Eye On Magazine December 2022

A Season of Change

Joey Thomas Hope and Joy

So grateful for our children, our family, for friends, and for this crazy, twisted life that winds and bends in the craziest of places. Up and down and around again, through the mazes of brush and forests and meadows and valleys. We are thankful for your readership, your eyes and interest in our work and we hope and wish for the happiness and joy that will reach and embrace you and yours this Holiday Season and into this next year of 2023. May your days be bright, your nights be as warm as you like, and your in between...juuuust right! N

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

Men or women ages 45 & up with at least one risk factor can schedule a Lung Screening. Cost is $100, and the risk factors include:

• Long-term smoking history of 10+ years

• History of secondhand smoke exposure

• Work environment involving chemicals, dust, diesel, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizer

• Exposure to asbestos

• Two or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents) in the same household

Call Chelsey Davis, RN TTS, Oncology Nurse Navigator, at (870) 262-6205 to schedule your screening at White River Medical Center. A Lung Cancer Screening could save your life!

Caring Beyond Healthcare

18 22

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. Edito rial, 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 informa tion that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 Meadow Land 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

4 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Cherri Design Window Types

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. Cherri owns The Kitchen Shop at 610 Saint Louis Street in Batesville for all your kitchen needs.

Glass walls were typical to ancient Egyptians and Romans, but historically, windows, known as the ‘wind’s eye,’ were just small cutouts in walls of a house. There are many types of windows and can be an integral part of the architectural design, both exterior and interior.

Windows serve three main functions: providing light, ventilation and a visual of the outdoors. Nowadays, light and airflow can be mechanically controlled, but there is no substitute for natural light and fresh air. Also, an outdoor view connects us to nature and gives us a sense of well-being. Windows are an important architectural and decorative element to a room.

Movable windows open to allow for ventilation. Doublehung windows consist of two sashes that can be raised or lowered, providing 50% ventilation. Most of our homes have this type of window. Some double-hung have upper sashes that pull out, so they are easily cleaned. Casements can swing inward or outward, allowing up to 100% airflow. If considering in-swinging casements, special window treatments are needed, so as not to interfere with the window’s operation. Horizontal sliding windows can have two sliding panes or a large stationary center pane with a sliding pane on either side, working like a sliding glass door.

To Do

Batesville

Santa’s Craft Shop and Pancake Breakfast, Cedar Ridge PTO is hosting the 6th Annual Santa’s Craft Shop & Pancake Breakfast! December 3rd, from 8am to 1pm at the Cedar Ridge Elementary School. There will be pancakes, TONS of shopping, pictures with Santa, a silent auction, and so much more! FREE ADMISSION.

Paws and Pages, December 7 (3-5pm), at the Independence County Library, all ages and abilities welcome (12 and under accompanied). Halo Hills Training and Boarding is training a select group of canine friends for the event. Stop in and read to our furry friends, play, or watch this good time with these ready-to-adopt pups.

Pictures with Santa Pete (2 to 5pm), at Citizens Bank on December 7th.

Old Fashioned Christmas (December 10), from noon to 4pm. Maggie Tiption-Smart 870.569.1572.

Kiwanis Christmas Parade (6-7:30pm), December 10th, Main Street Batesville.

Jalouise, louvered or awning windows have glass strips, hinged at the top or bottom, opening outward or inward. The jalousie strips are narrower than the awning type. Single pivoting windows are raised with a hinged side, most often used as skylights or in light wells. These windows are what I remember as a kid in gas station bathrooms.

Stationary windows are meant to be an integral part of your home design. Bow and bay are common stationary windows, as well as fixed and arched. A beautiful architectural window is the Palladian, a central arched window flanked by two smaller windows. Often the two smaller side windows are movable. The picture window is a fixed larger center window typically with a movable window on each side. Clerestory may be straight or slanting near the ceiling or high on a wall. Corner windows consist of two windows of any style meeting or almost meeting in a corner.

Another stationary window is ranch or strip windows, can be any style and are wide and narrow. These are set high on the wall above furniture, but not flush to the ceiling. Dormers are located in alcoves, projecting out from the roof. Skylights can be single or a group of panels, clear or translucent, glass or plastic, flat or domed, as well as fixed or movable for ventilation. Skylights work especially well in small areas for added light.

Operable windows set at ceiling height or high on a wall provide excellent air circulation, when combined with windows opened on lower levels. Custom designed windows can be made for your home in varying shapes and sizes. These can also be stationary, movable or a combination of both.

