Volume 10 - No. 17

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LOpportunity

Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

EADER

Recent SouthArk graduates fill openings for local manufacturers Heath Waldrop

Marketing & Communications Coordinator South Arkansas Community College

Opportunity has arrived, according to Therma-Flite Manufacturing plant manager Donald Lee. Local companies want to hire local employees who have been trained locally, he said, and manufacturing jobs just keep appearing. Therma-Flite, a California-based company that manufactures massive industrial screw heat exchangers at its center in El Dorado, is experiencing rapid growth. Lee said that it currently employs more than 50 people locally, but with a $1.8 million expansion underway and another expected to be right around the corner,

JOBS continued on Page 7 Sparking Opportunity: Welder Austin Carr, a 2014 South Arkansas Community College graduate who was hired by the Therma-Flite this month, works at the El Dorado manufacturer’s facility.

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Youth golf camp opening – p. 6

Museum prepares for a summer of exploration, science programs SMACKOVER — Nature Camp, Bubble Fest and Tinkering are but a few of the programs that youth can partake in this summer at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover. The museum has scheduled a variety of programs for different age groups, from exploring nature’s complex curiosities to tinkering with electrical circuits and looking at the world through a giant bubble.

» Nature Camp « Next week, on June 24 and 25, the museum will host its annual Nature Camp for ages 8 to 10. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with a fee of $45 for both days. Students will explore the museum’s park to learn about the plants and animals that live in South Arkansas. Campers will also make crafts from items found in the park. Participants should bring a lunch. The museum gift shop will have snacks, drinks and souvenirs for sale. Reservations are required for the Nature Camp; call 870.725.2877 to register.

MUSEUM continued on Page 8

— Heath Waldrop / SouthArk

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Artists announced for SAAC Juried Art Competition The South Arkansas Arts Center visual arts committee recently announced the accepted entries for the 2014 Juried Art Competition, sponsored by Smackover State Bank. After reviewing entries from Cali39 works by 31 artists to hang in the fornia to New York, Florida to Wisconsin, and all points in between, Merkle and Price galleries throughjuror Dayton Castleman chose out the month of July. The artwork

media runs the gamut from traditional watercolor, oil and acrylic to non-traditional media including video, pine needle sculpture and a modified working microwave. “I’m not so much concerned with whether art is easily digestible to the viewer, but with whether it demonstrates an illusiveness and maturity

that creates intrigue and requires deep reading and engagement,” said Castleman, who is the museum manager for 21c Museum in Bentonville. Artists whose work will be hanging in the competition include: Kori

JURIED continued on Page 9

Whenever possible, opt for the tax-free Roth over regular 401k Dear Dave, My current employer offers a regular 401(k) and a Roth 401(k). I’ve got several years before I retire, so which one should I choose? — Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, Take the Roth! If you put your money into a Roth 401(k), and by retirement age there’s $1 million in there, that money is yours tax-free. By comparison, if it’s in a regular 401(k), you’ll pay taxes on that $1 million, which will come out to about $300,000 – maybe $400,000 at the rate things are going now. You’ll lose 30 to 40 percent of your money. My personal 401(k) is a Roth. And in this situation, yours should be too! — Dave Dear Dave, My mom passed away recently, and she left behind three timeshares. I inherited them, plus I’m the executor of the estate. They’re all paid for, except for the yearly maintenance fees, which total about $1,500. I don’t think I want them, but I’m not sure what to do. Do you have any advice? — Joe Dear Joe, I’m really sorry to hear about your mom. I know you’ve got a lot of emotions going on right now, and taking on the task of overseeing the estate is a serious responsibility. There are two issues here: One, as the executor you have to decide

DAVE Says

what’s best for the estate. Secondly, do any of the other heirs want these things? I wouldn’t want them, I can tell you that. I realize they’re basically free things – all you have to do is pay the maintenance fees – but by the time you do that, you probably could’ve gone somewhere else. For that kind of money, you can stay in some pretty nice spots and not have the ongoing liability. Right now, the estate has the responsibility for the maintenance fees. I would call the timeshares and tell them the estate isn’t going to keep them, and that you’re going to deed them back to the companies. The way I look at it, you can have a lot of fun for $1,500 a year. You can go where you want, when you want. You’re not roped into a specific place and date. Part of the appeal of getting away is being able to go where you like at a time that’s right for you. I understand there may be some sentimental value attached to these, Joe. But timeshares are a horrid, inconvenient product. My sentiment would be, “I’m out of here!” — Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover,” “EntreLeadership” and “Smart Money Smart Kids.” The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

