Avenues April

The Salem Lady Greyhounds made Salem High School basketball history on Saturday, March 11, with their first state championship win. The Greyhounds’ 56-34 victory over Lamar in 3A state championship playoffs in Hot Springs also made history for Fulton County, as one of two county teams bringing home state trophies this year. The Mammoth Spring Lady Bears took first place in the 1A state high school basketball playoffs. Lady Greyhound player Marleigh Sellars was voted Arkansas’s Most Valuable Player in the 3A classification. The Greyhounds are coached by Salem High School’s Coach Josh Bateman and Assistant Coach Shane Smith. Congratulations, Lady Greyhounds!

VENUES

SALES STAFF

Sales

SHEILA HARRIS

SHERRY HARPER

870-895-3207

WRITERS

Renee Janes

Elaine Brown

Vincent Marshall

John Norberg

Cheri Lynn Quattrochi

RENEE JANES

From the Editor:

Renee Janes, Editor

smn@areawidenews.com

870-895-3207

Salem, Ark.

With the exit of March, and and hopefully its winds, we welcome April, which also means Easter this month.

Easter brings up fond family memories which often consisted of visiting Falling Spring in Oregon County, Mo. during the holiday weekend.

Many family members would travel for this annual visit to the beautiful landmark for a picnic, hiking, games and a lot of laughs.

Graphic Designer

Then we would drive around the gravel roads of the wilderness. If you were lucky enough to be in the same vehicle as grandma, she would share her memories including where she attended school in a one-room schoolhouse that no longer stands as well as other memories surrounding her childhood home located close to Little Hurricane Creek known to many as Katie Creek.

In this month’s issue of Avenues, Vince shares with us the progress of Growing Kindness Learing Center in Viola, Ark. The groundbreaking was recently held of this of this facility that will help provide licensed childcare in a small town.

P.O.

Fax 870-895-4277

news@areawidenews.com

Elaine’s feature story is about Jim Best, who was a man most will never forget. He loved life, and life loved him. He was a man who stay involved with his community in many ways.

Another feature story is about the Mammoth Spring Lady Bears. A dominate team that had an amazing athletic year and captured the title of 2022-2023 Class 1A State Championship.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue of Avenues and see you next month for our travel edition!

Gardening

Here Come the Spuds...

WOW! This last month sure was full of “weather”. It rained. It had lots of wind. It got warm. It even had freezes. But April is here, and those April Showers will bring May flowers.

John Norberg Sharp County Master Gardener

April is not just for flowers though. Growing up on the farm, my dad taught us all about gardening. The one rule I never will forget is “Plant your potatoes on Good Friday”. Every year we did, and every year we had a bumper crop. So, why not plant you some potatoes?

Let’s begin by choosing your location. Potatoes like a spot that is in full sun, with a soil that is slightly acidic. They like loose soil, so you may have to amend your clay soil. Planting in a row has proven to me to be the best way to plant them as it makes it easier to weed around the plant.

Start by picking out your potatoes. Get seed potatoes or buy organic potatoes for best result. Regular bag potatoes have been treated with an anti-sprouting agent, thus they

take longer to sprout and begin growing. Cut your potato into quarters, making sure each part has an “eye” (sprout). Allow them to callous over before planting. Dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep. Place the potato cut side down in trench and cover with about 4 inches of soil. As the plant grows, continue adding soil to the trench and even mound it above the trench. This will encourage the plant to produce more potatoes.

Potatoes can also be grown in a container. In a large container, start by putting about 6 inches of soil in the bottom. Place your potato pieces on it and cover with about 4 inches of soil. As the plant grows, add more soil, or use straw, in stages as it grows, until the container is full.

Potato vines like about 1-2 inches of water a week during the growing stage. Especially during and after flowering. This is when the vine is making tubers. When the vine starts to die back and turn yellowish you can stop watering.

You can start harvesting baby new potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plant has stopped blooming. Full size potatoes can be harvested after the vine dies back, roughly about 80-100 days.

Leave the potatoes in the ground until it is time to har-

vest. When you have dug them up, let them sit on top of the soil for a few hours. This allows them to dry off and store longer. Brush off the loose soil and store in a paper bag in a cool space.

So, there you have it. You can be reaching into the dirt, or straw, and harvesting garden fresh potatoes in no time at all. As my dad said, “nothing beats garden fresh baby new potatoes with creamed peas”. Well, I would agree, except I would skip the creamed peas and just add more butter. When you gather your first crop, you just might catch yourself saying “here comes the Spuds”.

LocatedinthehistoricalCastleberryBuilding ontheSquareinSalem.