If shopping for new windows, consider your space, needs and all the options available to you. Windows add beauty to our homes, as well as bringing the beauty indoors. N

Mountain View

Arkansas

Newport

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber Also see newportarcity.org/calendar/

The Newport Christmas parade will be Thursday, December 8 beginning at 6 p.m. Parade will be traveling Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue, to Village Mall parking lot. Please keep children by the curbs and not in the road for safety. Immediately following the parade, there will be a drive-by Christmas display event at the home of Dr. Patti Mullins, 4 Sue Circle. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.

The Department of Workforce Service Mobile Unit will be at the Village Mall in the parking lot every Thursday in December from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Mobile Workforce Center allow the DWS to bring its services to you. Services include help with job search, resumes, applications, and more. N

Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY

PRC Names Unity Health Newport Recipient of Healthcare Leadership Award

PRC honored Beth Ann Jones with a Healthcare Leadership Award during their annual award event which took place at the PRC Healthcare Experience Summit on September 28, 2022.

PRC, a leader in the healthcare intelligence space, received over 100 nominations across multiple categories for the Healthcare Leadership awards. Award recipients submitted case studies during Q2 and Q3 2022 to be eligible.

The Healthcare Leadership Awards recognize healthcare professionals and PRC partner organizations who exemplify PRC’s core values and dedication to healthcare excellence, with award categories spanning the entirety of PRC’s service lines.

“We’re excited to name this year’s recipients of the Healthcare Leadership Awards as a way to shine a well-deserved light on the continued dedication of our

excellent organizational partners,” said Joe Inguanzo, Ph.D., PRC’s President and CEO. “Unity Health Newport, Beth Ann Jones, and fellow award winners represent the model of excellence from which PRC was founded, so we’re proud to name them among the best healthcare has to offer.”

Healthcare Leadership Award categories include:

Impact, Excellence, Healthcare Experience, Consumer & Brand, Health Equity, Health System Loyalty, Innovation, Outstanding Culture, Patient Experience, Patient Safety, Physician Partnership.

About PRC: PRC, a leader in the healthcare intelligence space with the most comprehensive healthcare discovery platform, is taking surveys to a new level. PRC’s solutions and intuitive reporting focus on changing the way organizations manage and improve five key areas of the healthcare experience— patient, physician, employee, community, and brand. Over 2,800 healthcare organizations across the United States have used PRC to listen, understand, and take action to create cultures of excellence. To ensure clients have access to leading practices, coaches, and learning resources, PRC is partnered with Healthcare Experience Foundation (HXF) to accelerate paths to excellence. The PRC healthcare discovery platform is a system designed to drive action, optimize engagement, and increase loyalty while building a positive culture across the healthcare ecosystem. www. PRCCustomResearch.com. 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.

Sulphur Rock

Swifton

Tuckerman

Run the College 5k Jodie

Hightower

The first annual RUN THE COLLEGE 5k held on October 29, 2022, raised nearly $2,000 for the UACCB Foundation Student Emergency Fund. Forty racers completed the three-lap course set on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. The Student Emergency Fund provides one-time grants and loans to students facing an unexpected financial hardship such as a medical bill, employment layoff, or car breakdown.

Thousands of visitors flock to Batesville for ScotsFest at Lyon College. ScotsFest, the combined Arkansas Scottish Festival and Lyon College Homecoming celebration, is one of the premier Scottish festivals in the United States and one of the top festivals in Arkansas.

Lyon College Board of Trustees Chair Perry Wilson congratulates Dr. Melissa P. Taverner during her Oct. 22 inauguration at Lyon College.

Dr. Terrell Tebbetts, Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature at Lyon College, visits with students during a lecture.

Jeffrey Freiert represents Citizens Bank and the Batesville School District by presenting Sarah Humphrey for going Above & Beyond.

10 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

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

is what makes Lyon different. Our liberal arts education creates a fuller, richer understanding of

while also preparing you for your future. Take the first step to finding

not just the

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?’.

When Ruth and I met for lunch to “solve all the world’s problems” as we do every month, we talked about the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP). Ruth said she is exhausted with mail, telemarketer phone calls, and commercials. What to do and when? Keep or change your current plan? Who can you talk with to get help?

Her first question is easy – what to do and when. During this Annual Election Period from October 15 through December 7, you can review and change your Medicare prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan. You cannot be turned down. It is a pretty easy process once you know which plan you want –that can be the challenging part.

Keep or change your current plan? Every January 1 plans change. What can change for prescription plans? The premium, the prescriptions they cover,

the copays (what you pay when you get a prescription filled), the deductible, and what prescriptions the deductible is applied to. Pharmacies may change from standard to preferred or preferred to standard. (Whether a pharmacy is standard or preferred affects how much you pay for a prescription.)

