Eye On Magazine June 2023

Editor’s

Six in Twenty-three

Joey Thomas

Month six in this twenty-third year of this new millenium. Well, relatively new, considering. Okay, so, we are Here, Out, Ready, Available to pick up and read, so, please, do so and rifle through our pages to see Your neighbors, friends, self, community...You never know who’s next and We do love to show Your great endeavors, good deeds, and best side. Thank You for keeping us viable for thirteen years. We look forward to sharing more!

You’ll notice the fierce young lady on our cover. Erica Sweeney graces our cover to share her story of study, practice, growth, and now mentorship. Thank You, Erica! We have our ususal great reads from Cherri Rodgers, Randy Chlapecka, Caroline Beauchamp, Terrell Tebbitts, Nelson and Sandy Barnett, Michelle Foshee, and Leigh Keller. Next month Hannah Rogers will be back behind a new great cover story, so do Your thing, and we’ll see You soon! N

2023 THS Alumni Association Scholarship recipientWill Tubbs. Congratulations Will! We are proud of Your accomplishments.

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

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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.

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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.

Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY

Cover Photo by Joey Thomas

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Studio Salon

Cherri Design

Clean Your House’s Air Pollutants

Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs.

If you are like most Americans, you spend about 90% of your time indoors between work, home, and more. Reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state that indoor air is about five times more polluted than outdoor air. According to research, this puts you and your family at a greater risk of health problems, such as cancer, neurological issues and cardiovascular disease. Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, dizziness, headaches and fatigue are even triggered by short-term exposure. Cleaning up the air inside your home creates a healthier haven for you and your family.

First, consider the twelve most frequently found pollutants in homes. Furniture is typically treated with formaldehyde, fire retardants and many other harmful chemicals. These chemicals off-gas in your home, causing a multitude

of health problems. Dry-cleaned clothing also off-gas high levels of a cancer-causing chemical, perchloroethylene. Be sure to air new furniture and dry-cleaning outdoors, such as in a garage, for several days before you bring inside.

Gas stoves, woodburning fireplaces and tobacco smoke release toxins into the breathing air in your home. To reduce these toxins, limit your usage and smoke outdoors. New construction or remodeling, along with paint, fills your home with pollutants. However, there are products available that are not as toxic, so do some research before you begin your project.

Candles, air fresheners and household cleaning products (such as dryer sheets, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaners) are some of the deadliest products in our homes, causing a multitude of health problems. Simply mopping your floor with a pine scented cleaner generates as many airborne particles as cars on a busy city street. But the difference is these particles are now trapped inside your home.

Perfume and cologne are filled with deadly chemicals that are not only released into your breathing air, but stay with you all day on and in your body. Aerosols with

pressurized chemicals, such as hairspray and deodorant, use chemical propellants, filling your space with pollutants.

Fortunately, we can clean up our breathing air, thus preventing numerous health problems. Become a plant parent, as studies show that potted plants greatly reduce indoor air pollutants. In one study, houseplants reduced carbon dioxide and volatile compounds by 30%. Also, freshen your home naturally by opening windows as often as possible. Invest in an air purifier with HEPA technology, reducing particulates floating in the air. Consider using in or near the kitchen, if you have a gas cook stove. I personally have a particulator and notice a difference, when faithful to run it anywhere in my home.

Replace cleaners with healthier options, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, oranges and even liquid soap, or consider making your own. Look for products made with only natural, nontoxic ingredients, which are becoming more readily available. Swap out air fresheners and candles with diffusers and essential oils.

While it is impossible to eliminate all indoor air pollutants, we can safeguard ourselves with many healthy or less harmful options. N

Things To Do

Batesville

Batesville Beach Blast, June 9 - 11, Girls Fastpitch Tournament. Annual Summer Celebration ThrowBAAC to Prom, Saturday, June 10. The Batesville Area Arts Council’s annual Summer Celebration fundraiser at The Loft on Main Street. Doors will open at 6 p.m. This year we will ‘ThrowBAAC to Prom’ with a tribute to proms of the past. We’re combining a healthy dose of nostalgia with live music by Luke Middleton, food & drinks, a silent auction of unique artwork, the crowning of Prom Royalty, and a classic prom dance with a live DJ playing your favorite throwback hits. ThrowBAAC to Prom is a once in a lifetime chance to re-live (or re-do) your prom experience! Proceeds from Summer Celebration will support BAAC’s mission to provide educational programs, art exhibitions, workshops, and community art projects in Batesville and the surrounding areas. Tickets are $45 or $40 for BAAC members. This event is presented by First Community Bank. Thank you to our other event sponsors: FutureFuel Chemical Co., Intimidator Group, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Southern Bank, White River Health, and Batesville Printing. For more information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (870)793-3382

Y2A Bad Boy National Tournament, Youth Basketball Tournament, June 16 -18. Call Jeff Wilmath at 501.593.1677.

