Ouachita High Country - Winter 2015-16

Eyes to the Sky

Oaklawn Jockey Club

Waterfowl Hunting in Arkansas

Getting Outside this Winter

A Brewery Tour of Regional Favorites

Belly Warming Recipes

Plus: State & Pride Ghost Bones History of Gambling

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g tin ra s leb ear Ce 64 Y

3024 Central Avenue • Hot Springs, Arkansas

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1803 Airport Road Hot Springs, Arkansas (501) 767-0200 O u ac h i ta Hi gh C ou nt r y

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Where Belonging Feels

Natural

We are making a place for

Come experience what’s new in Hot Springs Village. Whether it’s music under the stars at Grove Park or docking your boat at the new Waypoint at DeSoto Marina, we are making a place for those who want to experience everything that the beautiful Ouachitas have to offer. Download the Hot Springs Village Visitor’s App on iTunes or Google Play and discover your new place to call home!

Hot Springs Village is evolving, visualize the change with us:

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Contents

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What’s Inside

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Eyes to the Sky

Waterfowl Hunting is Here and Arkansas Could Not be Happier

Beer-Thirty

There is Something Brewing in the Ouachitas and We Take a Tour to Check It Out

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Wandering Winter

In the Beginning

Staying Active with Family Activities in the Ouachita Cold

Oaklawn Jockey Club Sets the Bar in the Thoroughbred World

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ART

Creative Director Marisa Rodgers

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COPY

Contributing Writers Mike Brooks Grace Anne Brown Josh Williams Copy Editors Cathy Hicks

P H OTO

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Chief Photographer Amanda Shelley Ledbetter Contributing Photographers Chris Brashears Jami Smith (cover)

Departments

S A L ES

New to the Ouachitas

Glance Back

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State & Pride

Provision Company Adds Flair to Hot Springs Retail

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Early Spa Gambling

City Coffers Explode.

Economy Never Better.

Metro Partnership

The Renaissance of Downtown Hot Springs

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Olde Crowe General Store

From the Ground Up: Farm Fresh and Family Fueled

Belly Warmers

Winter is Here So Head to the Kitchen to Ward Off the Shivers

Music & Arts

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Ghost Bones

A Haunting Local Talent that is Taking Our Region by Storm

Living Off Art

Carole Katchen Truly Embodies Painting Pictures of Success

O u ac h i ta Hi gh C ou nt r y

Ouachita High Country is a production of Destination Design Initiative, pending 501c3 in partnership with Hot Springs Village.

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Fare

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Josh Williams

In Each Issue

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Letter from the Editors

Cozy Up with a Great Read

Calendar of Events

What’s Happening This Winter

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In Your Words

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The Winters Hallow

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L e t t e r F r o m t h e E d i t o rS

Cozy Up with a Great Read

Another winter is upon us, and it’s a great time to be in the Ouachitas. Not only do you get to see natural beauty at its finest (and if you’re lucky, snow-dusted hills), but you still get to enjoy all the outdoor amenities that our region provides. We will tell about some of the fun ways to take advantage of the landscape and how to not be bullied around by Old Man Winter. Also, just because you want to go into hibernation right now, doesn’t mean that Hot Springs and the surrounding area does. There is a renaissance happening right in front of your eyes, and you’ll meet one of the people responsible for it.

Since it’s so cold outside, what better way to stay warm than with a nice frothy craft beer. We will show you four places to keep your head fuzzy and your belly warm.

Speaking of belly warmers, we will feature a couple of delicious recipes for some winter-time eats from one of our favorite local culinary talents. You will learn about a scary good rock band and how the Ouachitas fuel their fire. And finally, what winter in the Ouachitas would be complete without Oaklawn! You’ll meet a world-renowned thoroughbred jockey and why he always feels a bit more pressure during the first three months of the year in Hot Springs. There is much more we cover, so get your coffee or hot chocolate and let us keep you warm and full this winter. As always, thanks for reading and enjoy!

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NE W TO T H E O U A C H I T A S

State & Pride

Did you get what you asked for this Holiday season? Do you feel like you nailed the difficult, maybe even impossible, task of giving the perfect gift to everyone? Holiday shopping has taken on a different face in the last few years, and it’s not very attractive. If you want to get that laser gun/jetpack for Jimmy, you almost need a real laser beam to create a protective force field around it to ward off the hordes of retail adversaries until you can scoop it up.

Some people out there don’t even leave their house to shop for the holidays; They type their credit card numbers into some store’s website, hoping that whoever has access to their protected financial information is honest, and praying that their order arrives in time so their kids don’t “hate them.” Retail has moved to be dominated by bigbox retailers and an impersonalized

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Arkansas Loving Provisions Company Adds Eclectic Flair to Hot Springs Retail

by Josh Williams photography by Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

shopping experience. One business in the Ouachita mountains aims to change this and is the perfect reprieve after these Holiday trials. And maybe, just maybe, to find something to reward yourself for making it through.

came to shopping.” The Lynches caught wind of the revitalization of downtown Hot Springs, and they decided to come back to Jill’s childhood home. On July 29, 2015, they opened the store of their dreams— their own.

State and Pride Provisions Company is nestled in the heart of downtown Hot Springs on Central Avenue across from historic Bathhouse Row. The proprietors, Paul and Jill Lynch, met in Fayetteville at the University of Arkansas. After obtaining law degrees, they moved to Dallas where they had two kids, but eventually, they realized their heart was still in the Natural State. “Believe it or not, it was really hard to build a community in Dallas,” Jill said.

“For one, it’s not very pretty and there aren’t many outdoor activities for a family of four. There’s no hiking or camping, and there just wasn’t any personality when it

“We were following the redevelopment of downtown Hot Springs and saw real growth—an opportunity to invest,” Jill said. “I had never seen so much energy and work going in to the downtown area, so we went for it.” It seems like a smart business plan, not only considering the renewed energy of the town, but also considering the fact that most of their inventory is sourced locally, further strengthening the economy of their customer base. “We want to do everything we can to improve the local economy,” Jill proclaimed. “We do business with companies that give back

to their community, and many of our products are manufactured right here in our great state. We have a responsibility to help our local economy, we feel that’s very important in the business world.”

There aren’t many places one can walk into and find the variety of products and styles that State and Pride offers: There are heirloom organic cotton baby swaddles; blankets stitched from vintage saris; padded canvas iPad cases; locally made leather goods; dinner napkins printed with love letters from Keats, Joyce and Shakespeare; coffee table photography books from local picture-takers; trinket stone jewelry; mason jar liquid dispensers, and the list goes on.

“We want to highlight what’s unique about Arkansas,” Jill said. “Our idea

was to be as eclectic as possible. We have a unique combination of items from rustic to modern—you could say we are ‘farm chic.’ It would be hard to find any other place that has what we offer under one roof.” Not only does State and Pride offer a unique variety of gifts that are sourced locally, but Jill and Paul also issue a challenge, so to speak. “I dare anyone to come in here and not have a good time,” Jill said. “Our main objective is to be different—to be the only store in the world to have the variety of gifts we have. When somebody walks in here, they are going to laugh and smile and have fun. I guarantee it.”

It may sound like beating a dead horse, reiterating how important it is to strengthen the local economy by sourcing your store with Larkmartin

soaps made from Hot Springs water, beeswax lip balm made by beekeepers in Fayetteville, t-shirts made by The Home T (who donates a minimum of 10% of profits to multiple sclerosis) and by constantly donating portions of proceeds to local charities like Books for Arkansas and Arkansas Food Bank, but that is what’s right about our town, our state, our nation. “We believe in this community,” Jill said. “Hot Springs is a gem. I’ve been everywhere, and not one place I have visited has the charm, the natural beauty and the history that my hometown has and we are so glad to be back home.”

State and Pride Provisions Company is located at 518 Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. Closed on Mondays. Call 501-627-0759 or visit them on Facebook to learn more.

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NE W TO T H E O U A C H I T A S

Metro Partnership

Tuesday. 9:15 am. Hot Springs, Arkansas.

A person is walking to their favorite coffee shop and hair salon because of the rebuilt, usable, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks that line the streets. A person confined to a wheelchair is now able to enter their local neighborhood grocery store with ease because of the renovated access ramps. A mother is walking her dog and strolling with her young child to a newly established, memorial city park on the site of an old, condemned hotel that was a haven for vagrants and drug addicts. Locally sourced food trucks gather downtown on the last Friday of every month. The days of yore are being revisited because the centuryold bathhouses that line Central Avenue are actually able to give baths to people today. Downtown Hot Springs is coming back to life, and it’s getting the muchneeded attention it deserves. These

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improvements are thanks to the hard work of the dedicated citizens of Hot Springs, particularly the ones that make up the Hot Springs Metro Partnership.

Jim Fram is the President of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and has been in public service for more than two decades: He was the Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce in oil country. He worked for the COC in the college town of Lincoln, Nebraska. He also had prior stops in Arkansas, representing Harrison and Little Rock. He’s seen a variety of towns and has been immersed in varying economies and social structures, but the same desires resonate throughout every community in our nation: Get the economy to the next level. The attitude in Hot Springs is no different.

