The
Answer Book
Your Information Guide
A Publication of the NEA Town Courier and Osceola Times Serving Craighead and Mississippi County, Arkansas
October 2019-2020
Tom Staten
GREAT PRICES GET YOU HERE, SERVICE
BRINGS YOU BACK. Shannon Shipman
Keith Wyatt
Rick Hise
Robbie Kennedy
Scan for Inventory and Directions.
Ron Christian
Logan Wallace
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T
County offices relocated
he Mississippi County Courthouse in Blytheville is undergoing a $14 million renovation project and for the next 14 to 24 months, business normally conducted at that location will be done at the former Arkansas Northeastern College Burdette Center. All county offices have been moved to the temporary location in Burdette, withthe exception of the Circuit Clerk’s office, which is at 206 North Second Street in Blytheville. Circuit Court for Blytheville was the last to move to the ANC Burdette Center, doing so on Oct. 14. County officials urge residents to pay attention to the directional signs when they arrive on campus. Those going to Circuit Court will turn left. Those visiting any courthouse offices, turn to the right. Offices are listed on the doors to help patrons identify which buildings they need
The former ANC Burdette building is the temporary Blytheville courthouse location.
to enter. Mississippi County held a special election this past February for voters to approve or oppose a bond issue in the amount of $18,100,000. The bond issue passed with 72 percent of residents voting in favor. This bond issue finances the renovation of both the Blytheville and Osceola courthouses, as well as construct
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a 17,390 square foot addition to the Blytheville courthouse. One hundred years ago, the county judge and commissioners began planning the construction of the Blytheville building in 1919. The Osceola courthouse is the county seat and seven years older. It is getting a $2 million renovation.
Manila Office 3626 W. State Hwy. 18 • Manila, AR Northside Office 600 West Moultrie • Blytheville, AR Main Office 400 West Main • Blytheville, AR Gosnell Office 203 Airbase Hwy. 401 • Gosnell, AR Wilson, AR Branch 1 Park Avenue • Wilson, AR East Office 3824 E. Main • Blytheville, AR
Front row: Justin Bell, Randy Scott, Shelly Crosskno, and Jeanna Hicks. Back row: Tiffny Hoskins, Lacey McClish, Jacob Rithey, and Evelyn Jacob.
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Outback Office 401 West Walnut • Blytheville, AR
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CALL TODAY 201 E. 3RD ST. LEACHVILLE, AR 72438 (870) 539-6357
507 W STATE HWY 18 MANILA, AR 72442 (870) 561-4511
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Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
B
ig Lake National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located less than three miles east of Manila on Highway 18. Big Lake is one of the oldest refuges, established in 1915. The 11,038 acre refuge has more than 2,600 acres of wilderness. A new headquarters facility houses offices, a visitor center, a meeting room, and a classroom. Visitors to the center can view the many displays, including pictures and history information telling the story of Big Lake. Big Lake has several walking trails, fishing, 5,000 acre refuge and protected bird species. It also has the state champion Overcup Oak Tree, the largest in the state. Big Lake has three bald eagle nests on the refuge. Big Lake is home to a variety of wildlife species. It provides habitat for a variety of wintering waterfowl species. A handicapped accessible observation deck and fishing pier is located off Highway 18.
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
There are areas for bank fishing and two public boat launching ramps. Fishing is allowed throughout all refuge waters March through October. During the months of November through February fishing is restricted to 200 acres and limited to non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors. Steven Rimer serves as the Big Lake Refuge manager.
18878 Hwy 18 Monette, AR 72447 870-486-2266
Phone: 870-486-5476 Fax: 870-486-5613
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Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance, Veteran Affairs, Private Pay 415 Chickasawba, Ste 6, Blytheville, AR 72315
870-281-CARE (2273) | Fx: 870-281-2274 Clay Stewart, Manager
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www.allcarehomecarellc.com
Southworth celebrates 40 years
S
outhworth Products Corporation has three locations, 715 South Highway 77, Manila, 605 Olympia Street, Manila,and 1100 East 3rd Street, Leachville. It is the world's largest manufacturer of ergonomic materials handling equipment in vertical lifting and work positioning. Their lifts are designed to improve worker productivity while reducing the potential for worker injuries. Whether it's lifting and positioning work, handling pallets, working with parts in containers or transporting loads, Southworth has a way to make the job faster, safer and easier.
Southworth is a privately held corporation whose owners are interested in the lives and well being of the employees and in the communities in which they live. Southworth has been designing and building products to increase worker and machine productivity for over 125 years. Southworth opened in Manila in 1979 at the Olympia location and has continued to grow with over 225 employees. Through the years Southworth continues to be a good corporate citizen through its community involvement in a number of different projects.
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Southworth has been in Manila for 40 years.
Just a few of the projects include working with the Lions Club to distribute toys for tots during the holiday season, back pack programs for the school and building picnic tables for the park. One of the latest projects is the
building of a large metal archway at the city park. Southworth celebrated their 40th year in Manila with a dinner catered by John 3:16 for employees and guests, entertainment for the kids and a Southworth welding contest.
209 W. Moultrie P.O. Box 463 Bus. 72316-0463 Blytheville, AR 72316-0463
(870) 763-1161 Office 607 W. Broadway
GARY WREN
We have our famous Hunt Brothers Pizza
We have our famous Krispy Krunchy chicken
Five Convenient Locations To Serve You 209 W. Moultrie Hwy. 151 & Shields 604 W. Keiser Hwy. 18 & Baltimore Ave. 410 Main St. Blytheville Gosnell Osceola Manila Leachville 870-763-9221 870-532-2424 870-563-5360 870-561-4522 870-539-6711
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Blytheville city officials Mayor City Clerk Financial Director Personnel Director District Judge City Attorney Police Chief Fire Chief Director Of Public Works
James Sanders Connie Mosley John Callens Judy Andrews Shannon Langston Chris Brown Ross Thompson Mike Carney Mark Key
Code Enforcement Supervisor Parks and Activities Director Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member
Ricky Jefferson Cody Wyatt Matt Perrin R.L. Jones John Mayberry Barbara McAdoo John Musgraves Vera James
Lunsford’s Flower Shop,Inc. Loving Arms Staffing Agency LLC 1505 West Main Street, Blytheville,AR 72315
Our Personal Care Service is tailored to satisfy the needs of each patient. 545 N. 10th Street, Blytheville, Ar. 72315 Ph. 870-824-2973 • Fax: 870-824-2975 ACCEPTING: MEDICAID • AR-CHOICES • SELF-PAY
Margaret Lunsford Abbott (870) 763-7001 www.lunsfordsflowers.com
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870.243.2820
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Liz, Alley, & Cassandra 322 N. Sixth Street, Blytheville, AR 72315 (870) 762-2561 • Walk-Ins Welcome honeypie20032000@yahoo.com Specializing in Mens Haircuts and Products
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12667 Hwy 18 - Lake City, AR 72437 Milliganheatandair.com Units starting at $3,990 + tax certain rules may apply “Credit Cards accepted and Financing available” “Sales and Service to all Major Brands”
Blytheville Humane Society The Blytheville Humane Society is a volunteer animal shelter located at 2530 Arizona Street in Blytheville near the old Eaker Air Force Base. The organization has been a no-kill shelter since 2012. The Humane Society has both dogs and cats with a dog adoption fee of $125 and a cat adoption fee of $25. You can contact Pam Ford at 870-838-5512 if you are interested
EDWARDS AUTOMOTIVE 24/7 WRECKER & REPAIR 870.532.1133
in becoming a foster home or volunteering.
