Eye On Magazine July 2023

Editor’s

Lucky Seven

Joey Thomas

Happy JULY! May the fireworks meet You in a good place, healthy, happy, and at peace. This marks the half-life of 2023, already. It can go so fast and feel so slow all at once; and the other way around. We hope You all are well and wish You more blessings as we hit the downhill slope of this year of recovery.

Hannah Rodgers shares her research on our lack of clean water, The Barnett’s lend us their easy Summer Couscous, Terrill Tebbitts details Acts of God by Ellen Gilchrist, and Caroline Beauchamp convey’s her latest lunch conversation about all things Dental! Michelle Foshee shares another pivitol, Provider Spotlight, Kimberlee catches up with Glenda Rutledge-May about the recently opened Arkansas Center for Independence, and we have so much more to see, faces and events and...well, You'll see! N

On

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com. ASSOCIATE EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joey Thomas ADVERTISING / PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas, PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joey Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joey Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: MAGNA PUBLISHING COMPANY

Eye On Magazine is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: 504 Guffey Street / Newport, AR 72112. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher. All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

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

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

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

Cover Photo by Kimberlee Thomas

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Tasty Talk

Safety in Water...Or Not

to 1 in 6 deaths worldwide. Meanwhile, less than 1% of the earth’s freshwater is accessible to us as a drinkable water source. While the global demand for freshwater increases every year, it is expected to be one-third greater than it is now by 2050.

wastewater each year.

Our bodies are made up of about 66% water, which is why our bodies require a sufficient amount on a daily basis in order to properly function. However, finding safe water is impossible. No matter where you live, water is just not clean. Water scarcity and contamination has always been a global crisis that affects every single person.

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances like chemicals, waste, plastics, etc., contaminate a body of water, degrading the water quality and making it toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. Every year, unsafe water sickens about 1 billion people. Unsafe water is known to kill more people every year than war and violence combined. The Lancet Commission on pollution and health has found that pollution remains responsible for roughly 9 million deaths per year, corresponding

Water is known as a universal solvent, as it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid, making it easy to pollute. In the United States, agriculture is the biggest source of contamination in rivers, streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, the third-biggest source in lakes, and a major contributor of contamination to estuaries and groundwater. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms and livestock operations wash nutrients and pathogens into our waterways, creating nutrient pollution. Nutrient pollution is the number one threat to water quality globally and can cause algal blooms that are toxic to people and wildlife.

In addition, more than 80% of the world’s wastewater (used water from commercial and residential sources) flows back into our environment without being treated. While our wastewater treatment facilities process about 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day, EPA estimates that our sewage treatment systems also release more than 850 billion gallons of untreated

Nearly 40% of Americans rely on groundwater for drinking water. Groundwater gets polluted when contaminants leak from landfills and septic systems enter an aquifer making it unsafe for human use. Getting rid of the contaminants is extremely difficult and costly. Once polluted, an aquifer can be unusable for decades or even thousands of years. Groundwater can even spread contaminants far from the original polluting source as it seeps into streams, lakes, and oceans. In addition, more than 60% of American water comes from surface water, the water that fills our bodies of water. A recent survey on national water quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nearly half of our streams and rivers and more than onethird of our lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking. Nutrient pollution, municipal and industrial waste discharges and random things that industry and individuals dump directly into waterways are leading sources to nutrient pollution.

For information on contaminates in your local water system, go to https://www. ewg.org/tapwater/ N

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

Things To Do

Batesville

Celebrate America 2023, July 4th, 4 to 9:45pm. Presented by Sonic, the infamous fireworks show will take place at Riverside Park in Batesville. Bring your family, walk the White River, enjoy the vendors, and watch the show.

TikTok Camp @ NADT, July 12th, 1 to 4pm. Come perfect all of the ageappropriate TikTok dances you’ve been dying to learn. This camp is for ages 9 to 13. 157 E. Main Street Batesville. 866.468.6238.

Hot Summer Showcase Basketball Tournament, Y2A, July 15 and 16. Jeff Wilmath 501.593.1677.

