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Editor’s Note Number Eight Joey Thomas At forty seven years old, I look around at our world in this eighth month of twenty-twenty-one and marvel at the good, seek opportunity in the problems, and do my best to understand (and often ignore) the worst in us. Sometimes I fail and judge the attitudes of others before I can slap at my hands and search for understanding rather than damnation. I like to believe I am really good at letting others be who they want to be whether it is my way or not, but sometimes I see harm or the potential of harm building from the great divide that seems to be growing in the contaminated soil of politics. Might love and kindness prevail! The heat and mosquitoes are thriving as our patients wear thin in the thick of it. Stay hydrated and cool when you can. In that line of thinking, take a break and read on to find: Caroline Beauchamp, ASUN News, a word from Unity Hospital’s Michelle Foshee, Randy Chlapecka, Nelson and Sandy Barnett, Leigh Keller, and Cherri Rodgers! We have Things To Do, Local Faces, and (as My Kimberlee likes to say), various other and sundry things! Thank you for joining us again and for taking the time when you see us out to tell us how much you love our magazine and what you love about it! It means a lot to us, especially here in our eleventh year of publication! We are looking forward to expanding our pages back to prepandemic count and expanding our community coverage and reach! Thank you for keeping us in the game by grabbing us up! Reach out and share with us on facebook or email me. You can find our usual drop list by clicking on the drop list tab at eyeonmag.com. If you are seeing our magazines in your area and have something to share, please email me at eyeonjoseph@gmail.com. N
It's
time!
HERE ARE SOME ITEMS TO CONSIDER ADDING TO YOUR CHECKLIST:
Well-Child Exam Current Asthma Action Plan Child Immunizations Covid-19 Vaccination Ages 12+. Visit healthy.arkansas.gov to find a vaccination location near you.
This helpful reminder brought to you by:
1700 Harrison Street, Suite N Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 262-2200
Going through some past issues, I was delighted to see so many familiar faces. I wanted to share this one (August 2014) to send our best and happiest thoughts to Chris Caruthers. Feel better Dear Friend!
WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com
10
18
22
THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com. PUBLISHER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MANAGING EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas, PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company Eye On Magazine is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: 504 Guffey Street / Newport, AR 72112. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher. All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.
Cover Photo taken by Robert O. Seat Cover Design by Joseph Thomas
For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joseph 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.
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WWW.KENTSFIRESTONE.COM 1316 E. Main, “at ST. Louis and Main”
In This Issue 3/ Editor’s Note
18/ Cover Story
7/ Cherri Design
21/ In The Field with Randy
8/ Unity Health Harris
22/ Thyme Enough
All Hands on Deck
Number Eight
Corn, Rice, and Soybeans
Smart Plugs
We’re in a Jam....Tomato Jam
COVID-19 Update
9/ Things To Do 10/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Orchestration From Above
Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924
11/ Trending @ ASUN
Newport Resident Continues Spirit of Giving with $100,000 Donation to ASU-Newport
12/ Seniors, Can We Talk?
What is Your Unique Situation?
14/ Local Faces 15/ Church Directory
Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1
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August 2021 5
250 Weaver Chapel Road, Batesville MLS #21-241 / $125,000
899 Massey Avenue, Mountain View MLS #21-222 / $149,500 Wonderful cabin style home. Property has an open living, dinning and kitchen area. The cabin is a 3 bedroom 2 Bath. This property will not last long, call to set up a showing.
Lots of remodeling done on this 3 bedroom/1 bath home. Lovely tile work throughout the house makes it low maintenance. From flooring to light fixtures to an AC unit, there has been so many updates the list is too long. A 20x24 shop with electrical in the fenced backyard provides extra storage. Just minutes outside of town gives it a country feel. Come take a look today!
897 Massey Avenue, Mountain View MLS #21-224 / $44,500 Cute tiny house, would make an excellent weekend get-away. Living, dinning, and kitchen are one open area, bedroom and bathroom are separate. Schedule an appointment today to see this small home.
Buying? Selling? Relocating? The Choice is Clear...Choice Realty www.BatesvilleRealEstate.net
513 Batesville Blvd., Batesville, Arkansas
6 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman
Cherri Design Smart Plugs
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.
