Volume 10 - No. 3 by South Arkansas Leader

Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

March 12, 2014

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Annual Mayhaw Festival to include more than just its famous jelly

Hosted by the South Arkansas Historical Foundation, the 22nd Annual Mayhaw Festival will kick off Saturday, May 3 in El Dorado. The day-long street festival will take place on the grounds of the Newton House Museum, along Jackson Street and between Faulkner and Sheppard streets. Known for its infamous Mayhaw jelly, the festival has broadened its scope in past years. For the fourth year, the festival will be the site of the WING DING chicken cook-off, with a $1,000 grand prize for best wings. The top place will also receive a bante rooster. Live entertainment for this year’s festival will include several local and regional bands and performers, including:

» Clancey Ferguson and the Ragtags.

Named the “Princess of Bluegrass,” Clancey Ferguson and the Ragtags are a group of young bluegrass performers, known for a mix of traditional bluegrass songs, as Festival: As in past years, the 22nd

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Annual Mayhaw Festival will feature continued on Page 4 a number of events, including history

exhibits (above), the WING DING chicken wing cook-off (left) and an antique car show (right). — File photos

Kickball coming to El Dorado p. 8

Chamber accepting Administrative Professional of the Year nominations The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the Administrative Professional of the Year Award, which will be given at the Chamber’s annual Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23 at the El Dorado Conference Center. “This is the second year that we will be giving this award,” said Kay Smith, the Chamber’s director of member services. “The goal of this award is to recognize and honor an outstanding Union County administrative professional and continue the tradition we started when we awarded Rhonda Jones with Martin Operating Partnership the Admin Cup last year.” Jones will be passing the cup on to the winning administrative professional, who will be able to display the award in his or her office for the year, Smith said. Individuals can be nominated by their colleagues for their outstanding service, superior performance, exceptional efficiency, integrity and dedication to their company and to fellow employees. Those eligible for nomination are administrative support staff who have been in his or her position for at least one year. The ideal

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All the bAnk you’ll ever need. w w w. f i r s t f i n a n c i a l b a n k . c o m

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Mr. Peabody’s history lessons finally make it to the big screen Monique Thompson Red Carpet Crash

Who knew I would walk away from seeing an animated movie and realize how much information I had Mr. Peabody & forgotten from grade-school history class. For those, like myself, that are Sherman not big history buffs, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” will certainly help you » Release date: March 7. brush up on those skills. » Run time: 92 min. In this animated film, Mr. Peabody, who happens to be a genius dog, is » Rated: PG for some mild action the adoptive parent of a young boy and brief rude humor. named Sherman. They have spent » Director(s): Rob Minkoff. most of their days traveling to the past in a time machine to relive » Stars: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, some of the greatest moments in hisStephen Colbert, Lauri Fraser, Ariel Winter, Karan Brar, Joshua Rush, tory. When the day finally comes for Stephen Tobolowsky and Leslie Sherman to start school, Mr. PeaMann. Your Elworried Dorado, Community Guide body is extremely thatArkansas Sherman won’t fit in with the other kids. » RCC Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. And he’s exactly right. A 10-Million+ Hits a Month Website On Eldoark.com: Sherman’s first day of school, he gets into a fight with the school Einstein. But will these two be bully, Penny, who’s upset that he able to get back home before Eldoark.com helps Pencorrected her in class on a history ny’s parents realize she’s missing fact. During a brawl in the cafete- in action? keep you and your ria, Sherman bites Penny on the arm The good thing about “Mr. Peafamily is, up to on the to free himself from the mean girl. body & Sherman” of date course, School officials aren’t pleased with history lesson disguised in this very all things in Sherman’s way of defending him- cute and funny animated family self and blame it all on his canine movie. It’s amazing how you could El Dorado and father, threatening to take Sherman hear children in the theater whisperaway from Mr. Peabody. ing “Hey, I know that is.” Southwho Arkansas. In an attempt to fix things, Penny The visits back in time are certainLogand on today! and her parents are invited over to ly adventurous entertaining and their house for a mediation session. should surely keep the attention of Things don’t go well when Sher- the viewers. man Visit andEldoark.com Penny decide to be to parttake of aacommunity website that receives 12 Red Carpet Crash provides review writtrip in the time machine. These two on films,with DVDs television; news million hitstons per month. Stay as upthey to date oning El Dorado theand community stumble upon of trouble and updates on all things entertainment; travel back through history and run and the occasional free stuff. Sandy’s Blog and more! Also, enter our weekly nibbler trivia into calendar, some greats such as King Tut, Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com or Leonardo dafor Vinci and toeven Albertweek! facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash. contests a chance win every

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SouthArk Upward Bound to host its Gospel Fest VI Upward Bound at South Arkansas Community College will present Gospel Fest VI at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the El Dorado Conference Center, located at 311 South West Ave. Featured performers include: » University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Vesper Choir. Under the direction of UAPB professor of music Dr. Michael J. Bates, the Vesper Choir is a 65-member ensemble founded in the 1940s. » LeBryant Crew. Up-andcoming soul artist, LeBryant Crew is an El Dorado native and recent contestant on American Idol. » Psalm of Life Memorial Choir. Founded in 2013 by Treasur Webb, the Psalm of Life Memorial Choir presents an annual Scholarship Musical in January of each year as a fundraiser for the Kylaus Williams and Chesnie Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund. » Erick Meadows. A patrol officer with the El Dorado Police Department and local singer,

Erick Meadows will also perform at the concert. Also featured at the event will be the Upward Bound Choir. Cost is $5 and tickets are available at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Upward Bound Scholarship and Activity Fund. Upward Bound is a pre-college program for high school students, aimed at preparing them for education beyond high school. Upward Bound is for students who demonstrate an academic potential for higher education, who meet income qualification guidelines, and who are first-generation college students. For more information, contact Upward Bound director Barbara Howell at 870.864.7100 or email bhowell@southark.edu.