Concealed Carry Class, get or upgrade your license, the enchanted license allows you to carry in more places, church and public college campus. Independence Firearms and Training, LLC @ 305 Circle Dr. Cord, AR. Enhanced & Standard Combo 8:30am to 6pm $125/person. Enhanced Upgrade Concealed Carry Class (must have concealed carry already 8:30am to 6pm for $100/person. Standard class 10am to 6pm $100/person. Mike Lies 870.614.8452. Register at https://firearmsandtraining.corsizio.com/c/646ca27fa05b060e984ea713. For more information, visit https://firearmsandtraining.com/training-classes/ arkansas-basic-and-enhanced-concealed-carry-license/

2023 Road & River Cruise & Hole Runner 150 Banquet, July 22, Dinner $10 adults, $5 for kids under 12. Boat Turn and Drag Race (starts at 9am under the bridge in Batesville), $20 per boat per class. Car Poker Run (9am at City Park in Imboden and ends at Bateville Community Center), hands starting at $10 and going up to $20 at later stops. Bike Poker Run starts @ 9am at VFW in Jonesboro and ends at the Batesville Community Center. Bike and Car show starts at noon at Batesville Community Center. Dinner begins at 6pm in Batesville Community Center.

Dance with Your Doll at NADT, July 26 from 1 to 4pm, ages 4 to 8 at 157 E. Main Street Batesville, 866.468.6238.

Cave City Watermelon Festival, July 27, 28, and 29. Each year of this sweetest watermelons festival gets better and better! Why not join us for the best yet?

Mountain View

Arkansas Craft School

https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Newport

IMAD will have a Back-to-Basics Community Meeting on Saturday, July 1, from 11am to Noon at the IMAD Community Center, 947 Hout Circle. The community is invited to talk about education, family, childcare, finances, church, healthcare, employment and much more. Lunch will be provided.

Monster Nights presents Dinosaur Day on Saturday, July 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Everyone visit the NEDC/ Newport Chamber of Commerce for exhibits, displays, education and dig for dinosaurs. Don’t miss special guest Miss Cricket. The display will be on display through September. Thank you, ASUNewport, for sponsoring this event. For more information call (870)523-3618 www.facebook.com/newportarchamber

Also see newportarcity.org/calendar/ N

Adult Education

Unity Health Harris

PROVIDE SPOTLIG

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT

PROVIDE SPOTLIG

Provider Spotlight

Provider Spotlight | Matt Williams, APRN

Matt W specia hospita

Matt Williams, APRN has worked in Newport since April 2018. He is specialized in family practice and is ANCC certified and works as hospitalist here at Unity Health Newport located at 1205 McLain Street.

Provider Spotlight

MATT WILLIAMS, APRN

MATT WILLIAMS, APRN

Matt h gradua attend lincens then w to 2018 nurse and re today.

Matt has lived in Jackson County since he was in the ninth grade. He graduated from Tuckerman High School in 2000. After high school he attended ASU – Newport where he recieved both his LPN and RN lincenses He bagan his nursing career in 2001, working as a CNA, then worked as an LPN from 2002 until 2006, and as an RN from 2006 to 2018. While working as an RN at St. Bernard’s Clopton Clinic as nurse assistant to their hospitalist, he attended Walden University and received his APRN in 2018. Which is what lead him to where he is today.

Matt Williams, APRN has worked in Newport since April 2018. He is specialized in family practice and is ANCC certified and works as hospitalist here at Unity Health Newport located at 1205 McLain Street.

Matt has lived in Jackson County since he was in the ninth grade. He graduated from Tuckerman High School in 2000. After high school he attended ASU – Newport where he recieved both his LPN and RN lincenses He bagan his nursing career in 2001, working as a CNA, then worked as an LPN from 2002 until 2006, and as an RN from 2006 to 2018. While working as an RN at St. Bernard’s Clopton Clinic as nurse assistant to their hospitalist, he attended Walden University and received his APRN in 2018. Which is what lead him to where he is today.

Healthcare runs in his family both his mom and dad are nurses His father has had to retire due to health issues of his own but had a long history of working ER and CVICU. Matt’s mom, Bobbie Williams, RN continues to work at Unity Health Newport. He often jokes, “My mom was my first house charge when I was a CNA and continues to make a career of bossing me around.”