We’re here for you in your time of loss.

BARKER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY

“Our Family Serving Yours”

We are your full service funeral home and the only crematory in Fulton County

Growing Kindness Learning Center coming to Viola

Story by Vincent Marshall

photos By Vincent Marshall

Shaping the minds of little ones is going to be the goal for the new Growing Kindness Learning Center in Viola, Arkansas, which held a ground breaking ceremony on March 3, at its 9406 Hwy 62 location. Among the attendees of the grand opening were According to learning center owner Vanessa Billinger, the concept of the center came about when she wanted to do something for the community and fill a need that she has experience in. “My husband, daughter, and myself have all graduated from Viola,” Billinger said in the lead up to the grand opening. “When thinking of starting

a business in the community I wanted something that could include my family. I have worked in early childcare in Head Start and in the public elementary school system. I also know the importance of early Intervention and advocate for it because my daughter has cerebral palsy. I know first-hand how getting help early changed her life and our family. This is another reason for opening a daycare. I have a unique background of working with doctors, speech, physical, and occupational therapists and who to contact to get those services for young children.” Having an open heart for children and their needs

was the jumping off point for Billinger to take on the task of putting together the learning center. To begin the center, Billinger said she needed a background in Early Education or CDA along with other skills to build a quality daycare such as organizational skills, bookkeeping, the ability to lead, give caring customer service and know how to communicate with a large diverse amount of people.

As for the name Growing Kindness Learning Center, Billinger said it came during a brainstorming session with her husband.

“I knew that I wanted to do something a little different,” Billinger said. “I wanted to have a daycare that focused on kindness and growing plants from seeds to food that they can eat. As my husband and I were talking, he suggested writing down all the things that matter most to me. I wrote down several single words and as we talked the two words that kept jumping out at me were growing and kindness. We put the words together and formed the name Growing Kindness Learning Center.”

Having the new daycare in a town like Viola, which according to the United States Census Bureau, has a population of 360 persons as of 2021, was another bonus on putting it together for Billinger.

“There is a growing need for licensed childcare,” Billinger said. “People living in Viola have to go to Salem, Mountain Home, or West Plains for licensed childcare. This can be a hardship for our community. I will be able to serve families from all income levels.”

The planned curriculum for Growing Kindness Learning Center will be what’s in the title, kindness. Also, children will be learning about mindfulness, inclusion, and how we all have different feelings and how to express them in a positive way.

“We will be using the Kindness Curriculum, in addition to the other age-appropriate curriculums,” Billinger said. “We will be going back to nature by learning about how to grow things and the importance of healthy choices. We will let the children be children. They can create, play in the mud, use their imagination to be whatever they want to be. The children will have time to explore their surroundings, build social skills and work on building fine and gross motor skills.”

As part of the daily schedule will be breakfast, lunch, rest time and an afternoon snack. With meals provided and prepared by a personal cook on staff. The cook, according to Billinger, will introduce the children to new flavors, textures and colors of food. “We will be teaching the children stretching and breathing techniques to calm themselves or get ready for play,” Billinger said. “We will have a certified Yoga instructor on staff.”

Growing Kindness Learning Center will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be able to enroll 48 children. Billinger said there will be a waiting list on a first come, first served basis for the child’s age group to go with the 10 person staff.

For more information, contact Growing Kindness Learning Center by email at growingkindness123@ gmail.com.

According to Billinger, social media accounts through Facebook and Instagram will be made to give progress updates.

“We are projecting to be open by August or September of 2023,” Billinger said. “I am working on a website that will allow parents to sign up for information, complete forms and pay online. It will be ready for use very soon.”

MEDICAL DIRECTORY

COUNSELING SERVICES

Families, Inc. Counseling Services

Ash Flat - 870-994-7060

75K Hwy. 62/412, Ste. J

Ash Flat, AR

Mountain Home - 870-425-1041

700 S. Main, Mountain Home, AR

DENTISTS

Sonya Hames Wiles, D.D.S. Family Practice Dentistry

28 E. Court St., Melbourne, AR 72556

Telephone: 870-368-6666

Most insurances accepted

MCNA Dental & Delta Dental Smiles

Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic

Main Street, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554

870-625-3262

Dr. Mike Kersey, DDS

Tuesday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.mammothspringdental.com

HOME HEALTH

Elite Home Health

111 N. Main St. • Ste. 1, Salem, AR 72576

Phone: 870-895-2273 • Fax: 870-895-5515

www.lhcgroup.com

Hours of operation: 8:00-4:30 Monday-Friday

RN on call 24/7

We provide home health services of nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy and in-home aid services in the comfort of your home. “It’s all about helping people.”