Mountain View

Arkansas Craft School

https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Newport

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber

Also see newportarcity.org/calendar/

The Delta Arts Festival is June 2 and June 3 in downtown Newport. Over 200 artists and authors are gathering to share their art and literature. The show opens at noon on Friday and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. For more information visit www.deltaartsfestival.com or call 870-523-1009. The festival is open Noon to 6pm on Friday June 2 and 10 to 6 on Saturday June 3. N

Unity Health Harris Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista

UNITY HEALTH NEWPORT RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE AWARD

Unity Health Newport was recently recognized as a 4-Star, PRC Excellence Award in Emergency Department Services for Overall Care in ER Rating by PRC, a leader in the healthcare intelligence space.

The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize organizations and individuals who achieve excellence throughout the year by improving patient experiences, healthcare employee engagement, and/ or physician alignment and engagement based on surveys of their patients.

“It is an honor to recognize Unity Health Newport with this Excellence in Healthcare Award for their deserving work,” said Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President, and CEO of PRC. “It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare and Unity Health Newport has shown their commitment to making their hospital a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine, and a better place for patients to be treated.”

We see between 750 and 800 patients a month in our emergency department. Our ER is the front door of our hospital. Over the past 12-18 months, we have made the emergency room a priority and focused to ensure that our associates treat all patients like family. How would you want your mother treated? LaDonna Johnston, V.P. Administrator at Unity Health Newport states, “As we have added physicians and nursing associates to the ER, we interview to that point. We can see the fruits of our labor with these scores. We are so very proud of our ER but also the ancillary associates too that show that same attitude while delivering care.”

To learn more about the 2022 Excellence in Healthcare Awards, including eligibility and criteria, visit PRCCustomResearch.com. N

When kids ask me what I wanted to be, growing up, I honestly never wanted to be a counselor. I wanted to be a nurse, then a vet, then a marine biologist, and a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, and then finally I was set on becoming a dentist. So, when I changed my major to English and Spanish Education, and then graduate school for School Counseling, everyone in my life was like, ooook?

But in my old age, in 9 days I am rounding the corner to 25 years in education, as a teacher, a school counselor, an academic advisor and then a counselor again, my true love, I have learned a little bit about educators in general.

I always have this moment looking at my colleagues on the field, on what was a perfect Friday night, for me just last night. I watch them watching those kids with pride, kids they have fed, clothed, cried and laughed with, and essentially parented, during some of the most beautiful and most awful, times of their young lives. Educators get such a bad rap from so many, we are accused of trying to indoctrinate kids, trying to hurt more than we help, and just basically being terrible humans who are only in it for the “three months off”. (Holla ya’ll, because I love my late in the morning June coffee, any body of water, reading actual books and peeing when I want to, but it hasn’t been three months off without any work obligations since the 1960s, truly. Stop saying that mess).

Another year of loving these young men and women enough to stalk them to turn in their work, bug them to get up and come to school, to keep trying even when they simply don’t have it in them, and propping them up with the good Kleenex, some snacks from my desk, and the occasional hug or hallway banter.

Thank you for giving us your kids. And please thank my colleagues for coparenting alongside you for the last 13 years.

*In addition to the end of the year celebrations, stress and tests, I also got married, so my name has changed, but it’s still me. He is new to Independence County, so if you see him out and about, feel free to welcome him! N

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.

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

ADVANCING STUDENTS, COMMUNITIES, AND INDUSTRIES IN ARKANSAS AND BEYOND.

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?’.

Dottie called and said she’d read my column and wanted to share her story. I told Ruth about the call when we had lunch. I’m always happy when I get calls from someone who wants to share their real-life story.

My customer, Dottie, retired a couple of years ago when she turned 65. Since she worked her whole life, all her insurance was through her employer as an employee benefit. Every year during their open enrollment, Dottie would review the insurance offered and sign up for what she felt she and her family needed. She never “shopped” or looked for other insurance on her own. This was easy and she felt it was good insurance because her employer offered it.

Then she retired. The insurance offered through her employer had been good and affordable. When she retired things changed. Rates increased - some

even doubled. Some plans she could not keep after she retired.

Dottie was particularly interested in keeping her life insurance. She wanted to make certain her family had the money to bury her. Even though the rates had been increasing every 5 years, the increases were small and affordable – almost unnoticeable. Then she hit a magic age and the rates increased a lot – about 5 times more than what she’d been paying – ouch!

Life insurance is so important to Dottie that she continued paying those higher rates. When Dottie checked into her policy a little more, she found out that in 5 years the rates will increase again. That rate will be more than double (2 times) what she’s paying now! Those rates will not be affordable and will not fit in her budget.

Unfortunately, Dottie had never taken out a life insurance policy that was unrelated to her working and her employer. If she drops her life insurance policy with her employer, she will have nothing.

Even though she’s older and has some medical issues (like many), there are still options for her to consider at

her age and that are within her budget. Her goal is to have a policy that will stay in effect until she dies, the amount of the policy will not reduce, the premium will never change and it’s with a highly rated company.

Dottie found a policy she really liked. The policy does exactly what she wants it to – the amount of insurance will stay in effect until she dies, the amount of the insurance will not change or reduce, and the premium will never change.