When not at work, Matt is a professional wrestler. His dad took him to a show as a kid and he was hooked. When he turned eighteen, he trained and has been wrestling ever since. He has wrestled multiple WWE hall of famers and legends. Matt is currently prominent on Memphis Wrestling’s television show He is also a family man He has three daughters, 18, 15, and 4, which he is very active with and keeps busy volunteering with their sports teams and activities within the community

MATT WILLIAMS, APRN

Healthcare runs in his family both his mom and dad are nurses His father has had to retire due to health issues of his own but had a long history of working ER and CVICU Matt’s mom, Bobbie Williams, RN continues to work at Unity Health Newport. He often jokes, “My mom was my first house charge when I was a CNA and continues to make a career of bossing me around.”

We are proud to have Matt as part of our team He cares deeply for the patients and provides them with compassionate care.

Healthcare runs in his family both his mom and dad are nurses. His father has had to retire due to health issues of his own but had a long history of working ER and CVICU Matt’s mom, Bobbie Williams, RN continues to work at Unity Health Newport He often jokes, “My mom was my first house charge when I was a CNA and continues to make a career of bossing me around.” When not at work, Matt is a professional wrestler. His dad took him to a show as a kid and he was hooked. When he turned eighteen, he trained and has been wrestling ever since. He has wrestled multiple WWE hall of famers and legends. Matt is currently prominent on Memphis Wrestling’s television show. He is also a family man. He has three daughters, 18, 15, and 4, which he is very active with and keeps busy volunteering with their sports teams and activities within the community. We are proud to have Matt as part of our team He cares deeply for the patients and provides them with compassionate care

When not at work, Matt is a professional wrestler. His dad took him to a show as a kid and he was hooked. When he turned eighteen, he trained and has been wrestling ever since. He has wrestled multiple WWE hall of famers and legends. Matt is currently prominent on Memphis Wrestling’s television show. He is also a family man. He has three daughters, 18, 15, and 4, which he is very active with and keeps busy volunteering with their sports teams and activities within the community

We are proud to have Matt as part of our team He cares deeply for the patients and provides them

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

Seniors, Can We Talk?

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?’.

“Dental insurance can help in detecting oral cancer?” was what Ruth said as soon as I sat down for our monthly lunch. What was that about?

Here’s the story Ruth told me. Remember Linda, Ruth’s sister-in-law, Toni’s sister? A few months ago, Linda signed up for a dental plan then had a crown (those wonderful pecans do have nasty shells that can be harmful).

Linda recently called Ruth and told her about her latest “issue”. A couple of months after having the crown, it was time for her 6-month checkup. Linda has always had regular 6-month checkups which are covered by her dental plan. (She admitted to going every 6 months because they are covered by her dental plan.)

During her checkup, Linda told her dentist that she felt like something was caught in her throat but there was

nothing there. Her dentist checked her mouth and throat including feeling her jaw and neck for any lumps or abnormalities. Her dentist then referred her to a specialist to have a more detailed exam. After seeing a specialist, Linda was diagnosed with oral cancer – very, very early stage and she will be fine.

Linda admitted to Ruth that, if she did not have a dental plan that covered checkups every 6 months, she probably would not see the dentist that often and that regular.

Ruth asked Linda if the dentist told her symptoms/signs to look for. Her dentist told her to pay attention to 1) pain, tenderness, or numbness in her mouth or on her lips, 2) a change in the way her teeth fit together when she closes her mouth, 3) a sore or irritation that does not go away, 4) ear pain without hearing loss and 5) bleeding in her mouth.

Yes, I am a huge advocate of dental insurance. Why? Dental checkups are covered by most dental plans. Checkups can be an effective way to catch small things before they develop

into large, painful issues like early detection of oral cancer. Don’t wait until you’re in pain, which may result in a more major procedure that may be expensive $$.

Most dental insurance covers 6-month checkups as well as minor and major procedures like crowns, implants, root canals, fillings, dentures. As you know, Medicare does not cover these dental procedures.

Is dental insurance expensive? Is it cheaper just to pay out of pocket? No, dental insurance is not expensive. It might be cheaper to pay out of pocket IF all you ever have are checkups. But that’s not real life. People like Linda have accidents that result in needing a crown. Teeth get a lot of wear every day and remember they are as old as the rest of your body!