This month, we are continuing our discussion of smart devices for our homes. A smart plug is a power receptacle that plugs into a traditional electrical duplex outlet, integrating it into your smart home network. This allows you to control whatever you plug into it from a smartphone app. Smart plug power outlets are an easy affordable way that turns ordinary appliances, lighting and other electronics into smart devices, allowing you to control your appliances while away from home. Smart plugs are useful for any home, not just a smart home. Smart plugs typically range from $20 to $50, but added features will add to the cost. Various sizes are also available, so consider the size needed for your home’s requirements. A smart plug can monitor and control home electronics, monitor energy use, reduce standby consumption and turn devices off/on remotely. If used correctly, these plugs can help save money on your energy bill. Some models even monitor how much electricity is being used by appliances and send a report to your phone app. If you are like me and all this ‘smart’ stuff is new to you, then you need ideas as to why a smart plug might be right for your family’s needs. Smart plugs can allow you to schedule appliances ahead of time, control space heaters or window units without getting out of your chair, turn on/off lamps, turn on holiday lighting with voice control, can be used indoor or outdoor, dim lighting, and much more. Smart power strips with surge protection may be a better option than just a surge protector, such as an entertainment center or computer desk. As always, be sure to research before purchasing
M -Th 10 to 6 / F & S 9 to 5 24 hr book drop
The mission of the Independence County Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. 267 E Main www.indcolib.com 870.793.8814
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smart plugs or surge protectors. Smart plugs help improve safety in products with heater elements, such as hair gadgets, clothes iron, electric blankets and countertop appliances. If you do not remember if you turned the iron off, then you can simply shut it off using the app on your phone. With timer control for kitchen appliances, you can turn them on/off with a smart plug, such as a slow cooker or coffee maker. Another option is powering on your media server from work, so it is ready when you walk through the door. You can also gain access to your home computer remotely through your smart outlet and simply turn it off remotely when finished. Some models even come with a built-in USB outlet for convenient charging of phones or other mobile devices. Other options for smart plugs are that garden lights can be controlled using your smartphone, even if you are away from home. Also, Christmas lights can be scheduled to turn on/off. Fish tank lighting can be operated through smart plugs as well. Plugs in hard to reach areas, such as behind furniture or under staircase, can be operated easily with smart plugs. Charging batteries from a smart plug can help save money, as you can schedule the charger to shut off at a specified time. As always, do your research before purchasing smart plugs and consider your family’s needs. For many of us, smart plugs are not needed, but for families who use a lot of different devices, this may be a good option. N
Call (870) 698-9998
ELEVEN YEARS STRONG
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August 2021 7
Unity Health Harris COVID-19 Update 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.
We are continuing to see a rise in COVID cases in Arkansas. In the past month our state experienced the highest increases in COVID cases it has seen in months. We have also seen an increase in our community in COVID positives and overall cases. The COVID vaccine is still the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you from the virus. If you would like to receive the vaccine, please contact any Unity Health Clinic or local pharmacies. As a reminder, the CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals are as follows: After an exposure a vaccinated person does not need to isolate from others or get tested unless they have COVID symptoms. As we are seeing a rise of COVID cases in our community of Jackson County and in our state. We encourage our community to get vaccinated, wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands to help prevent the spread of the virus. We continue to monitor visitors and require masks as they enter our hospital and clinics. We take advanced precautions with our cleaning by also using the Xenex Robot in our hospital and clinics. Your safety is our top priority. Help our community in preventing the spread. N
Classroom to career in a year or less! Certificates available in:
• Patient Care Technician • CNA • Management and Supervision • HVAC • EMT • Construction Technology • Computer Technology • Network and Administration • Mechatronics • Software Development • Medical Billing and Coding • Cosmetology • Early Childhood Education
Registration is open now! 870-612-2000 www.uaccb.edu 8 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman
Things To Do
Batesville
All Hands on Deck Block Party Saturday, July 31 at 10am. We need some great safe spaces for kids of all ages to get their skate on! So...we’re throwin a paaaartay!!! All HANDS ON DECK Block Party!!! We’re talking vendors, music, food, custom board deck art auction, skateboard demos, raffles and ALLLLL of the FUN!!!! MARK IT DOWN Y’ALL Funds raised though vendor space rent, raffle tickets, board purchases, and donations will go to help fund a local skate park!!!! Compass Church Back to School Event Aug 7 at 9am, giving away 1,000 backpacks and reusable water bottles. Hot dogs, chips, snacks, and drinks. Bounce houses, free haircuts for school age kids. 870.251.7725 jenniferkcrabtree@gmail.com. Farmers Market Saturday, Aug 7 & 21 at 8am in Batesville’s Main Street Pocket Park. 5th Annual Hole Runner 150 Banquet and Race Aug 14 @ 1:30pm, Food, Fun, and Prizes abound. All ages, plenty of door prizes, only $10 at the door and 12 and under $5. Proceeds go to Wounded Warriors Group of NEA. Also, join us for the Oil Trough Boat Show on the 15th! https://www.hr150. org/#/. Kids Yoga at the Park Maxfield Park, Aug 14 @9:30am, Roman Plaks 870.834.0114. Batesville Motor Speedway 29th Comp Cams Annual Topless 100, Aug 19 @ 6pm. 26th Annual Schoenfeld Headers Mid-America SS Championship, Sept. 3 @ 6pm. batesvillemotorspeedway.com. NADT Nutcracker Auditions Aug 21 @ 2pm. Everyone gets a part. Ages Kingergarten and up, no dance experience necessary. 870.213.5758 cindy@nadt. info. Walk with a Doc Sat, Aug 21 @ 10am with the Physician Staff at UAMS and WRMC for a free 60 min walk on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the Batesville Rec Center Parking lot.
