Water's Edge Magazine February 2022

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February 2022

WE Adopt a Pet Joe is a handsome 4 ½ year old Shepard mix, brought to the shelter as a stray three years ago. He is a calm and lovable fellow that enjoys walks and outside time. He is really smart and would enjoy training. An experienced adult adopter is preferred for Joe because he is a big and strong boy that can play a little rough sometimes, and needs to be the only dog in the household.

Joe’s adoption fee is $100.00 and this includes sterilization, shots, and worming with an optional microchipping and registration for an additional $20.00. We have a dog park to check compatibility with existing dogs. Anyone interested in adopting Joe, please go to heberspringshumanesociety.com and complete an adoption application.

If your application is approved, a volunteer will contact you to set up a meet and greet appointment.

Savannah is a 1 ½ year old, super friendly, sweetheart looking for someone special to love and protect her. She loves everyone, being held, and rubbed. Savannah has a condition that makes her walk a little wobbly, but she can still get around and have fun. She does not require medical attention for her walking condition, only protection from other animals. She needs to be the only animal in the house and kept inside all the time. Savannah is a shelter favorite and a true treasure. She will make a wonderful family addition.

Savannah’s adoption fee is $60.00 and this includes first shots, worming, and sterilization.

Anyone interested in adopting Savannah, please go to heberspringshumanesociety.com and complete an adoption application. If your application is approved, a volunteer will contact you to set up a meet and greet appointment.

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Heber Springs Humane Society 501.362.7322 humanesocietyhebersprings@yahoo.com 49 Shelter Lane, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543 Tuesday thru Saturday 12:00 to 4:30 Sunday and Monday Closed

WE Writers and Staff Gina Slagley is a co-owner of Water’s Edge magazine, a contributing writer, and sales representative for W.E. She lives in Newport, Arkansas with her husband, she has two adult children and eight grandchildren.

Her goal for Water’s Edge is to bring the reader’s a collection of stories, photographs, interviews and moments together in each publication that they will enjoy and be proud of.

Gina brings over twenty years of print publishing experience to Water’s Edge and knows that local matters.

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 Water’s Edge and Eye On Magazine. She is recognized from her years of co-hosting Cable Channel programming in Jackson and Independence County. She earned her Associates from ASUN in Fine Arts.

Cover Photos Kimberlee Thomas Cover Design by Joey Thomas

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Joey Thomas is a native of Grubbs, a graduate of ASUN, a novelist, a freelance graphic designer for hire, and the graphic designer, as well as, a writer, for this publication. He is elevated by five children, five grandchildren and is attempting to evolve at every turn.

Cynthia Herrin is a contributing writer for Water's Edge. She lives in Heber Springs with her husband and two kids. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Harding University and currently sits on the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce Board. She has a background in advertising, radio, marketing, photography, and now real estate.

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact: Gina Slagley 870.217.2837 ginas.watersedge@gmail.com

PUBLISHER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MANAGING EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Gina Slagley & Kimberlee Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas & Gina Slagley, PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Gina Slagley & Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Gina Slagley, Kimberlee Thomas. GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Thomas.

Kimberlee Thomas 870.503.1150 kimberlee.watersedge@gmail.com

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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 Waters Edge Magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2021 Waters Edge Magazine 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, Water’s Edge Magazine, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

editors note Love Sweet Love, Makes the World Go Round

February is a delicious time of year with its overflowing boxes of chocolates and the scent of roses in the air; it is perhaps one of my favorite months!

It is also Black History Month, National Heart Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month....in fact I was rather overwhelmed by the list of things recognized in February! Then I started looking at the list of things celebrated each day in February! There’s Baked Alaska Day, The Day the Music Died Day, National Homemade Soup Day! Now that sounds scrummy. I encourage you to take a look and pick something new to celebrate with your friends and family this February as there is more to love than chocolates and roses, there is time well spent together. Time spent learning something new and leaning into one another creating new memories during these cold winter days as we await the call of spring and the water’s edge.