How can you compare your current plan to the other 22 prescription plans offered in 2023? Contact a certified, experienced, professional agent who can make an unbiased comparison for you. There is no additional cost to work with an agent. Many agents can compare all 23 prescription plans for you based on your prescriptions and the pharmacy you use (and providers, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan).

Change or keep your current plan? Even if your prescriptions have not changed, your plan will change January 1, 2023. Review is the key. Just because you “review” your plan does not mean you must change plans. If your current plan still has the lowest projected cost for you in 2023 based on your specific needs, keep it. If there is a plan with lower projected costs in 2023, consider

changing plans.

Ruth had an article that suggested looking from the perspective of the three (3) P’s – prescriptions, priority, and providers. What is your cost (copays) for your prescriptions? What is your priority; what is most important to you? A low monthly premium? Low copays? Lowest out of pocket cost for the entire year? If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, any provider who accepts Medicare must accept your plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, are your providers in the plan’s network in 2023?

Who can you talk with to get help? You can call your current plan provider, but they can only talk with you about plans their company offers; they are not aware of other plans. Contact a certified, experienced, professional agent who can compare numerous plans for you. Contacting an agent is more personal and confidential than calling an 800 number or talking with a telemarketer. That agent should also be there for you during the year.

Want to talk? Call and say “Caroline, can

Thomas Appointed as SCMC Chief Operating Officer

Jerrika Davis

Gary Paxson, President and CEO of White River Health is excited to introduce Kathy Thomas, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CHC, as the new Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Safety Officer at Stone County Medical Center (SCMC).

River Health in 2008 as the Third Floor Nursing Director at White River Medical Center (WRMC) in Batesville. She became a Medical Surgical Nursing Director at WRMC in 2009. In 2014, she transferred to a position as Director of Risk Management/ Compliance for seven years before being promoted to Executive Director of Risk Management/Compliance.

Kathy has an Associate of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeast Missouri State University. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama.

and grow a culture of caring beyond healthcare, and provide service that supports the mission, vision, and values of White River Health.”

In addition to her role at White River Health, Kathy serves as a City Council Member for Oxford, AR; a Board Member for New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center in Ash Flat, AR; Advisory Board Member for UACCB College of Nursing and Health Professions; and Governor’s Quality Award Senior Examiner.

Kathy has been a Registered Nurse for 33 years, most in leadership roles. She began her career at White

“I am eager to use the wisdom and knowledge that I have gained throughout my career in healthcare to serve and make a difference at SCMC,” said Kathy. “My goal is to maintain

ASUN Welding Student Earns Tech Talent Scholarship

Jeremy Shirley

Jameria Campbell, a Welding student at Arkansas State University-Newport, is the recipient of the 2022 Tech Talent Scholarship. The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the $1,000 scholarship to Campbell.

Campbell, a 2022 graduate of Jonesboro High School, is currently enrolled at Arkansas State University-Newport at Jonesboro, where she is pursuing a Technical Certification in Welding. She said she sees a bright future for herself.

“I am thriving in my youth and driven to make a difference in my community,” Campbell said. “When given the opportunity, I will always put in 110% effort. That is why I chose to major in welding, being such a diverse and growing career field, there are plenty of opportunities to grow in the workplace.”

The scholarship was developed by the Chamber’s Workforce Development Committee to support students pursuing technical education in Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance or Welding. All of these programs are taught at ASUN-Jonesboro.

Volunteers of the committee provide career mentoring, leadership training, networking, recognition, volunteer opportunities, and internships, to around 3,000 k-12 students annually.

The Workforce Development Committee partners with key organizations each year that fund its projects. Post Consumer Brands, is again, the Presenting Sponsor for this scholarship. Platinum sponsors are Corter Consulting, NEA Baptist, and St. Bernards Healthcare. The Gold Sponsor is Farm Credit Midsouth.

“Post is thrilled to support a program like this that gives young people valuable skills as they enter the workplace,” said Brigette Fresz, Plant Manager at Post Consumer Brands.

Kathy was born in Trumann, AR and lives in Oxford, AR. Together, she and her husband, David Thomas, have six children, nineteen grandchildren, and two dogs: Rost and Willie. When Kathy isn’t working or spending time with family, she enjoys hiking and writing. N

“Skilled and diverse workers, like Jameria, are in demand everywhere. We appreciate the opportunity to show support to our future industry leaders. Congratulations, Jameria.”