newportarcity.org/calendar/ for upcoming classes and events! For instance; Farmers Electric Family Night on July 27, at the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage, free show! Aug 17 is ASA/KASU Monster Groovez and Aug 21 is M&P Monster Beats. Find the fun around you! Summerfest 2021 Summerfest 2021 will be Friday, July 30, located at the Tuckerman City Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Games, lunch with reading time, and Dunk a Cop promises a fun time. Thanks to Tuckerman City Library, Tuckerman City Hall, and Merchant & Planters Bank for sponsoring this FREE family fun event. Art Up the Port Art Up the Port will be August 3 & 31, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Business Resource Center (201 Hazel Street). Artist Julie Reardon teaches art classes throughout Arkansas and is always a hit. Please call Christel at (870)523-1009 to reserve a spot. Space is limited. Stuff the Bus United Way of Northeast Arkansas will have “Stuff the Bus” on Saturday, August 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Look for the big yellow bus on the lot between Newport Animal Hospital and Newport Walmart. Support your local school districts by dropping off school supplies to directly benefit Newport and Tuckerman Elementary Schools. Granges Fun Nights Gränges Fun Nights is hosting Championship Wrestling Memphis on Saturday, August 14, located at the Front Street Park in Downtown Newport. Free admission. Meet & Greet will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the bell time is 7:00 p.m. Dustin “5” Starr is hosting and the special guest enforcer is Newport Greyhounds Head Coach Mark Hindsley. Community Immunization Drive Falwell Medical Center located at 1301 McLain Street is having a Community Immunization Drive until August 28, for Jackson County residents who will vaccinate for a chance to win gift cards or local services. To be eligible to enter the drawing you must be age 18 or older, fully vaccinated and present vaccination card to Falwell Medical Clinic with supporting photo ID. For a complete list of donated prizes visit Falwell Medical Clinic, PA on Facebook. For questions about COVID-19 contact Vanessa Falwell, APRN (870) 217-4071. N
Cave City
41st Cave City Watermelon Festival July 29, 30, and 31. Tracy Byrd, the best watermelon in the country, what more could you ask for? https://www. cavecitywatermelonfestival.com/.
2600 A Doyle St., Newport 870-512-9548
Mountain View
Arkansas Craft School Please check out the ACS website for membership information or join our email list for the latest schedules at www.arkansascraftschool.org. Now is the time to support, and learn your favorite way to create! Questions can be directed to arkcraftschool@gmail.com.
Newport
www.facebook.com/newportarchamber
Also
ELEVEN YEARS STRONG
Delicious Coffee Served Hot / Iced / Blended Our Bakery Case is always full of tempting Muffins, cookies, cupcakes and other scrummy treats. Ask us about our corporate, bulk and wholesale options!
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August 2021 9
Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Orchestration From Above
Leigh Keller 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 son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.