Enjoy our February issue as we discover the history of our gem of a library, thrill at the thought of throwing an ax and meet a couple of Hometown Heros and another Neighbor. You never know who you might find between our covers, it might just be you!

- Kimberlee Thomas

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Issue Contents 2/ WE Adopt a Pet 6/ WE Neighbor of the Month Pat Hoisager Ellis

7/ A Borrowers Dream 12/ Calendar 15/ WE Student of the Month Alexia Adams

16/ Hook & Ladder 19/ Home Town Heroes 21/ Notes from the Clearing Home

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uaccb.edu Water’s Edge Magazine

February 2022 5

WE Neighbor of the Month Where did you grow-up?

I grew-up in the Pearson community between Quitman and Heber Springs.

Education I’m a graduate of Quitman School. I took my first college level class in the fall of 2001 at ASU Heber Springs and completed my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts in 2006.

I enrolled at University of Arkansas Little Rock with a scholarship and completed my Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts in the fall of 2010.

Work I am the children’s librarian at the Cleburne County Library, where I’ve been employed since April 2014. Prior to that, I worked for more than 35 years at Olmstead Funeral Home.

Family My husband, Tom Ellis, and I were married in 2019, and we have two sweet dogs. I have one daughter, Lauren Wilson; one stepson, John Ellis (Cheri); one stepdaughter, Lisa Bly, (Jim); five step-grandchildren; and four step-great grandchildren. Peggy Stark is my sister, and I have two nephews, and a great niece.

Community Activities I serve on the Heber Springs Elementary HIPPY Advisory Board. I’m a member of Mt. Top Cowboy Church and volunteer to help teach preschoolers in Sunday School.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I had open heart surgery in 2004 to remove a myxoma.

Hobbies

Pat Hoisager Ellis

I love to read! I enjoy photography, especially taking photos of wildlife, nature scenes, and children. I also enjoy visiting antique shops and flea markets, and I enjoy decorating.

Idea of a fun weekend Sleeping in! Getting outside to take pictures and enjoy a good meal somewhere with my husband.

Words to live by “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. “ What do you enjoy about being a part of the Heber Springs Community?

I love living in this area where I know people and get to visit with them. We have so much to be thankful for here.

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Member FDIC 6 Heber Spring’s Social and Community Magazine

m a e r D s r e w o r r o B A Kimberlee Thomas

When I think of a library I am taken back to my childhood and my elementary school days. What a treat it was to be allowed to leave class and journey down the long hallway into the world of books; searching for that one special book that I could borrow and then devour on the bus ride home. In junior high and high school my time there would be spent researching for essays, searching endlessly through the microfiche and diligently marking my place in the card catalog. I recall spending hours searching in encyclopedias and periodicals to get the allotted number of references.

Libraries have certainly done a lot of changing since the days of my youth. They have faced challenges in our changing times, some have been shuttered while others have risen on the tide, adapting to the ever changing world they find themselves in. One such library graces the community of Heber Springs. From the moment you pull into the parking lot the brightly colored mural welcomes you with its images of Harold and his purple crayon, Ralph and his motorcycle, Aslan from Narnia and continuing on alongside the building to only be seen from within are Charlotte, Wilbur and Harry’s beloved Hedwig.

Cleburne County Library Director, Zac Cothren, took time recently to visit with me about this amazing facility.

He felt it was important for you and I to understand that although some large urban area’s began opening public libraries as early as the 1700s, for most American’s, especially those in rural areas, access to large collections of books and other valuable information was virtually non-existent until the 20th Century.

Zac reminded me that, “Before that time, books were a luxury few could afford.”

Following is the history Zac shared of how we arrived to the library you see and enjoy today: “The first attempt to open a public library in Cleburne County happened in Heber Springs in 1922, when Mary Thompson collected around 300 books for a public library, which was housed in an upstairs room at the courthouse and was open on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons. Unfortunately the library failed to maintain support, and in 1924 it donated its collection to local schools and

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February 2022 7

closed. In 1935 the Cleburne County Library was revived with the sponsorship of the American Legion Auxiliary as a Works Progress Administration Program. The collection was housed in the American Legion Hut on West Main, before being moved once again into the courthouse.