Next time you go to the dentist, ask your dentist if most of their patients who have regular checkups do or do not have dental insurance. Take care of your teeth. Call me at 501-8686650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

Lyon College has been helping students find their why for 150 years.

87% Medical school acceptance rate over the last 20 years–more than double the national average of 41%

Here at Lyon College, students don’t just earn a degree. They don’t just have the college experience. They find their why Small class sizes, dedicated staff and faculty, and our mission to nourish the whole person and not just the student is what makes Lyon different. Our liberal arts education creates a fuller, richer understanding of your community and yourself, while also preparing you for your future. Take the first step to finding your why at lyon.edu

TreeWine Sensations LLC Newport Chamber

The Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting for our newest member, TreeWine Sensations LLC, 2119 Hwy. 367 North in Newport. Owners Troy and Sequoia Scott offer elegant soul food and barbecue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. until sold out. Always serving bbq nachos and bbq sandwiches or check out their daily lunch specials on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/TreeWineLLC

Call 731-803-6881 to place your order or ask about catering opportunities. Thank you for choosing Newport! N

Dallas Cowboys Drive

Newport Chamber

Dr. Patti J. Mullins was the winning bidder for the naming of a street sign at the Chamber of Commerce banquet last month. The sign is located next to the Downtown Newport Farmers Market at Newport Lake and will remain in place for the year. “Dallas Cowboys Drive” honors Dr. Mullins’ favorite football team. The sign naming auction is one of several fundraisers for the Chamber of Commerce annually. Thank you for your support, Patti! N

Studio Salon

The Angry Possum

Newport Chamber

A ribbon cutting was held today at The Angry Possum, a premier restaurant/bar located in historic downtown Newport. Owners Jason & Pamela Hopkins have created a unique menu including garbage pail fries, trash can nachos, possum dog, the possum pouch grilled cheese and tons of other delicious options. Plus live music, beer and wine flights, a rentable VIP area, outdoor dining patio and a cool atmosphere. Open Tuesday/ Wednesday/Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 11 a.m. to Midnight. Thank you for choosing Newport! N

ASU-Newport Acquires FANUC Collaborative Robotics Training System

Jake Eddington

Arkansas State University-Newport’s Industrial Maintenance program is proud to announce the acquisition of a new FANUC Collaborative Robotics Training System that will offer students hands-on experience with cutting-edge industrial robotics technology. This state-of-the-art robot is designed to work alongside human workers, handling light and repetitive tasks such as material handling, small parts assembly, and palletizing applications.

The addition of this Robotics Training System provides our students with an unparalleled opportunity to work with one of the most advanced robotics systems available, enhancing their skills and preparing them for careers in advanced manufacturing and automation. The robot boasts state of the art safety features – it is equipped with advanced sensor technology that automatically detects and stops after a collision with a fixed object or human worker, eliminating the need for a safety fence.

The FANUC Collaborative Robotics Training System will provide ASUN students with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience with the latest robotics technology, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce. The acquisition of this state-ofthe-art robot is a testament to ASUN’s commitment to providing its students with access to the latest tools and technologies, ensuring that they are prepared for success in the rapidly evolving field of advanced manufacturing.

“By offering our students hands-on experience with the latest robotics technology, we are ensuring that

they have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field,” said Michael Nowlin, Dean for Applied Science. “This FANUC Collaborative Robotics Training System is a major asset to our our program, and we are excited to see the many ways in which it will benefit our students.” N

Chamber hosts 1800 for its annual Business Expo

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) hosted its annual Business Expo presented by FNBC on Wednesday, June 7. The expo theme was “Game Show,” and featured interactive displays at each business’s booth.

“We had a great time at this year’s Business Expo,” said Sarah Barnhill, Director of Membership and Programs. “Without our sponsors and amazing businesses, this event would not be successful. Over eighteen hundred visitors attended the expo to sample local cuisine, learn about current job openings, and discover what our community businesses offer.”

The Batesville School District was named the Best Booth. Their booth theme was Candy Land, which offered visitors endless opportunities to learn about the district’s programs and offerings.

Peco Foods’ Dancing Chicken beat First Community

Bank’s Seymore Money after an intense tie-breaking danceoff for the title of “Best Dancer.” Other participants in the Mascot Dance-Off included: Batesville School District’s Pioneer Joe, a heart from AllHeart Senior Care, a frog from Hyla World, Sonic’s Tater Tot, and Citizens Bank’s CeeBee the Money Bee.

