Vital Link 40th Anniversary and EMT Week

Kathy Lanier

Vital Link kicked off National EMS Week with a Gala celebrating 40 years of lifesaving excellence. Originally named Independence County Emergency Medical Service, operations began in August of 1983. Since that time, the company rebranded to Vital Link with the opportunity to become a regional provider. Today, Vital Link is the exclusive provider in Independence, Izard, and Stone Counties. With a team of skilled professionals and a stateof-the-art fleet, Vital Link ensures the safe and efficient transport of patients while maintaining the highest standards of medical care.

“With over 200 in attendance, it was an extraordinary celebration of four decades of dedicated service,” said Vital Link CEO Kathy Lanier. Esteemed guests, partners, employees, and community members gathered to honor our remarkable journey.

In honor of the 40th Anniversary, Vital Link announced the establishment of the Vital Link Scholarship for EMT and Paramedic students enrolled at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Together, the leadership team and Board of Directors have committed to helping address the staffing challenges faced in the ambulance industry. The anchor for this groundbreaking gift was $40,000 from Vital Link. Additionally, a portion of ticket sales and donations from Friday’s event added $5,800, bringing the total gift to the UACCB Foundation to $45,800. Dr. Brian Shonk, Chancellor, Becky Warren, Dean of Health Professions, and Jennifer Davidek, Director of EMS Programs were present to accept the gift. “Vital Link EMS is a valued part of our community and an integral component of our regional healthcare system. Vital Link employees are the heroes there for us in our greatest time of need, providing excellent emergency medical services and a calm presence during our most trying medical emergencies,” said Shonk. “This gift to the UACCB Foundation will help offset student expenses, enabling students to receive the necessary training required to become our future EMS heroes. I thank Vital Link EMS, under the direction of CEO Kathy Lanier, for their commitment to EMS education and the future of our students.”

Kathy Lanier presented awards to Mr. Stacy Wright and Mrs. Myra Looney Wood. Stacy is the Trauma Registrar and Security Manager of White River Health. He began his career as an EMT with Vital Link, later becoming a Paramedic. While he has moved on from EMS, his role at White River keeps him in a position to bridge the relationship between EMS and the hospital. His efforts exemplify the true spirit of collaboration, compassion, and selflessness. Stacy is a true champion and cheerleader of Vital Link, and for that, we were honored to present him with the Community Partner Award. Vital Link COO Kenny Tosh added, “Stacy is a true partner and friend to Vital Link, no matter the issue, he is always ready to help in any way he can.”

Myra Looney Wood’s journey with Vital Link began as a Board Member and seamlessly transitioned to the role of CEO where she served for 22 years. Myra exemplifies the very essence of leadership, guiding Vital Link through challenges, inspiring innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence. Her leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, collaboration, and genuine care for the wellbeing of every member of our organization. Myra has been a mentor, a confidant, and an inspiring force helping countless individuals reach their full potential. “In recognition of her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on our organization and the lives of all those they have touched, it was my honor to present the Leadership Award to Myra”, said Kathy Lanier.

A video tribute to 40 years was produced by Batesville native, and Regional EMMY award winner Terrell Case. CFO Rachael Sowers said about the video, “There is a lot of depth to the organization and people of Vital Link unknown to many in this community. We knew we had to take the opportunity of our 40th anniversary to share our story, and we knew immediately Terrell was the one to help us do it. Because of Terrell’s connection to the community, his previous documentary work, as well as his current role at Arkansas PBS, he had the right skills to make it happen.”

The evening was topped off by a resounding toast by Sherwin Meharg, director of Emergency Repair of Arkansas, with entertainment by the Speakeasy Rock Band. Table sponsors contributing to the scholarship fund included the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Center Point Graphics, Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, Ray and Diane Lacroix, Max and Susan McElmurry, Merchants and Planters Bank, Schaaf Financial, UACCB, Quality Home and Flooring, Yoga7, Welch Couch and Company, White River Eye Care, White River Health, White River Now, and a host of friends and family.