At some point in his elementary years, Cole sat through a presentation about strokes and what they look like, and he came home with this magnet. I put it on our fridge, hoping I would never need to know the signs. So when I saw my mom’s face, heard her slurred speech, and saw her walking funny, I kicked into emergency counselor mode, yelled for Cole to go grab her purse from the condo and lock the door, and we sped to the nearest hospital I had seen. I was figuring I could get her there faster than an ambulance could get to us. Over the last month I have had the opportunity to sit back and marvel about how God orchestrated all of this, to ensure that we were in the right place at the right time. We typically beach in Miramar Beach. But my mama always longs for more time with her sister, Marsha, so we changed to Pensacola Beach. We noted that traffic was so much better there, and we didn’t have that crushing “sit in traffic until you lose your mind, just for your child to pick the cheeseburger on the menu at the seafood restaurant” feeling. Had we been in Destin or Miramar; I doubt I could have flown low and gotten her to the hospital in under 5 minutes. We were loading up to leave a day early. I’m trying to swing Mom’s van into the narrow under condo parking one day, I left quite the dent. Mom also didn’t seem to be feeling like herself the whole week (even before I left a huge dent in her car ). Had we been staying, Cole and I most likely would have been walking the dog or already down on the beach, and would not have seen her again for hours. I just knew that I had seen that hospital, coming back to
the condo from Aunt Marsha and Uncle John’s house, I was getting her to the closest hospital to get her into emergency care. I had no idea that that particular hospital partners with Mayo Clinic, and is a stroke triage center. Had we not been in the same town as my aunt and uncle, I don’t know what Cole would have done. He would have just been in the hospital with us. The extra day in the condo bought us a night for us to sleep and gave Lela somewhere to be (even though she had her travel meds and was out of it). She was discharged after 24 hours, after the CT scan showed no bleeding internally. She is expected to make a full recovery, after she rests up in her own home (with her dang therapy cats). I have had the opportunity in my life to witness the overwhelming goodness of God multiple times, which sometimes looks like kind strangers at gas stations in the weird middle of Texas, helping your dad out of the car, or precious nurses who tell me that I “did such a good job” getting my mom there fast, and were so kind to Cole, setting him up in a room with a tv and recliner, since he was so shook up, to the hundreds of people texting me, telling me that they were praying for my mama. We felt those prayers. The huge blessing we have received is not lost on me. As I sped over that bridge the other day I was praying hard, thinking we may lose her, but my heart was not ready for that. Today we are following up with her doctor here, working on some meal plans, and getting some after vacation things done. We are back on our dog route (pictured are funny Reba and Loretta, all dogs can be bought with Pupperoni), and getting a little normal in this week. Cole is floating the Buffalo today with his dad, a new experience for him. Anything with water suits his little aquatic heart. Know the signs of stroke and pay attention to your loved ones. Minutes matter, in so many ways. Many thanks to the amazing men and women at Gulf Breeze Baptist Hospital for their quick intervention and absolute kindness! N
Thompson’s Jewelry 870-793-7136
www.thompsonjewelry.com
Serving you since 1924
255 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville
Where your hometown jeweler should be
10 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman
Newport Resident Continues Spirit of Giving with $100,000 Donation to ASU-Newport Mallory Black Arkansas State University-Newport will be providing financial assistance to health professions students in need thanks to Laura Collier, of Newport. Her $100,000 scholarship endowment will allow ASU-Newport to award even more scholarships to those seeking a future in healthcare. Collier is no stranger to supporting students at ASUNewport with various forms of giving. “All I ever want to do is help,” Collier said. “I want everyone to know they have someone that has their back.” For several years, Collier has done just that in the form of the Dr. James and Laura Jane Collier Health Professions Scholarship. Collier said her focus has always been on helping those that need it most. “You never know what someone’s situation is,” says Collier. “You don’t always know their family history. I’ve always wanted the scholarship to help students in need that are just trying to better their lives.” Collier’s late husband, Dr. James Collier, was an optometrist with a practice in Newport. Mrs. Collier recalls the sense of peace and comfort the nursing staff provided for her late husband when he needed nursing home care later in life. Collier said there is a special place in her heart for nurses especially those that work in the nursing home setting. “We need more and more nurses every day,” Collier said. “I don’t care where people come from. What their background is. I just want to be able to help those that need a little encouragement. I want each student to know that there are people that want to see them succeed.” Collier brings life to the words heart of giving. She volunteers at a number of organizations in Northeast Arkansas, but has a particular devotion to organizations that support people who need a second chance at a better life. She works particularly close with the prison population, providing
help with rehabilitation and support after release. She hopes this endowment will give students in need the opportunity to build a successful future for themselves and their families. “Mrs. Collier is the epitome of what a community college is built on,” Dr. Johnny M. Moore, Chancellor of ASUN, said. “Her giving spirit is helping students from all walks of life build a positive future. We can’t thank her enough for her continued support of our students as well as all of the other people she helps through her philanthropic endeavors.” ASU-Newport would like to formally thank Collier for her dedication to the ASU-Newport mission, her community and especially students in need. Her kindness and generosity will help students soar into the health professions industry for many years to come. For more information on this scholarship and others, click here, or contact Advancement Officer Teriann Turner at teriann_turner@asun.edu. N
MORE THAN JUST TIRES! Brakes // Alignments // Batteries Lights // Toolboxes // Leveling Kits Bed Rails // Custom Wheels & More
FREE Tire Rotation
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1100 North St. Louis Street, Batesville, AR 870-698-6099 / stmtires.com ELEVEN YEARS STRONG
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August 2021 11
Seniors, Can We Talk? What is Your Unique Situation?