“With the end of W.P.A. sponsorship in 1940, the Library was moved into the old Heber Springs City Hall and various civic clubs in Heber Springs raised money to pay for the Librarian’s salary. With the limited amount of available funds, the Library was only open for one and one-half days every week and nearly the entire book collection was material that was on loan from the Arkansas Library Commission. In 1941 Bessie Cheek became Librarian, and began a career that would span 24 years until her death in 1965.

“After years of trying to solve funding issues for public libraries, in 1946 Arkansas voters approved Amendment 38, which allowed counties to levy a onemill tax for the support of a county library. In 1949 Cleburne joined with Independence County to form a Regional Library for the benefit of both counties. A key moment for the Cleburne County Library occurred in 1952, when voters of Cleburne County approved a onemill library tax for the support of the Cleburne County Library. At that time the library collection stood at 4,500 items.

“In 1965, JoNell Chastain was named Cleburne County Librarian, and would serve in that capacity until her retirement in 1999. The library continued to grow, and in 1969 the Board of Trustees voted to establish a building fund. Planning for a new library facility began in earnest in 1975 with a meeting of the Library Board and representatives from ladies civic clubs in the community.

In 1975 the City of Heber Springs acquired the old elementary school building where City Hall is currently located and the Library was given three rooms for use in that facility. The Library remodeled its allotted portion of the building and held an open house on November 14, 1976. However, that space soon proved inadequate for the ever-growing Library.

“In 1983 the Library received a grant and along with money that had been raised by the building fund committee the Library was finally able to construct a new facility on land made available by the city of Heber Springs. From 1984 to 2012, the Library stood next to City Hall along Searcy Street. During that time there were monumental advancements in technology, and unprecedented changes in services provided by libraries. In 1992 the Library began to move into the computer age when Janet Cleary, who would later serve as Librarian from 1999-2006, began the monumental task of entering book information into a computerized library catalog. In 1993, a computer was made available for use by Library patrons and in 1999 internet access became available at the Library. In 2008, the Library also began offering free Wi-Fi access to the public. By the late 1990s it had become abundantly clear that the library facility was inadequate in both space and adaptability to meet demands of the new technology-driven world of libraries. When I (Zac) was named director in 2006, the 8 Heber Spring’s Social and Community Magazine

Board was clear that our long-term objective would be the construction of a new facility, and modernization of the Cleburne County Library.

“Mary Wold was an Army wife who moved to the area after her husband, Col. Vernon (Jack) Wold (US Army) retired. In 1986, she was appointed to serve on the Cleburne County Library Board, and was a dedicated board member and tireless advocate for public libraries throughout Arkansas for the next 20 years. Mary had long recognized the need, and had longed for, a new library facility for Cleburne County. Mary resigned from the Library Board in 2006 when she and Jack moved to San Antonio, Texas. Mary passed away in April of 2010.

Even in death, Mary’s support of, and dedication to, the Library would continue. In October, the Library was approached by Mary’s husband, Col. Jack Wold, with a very generous donation to go toward the construction of a new Cleburne County Library. That donation put the Library Board into action, and fundraising efforts begun to build a new Cleburne County Library. The response of local community members, businesses, and government were amazing. The Library Board was able to secure over $2 million in donations and grants during the building campaign, and construction of the facility was accomplished without any new tax burden on area residents. In 2012, the Library temporarily relocated to the old Post Office that currently houses the Cleburne County Historical Society, and construction began on a new library facility. We incorporated the old library into the new facility in order to access some maintenance and operation funds that had been built up over the years. The old part of the building was gutted to the studs and slab, and you would be hard-pressed to tell that almost half-of our current facility is 30 years older than the rest of the building. In June 2014, a new 11,000 sq. ft., state of the art library facility was open to the citizens of Cleburne County. Governor Mike Beebe gave the keynote address at the dedication of the new facility that was christened the Mary I. Wold Cleburne County Library in honor of her support and years of dedication to the library. When Jack Wold passed away in February 2020, he left the entirety of his estate to the Library that bears his wife’s name. The generosity of the Wold’s will continue to have a positive impact on library service here for many years to come.”

