

Brittney 870-217-3539

Conditioning Treatments

Attorneys at Law Newport (8 70) 201-1600 B atesville (8 70) 307-0050 Fax: (8 00) 350-1065 www.pettieandmeitzen.com

Makeup / Waxing Spray Tans / Balayage Teeth Whitening Dakota 501-283-1028

Walk Ins Welcome

Amber 870-613-0065

Open at Noon 7 Days a Week!

Nina Brownd Photography

220 E. Main - Batesville 870-569-8050

Children Family Weddings Senior Portrait Birthday Parties Family Reunions

ninabrowndphotography@yahoo.com

Hazel’s

Bakery

Homemade Pies Cupcakes & Cakes Fresh Homemade Bread Family Owned

Let us be “Sweet” to you!

Across from Post Office Downtown Newport / 201-1516

Eagle Pest Management, LLC 1775 Porter Street Batesville, Arkansas

870-307-0582 Toll Free: 87-313-2453 Commercial and Residential Your Termite and Pest Control Services Specialist Serving North Central Arkansas Waymon Long - President wlong1@sbcglobal.net

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912 Highway 367 N Newport, Arkansas

(870) 523-3689 http://dltcpa.com

- Accounting - Bookkeeping - Financial Services - Payroll - Retirement Planing - Tax Services & Preparation Success is a journey, not a destination

15 Flavors of Soft Serve Frozen Treats Over 40 Scrumptious Toppings Macarons / Signature Candies Pints and Pies “To Go”

EYE ON JACKSON email eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag .com

or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150

220 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville, AR 870-569-8050 - www.UniqueNosh.com

Open at Noon 7 Days a Week Hangry (adj.) - Anger fueled by hunger. A Cranky state resulting from lack of food, especially something SWEET!

August 2016 | 19

In the Field with Randy Crop Considerations Crop progress continues to be mostly good as we enter August. The only real weak point I see at this point are some of the later planted soybeans where dry conditions and thin stands have been a part of the picture in some areas. I think we have the potential to have a good crop if the temperatures will cooperate and we can avoid long stretches of excessive heat. Of course, timely rains would be nice also especially on the dryland soybeans. Harvest will begin this month and I expect to see rice, corn, grain sorghum and possibly even some early soybeans harvested in August.

Besides irrigation, insect management is one of the key management considerations as we near the end of the crop year.

The primary insect that we deal with in rice is the rice stink bug. It’s feeding can cause both yield loss and quality discounts. Scouting using a 15-inch sweepnet should continue through about the first 4 weeks after heading.

The treatment threshold is 5 stink bugs per ten 180 degree sweeps during the first 2 weeks after heading and 10 stink bugs per ten sweeps during the third and fourth weeks after heading. Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate or one of the generics) is the primary insecticide used for rice stink bug control.

In soybeans, the primary insect that we deal with is the corn earworm. The main period of concern for this insect is during the pod fill stage when they feed on the developing seed which can obviously result in yield loss.

Scouting for the corn earworm should also be done with the sweepnet. 25 sweeps should be used. A new, moving threshold has been developed by the University of Arkansas that takes into consideration the value of the crop and the cost of the insecticide and application to determine the threshold. For example, if the price of beans is $10 per bushel and in cost of the insecticide plus application is $20, then the treatment threshold would be 9.8 worms per 25 sweeps. This threshold chart can be found in the MP-144 publication, Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas, or on the Extension website www.uaex.edu.

For more information, feel free to contact me at the Tuckerman Office of Farmers Supply Association (870349-1316), on my cell at (870-318-0739), or by e-mail at randychlapecka@gmail.com. N

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 

 Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association. He is retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

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                                               

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Merchants and Planters Bank Builds Additional Location Tara Salinas

Merchants and Planters Bank is pleased to announce that construction has begun on their new office, located at 3801 Harrison Street in Batesville.

This will be the bank’s fourth facility in Independence County and will offer full-service financial solutions, complete with trust, wealth-management and mortgage departments.

The organization broke ground on Wednesday, June 29th and celebrated the start of the project’s development with a large crowd of staff, customers and community members. Mayor Elumbaugh addressed the group and congratulated the bank on its growth and development. Comments were also made by Merchants and Planters executives Jim Gowen, Sr., Chairman of the Board, and Jim Gowen, Jr., President and CEO. Lee

Conditt, President of the Batesville market, thanked everyone for their support and made it clear that the new location is being built to be more convenient for customers and to show the bank’s commitment to Independence County.