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 had lunch, a couple of her friends joined us. Each had questions and/or concerns they wanted to talk about. If you had been a fly on the wall (ouch!), here’s what you would have heard. Paula is turning 65, works and plans on continuing to work for the next two years. She is covered by her employer’s group health insurance and pays a very low premium. Paula got a call from a telemarketer who told her she HAD to enroll NOW in Medicare Part B that would cost $148.50 a month. And enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan or she might be turned down later. She also HAD to enroll in a Medicare Prescription plan now or she would be charged a late enrollment penalty. Unfortunately, the telemarketer did not ask Paula about her current coverage and simply gave her basic information. Since Paula is covered on her group health plan and has “creditable” prescription coverage, she does not have to make any changes now. Before she retires and gets off the group plan, she will need to enroll in Part B and may enroll in a Medicare Supplement and Medicare prescription plan using a “Special Election Period”. She can enroll with no fear of being turned down or being charged a late penalty. Bailey has a dental plan through her employer. She said very
few dentists accept the plan and the coverage does not provide the coverage she needs. She has lots of dental work scheduled and needs an “easier” plan to work with – a plan most dentists accept and provides the coverage she is going to need. Someone told Bailey if she changes plans, she will have a six (6) month waiting period during which she would be covered for cleanings and x-rays only. There are some dental plans that most dentists accept so it should not be an issue to find a plan her dentist accepts. Since Bailey currently has a dental plan, she may be able to have the six (6) month waiting period waived! When looking at other dental plans, Bailey needs to ask about the guidelines/ timeframes she must follow so her waiting period is waived. All plans do not provide the same annual benefit or have the same deductible. Asking these questions will help her determine which plan meets her needs regarding her anticipated dental costs (her dentist office can probably give her an idea of her anticipated costs the next few years). Debbie lost her group health insurance plan when she quit work, became eligible for Social Security disability benefits, and enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan. Debbie is turning 65 in October and wants to know if she can enroll in a different Medicare Supplement plan with a lower premium (a plan that is guaranteed with no medical questions). Yes, because Debbie has another “guaranteed issue enrollment period” when she turns 65. She is thrilled! Every person’s situation is different and unique to them. Got questions? Call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N
Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY
ELEVEN YEARS STRONG
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August 2021 13
Local Faces BACC Engages Community to Develop Strategies Chris Hill The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) kicked off its Tourism hub meeting series recently at UACCB’s Independence Hall. In partnership with BACC, Landon Downing of Citizens Bank and Jeanne Roepcke of Batesville School District serve as leadership for the hub. Sarah Kinser, Chief Program Officer for the Arkansas Community Foundation, facilitated the first of the four-part series, titled "Engaging the Vision." The goal of the Tourism hub is to maximize Independence County's potential as a tourist destination by building community-led actionable attraction strategies. Participants reviewed and responded to data representing the high-level outcomes of the initial IMPACT plan. For example, the group reported an
increase of nearly six million dollars from tourismrelated activities and a 15% increase in travel-generated payroll since the initial launch of the IMPACT efforts in 2015. In addition, they shared that for each dollar invested by the City of Batesville's Advertising & Promotions Commission, sixteen dollars was added to the local economy through tourism since the approval of a three-percent lodging tax in 2017. N
WRMC Information Systems, Auxiliary Team Up to Deliver Flowers to Brighten Patients’ Day Hannah Keller Flaner A new community service project is taking root at White River Medical Center (WRMC). Thanks to the efforts of the Information Systems (IS) staff and WRMC Auxiliary volunteers, patients at WRMC and Stone County Medical Center are receiving vases of colorful zinnias to brighten their day. Serendipity led the two groups to form a partnership for the project. The Auxiliary volunteers planned to take on a community garden project last year; however, the project had to be placed on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Toi McMullin, Director of Volunteer Services and Community Relations, said when Jeff Reifsteck, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, approached her about the zinnia project, the Auxiliary volunteers offered the bed they had secured. Reifsteck said the Independence County Master Gardeners offered an additional bed to devote to the project. Reifsteck is a Certified Master Gardener and a member of the Independence County Master Gardeners. White River Health System (WRHS) is a sponsor of the Batesville Community Garden. For those interested in learning more about the Independence County Master Gardeners, contact Michelle Mobley, Independence County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, at 870-793-8840. The organization will offer training Sept. 22-Oct. 27. Applications are available at the Extension Office at 1770 Meyers Street. The application deadline is Aug. 27. Training is open to anyone interested in gardening and willing to participate in one or more of the public horticultural projects sponsored by the Master Gardeners. First-year Master Gardeners are required to commit 40 hours of volunteer time their first year and 20 hours per year thereafter.