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Don’t risk hard-earned money at the casino, avoid gambling at all Dear Dave, How do you feel about gambling at a casino, as long as you limit your spending and don’t expect to win big money? — Brian

Career Readiness: Tomorrow, March 13, job seekers can get help with resume preparation and presentation and more at Camden’s job fair. The job fair will include a number of training workshops and the opportunity to meet face-to-face with several companies from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Thursday. — Courtesy image

Job fair starts tomorrow Camden to host job fair, workshops throughout the day Thursday, March 13

CAMDEN — The city of Camden will host a job fair and careerpreparedness training workshops from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, March 13 at the Charles O. Ross Center, at 746 California Ave. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with several companies about current and future openings in the area, as well as some on-site interviews. Participating companies include, but are not limited to: » Victory Lumber » Cooper Tire & Rubber Company » Lockheed Martin » Camden Police Department » Ouachita County Medical Center » Pine Hills Health & Rehab » Ouachita Industries » Air Evac Lifeteam » West Fraser Inc. » Weyerhaeuser » ESA Staffing » Manpower » General Dynamics » Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services Inc. » Southern Arkansas University Tech’s Adult Education » Arkansas Department of Workforce Services » F.A.C.T. Inc. » McDonalds » Georgia Pacific

Along with the employer exhibitor booths, attendees can take advantage of free training workshops. Each of the workshops will be taught by qualified trainers, specializing in the different areas surrounding career pursuit and career coaching for better job placement. Workshops include: » Branding Yourself: Resume Preparation and Presentation Tips » Top 10 Tips for Landing a Job at Highland Industrial Park » Are You Certified Yet? – The Inside on Getting Your Governor’s Career-Readiness Certificate Resume preparation and Internet access to fill out online applications will be available on site. As well, participating employers will have the option of conducting private interviews on site. For directions, workshop times or more information, contact the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development at 870-836-2210 or email oped@att.net. The Camden job fair is sponsored by Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development, SAU Tech, the Department of Workforce Services and Camden Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dear Brian, I don’t really have a moral problem with it, but I don’t understand the concept. Call me crazy, but I do not get a thrill from losing money I’ve worked hard to earn. That’s not my idea of entertainment. When someone tells me they gamble for fun or recreation, my first thought is that they’re delusional enough to believe that they’ll actually win Ramsey – that they think they’re the exception to the rule. Otherwise, there would be no thrill. You may see a news story once in a while about someone winning big money in a casino, but that rarely happens. Think, too, about how much money those people had flushed down the toilet previously while gambling. There’s a really good chance they didn’t really “win” anything. In most cases, they probably just recouped a small portion of their previous, substantial losses. My advice is don’t waste your time and money on that stuff. One way or another, the house always wins. That’s how they’re able to build those giant, billion-dollar places called casinos. Did you know that some of those companies are so big and expansive that they’re publicly traded entities? And guess what? The profits they make off people who are foolish enough to gamble their money away inside their fancy halls – and call that entertainment – drives their stock prices! Think about it, Brian: Why do all the folks sitting at slot machines and card tables look like they can’t

DAVE Says

afford to lose money? Most of them look like sad, broken, lonely people. Maybe they change when they sit down. Maybe they were winners in life and with money before they walked through the doors, and their slumped body language and the look of stress and hopelessness they carry is just a coincidence or the indoor lighting. But I don’t think so. — Dave Dear Dave, What happens to the money in an ESA if the child gets a scholarship and no longer needs the money? — Jonathan

Dear Jonathan, In an Educational Savings Account (ESA), and in a 529 Plan, you are allowed to pull out money tax free in the amount of the scholarship. But very rarely do you find someone going to college completely free and clear. Often tuition is covered, and even tuition and a dorm room in some cases, but zero-cost college is almost unheard of. There are always living expenses, books and other miscellaneous items, and you can use the money in an ESA for any education-related expenses. The chances of your money getting trapped and you as parents winding up in a situation where you’ve actually saved too much and a child has leftover money just doesn’t happen. This is a bunch of drama found only in the nightmares of nerds. Real human beings don’t have this problem, Jonathan, because nobody ever saves enough! — Dave Dave Ramsey has authored four New York Times best-selling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover” and “EntreLeadership.” The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5,000,000 listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the Web at daveramsey.com.

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well as newer and original tunes in a traditional style. Fifteen-year-old Ferguson is on fiddle and vocals, along with her band mates: Dylan Barber (age 19) on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, threefinger banjo and vocals; Tiffany Turner (age 22) on banjo, guitar and vocals; Gresham McMillon (age 27) on bass; and Kai Perry (age 14) on mandolin. Learn more about the bluegrass band online at clanceyferguson.com.