Blytheville Animal Control Blytheville Animal Control shelter is located at 2530 B Arizona Street in Blytheville. The Animal Control Shelter is a city-run shelter that operates under Code Enforcement. Animal Control also has an animal control officer and can be contacted at 870-824-0006.
1207 South Division • Post Office Box 566 Blytheville, AR 72316-0566 Telephone: (870)
762-2206 Name Brand Perfumes and Colognes of the Highest Quality. Proms! Weddings! Choirs! Graduations!
Eastside Animal Hospital 1419 E. Moultrie, Blytheville - 870-762-5781 Owner/Operator: Thomas Gall, DVM Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Athletic Shoes • Jeans Colognes • Suits 650 East Main • Blytheville, AR 870-763-2222
Harry or Tina Mon. - Sat. 8:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. gqfashions@gmail.com
601 6th Street, Blytheville, Arkansas 870.762.2525 “Your Health Has Been Our Business Since 1945” Custom Jewelry. Repairs performed in-house
700 N. 6TH 870-763-4451
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Area libraries
Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday.
Kohn Memorial Libary, Monette Kohn Memorial Library is a branch of the Crowley Ridge Regional Library. It is located at 103 South Edmonds Ave in Monette. The phone number is (870) 486-6345. Hours are: 2-6 p.m. Monday; 2-8 p.m. Tuesday; 8 a.m. until noon and 26 p.m. Wednesday; 2-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
McAdams Library, Lake City McAdams Library is a branch of the Crowley Ridge Regional Library. It is located at 106 Cobean Dr. The phone number is (870) 237-4407. Hours are: 2-8 Monday; 2-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 a.m.-noon and 2-6 p.m. Thursday; and 2-6 p.m. Friday. The library is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Manila Public Library, Manila Manila Public Library is a branch of the Mississippi County Library and is located at 103 Dewey Street. Phone number is (870) 561-3525. Hours are 1-8 p.m. Monday; 1-5 p.m. Wednesday; 1-5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday.
Leachville Public Library, Leachville Leachville Public Library is a branch of the Mississippi County Library and Blytheville Public Library, Caraway Public Library, Caraway is located inside the Arkansas NorthCaraway Public Library is a branch Blytheville eastern College Leachville, 105 South Blytheville is the main branch of of the Crowley Ridge Regional Library. the Mississippi County Library System. Main Street.The phone number is It is located at 1028 East State Street. (870) 539-6485. The phone number is (870) 482-3394. It is located at 200 North 5th Steet. Hours are: 1-5 p.m. Monday, Phone number is (870) 762-2431. Hours are: 2-6 p.m. Monday through Hours are: 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mon- Wednesday and Friday. Friday with extended hours on Tuesday from 8 until noon and until 8 p.m. day; 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; on Thursday. The library is closed on 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday; 1-4 p.m.
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ANC one of top two-year colleges By JONET’ WASHINGTON NEA Town Courier
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rkansas Northeastern College’s Division of Allied Technologies has a lot to offer with its newest location specifically when it comes to workforce preparation. The division provides technical degrees, technical certificates, as well as certificates of proficiency. Arkansas Northeastern College There are two components to the center; Workforce DevelopThe staff has around 19 peo- Technical Center. The Tech Cenment and Career and Technical ple in its division, including ter is designed specifically for programs for credit. three engineers, mechanical, high school students of each Students can receive their electrical and metallurgical. In- school district in Mississippi Associate of Applied Science in structors of welding courses are County. Computer Information Systems, all certified by the American Director of ANC Technical Advanced Manufacturing, Gen- Welding Society. General conCenter Michelle Bennett said, eral Technology-Welding, Gen“We average about 205 students, tractors and adjuncts that are eral Technology-Air specialized in certain fields pro- they can take classes in six difConditioning and Refrigeration, vide training as well. ferent programs of study: Aviaand Steel Industry Technology. “We have five people that can tion, Construction, Criminal “Our Steel Technology proteach the , four people that Justice, Medical Professions, gram is one of the fewest in the teach the American Heart Asso- Welding, and Industrial Technation and the only one in the ciation First-Aid CPR,” said Ben- nologies.” state,” said Vice President of nett. “So many of our staff are She continued, “I communiWorkforce Development Gene cross-trained so that everyone’s cate with the counselors and the Bennett. needs are met.” principals by sending a schedule Technical certificates are ofBennett also mentioned the and they put our classes on the fered for: Welding, Aviation Solutions Group, which is student’s schedules. There is no Maintenance, Administration catered to businesses and indus- admissions criteria, no ACT reSupport, Air Conditioning and tries that are looking to train ex- quirements and they come on a Refrigeration. Certificates of isting or prospective employees. block schedule.” Proficiency are offered for: Bennett explained, “The SoMichelle explained how stuCriminal Justice, Clerical Suplutions Group is our customized dents can receive both high port, Advanced Manufacturing, training wing and what we do school and college credit General Aviation, General Inthere is, as businesses and inthrough the program. dustrial Technology, Industrial dustries need additional training “Every student that takes Electrical Systems, Welding, and for their existing workforce or classes here receives high school Construction technology. prospective employees, they tell credit, if the registration forms “The Construction Technolus what they need and we have and paperwork is completed ogy program is relatively new, four additional classrooms that they may also take courses for and we are continuing to build are used to conduct that traincollege credit as well, with the on it,” explained Bennett. ing, without interfering with our exception of a few of the MedThe division also offers busi- regular classes.” ical Professions courses.” ness programs and a criminal If someone wanted to rent a One of the biggest benefits of justice program as students can room and do their own training the Tech Center program is that receive their Associate of Scithey can do so in the Solutions high school students can take ence degree in Office ManageGroup wing. courses to receive college credit, ment, Aviation Maintenance, High school students have or their certifications, for free! and Criminal Justice. opportunities with the ANC “For construction, the stu-
dent comes for four semesters and leaves with a certificate of proficiency, and they can graduate with it at no cost. Students can earn these credentials while in high school and they don’t have to pay for them. The same is for aviation and welding,” said Michelle. Michelle added, “If a student is here for a year and a half taking medical professions courses and they are instructor recommended with good performance, they are eligible to take the college EMT class and we pay the tuition for that as well.” Michelle emphasized that the certifications students receive fully prepare them for the workforce. “They can graduate high school with these certifications and go straight to work with it,” said Michelle. Job shadowing is also available for students that want to experience certain fields before making a commitment. Both Gene and Michell Bennett expressed that the goal is to prepare our students for the workplace and make sure they learn professionalism. Anyone interested in taking courses in the Center for Allied Technology is encouraged to reach out or visit the building located on 2501 S Division street in Blytheville, Ark. or the school website http://www.anc.edu
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Leachville ANC serving the community
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rkansas Northeastern College’s Leachville branch has been serving Leachville and the surrounding area for over 30 years. It began as Mississippi County Community College Leachville Center in 1988. The original building, constructed around 1900, was purchased and renovated by Charles “Boe” and Myrna Adams. It was furnished and equipped by the citizens of Leachville. It was dedicated to MCCC on September 3, 1988. The original building was destroyed by fire on Oct. 2, 1994. It was rebuilt and dedicated once again in December of 1995.