As you can see it has been quite a journey. The support and dedication of so many has culminated into what the community enjoys today. I asked Zac to share with me about the current facility and what it has to offer. Following is his response: “We have been in our current facility since 2014. Our primary focus when designing the facility was children’s programming and technology. We had a robust summer reading program, but there was no dedicated space to have larger events for the children. There were times in the old facility where 50 children (not counting the adults accompanying them) crowded into a corner of the stacks that housed our children’s collection. When we would have events for kids, the noise level and kids just

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being kids, made the entire building very non-conducive for use by any other groups or individuals. We addressed this need in the new facility by having a segregated area for our children’s collection that is designed especially for them. The children’s library features a 90 person capacity room for special programs, and an outdoor courtyard area that features a garden and giant chess board. In the past we had our annual 8-week summer reading program, but no other regular children’s programs during the rest of the year. In order to maximize the potential of the children’s area, we added both a full-time children’s librarian, and a part-time position to work exclusively with children. We also expanded our programming, and now have children’s programs daily. Pat Ellis had been a long-time volunteer at the library, and has been our children’s librarian since the position was created. She has done tremendous work, and despite the struggles of live-programming since the pandemic began, continues to host daily events for kids.”

I was able to speak with Pat while at the library and you get an immediate sense of her love for her work. “Every summer, we offer a summer reading program. Children sign-up for the program and see how many books they can read while school is out. When they complete the program by bringing us a reading log, they receive a free t-shirt and cool prizes based on the number of books they’ve read!” She explained how they offer special guest programs each Saturday during the summer, “These have included magic shows, a petting zoo, concerts, and a visit from the Museum of Discovery, and we have lots of fun craft programs during the week for kids to enjoy.”

Zac noted, “Our attendance has dropped because of the pandemic, and like everyone else, we are ready to see the other side of this thing, and get back to the larger crowds we were seeing pre-pandemic.”

Zac went on to explain that their other focus area when they designed the building was technology, “or more accurately, adaptability to technology.” The past 20 years had made it apparent that trying to determine what the future would look like in regards to technology was impossibility. Their goal was to have a facility with a layout, and an adequate electrical and data infrastructure, to adapt to whatever comes along down the road. “We did address a couple of immediate technology-related issues. Prior to opening this facility, we only had space for four computers available for use by the public. We now have fourteen; twelve for adults and two in our children’s area.” Zac shared how there was also a lack of seating for people using their own laptops, and an even bigger issue was that there was only one electrical outlet in the public area of the old library. “We now have seating throughout the building, all of which have power outlets located alongside them.”

One other struggle in the old facility was that there was only one small meeting room available for use. In addition to the large program room in the children’s area, that is also available for adult programmers, and larger meetings and groups, they also have five other smaller rooms available for study groups, testing, meetings, or those that just need an extra-quiet area to work. There 10 Heber Spring’s Social and Community Magazine

is also a small gallery space where local artist can display their work, although the pandemic has also put a hold on that for the past couple years.

The Library is open from Monday-Saturday. Zac noted, “In addition to our main facility in Heber Springs, we also have smaller branch facilities in both Greers Ferry and Quitman that are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, and Saturday mornings. We still offer a large collection of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children of all ages, but modern libraries are much more than just books. We have magazines, audio books, DVD’s, and graphic novels that can be borrowed from the library.” A few other services that can be found at the library include both color and black and white printing and copying for a very reasonable fee. They have a largeformat printer than can print large-scale items like banners and posters for relatively low-cost. “Some surprising items that we have available to borrow include fishing poles and telescopes.” Another popular, and growing, service is the e-book library. They started the e-library in 2012, but with the licensing method, and higher-cost associated with e-books, growing their collection was a struggle.