» Farmer & the Markets.

Now consisting of four college musicians, Farmer & the Markets got its start as an unnamed trio playing at the Farmers’ Markets in Northwest Arkansas. Since officially forming in 2011, the band has been broadening its horizons and expanding its repertoire, playing numerous events around the region and working on its debut album. With a musicianship spanning some lesser known instruments, such as the glockenspiel, the cajon and the banjolele, the group’s genre falls into a mix of acoustic, folk and indie music. Farmer & the Markets consists of Philip Shepherd on glockenspiel, harmonicas, accordion, vocals and occasional percussion; Jackson Lafargue on cajon, tambourine, maraca and vocals; Cody Nielsen on guitar and vocals; and Ashtyn Nilsen on ukulele, bass, mandolin, banjolele and vocals. Learn more about the band at facebook.com/ farmerandthemarkets.

» Andy Reed from Goat Pilots.

El Dorado local and guitarist Andy Reed has been playing venues locally, regionally and nationally for over 30 years. He currently is in the threepiece acoustic band Goat Pilots with Whit Reed (guitar) and Gary Grey (vocals and fretless bass). Reed and the other members of the Goat Pilots play a mixture of 1920s-era blues, Americana and bluegrass music.

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Live Music: The 22nd Annual Mayhaw Festival will feature live music from (clockwise from top) Clancey Ferguson and the Ragtags, The Haley Creek Boys, Andy Reed (left) of the Goat Pilots, and Farmer & the Markets. The festival is scheduled for May 3. — Contributed photos

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Women Woodland Owners workshop set for March 26 in Hope Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

HOPE — Keeping the forest in the family will be among the topics on the agenda for the Women Woodland Owners Workshop set for March 26 at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, located at 2500 South Main St. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Registration costs $20 and includes lunch, breaks and materials. Registration is required; contact Arkansas Forest Resources Center associate director Tamara Walkingstick at 501.671.2346 or twalking stick@uaex.edu, or Caroll Guffey at 501.672.2147 or guffey@uamont .edu for more information. “We’re excited to have Allen and Ginny Nipper, the 2013 Arkansas Tree Farmers of the Year, presenting information on how to conduct

In the Family: Keeping forest land in the family will be on the agenda for the Women Woodland Owners Workshop on March 26 in Hope. — Courtesy image

family meetings,” Walkingstick experience, and it’s all material nearsaid. “The Nippers will be present- ly every family can identify with.” ing information they’ve learned The afternoon session includes from their own intergenerational a tour of Jane and Charles Purtle’s

forest land near Prescott. “We’ll learn about their management activities and their approach to handling the family legacy,” Walkingstick said. The Purtles are certified in the Arkansas Tree Farmer Program and the Forest Stewardship Council. They were also recognized as Nevada County Farm Family of the Year in 2000 and have recently been featured in the Arkansas Agriculture Department online magazine, available for viewing at http://bit.ly/1i1wzq3. For more information about forestry, visit http://bit.ly/1embXEO, or contact the Union County Cooperative Extension Service office at 870.864.1916. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. For more information, visit uaex.edu.

Silent Hattie speaks up: Arkansas woman first elected to U.S. Senate Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

Hattie Caraway was not going to stay quiet. Her husband dead only a few months and her already having had to fight an election to keep his seat in the U.S. Senate, the nation’s only woman senator was determined not to be ignored and pushed aside. Her husband of 29 years, Thaddeus Caraway, was a popular congressman and U.S. senator from northeastern Arkansas. Hattie Caraway had proudly stood by his side as his career advanced and was heartbroken by his sudden death by a heart attack on Nov. 6, 1931. One week later, Gov. Harvey Parnell appointed her as interim U.S. senator. She assumed office on Dec. 8, overwhelmed by the events that had transformed her life in just a few short weeks. The appointment of widows to political offices was not without precedent. It had happened at the local level fairly often in the late 1800s, even for such offices as sheriff. It was considered a show of respect for the deceased but also an opportunity

to help a widow make a living for her surviving family in a time before pensions. She and her husband had made a formidable political couple in Jonesboro for many years. They were both former teachers and like-minded reformers. Where Thaddeus Caraway was outspoken, Hattie Caraway chose her words carefully. She understood that most of the Senate’s decisions were made in powerful committee meetings and quiet discussions with individual senators. She was careful not to try to upstage anyone. This perplexed many members of the media who had dismissed her as “Silent Hattie” for her lack of speeches in the Senate. She won the election to serve the remainder of her husband’s Senate term in January with little trouble. In May, the all-important Democratic primary would be held for the next term. It was a presidential election year in the midst of the Great Depression. Several men were anxious to move into the Senate, and many expected Caraway to simply step aside. Caraway, while she presided over

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

the Senate one day, instead announced she would seek a full term. Arkansas had been slightly ahead of the rest of the nation with women’s rights. In 1917, Arkansas allowed women to vote in the Democratic primaries, which essentially decided almost every state and local election in those days. Now the state had appointed the second woman ever to the U.S. Senate, but no woman had ever been elected to that body. This was an age in which many Americans were still opposed to women even voting and many colleges still blocked the enrollment of women. Women came forward across the state to support Caraway. She established nurseries at rallies so women could hear her speeches and not have to worry about childcare. The popular Louisiana