Arkansas Northeastern College’s Leachville branch The building also houses the Leachville branch of the Mississippi County Library. The Adult Education GED
Local firm ‘Google Guaranteed’ Sierra Group & Associates Construction LLC of Blytheville has now partnered with Google Services as a Google Guaranteed Contractor. Per Google, “This pro is backed by the Google Guarantee, which means they’re licensed, insured, and pre-screened. Any job you book with them is guaranteed to be done right or your money back.” Marcos Sierra, president of the company, says that “it feels great to know that a small Blytheville-based company specializing in roofing can attain the trust of the Silicon Valley tech giant.”
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classes are ongoing at the Leachville center three days a week. GED classes are held on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until
7:30 p.m.; Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Victoria Sierra, vice president of the company, is thankful for the firm’s past and present clients “for giving us an opportunity to show who we are as individuals and as a business.” Commercial and residential property owners may contact Sierra Group & Associates Construction LLC to schedule their free estimates at (870) 278-8099, or by visiting their website at www.sgacontractors.com. Sierra Group & Associates Construction LLC has been providing contracting services in the Mississippi County and surrounding areas for the past 7 years. The company recently received the prestigious Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Business Ethics.
Osceola, county have rich history of musicians his own name in 1949 and 1951 on the Alben and New Song labels, including "Got Nobody to Tell My Troubles To.”
By SANDRA BRAND Times Editor
W
illie Bloom, Jim Seals, Willie Isom, The Grove Boys, Little Water Jefferson... They were legends in their own right. And, they led the path for the likes of Albert King, Jimmy Thomas and Son Seals. What was their common ground? They were Osceola boys and they loved the blues, playing in every joint on Highway 61 from the Memphis bridge to the Missouri state line... Distance's Place, Willie Bloom's, the Dipsey Doodle, the T-99, the State Line Club, Black Willie's, George York's Place, Bootlegger Alley, The Big Apple Club... And, the local boys weren't the only guys creating a stir. Clubs along Highway 61 were famous among young, upcoming artists of all genres. Music Highway 61 runs straight through Mississippi County and the City of Osceola. Before the construction of Interstate 55, Highway 61 was the connection between Memphis and St. Louis... a road well traveled by musicians who wanted to make it big. Therefore, the clubs in Osceola were the convenient, hot places to play during the 1940s-70s.
Willie Bloom Local boys were also able to make a few connections to further their own careers. Among those was Osceola's own "Sweet Man," Willie Bloom, who captured Southern cotton workers' sentiment with his legendary Blues music dating back to 1918. Bloom, whose recordings included "Osceola Blues," played alongside musical giants such as W.C. Handy, Jimmy Lunceford, Fats Pichon, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Fats Waller.
Albert King
Albert King Albert King was born Albert Nelson on April 25, 1923 in Indianola, Miss. One of 13 children, King grew up picking cotton on plantations around Osceola where his family moved in 1931. His first introduction to music was singing in church and listening to his father, Will Nelson, play guitar. He began his professional work as a musician with a group called In The Groove Boys in Osceola. Around Osceola, he was known as “Black Albert.” He later purchased the famous Osceola juke joint, The T-99, from M.C. Reeder. Up until the early 60s, King dominated the northern Arkansas scene. He was wellknown for his powerful string-bending style as well as for his soulful, smoky vocals. In 1983, he was inducted into both the W.C. Handy International Blues Awards Hall of Fame and the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. Calvin Frazier Perhaps one of the most distinctive blues performers in the world was born in Osceola on February 16, 1915 and lay buried in a Michigan unmarked grave for some 37 years. Calvin Frazier was said to have a unique and distinctive sound. He played with the likes of Johnny Shines, Robert Johnson, James “Peck” Curtis, Big Maceo Merriweather, Rice Miller, Washboard Willie and Alan Lomax. He released three singles under
Buddy Jewell Osceola native Buddy Jewell rose to fame in 2003 as the first winner of USA Network’s Nashville Star. He followed the show with several hit Buddy Jewell songs like “Help Pour Out the Rain (Lacey’s Song)” and “Sweet Southern Comfort”... achieving gold status on his debut album by selling more than 500,000 copies.
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash Country music legend “the Man in Black” has put one town in South Mississippi County on the map. Born February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Johnny Cash was born John R. Cash, one of seven children belonging to Ray and Carrie Rivers Cash. When Johnny was three years old, his father moved the family to the Dyess Colony. Cash remained in the Dyess Colony until his graduation from high school in
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1950. In later years, Cash would draw from his life in Arkansas for inspiration. "Pickin' Time," "Five Feet High and Rising" and "Look at Them Beans" are all reflections on Cash's early life.
James “Pee Wee” Madison
James “Pee Wee” Madison Everyone has heard of Muddy Waters, but did you know his guitar player was from Osceola? James "Pee Wee" Madison grew up playing the blues all
over Osceola, inspired by the music of Little Walter Jefferson. In the 1950s, he moved on to the music scene in Chicago. His big chance came when he joined the band of Muddy Waters in 1963, replacing guitarist Pat Hare.
Jimmy “Popeye” Thomas It was the 1940s and 50s. A different time... a different era. Bootlegging, gambling, and Blues music filled the streets of Osceola. Jimmy "Popeye" Thomas grew up on the east side of Osceola and turned those experiences into a successful musical career in London, England. One day soon after Thomas left school, Albert King took him to St. Louis to meet Ike Turner. Upon the recommendation of King, Thomas became a vocalist for Turner's "Kings Of Rhythm" in early 1958. Thomas settled in London in 1969 and soon formed his own production company called Osceola Records.
Walter “Lefty Dizz” Williams
Walter “Lefty Dizz” Williams Perhaps the greatest Bluesman of all time and once called the “king” of the Chicago Blues scene was born in Osceola April 29, 1937. Walter Williams, nicknamed Lefty Dizz, began playing the guitar after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. Entirely self-taught, he played a standard right-handed model flipped upside down, without reversing the strings. His sound was raw and distorted and rooted deep in old time blues. Critics
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say Lefty Dizz could “hypnotize and mesmerize people like no one else.”