Welding is a skill in high demand in the Jonesboro region. Welders are sought after by Jonesboro’s growing industrial base. ASUN Chancellor Dr. Johnny M. Moore said that’s why it’s vital for our students to connect with industry leaders.

“This scholarship not only supports our students but offers an opportunity for our students and faculty to learn more about what our industry leaders need in their specific areas,” Moore said. “It’s our goal at ASU-Newport to connect with our workforce and be a leader in providing skilled graduates to fill those job opportunities. We are thankful for a Chamber committee focused on connecting educators and industry.” N

From Left to Right: Ken Beach, ASUN Senior Instructor of Welding; Shelle Randall, Vice President of Chamber Administration and Director of Workforce Development and Existing Industry; Jameria Campbell and her children, with Mayor Harold Copenhaver.

Banks can protect aging parents in role as financial caregiver

Chuck Jones

Too many families have sadly learned how an aging parent’s unstable financial situation can suddenly transform into their financial nightmare.

Now is absolutely the best time to engage your parents in a discussion about their finances and how to best plan for their future – before it becomes your future, too. The Trust Department at a bank can assume the critical “caregiver” role to help manage senior’s healthcare and financial needs, pay their bills, and invest and protect their money.

While it may seem natural to designate a family member as the “agent” for your parent, you should also consider a financial institution to impartially guide and manage their finances. Assessing the future, “our elder community faces several challenges,” says J. Chris Treat, Senior Vice President of Trust & Wealth Management for First Community Bank.

Undue Influence. The elderly are easily persuaded to “help others,” or open their hearts and wallets to the needy, including family, “friends,” neighbors and even mere acquaintances. “A Trust Department can act as a security blanket or buffer to protect seniors from undue influence by serving as a fiduciary ‘agent’ to seniors,” Treat says. “We not only pay the bills, but make sure the bills are legitimate and consistent with the senior’s needs and objectives.”

Out of Town Family or No Family. If a person has no local relatives, bank Trust Officers can help seniors with an annual review process to assess their needs, and ensure they are adequately insured and appropriately managing their debt and cash needs.

Accepting Assistance Without Forfeiting Independence. Treat says most Americans spend the first sixteen years of their lives waiting for the opportunity to drive a car. “For many of us, that car represents freedom!” he said. Then, as we age, our eyesight and memory decline, so our kids look at that car as a liability and often say, ‘Dad really shouldn’t drive anymore.’ “What do you do to protect Mom or Dad without being controlling or punitive?” Treat asks. “As an agent for the senior, our Trust Officers can help organize and coordinate services to assist in transportation and in-home assistance with general household chores.”

Navigating Medicaid and Pre-Need Planning. Treat says he has heard shocking stories of “the family farm” having to be sold to pay for long-term care, or worse yet, the family’s assets being given away to “the one that helped” Mom or Dad.

“There’s so much bad advice going around that I’ve seen situations where tenants have made off with their landlord’s real estate, and nonfamily caregivers were given everything!” Treat said. “First Community Bank can assist

families to better understand how Medicaid works and how proper estate planning can protect and preserve family wealth for generations.”

Financial caregivers play an important role in ensuring that all finances – from routine to complex –are managed wisely, helping loved ones maintain the best quality of life possible.

To learn more about the potential benefits of a professional financial caregiver arrangement, contact your bank, or call J. Chris Treat at (870) 612-3423 at First Community Bank in Batesville, or Brandon Brewer at (870) 376-7140 at First Community Bank in Jonesboro.

Chuck Jones is an Adventure First Travel Club representative for First Community Bank. For additional information about the Travel Club, he can be reached at chuck.jones@firstcommunity.net or at (870) 612-3400 N

FIRST COMMUNITY BANK REVEALS DIVERSE TRAVEL CLUB SCHEDULE FOR 2023

Angela Connell

· January 14 – “Tootsie” –Robinson Center, Little Rock – Based on the hilarious film “Tootsie,” tells the story of a talented but difficult actor who finally lands the starring role of a lifetime.

· February 16 – “Lucy Loves Desi” – University of Central Arkansas – Learn how one of America’s most beloved TV comedies, “I Love Lucy,” was shaped by unexpected “behind the scenes” drama.

· March 30 – Moss Mountain Farm – Explore the beautiful gardens and magical home of P. Allen Smith, then enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring one of Allen’s a seasonal recipes.

· April 22 – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Little Rock – A fresh, new vision of this wild musical featuring “Audrey II,” the singing plant that threatens to take over the world!