Sen. Huey Long campaigned energetically with her in the week before the election, adding to her credibility. She would win 68 counties and win the general election easily. As a senator, she backed many reforms. She also supported Prohibition, determined to end the problems of overdoses, deadly accidents by drunken husbands, and though it was still only discussed in hushed whispers, domestic violence. She would also be the first woman to chair a Senate committee. In 1943, she would be the first woman member of Congress to co-sponsor the Equal Rights Amendment, determined that the rights of women should be forever protected. In 2014, 20 women now serve in the U.S. Senate, thanks in part to the quiet Arkansas woman who stayed silent no more. Organized in the 1970s, the South Arkansas Historical Foundation has been dedicated to educating the public about Arkansas’s rich history for over 30 years. The SAHF offices are located at 422 North Jackson in El Dorado. For more information, about SAHF call 870.862.9890.

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Put that extra hour of daylight to use at the SouthArk Library

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Lauri Wilson

South Arkansas Community College

Even though the parking-lot construction is all around us, our library still is a mostly-quiet place to take a break from the noise and confusion. So stop by and take a look at some of our newest titles.

‘Baseball’s Most Notorious Personalities’

by Jonathan Weeks. From cold-blooded murderers, hijackers and, of course, the outof-control fans – they’re all in the lineup. Before the first pitch is thrown this spring, find out about some of the worst examples of unsportsmanlike conduct in the world of baseball in Jonathan Weeks’ “Baseball’s Most Notorious Personalities: A Gallery of Rogues.”

‘How America Eats’

by Jennifer Jensen Wallach. Put down that fork and pick up a book for a change! Beginning with the colonists, food has been an integral part of every culture that arrived on our shores. How we got some of our traditions, our favorite snacks and our worst eating habits are all served up for your reading enjoyment in Jennifer Jensen Wallach’s “How America Eats: A Social History of U.S. Food and Culture.”

‘The Men Who United the States’

by Simon Winchester. Simon Winchester’s latest is “The Men Who United the States: America’s Explorers, Inventors, Eccentrics and Mavericks, and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible.” Enough said … Except that this is the latest from one of the most accessible writers of history working today. Winchester has been making history more readable and interesting with other works like “A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Quake of 1906,” “Atlantic: The Biography of an Ocean” and “Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded, August 27, 1883.”

New CEO, El Dorado Chamber delegation represents city in capitol ‘Dr. Sleep’

by Stephen King. As were so many of Mr. Stephen King’s fans, I’ve been haunted by his earlier work, “The Shining,” since 1977. “Dr. Sleep” is its sequel, and continues the story of the boy, Danny Torrance, who’s now middle-aged. Danny hasn’t had an easy life, and after many years of drifting, he’s finally found a place to call home and work that gives him a purpose. Unfortunately, his mostly peaceful existence is shattered by a strange, dangerous cult called the True Knot.

‘Longbourn’

by Jo Baker. Jo Baker’s “Longbourn” could be called “Downstairs at Pride and Prejudice” since the novel deals with the servants (downstairs) who work for the Bennet family of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” While Elizabeth, Jane and the other Bennets are stewing about hair ribbons and dinner invitations, the staff have a new footman with a secret past, a housemaid who dreams of more than emptying chamber pots, and as much intrigue as the first season of Downton Abbey. Remember to bring identification if you want to get a library card. Also, our spring hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Lauri Wilson is a library technician at South Arkansas Community College. All of the books mentioned in Shelf Life are available at the SouthArk Library, located at 300 Summit Ave. in El Dorado. For more information, call 870.864.7115.

LITTLE ROCK — A delegation representing the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce traveled to Little Rock on March 6, to hear Gov. Mike Beebe address the Arkansas Economic Development Foundation. The delegation toured the state capitol and met Attorney Gen. Dustin McDaniel and state Sens. Bobby Pierce and Bruce Maloch. Speaker of the House Davy Carter recognized the group before the House of Representatives on behalf of

state Reps. Matthew Shepherd and John Baine. Others attending the luncheon included Jeff Teague, Austin Barrow, Charlie Clark, Don Hale, Baine and Shepherd. Pictured are (from left) Chamber Economic Development project manager Lori Coke, Chamber Board chairman Bill Luther, Sen. Bobby Pierce, Chamber president and CEO Jeremy Stratton and South Arkansas Community College president Dr. Barbara Jones.

AdoptMe Pet adoptions are available at the Union County Animal Protection Society shelter, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado. UCAPS’s is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For information about adopting or sponsoring a pet, call 870.862.0502.

Though just a pup now, Buttons Magee is a Labrador mix and will get fairly large. He could sure use a friend to play with!

Bonnie is a one-of-a-kind Jack Russell mix. She is about 10 weeks old and has a distinguished but adorable underbite.

OPT TO ADOPT! Allow a shelter pet to complete your family! Visit UCAPS from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and let them choose YOU!

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Award to honor the legacy of Charles H. Murphy Jr.

Madison Murphy to accept the Excellence in Free Enterprise Award

Legacy: Charles H. Murphy Jr. took charge of the family timber, oil, and banking interests in southeast Arkansas in 1941 and eventually developed them into the Murphy Oil Corporation.