We completed an application and sent it to the insurance company. The insurance company reviewed her application and her medical history. Dottie was accepted - she is thrilled. And the premium is in her budget!

Your takeaway from Dottie’s story– even though employer benefits may be easy and low cost, consider adding a life insurance policy that is not related to your working; a policy that is guaranteed to be there when your family needs it.

Do you have a story to share? Call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N

Summer Meals

Rachel Harville

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. Southside School District provides free meals to children during the summer.

This summer, meals will be served Monday-Friday at Southside Elementary School located at 2460 Batesville Blvd. Southside, AR 72501 and Southside High School located at 70 Scott Dr. Southside, AR 72501 beginning on May 19, 2023 and ending on August 4, 2023. We will be closed May 29 th for Memorial Day, and July 3-4th for the 4th of July holiday. Breakfast times are 8am-9am

and lunch times are 11:30am-12:30pm. There are no income requirements or registration. Anyone age 18 or younger may come to eat.

For more information, contact Carrie Douglas at 870251-2341 or email at carrie.douglas@southsideschools. org. Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations like Southside School District, to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer.

For more Summer Meals Sites go to: https://www. fns.usda.gov/meals4kids This institution is an equal opportunity provider. N

Novella Humphrey Named 2023 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year

Rachel Harville

Novella Humphrey, Director of Federal Programs/ Curriculum of Southside School District, was recently named the 2023 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year, at the 2023 AAFC Spring Conference on May 4, 2023.

This award is given each year in honor of Mr. Howard Wallace, long time school educator, Arkansas Department of Education staff member, and mentor to many. This award recognizes an Arkansas educator for outstanding service to public schools and for “making a difference.”

Ms. Humphrey obtained a Masters of Educational Leadership in 2005 from William Wood University. She began her education career as an elementary teacher in the Alton School District in 1995 and has held a teaching position in Mammoth Spring School District as well. She went on to be Principal at Cord Charlotte Elementary School before becoming a curriculum specialist for the Northcentral Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative. Ms. Humphrey

has been with the Southside School District since 2011.

Ms. Humphrey states “I love working directly with students. Some of my favorite activities are being a guest reader in classrooms, watching student presentations of their learning, and organizing mock interviews for seniors.”

Southside Superintendent Dion Stevens writes “Novella has been instrumental in our growth over the past several years by being a positive force for what is right, revered by our teachers, administrators, and school board as a key piece of the district.”

Peyton Worthington writes of her colleague “Novella exemplifies the definition of an educational professional. She demonstrates dedication and a superior work ethic to the profession.”

Congratulations Novella Humphrey, 2023 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year. N

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

ASU-Newport joins Advancing Community Equity and Upward Mobility Initiative

Jeremy Shirley

Arkansas State University-Newport has been selected as one of only seventeen community colleges in the nation to participate in the Advancing Community Equity and Upward Mobility (ACE-UP) initiative. ACE-UP is a first-of-its-kind community of practice convened by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW), with support from the Lumina Foundation.

The initiative brings together community colleges and industry leaders to design strategies that align education and training, increase access to employment and advance equitable employment outcomes. The Urban Institute will document the project, and experts from CSW will lead the community of practice.

“With the diversity, equity and inclusion plan of action, the design and implementation of equitable support services and programs are among our priorities,” according to ASU-Newport’s Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Amber Grady. “The goals include: 1) cultivate a campus culture of inclusivity and belonging, 2) create opportunities for internal and external outreach and engagement and 3) support the recruitment and retention of more diverse students, faculty, and staff. We see our participation in this community of practice as an opportunity to ensure these goals are met. Collaboration with institutional

and community partners is essential in expanding resources to address the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and beyond.”

ACE-UP seeks to address racial disparities in key occupations and sectors by focusing on five themes: advancing institutionalized equity, aligning policy and practices, cultivating employer partnerships, enhancing student services and making data-driven decisions. Participants will engage in ten virtual sessions, closing in the summer of 2024, and will learn from invited guest researchers and practitioners from the field.

“We are excited to work with these community colleges and their industry partners to help them turn their goals to address equity gaps and meet the skill development needs of marginalized and underrepresented workers a reality,” said Melissa Goldberg, CSW’s director of competencies and credentials, and project lead. “We believe the sharing of resources and peer-to-peer networking will help to scale the good work already underway.”

ASU-Newport is committed to the goals of ACE-UP and is eager to share resources and learn from peers.

Learn more about ACE-UP and the goals of the community of practice at www.ace-up.org N

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

Find Your Why Campus Mural by Lyon College Alumnus Daisy Hall, '22

Surging check fraud is banking’s latest challenge

Chuck Jones

During the COVID-19 crisis, the world’s economy nearly ground to a halt, so thieves began trolling for other ways to steal your money.

They began intercepting government stimulus checks that were targeted to taxpayers. Then they feasted on billions of dollars defrauded from a federal program intended to help businesses provide paychecks to their employees during the pandemic.