Dale Evans While Osceola and South Mississippi County are rich in Blues heritage, it is also home to many other musicians including singer/actress Dale Evans. Frances Octavia Smith, known to the world as Dale Dale Evans Evans, was born October 31, 1912. When she was seven years old her father turned the family farm back over to her grandfather, sold his interest in a hardware store, and moved the family
to Osceola. At age eight, Evans learned to play the piano, which she loved, but became bored with scales and routine exercises, preferring to come up with her own compositions. Her first public singing solo was at church in Osceola singing "In The Garden", but she admits at the time she much preferred jazz music. By age 12, Evans was a freshman at Osceola High School, easily looking and acting older than her age. Too young to attend the public dances at the courthouse in Osceola, she talked her mother into chaperoning them just so she could go along with her as a way of getting to dance. It was at one of these dances that she met a tall, dark haired, 18-year old boy named Thomas Fox. When her parents realized she was dating the boy they forbid her to see him again, so she continued to see him secretly. When she was 14, Tom lied about their ages in order to get a marriage license and the two of them eloped and were married in
the home of a Baptist minister in Blytheville. Her divorce was official from Thomas Fox in 1929 when she was 17 years old.
Narvel Felts
Narvel Felts Somewhat of a legend in Osceola, Narvel Felts is an original Rock N’ Roll artist straight from the 1950's who managed to become a major country artist in the 1970's. And his roots, well they are imbedded in the Delta gumbo. The son of Albert and Lena Felts, Albert Narvel Felts
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was born November 11, 1938, in a farm house near Keiser. Felts grew up to record with Sun Studios and in 1975, his “Reconsider Me” was the number one Record of the Year. Narvel entered the 2000s numbered among the top country artists of all time. More than 200 of his recordings have been released on CD.
Son Seals Born in Osceola in 1942, Son Seals grew up immersed in the blues. His childhood home was a few rooms in the back of his father Jim's juke joint, The Dipsy Doodle (famous for blues in the front and dice in the back). With musicians like Sonny Boy Williamson, Albert King and Robert Nighthawk playing within earshot of his bed nearly every night, Seals knew the blues before he began walking. In May 2009, Seals was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Wayne McGinnis In the heyday of rock n’ roll, rockabilly and the blues, small recording studios began popping up all over Memphis. And, numerous musicians from Mississippi County had their finger in the pie, including Wayne McGinnis. Santo Records was one of these small companies that popped up after Sun hit with Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and other rockabilly singers. It was started in the early 1960s by singer Wayne McGinnis who was originally from Mississippi County. A piece of what is now being called “forgotten history” has a very important link to the City of Osceola. The Whitman Sisters From 1899 to 1940, there were four African-American sisters who traveled the country performing on stages from Chicago to New York.
Alberta, Mable, Essie, and Alice Whitman owned their own show and historian Bernard Peterson has declared them the highest paid act in black Vaudeville. They were the daughters of the Rev. Albery Allson Whitman, who gave his young daughters dancing and singing lessons so they might accompany him on his preaching tours. In 1882, he was preaching at the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Osceola. The third daughter, Essie, was born in Osceola, July 4, 1882.
Bobby Neal One of the greatest guitar players to ever pick up the instrument lost his life in a plane crash at the height of his career. Who was he? He was the famous Neal Sisters’ little brother, Bobby Neal! On December 31, 1985, a DC-3 aircraft had engine trouble and crashed killing music star Ricky Nelson and six
Osceola / South Mississippi County
Chamber of Commerce We are Stronger Together.
Support local business, industry, and community. 116 N Maple
PO Box 174
OsceolaSMCChamber.com 16
Osceola, AR 72370
870.563.2281
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other people including Osceola’s shining star. Neal grew up to become an in-demand session guitar player in Memphis. At that time, he was playing with a regionally popular group led by Jerry Jaye who had the million-seller “Hello, Josephine.” He then became the lead guitarist for Ricky Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band. Neal was also a veteran of the Vietnam war. He was often found entertaining his fellow servicemen.
Reggie Young Acknowledged as one of the great guitarists in popular music history, Reggie Young played on hundreds of classics. In fact, he is one of the most recorded guitarists in the world. Young can be heard on numerous pop, soul, and country recordings, including “Suspicious Minds,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Luckenbach, Texas,” and “Always on My Mind.” An Osceola native, Reggie Grimes Young, Jr., was initially influenced by his dad's Hawaiian guitar. Reggie Sr. had met his mother while performing on KLCN in Blytheville during the 1930s. It all began for Reggie at age 14, when he received his first guitar. In 1959, he helped form the Bill Black Combo, opening act for the Beatles' historic 1964 U.S. tour. Young also played on the memorable Elvis Presley sessions that delivered "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds." Young, a member of the famous Memphis Boys, relocated to Nashville in 1972, where he became a first-call session guitarist, backing artists as diverse as Jimmy Buffett, Joe Cocker, and Herbie Mann, on to country staples like Merle Haggard, George Strait, Conway Twitty, and Hank Williams, Jr. In 1992, Reggie teamed up with the Highwaymen, a country super-group featuring Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Billy Lee Riley The late Billy Lee Riley, born October 5, 1933 in Pocahontas, is one of the most important founders of the original
Rockabilly sound. His band was the first to record what became the Rock n' Roll sound, by adding piano, and sax to the Rockabilly mix of guitar and drums. Riley and his "Little Green Men" recorded the true ground zero of what we know today as Rock ‘n' Roll, building upon earlier works like Brenston and Turner's "Rocket 88." An alumni of Sun Records, he was one of the most crazed, unabashed rockers the label had to offer — in the company of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Sonny Burgess. What’s his connection to Osceola? He moved here at the age of three and first fell in love with music on a local plantation.
William “Ed” Bruce Chances are you've all heard the country song, "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" and you've all watched the NBC television series Bret Maverick. But did you know the man behind the magic of both was born in South Mississippi County? William Edwin “Ed” Bruce was born December 29, 1939 in Keiser. He began playing the guitar at the age of 10, saving money from a paper route to buy his first used guitar from a kid in the neighborhood. Bruce began writing songs in his early teens and, in the late 1950's, he first recorded, as Edwin Bruce, on the famed Sun Records label while a senior at Messick High School in Memphis. His label-mates included Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and Johnny Cash. Tina Turner Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee. Her parents, Floyd and Zelma Bullock, were poor sharecroppers, who, early in her life, split up and left Turner and her sister to be raised by their grandmother. When her grandmother died in the early 1950s, Turner moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to be with her mother. Although the rumors that Tina Turner ever actually lived in Osceola seem to be false. It has been discovered
she did come here to visit her grandmother and she was even caught singing here with her friend, Osceola native Jimmy Thomas. Thomas was a vocalist with Ike Turner’s “Kings of Rhythm” for eight years... later singing on the circuit with Tina.