The Renaissance of Downtown Hot Springs

by Josh Williams photography by Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

“I’ve been the Chamber president for three years now,” Jim said, “and this is the first time we’ve had investors come to our office and inquire about properties and discuss development on a daily basis. Everyone from that entrepreneurial spirit with little resources to the seasoned developers with a track record of success are showing more and more interest every day. It’s exciting.”

This is good news for a tourist town with one of the very worst economies in the nation since 2008.

“The Chamber has over 1000 businesses that hold membership with us. Our job is to make sure these businesses do well, and our town thrives,” Jim stated. “By improving the heart of our city, we are able to keep the emphasis on shopping locally. By keeping [downtown] clean and safe, we can craft positive things

to say about our community and keep it moving in the right direction.” Hot Springs hasn’t always been perceived in a positive light: But then again, old gambling towns rife with a history of mob activity and crooked politics rarely are. Hot Springs was Vegas before Vegas. All the more reason to save the struggling community.

Jim said, “We are in a unique place. The landscape, the low cost of living, the artist community, the restaurants, the selection of retail—there is unlimited potential here. We have a main thoroughfare, on one side you have the oldest national park in the country, and on the other side you have these historically significant buildings. When just one investor, in any form comes on board, more follow suit.

When the domino effect starts, it’s hard to stop.”

One of the biggest modes of assistance Hot Springs could receive is just plain exposure. For a troubled economy, it’s hard to find ways to keep the lights on, let alone trying to turn on the lights in

the public’s field of vision. Unfortunately, and incorrectly, advertising dollars are the first things to be cut from a business’ budget. And with all the bureaucratic red tape to wade through to secure funds from Uncle Sam, economic progress can take time. So, it’s going to take Hot Springs pulling itself up by the bootstraps to really get anything moving. And it is happening. But until everyone gets on board, the workload will be heavy.

“Even with all the old negative stigmas attached to Hot Springs,” Jim said, “they are beginning to be overshadowed by all the positives from the community.

When you look at all the history here— Major League Baseball spring training, the gangsters, the movie stars, I mean— we had a two-term sitting president that grew up right here, walked the same streets and navigated the same mountains that we do every day. We need to take advantage of these things.”

The rebuilt sidewalks are just the beginning: The recently renovated

bathhouses, particularly the Superior and Hale, are operational with new business; the 102-year-old Thompson Building will house a 60-room boutique hotel; the continued clean-up of the debacle that is the Majestic Hotel mess is finally being addressed—things are starting to happen. Referring to the Majestic Hotel, Jim said, “People like Bill Burrough and Cole McCaskill have done a great job working with agencies like the ADEQ and EPA. It’s a long process, but we will get there. We will get it cleaned up. We’ve got plans for everything from an outdoor amphitheater to a performance venue to a splash pad—everything from mild to wild has been suggested.”

It’s time to strike while the iron is hot. And it’s burning up in here. Jim said, “We’re trying to move the community in a growth pattern. We are bringing new jobs and new income. I don’t think anybody can argue with that.”

For more on Downtown Hot Springs visit www.hotspringsmetropartnership.com or call 501-321-1700.

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4/6/15 5:40 PM

FARE

From the Ground Up

Many people dream of being something glamorous or adventurous when they grow up: Movie stars or athletes or astronauts or scientists. Some kids dream of being doctors. Some dream of being military heroes. On the other hand, many people know very little about what they want their future to resemble. Not too many people dream of becoming farmers and restaurateurs; that’s hard work. Damon and Jana Helton weren’t absolutely sure about their career paths either. However, they did know that family, country living and sustainable farming were things they strived for and also felt were within their reach. The Farm at Barefoot Bend and the Olde Crow General Store are the fruits (and veggies) of their labor and love.

Damon and Jana had always been hard workers and people of character;

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bringing four kids into the world one has to be. Damon spent four years on active duty in the Army, where he served in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Command. He served five deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and during this period in his life, he laid the groundwork for the future of his family. After his service, Damon worked jobs at a tactical goods store and as a regional sales manager selling boots to the military.

Jana, a numbers whiz, works as the financial director of Gastro-Arkansas, a 10-physician medical practice in the Little Rock and Conway area. They have both been very successful as a couple, but they longed for more family time with their kids. The Heltons remember days from their respective childhoods when they spent time learning the ways of farming from their

Farm Fresh and Family Fueled

by Josh Williams photography by Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

grandparents. They both were taught the value of being self-sustaining. They were taught that with some integrity, some elbow grease and some respect for family values, they could live the life they wanted and provide something that would benefit their community and the rest of the world.

The Farm at Barefoot Bend, nor the Olde Crow General Store, would be possible without the help of several supporters, both on local and national levels. Farm Credit, Homegrown by Heroes (a new program of the national Farmer Veteran Coalition that encourages veterans to pursue farming and offers training) and Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative (a farmer-owned and operated cooperative that produces pasture-raised livestock in Arkansas and that is committed to the highest level of sustainability by sharing

responsibilities) have been instrumental in assisting the Heltons in realizing their dream. According to an article by Jill Robertson in Farming with Family and Friends, Damon said, “When you’re talking to a lender [Farm Credit] and telling them ‘I’m not going to make any money for two years because I’m going with grass-fed beef’, there has to be someone there who understands that market. Farm Credit’s ability and willingness to do that really made it possible for us to explore a viable cattle operation.”

Staying true to their Arkansas roots, the Heltons have sourced everything in the store locally. “Everything, and I mean everything is all natural,” Damon reiterated: Deli meats from Petit Jean; peanuts, olives, okra and blueberry preserves from Wright’s Firehouse Produce; beeswax lip balm from the Goodman Girls; Nettie Joe’s “Gran oh laa”; spaghetti sauce from Grower’s Gift; and those are just a few vendors.

The beef is grass-fed. The chickens are pastured. The pork is forested.

Since realizing their dream of owning and operating a sustainable farm, the Heltons have now taken the next step forward in their journey: They have opened the Olde Crow General Store. This old-style convenience store/café features fresh goods from local vendors, and of course, the fresh meat and produce from the Heltons’ own farm.

Damon said, “We’re starting some daily and weekly specials where we feature recipes from locals like a chicken and dumplings or something of that nature.” To go along with the deli sandwiches and fresh stews, at the beginning of 2016, breakfast fare will be added to the menu. All the classics, from farm-fresh eggs and local bacon, to homemade biscuits and gravy will be offered. The business model that he and Jana built is designed to fully utilize the local economy, taking an inside-out approach. “I had a customer come in the other day,” Damon said, “and she started talking about her jelly. I asked her, ‘Want me to sell some for you?’. She almost couldn’t believe it. I told her ‘I’d love to help you out. I’m not promising to help you retire, but I’ll help you get your product out to the public–maybe

The moment one walks into the Olde Crow General Store, an “old-fashioned feel” floods the senses. It’s a quaint, 5-table eatery stuck in time, from the corrugated tin on the walls and the vintage CocaCola vending machines, to the remnants of a cord of firewood and twenty-pound pumpkins in the corner. The café is located at the junction of state highways 5 and 9 in Benton, Arkansas (which may be considered in the middle of nowhere).

help you get a new pair of shoes or a mani-pedi.’”

After Damon’s hearty laugh, it was easy to see why he’s been so successful. His affable demeanor and his respect for his neighbors and his surroundings are envious qualities. He’s a man who loves his family, his neighbors and his country.

The recent attention the Heltons have gained as successful farmer veterans is allowing them to spread the word among other vets. Damon said, “I’m honored to be associated with the development of a lending program specifically designed for our soldiers and their families.” The Farmer Veterans Coalition says only 16% of America’s population lives in rural areas, yet 40 percent of the men and women serving in the U.S. military come from rural communities.

“The people here are the coolest part,” Damon beamed. “The scenery pulled us here, but the people are keeping us here. The most rewarding part of the whole thing is that the people of this community accepted us right away. I’m from Little Rock, but this is home. The great thing is that it’s always been here, right underneath our noses.”

The Olde Crow General Store is located at 17202 Hwy 5 in Benton, AR. Call (501) 794-2393 for more information.

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MUSIC

Ghost Bones

They tell you to go to a 150-year-old Victorian style home perched on a hill overlooking historic Prospect Avenue, filled with all the chilly, creepy vibes that one would expect to find there. The floors creak and the doors slam shut by themselves, and one’s breath is visible during increasingly choppy exhalation patterns that result from entering the foyer of the spacious manor. A wry smile and pseudo-sinister laugh from your liaison greets you at the base of the stairwell. They tell you that you are in luck today. You have a rare meeting with a band called Ghost Bones at this domicile fit for demon spirits, and you start to second-guess yourself. On top of all that, your skin is chapped and burning from the freezing wind outside and your teeth are chattering like one of those spring-loaded hopping mouths with feet.