· May 4 - 19 – Exploring Greece and Its Islands – Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece

and the brilliance of the Mediterranean on this comprehensive journey to this fascinating country.

· June 20 – Japanese American Relocation Center & Arkansas Post – Visit two important chapters of Arkansas’s history: the WWII Japanese American concentration camp at Rohwer and the state’s first and most significant European establishment at Arkansas Post.

· July – St. Louis Cardinals –Attend a weeknight game to see the Cardinals play, and also explore other sights in St. Louis, while leaving ample time to shop.

· August 15 – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts – The newly reconstructed museum, as a driving force for artistic innovation, will become one of the most vibrant and influential museums in the region.

· September 22-28 –“Charleston, Savannah, & Jekyll Island” – Immerse yourself in southern charm and hospitality while visiting three “Belles of the South,” so rich in culture

and steeped in history.

· October 25-27 – “Branson in the Fall” – Enjoy the changing seasons, live music shows, delicious restaurants and fantastic venues that make Branson a leading travel destination.

· November 16-17 – Historic Washington, Crater of Diamonds State Park, & Bill Clinton Birthplace – Explore a pioneer “museum village”; hunt for real diamonds (or watch others dig for them); and tour the birth home of our nation’s 42nd President.

· December 11-15 – “Spotlight on New York City Holiday” – Experience the “the Big Apple” all dressed up for the holidays; enjoy a Broadway show and the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular; ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; and so much more!

Space is limited for all tours and events. For additional information about the Adventure First Travel Club or any of its trips, call First Community Bank at 870-612-3400 and ask for Chuck Jones, or email chuck.jones@ firstcommunity.net. N

Chuck Jones

Book Review

Rhona Weaver, A Sacred Duty

Independence County native Rhona Weaver’s new novel is going to be as big a winner as her first was. That first one, “A Noble Calling,” won awards such as Best First Book, Best Action/Adventure Fiction, and Best Christian Fiction, among several others.

Weaver’s new novel, “A Sacred Duty,” sends the main characters from her first into new adventures in the same setting, Yellowstone National Park.

Those continuing main characters are all likeable in their very distinct personalities. The main character, Win Tyler, is a young single FBI agent assigned to Yellowstone as “punishment” for his work on an FBI corruption case that got too close to the rich and powerful. A native of Heber Springs and a former Razorback, he’s strong, smart, intuitive, brave, and honorable, but not perfect.

Win’s friends include Trey, a young family man and Park Ranger with law enforcement responsibilities, and Luke, a highly intelligent and highly able one-time Special Ops Ranger who has married, fathered two kids, and now works as a park guide.

In Weaver’s first novel, these three confronted a cult leader who preached a “cross and sword” religion and created a paramilitary militia that he secretly planned to use in a huge and murderous heist. The “Prophet” was also trying to kill Win in revenge for the FBI’s having killed his son a few years earlier.

In this new novel Weaver combines three plot elements into a riveting tale of crime and espionage.

The first element is left over from “A Noble Calling.” In its climax, four militiamen switched allegiance and helped the FBI, but, having been involved in the cult’s previous illegal

activities, they went into hiding in Yellowstone Park to avoid arrest. The FBI has a huge manhunt going on to bring them in, but Win, still recuperating from injury in the firefight with the cult, is supposed to be off the case and confined to desk duty. While park guide Luke probably knows where they are, he’s not working with the FBI search team, and Win has been told to have no contact with him until the search is over. But . . .

The second element is the desk work Win has before him: the Park’s long-neglected missing-persons files. A young man and three young women have gone missing over the last five years, all of them working in the park in various roles that connected them to a geological team that researches the Park’s volcanic activity every summer.

Early in the novel, Win and Trey recover the bones of a hand floating in bubbling mud at a remote thermal site; the bones still wear a remarkable ring with Russian engraving inside. One of the missing women was Natasha, a Russian scientist working with the geological team. Did she die in an accident, or was she murdered?

The third element arises when Win gets a letter from a retired Russian geologist saying he has information on Natasha’s disappearance. Win gets clearance to travel to a remote city in far eastern Russia to interview the man. Just after arriving, however, he’s kidnapped by a high-ranking Russian Secret Service agent and his henchmen, tied up, questioned, and drugged.

Strangely, when he awakens from the drugs, he’s taken to interview the informant, who gives him useful information, and is put back on a plane to America. Needing to explain why Win was out of touch for so long, the Russian agent pretends to be a police officer and reports to the State Department that Win had gone to a bar with a prostitute, where he got in a drunken brawl.