His son, Madison Murphy, will accept the Excellence in Free Enterprise Award in Little Rock on Thursday, April 10 on his father’s behalf. — Courtesy of Murphy Oil Corporation

LITTLE ROCK — Charles H. pursuit of new opportunities. He Murphy Jr., the late El Dorado busi- was a champion of free enterprise nessman who expanded the fam- through building a global company, ily enterprise into a worldwide con- but he was an educator at heart. His glomerate, will be honored with the leadership and advocacy helped us Excellence in Free Enterprise Award build a firm foundation that continduring a luncheon in Little Rock ues to sustain us today.” on April 10. Individual seating and table sponHis son Madison Murphy, who sorships to the luncheon are availserves as president of The Murphy able for purchase through March 25 Foundation, will accept the award by contacting Ecoon behalf of the ————————— nomics Arkansas family. Dr. Arthur at 501.682.4230 “It is our privilege Brooks, president and at economics of the American to honor [Charles arkansas.org. Enterprise Institute Major sponsors Murphy’s] sense of for Public Policy of the luncheon vision and undaunted Research of Washinclude Arkansas ington, D.C., will pursuit of new Blue Cross Blue deliver the keynote opportunities.” Shield, the Arkanaddress. sas Economic AcThe luncheon Sue Owens celeration Foundais scheduled for Economics Arkansas tion, the Arkansas 11:30 a.m. on ————————— State Chamber Thursday, April 10 of Commerce, BancorpSouth, the at the Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza. The event is hosted by Bradbury Family Foundation, Deltic Economics Arkansas, an educational Timber, Lexicon, Murphy Oil Cornonprofit organization that promotes poration and Murphy USA. Economics Arkansas (through the economic and personal finance eduArkansas Council on Economic cation to Arkansas K-12 students. Education) is a private, nonprofit, Charles H. Murphy Jr., who was non-partisan, educational organizaknown for his philanthropic engagetion founded in 1962 by Dr. Bessie ment and support of public educaB. Moore to promote economic littion, was also a key leader and aderacy in Arkansas. Its mission is to vocate for Economics Arkansas. promote economic literacy and the “Charles Murphy’s story as an entrepreneur from El Dorado, Arkan- economic-way of thinking to PreKsas, is so inspiring,” said Sue Owens, 12 students in Arkansas. For more information, call Economics Arkansas’s executive director. “It is our privilege to honor 501.682.4230 or go online to his sense of vision and undaunted economicarkansas.org.

Follow the KIX Leprechaun to the gold this St. Patrick’s Day! March 17 win a REAL Pot of Gold! Follow the rainbow on Facebook/KIX103! Sign up at any First Financial Bank El Dorado branch and you might win the KIX Golden Pot filled with golden goodies and $103 in REAL gold coins!

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United Way of Union County to host ‘KICK UNITED’ in May Registration for community kickball tournament for all ages now open

The United Way of Union County will host “KICK UNITED,” a community kickball tournament at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10 at the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado. Registration costs $100 for the adult co-ed division and $50 for the youth (under 12) division. Teams must have a minimum of 10 players with a minimum of three women on the field. The tournament is double elimination in the adult division and single elimination in the youth division. Teams from area businesses, churches and schools are encouraged to participate. The tournament will have activities for children and concessions for sale. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students and children under 5 are free. All proceeds benefit the 2014-15 United

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recipient of this award is an individual who shows concern for and helpfulness to others; has pride in his or her job; consistently exhibits excellent job performance; performs actions above and beyond the call of duty; has a cooperative attitude; and displays company involvement. Nominations are due by Wednesday, April 9. Forms are available online at goeldorado.com under Quicklinks toward the bottom of the page and at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 West Main St. A committee will review all nominations and select up to three finalists. One winner will be selected from the finalists. The three finalists will be announced prior to the luncheon, and the winner will receive a plaque and recognition at the luncheon.

— Courtesy photo

KICK UNITED

» When: Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m.

» Where: El Dorado Boys & Girls Club » Registration: $100 adults / $50 youth » Contact: Call 870.862.4903.

Way Campaign. For registration information, please contact Alexis Alexander at 870.862.4903 or download forms at unitedwayunioncounty.com. The Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon is sponsored El Dorado Chemical Company and supported by El Dorado Printing and South Arkansas Arts Center. Each administrative professional who attends will receive a gift and will be eligible for door prizes. The cost to attend the luncheon is $17.50 per person. Reservations are required by Friday, April 18; contact the Chamber at 870.863.6113 or chamber@goeldorado.com to reserve a spot. The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce provides leadership in economic and community development for El Dorado and Union County in order to improve the quality of life for all its citizens. For more information on the Chamber, visit goeldorado.com/chamber or find the Chamber on Facebook/ ElDoradoChamberofCommerce or on Twitter @ElDoChamber.

Area history forum for Mount Holly, Lisbon, Marysville draws large crowd MOUNT HOLLY — Last week, the South Arkansas Historical Foundation and the Barton Public Library co-sponsored a public history forum for the communities of Mount Holly, Lisbon and Marysville. On Thursday, March 6, more than 40 people gathered at the Mount Holly Community Church for the event. Event organizers requested that participants bring photos, documents and family papers to share. According to SAHF executive

BARTON PUBLIC LIBRARY » Adult Reference » Fiction and Nonﬁction » Teen and Children Titles » Cookbooks and MORE! » $2 reference works » $1 hardbacks » 50¢ softbacks, CDS, etc. » 25¢ paperbacks » 10¢ magazines

director Patrick Hotard, the program elicited a vibrant discussion among the participants about the history and early settlers of the three communities. Mount Holly Community Church provide the use of its Burks Life Center for the forum. For more information on the history forum, contact the South Arkansas Historical Foundation at 870.862.9890 or email info@soarkhistory.com.