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A Haunting Local Talent That is Taking Our Region by Storm

by Josh Williams photos by Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

Then, all of a sudden, as you reach the apex of that grandiose staircase in the middle of the imposing, seemingly apparition-filled mansion, you see the face of an angel with flowing, brunette locks. Next to her is a handsome gentleman with a short, well-kept beard and an undercut-fade-emo hairstyle. The threat of impending doom is vanquished. They are both sitting behind their computers, not the Necronomicon that was expected, and they both, almost simultaneously, release one of the more pleasant “hellos” one will ever hear. Maybe this wasn’t going to be as scary as one would imagine.

Ghost Bones, a self-labeled “post punk” rock outfit from Hot Springs, played their very first show on September 27, 2014 at Maxine’s Live, but have grown up rather

quickly. They have already claimed the title of Arkansas Times Musician Showcase Band of the Year Award for 2015. They have played gigs all across the country (Stickyz Rock n’ Roll Chicken Shack, the Rev Room and Riverfest in Little Rock; The Nod Hole in Salt Lake City; 51 West in Tempe, Arizona are just a few). They just returned home from a trip to London. Currently, they are in the studio working on their first full-length album, then were the featured band at the after party for the ninth annual Arkansas Shorts film festival, where the world premier of their music video for “Nape of My Neck” was first shown to the public. Whew. It’s been quite a year for the ever-elusive, increasingly coveted, perpetually touring ensemble.

The quartet consists of vocalist Ashley Hill, lead guitarist Bobby Missile, bassist Ryan Jolly and drummer Adam Walton.

Bobby has the most experience in the music industry of the group working on the road for the last fifteen years, and settled recently in Hot Springs after visiting and experiencing the region as a child. The Alabama native who grew up in Texas has found himself a home in the Ouachita Mountains. “I choose to live here because I like to live kind of slow. We all do, honestly,” Bobby stated matter-of-factly. “We relish in our reclusiveness. I really am awestruck by the natural beauty here, the lakes and trails are some of the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty. This place just feels like home.” Sounds crazy for a guy who’s done nothing but live on the road for the last decade and a half.

But that’s what Ghost Bones are all about; mystery, suspense, the element of surprise. They wouldn’t even reveal their ages.

“We love coming home after being on the road,” Ashley, a Hot Springs native, said. “This is a small, beautiful place with great music and a great art community in general. The town is very supportive, which is good, because I kind of got suckered in to doing this whole singing thing.” Bobby snickered from across the room after Ashley admitted to being roped-in by the rest of the band. Ashley continued, “Growing up I always loved to sing. It came natural to me. I always loved the aspect of live performance. One day they approached me and basically said ‘ we really need a singer.’ My thought was always ‘ you have to be different and exceptional when you perform’ and Bobby and the guys had the same mindset as me – so it was a natural fit.”

What Ghost Bones lacks in experience, they make up for with rigorous work ethic

and obsessive-compulsive attention to detail. “Many bands are good, but they aren’t good performers,” Bobby said.

“We rehearse almost every single night into the wee hours. We are lucky to have an atmosphere conducive to that. We know we have to have a prime product every time we go out there, or we’re doing an injustice to ourselves and our fans if we don’t. Take Hot Water Hills [music festival], for instance, we had to compete with a lot of stuff going on. We had to command attention. We played a 30-minute set, but it was crazy. We left it all out there, and the crowd showed their appreciation.”

Again, it seems insane when private people shine the most in front of many.

Numerous artists, of all mediums, can attest that their performance is the only voice they have. This band in its infancy is showing great maturity, and the world should be able to expect great things in the coming years. Just like their namesake, they snuck up on this guy…don’t let them sneak up on you too.

“This is just what we really want to do,” Bobby said. “And this place is great because our style of music is not very common here. You can’t classify us.

We have the ability to shine, and we have an opportunity to do something great for Hot Springs and the rest of the music world.”

LOOK FOR THE BASECAMP TRAILER AT UPCOMING OUTDOOR EVENTS ALL THROUGHOUT ARKANSAS! ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Kayaking Water Sports Rock Climbing Mountain Biking Paddle Boarding ATV/Off-Roading Snorkeling Geocaching Mining Hiking

Be on the lookout for Ghost Bones’ first studio album sometime in 2016. Tour dates to be announced very soon as well.

To learn more about Ghost Bones, follow their live show schedule or be the first to know recent news and updates, visit www.hearghostbones.bandcamp.com or find them on Facebook.

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A R TS

Living Off Art

Since declaring my majors I have become accustomed to hearing laughter when I announce that I’m going to school for English and Art. The usual response is “You know that writers and artists don’t really make that much money, right?” And while it is very difficult to make a living only writing, or making art, I met a woman recently who has been living off of her creativity for the past 50 years. Carole Katchen is an established author and artist fortunate enough to make a living doing exactly what she loves; a model of where I want to be in 50 years for sure. Presently, Katchen is a worldrenowned artist with works on display in 15 states and three countries. She’s instructed art classes in Scotland, taken courses in London and traveled abroad following her muse all the way to Arkansas.

Katchen made her first appearance as a professional artist at age 21. She

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Carole Katchen Truly Embodies Painting Pictures of Success

by Grace Anne Brown photography by Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology. “I’ve always loved people, that’s why I chose psychology, but then I decided I wanted to write,” she said.

In college, Katchen wrote and illustrated her first children’s book entitled “I was a Lonely Teenager,” and it sold 700 thousand copies. Eventually, the illustrations started to appeal to her more than the actual writing and “the art took over [her] life.”

A motif throughout her work is the simplistic nature of each piece. “The thing that’s ironic is that my finished paintings look very simple, like they were done in five minutes; yet that’s far from true” she said. Each piece is built of layers upon layers of pastels or paints until her vision makes it to the canvas.

Her process is very organic; she will often use her fingers, paper towels or

other common materials to add texture to the oils. The beauty in her art lies in the simplistic essence of each individual line coming together on a much larger scale.

Over the years she has experimented with several different mediums from sketching to printmaking, and everything in between; but her technique is strongest when working with pastels and oils. Currently, Katchen is focusing on oil paintings and doing commissioned work for clients in Hot Springs. “I can do anything with oils; they’re so forgiving” she said. Art Galleries in Taiwan housed a few pieces from her pastel series multiple times, and prints from her chef series hang in restaurants and kitchens in over 30 countries. Katchen is so immersed in working with oils that she offers a weekly oil painting class in her studio. “My students are serious about their art,” she said, “and that’s how I like it.”

Before moving to Arkansas, Katchen lived in California for nine years doing everything from producing Kids Talk, a local children’s show, to writing articles about the famous Playboy Playmates. “I spent a lot of time going out to bars and clubs while I lived in LA and Denver just drawing people,” she said, sifting through some of her earlier work. “I started out with these very simple line things and gradually got more and more complex,” she said.

She then pulled out a rather large frame from one of the stacks and began to laugh, “I found this guy drinking in the corner at a singles bar and he was all duded up, so I asked if he would come model for me.”

He came to her studio in lower downtown Denver, and in the process of changing into the clothes he would be drawn in, he walked out wearing only his jeans and said to Katchen “If you’re interested in art work, I want to show you a piece of real art. He started to unbutton his jeans, and I thought ‘Oh my God!’ But he just turned down the flap of his jeans to show me a tattoo,” she said through laughter.

Each series she produces reflects where she is as an artist. In 1980, she received information from a friend that the people of Nigeria were still wearing traditional African style clothes, and she had to go.

Katchen is no stranger to travel; she and a companion backpacked all across Northern Africa and later from Mexico to Peru. While in Nigeria, she sketched the people living there and tried to reflect each subject’s individuality. Katchen tries to capture the essence of each person she paints; “I like to people watch, so I do that for a bit before I begin to sketch.”

Many artists call our Region home, but not all of them can say their art fully supports them; excluding Katchen and a few others. Her art is as well traveled as she is, and her numerous art instruction books are published in two countries. It’s safe to say that she made her mark on this world.

It’s rare to find someone able to make a living doing what they love, and when that happens, it’s inspiring. Katchen’s work is on display in downtown Hot Springs at Legacy Fine Art Gallery and at her gallery on West Grand Avenue. If you are interested in attending one of her classes or commissioning for a painting visit www.carolekatchen.com.

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December

Fire and Ice 2015 Jeep Run Superlift ORV Park, 2100 Millcreek Rd.

