WE Neighbor of the Month

from Water's Edge Magazine March 2023

WE Writers and Staff

Where do you work and what is your connection to Cleburne County?

I have the privilege to work at the ARcare Heber Springs clinic located at 1511 Highway 25B with excellent providers, nurses, dieticians, insurance agents, diabetes educators, and front office that are willing to help anyone. As a young child, Heber Springs was the family vacation spot making this area very dear to my heart. As an adult, my husband, Jeff, and I bought a “getaway” place and have met some wonderful people that we love dearly. We both love the beauty of the area and the laid-back atmosphere of Cleburne County. Cleburne County provides a peace and clarity of the mind that you cannot get just anywhere. Seeing the sun rise over the mountains or setting behind them shows a beauty that only God could create.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up between Poinsette, Jackson, and Independence Counties. My younger years I grew up in the country at Midway, between Amagon and Waldenburg, AR, but spending much of my time, with my sister, in Fisher, AR with my Granny and Uncle Joe. I went to Grubbs Elementary for Kindergarten, 1st grade. I transferred to Weiner in the 2nd grade and went there through the 6th grade. My Daddy and Mom wanted a better life for my sister and I and moved us to Newark in the summer of 1990. Newark High School is where I graduated in 1996. Now I am showing my age. LOL!

Where did you attend School?

I graduated high school in 1996 with an interest in the medical field, really not knowing if I wanted to go to Physical Therapy School or nursing school. I decided on nursing school. I graduated from LPN school in 1998, worked for a while and decided on going back to get my RN. I graduated RN school in 2003, worked a while before going back for my APRN. I graduated with my master’s degree in 2015. Now, I’m once again, back in school to obtain my post-master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I will be better prepared to treat our patients.

Tell us about your family.

My family is definitely something else. We are all completely country at heart and it shows through our actions. I married my high school sweetheart, Jeff Bagwell. Together we have six 4-legged fur babies – Lucy, Sadie, River, Frankie Grace, Bella, and Jake (when he decides to come home), all are rescue babies. Jeff and I have built a wonderful life together and I could not see myself without all his love and support. My Mom, sister, and I are very close and love each other whole heartedly, I do not know what I would do without either one of them. My Daddy (our rock), went to be with the Lord in December 2005, and how I miss him is unexplainable. My sister and brother-in-law have a son, my nephew that I love dearly. I have 2 of the most amazing in-laws a girl can have and have great respect and love for them.

Of course, family is not always about blood relation.

I do have a brother overseas that serves this amazing Country in the Navy. He and my sister-in-law are raising 2 precious little girls. I have many more friends I consider family and they know who they are and how much I love each one of them.

Community Activities

There are several activities in the area, from Farmer’s Market to community craft fairs. I enjoy going, browsing, and supporting. At the ARcare clinic we do collect clothes for children of all ages and give them to anyone that is in need.

What is something people might not know about you?

I have a huge respect for the United States of America and our brave military men and women, Active and Veterans. I am a HUGE Christmas fanatic. I absolutely LOVE to travel anywhere, especially when the ocean is involved. I love with all my heart. I will never turn down a good campfire with friends or family.

My Hobbies you

Anything outside in the warm sunshine. I like to hunt, fish, work in the yard, 4-wheeling, road tripping, junking, and floating for hours on Greers Ferry Lake. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cleburne County Community?

The love and kindness of the people of Cleburne County. Cleburne County possess something that I haven’t seen in other communities in quite some time – tranquility. There are many places you can go here to find peacefulness like hiking trails, riding trails, and the 63 sq. mile lake. People can come here to rest or find themselves again.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen Ko to our team! Dr. Ko uses state-of-the-art technology to provide radiation therapy services for cancer treatment. Radiation therapy is one of many cancer treatment options. Dr. Ko works with individual patients to plan the best course of treatment depending on the type of cancer, stage of the disease, and overall health of the patient.