Preferred Home Care

Trained and Professional Staff Offering Personal Care, ARChoices, PASSE, Veterans Aid and Attendance and Private Pay/Insurance 24/7

Mammoth Spring: 870-710-7053

Pocahontas: 870-248-1031

Rector: 870-595-2100

Spring River Home Health

1323 Hwy. 9 North Salem, AR 72576

870-895-2627

Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Personal Caregiver Program

HOSPITALS

On-Site Hospitalist

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Delta Medical Supply

www.ARdeltamedical.com

facebook.com/ARdeltamedical

15 Choctaw Trace, Cherokee Village, AR 72529

870-257-4445

916 Sidney St., Batesville, AR 72501

870-612-0049

401 Hwy. 5 N., Mountain Home, AR 72653 870-656-4140

Tri-County Medical Supply

We’re Here To Serve You”

260 Hwy. 62 E. Salem, AR 72576

Toll Free: 888-476-2234

www.tricountymedicalsupply.com

MENTAL HEALTH

Southern Missouri Community Health Center

West Plains • 417-255-8464

1137 Independence Dr., West Plains

Thayer • 417-264-2990

U.S. Hwy. 63 North, Thayer

NURSING/REHAB

Shady Oaks Healthcare Center

715 S. State Route 19, Thayer, MO 65791 417-264-7256

Dr. Christopher Cochran - Medical Director

Leigh Kincheloe, RN, LNHA - Administrator

Lynsey Miller, RN - Director of Nursing

Long Term Care • Rehabilitation Services

Wound Care • Hospice Care

In House PT OT ST Services • IV Services

Shepherd’s View ALF Alton, MO 65606 417-778-7959

Level 2 Assisted Living for Seniors

Activities of Daily Living

Diabetic Care • Restorative Care • Rehab Care

SouthFork River Therapy & Living 624 62/412 West, Salem, AR 72576 870-895-3817

Kathy Speaks - Administrator

Cassandra Stafford - Director of Nursing

Deb Jeffery - Admissions

Alton Drug Store 201 State Hwy. 19, Alton, MO 65606 417-778-7000

Mon.-Fri. 8 am to 5 pm • Sat. 9 am to noon

Becky Peace RPh

Matthew Combs RPh

RX--drive thru--mail--delivery Home Health Services Gifts Available

THERAPY SERVICES

Spring River Therapy 1323 Hwy. 9 North, Salem, AR 72576 870-895-2627

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy

A man’s spirit holds no bounds, continues to touch lives

Story by Elaine Brown photos Submitted

For those who had the honor of knowing Jim Best of Cherokee Village, Ark., they have recently lost a beloved friend in their lives. On Aug. 31, 2022, Jim Best passed away from cancer, a demon he battled with courage for one year before graciously succumbing to his foe. Yet Jim’s spirit lingers with those who knew him well, for he was always full of life, love and happiness which he shared with everyone he met; wherever he went, his joy was contagious.

Best was born in St. Louis in 1945, but his family moved to the Hardy, Ark. area when he was young.

Jim was an energetic youngster, playing in all kinds of sports, especially basketball, and getting involved in many activities. He excelled in boy scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim attended Hardy High School, graduating in 1963 as class Valedictorian.

Early in his teen years in 1957, Jim met a classmate in seventh grade, a sweet young lady named Patsy Church. Unbeknownst to either of them, they were soulmates and she was to become his final partner in life. Theirs was a true love story waiting to come to fruition decades later.

Church had an immediate first-sight crush on Jim which she carried with her even when they parted ways after high school. “I was smitten the first time I saw him and I believe God created a connection right then and there! We became high school sweethearts,” Church later wrote. Patsy found out years later that Jim carried a similar torch for her throughout the years. Life just took them in different directions, according to Patsy, with each of them marrying someone else at the age of 20.

Best attended University of Arkansas at Fayetteville initially, and finished his Bachelor’s degree as a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Best’s career was in sales and management for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for 33 years. During his tenure with the company, he became closely involved in promotional activities for several high-dollar sports such as auto racing and golfing. As part of his career, he traveled throughout the U.S., attending events and parties, making friends of some of the biggest stars in these sports. Names like Dale Earnhardt and Arnold Palmer were common in Best’s office and household. At his 40th birthday party thrown by R. J. Reynolds Company in 1985, “Razorback” Best, as he was called, said, “I remember the good ole days, when them Arkansas Hogs played without pads and there were no night games because electricity hadn’t been invented yet.”