Zac explained, “In early 2020, we joined a consortium of a large group of libraries throughout Arkansas. In doing so our patrons went from having access to only 1,000 e-books to over 50,000. The timing couldn’t have been more opportune, because just a few months later is when Covid-19 hit the area and we were entirely shut-down for almost two months.” The e-library allowed them to still provide some services to their patrons during that time.

He further noted, “Our facilities also provide Wi-Fi access that extends into the parking lot, and can be used 24/7.”

All of the library services are free, or very low cost. To get a card (also free) you have to come into the library to register. You must live, work, or own property in Cleburne County or, a neighboring community. You must be at least 6 years old (parent must sign consent form for under 18 to use the internet). You will need a valid picture id with your current address (some form of mail or other document is needed if the address on your id is not current). When you sign up for your library card, you can also sign up for access to our e-library, and to use our internet.

If you haven’t been to the library in a while I encourage you to go for a visit. The Mary I. Wold Library is truly a borrowers dream. Be sure and take a moment to wonder at the amazingly large globe sitting to your far right as you enter the main room, take note of the little worn spot right where Arkansas should be. Ask yourself just how many times that must have been touched by little hands to achieve such wear. And one more thing, as you step to the children’s library take note of the plaque to the left of the entry. There is beautiful shinning face beaming back at you, one that belongs to a tiny borrower who is no longer with us. His journey was short but he impacted many and his love for the library lives on as the Children’s Library bears his name, Keagan Robert Provost, “The Warrior”.

“The children’s library features a 90 person capacity room for special programs, and an outdoor courtyard area that features a garden and giant chess board.”

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Calendar

Sponsored by - Tina Moore Allstate Keeping You in the Know

Heber Springs High School FCCLA is selling Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine’s Day. 6 berries for $10. Pick up on February 10th at Heber Springs High School. To order e-mail Lori.cantrell@ hssd.K12.ar.us.

Free CPR Class hosted by Survival Flight: Wednesday, February 2nd 9am – 1pm. Class will be held at the Heber Springs Community Center. Contact the HSCC for more information.

Baseball and Softball registration has started and will continue until February 11th. If you have any questions give the Community Center a call at 501362-4901. Register Online at https://secure.rec1. com/.../heber-springs-parks.../catalog.

The Panther Princess Pageant will be held on Saturday, February 19th at the Performing Arts Center. Ages 0-5 and Kindergarten – 8th grade.

Participant must attend Heber Springs Schools.

There is a $5 admission fee. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lori Cantrell at lori. cantrell@hssd.k12.ar.us.

Cleburne County 4-H Foundation Annual Bass Fishing Tournament: Saturday, March 19th at Greer’s Ferry Lake Devils Fork Park. Registration is from 6am – 6:30am. Registration: $125 per team paid by 3-11. $150 (cash only) per team paid day of event.

Big Bass included in registration $2000 First Place.

Call the Cleburne County extension office for more information (501)362-2524. Proceeds will benefit the 4-H programs of Cleburne County.

The World Famous Dallas Brass is coming to Heber Springs! Wednesday, March 30th 7pm-9pm. Heber Springs Performing Arts Center 1100 W Main Street.

Early Bird tickets are on sale now! Tickets start at $10 and are available on www.eventbrite.com. https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Cleburne County Library, 1009 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543 501-362-2477 www.cleburnecountylibrary.com FEBRUARY 2022 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 10:30 a.m.

2 2:30 p.m.

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Homeschool Music, Storytime, Homeschool Music, Storytime, Frozen Cooking with Sing-along Craft, and Play for Cooking with Craft, and Play Kids Party!

Preschoolers for Preschoolers Kids 12 11:00 a.m.

11 10:30 a.m.

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9 2:30 p.m.

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6 7 4:00 p.m.

Music, Storytime, Valentine Homeschool Music, Storytime, Homeschool Card Making Crafts and Craft, and Play Crafts Craft, and Play for Crafts Crafts Snacks! for Preschoolers Preschoolers 13 14 4:00 p.m. 15 10:30 a.m.