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New Year’s at the Arlington Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

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January

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First Day Hikes All State Parks

First Day Hike Campfire Lake Ouachita State Park

9th Annual Arkansas Shorts 6:00pm | Arlington Hotel, Hot Springs

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Pam Tillis Acoustic Concert Woodlands Auditorium, HSV hsvticketsales.com

Harlem Globetrotters World Tour Verizon Arena, NLR

Eagle Watch Tours Lake Ouachita State Park & DeGray Lake Resort State Park

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New Year’s Eve Party at Little Rock Marriott $50 advance, $60 at the door Little Rock Marriott

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New Year’s Eve Party at the State Park Queen Wilhelmina State Park

New Year’s Eve Overnight Hike Cossatot River State Park

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Inaugural Running of the Jockey Jog 5K Across Central from Oaklawn South Hot Springs Lions Club Gun & Knife Show Hot Springs Convention Center Jazz Society’s America’s Art Form Series Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs

112th Annual Live Racing Season at Oaklawn Opener Oaklawn Racing & Gaming

Monster Jam 7:30pm | Verizon Arena, NLR

49th Tri Lakes 15-17 Coin Club: Coin,

Stamp & Sports Card Show Hot Springs Convention Center

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2015 Arkansas DemocratGazette Bridal Show Statehouse Convention Center

Downtown Hot Springs

“A Day of Service” Mega Kingfest UALR Jack Stephens Arena

34th Annual Arkansas Marine Expo Statehouse Convention Center

US Stations Home & Outdoor Show Hot Springs Convention Center

Beginner Trout Fishing Clinic Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

13 Clocks Opening Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre Runs thru Feb 14

Jazz Society’s 4th Annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest Venues TBA, Hot Springs

White-tail Head Gear Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

Wings over Arkansas Bird Watchers Clinic Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

Martin Luther King Jr. 18 Festivities

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February

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“Laissez les bons temps rouler” Game Night!

Sugg Model Train Garden Fundraiser Garvan Woodland Gardens

Gallery Walk Downtown Hot Springs

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Jazz Society’s America’s Art Form Series 6:00pm | Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs

An Evening with Indie Rock Band, LOW 8pm | Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor

American Heart Association Heart Ball Hot Springs Convention Center

Spotlight Dance Cup Hot Springs Convention Center

Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic Verizon Arena, NLR

Monster Jame 7:30pm | Verizon Arena

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The Pocket Theatre presents “Crossing Delancy” The Pocket Theatre, 170 Ravine

Def Leopard, Styx, and Tesla Verizon Arena, NLR

March

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Gallery Walk Downtown Hot Springs Schoolhouse Rock Live Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre

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Archeology Day at Petit Jean Petit Jean State Park Little Rock Marathon Downtown Little Rock Luke Bryan - Kill the Lights Tour Verizon Arena, NLR Annual Spring Bluegrass Festival Ozark Folk Center State Park Spring Break Escape DeGray Lake State Park Ouachita Trail Hiking Workshop Pinnacle Mountain State Park

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Hot Springs Village Concert Association presents “Surfs Up”

Woodlands Auditorium, HSV hsvticketsales.com

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TORUK: The First Flight Cirque Du Soleil Verizon Arena, NLR

The Van Davis Memorial 5k Walk/Run Whittington Park, Hot Springs

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Annual Outdoor Skills 19-21 Weekend

Daisy State Park Annie

Maumelle Performing Arts Center

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Little Rock Laxfest 2016, Lacrosse Tournament Burns Park Soccer Complex, NLR

Hot Springs Boat, Tackle, and RV Show Hot Springs Convention Center

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Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience

Ponce de Leon Center, HSV hsvticketsales.com

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Official Blues Brothers Revue

Woodlands Auditorium, HSV hsvticketsales.com

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3-Day Lake Ouachita Bicycle Tour Hot Springs Convention Center

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Hot Springs Village Concert Association presents

“Live from Nashville”

Woodlands Auditoriumx, HSV hsvticketsales.com

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World’s First Ever 13th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade Bridge St. Downtown Hot Springs

12th Annual Valley of the Vapors Music Festival Multiple Venues throughout Hot Springs

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S’more Fun Campfire Lake Ouachita State Park

Island Adventure Tour Lake Ouachita State Park Ou Ou a ac c hit hit a aH H ighCo ighCo u u nt nt ry.com ry.com

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W A TE R F O W L

Eyes to the Sky Waterfowl Hunting is Here and Arkansas Could Not Be Happier

by Mike Brooks

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“When you have shot one bird flying you have shot all birds flying. They are all different and they fly in different ways but the sensation is the same and the last one is as good as the first.”

- Ernest Hemingway

Although deer hunting, for most Arkansans, is “king”, duck hunting and all its facets generate about as much excitement for its participants as any Razorback football game, or any sporting event, for that matter. Within the sporting world, there are few things as picturesque and impressionable as having a flock of mallards fall in to your “hole” in the middle of a flooded stand of timber. A seasoned hunter, or a combination of questers working together, with a perfectly tuned call and technique, can redirect a flock of ducks away from their setup and cause them to fly right toward the very hunters sizing them up.

The desired effect of the calling and the proper placement of decoys is to “work” the ducks with a mixture of “hail” and “feeding” calls. This gives them a false sense that their quest to find a nice, safe feeding spot for the morning or roosting for the evening has been located. Once the ducks decide they have found the most appealing area, they will circle overhead for several minutes, surveying the site and determining the best way to approach the setup by considering the wind direction and openings between the limbs and branches of the leafless trees. Once they determine the angle of approach, and provided they aren’t spooked by reflecting light or the whites of a preying hunter’s eyes, they will “fall” through that “hole” in the forest, flaring their wings and slowing for a landing on the water among their fellow feeding fowl. Then the fun begins…

But the work and planning starts long before the avid hunter rises to race to his favorite spot. He strategically places his decoys in the proper position and direction, situate himself in his blind and waits for legal shooting time. Remember, this is a symbiotic relationship, in a sense. The ducks need the hunters as much as the hunters need the ducks. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in conjunction with national and private organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, work diligently every day, not just in this country but Canada and Mexico as well, to ensure the continued success of the sport by providing protected nesting grounds in Canada and wintering areas in the southern United States and northern Mexico.

The Mississippi River serves as a geographic flyway for the yearly migration of many species of ducks and geese. Eastern Arkansas, particularly the area around the convergence of the White and Cache Rivers, has been traditionally considered the premier area in the country for mallard duck hunting.

For the serious duck hunter, an invitation to that area of the country is coveted as much as a Super Bowl ticket, especially if said hunter is not from the area. Whether it be hunting flooded timber where the ducks feed on the acorns, or the flooded farm fields where they feed on the rice and beans intentionally left behind by the farmers, the hunting in the Mississippi River delta can produce memories cherished for a lifetime.

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W A TE R F O W L

According to a fourth generation native of Clarendon, Arkansas, and a lifetime duck hunter known to the author only as “Boom-Splash,” “the economic impact on the area is, and has been for years, staggering.”

The money generated comes from a bevy of sources: hunting licenses, state and federal “Water Fowl Stamps”, steel shot, specialized camouflage, insulated waders, gloves, masks, calls, decoys, not to mention the training and year long care of a well trained retriever dog. Those things alone can easily run into the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, but its expanse is much wider than that. There are even specialized sporting goods stores, such as Max’s Prairie Wings, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, that depend on duck season and its fanatical participants for a large majority of their yearly income by sponsoring such events as the annual World Championship Duck Calling contest and duck gumbo cook-off.

But that’s just the retail side of the economic impact. Let’s consider the rice and bean farmer in the river deltas of eastern Arkansas. A farmer takes a serious risk every year at planting time.

Every spring he, in a sense, gambles that his investment of money – seed, equipment, fuel, employees and time – will pay off at the end of the year in the form a high yield. If Mother Nature cooperates with the right amount of rain, the delicate balance between a drought and flooding, and ideal growing conditions, he can expect his efforts to be worthwhile. However, there are no guarantees when dealing with nature and its unexpected challenges, especially in “The Natural State.” There is one source of income on the farm that is guaranteed, though... Duck Season!

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Although the farmer plants, works and harvests his crop(s) with the intent of making a profit and satisfying his creditors, the delta rice and bean farmers will use that part of the crop not harvested by their reapers (between 10 and 15 %) in the field. Then the other critical element in duck hunting comes into play: Enough rainfall to saturate the rice fields so the fowl will have a place to land, scatter and feed.

The revenue generated by the availability of duck hunting leases runs into the millions. Individuals and corporations spend tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of dollars for the opportunity

to hunt waterfowl in the premier area of the country. Without the feed in the form of the rice, beans left in the fields and acorns in the flooded timber, the ducks would not be as tempted to stop here during their annual migration south. One can only imagine the energy required to fly from the breeding grounds in Canada to the wintering grounds in the south.

The fertile Arkansas delta area affords them the opportunity to rest up and refuel with the fat building food available for their inevitable continued journey.

Without the un-harvested food supply intentionally left by the farmers, the birds might simply fly past the area

in search of better feeding grounds along their journey, and the farmers would lose out on one of the few yearly guaranteed sources of income - money from hunting rights.

So, the next time you see a duck hunter towing his camouflaged boat piled high with bags of decoys, headed for the middle of somewhere or nowhere, for an adventure you may or my not think anything of, reflect for a minute‌ thank the thousands of people who work and plan for countless hours on a yearly basis to ensure that one hunt, or a season’s worth, is as successful and memorable as possible.

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Beer-Thirty There is Something Brewing in the Ouachitas

by Josh Williams photography by Chris Brashears & Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

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B R E W E R I ES

Drinking beer at 10:30 in the morning usually isn’t a great idea, especially if you have something important to do like go to work or appear in court. Unless you work for a magazine that is doing a feature on breweries in your area, and you are drinking beer in the name of research.

Then it’s totally acceptable. In fact, most people respect someone who is willing to go that extra mile to learn as much as one can about the subject they are reporting on. It’s called journalistic integrity, okay?