The Reynolds Company Sales Department recognized Best’s success at his job was NOT due to good management and sound business judgment. Rather, “A winning smile, an easygoing manner and knowing the right people made Jim what he is today,” the company wrote in a sales staff memo titled “Best Hog Wins Top Position.” The memo, written in 1984, announced his promotion to Sales Director at Reynold’s Home Office in Winston-Salem, N.C., where Best relocated from Arkansas that year.

Best was also an avid motorcyclist, taking long trips across the country, such as a trip down Route 66 and along the Cherohala Skyway. Best traveled internationally as well, including motorcycle tours through Canada, Italy and Spain. He rode many different types of motorcycles over the years but had a special affinity for Harley-Davidson’s and BMW’s. Given the massive experience he had, Best was very proud of the 10 years he taught motorcycle safety courses to novice riders, sharing his

previous experiences by helping others develop their own set of motorcycle safety skills. At the same 40th birthday party, Jim reflected on his motorcycle days. “I knew I was getting on up there when I began falling off my dirt bike,” he said jokingly.

He was married for many years, fathering two daughters, Kara and Kristi, and ultimately five grandchildren, Joshua, Ethan, Lorelai, Magnus and Snow. In 2013 after many years of marriage, Jim and his wife decided to go their separate ways, and Jim moved to Florida where he used to vacation regularly.

Meanwhile, Patsy married at the age of 20 and ultimately moved to Houston, Texas where she had a son and a daughter. She lived in Houston for 24 years, before deciding it was time to move back home to Hardy in 1996 where her mother still resided. Her husband later passed away in 2016. Church and Best would run into each at some of the Hardy High School reunions over the years and

in 2017 started talking regularly over the phone. It wasn’t until 2018 when Jim returned home from Florida that they reconnected. Both single again and living in Hardy, Patsy and Jim were amazed they had this rebirth of a mutual love that had never left their hearts or their memories. “God had kept love in our hearts for each other until life circumstances allowed it to blossom, grow and bind us together,” Church recently wrote.

“When Jim and I reunited in 2018, he made sure I had a lot of opportunities to get to know his daughters and grandchildren,” Patsy shared. He was a very loving father and grandfather and she was grateful he wanted her to be a part of his family.

Together, Jim and Patsy were members and volunteers with the Hardy History Association (HHA) and served as curators for the HHA museum. As a team, they were instrumental in the beginning operations of the museum. Along

with many others, including Charles and Darlene Wilson, Rebecca Ashcroft, Pene Hadley, Nannette Daugherty and other members, they were successful in creating the Hardy History Museum in just a year’s time (2020-2021). The museum continues to grow with continuous help from Patsy, currently the sole curator after Jim’s passing. Jim and Patsy shared a house in Cherokee

Village during their years together and served that community in a number of different capacities. Jim served as a Commissioner of the Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District (SID) from 20202022. This reporter recalls when she first began covering SID meetings in 2021, Commissioner Best was extremely helpful in explaining some of the most basic, yet important distinctions between the roles of an SID and a city government. “His patience with my ignorance was very much noted and appreciated,” reporter E. Brown wrote. When reflecting on all the things Jim was involved in throughout his life, Patsy admired the breadth of activities he was really good at. These extended from Jim’s enthusiasm for motorcycle riding, his love for water sports including his certification as a scuba diver to his enjoyment of playing golf and fishing. He also was a very good tennis player and a skilled Bridge player, said Patsy. “Whatever Jim did he put his whole heart into it and enjoyed it immensely,” she expressed.

Jim Best, a quiet, observant man, and extremely bright, reflective, caring and always offering his assistance no matter what the situation… Giving of himself always to help others.

Local Taste

SIDEWINDER CAFE

962 HWY 62/412

ASH FLAT, AR

(870) 751-2020

Mon., Wed., Thurs. 11-9; Tues. 11-5; Fri. 11-11; Sat. 12-11; Sun. 12-5

Call ahead, Dine-In, Carry-Out

Facebook.com/Frontier-Lanes

MEACHAM’S

191 HWY 62/412

ASH FLAT, AR

(870) 994-2101

Tues. - Thurs. 11-8; Fri -Sat. 11-9

Dine-In & Carry-Out

Facebook.com/meachamsashflat

BUTTERCUP’S KITCHEN

922 N. Main St.

Cave City, AR

(870) 283-5000

Mon. - Sat. 6 am - 3 pm

Breakfast till 10:30 am

Facebook.com/Buttercups-Kitchen

ARTASIA MAIN ST. BISTRO / TWILIGHT APOTHECARY

112 E. Main St. | Hardy, AR

(870) 209-7606

Espressos, Teas, Homemade Baked Goods,Sandwiches and Wraps

Sun. 9-3; Mon. 7-3; Thurs.-Sat. 7-3

Facebook.com/artasia

SWINGLES FAMILY DINER

126 Locust St. Salem, AR

(870) 895-5008

Mon. - Sat. 6 am - 2 pm

Facebook.com/pages/Swingles

For your restaurant to be featured in our Local Taste, call 870-895-3207 and ask for the sales department.