Harold Gene Williams Harold Gene Williams was born on January 3, 1938 in Tyronza to Abe Rubel Williams and Myrtis Elease Williams. His father was a farmer and a carpenter. One of three children, as a child, Gene worked in the cotton fields. His family moved to the Dyess Colony in 1943. Six years younger than schoolmate Johnny Cash, they had one thing in common besides their love of music. Teachers remember they both liked to drive people crazy playing with the school’s public address system. Williams graduated from Dyess High School in 1956 and soon became a disc jockey in Memphis. In 1962, at a ceremony held at the Grand Ole Opry, he was named "Mr. D.J. USA." The same year, Williams began his own record label, Cotton Town Jubilee, which issued songs by artists Sonny Williams and Slim Rhodes. In 1963, Williams began a live television program—The Gene Williams Country Junction Show in Jonesboro. The program was broadcast for 15 years, during which Williams produced 3,000 episodes. Al Bennett Did you know a farm boy from Joiner created Alvin and the Chipmunks? Al Bennett, raised on a farm outside of Joiner, was president of Liberty Records who released Alvin and the Chipmunks. They also recorded such artists as Julie London, Johnny Rivers, Cher, The Hollies, Martin Denny, Sandy Nelson and Jackie DeShannon. The Ross Siblings Most recently, Osceola is home to famous saxophonist Camera Ross and his history Grammy award winner Kirby Maurier Ross.
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South Missco Points of Interest Osceola Community Center The $1.5 million Municipal Recreation Center features indoor basketball and racquetball courts, exercise room, indoor jogging track, a padded aerobics room and male and female locker rooms. Osceola Parks and Recreation Baseball Complex Osceola Parks & Recreation Department sponsors Summer and Fall Softball, Little League T-Ball and Jr. Babe Ruth Baseball, Youth Soccer, Youth Basketball, Youth Cheerleading and Racquetball Tournaments. Osceola Parks OPAR also maintains and manages four parks: Florida Park, Rosenwald Park, Florida Park and the Irma Belcher Park which is home to the city’s Splash Pad. The parks feature playground equipment, basketball courts, volleyball nets and plenty of room to play a friendly game of football, soccer, baseball or kick ball. They also offer picnic tables for family gatherings.
boat ramp for fishing access, covered picnic pavilions, and several markers highlighting Civil War gunboat battle, Mark Twain’s inspiration for Life on the Mississippi, and more. It is located on Highway 198 just off of Highway 61. Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum This unique site is located at 209 W Hale, Osceola, in the two Patterson buildings which have stood for over 100 years on Hale Avenue, across from the historic Mississippi County Courthouse. The museum also sponsors the charming and quaint Coffee Shoppe, operated totally by volunteers.
Osceola Municipal Golf Course The Osceola Municipal Golf Course is located at the Riverlawn Country Club. This nine-hole course is beautiful and challenging, with trees, water, and recently renovated sand traps.
Dyess Colony (approximately 15 miles southwest of Osceola) A few miles southwest of Osceola, Dyess is the boyhood home of the internationally famous singer Johnny Cash. The Dyess Colony was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and it was dedi-
Downtown Osceola Downtown Osceola is a National Trust Historic District that contains 41 buildings on the National Register. The downtown features the Main Street Osceola Pocket Park with the Son Seals Stage, the Reggie Young Park, several unique local shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Osceola Heritage Musicfest and Christmas On The Square. Sans Souci Park (approximately 5 miles south of Osceola) Sans Souci (“Without Worry”) is arguably the best Mississippi River overlook in Arkansas. It holds a State Game and Fish Commission
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cated by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Restoration of both the Cash home, the Dyess Administration Building, and the old movie theatre has been completed by Arkansas State University and now brings thousands of tourists to the area each year. Mississippi County Courthouse On the National Register of Historic Places, the Osceola Courthouse was built in 1912 and retains its neoclassical architecture and solid copper dome. It is one of the most photogenic courthouses in Arkansas.
Wilson (approximately 15 miles south of Osceola) Wilson, founded by the Robert E. Lee Wilson family, features an English Tudor style town square. It is home to the Lawrence Group, The Delta School Bulldogs and newly built Hampson Archaeological Museum. It also features quaint stores such as the White Mercantile and the Wilson Pharmacy as well as a new welcome center.
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City Hall 539-2252 • Mayor's Office 539-2428 Police Dept 539-6713 • Water Office 539-6604 •116 S. Main Street 19
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PArkS ANd rECrEATION IN BuFFALO ISLANd Big Lake Country Club Big Lake Country Club located in Manila is a great source of recreation for golfers in the area. It is the only nine hole golf course located between Jonesboro and Blytheville. It was established in 1962. A meeting was held in the school cafeteria and 30 to 35 people present donated $50 each to get it started. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Big Lake works with area high schools allowing the course to be used by high school golf teams for practice and tournaments. The clubhouse is available to rent for private parties or receptions.
Lake City Parks Lake City has four city parks located throughout the community. There are two parks on Nash Street; one on Walker Street and one on Stone Street. The large three-field ball complex is the Wayne "Biscuit" Short Park is one of the parks located on Nash Street. In addition to the ball fields it has playground equipment, picnic area and a splash pad.
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Black Oak City Park
Caraway City Park Caraway city park is located just behind the city hall complex and has a fenced in playground area for the children and tennis courts. Adjacent to the park, two ball fields are located.
Leachville City Park Leachville city park is located behind the new BIC Elementary school. The park has two ball fields, tennis courts, playground equipment, pavilions, and a walking track.
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Manila has a large city park with pavilions for family gatherings, tennis courts, ball fields, playground equipment, basketball court, walking trail and a water-park/swimming pool. Plans are to expand The Monette City park is located on Virginia Street. The park the pool. The pool features an indoor therapeutic pool utilized by offers a variety of playground equipment, a large pavilion, tensenior citizen groups. nis courts, picnic tables, climbing wall and much more.
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Local airports and the Arkansas Aeroplex The Blytheville Municipal Airport, located just east of the city at 5349 State Highway 980, is owned by the City of Blytheville and is categorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a “general aviation facility.” The facility covers 88 acres and has one asphalt runway measuring 4,999 feet by 75 feet. Their phone number is 870-763-0200. Arkansas International Airport (or the Aeroplex) is located on the former Eaker Air Force Base located northwest of the City of Blytheville and is owned by the Blytheville Gosnell Regional Airport Authority (BGRAA). It first began redevelopment upon the closure of Eaker Air Force Base on December 15, 1992. There are numerous businesses on the site, including Aviation Repair Technologies (ART) and Five Star Hydraulics. It has also been used as a major floral distribution and a Christmas mail hub. The airport covers approximately 1,100 acres and has a runway with a concrete sur-
face that measures 11,602 by 300 feet, making it the second longest runway in the state. The airport can accommodate up to 50 aircraft and has large hangar and storage areas for maintenance and repair needs as well. One of the world’s top test pilots was in Blytheville last August to evaluate new brakes on Lockheed Martin’s massive LM-100J. Capt. Wayne Roberts, Lockheed Martin’s chief test pilot and chief of flight operations,complemented the old Eaker Air Force base runway, saying “Blytheville is actually a perfect place to do this.” “We are testing new carbon brakes for our LM-100J airplane and getting data for our military versions as well,” said Roberts, who is the only pilot in the country to hold an FAA Aerobatic Competency Card for the C-130 aircraft. “The C-130J is what a lot of our military customers are flying around the world. These are a new version of brakes, much more reliable, much less expensive to operate over the longterm. And more brake energy as well; it stops better.” Organizations such as the Sports Car Club of America and the U.S. Mile have used the runway for their racing events. The Aeroplex also has approximately 1.5
million square feet of available space, making it the second largest industrial complex in Arkansas. The complex consists of commercial, community, recreation, educational, garage, industrial, office, residential and warehousing facilities It also includes five million square feet of ramp space and six full size hangars. These full size hangars are large enough to accommodate a DC-10 or a Boeing 767. Facilities also include a full airplane maintenance and test hangar, with enough space to maintain the planes listed above. Some events that have been hosted on the facility include annual Relay for Life and the Arkansas Mile. The Arkansas Mile has been held the past several years and is an event where participants from all over the country come to Blytheville to race their vehicle (ranging from RV’s to motorcycles to race cars) on a 1 1/2 mile track. They compete for best in the class, they attempt to set speed record and to perform timed trials on new experimental vehicles and technologies. Some local speed records have included a 2006 Ford GT by M2K Motorsports of Houston, Texas at 280 miles per hour and Hussain Al-Sowaigh on a Suzuki Hayabusa at 262 miles per hour.