And with four breweries to hit, we had a lot of beer to drink, I mean, work to do.

Ouachita High Country made four stops on the Winter 2015 Brewery Tour: Stone’s Throw Brewing, Diamond Bear Brewing Company, Bubba Brew’s Brewing Company and Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery. The first two breweries are located in Little Rock, Bubba Brew’s is located west of Hot Springs near Glenwood and Superior is right down the street from us. There are twenty-eight registered breweries in total in Arkansas, but unfortunately, we only had time for four. Though all four breweries were quite different in

appearance, size and offerings, they all had one thing in common: The utilization of the high quality water in the Ouachita mountain range. So much work goes into running a successful brewery— knowledge, tenacity, attention to detail, cleanliness, patience, care—it’s nice to have a good base to work with. With craft beer becoming more popular every day, the number of independent breweries is skyrocketing, and we felt compelled to expose them for what they really are—local businesses producing great beer.

festival in the capital city and it’s their first business venture as a team. It has been a complete ground-up operation. “We’re do-it-yourselfers to the bitter end,” Ian said.

“Painting, digging trenches, constructing walls—we even still do our own distribution.

Forty businesses in Little Rock have our product on tap. Unfortunately, (we’re) nowhere in Hot Springs yet, but we’re close.”

As we sampled tasty brews like the Broken Mill unfiltered wheat ale (an accident-hence the name) and the Shamous Stout (an oatmeal stout that puts Sammy Smith to shame) we felt right at home in the quaint tasting room with half a dozen tables and a hi-def tv that supports their weekly event, Bad-Movie Wednesdays. It was a shame we didn’t bring our copy of Killer Klowns from Outer Space.

about craft beer is that it has gravitated toward places that encourage outdoor activities—San Diego on the beach or Colorado on the front range by the ski slopes or Portland canoeing, hiking and biking—Little Rock and the surrounding area is almost the same. It’s metropolitan, but it has a focused energy on the outdoors.

It’s such a great place to get outside and have a beer while you’re doing it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been down the Caddo or Ouachita [river] with a cold, stainless-steel can in my hands and thought to myself, ‘I should be drinking my own beer.’ The rest is history.”

Stone’s Throw Brewing (501) 244-9154 Our first stop on the tour was Stone’s Throw Brewing, located at 402 East 9th Street in Little Rock’s MacArthur Park Historic District. It was a dusty old building on a little corner that beckoned us to enter. The aroma of fermented yeast and the floral undertones of malted hops were almost too much to handle. As one of the owners, Ian Beard, arrived, our excitement was almost out of control.

He stepped out of his well-traveled, subcompact car riddled with bumper stickers advocating local economics and good beer. We noticed his trucker hat and scruffy facial accoutrements that shared his namesake. We knew we were in for some quality beverages.

Ian Beard, along with 3 friends—Shawn Tobin, Theron Cash and Brad McLaurin— founded Stone’s Throw Brewing on August 17, 2012. They all met while participating in the annual Little Rocktoberfest beer

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“Beer brings people together, and it’s a great time to be in the beer business in Arkansas.” Ian stated. “The great thing

Begrudgingly, we had to move on to our next stop. It would have been nice to sample all 60+ recipes at Stone’s Throw, but I’m sure we’ll be back in the future.

“Remember, we’re just a stone’s throw away,” Ian laughed and unloaded some bumper stickers on us as we pulled away.

Diamond Bear Brewing Company (501) 708-2739 Stop number two on our beer-flavored excursion led us to a titan in the Ouachita Mountain craft brewing scene. Diamond Bear Brewing Company is Arkansas’ longest running craft brewery, and was established way back at the turn of the century, in the year 2000… (thoughts of Conan O’Brien and Andy Richter flood in).

Matthew Beachboard came on as general manager of Diamond Bear eighteen months ago and helped build a thriving restaurant inside the European-inspired brew pub. “Without a doubt, the quality of water in this area is incredible,” Matthew gleamed. “The water is sourced from Lake Winona and Lake Maumelle and makes exceptional beer. I’ve never seen anything like it. If you really want to know the secret or the hidden gem, that’s it.”

Diamond Bear brews dozens of beers, both seasonally and regularly: Strawberry Blonde, Two-Term, Rocktoberfest, Pig-

Tail Porter, Dogtown Brown, Presidential IPA, Honeyweiss (Bronze medal @ Great American Beer Festival), Irish Red (Gold medal @ Great American Beer Festival), and the list goes on. Seven of their beers in all have won national and international awards. They also have a new “hibernation series” where beers are aged for up to ten weeks in Woodford Reserve or Rocktown Distillery whisky barrels. This new line of beer is scheduled to hit the market very soon. Of their current offerings, states carry a variety of Diamond Bear selections, and around two dozen businesses in Hot Springs alone carry their beer.

Diamond Bear appreciates the grass-roots type of business and development and they don’t forget what got them to where they are today. Matthew said, “We’ve got a coffee porter that uses beans from Westrock Coffee, and our meats and veggies are sourced from Hogs Meat Market and local farmer’s

markets. We appreciate the quality and the type of people making a living here; They’re generous, creative, open to suggestion, and it makes my job easy and fun.”

The future indeed looks bright for Diamond Bear. They’ve got a good business plan, they have a vast, quality product and they value what the Ouachita region has to offer. “I didn’t truly appreciate this place until I went to GABF [Great American Beer Festival] in Denver,” Matthew admitted. “I’m not knocking the plains of Oklahoma and Kansas, but upon our return to the Ouachitas, it was almost euphoric.

Even Denver pales in comparison to the lushness of our home. As I become older, I fully understand how special this place is. It’s ridiculously beautiful—eye opening.

Definitely a rare and amazing place, and I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.”

Sadly, the Ouachita High Country team had to be somewhere else, so we left—for now.

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B R E W E R I ES

Bubba Brew’s Brewing Company (870) 356-4001 The third stop on our tour was the imposing Bubba Brew’s Brewing Company, which opened its doors on New Year’s Eve 2014 at 8091 Airport Road in Bonnerdale, Arkansas. As we approached this brewery/restaurant monolith, we were greeted by a jovial, welcoming brewmaster and “general consul” by the name of Jonathan Martin.

He’s a local attorney who’s been homebrewing for a dozen years. He’s a former avid kayaker, so he knows the correlation between the two activities and the people who enjoy them. “I used to kayak back in the day,” Jonathan exclaimed.

“I know how beautiful and clean this place is. That’s why I source the water for my beer from Lake DeGray. It’s different here, this is the best water in the world—most places have to filter rigorously or add a bunch of chemicals—not here. This is every brewmaster’s dream canvas.”

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Jonathan brews a dozen beers: Arkie Amber Ale (his initial attempt at brewing), Skullcrusher IPA (6.3% ABV), Sandbar Pilsner, Bubba’s Dirty Blonde, 10-Point Bock, Great White (Belgian Witbier), Wilford Oatmeal Stout and their flagship beer Buckshot Pale Ale (not listing all 12, you’ll have to go try some for yourself).

“I’ve always wanted to open a brewery here,” said Jonathan. “The craft beer movement has really taken hold. I met my business partner Ned Bass, who had the restaurant knowledge that I lacked, and we decided to go for it. We didn’t know what to expect, but the response has been great so far.”

This spacious brewery/restaurant/ entertainment venue is starting to make some real noise in the foothills of the Ouachita mountains.

Jonathan said, “I couldn’t be more pleased with the support from the local establishments.

Brick House Grill, Copper Penny Pub, Vina Morita and DeLuca’s are just a few that have been phenomenal. If you would have told me that nearly 40 businesses in the Ouachita region had my beer in stock today, I would have called you crazy.”

2016 looks bright for Bubba Brew’s.

“We’re selling 60-80 kegs a week here at the brewery. We are going to open a second location closer to Hot Springs.

We’ve got an old Ford Transit that has 12 taps installed, so we can take it to festivals all around and pour beer straight from the truck. The 10-Point Bock made the medal round at the GABF [Great American Beer Festival] in 2015—I’m excited, Ned’s excited. This is such a fun industry because brewers are cooperative—we just have fun. We want to take you on a weird beer journey and maybe throw in some fried catfish and frog legs to take with you.”

Superior Bathhouse Brewery & Distillery (501) 624-2337 Three breweries down, one to go—it’s a good thing I have a designated driver with me. Our last stop on the trail of beers was the Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery. Located at 329 Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, it’s right in the thick of the renaissance that the town is experiencing. Actually, Superior has a lot to do with the artistic and cultural rebirth of Hot Springs. It is the only brewery in the world to use thermal spring water in the brewing process; the only documented brewery, anyway. Owner and brewmaster Rose Schweikhart said, “I saw my dream come true here. I’m entrepreneurial at heart and this place was perfect to toy with my idea. Hot Springs is so full of life and art, I wanted to help the downtown area—it’s very important.” Rose and her partner in crime, fellow brewer Jimm Powell, have known each other for five years. They shared a vision—to create great beer and inform the local community about the benefits of it.