FNBC presented the expo with additional support from Bad Boy Mowers, the City of Batesville, Intimidator Group, Merchants & Planters Bank, Optimum, Peco Foods, RAWK Imprinting, Sonic Drive-In, the UPS Store, and White River Health.

“We’re so thankful for our sponsors and participating businesses,” concluded Barnhill. “It’s because of them that this event continues to grow and is the best way for businesses to showcase their products and services.” N

Lyon launches first graduate program

Carol Langston

Just six months after being approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer graduate and online programs, Lyon College has officially launched its first graduate program in its 150-year history.

Beginning this fall, the newly christened Lyon College Center for Transformative Teaching and Leadership will offer a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program that is designed for individuals who want practical, hands-on experience teaching in a classroom and working with students directly while earning a graduate degree.

“Like many states, Arkansas is experiencing a severe shortage of teachers,” said Dr. Anthony Grafton, Lyon College Provost. “We are excited to address this shortage and that our community can now continue their education without

ever leaving the area.”

Dr. Kimberly Crosby, Director of the Center, said the program is ideal for those who hold an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than education.

“The MAT offers an alternative pathway to Arkansas teacher licensure,” Dr. Crosby said. “The degree provides a firm foundation of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions through challenging coursework and professional mentoring in conjunction with intensive classroom experience in a year-long classroom residency.”

Submit at https://www.lyon. edu/master-of-arts-in-teaching. You will find more information on qualifications here. N

Lyon College alumna Savannah Youngblood teaches second-grade students at Sulphur Rock Elementary School in the Batesville School District. Beginning this fall, the newly christened Lyon College Center for Transformative Teaching and Leadership will offer a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program that is designed for individuals who want practical, hands-on experience teaching in a classroom and working with students directly while earning a graduate degree.

Tara Salinas

Merchants and Planters Bank is pleased to recognize the growth and expansion of their organization and the need for greater leadership that comes with it. To fill this need, the bank proudly announces the promotion of three staff members.

Josh Brandt has been promoted to Vice President and Branch Manager over the Searcy market. Brandt will continue to offer trust and wealth management services in addition to overseeing all lending and banking operations. Josh began his career with Merchants and Planters Bank in August 2011 and has consistently devoted himself to being a well-versed leader within the organization.

Wanda Mueller has been promoted to Manager of the Bookkeeping Department. Wanda has been instrumental in streamlining bookkeeping procedures to make her department more efficient and accurate. She strives to ensure her team has the knowledge and tools needed to provide excellent customer service at all times.

Abigail Stephens has been promoted to Branch Coordinator and will assist with the lending and daily operations of the Searcy office. She began her M&P

In The Field with Randy

career in October 2021 and quickly realized her affinity for community banking. Her banking expertise and the genuine love she has for her community have made her a favorite among customers.

Jim S. Gowen, Jr., President and CEO of Merchants and Planters congratulates all staff members. “I’m proud to recognize the accomplishments and professional potential of each of these team members. They represent our organization with integrity and are invested in the success of our bank and our community. I’m always pleased to promote from within the organization, because it opens the door for others to excel and allows us to add new members to our M&P family,” says Jim. N

As I write on June 15th, I continue to remain optimistic about the 2023 crop. Obviously, we have a ways to go before any of it gets in the combine (can’t wait till August), but I certainly think we have a chance. Timely rains, sunshine, and moderate temperatures are the keys from here on out.

Much of our rice crop will be heading this month. Fungicide decisions should be made with most applications made prior to boot split. Sheath blight and blast should be scouted for with kernel smut, false smut, and possibly narrow brown leaf spot applications more or less made automatically based on the situation.

I generally like to see a minimum 6 ounce application of propiconazole (Tilt or generic) for control/suppression of kernel smut, false smut, and/or cercospora (narrow brown leaf spot) for

most varieties. If sheath blight or blast are a concern or you just want to make an across the board preventive/automatic application, then combination products such as Amistar Top or Quilt Xcel should be used. It should be noted that Amistar Top and Quilt Xcel both contain propiconazole.