AVENUES • April, 2023

Ash Flat

Cave City

Hardy

Salem

What’s Cookin’ in the Ozarks? What’s Cookin’ in the Ozarks?

Savory Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

Courtesy of Recipes.lnstantPot.com

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste

1-1/2 cups chopped onion

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon oregano leaves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 pound frozen shrimp, shelled and deveined, 21 to 25 count

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1. Select Saute (High) on the Instant Pot. Once the pot is hot, place the butter in the pot. Let it melt a little and then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Add the onion, tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Add the frozen shrimp. Press Cancel.

2. Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Set the pot to Pressure Cook/Manual on Low Pressure for 1 minute. At the end of the cooking time, use a quick release to depressurize. Give everything an additional stir to incorporate the shrimp into the rest of the lovely tomato broth.

3. Allow this to cool slightly. Sprinkle with the feta cheese, olives, and parsley.

This is a lovely, easy dish with shrimp, tomatoes, feta, and olives. Use frozen shrimp for best results. The dish makes a soupy broth so it's great over mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes.

Church Directory Church Directory

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

3612 Best Circle, Thayer, MO 65791

Office - 417-256-2556

Sacred Heart Schedule:

Weekday Mass: Thursday 11:30 a.m.

Weekend Mass: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Confession: First Sundays at 8:00 a.m.

Rosary: Sundays at 8:00 am.; Weekdays before Mass

Adoration: 3rd Thurs. & 1st Fri. 11:30 a.m.

Mammoth Spring Church of Christ

110 S. 3rd St. / P.O. Box 251

Sunday 10:00 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Barry O’Dell - Preacher

Find us on Facebook or YouTube

Ash Flat Church of God

124 Arnhart St. • Ash Flat, AR 501-574-8294

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening 5:00 p.m.

Thursday Bible Study 6:00 p.m.

Pastor CL Abbott

Salem United Methodist Church

205 Church St., Salem, AR 72576

Sunday School 10:00 am

Worship 11:00 a.m

870-847-6030 • 870-895-5157

Pastor Ken Anderson

Welcome Hill Church of Christ

16309 Highway 9 South, Mammoth Spring, AR PO Box 495 / 417-293-6355

Sunday Morning Bible Study 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Minister: Erman Croney - 417-264-3371

Peace Lutheran Church

4 Iroquois Dr. • Cherokee Village

870-257-3957

Pastor Brian Pummill

9 a.m. – Traditional Worship

10:15 a.m. – Adult Bible Study & Sunday School

11:15 a.m. – Contemporary Praise Service

Hardy Church of Christ

305 Johnston, Hardy, AR

870-847-6024

Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Mammoth Spring

16600 Highway 9, Mammoth Spring, AR 625-3273 • www.mammothspringfbc.com

Chris Powers, Pastor

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Service 6:30 p.m.

New Hope Baptist Church

1244 Hwy. 175 • Hardy, AR 72542

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

870-966-4997

Don Robbins, Pastor/Brother Food Pantry Last Saturday of Each Month - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church

Corner of Tekakwitha Dr. & Hwy. 62/412

Cherokee Village, AR • 870-257-2850

Email: stmichaelcv@yahoo.com www.stmichaelscv.org

Daily Mass: Mon., Thur., Fri. - 9 am; Wed. - 6 p.m.; Saturday Vigil - 4 p.m. Sunday - 9 a.m.

Rev. Amal Punganoor • 870-257-4456

First Christian Church

“Disciples of Christ”

7th & Archer Street, Mammoth Spring, AR

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday Evenings - 6:00 p.m. www.fccms.org

To reserve your church’s listing in Avenues’ Church Directory contact Areawide Media at 800-995-3209

Cherokee Village United Methodist Church

21 Otter Drive, Cherokee Village, AR 72529

Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday Night Meal - 5:15 p.m.