For those interested in securing a community garden bed, call 870-698-2400 ext. 331. N
The Information Systems staff is growing two beds of zinnias in the Batesville Community Garden.
Jeff Reifsteck, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for White River Health System, holds a box of colorful zinnias grown by the Information Systems staff. The flowers are being delivered to patients at White River Medical Center and Stone County Medical Center.
The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station
Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville
9 am & 10:45 am Sundays at The Landers 332 E. Main Street, downtown Batesville Office: 276 E. Main, 870-698-9244 www.fellowshipbatesville.com Facebook & Instagram: @fellowshipbatesville First Baptist Church Batesville
610 E. Main St, Batesville, AR 870-793-9859 Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer/Children Activities 6:00 pm Thursday Night, The Gathering 7:00 pm www.fbcbatesville.org
Quail Valley Freewill Baptist
4000 East Harrison St, Batesville 870-698-1622 / Pastor Robert Jones Sunday School 10:00 Sunday Service 11:00 A.M. & 6:00 P.M. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 P.M. You can find us on Facebook!
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953
Church Directory
482 East Main St, Batesville, Arkansas Sunday Services: 8:00 am & 10:30 am Morning Prayer: M-F @ 8:30 in the Chapel Wednesday Evening: 5:30 pm in the Chapel www.stpaulsbatesville.org stpaulsbatesville@gmail.com Batesville First Assembly of God
1949 Lyon St, Batesville, AR 72501 870-793-5489 / www.batesvillefirst.org Sunday 10:30 am services, 9:30 am & 6:00 pm small groups Wednesday: children & youth activities, adult class 7:00 pm Sulphur Rock Baptist Church
470 N. Vaughn St, Sulphur Rock, AR 72579 870-799-8641 Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Morning Praise & Worship 10:55 am Sunday Evening Bible Study 5:00 pm Sunday Evening Praise & Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Service 6:30 pm Walking the Walk, Talking the Talk – Matthew 28:19-20
Newport Hall of Fame Julie Allen
The 12th Annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Newport Country Club. Hosted by the Newport Special School District Charitable Foundation, the event will honor the following outstanding graduates with induction into the Newport Alumni Hall of Fame. Jane Parnell, NHS Class of 1964, graduated from Arkansas State University in 1968 and began teaching in Bradford. She later transferred to the Newport School District where she taught Language Arts for 30-plus years until her retirement in 2000. She loved her students and they loved her. Her enormous capacity for love, laughter and compassion is remembered and cherished by those unprepared for the departure of her beautiful energetic spirit. With Jane’s warm smile and quick wit, she was a blessing to all who knew her. Judge Harold Erwin is a member of the family who helped establish Jackson County and Newport in the 1800s. He graduated from Newport High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a BSBA degree in Banking and Finance. He later graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1974 with a Jurist Doctorate degree. Upon graduation, he set up his law practice in Newport and became the deputy prosecuting attorney and later was elected City Attorney as well, practicing law while holding those offices. In 1986, he ran for the Circuit Judge’s position in the Third Judicial District which covers Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph and Sharp counties. While in office, he created one of the leading drug court programs in the state, trying to prevent incarcerating people with drug abuse problems. Judge Erwin was chosen as the “Outstanding Trial Judge” in Arkansas, sponsored by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. He is a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International and a member of the First Baptist Church where he has served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for 36 years. Judge Erwin also helped to bring Explorers Bible Study,
an offshoot of the world-wide Bible Study Fellowship for smaller communities, to Newport. He coached many Bradford and Newport High School “Arkansas Mock Trial” teams in competition at the regional and state levels.
of Brand Storage Building and owns B&B Investment Co. with his brother, Mike. Youngest brother Mike, NHS Class of 1970, was a three-year letterman for Greyhound football as center and linebacker, earning All-Conference, All-Region and All-State plus an undefeated season in 1968. He was voted “Best All Around” by his senior classmates. Mike earned a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas and also worked four years toward a business degree. He played on the last “Shoat Team” in football at U of A. Mike joined his father in the auto repair business, and upon his father’s retirement, he continued to run the successful company. He served as president of the Northwest Arkansas Body Repair Association, has been an advisor to the ASUN Auto Repair Program and has been voted “Best Auto Repair Shop” numerous times by the people of Jackson County. He currently owns B&B Investments with his brother, Rodger, and Brand2 Investment Co. with his son, Michael. At age 93, Etta Brand still cheers on her “boys” to be great citizens.