When Win gets back, his reputation is in shreds—except for the very high-ups in the FBI, who realize the lie and know something’s up with such a high-ranking Russian already involved. They want Win to

serve as bait to get the guy into the U.S. where they can arrest him on espionage charges. Well, the guy does show up. He’s a master of disguise and an extremely able and dangerous man. What does he want from Win? Is he trying to lure him into working for Russia as a mole in the FBI? Why would he want to recruit such a young, low-ranking agent? He clearly wants Win to keep working on the missing persons cases, especially Natasha’s. Why?

Add to all this that Win has become interested in one of the Park’s young female rangers and that the FBI suspects there’s a mole informing Russia of their every move, and you have an engaging and tense main plot that will rivet you page after page.

I don’t read many thrillers, but I’m sure a fan of Weaver’s two novels. You can get your copy at Batesville’s Paper Chase Bookstore, on Main St. across from the Melba Theater. N

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has five

co-owner

A Seaon of Change

During the past 138 years the small community of Grubbs has seen many seasons of highs and lows. In 1884 the citizens living in eastern Jackson County near the banks of the Cache River appealed to the county government for township recognition. The township name came from local farmer and politician James C. Grubbs, whose home was used as the first voting precinct of the township.

When the railroad came through in 1905, a new season began and the progressive citizens of Grubbs packed up and relocated a mile or so south in order to take better advantage of all the railway had to offer. Through the 1900’s the community endured storms taking out their newly acquired phone lines and fires that decimated their schools. Each time they were met with a trial they rose to the occasion and built back. But like so many small rural communities the advancements in farming technology meant fewer and fewer hands were needed to complete a task and the citizens began to gravitate toward the larger cities in the region. The small community faced yet another season of change.

The population declined and the school was closed and consolidated with the Tuckerman School district. This is a trial that has taken many small communities completely off the map. Grubbs has held strong and still holds its status as an incorporated city. With its 301 inhabitants, as of the 2020 census, Grubbs continues to be home to a progressive community who has chosen to step boldly into a new season. The November election saw a new mayor and five new aldermen voted into office. Possibly the most progressive part of that action was the voting in of Grubbs’ first female mayor.

The new administration is grateful for the opportunity to serve their home community. They aspire to build upon the foundation laid by previous administrations creating a transparent and welcoming local government along the way.

Mayor Elect: Candace Hopkins Wood grew up on a farm just outside of Grubbs where her grandfather instilled a strong work ethic in her, “Even though I was a female my grandfather expected me to work just like the guys. I’m so thankful for that kind of upbringing.” She graduated from Grubbs High School and moved to Spokane, Washington in 1991 where she attended Valley Crest Tech. Candy entered the medical field upon graduation. She continued in her medical career for over 20 years. She attended ASU-Newport in 2008-2009 furthering her secondary education. She is currently employed as office manager and bookkeeper at Riceland Foods in Weiner where she has been since 2018.

She became a foster parent for the State of Arkansas in 2004, after three years she adopted a family of four

children. Candace and her husband, James have a blended family of 6 children and 2 bonus grandchildren. Family and the youth of the community are high on her priority list.

After being encouraged by several local citizens Candace knew it was time to take action, “After listening to the concerns of several of our citizens I knew this was my next path to take. I know we will be faced with many challenges and it will take time. I have faith with lots of hard work and team work we will accomplish so much.”

Candace shares some of the same visions as her aldermen along with a few of her own, “I have many goals and ideas for our town. I hope to open a community center that will include activities for all ages. I’d like to obtain a storm shelter, clean up neglected areas of town as well as improve the water drainage and tile issues.” A monthly newsletter and city web-site along with a volunteer program are also among Candace’s goals.

Alderman Elect Position 1: Kimberlee Thomas has been a resident of Grubbs since 2007. She is married to Grubbs native Joey Thomas. Together they have five children, 10 if you add in the daughter and son in-laws, and 5 amazing grandchildren. Kimberlee holds a Bachelors of Arts from ASU-Newport. She and her husband own and publish Eye On Magazine, a monthly publication started in 2010. She also co-owns Water’s Edge magazine which has been in print since September 2021. Kimberlee explained, “I’d been contemplating running for some time. After speaking to area residents I realized it was time to step up and take action.” She has high hopes for the incoming administration, “All of us being new to city government understand we have our work cut out for us, but we are willing to put in the time and learn the ins and outs of running a small community. We look forward to being transparent and aggressive in making as many positive changes in our community as possible.”