Book Sale March 19 - 26 noon to 6 p.m.

TAC House

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Camp Fire celebrates local youth for Kid Day Send a note of encouragement to a kid for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, Camp Fire’s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day will honor our nation’s youth by asking adults to write simple letters of encouragement and inspiration to the incredible kids in their lives. It is a simple, meaningful way to let youth know how much they are appreciated. Lives are changed by this simple act of love and kindness. “We know about Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Women’s History Month. We celebrate adults on special days, but why not youth?” said Leanne Harrell, executive director of Camp Fire El Dorado. “We ask every adult to join us. Take five minutes and write a letter to a child; tell them they matter, that they always will. If a youth hears it enough and believes it, he or she will be more prepared to face the complicated issues confronting them every day.” Absolutely Incredible Kid Day was developed by Camp Fire, a national youth organization, and will be celebrated in El Dorado. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday in March. This year, the event will be this Thursday, March 20. Anyone can participate – parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, coaches, executives – anyone. The goal is for every kid in America to receive a letter. Just imagine the impact of encouraging letters in lunch boxes, hidden in pockets, left on pillows, and tucked into backpacks! Camp Fire’s Board of Directors will host their annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day Fundraising Luncheon at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club at noon on

March 20. Later that day, Camp Fire will celebrate its youth with the Absolutely Incredible Kid Day Celebration at Show Time Roller Rink from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to all Camp Fire members (kindergarten – 12th grade) and their siblings. For more information about the luncheon or how to participate in Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, please contact Harrell at the Camp Fire office at 870.862.3463 or campfire @suddenlinkmail.com. Camp Fire is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit youth development organizations, serving youth, teens and families in communities across the United States. Camp Fire programs are research-based, delivered where youth and families are via out-of-school time and through environmental, camp, teen service and leadership programs. Because youth want to shape the world, Camp Fire’s focus is giving youth and teens the opportunity to find their sparks, lift their voice and discover who they are. Camp Fire programs are proven to develop young peoples’ skills now so they can reach their full potential. For more information about Camp Fire, visit the website at www.campfire.org. Union United is a section showcasing the news and happenings of the 14 nonprofit partner agencies of the United Way of Union County. For more information, call 870.862.4903, email liveunited@uwucar.org or visit unitedwayunioncounty.com.

MAYHAW

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» Haley Creek Boys.

Hailing primarily from Hamburg, The Haley Creek Boys is a bluegrass gospel group. The band consists of Jared Brooks, Ronnie Coulter, Williard Erwin, Earnie Hennington, Ralph Hunter, Blaine Kilcrease, Scutter Kilcrease, Jimmy Stell, Tim Stell and Ed Watt. Learn more about the group online at http://on.fb.me/1kKk0Tu. In addition to live entertainment, the festival will also feature several other events, activities and festival favorites, including the Mayhawlin’ 5K/10K Run/Walk, a Mayhaw biscuit breakfast and the antique car and motorcycle show. As well, the event will feature children’s activities, rock climbing, museum tours, craft vendors, lawn and garden vendors, and an art contest. For more information on the festival, including registration information for specific events, go online to mayhawfestival.com. The Mayhaw Festival can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This year’s title sponsors are

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El Dorado Chemical and First Financial Bank. Other event sponsors include: Murphy USA (10K/5K run); Great Lakes Solutions, KIX 103 and Marmik Oil (bands); Trotter Nissan Dodge Jeep Chrysler (car and bike show); and William P. Cook, CPA (T-shirts). Evers, Cox, & Gober and Crotty Casing Crews will sponsor the WING DING cook-off, with Timberlane Meat Market providing the chicken wings at cost. Event co-sponsors include: Wells Fargo Advisors/The Allen Financial Group (art show); Clean Harbors (children’s activities); and Sydney Murphy Design (Newton House Museum tours). Media partners include: ArtAttack, The Diamond Agency, El Dorado A&P Commission, and Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. The 2014 Mayhaw Festival directors include: Diane Alderson, Dorathy Boulden, Jerry Bullard, Kimberly Pillsbury, Nate Evers, Melanie Graves, Anne Hegi, Jay Helm, Rosalind Jeffery, Jeremy King, Roger Landes, Melissa McFarland, Mark Smith and Lisa Vickery. For more information, contact the SAHF office at 870.862.9890 or email info@soarkhistory.com.

South Arkansas Leader

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COMMUNITY calendar

» CHAMPION TREES EXHIBIT — The traveling exhibition, “Arkansas Champion Trees: an Artist’s Journey” from Hot Springs artist Linda W. Palmer is on display in the Merkle and Price galleries. The exhibit showcases reference to history and science, as well as the artist’s appreciation for natural resources, in regards to the state’s champion trees, defined as those trees that are the largest of each species. When: Now through March 28 Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or visit saac-arts.org.