19 11:00 a.m.

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Valentine Day Music, Storytime, Homeschool Music, Storytime, Giant Candyland Homeschool Celebration Game!

Craft, and Play Science Craft, and Play for Science for Preschoolers Experiments Experiments Preschoolers 24 10:30 a.m.

23 2:30 p.m.

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Homeschool Music, Storytime, Homeschool Closed for Music, Storytime, Dress as a Craft, and Play for Legos Presidents Dr. Seuss Craft, and Play Legos Preschoolers Day Character Party! for Preschoolers 27

28 4:00 p.m.

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ATTENTION HOMESCHOOLERS: The Heber Springs Community Center offers RECESS a homeschool physical education program each Tuesday and Thursday 10am – Noon. Cost is $3 per day for non-members and Free for HSCC members. Contact the HSCC for more information 501-362-4901.

WE see you

All-State Cheer selection from Heber Springs High School, congratulations to Senior Elizabeth Jewell!

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February 2022 13

WE see you The Heber Springs Panthers were the Holiday Classic Tournament CHAMPIONS!!! 54-36

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Senior Alexia Adams is in Interact Club, Spanish Club, BETA Club, the Captain of the Dance Team, and a member of the Senior High Band. She was recognized as the Most Encouraging and as the Clarinet Section Leader in Band.

She plans to attend UCA in the fall to study Marketing. Her favorite moment of high school was being chosen as the Senior Maid in the Homecoming Court this past fall.

Alexia Adams

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Let me Axe you a question, have you ever axeually thought of throwing an axe for fun? (See what I did there!)

But, seriously have you ever considered picking up an axe and throwing it at a big bull’s eye target? I’ve heard it is an amazing stress reliever, tons of fun and actually quite safe in the confines of a skilled axe throwing venue.

As luck would have it, such a place exists right here in Heber Springs.

Heber Springs Fire Department Captain, Ryan Herrin, and wife Cynthia, ventured off to Little Rock for a date night in early 2021. They found themselves at an axe throwing venue, “Neither of us had done it before. We both loved it and had a great time. I then had the idea of bringing one of those venues to Heber Springs to offer something new and exciting for locals and visitors.” Ryan continued, “There is not a lot of indoor activities in town and we thought Hook & Ladder would be a great addition. We wanted to create a place that you can bring your family and have a great time together all year round.”

The couple had never before owned a small business and found themselves quickly navigating the uncertain waters of first time entrepreneurs. Ryan recalls, “The process of opening Hook & Ladder was stressful, but also very rewarding. Watching it evolve from an empty space into our creation was great.” It took the couple roughly five months from the time they started the process until they were ready to open to the public; with the construction and renovation of the building taking around 45 days.

Ryan shared, “There were many people involved in the process. Family, friends, and co-workers were willing to lend a hand if needed. We are grateful for every one that helped out along the way and those that still continue to.”

Hook & Ladder Throwing Company opened to the public the last week of August 2021. They are Heber’s

premier axe throwing venue. It is owned and operated by local firefighters. When you arrive you will find tons of firefighter decor, equipment, and historic photos from fire departments around the area. There is also a patch board which features fire department patches from around the U.S.; it is evident that they take great pride in their community and the fire service.

Ryan shared, “When you come in you can expect a fun, family friendly atmosphere where you can relax and have a great time. While throwing with us we also will help coach you along the way to make sure you have the best experience possible.”

Hook & Ladder offers private throwing sessions and they have rates for groups, events and parties. They can host a variety of gatherings from birthday parties to corporate team building type events.

Their prices vary depending on the amount of time you want to throw. You will pay $12.50 for 30 minutes, $20.00 for one hour and $35.00 for two hours per person. They also have gift cards available.

Hook & Ladder’s current business hours are Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 1pm-10pm, and Sunday 2pm-8pm.

Private events may be scheduled on days that they are not open to the general public.