Alderman Elect Position 2: Clay London has resided in the Grubbs community for forty years. He is a 1991 graduate of Grubbs High School and attended college at ASU-Newport. He is retired from Wal-Mart where he worked in the Newport and Rogers stores, “I moved away for ten years and then moved back, I couldn’t stay away.” Clay has two children. His son resides in Beebe and his daughter and her husband reside in Grubbs. As Clay anxiously awaits the arrival of his grandson in April, he is excited about being a part of the growth and change of the community that his grandson will grow up in. “I chose to run in this election because I want to help the city thrive again. My vision for my term in office is to simply help make Grubbs better than it was when I walked in the doors. We have a lot of work to do but

Kimberlee Dannette Thomas is a Chandler, Oklahoma native. She relocated to Jackson County in 1986. She

children, five grandchildren, is

and creator of Eye On Magazine. She is recognized from her years of co-hosting on many Cable Channel 15 & 6 broadcast with Bud & David Black. She earned her Associates from ASUN in Fine Arts.

we have a great group of people and a great community willing to help.”

Alderman Elect Position 3: Phil Hopkins has lived in the Grubbs area all his life. He is a graduate of Grubbs High School. Phil is now retired after having been employed by American Lantern for 34 ½ years and Riceland Foods in Waldenburg for 17 years. He also worked on the Tennyson farm in his spare time for 40 years. He has three children, 7 grandchildren and 2 bonus great grandchildren. Phil ran for office at the encouragement of his friends, family and companion, Darla Neal. “In my seventy plus years I’ve seen many changes in our town. I look forward to being a part of building it back and making it an inviting place again.” Phil knows it takes team work to get things done, “I’m retired so I can be available when some of the others may not be.” He agrees the community needs activities for the old and young alike, “We have buildings just sitting there, I want to get them open and active. Many areas simply need a good cleaning up. I’d also like to see housing here for the aging and disabled.”

Alderman Elect Position 4: June Lloyd has been a resident of Grubbs for the past 52 years. She and her late husband, Wayne Lloyd have one son, Ryan Lloyd. June’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Arkansas State University. She is retired from McPherson Correctional Facility where

she worked in the mental health department providing individual and group counseling to inmates. June is looking forward to being a part of bringing a “breath of life” back into the community. June shared, “Grubbs is full of good, caring people who deserve the best chance to live life to the fullest. With the help of its citizens working together with the newly elected Mayor and Aldermen, I envision a clean, thriving town in years to come.”

Alderman Elect Position 5: Michael Lewellyn is a lifelong resident of Grubbs. He and wife Kerri farm 16,000 acres in the area. He is a graduate of Weiner High School and holds an Associate degree from Arkansas State University Newport, as well as Bachelor degrees in Agriculture and Marketing from Arkansas State University. Michael is looking forward to working alongside the new council members and mayor to improve the community, “I want to make Grubbs a town people enjoy coming to.” He shares in Candace’s visions of a Community Center, Storm Shelter and an overall clean-up of the community.

As you can see, each member of this new administration has their own goals for their time in office as well as a collective vision for the direction of the community they will soon serve. They eagerly await the opportunity to work side by side bringing those visions to fruition on the winds of this season of change. N

Candace Hopkins Wood

Kimberlee Thomas

Clay London

Phil Hopkins

June Lloyd

Michael Lewellyn

20 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

In The Field with Randy

Rice Varieties/Hybrids

There’s not a lot of rest for the weary. It’s time to start planning for the 2023 crop year. There are still plenty of unknowns, especially when it comes to the volatility of certain input costs and, of course, the weather. There typically aren’t extreme changes in crop mixes and acreages in our area, but there will always be some based on commodity prices, input costs, and the weather.

One of the first items of planning is variety selection. I will give a quick review of rice varieties/hybrids in this edition of Eye On. I will focus on those that are or likely will be available through Farmers Supply Association in future years.

Looking at the conventional long grain varieties, Diamond has been the standard over the past several years and will continue to be in 2023. ProGold 1 and ProGold 2 are two other choices with ProGold 1 being more suited for light to medium soils and ProGold 2 a better fit on medium to heavy soils. Ozark is a new release from the University of Arkansas with extremely limited seed availability, if any. In testing so far, Ozark has shown a good yield bump over Diamond and appears to have better heat tolerance which can be very important in hotter years when we typically see lower yields overall.

Moving to the conventional medium grain varieties, Jupiter has been the standard for a long time. Titan is a very good medium variety that has caught on with some but not all medium grain growers. Taurus is a new release from the University of Arkansas that has shown significantly increased yield potential over the current medium grains. We all know that these significant yield increases we see in the tests don’t always pan out when the new varieties are grown on a larger acreage in the field but hopefully that won’t be the case with Taurus. I don’t think there will be any seed available other than seed production in 2023.