Since the Coronavirus emergency has eased and the government programs have ended, criminals have returned to a classic source of thievery – check fraud.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service reports check fraud is surging across the country, fueled by dramatic increases in theft from postal service mail collection boxes, and even armed robberies of postal carriers.

It is ironic that even as fewer people use paper checks, there have been more reports of criminals stealing checks from mailboxes, and then changing the dollar amounts and names of the recipients.

“Criminals committing mail theft-related check fraud generally target the U.S. Mail in order to steal personal checks, business checks, tax refund checks, and checks related to government assistance programs, such as Social Security payments and unemployment benefits,” according to a recent alert to banks issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (or

BACC Ribbon Cuttings Chris Hill

“FinCEN”), which is part of the U.S. Treasury Department.

“Criminals will generally steal all types of checks in the U.S. Mail as part of a mail theft scheme, but business checks may be more valuable because business accounts are often well-funded, and it may take longer for the victim to notice the fraud.”

Last year, reports of check fraud filed by U.S. banks nearly doubled, with check fraud losses totaling nearly $19 billion annually, FinCEN said.

Banks across Arkansas and the nation work diligently every day to combat check fraud, using innovative methods to detect and prevent the criminal activity, which has increased by 143% in the state and 165% nationwide over the past three years, according to FinCEN data.

One common forgery scheme is known as “check washing” in which, FinCEN says, criminals steal signed checks from postal boxes, then use common chemicals like nail polish remover to remove the dollar amount and the name of the “payee,” or recipient. Then they rewrite the checks for a new recipient and a larger sum – often hundreds or thousands of dollars more – before cashing the check.

To avoid becoming a victim of check fraud, Kenny Gerhardt, senior vice president, teller operations manager at First Community Bank, suggests a few simple tips.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Dixon Family’s Kona Ice to celebrate the expansion of their service area into Batesville. Kona Ice is a mobile tropical shaved ice entertainment vehicle where guests can flavor their own shaved ice with Kona Ice’s signature Flavorware. They specialize in events of all varieties and fundraising.

“Whether indoors or outdoors, we handle various events, including schools, corporations, daycares, summer programs, youth sports, picnics, weddings,

“If you must send a check through the U.S. mail, make time in your day to take your letter directly to the post office during business hours, and either hand it to a clerk or slide it through a mail slot inside the building,” Gerhardt said.

“Never leave envelopes containing checks in your own mailbox or in outdoor postal collection boxes after the last pickup time. Also, don’t let delivered mail sit for very long in your mailbox; pick up your mail every day as close to the delivery time as possible.”

Other suggestions:

* Use a pen with blue or black non-erasable gel ink. Gel ink soaks into paper and may be more difficult to remove or “wash” than ballpoint pen ink.

* Pay your bills online. As long as you’re not on a public Wi-Fi connection, paying bills online is safer than a check through the mail. Your bank account and the payment systems for your bills are encrypted.

* Monitor your bank account. Don’t wait for your monthly statement. Go online at least every few days to review account balances and your checks that have been cashed.

* Report incidents quickly. Contact your bank as soon as possible after suspicious activity; banks are generally required to replace funds stolen via fraudulent checks, but only if the scam is reported within 60 days of the date of your bank statement. N

and major sporting events and festivals,” said owner Jim Dixon. Kona Ice of Little Rock, a family-owned franchise, is a fundraising machine. “Just show us where to park, and we’ll serve our reduced sugar, vitaminenhanced Kona Ice and return a very nice percentage of total sales to your organization,” (image on page 17).

Learn more about Kona Ice at www.kona-ice.com or by calling 501.278.6900 N

BACC helps unveil Cedar Ridge’s Book Vending Machine

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Cedar Ridge Elementary School’s new book vending machine.

Located in Newark, Arkansas, Cedar Ridge Schools serves over 600 preschool through twelfth-grade students from a 270-square-mile area — including Charlotte, Cord, Magness, Newark, Oil Trough, Thida, and more. The new book vending machine incentivizes students to read in a fun and creative way.

With the help of the Arkansas SOAR grant, the Elementary is bringing students the latest technology in book displays. The new “Bookworm Vending Machine” showcases newly released books and novels for all ages. Students can select new books and showcase their knowledge through reading.

“We’re so excited to be here to help Cedar Ridge unveil

their new book vending machine,” said Sarah Barnhill, BACC Director of Membership and Programs. “The new book vending machine will help build a culture of reading, as identified by residents as a strategic opportunity for our area to cultivate the skills and talents of students and strengthen the workforce pipeline in the IMPACT Independence County plan.”

Barnhill concluded by recognizing the dedication to student growth, highlighting the work of Tracy Owens (Cedar Ridge Superintendent), Abby Limbaugh (Director of Curriculum and Instruction), Rita Jennings (RISE Facilitator), Carol Woods (Gifted and Talented), David Ward (Alternative Learning Environments), Shirl Nelson (Library Media Specialist), Megan Carpenter (Kindergarten Teacher), and Stacy Young (Elementary Counselor). Image on page 17 N

BACC Ribbon Cutting for New Space at Clara Jane and Jax

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Clara Jane and Jax. The ceremony was held to celebrate the expansion of Clara Jane & Jax, a baby and children's boutique on historic Main Street.