“I never thought I would be fulfilling my dream,” Jimm said. “I started brewing beer 11 years ago and I remember discussing the possibility of being a brewmaster with my sister in Tahoe, but they were basically pipe dreams. Then I met Rose, who was basically sharing my brain, and I thought ‘I want to come work for you’, so I did.” Superior has been producing its own beer since January of 2014, and downtown Hot Springs has been a noticeably happier place since. The brewery currently has 12 beers on tap, but they rotate about 20 in total, with offerings ranging from the Ba-Donk-a-Donk Dunkel (4.6% ABV) and the Pumpernickel Porter (4.8% ABV) to the Whittington Park Wheat (5.0% ABV) and the FoukeNess Monster Scottish Ale (7.2% ABV).

Several businesses in Hot Springs already have Superior’s beer on tap: Maxine’s and The Copper Penny are two, and Superior plans to move into the Little Rock area next year at places

like Stickyz Rock n’ Roll Chicken Shack and The Flying Saucer—two very prominent beer locales.

Superior’s 2016 plans also include several changes to the property. They’re going to develop the 2nd floor of their building, they’re putting in an ‘Ale yard’ with a patio so you can get outside while you enjoy your beer. There will be more space for live entertainment and we haven’t even mentioned the kitchen.

Head Chef Angela Nardi-Nix is one of the area’s best.

Our current beer journey has come to an end, and we’re not happy about it.

Maybe we can make this an ongoing feature, you know, like an 8-part series or something. After all, we have 25 more Arkansas breweries to cover.

To join the rapidly growing craft beer culture, be sure to check out these breweries on Facebook. Cheers!

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W I NTE R A C T I V I T I ES

Wandering Winter Staying Active with Family Activites in the Ouachita Cold

by Josh Williams & Marisa Rodgers

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The Ouachita region is expected to receive three to four inches above normal snowfall this winter. And the average mean temperature for the region is supposed to be down a degree or two. That’s cold. Although it was a slow start to winter this year, that’s enough to make the difference between a normal, fairly uneventful winter and an exciting one. There are many places in Western Arkansas that take on a whole different look with a bunch of the frozen stuff resting on their top layer. We’ll show you some ways to keep moving while the things around you stop and guarantee you make the most of the wintery bliss.

Just remember to stay safe, bundle up appropriately and use common sense while Old Man Winter delivers his wrath upon us.

Hiking the Ouachita National Forest This patch of 1.8 million acres of natural beauty is filled with breathtaking foliage, intricate trails and an array of wildlife that you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you want to hike, hunt, fish, camp or just drive through the mountains, these vistas are unequaled. If you do get out in the forest this winter, remember to use your common sense: Take plenty of clothes and don’t go alone. It would probably be a good idea to make sure your supply of gloves and beanies are up to par too.

It might be a little tough to negotiate the Ouachita National Forest in an extracold winter, but if you do get out there, hiking, biking, fishing or hunting the snow-capped mountains will be one of the most beautiful and exhilarating experiences of your life. Visit www. fs.usda.gov/ouachitanationalforest or call (501) 321-5202 for tips before making the trek.

Lake Ouachita 3-Day Bicycle Tour This self-supported ride leaves from Hot Springs, goes to Irons Fork primitive camp on the lake on the first night, Crystal Springs camp the second night then returns to Hot Springs. People are encouraged to bring a few groceries, as dinner will be cooked at the various campsites. The event takes place from

Saturday, February 13 through Monday, February 15. The ride will begin at the Hot Springs Convention Center located at 134 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71902. Admission is free. Visit www.arkansasbicycleclub.org for more information, or call Jim Britt at (501) 912-1449.

Dig for Diamonds The Crater of Diamonds State Park is open daily throughout the year and offers park visitors a one-of-a-kind experience—the adventure of hunting for real diamonds.

You’ll search over a 37 ½-acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of the world’s eighth largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. Stop by the Diamond Discovery Center on your way to prospect in the diamond search area. Here, exhibits, interpretive programs, and a video show you the various ways to search for diamonds and identify rough diamonds as you prospect. Mining tools are available to rent.

If you find a diamond, it is yours to keep. The park also includes 47 Class AAA campsites and five walk-in tent sites with free Wi-Fi, an enclosed pavilion with heating, picnic sites, restaurant, gift shop, trails, and laundry.

The park is located at 209 State Park Road in Murfreesboro, Arkansas 71958. Visit www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com or call (870) 285-3113.

Go Winter Camping For some, winter camping means renting a cabin heated by a wooden stove, but for the more adventurous it means making a pack and hauling out to your favorite location where you will test your endurance in the colder temperatures and hone your skills as a camping elite.

Build a campfire, whether for cooking or warmth. But for the sake of safety, make sure that your outer layer of clothing is right for cuddling close to those dancing embers. Wool is one of the best, most fireresistant natural materials and is perfect for this. Down jackets are the complete opposite, so steer clear when next to the flames. Pack a lot of extra layers, especially heavy on the socks, hats and gloves. Sleep with your boots. If you have standard single layer boots, store them in a plastic or waterproof bag and stick them in the bottom of your sleeping bag. There is nothing worse than damp boots freezing overnight for you to enjoy the next morning. Coat exposed skin in vaseline or animal fat to protect it against the falling temperatures. Bottom line, if you are properly prepared, winter camping can be an exciting adventure.

The colder the forecast, the more research you might want to do before embarking, but do it. You’ll be glad you challenged yourself!

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WINTER ACTIVITIES

Take a Photo Expedition Use the freshly changed landscape to your advantage and capture some timeless photographs. Nothing is more serene to look at than a fresh layer of white powder on the rooftops of the environment around you. You will barely remember the cold you endured to get that shot once the feeling reaches your fingertips again and you have that memory captured forever.

Choose high vantage points, like West Mountain in Hot Springs, the Lake Lago Lookout Point in Hot Springs Village, or if driving is still safe to navigate, even a day drive to Mount Magazine or Petit Jean State Parks.

Feed the Birds or Go Birdwatching A perfect family activity for many ages is to make your own birdfeeders out of

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pine cones, peanut butter and birdseed – a timeless classic. Some other ideas include stringing cranberries, popcorn and cereal onto fishing lines for garland to attract and nourish your feathered friends. Then break out the binoculars and bird watch. Hopefully your delicious creations will attract a variety of birds that nature has told to stay put in our area for the duration of winter.

Get Artsy Take advantage of the snowfall for more than just a snowman, although we don’t recommend skipping the creation of your very own Frosty. Play Pin-the-Face on the Snowman. Just like Pin-the-Tail, the blindfolded challenger, armed with Oreo cookies, tries to make the face of a snowman in this silly, delightful manner.

Make snow graffiti. Simply add food coloring to water and put in a spray bottle, then go out and paint the white canvas that is your backyard. Want a few laughs and a learning experience for kids as well? When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, go outside and blow bubbles. It’s not just summer fun anymore! Watch the bubbles freeze on the wand and create a beautiful example of how the cold impacts water so quickly.

Want to stay indoors instead and just watch the snow fall? That’s okay too.

Use this time to commemorate your day.

With strong glue, attach plastic toy or toys to the inside of a jar lid. Then add baby oil and glitter. You have then created a homemade snow globe as a fun souvenir of a great day.

SoupS, SaladS, SandwicheS, burgerS, STeakS, Seafood, pizza & more!

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at

Take Snow Play up a Notch Start a game of Tic-Tac-Snow with two players. Use crisscrossed sticks and pinecones as game pieces. Or, paint a bull’s-eye target on a piece of cardboard, giving each colored ring a point value. Attach it to a tree and keep score as the kids, and kids at heart, try to hit the target with snowballs.

Try Tracking We recommend exploring the untrampled edges of local parks after a snowfall to look for animal tracks. The short periods of snow tell the most stories about animal lives than other times of the year and gets children really excited to explore and learn more. How many toes does the animal have? Deer have two where dogs and cats have four. A chipmunk and an armadillo have four on the front paws and five on the hind legs. Does the track show claw marks? Squirrel and fox tracks show claws. Dog tracks do too. Is there a line in the snow? Mice sometimes leave the imprint of a tail in the snow, porcupine tails leave troughs. Are the tracks spread far apart or are they close together?

Answering this question tells children whether the animal is big or small and whether it was traveling quickly or slowly.

Do tracks go over or under downed trees? A bigger animal will go over a downed tree, while a smaller animal may choose to go under it. Do tracks stop at a tree? A squirrel can climb a tree, but a rabbit can’t. Download an animal track identification guide before you go, like the helpful one at http://www.oyccweb. com/uploads/2/6/4/4/26442920/animal_ track_id_guide.pdf. Have your child tell you where they think the critters are going and what they are up to and record these adorable conversations to have for many years to come.

JavaPrimo!

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Two Great Locations!