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MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS IN BUFFALO ISLAND
Black Oak City
Black Oak City Hall: (870) 486-5675 Mayor Eddie Dunigan Council members: Kenny Vaughn Brad Hickman Randy Hutchison Troy Douglas Tim Jones Treasurer/recorder: Tina Davis The Black Oak City Council meets at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month at City Hall, located on Main Street.
Caraway Caraway City Hall: (870) 482-3716 Mayor Bo James Recorder/treasurer Rick Stevens Council members: Roger Williams Diana Powell Mitchell Tipton Marvin Browning Jerry Martin Jordan Adcock Staff: Christy Tipton, secretary Kayla Holder, water clerk Water/sewer operators Layne Sanders and Tisha Eldridge Park Superintendent, Gary Jeffers Street Superintendent, David Roberson Police Department: Non emergency number: (870) 482-3434 Chief of Police Shannon Kelems Officers Wyatt Wheaton Officers David Choate Fire Chief Curtis Taylor. Caraway has 18 volunteer firefighters Caraway Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of each month in the board room located in the city hall complex.
Lake City Lake City City Hall: 1-870-237-4432 Mayor Jon Milligan City Clerk Lisa Sitz Water Clerk Connie Collins Council members: Danny Dunigan Jeffery Wisham
Brenda Hutcheson Harold Barker Tommy Eakins Garrett Weaver Department Heads: Street Department: Rick Varner Water and Sewer Department: Canmeron Tate Sanitation: Brian Wells Fire Chief Chris Snyder Lake City has 20 volunteer firefighters Police Department: After 5 p.m. call: 935-5551 Chief of Police:Winred Saffell Officers: Daniel Haynes, Chris Walker Aaron Bupp Lake City City Council meets at 5:30 the third Monday of each month at City Hall.
Leachville Leachville City Hall: (870) 539-2252 Mayor Rodney Robertson City Clerk/treasurer Ruth Ann Keith Council members: Keith Evans Ethel Hetler Lisa Delbridge Paul Wildy Richie Pace Michael Webster Staff: Water clerk and Court Clerk: Rebecca Clowers Maintenance supervisor: Robert Ballard Police Department: To contact the police call 911 Chief of Police Alan Austin Officer Amy Poindexter Officer Justin Morris Fire Chief Drake Brown Leachville has 21 firefighters Leachville City Council meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at City Hall, located on Main Street.
Manila Manila City Hall: (870) 561-4437 Mayor Wayne Wagner City Council members are: Donnie Wagner Wendell Poteet Jason Baltimore
William Barnhart Dale Murphy Steven Milligan City Attorney Wes Wagner City Clerk Susie Parker Staff and department heads: Cathy Huddleston, treasurer/office manager Susie Baker, water clerk Lisa Smith, administrative assistant Carla Brewer, court clerk Joe Chipman, maintenance department Darrell Birmingham, parks and recreation Police Department: Non-emergency number: (870) 5614777 Chief of Police Chris Hill. Officer Joni Isebell Officer Kasey Shepard Officer Mike Shivley Officer Michael Myatt Fire Chief Tracey Reinhart. Manila has 25 volunteer firemen. Manila City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at City Hall.
Monette Monette City Hall: (870) 486-2000 Mayor Bob Blankenship Council members: Tom Carroll Kristian Nuckles Mark Rolland Brandon Decker Ethan Ivy Aaron Uthoff City Clerk Vickki Carroll Water Clerk Dana McKuin Fire Chief David Clark Monette has 25 volunteer firemen Police Department: Non emergency number 486-2121 Police Chief Brian Carmichael OfficerAnthony Petty Officer Kevin Bond Officer Kenneth Talley Department Heads Water superintendent: David Moore Sewer superintendent: Jerry Lamar The Monette City Council meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at City Hall.
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Where Learning is Engaging, Full of Discovery and Rich in Tradition. The mission of the Gosnell School District is to support each of its schools in accomplishing their missions and goals for providing the educational opportunities that enable their students to pursue and succeed in their college and career choices.
Gosnell School District www.gosnellschool.net 600 Highway 181 | Gosnell, Arkansas
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870.532.4000
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BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER AND OUR CLASSROOMS
TO LIFE. Blytheville is laying a foundation for the future by empowering our students to challenge the status quo. Through new partnerships and expanded opportunities, Blytheville schools will shine as a technology-rich learning environment for the 21st century. Our students will not only be learners today, but also leaders tomorrow. And they'll be prepared to embrace college, career and community with passion for a life of great impact and fulfillment.
BLYTHEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS blythevilleschools.com
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Gosnell city officials Position Mayor Clerk/treasurer Personnel Director District Judge City Attorney Police Chief Fire Chief Public Works Director Street Superintendent Wastewater Superintendent Animal Control Ward 1 Position 1: Ward 1 Position 2: Ward 2 Position 1: Ward 2 Position 2: Ward 3 Position 1: Ward 3 Position 2:
Gosnell Police and Fire The Gosnell Police Department employs eight full-time and four part-time officers who are available at all times throughout the day. GPD uses the Ring Doorbell as a front line communication device
Name Teresa Walker Kathleen Hunt-Cross Latoria Aldridge Shannon Langston Chris Brown Darrell Watkins Shawn Paschal John Pate Reggie Craig Bobby Uselton, Jr. Donald Wyles Councilman James Haynes Councilman David Blount Councilman Jason Taylor Councilman Josh Trapp Councilwoman Kurtis Payne Councilman Steve Nelson with citizens who stop by. Simply press the button on the doorbell located next to the door to communicate with an officer remotely. The chief of police is Darrell Watkins and the assistant chief of police is Andrew Wyles. The Gosnell Police Department and Gosnell Fire Department may be reached at (870) 532-8545.