M&P Community Bancshares, Inc. currently has assets exceeding $250 million and is the holding company for Merchants and Planters Bank and Merchant and Planters Insurance and Investment Services. Merchants and Planters Bank has offices serving the communities of Batesville, Southside, Newport, Tuckerman, Swifton, Newark, McCrory and Des Arc. For more information, please visit www. mandp.bank.

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

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

August 2016 | 21

TION C A S N TRA TROL CON

201 Hazel, Newport 870-523-1009 “The mission of the Newport Economic Development Commission is to facilitate an environment that will be conducive to economic growth and stability. The Member

FDIC

Make a Spectacle

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

of Yourself!

Custom Eyes Vision Care of Newport 2 1 0 5 S uite A , M alc o lm A ve 870-523-3333 Custom Eyes Vision Care of Pocahontas 1 1 0 W. Bro ad w ay 870-892-9169 Custom Eyes Vision Care of Trumann 8 0 7 W. M ain S uite A 870-483-0096

Dr. Gavin Mc Dowell and Dr. Amy Tolbert

www.seeourdocs.com 22 |

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Central Baptist Brief

Support Our Advertisers Custom Eyes Vision Care--------------------3, 22 Debra Thompson, CPA----------------------18 D Q Grill & Chill------------------------------5 Eagle Pest------------------------------------18 Fortune Inn and Suites----------------------20 George Kell Motors, Inc---------------------4 Gilliaum Graphics----------------------------18

KBAP 88.1 FM----------------------------21 Jackson’s Funeral Home--------------------16 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC------8 Merchants and Planters Bank---------------22 MFS Insurance, Inc.--------------------------17 N E D C----------------------------------------22 Robert O. Seat--------------------------------4 Scott Wood------------------------------------15 Service Directory-----------------------------18

The Purpose of the Law If you can remember, in the summer 2014 there was a big phenomenon occurring on Facebook called the Ice Bucket Challenge. (Hey, at least it wasn’t Pokémon Go!) This challenge was taken on by many people, and after they would take a bucket of a variety of sizes and fill it with ice water, they would sit down and name off up to three of their friends that would be challenged to do the same.

Virtually everyone was doing it and it became probably the most notable thing of the year 2014. However, do you recall the purpose of the Ice Bucket Challenge? If you think it was merely for fun, then you are wrong; it was for raising awareness of a horrible disease called ALS, or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Many people received criticism because they participated in the challenge but missed the purpose of being challenged in the first place. You may be reading this nodding your head in emphatic agreement or you could have simply learned today the truth of the challenge.

Have you ever pondered the purpose of God’s Law— The Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus? You know, the so-called list of God’s bitterness towards man’s amusement. Some religious people rigorously keep them as a means to their salvation while the unbelieving world sees it as the cosmic kill-joy brochure etched in stone; both of which, have it wrong. Much like duct-tape, which was originally created for sealing duct work in your homes, many people use the Law given to Moses today in its unintended application. Some Christians try to look to it as a reference to their “standing” before God. Our salvation, or “standing” before God was sealed airtight when Christ, the God-Man, was crucified on a roman crucifix. Our legal declaration of freedom came when Jesus said “it is finished!”. The work of keeping the Law of God perfectly was established, and therefore slices you and I out of the picture when it comes to the saving of any kind. So what is the purpose of the Law? No better words than that of protestant reformation starter Martin Luther— “prior to conversion the law is the beating stick in God’s hand against our sin, but after our conversion the law is the walking stick in our hands to help us walk with God.” N

T-L Irrigation Company---------------------20 Unique Nosh Frozen Delights---------------15, 17, 19

Unity Health and Mayo Clinic Working Together-24 Unity Health Harris Medical Center---------------- 2 White River Medical Center-----------------17

Jarred Elliott is the Teaching Pastor at Central Baptist Church Newport Campus. Jarred was called into the ministry in 2012 and has been pastor at the Newport Campus since the fall of 2014. When he is not tickling his son, Ethan, he enjoys flying airplanes and other types of aircraft with friends. You can learn more about Central Baptist Church and Jarred at www.centralbaptist.com.

August 2016 | 23