Sons of John and Etta Brand, the Brand brothers (Rodney, Rodger and Mike) were raised to be hard working, honest and competitive citizens. The eldest son, Rodney, is a 1965 graduate of NHS. He excelled in track and football during his junior and senior years and was named All-District and All-State linebacker his senior year. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1970 with a BSED degree. While at U of A, he was starting center for the Razorback football team all four years and was named All-American in 1969. He helped beat Georgia in the 1969 Sugar Bowl, played The Hall of Fame was created to in the 1969 and 1970 Sugar Bowl and the recognize and honor Newport alumni 1970 Hula Bowl. He was drafted by the New who have made exceptional contributions York Giants and played in the Coaches AllAmerican Game in 1970. He was named to the in their chosen field while exhibiting All-Decade Team for the 1960’s Razorbacks outstanding leadership, character and and is a member of the University of Arkansas service to his/her community. Hall of Fame. Tickets for the event are on sale Rodger Brand, a 1969 NHS graduate, was now at the Newport Area Chamber of voted “Most Athletic” by his classmates his senior year. He was a three-year letterman as Commerce, 201 Hazel Street in Newport, guard and tackle for the football team, earned and are $25 per person. Checks can be All-Conference, All-Region, All-State football made payable to the NSSD Charitable and was named to the Gazette Super Team. Foundation. For more info, call (870) Rodger attended the University of Arkansas 523-3618 or email newportfoundation@ for four years where he majored in business. N He played for the Razorback football team all yahoo.com. four years, earning All Southwest Conference Freshman Shoats Monday - Friday 10:00 - 6:00 Team. Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 Upon returning to Newport, Rodger started B&D Insurance with classmate Terry A Better Choice for Your Main Course Dillon. He then moved • Angus, Aged Beef Tenderloin Filets & Ribeyes onto serve as manager • Old-Fashioned, Whole Chickens of Independence • Thick-cut Bacon & Red Tie-made Sausage Savings & Loan for • Extra Tender Bacon Wrapped Pork Filets four years followed • Catfish, Salmon, Cod, Shrimp, Crablegs by a 25-year career at C&C Distributors Call In & Use Our Drive-Thru where he became vice president. He is currently owner
Now Serving Lunch 11 to 2 103 Lindley Lane,Newport
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Kimberlee Dannette Thomas is a Chandler, Oklahoma native. She relocated to Jackson County in 1986. She has five children, five grandchildren, is co-owner 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.
Cover Story All Hands on Deck
Lauren Stott
According to Wikipedia Skateboarding is an action sport originating in the United States that involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard, as well as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation. It is a pastime that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is growing in popularity within our communities. So much so, that a small group of area residents have banded together to form All Hands on Deck. I visited recently with Lauren Stott, one of the founders of the group. Lauren is an Independence County native, she grew up in Newark and now calls Batesville home. She and her husband, Todd, have been married 15 years and have two sons, Boston (12) and Riley (9). Lauren explained, “All Hands on Deck is a grassroots effort that is comprised of me and about nine other Batesville locals working towards the shared dream of building a skate park. We come from all walks of life and backgrounds but have equally experienced the common struggle of not having a safe place to skate in one way or another.” She recalls any free time in junior high being
spent with her friends who were trying to figure out how they could carpool to Jacksonville for the weekend. “It was the closest place with a skate park. Flash forward to present day and kids are still having the same problem.” Lauren notes the current closest skate park to Batesville is still an hour drive one way. Lauren’s youngest son, Riley, found his passion in skateboarding when he was only five. She shared, “He had a twenty dollar bill burning a hole in his pocket and grabbed a skateboard from Wal-Mart on a whim. It was love at first board slide. He skates every chance he gets.” Here’s the grind Lauren shared, “Riley and many other skating kids in the community are restricted to having to hone their skills in the one place we universally tell them not to play; the street. Kids are left to risk their safety, the safety of others, or give up on their goals. We have to do better than that to ensure these are not their only options. We owe them at least that much.” Lauren, along with the other members and supporters of All Hands on Deck, believes having a skate park would be a game changer for the Batesville skating community
in many ways. “From giving them a secure place to grow in their abilities to simply letting them know they are seen and cared about. Skateboarding is now an Olympic sport and much more than what meets the eye” she stated. She further expressed, “The dedication, determination, and pure hard work that these kids pour into their art are something that everyone can learn from. Not much is better than seeing their faces light up with pride and excitement when they land a trick they have been practicing for weeks, if not longer, for the first time.” The members of All Hands on Deck understand they have to meet these kids where they are and show them that that kind of tenacious spirit can, and will, take them far in life. The main objective of All Hands on Deck is to provide a safe place for local skaters. As of now the greatest obstacle the group faces is finding a location for their newly proposed skate park. There have been a few lots offered as a temporary solution but they want to be able to provide skateboarders something permanent. Lauren shared, “We are hoping to be able to build a concrete park on or in the Main Street area as this is where many kids are already skating. Again, we must meet them where they are.” The out pouring of encouragement from people locally and nationally has been truly exciting for the group. Braille Skateboarding, a major skateboarding company out of California with a social media following of +5 million followers, caught wind of their story and shared it to one of their Instagram pages. The group has also found support from local businesses like Bad Boy, Future Fuel, First Community Bank, LNL Electric, Intimidator, Burgess Law Firm, Reeves Law Firm, The Royal on Main, and Batesville Area Art Council. They have a variety of different ways to become involved from volunteering to work at any of their upcoming fundraising events to donating on their GoFundMe, and many options in between. “Simply helping us to spread the word is greatly appreciated” expressed Lauren. The timeline of this project depends entirely upon the amount of support they are able to gain. As Lauren stated, “Hopefully sooner rather than later. This truly is an All Hands on Deck effort.” N
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In The Field with Randy Corn, Rice, and Soybeans
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.