Wednesday Night Faith Infusion - 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 870-257-3869

Website: cherokeevillageumc.org

Pastor Angie Gage

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Business Highway 63, PO Box 241 Thayer, MO 65791

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Email: stpaulumc@centurytel.net

417-264-3296 • Pastor Mark Coffey

Faith Presbyterian Church

1001 Third Street, Horseshoe Bend, AR 72512

Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

2nd Day Bible Study - Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Email: faithpresby@centurytel.net

www.horseshoepresbyterian.org

Rev. David Schaller – Call 870-670-4103

Horseshoe Bend United Methodist Church 600 West Church Street 870-670-5392

Christian Conversation Wednesday - 12 noon

Sunday Worship - 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Ken Anderson

First Baptist Church of Hardy Highway 63-412, Hardy, AR

Sunday School-9:30 a.m.

Worship-10:45 a.m.

Evening Worship - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Larry Kindrick, Pastor - 870-847-0897

Hardy United Methodist Church

Fourth & Spring / Every Sunday

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Open Hearts ~ Open Minds ~ Open Doors

First Missionary Baptist Aba

Highway 62 West At Spruce, Salem, AR

Sunday School-9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship-11:00 a.m.

Sunday Night Services - 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Services - 6:30 p.m.

Call 870-895-2634 or 371-2067

Pastor Holden Phillips 870-834-5852

2023 Class 1A State Champions Mammoth Spring Lady Bears

Story by Renee Janes

photos Renee Janesand Submitted

Mammoth Spring Lady Bears have been known throughout the community for their fierce basketball skills, dominating the court and this year they won the 1A State Championship. With Tuesday, March 14 declared Mammoth Spring Lady Bears Day by the City of Mammoth Spring, a special parade and ceremony was held to recognize the team’s accomplishments. With a record of 38-4, a conference record of 8-0 and held the number one 1A rankings almost every week in the season. In addition, they won several tournament championships including Lady Blackhawk Tournament, Thayer Winter Classic, Battle of the Border – three years in row, 1A 3 Conference Champs – four years in a row, 1A 3 District Champs – five years in a row,

Region 2 Tournament Champs – back to back, 1A State Finales – back to back and 1A State Finals Championship for 2022-2023 season. Many team members were also 1A Conference players recognized including Adriana Corbett, Brynn Washam, Laney Young, Lauren Skaggs, Sara Crowe and Tay Davis. Those recognized for 1A All-Region were Brynne Washam, Tay Davis and Sara Crowe. 1A All-State included Adrianna Corbett, Brynn Washam and Taye Davis. 1A AllState Tournament recognition went to Brynn Washam, Laney Young and Tay Davis. Mammoth Spring Lady Bears Coach Small was named 1A 3 Girls Coach of the Year.

MC Adam Davis shared a proclamation that was signed by Mammoth Spring Mayor Danny

Busch. “Congratulating the Mammoth Spring Lady Bears Senior Basketball team for its first ever state basketball championship and declaring Tuesday, March 14, as Lady Bears Day. Whereas, the Mammoth Spring High School girls basketball team, the Lady Bears, through hard work and perseverance over many hard fought games reached the finals in the state 1A tournament. The Lady Bears take great pride in respecting their opponents by playing the game of basketball with class and dignity. Whereas, the demanding athletic competition requires the highest levels of skill, determination, teamwork, focus, un-selfless commitment to others and whereas, these 15 outstanding high school players

Lauren Skaggs, Sara Crowe, Brynn Washam, Adrianna Corbett, Laney Young, Tay Davis, Krysta Crawford, Jailee Tyson, Aly Risner, Lauren Parker, Kyleigh Williams, Molly Corbett, Bethany Robbins, Savannah McDonald and Aly Guernsey have represented themselves, their families, school and community proudly. The team was coached by Head Coach Scott Small with the help of managers Anna Nicholson, Elaina Russell, Cadence Guernsey and Lillian Cochran. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mammoth Spring mayor and city council that the council hereby commands congratulates and gives special recognition to the Mammoth Spring School girls basketball team for its extraordinary achievement

of its first ever state title.

“We are very proud of these girls for accomplishing something for the first time in Mammoth Spring history. We are hoping that we have next too for two years in a row. We have seen what they do on the court, I think most of you have been there to those games, I am just going to tell you, behind the scenes, what they accomplish in the classroom with their academics, grade point average…These girls are going to accomplish many things as great or greater than what they did Friday night,” said Mammoth Spring School District Superintendent Jenny Whisnant, stating the team had grace all the way through.