Established in 2017, Clara Jane & Kax is a baby and children's store with sizes starting at preemie and going up to 10 for girls and 6/8 for boys, as well as books, toys, swaddles, gifts, and more. Clara Jane & Jax recently added over seven hundred square feet of shopping space by expanding into the adjacent building. In addition to diaper bags and mommy items, this expansion includes new maternity and nursing items.

BACC Cuts Ribbon with Party People

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Party People.

Party People, a new party service in Batesville, delivers luxurious fun to your events by providing custom, eye-catching balloon backdrops and bounce house rentals.

"What an honor it is to stand here and introduce this business to you all," said Party People co-owner Ashley Holmes.

"After planning a few parties of our own, we

"We're just so happy with how sweet it turned out," said Clara Jane & Jax owner Karen Coltharp. "Lots of love and hard work went into our new space, and we are so proud to share it with you."

"This shop is our happy place," continued Coltharp. "We are thankful for this community and our customers. Thank you for supporting our dream and our shop."

Clara Jane & Jax, located at 120 East Main Street in Batesville, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more and shop online at clarajaneandjax. com. Image on page 17. N

started brainstorming how we could bring pictureperfect events to the Batesville area," continued co-owner Taren Gleghorn.

Party People luxury backdrops and balloon installations for any and all events—from birthday parties and corporate events to weddings. Image on page 17.

Start planning your event by emailing the Party People at partypeoplebates@gmail.com or calling (870) 834-5734. N

NEDC Wins Settlement Worth $2.5 Million in Medical Marijuana Lawsuits

Submitted by NEDC

The Newport Economic Development Commission won a settlement with a value of $2,518,015.00 yesterday in two separate lawsuits concerning the relocation of

a medical marijuana cultivator previously located in Newport, Arkansas. In November of 2020, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission approved a transfer of

Natural State Wellness, LLC’s license to Good Day Farms, LLC. At that same meeting, the Commission also approved a transfer of location, allowing the facility to move from Newport, Arkansas to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission made a formal request to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission to reverse the decision to move the facility. That request was denied.

In April of 2021, Attorney David Couch, a Newport native, filed a lawsuit for plaintiffs the Newport Economic Development Commission; the City of Newport; the Newport Charitable Foundation and the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board against the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission; the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division; Good Day Farm, LLC; Natural State Wellness, LLC and Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. in Circuit Court of Jackson County. The suit was to recoup economic damages caused by the relocation of the facility.

That lawsuit was followed by another lawsuit in October of 2021 by Couch for the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board to recapture possession of the property sold to Natural State Wellness with all improvements, including the building constructed on the property by Natural State Wellness. The lawsuit against the property owner BLRS was moved to federal court.

On February 22, 2023, a mediation process was held with Couch and Chadwell representing the plaintiffs and individuals and attorneys representing Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. and Good Day Farms, LLC. Through the process, the defendants agreed to a settlement which returned the building and land to the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board, awarded $1,000,000 in cash restitution to the community and covered the legal fees and costs. The total value of the settlement is $2,518,015.00 which is being paid through a negotiated agreement between Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. and Good Day Farms, LLC and a transfer of property from BRLS to the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board.

“We feel vindicated to receive this settlement from Harvest Health and Good Day Farms on behalf of Newport,” stated Jon Chadwell. “We have many exceptional businesses in Newport that are significant partners in growing the community. However, when a business does not live up to its commitments, we feel obligated to take action on behalf of the community.” Newport Mayor Derrick Ratliffe said, “The City of Newport has established a very pro-business environment and we are excited to have this building back under local control so we can use it to recruit another company to our community.” This settlement brings an end to the two-year process of seeking restitution for Newport and Jackson County. N

Lyon College launches new tuition discount program for area students

Carol Langston

Lyon College recently announced the creation of the Backyard Access Plan for area high school graduates that will encourage students to receive a world-class education close to home for much less than it would cost them to attend an out-of-town college or university.

“Lyon College has a rich tradition of serving Independence County and our region for the past 150 years. Lyon alumni are our teachers, principals, business professionals, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, medical professionals, attorneys, and church and community leaders,” said Dean of Admissions Tommy Newton.

"Many of today's students and parents do not realize that one of the nation’s best private colleges is located right in their backyard," Newton said. "With the Backyard Access Plan, we’re hoping to change that perception and to let area students know that a high-quality Lyon College education is within their reach.”

With Lyon College's Backyard Access Plan, area students who wish to lower their higher education costs and commute from home have an option to go straight into a four-year bachelor's program out of high school.

The program will also benefit transfer students at two-year colleges such as the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Ozarka College and Arkansas State University-Newport.