» NATURE NIGHTS — On the second Thursday of each month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and South Arkansas Community College’s Corporate and Community Education will team up to offer Nature Nights, a series for the entire family. The program is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so registration is requested. Program: What Have We Here? Participants will learn about plants, animals and conservation as they embark on a scavenger hunt. When: Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. Where: South Arkansas Arboretum, adjacent to the old El Dorado High School on Timberlane in El Dorado Contact: For more information or to register, contact CCE at 870.864.7192 or email Laura Rogers at the AGFC at larogers@agfc.state.ar.us. » DWIGHT YOAKAM IN CONCERT — Main Street El Dorado will present Dwight Yoakam live in concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are reserved-seating and are on sale

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Your guide to events happening in communities in and around Union County.

at mainstreeteldorado.org or by calling the MSE office at 870.862.4747. Ticket prices are: Golden Circle $100, Orchestra $60, Parquet $50, Loge $40 and Balcony $30. When: Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Municipal Auditorium, 100 West Eighth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Main Street El Dorado at 870.866.7879 or email mainstreet eldorado@suddenlinkmail.com.

» GIRL SCOUT COOKIES — Area Girl Scouts will be selling cookies for the Girl Scout Cookie Program at local booths. There are eight flavors available at $3.50 per box, and all cookies are trans-fat free. All proceeds support local Girl Scout troops and programs. The Gift of Caring Program also allows consumers to purchase and donate cookies to U.S. military members through the Girl Scouts – Diamonds Council bakers, Little Brownie Bakers. When: Now through March 16 Where: Union County Contact: For more information, contact local Girl Scout Troop 2322 at 870.875.2692 or at uniongirlscouts @yahoo.com, or go online to facebook.com/Troop2322. » ASTEROID AND COMET SYMPOSIUM — South Arkansas Community College will host “Asteroids and Comets: Ancient Relics of the Solar System,” a Noon Symposium featuring Darrell Heath, president of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society. Heath will speak on the nature of such celestial bodies and how disaster might be averted if one was headed for collision with Earth. Refreshments will be provided but attendees are invited to

Tell Us Something Good! Submit your event, announcement or story idea to the South Arkansas Leader at leader@noalmark.com at least one week before the date of the event. All material must be received by noon Monday the week of publication. For more information, contact the Leader staff at 870.863.6126 or by email.

bring lunches with them. The symposium is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. When: Wednesday, March 19 at 12:15 p.m. Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus, 3698 East Main St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to register, call 870.864.7192 or email ce@southark.edu. » ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MEETING — Current elementary and middle education majors or those interested in pursuing careers in these areas are invited to attend a joint informational meeting with South Arkansas Community College and Southern Arkansas University. When: Thursday, March 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. Where: Whitfield Building, SouthArk West Campus, 311 South West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information, go online to southark.edu or facebook/ southark. » HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES — South Arkansas Community College and South Arkansas Historical Foundation will present the sixth installment of the partnership’s history speakers series. The spring 2014 series will begin with the lecture “Changing Historical Perspectives on Slavery in the American South” from Dr. John B. Boles. The lecture is free and open to the public. When: Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. Where: SouthArk Library auditorium, on the college’s West Campus in El Dorado

Contact: For more information, contact the South Arkansas Historical Foundation at 870.862.9890. » CHILDREN’S GOLF CAMP — South Arkansas Community College will offer a Spring Break Golf Camp with Art Noyes of KidsNGolf. Noyes will provide an introduction tot he game, skills, equipment, field of play, values, strategies and traditions with classroom instruction and hands-on training. The camp is open to youth ages 8 to 18, and costs $59 per person. Registration is required. When: March 24-28 from 9 a.m. to noon Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus, 3698 East Main St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to register, call 870.864.8456. » HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UP ASSISTANCE — The Medical Center of South Arkansas is providing sign-up assistance for the Health Insurance Marketplace, through the March 31 enrollment deadline. Based on household income and dependents, you may be eligible for health insurance coverage at no cost through Medicaid; or you may be eligible for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. When: Now through March 31 Where: Medical Center of South Arkansas, 700 West Grove St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to make an appointment for sign-up assistance, contact MCSA at 870.864.4185. Have an event to announce? Submit your event or announcement to the South Arkansas Leader at leader@noalmark.com.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

March 5

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SUDOKU

EADER

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

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General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

Editor Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com Advertising Harry Dyer harry@noalmark.com Stacey Turner stacey.turner@noalmark.com

The South Arkansas Leader is owned and operated by Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. The views and opinions expressed in the South Arkansas Leader are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. All material published in this newspaper and on its website is copyrighted. The South Arkansas Leader publishes every Wednesday. All materials for publication must be received no later than noon Monday the week of publication. For more information on submitting news releases, photos, event announcements, story ideas or photo opportunities, please contact the editor. The South Arkansas Leader is a weekly communityinterest newspaper serving Union County, Arkansas.

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2525 North West Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730 Office: 870.863.6126 Fax: 870.863.4555 leader@noalmark.com

South Arkansas Leader

WEEKLY RECIPE Something special for breakfast Parents often tell their youngsters that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and rightfully so. A hearty breakfast can give adults and children the energy they need to make the most of their day, and it can be delicious, too. Those who want to forgo flakes of cereal or a bowl of oatmeal for more inspiring fare should consider the following recipe for “Smoked Salmon, Fennel and Potato Hash” from Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books).