Kathy Lanier concluded, “It is our honor to serve the citizens of our service area. Those in attendance got a real look into the heart and soul of our company, seeing the emotions and dedication of EMS professionals. The evening celebrated our remarkable history, the gift of scholarship, and our most important assets, our employees.” N

BACC Groundbreaking & Ribbon Cuttings

Chris Hill

The Independence County Senior Citizens Program provides services to seniors sixty and older, including meal service and delivery, transportation, and social and wellness events. The new senior center, which will be located at 950 Elm Street, will be a modern, expanded facility that will increase the Senior Citizens Program’s ability to provide wellness activities and simultaneous programming to seniors in Independence County.

“This is going to be an exciting addition to our county,” said Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery. “The folks that are going to benefit from this, had their careers and paid their taxes. They need a healthy place to have activities, a meal, and fellowship. It’s important to remember that demographic, and this will be a big way to accomplish that.”

Among those Judge Jeffery thanked for their support and contributions to the new senior center were Independence County Senior Citizens Program Director Selina Wallis, White River Area Agency on Aging Director

The Massage Oasis

Chris Hill

The Massage Oasis is a massage therapy practice focusing on relaxation and mental health. They offer various services, from Swedish, prenatal, and deep tissue massages to cupping and lymphatic drainage. The Massage Oasis has two mental health therapists on staff and is passionate about mental health and the power of massage to promote emotional and psychological health and healing through the release of stress and energy rebalancing.

Ted Halls, White River Planning and Development, and AEDC, as well as local dignitaries who came out to support the groundbreaking including Batesville and Southside mayors, and State Representative Shad Pearce.

The funding and development of the new senior center has been a group effort. Independence County Quorum Court approved using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to go towards constructing the new facility. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission also contributed to the project. Batesville School District donated the land for the new facility, and the Batesville Fire Department helped clear the site of existing structures with a controlled burn, saving the project tens of thousands of dollars in demolition costs.

“These things only occur with the cooperation of others. All these things are a matter of teamwork,” said former Independence County Judge Robert Griffin. N

Owner Dawn Ermert dreamed of becoming a massage therapist. "All our friends and family were able to help us come up with a place to start and have supported us the whole time," said husband, Aaron Ermert. "Now, we're here in Batesville. We now have a great building with a great partner."

"Dawn has a very special way of massaging," Ermert explained how Dawn had a dream to focus on the mental health benefits of massage and how to use massage to help people physically and mentally. "We're constantly learning how to bring those two aspects together," Ermert concluded. N

Whippoorwill Charm

Chris Hill

The BACC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Whippoorwill Charm’s new paint studio.

“We are so happy to open this creative studio,” said Whippoorwill Charm studio owner Kimberly Shetron.

Whippoorwill Charm has experienced significant growth over the last nine years in business. The majority of sales come from their website, whippoorwillcharm.com

“We have provided hand-painted signs for customers since the beginning, but a few years ago, a customer asked if we could supply un-painted signs for a party,” continued Shetron. “From there, we launched the wholesale side of our business, supplying signs and crafts for other studios to host parties.”

Shetron continued, saying, “We saw the need in our community for space to host family-friendly events. So, we opened a painting studio of our own! We now host various classes, from terrarium making to canvas painting, for many different types of groups.”

Whippoorwill Charm provides memorable hands-on experiences, from Girls Nights and Team Building exercises to fundraisers, charcuterie classes, and much more. Over spring break, they welcomed over 200 kids to their studio for classes.

“We hope to be your hub for all things creative,” concluded Shetron.

Southside School Construction

Rachel Harville

Southside School District is thrilled to announce that we have officially signed the contract for the construction of brand new additions to the junior high and high school.

The Key Highlights:

State-of-the-art classrooms: The new addition will feature modern, spacious classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, fostering innovation and collaborative learning.

Science and Technology Labs: We will have dedicated labs for scientific experiments and hands-on exploration, empowering our students with practical skills and knowledge.

Multipurpose Spaces: The expanded facility will include versatile spaces for extracurricular activities, club meetings, and community events, promoting a vibrant school community.

Fine Arts Suite: The Fine Arts Suite is designed to be a hub for collaboration, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for our students. It will be a place where creativity knows no bounds and where dreams are transformed into masterpieces.

Athletic Facilities: In addition to the academic enhancements, we will also be upgrading our athletic facilities, providing our students with top-notch spaces for physical education and sports.