When asked about future plans Ryan was quick to share, “We hope to add a few more things to Hook & Ladder. We are looking into starting a beginner throwing league, monthly memberships, and special events. We will also be adding a mobile axe throwing trailer that can be utilized for many different types of events. We can bring it to your event where ever it may be.”

So, if you are looking to work off a bit of stress or searching for a unique date night destination, Hook & Ladder Throwing Company at 121 E. Main Street is where it’s axe!

WE see you

Heber Springs School District recently received this wonderful donation of water for their students from Project Crosswalk and these 5th Grade Boys.

Home Town Heroes Tell us a little bit about your family.

Michael Cameron and I have been married for 25 years. Our son, Julian, is a 20-year old junior at Arkansas Tech college, and attended Heber Springs school district K-12. Michael and I were both born at this Heber Springs hospital and have lived in Heber Springs our whole lives. Michael is store manager at Lakeside Siding Co and has been in construction sales for 26 years. I have been employed by Cleburne County in a full time 911/ emergency management position for 13 years and part time for 2 1/2 in the Judge’s office.

Cynthia Herrin

satisfying career of if you have that selfless heart.

Who is your hero in life?

My grandmother, Lilly Bell Green, has always been my hero since I was a child and still is today. She was the most gracious, loving, helpful lady that would never judge, degrade, or speak negatively about a single person.

One could only hope to be half the beautiful soul that she was. She was truly a Angel on earth

What do you find most rewarding about the job?

The relationships that have formed with my dispatchers, responders, and law enforcement. My dispatchers are like family to me. Another rewarding aspect is helping someone in their time of need. Being a calming/friendly voice that helps an individual through a tough/traumatic moment in their life can be one of the most gratifying feelings.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a dispatcher?

You must have a selfless heart and truly only want to serve the greater good to help others. This is not a job you can become rich in, but it is a job that you can make a

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I am married. My wife and I have been together for almost 10 years and married for 5 of those, she is my best friend, and people who meet us think we are a new couple because we are always by each others side. I have learned to cherish every moment we are given. We have little dog who he might as well be a cat, because he doesn’t even bark.

My in laws all live fairly close to us in Searcy, I think I get along with them better than my wife does. My family is mostly from West Memphis, with some stragglers in Missouri, North Carolina, and Conway. I have 4 brothers and 1 sister.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Helping folks in their greatest time of need.

The brotherhood that comes in and around fire and EMS. And I love the schedule What is your favorite quote?

It is long but: “So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again

Amanda Cameron

in a different way. hero going home.“

Sing your death song and die like a ~ Tecumseh

What got you interested in this line of work?

As any kid I saw a fire truck and thought well that’s cool, especially being a car guy. A lot of my family is military or first responders.

I found out PD had way more paperwork, and I didn’t enjoy their schedule, so I followed my uncle’s foot steps into fire. The brotherhood is like nothing else and cannot be described. Plus the schedule can’t be beat….I was told when I first got into fire “if you are here for money you are in the wrong place”. I realized money is not everything, I just need to make a living and love what I do.

Josh Bertagnolli

WE see you Brewer Insurance Agency at 2210 Hwy 25B N. recently hosted the Chamber’s Morning Brew networking event.

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20 Heber Spring’s Social and Community Magazine

Support Our Advertisers 101.9 The Lake----------------------------- 13 Attention Medical Supply------------------- 4 Cowboy Chevrolet Buick GMC-------------- 15 Deals---------------------------------------- 23 Eagle Bank---------------------------------- 18 First National Bank------------------------- 2 First Security Bank-------------------------- 6 Mark Martin Automotive-------------------- 20 Tina Moore Allstate------------------------- 12 UACCB--------------------------------------- 5 Unity Health--------------------------------- 24

Notes from the Clearing Joey Thomas

The faux Lady-Bug stench and musty aroma of disuse wore the old house like a child with no sense of how the buttons work. The ghosts that worked and played upon the property saw nothing of its current state, only the replay of their memories laid over it. Their joy was complete, content and the structure sighed in the relief of it. It felt the age, the wear, and the tear of the battering winds, the eroding rains, the tiny teeth at work on its wood, its brick, and its plaster. The land that scarved the musty erection breathed in the relentless air of life between douses of the sogging rains and held firm to the legacy of all that was experienced here. Of all the superstition and myth that can be mustered by the human spirit, this assembly was good, it was rebuilt, cared for, and loved. It was as wholesome as the mediums of construction can be, and it will be remembered as dearly as the people who called it Home.