4429 Central Ave., Ste. A Hot Springs 501-318-9789

614 Main Street Arkadelphia 870-230-1337

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5

OAKLAWN

In the Beginning Oaklawn Jockey Club Sets the Bar in the Thoroughbred World

by Josh Williams photography courtesy of Chris Emigh

It’s mid-January. It’s opening day at Oaklawn Jockey Club (OJC). One’s breath is visible while standing trackside. A mass of people are bundled up with jackets and gloves, clutching tickets in their hands that say $2 WIN—Number 7. The public address announcer confirms that the last horse has reached the starting gate.

There is a momentary lull accompanied by what seems like an hour of silence, with an occasional “woot” or “c’mon 4” sprinkled in. There is a palpable anticipation in the atmosphere that could

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be spread on toast. All of a sudden, a piercing bell rips through the air as the gates fly open and a collection of some of the most majestic creatures on earth dart out, and 100 seconds later, one of those horses will start his or her journey toward possibly winning the one of the most coveted prizes in sports: The Triple Crown. All that, and the corned beef sandwiches are 50 cents, today only.

Oaklawn Jockey Club has been a staple in the horse racing world since it opened

its doors in 1904. In 2013, it was ranked the #7 racetrack on the continent by the Horseplayers Association of North America. It’s a mile-long dirt oval that sits right in the middle of Hot Springs.

It’s a majestic structure with a clubhouse designed by noted Chicago architect Zachary Taylor Davis, who would later design Old Comiskey Park and Wrigley Field in his home city. Owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the country come to live in Hot Springs between January and April every year, and hopefully leave

famous, or in some cases, leave more famous than they already were. Indeed, many have left famous after a season at Oaklawn. Actually, some pretty famous horses raced multiple times at Oaklawn during their careers: Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Curlin, Azeri, Cigar, Zenyatta, Bodemeister and the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharaoh, are a few that come to mind. Take the level of competition, the local support and the energy that surrounds OJC, set it against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ouachita mountains, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

Chris Emigh (pronounced Amy) has been a well-respected jockey in the thoroughbred racing world for 26 years. The Virginia native grew up in Louisiana and has won more than 3000 races in his career. He has participated in 4 meets at Oaklawn during his racing tenure, and he won the Rebel Stakes at OJC in 2008, the first year it was upgraded to a Grade 2 race. He came in at 1:43.88 mounted atop Sierra Sunset, which is the third fastest time since the powerful Smarty Jones won the Rebel Stakes in 2004. The current purse for the Rebel Stakes is $750,000, so it’s not just some run-of-the-mill race.

“It’s quite a bit tougher here,” Chris said. “It reminds me a lot of Saratoga (race track), the races at Oaklawn have a great purse structure—one of the best in the country, actually.” By tougher, he

means the competition. “If you don’t have a big, well-established stable, it’s hard to break in here. This is really a great stepping-stone on the road to the Triple Crown. You’ve got so many well-known trainers like Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen here on a constant basis—my trainer Scott Becker does such a wonderful job helping me get ready to compete with the upper echelon that come here.”

Chris is in the upper-echelon conversation himself. The guy has more than 3,600 career wins and has earned more money than most people will ever see, but he’s still humble. “Right now I’m leading in Chicago,” he laughs, “but here—I might not crack the top ten during the meet. I hope to just win one a week here. It’s tough.”

But it’s more than just the competition that makes the racing experience at Oaklawn special for Chris Emigh.

Chris is always impressed with the response that the live racing season receives from the locals in Hot Springs every year. “The pull that Oaklawn has in the town is amazing. It’s really the main social event happening in Hot Springs at that time and you can tell. It’s so alive—all the people cheering—it’s total excitement.

It’s actually what the participants in competitive sporting events yearn for. It gets you ready. It gives you that ‘this is what’s it’s all about’ kind of feeling. It’s pretty powerful.”

Not only are the people in the Ouachita high country great, but the scenery isn’t too bad either. With the lush mountains, crystal-clear waterways and temperate climate, Hot Springs and Oaklawn are would-be destinations on many people’s list. Chris said, “I love it here, it’s so beautiful. I love to go horseback riding in the mountains—I’m used to riding flat, you know.” He got serious after a hearty laugh: “I really could see myself retiring there, and just might.”

2016 brings the 112th season of live racing at Oaklawn Jockey Club. To go along with the world-class thoroughbred racing facility, Oaklawn offers great dining options in Lagniappe Café and the newly-constructed Silk’s Sports Bar and Grill. There is also a brand new addition: A three million dollar gaming room with casino-style slot machines, poker tables and a refurbished Instant Racing complex. The addition has become the largest gaming complex in the state of Arkansas, so if somebody says they didn’t have a good time at Oaklawn, it just means they lost.

“I would rank Oaklawn right at the top of the list of places I’ve raced,” Chris said.

So would we, Chris. So would we.

Oaklawn is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am-3am, and Friday and Saturday from 10am-6am. Visit www.oaklawn.com or call 1-800-OAKLAWN for more.

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“POWER OVER PESTS”

Protecting the health and property of Arkansas people Locally owned and operated in HSV since 1970

5 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village (501) 922-3585 www.terminixhsv.com

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6th Annual Sprint Triathlon Saturday, June 11th Registration is now open, visit www.TRItheVillage.com!

This USAT-sanctioned event includes a 500-yard swim, a 13.5 mile cycle ride and 3.5 mile run in beautiful Hot Springs Village and is managed by DLT Events with support from and in benefit of Teen Challenge of Arkansas.

ALSO! Participants can play golf Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning for member rates $28.10 with cart plus tax. Call 501.922.2858 to book.

TRITheVIllage SponSoRS: MounTaIn Valley WaTeR, VacaTIon RenTalS, SaM’S club, ST. VIncenT healTh SySTeM, lefleR DenTal, MT. caRMel coMMunITy anD STaTe faRM. Ou a c hit a H ighCo u nt ry.com

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R E C I P ES

Belly Warmers Winter is Here So Head to the Kitchen and Give Your Tummy a Treat that is Sure to Ward Off the Shivers recipes by by Chef T. Porter Montgomery of Next Level Kitchens photography by Amanda Shelley Ledbetter

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Brother T’s Chocolate Stout Chili The chocolate and brown sugar play great with the smoky spiciness from the chipotle peppers, giving it a nice rounded flavor with just a hint of sweet.

A huge bowl of this and some crackers – one of my favorite things when the weather turns cold.

Ingredients

3 lbs. of your choice smoked brisket or raw steak (cut into cubes) 2 lbs. assorted beans* 3 oz. (roughly half a can) of Embasa Chipotle with Adobo Sauce 1 large yellow onion 4 Tbsp. butter 1 ½ cloves fresh garlic 1 Tbsp. ground cumin 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 24 oz, chocolate stout beer ¾ cup brown sugar 36 oz. canned chopped tomatoes 6 fresh hot house tomatoes (chopped) with juice 1 qt. beef stock 2 Porcini mushroom bullion cubes 2 tsp. salt and pepper Optional: 2 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder, if you’re unable to find appropriate chocolate stout

How you’re going to do it:

Place onions, garlic, butter, cumin, 2 teaspoons salt & pepper, and cubed steak in your stock pot, then cook on medium heat until onions are translucent and beef has browned. Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute, then add chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), brown sugar, cocoa powder if desired, and beer. Bring together in stock pot, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Now add the rest of your ingredients: tomatoes, beans (if using canned beans make sure they are rinsed before adding them,* if using dry beans, make sure to let them soak in salted water overnight), beef stock, mushroom bullion and let simmer on medium low for at least 1 hour. Garnish with shredded cheddar, diced onions, sour cream, crispy bacon, and the kitchen sink.

Duck Gnocchi Okay, so this isn’t exactly going to fit on your Weight Watcher’s diet, but can you really put a calorie count on deliciousness that warms you to your very soul? Okay, I guess you can, but let’s not talk about that... The potato gnocchi can be found in most supermarkets now, or at specialty food stores near the pasta.

Ingredients

2 duck breasts 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. olive oil ½ medium sized yellow onion 2 shallots 7 garlic cloves 1 lb. assorted mushrooms (Shiitake, Cremini, Portobello.)

2 tsp. rosemary 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. thyme 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. sage 2 Porcini mushroom bullion cubes 2 qt. vegetable stock 1 pint heavy cream 1 qt. milk 1 package of potato and basil gnocchi

How you’re going to do it:

So you want to start this recipe by building a rue, but instead of using butter you are going to use rendered duck fat. Start by scoring the skin of the duck breast, so it looks like a tic-tac-toe grid, rubbing the breast lightly all over with olive oil, then rub all over with 1 teaspoon each of sage, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch or two of salt and pepper (it’s okay if the duck is heavily seasoned because it will take that flavor with it into

the soup). Place your duck breast skin side down in a frying pan, and place in an oven set to 400*F and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside. (Side note: at this point you may remove the skin from the duck breast, and slide it under the broiler to crisp the skin further, just keep a close eye on it, because it will happen quickly.)

Now put the milk and cream into a sauce pan and let it start warming on low (that way, about 15 minutes from now when you need it, it’ll be nice and warm, making adding it to the rue much easier).

Once that’s done, take the rendered fat from the duck breast and put it in your stock pot on medium-low/medium heat.