Smoked Salmon, Fennel & Potato Hash

Ingredients:

Serves 6 » 1 pound Yukon gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes » 2 medium fennel bulbs with their lacy stalks » 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

» 1 cup chopped onion » 1/2 hot-smoked salmon fillet, skin discarded and salmon flaked » 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed » Kosher salt » Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large saucepan filled two-thirds full with water to a boil. Add the potatoes and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape, about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside. Cut off the stalks from the fennel bulbs. Remove the thin lacy fronds and chop enough of them to make the 2 tablespoons; set aside. Reserve a few lacy sprigs in a glass of water for the garnish. Halve the bulbs lengthwise, and with a sharp knife, cut out and discard the tough triangular cores. Then chop enough fennel to yield 2 cups. Save any extra for another use. Add half of the olive oil to a large, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. Add the chopped fennel and onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove to a plate. Heat the remaining olive oil in the same frying pan and, when hot, add the potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Return the fennel and onion to the frying pan and stir 1 minute to reheat. Add the flaked salmon and the crushed fennel seeds and cook 1 minute more. Season the hash with more salt and with several generous grinds of pepper. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped fennel fronds. Mound the hash in a serving dish and garnish the center with some fennel sprigs. Serve warm.

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34. Mother of pearl 39. Help 42. Arouse passion 44. Avoid 46. About roof of the mouth 47. In a very soft tone 49. Periodic publications (slang) 50. __kosh b’gosh 51. Rouse from sleep 56. El Dorado High School 57. Golf ball stand 58. Tranquil 59. Pear shaped instrument 60. Anger 61. Raja wives 62. Dashes 63. Cardboard box (abbr.) 64. Human frame (slang)

CLUES DOWN 1. Italian capital 2. Organization of C. American States (abbr.) 3. About organ of hearing 4. = to 100 sene 5. Champagne river 6. Improved by critical editing 7. Amber dessert wine 8. Indian plaid cloth 9. Equalize 10. Guillemot 11. Of sound mind 13. Irish elf 17. Makes tractors 24. Father 25. Bachelor’s button 26. Vacuum tube 27. Of she 28. Wedding words

29. Em 35. Pie _ __ mode 36. Feline 37. Sandhurst 38. Snakelike fish 40. Crackbrained 41. Last course 42. Indicates near 43. Indian given name 44. Ordinal after seventh 45. Young women (Scot.) 47. “Taming of the Shrew” city 48. Luster 49. Conflate 52. Person of Arabia 53. Lotto 54. Children’s author Blyton 55. “Untouchables” Elliot

Answer key on page 10.

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SouthArk announces GLAMS conference for eighth graders

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Slime: Jordyn Cottrell kneads “slime” under the direction of AmerCable engineer Mary Ann Carruth (background right) at a past GLAMS conference. Geared towards teaching young girls about math, science, technology and engineering, this year’s GLAMS conference will take place May 15. — File photo

26 percent of scientists and engineers are female, Mahony said. The hope is that GLAMS will inspire eighth graders to carefully consider future courses and careers before high school as they become more familiar with science- and math-

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based professions. Nearly 200 eighth-grade girls from 11 different schools, including Barton Junior High School, Junction City Junior High School, Norphlet Junior High School, Parkers Chapel Junior High School and

Strong-Huttig Junior High School, attended the third GLAMS conference last year at SouthArk, which had 20 session speakers ranging from a geologist to an environmental scientist to a wildlife biologist. Written feedback received from the participants indicated that the project’s aim did indeed find its mark. Among many other favorable reviews, students wrote: » “It was good in using teamwork with people who you may not know.” » “I got to see all parts of science – learning what different jobs are available.” » “It was an excellent learning experience and tons of fun.” GLAMS is a joint venture of the El Dorado Education Foundation and SouthArk, with financial and volunteer support from area businesses, organizations and individuals. For more information, see the GLAMS website at www.southark. edu/glams, or contact Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez at 870.864.8413 or stully-dartez@southark.edu.

HOPE

the

South Arkansas eighth-grade girls, including some of those from several Union County schools, will have an opportunity to take part in the GLAMS: Girls Learning About Math and Science conference on May 15 at South Arkansas Community College. GLAMS’ hands-on workshops and breakout sessions in science, technology, engineering and math fields are designed provide participants with fun ways to learn practical information. The conference will be free to qualifying students, who also will receive a light breakfast, snacks and lunch, as well as T-shirts and other take-home items. The intent of the program is to “introduce female students to successful area women working in math, science and technology-related fields; and to provide these girls with real-life examples of achievement in such careers,” according to project co-chair Alice Mahony, who is a member of the Arkansas Department of Education Board. While women make up 47 percent of America’s workforce, just

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nation box benefiting HOPE Landing

Donate rolls of Paper Towels at any HOPE Box to help HOPE Landing, a nonprofit serving kids in Union County with disabilities! » Poppy’s Pizza » Regions Bank » South Arkansas Collision & Repair » Gallery of Shops » Yocum Primary School » North College Salon

box

» Brookshire’s (South) » Teague Auto Group » Timmins Hardware » First Financial Bank » Laney’s Collision Center » BancorpSouth (all 4 locations)

Get updates on new locations and donation drives @ facebook/The HOPE Box!