In general, most rice fungicide applications should be made during the boot stage. The effectiveness of smut fungicides ends quickly when the panicle starts to split the boot. There are a couple of exceptions. With sheath blight, if treatment level is reached before the boot stage then the application should be made right away. If making 2 applications for blast, the second application should be made when the panicle is about 50-75% out of the boot.

Narrow brown leaf spot has been a late season disease of rice in Arkansas. It typically doesn’t cause much, if any, yield or quality loss but there are certain years when it does. It is caused by a fungus that is airborne and probably survives between crops in residue and on the seed.

Symptoms on leaves are usually first noticed as very narrow, reddish-brown

lines (less than one-quarter inch long). Later, the fungus invades the aging sheaths, forming netted reddish-brown discolored areas that may resemble collar rot symptoms of blast. Affected sheath lesions are irregularly shaped and can be several inches long. The fungus can infect the node area just below the panicle or tissue just above the node, causing a dark brown discoloration that appears similar to neck blast. Again, these symptoms usually develop only near the completion of grain fill.

Varieties vary in susceptibility. Susceptible varieties include CLL18 and 19, DG263L, Jupiter, Ozark, PVLO3, RTv7231 MA, and Rice Tec 7421 Full Page. CLL 16 and Rice Tec 753 are rated moderately resistant. Most other varieties are rated as moderately susceptible. Maintaining good potash levels and planting early are management practices that can be helpful in managing narrow brown leaf spot.

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

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association, retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

Arkansas Center for Independence

The Arkansas Center for Independence is the beautiful realization of a decade’s long dream carried in the hearts of many caring dedicated souls. They worked tirelessly together through the years to provide a safe space for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities within our community. Their unwavering dedication is to be applauded. Following is the response to a series of questions I sent to the ACI Executive Director, Glenda Rutledge-May.

Mission of ACI: ACI’s mission is to provide support, services and employment to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in order to make them more independent and fully integrate into their community. In other words, we work with our clients to teach them skills they need to become more independent and give them opportunities to integrate into the community fully like attending church and social functions.

ACI Timeline: ACI formerly known as the Jackson County Learning Center was founded in 1959 as the private, non-profit agency Jackson County Retarded School. It was only the second agency of its type in the state of Arkansas. In that same year, the organization’s building was constructed out of concrete blocks in what is the industrial district of Newport today. The agency was built as the main residential and educational facility for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they were not integrated into the school systems at that time. On June 28, 1976, the school was re-organized and re-incorporated as Jackson County Learning Center.

In 1985 all in-house residential services for adults were moved into group homes within the community, and in January of 1986 all services for children were ended and the children were integrated into the school system. The facility has since operated as a day program only for adults. In 2011, the non-profit purchased a two-and-a-half-acre lot in the middle of town with the vision for the site to one day be the future headquarters of the center’s organization. Shortly after, a new Executive Director was hired to continue the work the retiring director had begun. In 2018 the decision was made to change the name of the program to Arkansas Center for Independence in order to better align with the organization’s mission and to dispel confusion that the company was part of the county operations.

After 10 years of capital fundraising, ACI was gifted

with a $500,000 grant from the estate of Jane Parnell, a local educator and long-time supporter of ACI. This was the catalyst the organization needed to break ground and begin building a new facility. The staff and clients were finally able to move out of the deteriorated building at the airbase at the end of 2022 and begin a new year in a new beautiful state-of-the-art facility.

Fundraising Road: ACI was struggling financially when I took over as ED. Before I could even think about fundraising, we had to get the company in a better financial position. With help from all the staff and making some key policy and organizational changes, the company was in a much better place within 6 months. There were so many people in the community that didn’t even know the organization existed, so that was the second key area of focus for the first year. People needed to know who we were and what our purpose was in order for us to expect them to get behind us financially. It helped that I grew up in Newport and still knew a lot of the people here. I started getting involved in community events and activities and networked to educate people about the organization.