Start cooking the diced onion until it turns translucent--at that point add the garlic, another tablespoon or two of butter, and continue cooking until the onions start to caramelize. Slowly start whisking the flour into the pot until a nice semi-tight paste forms and let that cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally and letting the rue brown just slightly.

Once the rue has browned slightly (that is generally how you can tell it has cooked enough to get that floury taste out of it) turn up the heat and start slowly adding the warm milk mixture to the rue, while whisking briskly. Once the mixture is fully incorporated, add the mushrooms, gnocchi, sliced duck breast, vegetable broth and mushroom base. Turn heat down to medium/medium low, and let simmer for another 20 minutes to an hour (patience is a virtue, here). Place soup in a bowl, and top with shaved Parmesan and pieces of sliced crispy duck skin. Lastly, enjoy.

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39

GLANCE BACK

Early Spa Gaming

Gambling Comes to Hot Springs: City Coffers Explode.

Economy Never Better.

by Mike Brooks photos courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society

Leo McLaughlin, Mayor of Hot Springs 1927-1947, pictured on right at Oaklawn Race Track where he served as attorney

At one point in its history, Hot Springs welcomed any and all gambling. The attraction of it and the healing thermal waters of the hot springs is what earned the city of Hot Springs the moniker of “America’s First Resort” and that of the original “Sin City”.

Hot Springs came into prominence after the Civil War when several veterans, of both northern and southern loyalties, hearing of the healing waters of the thermal springs, visited the area seeking relief of woes due to amputations, disease, maladies, etc. suffered during the war and eventually settled the area. It wasn’t long before these shrewd businessmen, with foresight of what the Hot Springs could be, were able to convince tourists by the hundreds to visit the area for the healing and curative properties of the newly dubbed “Health Spa.” With the increased

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interest, investors began to take notice of the possibilities the springs and its attraction afforded.

Once, The Diamond Joe, a narrow gauge railroad from Malvern to Hot Springs was laid, travel exploded to the isolated city tucked neatly between the mountains.

The train meant the end of having a day long, bumpy, dusty ride, provided one did not get caught in a rainstorm which would swell the several creeks causing lengthy delays and extended travel time.

The El Paso stage coach from Malvern to Hot Springs was a route once robbed by the famed James-Dalton gang.

Realizing the potential profits to be made from the little community, the early gambling czars of the city put most of the profits back into it in one form or another.

Yes, they built extravagant and elegant

homes, but also swanky gambling houses, with names like The Monarch Club, The Opera House Bar and The Office Saloon operated by the notorious Frank Flynn - Boss Gambler, one of the city’s earliest czars. This also encouraged other innovative businessmen to move to the secluded valley and provide necessities in the form of hotels and restaurants for the tourist, but also those businesses vital to sustain a vibrant and growing community.

Although traditionally controlled by one main “czar,” gambling flourished and became a vital part of the downtown area and Hot Springs experience. Visitors to the bathhouses naturally looked to be entertained at the poker tables and roulette wheels, as well as the many bordellos and other houses of ill repute. As long as you adhered to the rules set down by the local “Gambling Czar,” and paid him his share

Although always illegal, the gambling was a major part of the economic system and success of the city. In 1927 Leo P. McLaughlin, at the encouragement of his good friend and confidant, Municipal Judge Vern Ledgerwood, ran for and was elected mayor. Together they built a political machine that would control the gambling, the town, and everything that it brought to the area.

of the profits, one could operate pretty much any kind of gambling operation or scheme one could concoct. Part of the problem was that the control of the gambling would, or at least could, change every two years with the election of a new mayor, who early in the city’s existence, had the power to name both the Chief of Police and the High Sheriff. One position would usually go to his brother and the other to his other brother, or brother-inlaw, or a strong supporter. Together they controlled the gambling, the town, and everything that it brought to the area.

All three positions were highly coveted because of the money to be earned. Not as city and county employees, but in the form of payoffs and kickbacks from the many gambling houses, booking joints, horse books, bordellos, etc.

Doctors – some certified and some quacks – also came to the area sensing an opportunity to apply their trade on the influx of crippled and diseased people expecting miracle cures from the “healing” waters. “Drummers” would work the outlying train stations and incoming trains seeking patients to direct to the office of their (Doctor) employers.

They received a commission on every patient who visited the doctor. The Doctor would direct the patient to the proper spring, sometimes requiring a written prescription.

With the influx of tourists and visitors to the springs seeking relief from their

ailments, a more seedy element filtered into the mix of the locals and, at times, created serious headlines and animosity from the locals. This helped to create the necessity to incorporate the city and create a government to police and curtail the more undesirable element.

But, it also helped to attract other more desirable elements such as baseball teams for the first spring training sessions. Along with the athletes came politicians, entertainers, horsemen when the race season was open, radio stars, and eventually television and movie stars.

In addition to the more desirable element, the underworld, including mobsters (Al Capone, “Bugs” Moran, John Toria and others from Chicago as well as New York figures such as Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Albert Anastasia, Meyer Lansky and Owney Madden), gangsters and bank robbers ( Frank “Jelly” Nash, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, Alvin “Old Creepy” Karpis and many others) also flocked to the area. While present, they adhered to the tradition of the peaceful valley established by the Native Americans who, when they came to the area, considered it “sacred ground” and would enter under the strictest of peaceful rules.

The gangsters respected the city, never causing problems between the tribes even though they may be bitter enemies outside the valley. There was no recorded mob activity or any bank robberies occurring within the city and immediate area of Garland County.

For the next 20 years Hot Springs was the biggest illegal gambling operation in the country and it flourished under the strict leadership and tight control of Leo and Vern. There were over 120 establishments (at the time gambling was shut down in 1967) within the city that would pay their “entertainment tax” in the form of a monthly fine, to the municipal court in order to continue to operate their slot machines, poker tables and roulette wheels. The amount of the “tax” depended on the number of tables and machines located within the particular establishment.

Leo bragged that he never took a penny from the city coffers as Mayor, yet he never had a want for money, fine clothes, cars, a home for his entire family including his eccentric mother and sisters, pristine riding stables, and anything else he desired.

Even the mob saw the potential for millions in profits to be made from the illegal gambling in the sleepy valley. In the 1940’s the New York mob sent Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel to Hot Springs to investigate the potential of gaining a major interest in the operation. When it became apparent that they would not be able to strong arm the local powers that be, “Bugsy” went directly to the desert and formed Las Vegas.

Today gambling on that scale no longer flourishes in Hot Springs. Nor does the money flow into the pockets of the investors - gambling houses, restaurants, hotels, spas, shops - and their employees, as well as the rest of the local economy that it brought with it. The city has been forced to look elsewhere to attract the vital tourist dollar to the area, and they work diligently to assure that there are different activities, including festivals – music, film, arts – cook-offs, bathtub races down Central Avenue, and many others every weekend. The old casinos may be gone, but the ghosts of the past are still as alive as ever in Hot Springs.

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I N Y O U R W O R DS

The Winters Hallow poem by Sensear Dialect aka Dascribe, Hot Springs, Ark.

The icy, persistent, chill of winter winds Snatch the last trembling leaf.

The trees are now empty.

Drooping in icy sadness Yet reaching to the sky Like frost bitten fingers Seeking warmth from the sun.

All is dry, and cracking like lips.

An eerie silence surrounds me Like, a ghost, perusing reality.

I smell the stale of winter.

The flowers, have shriveled The birds, song has been stifled The bees, no longer hum along Every creeping, crawling, thing Has become numb to motion.

Busy bustling streets turn to Abandoned deathly passages Refuge is what all seem to seek.

There are no survivors without fire Burning to escape the dreary cold.

The frozen touch of winter Makes the fluid stream still.

Jagged rocks become slippery.

All is hallow and empty.

All tremble like fear.

The winds howl and moan Like a cold hearted wolf Ostracized from the pack without Warmth, security, and nourishment.

The Sun hides its face from the earth As if embarrassed by its uselessness.

Snow falls like angels descending From heaven with messages Covering green earth like white lies.

Movement is lethargically frozen I watch my warm breath Escape like smoke from chimneys Ghastly, bone chilling clutches Grip the unexpected with flu.

Sickness is almost inevitable.

Jumping from one body To the next, like a demon Wishing to possess a new host.

It feels like hell, yet the fire Melts all worries away It’s cozy and fit for gods.

Winters plight just Melts With soup to warm the soul Melts Under blankets of protection Melts With a heat to return lost feeling Melts Hearts filling like cups of cocoa Stay Inside For when night falls outside No savior will be present It’s an empty abyss Temperatures drop to lows Devils wouldn’t stoop Icy roads twist and turn travelers Winds blow songs of sorrow Chilling chants telling us Winter feels nothing and Nothing is the only thing That fills winters hallow.

It will soon be spring again and the plants will be sprouting along with the imaginations and creativity of many people in the Ouachita High Country. If you are feeling inspired and would like to share with us your poems and stories celebrating the renewal of spring then share them with us and we may share them in our spring issue.

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Send your writing submissions to: Render Creative Group attn: Ouachita High Country 801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901 or email info@rendercreativegroup.com

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801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901

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