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Emergency Numbers
In the event of an emergency, call 911 Mississippi County Sheriff 870-762-2243 Blytheville Police Department 870-763-4411 Blytheville Crime Stoppers 844-910-STOP Blytheville Fire Department 870-762-0468 Caraway Police Department 870-482-3434 Gosnell Police Department 870-532-8545 Gosnell Fire Department 870-532-8545 Manila Police Department 870-561-4777 Osceola Police Department 870-563-5213 Osceola Fire Department 870-563-2022 Wilson Police/Fire Departments 870-655-0102 Keiser Police Department 870-526-2300 Keiser Fire Department 870-526-2006 Lake City Police Department 870-237-4431
Leachville Police Department 870-539-6713 Leachville Fire Department 870-539-6543 Luxora Police and Fire Departments 870-658-2233 Monette Police Department 870-486-2121 Monette Fire Department 870-486-5800 Joiner Police Department 870-537-4988 Joiner Fire Department 870-537-7775 Birdsong Police Department 870-537-4293 Etowah Police and Fire Departments 870-531-2540 Tyronza Police Department 870-487-2168 Great River Medical Center 870-838-7300 SMC Regional Medical Center 870-563-7000 Center for Missing/Exploited Children 800-843-5678 National Poison Control 800-222-1222 Pafford EMS 870-763-0911
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870-763-0440 • 3700 E. Highway 18 Blytheville, AR
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School Information .................................
Armorel School District Kindergarten through 12 4555 N. State Hwy 137 Blytheville, AR 72315 Phone: 870-763-6639
Blytheville School District Kindergarten through 12 Administration: 870-762-2053 Primary School: 870-763-6916 Kindergarten Center: 870-763-7621 Elementary School: 870-763-5924 Middle School: 870-762-2983 High School: 870-762-2772 Bualo Island Central Kindergarten through 12 Administration: 870-486-5411 Elementary: 870-539-6448 High School: 870-486-5512 Gosnell School District Pre-K through 12 Administration: 870-532-4000 Elementary School: 870-532-4003 Junior High School: 870-532-4017 High School: 870-532-4010 Manila School District Pre-K through 12 Administration: 870-561-4419 Elementary: 870-561-3145 Middle School: 870-561-4815 High School: 870-561-4417 KIPP KIPP Blytheville College Prep School: 780-6333 KIPP Blytheville Collegiate HS: 776-8833 34
Osceola School District Pre-K through 12 District Administration: 870-563-2561 North Elementary: 870-563-1155 Carroll Smith Elementary: 870-563-2371 Osceola STEM Academy: 870-563-2150 Osceola High School: 870-563-2192
Rivercrest School District Pre-K through 12 www.smccolts.com District Administration: 870-655-8633 Rivercrest Elementary: 870-655-8621 Rivercrest Junior High School: 870-655-8111 Rivercrest High School: 870-655-8111 Riverside School District Kindergarten through 12 Administration: 870-237-4329 East Elementary: 870-482-3351 West Elementary: 870-237-8222 High School: 870.237.4328
The Delta School Independent K-12 with traditional college preparatory foundations, as well as creative and critical thinking, character development, and civic responsibility www.thedeltaschool.org www.Facebook.com/TheDeltaSchool Admissions: 870-655-0200
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Improvements continue at Manila Municipal Airport
M
anila Municipal Airport (MXA) started as an emergency landing field for the Blytheville Air Force Base in the early 1940s. In 1947, following World War II, the airport property was deeded to the City of Manila. The airfield, along with the section of land around it, 640 acres, was given to the City of Manila. Years ago, Manila received permission from the FAA to create a city park on the land. Manila Airport has continued to improve through the years. One of the upgrades over the last five years includes a new, modern terminal building constructed in 2014. Due to the condition of the old terminal building, there was a need for a new facility. The new building serves the airport well and gets positive comments from visiting pilots. In 2016 a hangar for larger aircraft was completed and immediately occupied. All of the individual aircraft hangars are currently rented. More, larger units are in the planning stages. The return taxiway, ramp and feeder taxiway have all been resurfaced and repainted in the last three years. A flag pole has been installed on an
Manila Municipal Airport terminal existing tower. The large, aircraft maintenance hangar was upgraded in 2018. A Manila Pilots Association (MPA) donated an Aircraft Simulator that is now FAA qualified for instrument training. This has proven to be a huge cost savings for those utilizing this training option. On June 1, 2018, a top quality aircraft mechanic moved to Manila to operate from the aircraft maintenance hangar. He said he is pleased with the support he has received. A SayWeather surface wind advisory unit has been installed to prepare pilots for local conditions before making an approach to land. This weather information is transmitted to
4-H Aviation Club using airport The Manila Pilots Association has partnered with the Mississippi County Extension Service to establish a youth 4-H aviation club. The club is using aviation to promote the 4-H STEM objective of providing youth the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Youth in the club have learned about the components of flight, parts of an aircraft, the principles of lift, navigation, radio communication and teamwork.
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the pilot on the local UHF frequency. Current wind information is also useful to local area farmers and others and is available via internet. A contractor has material on the ground to build a 100'x100' Avionics Hangar with a 100'x30' attached area for offices. This hangar is to be occupied by a new Avionics business coming to the MXA. This new business will provide additional higher than normal paying jobs and provide additional tax revenue for Manila and Mississippi County. Arkansas Department of Aeronautics (ADA) grant has been approved to build an apron to service this new Avionics hangar. The Manila Pilots Associa-
tion has partnered with the Mississippi County Extension Service to provide introductory aviation training to a group of students from area high schools through 4-H. They received classroom instruction and had a hands-on flying experience. They also had a field trip to the Memphis International Airport. A company is presently under contract to repair, seal and repaint the runway. There is a new paved entry road off north Davis Street that provides easier access to the aircraft storage hangars. The Manila Pilots Association (MPA) is very involved with airport improvements. The Manila Municipal Airport (MXA) is in a constant state of upgrade.
In addition to traditional classroom lessons, club members toured Memphis International Airport's Air TraďŹƒc Control (ATC), Tower and Approach Control. They have flown as co-pilots and helped pilots navigate both day and night flights from Manila's Airport. Since completing the club's introductory program, one student has earned her private pilot license and has completed her first solo and another is taking flight lessons and is near to his first solo flight. Currently the club's members plan to continue the 4-H program and are interested in expanding to other parts of the county.
Buffalo Island Museum housed in historic building
B
uffalo Island Museum is located in a historic landmark in Monette built in 1918. The former Monette State Bank building, located at 207 West Drew Street in the center of town, makes a perfect setting for the museum. The 100+ year old building was put on the Historic Register on January 24, 2008. The museum is open Friday and Saturday form 1-4 p.m., April through Mid-December. The doors will open to visitors at other times, if they contact city hall or a committee member ahead of time. The museum was opened in the former bank building on May 30, 2009. The classical revival-style building was completely renovated, inside and out. The original museum was founded by Gerald “Boots” Pitts and dedicated in 1997. He served as director until his death in 2005. Before moving to the bank building, the museum was
The Buffalo Island Museum housed in a city owned building located at the city park.