For the amount of a full Pell Grant and the amount of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship for the

current year, students graduating from high schools in 16 area districts can commute to Lyon College for zero out-ofpocket tuition costs.

Commuter students who qualify for a portion of a Pell Grant or no Pell Grant at all are only charged tuition in the amount of a full Pell Grant plus the amount of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship for the current academic year.

“If you receive a full Pell Grant and the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, we cover the rest of your tuition,” said Lyon College Executive Director of Financial Aid Tommy Tucker. “But even if you don't receive any or all of those funds, your net tuition will be no more than those amounts combined. In other words, all Backyard Access Plan students will receive the same great Lyon College Scholarship.”

Fees, books and supplies are not included in the cost of tuition.

Participating schools include Batesville High School, Southside High School, Bald Knob High School, Bradford High School, Cave City High School, Cedar Ridge High School, Concord High School, Heber Springs High School, Highland High School, Hillcrest High School, Izard County Consolidated High School, Melbourne High School, Midland High School, Mountain View High School, Newport High School and Tuckerman High School.

continues on page 16

"Commuter students enjoy the many benefits of Lyon College, including academic programs in more than 20 disciplines, as well as pre-professional programs leading to careers in education, law, medicine, physical therapy and more. They’ll also have access to all student life activities, the outdoor adventure program, all athletic events, the library, the campus clinic—everything residential students experience at Lyon College,” Tucker said.

“Not only does the Backyard Access Plan cut down on tuition costs, students can take advantage of commuting to Lyon College from their family’s home, right here in beautiful north Arkansas. They’ll be home for family events, home-cooked meals, church services and local job opportunities. Plus, they’ll be able to share their hometowns with their Lyon College friends.”

“Best of all, they will have the benefit of learning from Lyon College’s award-winning faculty in an intimate classroom environment. They won’t have graduate assistants teaching their classes in large lecture halls.”

Area students who would like to live on campus will receive a Backyard Access Plan resident grant of $3,750, which will bring their annual room and board (meal plan) cost to only $7,000.

“This is substantially lower than room and board at many out-of-town colleges and universities,” Tucker said. “We want to give our local students who want to experience

residence life an affordable opportunity to participate.”

Lyon College is frequently recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, ranked as a nationwide top college by Forbes.com, a “Best Southeastern College” by the Princeton Review and a “Best Bang for the Buck” college and “Most Socially Beneficial College in Arkansas” by Washington Monthly, which also recognized Lyon for recruiting and graduating the highest percentage of lowincome students of any college in the state.

Last year, 99 percent of Lyon College graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

Area students who are interested in the Backyard Access Plan should submit their free application for admission to Lyon College at lyon.edu/applynow. They also should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) and/or add Lyon College to their FAFSA application, and visit with a Lyon College admissions representative to discuss their future at Lyon College.

For more information on the Backyard Access Plan, please contact Tommy Tucker at Thomas.Tucker@lyon.edu For more information on Lyon College admissions, please contact Tommy Newton at Thomas.Newton@lyon.edu or call (870) 307-7000 N

UACCB acquires property to expand workforce training in region

Zachary E Perrine

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) has acquired the property at 2210 East Main Street. Formerly the 100,000 square foot building housed rubber and pole manufacturing at different points, now UACCB will rehabilitate the space for expanded workforce training.

“We are calling this space the UACCB Gateway Center to honor our history as an institution and to speak to the many opportunities ahead for our community,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor.

UACCB already has the state-of-the-art Workforce Training Center on campus, featuring college credit and high school programs including advanced manufacturing, welding, robotics, and construction. The new Gateway Center will provide space for many types of short-term and industry-specific training, along with more room for the recently added commercial driving (CDL) program and compact and heavy equipment programs.

“Our goal is to provide a space that can meet our community’s rapidly expanding workforce needs, and potentially benefit our entire region,” Shonk added, “we now have the capacity to expand our short-term training and upskilling opportunities for new and existing employees. If an employer has an idea, we want to partner on it.”

“We are very excited about UACCB’s acquisition of the property on East Main Street, soon to be the Gateway Center,” said Jan Smith, executive director of White River Planning and Development District, “The

facility is an important part of the history of Batesville and Independence County and the possibilities for use of the building and surrounding land are limitless. The programs of UACCB will utilize this space in numerous ways providing skilled training for the local workforce and area job opportunities. As this facility evolves into the future potential it has to offer, it will benefit our region of the state tremendously.”

The acquisition was approved by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees in November 2022. The property nearly doubles the footprint of the campus by adding 100,000 square feet of covered space and an additional 55 acres of land. Initial work will be done to cover a small corner of the building, repair portions of the roof, and clean up the exterior. N

Kona Ice

Cedar Ridge’s Book Vending Machine

Clara Jane & Jax

Party People

Erica’s Martial Arts Academy

Erica Sweeney was just nine-years-old when her mother, Alice James, introduced her to Martial Arts. Now, at twenty-five, she is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and has been nominated Instructor of the Year in this year’s Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Sweeney was promoted and nominated by Grand Master James Goodwin of 4 Mile Hill Taekwondo in Searcy Arkansas!