ACNA’s February Artist of the Month: LuAnn Martin

The Arts Center of North Arkansas’s April Artist of the Month is musician

LuAnn Martin. While her primary instrument has been the clarinet, her current love is the harp. The offspring of amateur musicians, LuAnn can’t remember when she wasn’t making music. As a paid and sometimes volunteer musician, she has performed on stage in symphonies; in the orchestra pit for operas, ballets, and staged musicals; at Carnegie Hall; and on tour in Europe.

By Cheri Lynn Quattrochi

LuAnn grew up in Troy, Ohio, where her school system provided various musical opportunities. In third grade she started piano; in the fifth, she began clarinet and violin. The solid foundation given her by demanding yet encouraging teachers was invaluable. In high school, LuAnn participated in marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra, choir, and girls’ cho-

rale. She excelled at music and dreamed of making it her life’s work. Attending the Conservatory at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, on scholarship, she received a Bachelor of Music in Performance. While there, she began playing the harp.

Attending graduate school at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, she majored in performance, concentrating on musicology. While there, she began her professional career, taught in the prep division at the Conservatory, played as a free-lance clarinetist, and was a founding member of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.

In 1983 she moved to Memphis where her husband played in the Memphis Symphony. Eventually, she freelanced in the Symphony, playing “extra,” (subbing when needed). Meanwhile, she taught in the prep division of the University of Memphis’ music department.

Throughout the next decades, she divorced, raised her daughter, remarried, and moved to Naples, Florida. Mostly retired, she occasionally freelanced and played with the Naples Community Band, one of the finest in the country.

Ben and LuAnn moved to Cherokee Village in

2015. Shortly afterwards, Ben was diagnosed with cancer. She retired completely to care for him. In March 2021, he passed, and LuAnn found herself in a brain fog with no focus. Then, she rediscovered the harp. While searching for the right harp, she met Charlotte Turner at the Arts Center. Another ACNA member Marty Williams mentioned that Charlotte played the harp. Charlotte loaned LuAnn a small lap harp until LuAnn could find an instrument. She’ll always believe God orchestrated that day’s events.

LuAnn’s Celtic harp is a 32-string lever harp. Each string has a lever that raises or lowers the pitch of the string, thus allowing one to play in different keys. Most harpers name their instruments. Luann’s “Rainie” is named for her bichon who died the day before she found her harp.

After a 46-year hiatus, amazing muscle memory, the ability to read music, and the “aging” incentive enabled LuAnn to quickly recapture her skills. Maintaining a current repertoire, she’s always prepared to play at events. Her pedantic approach involves dividing her practice among technique, new music, and old standards. With no teacher, LuAnn subscribes to an online group led by a teacher in Scotland. As a bonus, this venue has connected her to a community of fellow harpers.

Playing the harp is LuAnn’s safe place. When playing in her music room, everything evaporates—except the music. This is reflected in her Artist Statement: “Music is intangible. All we have of any performance is the actual experience, the memory of the experience, and the feelings and thoughts it evokes. My goal in performing is to draw the listener into the “story” I’m telling, and my goal as a harper is to learn and perfect something new every day. Playing and listening to music affect the brain like no other daily activity.”

ACNA April Activities

Questions? Call 870-751-3793. Watch for flyers and newspaper notices. Check ACNA’s Facebook page or website.

Writing, first Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Art, second Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Photography, third Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Tai Chi, Mondays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.

Clay/Pottery, Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Mountain Dulcimer, Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m.

Open Studio, Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.

April 17, 2:30 p.m., Board Meeting—Members welcome!

12th annual Salem High School Beta Club Bass Tournament results

Chance Harber

Salem School District student

Salem High School Beta Club sponsored its 12th annual bass tournament. Takeoff was scheduled for 7:30 a.m., but the anglers had to be patient as they waited for that fog to lift. Finally, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the anglers were able to safely take off and attempt to conquer the fish. They returned to weigh in at 4:30 p.m. They enjoyed some baked goods offered by the Beta Club members, and they anxiously watched as the fish were weighed and the winners were announced. Results for the tournament are as follows:

1st place ($1,000) and Big Bass ($200), Justin Tyler and Conley Tyler 12.46/4.56;

2nd place ($700), Leon Newberry and Darrell Stuart 9.87;

3rd place ($500), Wes James and Garrett Brickey 9.83;

4th place ($200), Douglas Overstreet and Hoyt Overstreet 9.43; Trash Fish ($160) Shawn Eberle and L.B. Shaw;

5th place, Cory Tyler and Randy Tyler 9.18;

6th place, Tony Pierce and Blake Greene 9.14;

7th place, Kelly Hancock and Kenny Amerson 9.00;

8th place, Verlin Cotter and Jerry Buck 8.76;

9th place, Jesse Kinder and Mason Kinder 8.73;

10th place, Tracy Hudspeth 8.71;

11th place, Seth Martin and Tripp Martin 8.13;

12th place, Keaton Bassham and Alan Bassham 7.72;

13th place, Lanny Dooley and Tommy Dunning 7.03;

14th place, Jeff Ramsey and Justin Harrill 6.76;

15th place, Scott Adams and Kent Adams 6.41;

16th place, Jeff Creecy and Vic Herrera 6.14;

17th place, Michael Jordan and Stetson Holler 4.18;

18th place, James Copeland and Drew Copeland 3.76;

19th place, Bill Poe and Rick Watson 3.53;

20th place, Ted Kerley and Keyden Kerley 2.06.