The two-story Buffalo Island Museum is filled with
memorabilia reflecting the history of the area.
Craighead County Courthouse Craighead County Courthouse in Lake City is located at 107 Cobean Boulevard. The courthouse is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number for the circuit court, county court, assessor and tax collector is (870) 237-4342. The tax collector cannot accept payments after 4:30 p.m. The Revenue office number is (870) 237-4421. The Revenue office closes at 4:30 p.m.
District court number is (870) 2374142. The District court cannot accept payments after 4:40 p.m. The Craighead County Sheriff's Department has an office in the Lake City
Court House facility and the number is (870) 237-4511. Hours for the Sheriff's office are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. District court is held in Lake City on most Thursdays.
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The Haven offers shelter for battered
T
he Haven of Northeast Arkansas is the only domestic violence shelter in Mississippi County. Among many other things, the Haven provides emergency shelter for women who are fleeing domestic violence. Executive director Phyllis McClendon explained, “We house a 12 bed shelter and a family room. We provide food, clothing, transport services and we assist them in filing orders of protection if necessary and if they need to go to court we will serve as an advocate.” The Haven serves about 65 clients per year. Assistance for men is also provided even if it means transporting them to work from a hotel. McClendon went on to explain that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse or to one group of people and that all of those that need help should reach out to the Haven. She mentioned that a big issue the Haven faces is that a lot of clients come in embarrassed. “A lot of people think that domestic violence is only physical. There is also verbal abuse and isolation if you’re not allowed to see your family,” said McClendon. “We’ve had clients from all socioeconomic areas and statuses, when they come in we just see a client that needs help, there are no barriers for preventing victims from coming into the office.” According to their website, one of the Haven’s core values is to promote the self-esteem of the individuals that come into the shelter. To do this, the Haven hosts support group meetings for all victims of domestic violence. “We have support group meetings for those in the shelter and in the community,” said McClendon, “We are also bound to confidentiality laws and cannot discuss anything about our clients.” McClendon stressed that victim resources is also one of their core values and that the Haven tries to address all of the needs that clients allow.
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“The Clothesline Project” exhibit was held at Arkansas Northeastern College. The display depicts the shirts made by family members of victims who lost their lives to domestic violence.
“We find that a lot of our clients that come in struggle with things apart from domestic violence abuse, such as mental illness or drug abuse and alcoholism. We don’t turn them away, instead we try to find detox centers therapist, counselors, pastoral services or whatever they need to take care of those things,” said McClendon. McClendon continued, “They pretty much go hand in hand because when you are in an abusive relationship, there are going to be some negative effects to it. A lot of things can lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, or even child abuse. Those things have to be met first but we cannot force them to go.” The Haven depends on federal funding as well as community support for its yearly operations. Services provided by the Haven are free to all of their clients. McClendon added, “All of our services are free and having the community’s support is what keeps us going. We also partner with just about every organization that we can to provide services for our clients.” The Haven also relies heavily on its volunteers who are, according to McClendon, increasing in number every year. “We use our downtown office as a
training site for our volunteers and it has increased our volunteer base. We have a total of 39 official volunteers more than we have ever had before,” said McClendon. Training for law enforcement is also provided by the Haven “We provide domestic violence training for law enforcement, a sensitivity training so they can understand the victim’s point of view as well as a suicide training due to the increasing number of suicides,” said McClendon. “A lot of people do not know the tell-tale signs of suicide and we have had clients that have threatened suicide so I think it is very important for us to know.” “The location of the Haven is kept secret. We don’t give out our location for security reasons, for the safety of clients and staff,” said McClendon, “We instruct them to go to the police department once they are approved to come in. We then have the police escort them to us.” McClendon urges those that may be victims of domestic violence to call police or the Haven at 870-532-6669 or visit www.thehavenofneainc.org for any questions. McClendon added, “We want to make it comfortable for our clients and try to remove every barrier that will prevent them from being independent again.”
Front: Amanda Mills-RN Supervisor, Penny White-Business Office Manager, Andrea Higgins-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Back: Tiffany Sanders-Restorative Nursing Assistance, Sherry Mays-Licensed Practical Nurse, Latassha Ford-Activities Director, Yolanda Bornds-Licensed Practical Nurse, Brionna Hall-Licensed Practical Nurse, Heather Crawford-Speech Therapist, Erica BrownDirector of Nursing, Sandra Riley-Unit Coordinator, Rosalind Burton–Assistant Director of Nursing, Queen Mbonu-Licensed Practical Nurse, and Tammy Harris- Human Resources.
Administrator Carnail Williams & Sandra Riley, CNA
710 N. Ruddle Road, Blytheville, AR • 870-763-3654
COMPLETE
THERAPY
SERVICE
Seated: Valencia Harston – Activities Director; Natasha Harris – Personnel Director; Christina Stewart – Treatment Nurse; Lisa Coleman – Dietary Supervisor. Standing: Leon Chew – Assistant DON; Christa Free – MDS LTC; Reshell Sutton – Housekeeping Supervisor; Crystal Oliver – Administrator; Barbara Simmons – Social/Admission; Britney Runkel – Director of Nurisng; E.J. Bullock – D.O.R.; James Brown – Maintenance Director. Not pictured: Ty Green – Q.A. Nurse; John Gillmore – Business Office Manager; LaRonda Montgomery – MDA Coordinator.
SHORT & LONG TERM SPEECH OCCUPATIONAL & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Five-Star Rating
287 S. Country Club Road • Osceola, AR 72370 • 870-563-3201
39
COMPLETE Front: Leigh Rose-MDS Coordinator; JoAnn Garrett-DON; Andrea Neil-Administrator; Sheila Still-ADON; Lindsey Wicker-Treatment Nurse. Back: Johnny Matthews-Maintenance; Jennifer Gentry-Social Service Director; Sonja Ashley-Business Office Manager; Connie Kirby-Dietary Director; Faye Griggs-HR; Bill Johnson-HK/Laundry Supervisor.
Short & Long Term Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy
Five-Star Rating 700 Moody St. • Gosnell, AR 72315
870-532-5550
VOTED
ONE OF THE
BEST
BY U.S NEWS WORLD AND REPORT Front from left to right: Shelly Baney, LTC MDS Manager; Deonna Towery, Quality Assurance/ Social; Kinsey Nelson, Assistant Director of Nursing/PDPM Case Manager; Millie Ann Nelson, Pet Therapy; Brittany Gordon, Infection Preventionist; Andrea Stone, Activity Director. Back from left to right: Riley Grogan, Director of Nursing; Jerod Straver, Administrator; Regina Vandergriff, Restorative Care Manager; Kevin Ferguson, Maintenance Supervisor; Derick Luster, Director of Rehab.
814 N. Davis | Manila, AR | 870-561-3342