“16 years ago, my two older brothers, Brandon Sweeney and Jonathan Sweeney and I was introduced to a summer Martial Arts program on a flyer by our mom,” says Erica, “Our biggest inspiration was the anime, Naruto!” She added that they wanted to train and fight like them, to do Ninjutsu, and even walk up trees using their Chakra! “My favorite character, hands down, is Gaara.”

The Sweeney siblings trained under Jason Froman for about a year, when their mother and stepfather joined. They all trained together for another year Mr. Froman decided to go back to college and finish his degree. “We wanted to keep doing martial arts, so we bought the school and everything in it, renamed it Sweeney’s Martial Arts Academy in Newport, Arkansas!”

They needed a Black Belt to teach classes, so they brought on Jaimie Wollman; a trainee of Joey Perry’s studio in Jonesboro, Arkanas. Soon, they were all training under Master Perry. It took the family an additional 3 years to reach Black Belt, “but we needed those extra years,” Erica admits. “We all received our first and second degree Black Belts between 20122014. Erica’s training was put on hold as she graduated high school, entered the workforce, and then started her own family. It has taken the young mother a while to get back in the swing of things. “Definitely can’t do the things I used to do! Haha!”

“Starting out here in Batesville, Arkansas was a little rough. Had a few challenges.” The first, was finding a place to rent or to teach martial arts in some else’s facility. The Ultimate Training Center allowed Erica to teach out of their facility for six months, “they were very kind to allow me to teach in their facility for that time! I took a break looking into renting my own place. My fiancé and I basically looked all summer for a place. Until we came across the building we’re at now!” Erica is happy to be training in her own studio now, Erica’s Martial Arts Studio at 1108 Vine Street!

Age wise, my youngest student is 4 and my oldest is 58 years old!

Erica shares, “Martial Arts has strongly affected my life. I love doing it and I love sharing it with people who want to learn. Martial Arts has definitely helped me over come a lot of obstacles in life and it continues to do so.” She speaks to the support, encouragement and inspiration from all the family and friends that surround her. She adds, “Pal-Gye 6 is the concept of water. Water is an element that never loses its composure and it leads to inherit strength. This teaches the student that they can overcome any life obstacles without sacrificing their state of being.”

She says they are currently on reworking the belt system, however, it should take a person about 3-4 years to achieve their Black Belt.

“I offer Traditional Taekwondo, Muy Thai Kickboxing, MMA, and Weapons training! The ages right now are 4 and up!”

Erica says you don’t have to know martial arts to take classes. Everyone starts out as a white belt. Every belt color has a different meaning in where the student is at on their path to becoming a successful Black Belt. The white belt indicates that the student is pure without knowledge of martial arts. “Everyone begins their journey differently, taking that first step into the unknown is very difficult, different and even uncomfortable. But sometimes it’s what you have to do in order to get to where you want to be, not only in martial arts but in life as well.”

As a Chief Instructor, Sweeney has seen many students overcome life challenges and many students who just gave up on life. “I will be here to help you every step of the way, to become a better you for yourself.”

Erica Sweeney is living her dream, as a powerful woman, strong mother, and in our book, Instructor of the Year! “I do want to to Thank my coworkers, my friends, my family, and my students, parents also, for inspiring me and supporting me in all that I do! A big thank you to Grand Master James Goodwin for taking me under his wing! And another big thank you to my Fiancé, Hiroki for sticking by my side and helping me achieve my dreams and goals in life! I love you all!”

Allen Wallace, Erica’s student, contacted us about publishing Erica’s story. He sings her praises for her work in teaching him how to heal his body from a severe automobile accident. He says she has been paramount to his recovery. To know Erica is to understand just how sweet and fierce this young lady can be. We wish her and her family all the best, in and out of the studio. We also thank Allen for reaching out and honor his journey in recovery. Need some martial arts in your life, find Erica at 1108 Vine Street or on facebook at Erica’s Martial Arts Academy. N

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.

Owen Trail 4 years old

Malachi Langston 6 years old

Kaley Beck 8 years old

Anna Webster 15 years old

Eddie Thomas 16 years old

Allen Wallace 58 years old

Erica Sweeney 25 years old

(Single picture is Alton Koestner 7 years old)

Book Review

German, did so, and found German publishers for the translations. Working together, they became close friends, and over the next 28 years, they attended many events together in support of abolition.

Jewell Parker Rhodes’ “Douglass’ Women,” a historical novel published a dozen years ago but new to me, recently opened up a part of Frederick Douglass’ life I’d known nothing about.

Frederick Douglass has been one of my heroes ever since I read his “Narrative of the Life of an American Slave.” In that memoir, Douglass first related the deprivations, humiliations, and beatings he endured as a young slave on the huge Maryland plantation owned by the white man who was probably his father. He then described how his being sent to Baltimore as a house slave enabled him to learn to read and to master a trade in ship building and how it also led to meeting Anna Murray, the free Black woman who helped him escape and whom he married once they were both in a free state.