White River Medical Center----------------- 22

This fantastic sky was captured by local photographer Jessica Rascoe.

Water’s Edge Magazine

February 2022 21

2021-22 PANTHER BASKETBALL

Senior High Teams TEAM

DATE

DAY Mon Nov. 6 Sat Nov. 9 Tue Nov. 9 Tue Nov. 10 Wed Nov. 15 Mon Nov. 16 Tue Nov. 18 Thur Nov. 22 Mon Nov. 23 Tue Nov. 29-Dec. 4 TBD Nov. 30 Tue Dec. 4 Sat Dec. 7 Tue Dec. 10 Fri Dec. 14 Tue Dec. 17 Fri Dec. 20 Mon Dec. 21 Tue Dec. 28-30 TBD Jan. 4 Tue Jan. 7 Fri Jan. 11 Tue Jan. 14 Fri Jan. 21 Fri Jan. 25 Tue Jan. 28 Fri Feb. 1 Tue Feb. 4 Fri Feb. 8 Tue Feb. 14-19 TBD

Everybody Nov. 8 VG VG VB JVG,JVB VG JVG,VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB JVG JVB VG,VB VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB JVB,VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VG,VB VB VG,VB JVB,VG,VB JVG,VG,VB VG,VB

OPPONET

LOCATION TIME TBA Home Harding Academy 5:00 Away Mt. St. Mary's 4:00 Home SS Batesville 7:00 Away Greenbrier 5:00 Away Newport 5:00 Home Searcy 5:00 Away Bald Knob 4:00 Away Guy 4:00 Home Shirley 4:00 Away Conway St. Joseph Tourn. Away TBA SS Batesville 5:00 Home SS Batesville TBA Away Benton Harmony Grove 5:00 Away Subiaco 5:00 Home SS Bee Branch 5:00 Home Ozark 4:00 Away Lonoke 4:00 Away Des Arc 4:00 Away Mt. Vernon Tournament TBA Away Morrilton 6:00 Home Dardanelle 4:00 Away Clarksville 6:00 Away Pottsville 4:00 Home Ozark 4:00 Home Morrilton 6:00 Away Subiaco 5:00 Away Dardanelle 4:00 Home Clarksville 6:00 Home Pottsville 6:00 Away Sr. High District Tourn. @ Subiaco TBA

*** Attention Citizens of Heber Springs ***

Panther Madness

22 Heber Spring’s Social and Community Magazine

In the lobby of the Heber Springs Police Department, Located at 1001 W. Main St, there is a Drug Drop Box. You may bring in your unused/ expired prescriptions for drop off. It would be appreciated if you could condense them down into fewer bottles or into a zip-lock bag before dropping them. Please make sure to read the instructions on what can and cannot be dropped.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT LIQUIDS, NEEDLES, SYRINGES, CREAMS/ OINTMENTS, or AEROSOLS (such as inhalers).

A glorious sunset captured by local photographer Jessica Rascoe.

Our rates might surprise you. kimberlee.watersedge@gmail.com ginas.watersedge@gmail.com

Check out our FB page EVERY THURSDAY night at 6pm for our FB Live AUCTION!!!

You won’t want to miss out on these great DEALS DEALS72543

916-A South 7th Street, Heber Springs Water’s Edge Magazine

February 2022 23

An Exceptional Experience Shannon Swift, M.D. and Carrie Price, APRN are ready to see your family, today!

Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m

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WALK INS WELCOME Medical Clinic Heber Springs

(501) 362-5800 2725 Hwy. 25 B. | Heber Springs

Unity-Health.org