CLL16 has become the most widely grown of the Clearfield varieties over the past couple of years. It is a workhorse variety that fits in a lot of situations. CLL18 will be available in 2023 on a somewhat limited basis. Testing has shown a small yield bump over CLL16. It doesn’t have quite the overall package of CLL16 but certainly looks to have a place in the future. CLM04 is a medium grain Clearfield variety that has done well in the field for those who want to grow a medium grain where red rice is an issue.

Moving to the RiceTec hybrids, XP753 has been the high yield standard for several years. Like most of the RiceTec hybrids, it has high yield potential and a good disease package. RT7301, RT7302, and RT7401 are newer hybrids. They maintain the high yield potential and good disease package with the potential for better milling.

The hybrid version of the Clearfield technology is FullPage. Preface and Postscript are the herbicide equivalents of Newpath and Beyond. RT7321 FP and RT7521 FP are the hybrids we have grown over the last few years. RT7421 FP and RT7523 FP are new FullPage hybrids. RT7523 FP looks to be an improved version of RT7521 FP with improved false smut resistance. Anyone who has grown RT7521 FP is probably familiar with its false smut susceptibility. Again, expect limited to no seed availability from the new hybrids.

There is nothing new in regard to varieties/hybrids for the quizalofop tolerant technology (Provisia and MaxAce).

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

Notes from the Clearing

Joey Thomas

The red and white striped pepperment stick bent over like an upside down J in the frigid, white breeze. The angle of the roof and ninety-degree chimney played with the gusting winds. The stiped candy-man didn’t even consider the juxtposition of the ninetydegree chimney stack and the five-degree temperature. The magical sparks of light that he’d always played with, didn’t include math, at least in his interpretation. He looked down into the bright rectangle where the fire played and the twisting dance of his body stretched down to the floor just before the flames. 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.

Tanner Pitts is the son of Larry Pitts and Jeff and Tammy Stott. Kassidy King is the daughter of Alan and Charlotte King. The two met in Seventh grade and began dating the next school year. Kassidy shared, “We dated for around seven years before he proposed.”

Tanner, knowing that Christmas is Kassidy’s “absolute favorite” time of the year made his plan and surprised her with a proposal during the Batesville Christmas parade last year. Kassidy admitted, “I was absolutely oblivious to everything and had no idea until he got down on one knee. Tanner proposing during Christmas was top tier!”

The couple both love fall. According to Kassidy, “The weather is perfect, the leaves are beautiful and we always seem to be the happiest!” So, it made sense to the newly engaged couple that October would be their wedding month. On October 22 of this year, the couple surrounded by their family and friends, exchanged vows at the Main Street Loft inside the Barnett Building on Main Street in Batesville. Kassidy explained, “These people have been there for the whole 7 years and have pushed us to be our best selves. Our wedding was way more than what we have ever dreamed of.”

Both Tanner and Kassidy work alongside their families. You can hear the pride in Kassidy’s voice as she shares, “Tanner has been working on his family’s farm for the past two years. He manages their ten chicken houses. He works hard to make his days the best even though it’s super hard work!” Kassidy works alongside her mom and aunt at the Studio Salon on West Main Street in Batesville, “I get to do what I always dreamed of!”

The couple will continue to live on the family farm in Oil Trough. They plan to take a belated honeymoon next summer, “We will either go to Orange Beach or go on a cruise to Mexico. We went to Mexico when we were younger and it is by far one of our favorite trips.” When asked about expanding the family Kassidy replied, “We plan on furthering our careers first, kiddos in the future.” N

TIS THE SEASON OF

Giving

This season, as you think about how to honor or remember your loved ones, consider making a gi in their name to the 2022 White River Health Foundation Life Lights campaign.

This year, different tribute packages are being offered. All levels of giving include publicly acknowledging the names of those honored or remembered on White River Health’s website and social media pages, the monitors in the lobbies at White River Medical Center, and in local news publications. Acknowledgement cards will be mailed to individuals honored or families of those remembered.

Other levels of giving include a commemorative keepsake ornament that will go to your honoree or their family, and/or an acknowledgement in a special tribute video that will go on the WRH Foundation Facebook page.

For more information on packages, or to give to Life Lights in someone’s honor or memory, scan the QR code, visit our website, or call (870) 262-1834. All Life Lights gi s support White River Health Cancer Detection and Treatment Services.