As you know, once free, Douglass became a nationally recognized spokesman for abolition, speaking widely, publishing his own newspaper and meeting with President Lincoln during the Civil War. After the war he served the nation in a number of positions, one of which was United States minister-resident and consulgeneral to the Republic of Haiti and Chargé d’affaires for Santo Domingo.

When I visited Douglass’ home in Washington D.C., now a National Historic Site open to the public, I discovered that he had married a white woman after his wife Anna had died. Thus when I saw the title of Rhodes’ novel, “Douglass’ Women,” I assumed it would be about Douglass’ two wives. Not so! It seems there was another woman.

Ottilie Assing, an immigrant from Germany, read “Narrative of the Life” and, impressed, went to Rochester, NY, to interview Douglass in 1856. She volunteered to translate his work into

They were so close that Assing stayed with his family numerous times, living in their Rochester home for months over many summers. She also sheltered Douglass at her home in New Jersey when he was facing conspiracy charges after John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, which, as it became clear, he’d had nothing to do with.

Although some assumed Douglass and Assing were lovers, their surviving letters contain no proof that they were. But that has not stopped Rhodes from imagining that that was the case.

In the novel, Douglass’ two women, Anna Murray Douglass and Ottilie Assing, narrate alternate chapters, each providing her own response to Douglass, to each other, and to the menage-a-trois Rhodes cooks up.

Rhodes’ primary sympathy lies with Anna. She provides historical details like Anna’s illiteracy and her age (several years older than Douglass but not so very much older since she bore him five children). She imagines her as a woman immersed in Black folklore and in homemaking—a devoted gardener, housekeeper, mother, and wife, loving Douglass even after his marital betrayal becomes clear.

Rhodes accords some sympathy to Ottilie Assing as the daughter of a mixed German marriage between her Jewish father and Christian mother, a mixture that resonates in her mind and heart with Douglass’ mixed parentage. Rhodes also gives her an upbringing saturated with 19th-century romanticism and its devotion to the passions.

Rhodes has little sympathy, on the other hand, with Ottilie’s failure to acknowledge how the affair affects Anna, the betrayed wife. In utterly cold complacency, Ottilie tells Anna that she loves him too and love ought to be free.

Rhodes reserves her fullest

criticism for Douglass himself. She does not deny that he was devoted to the most important cause in his lifetime, the end of American slavery, a cause in which he was a vital leader because of his experience as a slave, his outstanding power as a speaker and writer, and his manly nature and handsome appearance.

But Rhodes nevertheless portrays him as a man who loved his people greatly but his women too poorly. Anna laments that he never does the little things that show a man’s love. He never even tells her he loves her. Ottilie says the same thing: when she confronts him with the question, he replies that he loves her in his way. Whatever that might mean!

In a scene near the end, when Anna and Ottilie are alone together, they confess that neither knows if Douglass loves them.

In the end, Rhodes has made her version of the three lives into the touching tale of a mighty man of astounding gifts and accomplishments and two women who long for his love but never feel sure they have it. N

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

Jewell Parker Rhodes / Douglas’ Women

Thyme Enough

Coronation Salad Recipe

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.

As many of you know and may have watched, King Charles III was crowned king of the UK earlier in May. He succeeds his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was crowned in 1953. This recipe was prepared for a luncheon during her coronation festivities. It is not ‘your Mother’s Chicken Salad, or at least not our mother’s! However, when Sandy made this for us we found it very tasty, but also very different. This is from the website, ‘What a girl eats.com. Try it, we think you’ll like and enjoy it!

Ingredients

1 Tablespoons oil neutral flavored, a mild olive oil or coconut oil.

3 Tablespoons shallot diced. (1 medium).

2 1/2 teaspoons curry powder use more or less depending on your taste.

2 tablespoons Major Grey chutney dice any large pieces.

3 Tablespoons apricot jam

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder

1 teaspoons lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

12 ounces chicken breast meat cooked, cubed or shredded. (about 2 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup red or green grapes halved

1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw almonds

Instructions

Heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced shallots and saute briefly, 1-2 minutes. Add curry powder and mustard, and stir another minute. Remove from heat.

Dice any large pieces of chutney. Add chutney, apricot jam, lemon juice, salt and pepper to shallots and curry mixture.

In a food processor or blender pulse or blend chutney/curry mixture with the mayonnaise until a smooth paste. Check seasoning, adding additional salt, black pepper, lemon juice or curry powder to taste if needed.

In a bowl, fold in chicken, curried mayonnaise, grapes and almonds. Remember that the addition of the chicken, grapes and almonds will dilute the flavor, so re-season accordingly.

Serve as a filling in a sandwich or on a bed of lettuce for a lower carb or gluten free option. N

Find a healthcare provider in your neck of e woods.

As your hometown health partner, White River Health has a number of locations across the region with Family Care, Internal Medicine, Specialty Care, Therapies, and more. To find a White River Health facility near you, open the camera app on your smartphone, hold your phone over the QR code, and click on the link.