We started out having several small fundraisers a year and eventually decided to focus on two large fundraisers a year. Each of those fundraisers would net between $10-15,000. Netting only $30,000 per year with fundraisers and small grants, we knew it was going to take a large grant or partnership for us to ever bring the dream to fruition and we were running out of time since our building was deteriorating rapidly. Then COVID hit and shut down all in-person fundraising events. Shortly before that, the State of Arkansas moved all developmental disabilities providers into a managed care model. While it was a very scary time, it turned out to be very beneficial to organizations like ours that used group homes and shared staffing to support clients with IDD. When COVID hit, we were able to receive a PPP loan of just over $200,000 that would eventually be forgiven. Since the people we serve cannot go without those supports, we never fully closed our services and were able to put those PPP funds toward the building project. We were also beginning to see increased payments from the new managed care model. It was turning into the perfect storm for ACI. That’s when I was introduced to Cindy Ward. She was the sister of the late Jane Parnell. Jane had recently passed away and her sister Cindy was in charge of her estate. Cindy had a son with a developmental disability and the work we did was near to both her and her sister’s hearts. When Cindy saw the state of our building, she was so heartbroken for our clients that she donated $500,000 from Jane’s estate to the building fund. That was the catalyst needed to break ground. We knew we didn’t have all the money we needed, but we knew that

Joey Thomas is the graphic designer, editor and one of the various writers of this publication. He is elevated by five children, five grandchildren and is currently writing his eighth novel. You can buy his first three novels now, at www.amazon.com.

ACI Computer lab

ACI Micro Apartment Classroom

ACI Pat Fisher Library

Glenda and State Represenative Dwight Tosh at Grand Opening May 11

somehow it would all work out and that we could no longer afford to wait. With a line of credit secured from the bank and plans in hand, the building began.

The New Facility: As you drive through Newport now, just off the main road, you can see this big, beautiful modern building that is hard to ignore. When you walk through the front doors, you’re welcomed by all the natural light streaming in through the wall of windows. You are greeted warmly by our executive assistant. However, in order to access any other part of the facility you will have to have a key card or be escorted or buzzed in by staff. This adds a layer of security and protection for both staff and clients. The north wing of the building is where you’ll find all the classrooms for client learning. The facility features four classrooms, all of which include smart boards for interactive, enhanced learning. Two of the rooms are traditional classrooms where individuals will learn basic vocational and daily life skills. The third classroom, known as the household skills room, is a mock-up of a small apartment to help clients develop, maintain, and improve daily independent living skills. The Center’s fourth classroom features a computer lab that will allow clients to learn basic computer skills, internet safety, and beginner graphic design and product development. In the fifth room in this wing, you will find the fitness center where both staff and clients can utilize the equipment to promote and

maintain a healthy lifestyle. Outside the fitness center is a wall honoring those clients and one staff member that didn’t make it to see the new building open.

The west wing of the building has all of the administrative offices and a break room/board room for small meetings. Then in the heart of the building you walk into a large room that has two basketball goals on a half-court playing area and adjoins the fully equipped commercial kitchen where the clients can pick up their lunch at the serving counter and sit and enjoy a meal together.

Our open house was held last month and you could see the pride from every community member that walked through the doors knowing that in some way, that helped this building come to fruition.

ACI is already looking at ways to expand and offer additional services to the community. We hope to start an afterschool program for school-age kids in the fall that will continue through the summer and also to offer a construction skills training area and start a rag business that will be operated by our clients. We will continue to grow and strive to meet the needs of our clients and the community. N

. Tuckerman

Thyme Enough

Couscous, Tomatoes, Etc...

Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 59 years and are still having fun cooking and living! Find Sandy’s newly published thriller Dead in the Shadow of Doubt on Amazon.com.

‘Summertime, and the livin’ is easy, fish gotta swim and the cotton is high’ – Yes, thanks to George Gershwin, we can even sing about this fun season of the year when we get to go on picnics, or swimming, or camping out. And most all this fun is involved with food, either before you engage yourself or after. Summertime is also the perfect time for simple meals and lots of cool salads. Today, I’ll suggest a simple recipe that I sort of made up or sorta didn’t because there are about a million variations. BTW, Nelson and I celebrated our 63rd Wedding Anniversary on June 18th! We still have lots of fun together, not only cooking, and telling y’all about some of the stuff we like to make, but we’re still enjoying some of those other fun summer activities. We don’t do flips on water skis, but then we never did. Wreckless is not our middle name, but eatin’ is! So,try this salad, it’s cool and easy for summer!