As I write this on July 19th, we’re moving into the homestretch of our crop season. I feel pretty good about the potential of our rice and corn crops if the weather is decent from here on out. The soybean crop is all over the board with pods filling out on some of our earlier crop and some beans probably still in the bag. One of the major considerations in August is irrigation termination. I will review recommendations for corn, rice, and soybeans in this article. In corn, the development of the starch layer in the kernel should be monitored to determine when you can terminate irrigation without sacrificing yield. If the starch layer has progressed 50 percent or more down the kernel and you have good moisture, then you should be able to safely terminate irrigation with furrow irrigated corn. With pivot irrigated corn, the starch line needs to be 75 percent or more down the kernel before irrigation is terminated since less water is likely applied during each irrigation. If in doubt, I would err to the safe side and go ahead and irrigate one more time especially if hot and dry conditions are forecast. With rice, the University of Arkansas has a couple of rules of thumb that can be considered in regard to when you can safely drain fields. One is that the field should
be 25-30 days past 50 percent heading, 25 days for long grain varieties and 30 days for medium grain varieties. The other rule of thumb is based on visual observation of the maturing grains on the panicle. On silt loam soils the panicles should be two-thirds strawcolored and on clay soils the panicles should be one-third straw-colored prior to draining. A personal rule of thumb that I have always used is that I want the end grains to be straw colored and I want the base grains to be milky before I begin to consider making a drain recommendation. I always consider predicted weather and soil type when using any of these methods. With soybeans, research has shown that there needs to be good moisture until about Growth Stage R6.5 in order to obtain maximum yield. This is the point where the beans separate from the white membrane within the pod wall. You should start seeing the beginning of color change at that point. If producers will utilize these irrigation termination recommendations, they can avoid losing yield after pretty much all inputs have already been spent on the field. For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association at 870-318-0739, my e-mail is randychlapecka@gmail.com. N
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Thyme Enough
We’re in a Jam....Tomato Jam Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 58 years and are still having fun cooking and living! Find Sandy’s newly published thriller Dead in the Shadow of Doubt on Amazon.com.
Our daughters contribute ideas to this column often, good foods we’ve shared usually. Most of the time it’s Lindley (she lives next door), but this time it’s Carol’s time to shine. Carol and her husband, Elmer, entertained us for the Fourth of July, and produced a larruping holiday spread on the deck at their home. Elmer is a master of grilling and for this meal produced short ribs and his specialty, chicken wings. Both were tasty and mouthwatering. But today’s column is about Caro’s home made Tomato Jam from a Mark Bittman recipe that appeared in the New York Times. Since this is high tomato season in Arkansas, we thought
this would be a perfect recipe. We had it as an appetizer with wheat crackers. Another way to enjoy this recipe is on grilled or broiled hamburgers. It has a spicy tang, and is a good addition to a hamburger, or other types of sandwiches. We’re including a second, and simpler recipe that Sandy has used before, so you can make your choice! Mark Bittman’s Tomato Jam from the New York Times INGREDIENTS 1.5 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne PREPARATION 1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring
often. 2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool and refrigerate until ready to use; this will keep for at least a week. SANDY’S SIMPLER VERSION FROM EPICURIOUS 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup finely chopped onion (scant) 1 garlic clove, minced 2 cans diced tomatoes in juice (14 ounce) 1 tablespoon sugar ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until onion is soft and translucent, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add diced tomatoes with juice, sugar, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until almost all liquid evaporates and mixture is reduced to about 2 ¼ cups, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Cool. N
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