The Salem High School Beta Club appreciates all businesses and individuals who helped sponsor the event, and we give a huge shout out to all the anglers. We are already preparing for next year’s event.

WIN A DINNER FOR TWO

FRED’S FISH HOUSE

RULES: To register for the drawing, fill out a card on location at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring, Ark. Look for the pictured box to drop your card in to be registered. The drawing will still take place around the end of each month at the restaurant.

RULES: To register for the drawing, fill out a card on location at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring, Ark. Look for the pictured box to drop your card in to be registered. The drawing will still take place around the end of each month at the restaurant.

LAST MONTH’S WINNER: Joyce Vaughn

LAST MONTH’S WINNER: RIta Newberry

A FREE DINNER GIVEAWAY FOR TWO WILL BE APRIL 19.

THE NEXT DRAWING FOR

THE NEXT DRAWING FOR

A FREE DINNER GIVEAWAY FOR TWO WILL BE JANUARY 16.

Fred’s Fish House is located in downtown Mammoth Spring, Ark. The restaurant has been family owned and operated for nearly 35 years. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fred’s is open and ready to provide great service with a smile.

Spring Fever

By: Dewayne French

As the seasons change, spring brings new life to the Ozarks. Turkeys begin gobbling, bass start biting, and a bag of delicious morels can be had, now that’s spring fever time in the Ozarks. If you have lived around here long enough you can relate to this. The gobble of a male “Tom” turkey right at daybreak brings a big smile to even the oldest child in the woods. As the water begins warming up in the rivers and lakes, the bass are ready to bite. Morel mushrooms just seem to appear overnight and right in the spot where you just looked yesterday.

A tom turkey gobbling in the early morning tells the hens where he is and that’s how we as hunters can track them down during spring turkey season. Sometimes they will give their location away the evening before by doing a tree gobble right before dark-30. Hunting turkey in the spring is a popular Ozark activity and a perfect example of spring fever. When you get out into the woods early, before daylight, and set up on a gobbler your anticipation begins to mount. All the while, you listen for the close gobble of a turkey. Then the plan meets the preparation and hopefully a turkey tag get filled out.

Bass live in a world many of us, and especially me, don’t understand. They live in the water, whether it is a stream, creek ,river, or one of the many beautiful Ozarks lakes we have. The underwater world is very mysterious and far away from life as we know it. Bass live by instinct, seasonal changes, and bait fish movements. Bass generally live shallow in the spring waiting for the water temperatures to warm up. This is for them to make nests for their young. Bass make this migration to the shallows following their deep water cold winter haunts. Spring brings about feeding bass that are ready to eat. This is to help with spawning activities that will begin soon after the water temperatures reach in to the mid-upper 50 degree range.

Morel mushrooms are an Ozarks area staple in the spring. I mean a good meal of fresh turkey or fish, with a generous amount of fried morels makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Morels can be easy, but yet hard to find, all at the same time. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know what spring fever means to me and my family. The Ozarks region

offers a lot to do around the “Spring Fever” time of the year. As I set here writing this, I think back on past spring turkey hunts. I think of spring fishing trips that came and went. I also want to go out and find a bag of morels to share with my family. As spring also brings out the pollen and storms, please everybody stay safe in your Ozarks outdoor adventures. And if your out fishing, turkey hunting, or even getting your own morel mushrooms, remember, leave some for the rest of us in these beautiful Ozarks we have.

Remember we all “Live Downstream” so please pick up your trash and any other trash you see out floating around! Never discard old fishing line in the river or lake! Wear your life jacket, and tell your family your expected return times, and a general location of where you plan to fish as they.

Check out my social media pages and follow my fishing adventures around the Ozark waters we call home.

Facebook: Dewayne French Fishing

Twitter: @French_fishin

Instagram: french_fishin

Youtube: Dewayne French or French Fishing

essential element of life because without water you can’t go fishing.

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Water is the most