Couscous, Tomatoes, etc

All that You’ll Need

Amounts depend on Your Own Little Taste Buds

Couscous -- A box, probably. I like the small pearl couscous.

Tomatoes ( good ripe, red garden tomatoes are the best, but cherry tomatoes are good too.)

English cucumbers

Red Onion--to taste

Parsley--fresh, and a little more than you think.

Lemon Juice --At least one lemon’s worth

Maybe a tad of olive oil.

Salt and Pepper

Now you can find similar recipes with more things in it, but just between you and me. This is the simplest and best. N

Book Review

Acts of God / Ellen Gilchrist

disruption in her life and the daily hardships, and she returns to meet the divorced father of one of her son’s soccer teammates. What do you think ensues from that meeting, eh?

tight to Cecelia’s arm. What a beautiful relationship.

A few months ago I reviewed Arkansas novelist Ellen Gilchrist’s “The Annunciation,” a “kuntslerroman,” a frank depiction of the life and career of a novelist who settles in Fayetteville, where Gilchrist herself is on the UA creative writing faculty. I found the central character utterly unappealing as she lusted for her brother, abandoned her baby, left her loving husband, and, once in Fayetteville, began an affair with a young man still in college. Most any writer who recognized herself in that novel would be devastated.

But Gilchrist’s scope is much broader than writing about people in her own field. Her 2014 book of short stories, “Acts of God,” shows her ability to write about a range of characters, all of them much more appealing than the central character in her earlier novel, all of them falling in love or in loving relationships already, and all of them dealing successfully with crises that come their way.

“Collateral” is one of my favorites. In it, Gilchrist tells the story of Carly Dixon, a widow raising a 13-year-old son and teaching accounting at the university. As the story opens, she is mobilized for a week with her National Guard Rescue helicopter unit to go to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to rescue citizens stranded on their rooftops. She finds a sub to teach her classes, takes her son to stay with her parents, and flies to devastated New Orleans.

She endures a week of hardship, descending from helicopters in harness to pull Katrina’s victims to safety, sleeping on a cot in sweltering heat, slapping away as many mosquitoes as she can, and eating more MREs than anyone would want.

But Carly finds immense satisfaction in the rescues despite the

“Miracle in Adkins, Arkansas” is another favorite. Like, “Collateral,” it takes place in the aftermath of a natural disaster—in this case, a tornado like the one that actually hit Adkins a few years ago. In this story the characters are five high school students who come to take part in the search and rescue effort right after the storm.

These kids have a gut-wrenching and exhausting task working through the rubble to find survivors—or to discover the dead. In one ruin they find a grandmother, mother, and little girl all dead. In other ruins they find survivors suffering both physically and emotionally.

As darkness nears, their leader suggests they quit, but one girl urges them to go back to the ruins where they found the three bodies. She feels certain there must have been a baby in the house that they missed because she had spotted a stroller amid the debris. Who keeps a stroller in the house if there’s not a baby, she asks. So they return, and guess what they find . . . and how the find impacts them.

Other stories in the collection feature older couples dealing with the kinds of crises that age brings on. These couples are just as much in love as Gilchrist’s younger couples.

“Jumping Off Bridges into Clean Water” is my favorite among these stories. In 16 short pages with just three episodes it traces a loving couple from their initial attraction as young teens in 1944 to their mature years in 1992. As a boy, Jimmy’d dive from a bridge into the Yazoo River, with special flair if he knew Cecelia was watching. And she loved to watch.

Jimmy got polio, however, losing partial use of his legs. That didn’t stop their love for each other, and marriage and children follow. In his 60s, Jimmy makes do with crutches or a walker—or just a cane if he can hold

Other stories deal with EMTs working on the ground in New Orleans after Katrina, a woman whose MS is progressing, neighbors dealing with constantly barking dogs, travelers delayed for hours in an airport as a bomb threat is dealt with, a couple in their 80s whose kids have forbidden them to drive, and a white plantation matriarch and her Black household assistant who’ve lived and worked together on the same place for some 70 years.

Some stories have a sex scene, which is never pornographic, one ends in accidental deaths, and one features a suicide. But be assured, “Acts of God” is refreshingly both realistic and uplifting. N

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

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