If your child lives in Union County, register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com. This program is sponsored locally by


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Lord, Miller sequel, ‘22 Jump Street’ fuels bro-mantic fire

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Cole Clay

Red Carpet Crash

Sequels … Are they really necessary? Generally speaking, no they aren’t, and luckily filmmaking partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller are fully aware of this fact. The duo has fully capitalized on this method, by churning out gold from seemingly pointless franchise reboots. Their latest effort “22 Jump Street” doesn’t change from the formula that made the first installment the funniest film in recent memory. The bromance between Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) is at an all-time high. After closing their first case in the most ridiculous fashion plausible, they are put on a bigger mission with an even bigger budget. Hope you caught that allegory because Lord and Miller’s reflexive humor calls attention to that fact any chance they get. The dynamic duo has relocated to the titular address across the street with their belligerent Captain Dickson (Ice Cube, aka O’Shea Jackson). Their assignment now is to go to college and, of course … “Infiltrate the dealer, find the supplier!” Conspicuously undercover, they learn all about life in college from co-ed bathrooms to slam-poetry coffee houses and everything in between. Filled with pop-culture references, visual jokes, goofy jokes, throwaway jokes and just about any brand of humor you can shake a stick at, Lord and Miller have honed in on their craft with no signs of stopping. It’s like they have made themselves critic-proof by blatantly commenting on the absurdity of the film’s premise. Let’s just hope they don’t up and decide to become part of the Marvel farmhouse.

22 Jump Street After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college. » Release date: June 13. » Run time: 112 min. » Rated: R for language throughout, sexual content, drug material, brief nudity and some violence. » Director(s): Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. » Stars: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Peter Stormare, Jillian Bell, Nick Offerman, Wyatt Russell, Amber Stevens and The Lucas Brothers.

Tatum and Hill’s chemistry doesn’t miss a beat, which wasn’t a surprise to anybody going into the theater. “22 Jump Street” marks Tatum’s official dive into being a genuine comedic actor. His blank face and Hill’s constant anxious mannerisms are the perfect contrast in personalities, warranting them a nomination into the buddy-cop hall of fame. The child-like enthusiasm of “22 Jump Street” is squeezed for every drop of laughter and although there is a construction site marked “23 Jump Street,” it would be best if that building is left abandoned. Red Carpet Crash provides review writing on films, DVDs and television; news and updates on all things entertainment; and the occasional free stuff. Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

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SouthArk’s student organization to hold informational meeting, tour on June 25 Stepping Stones, a South Arkansas Community College program for special-needs students, is seeking new students. An informational meeting and tour is set for 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25 in Room 103 of the Center for Workforce Development, located on the East Campus of SouthArk. The Stepping Stones program is a two-year post-secondary initiative for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who desire inclusion in the academic, social and cultural college experience in a supportive environment. A customtailored learning program, Stepping Stones aims to provide access to opportunities and promote the advancement of academic knowledge, social skills, independent living skills and career options for individuals with disabilities.

The objective of the program is to enable students, while in a college environment, to transition into greater and enhanced independent living through developmentally appropriate social, life, academic and vocational skills. The ultimate goal of Stepping Stones is to allow students with disabilities to have an inclusive college experience all while preparing for gainful employment after graduation. The program serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are currently or were formerly eligible for a free appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and have completed a high school program. For more information, contact director DeAnna Tracy at 870.864.8455.


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State youth offered free citizenship, leadership camp

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Six-day camp to feature Capitol tour, mock legislative session

Kezia Nanda

Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLEYour ROCK — Arkansas El Dorado, Arkansas Community Guide youth ages 13 to 17 are invited to broaden their knowledge about government structure, develop leaderEldoark.com: A 10-Million+ Hits a Month Website ship skills and become an engaged citizen through a free six-day camp Eldoark.com helps held from June 22-27. Besides the normal camping ackeep you and your tivities, such as talent shows and campfires, campers will tour the family up to date on state Capitol, do a mock legislaall things in tive session and write a bill, among other things. El Dorado and “People need to learn about this at a younger age,” said Stacey South Arkansas. McCullough, assistant director of Log on today! the Public Policy Center at the Uniand Leadership Program is a col- Camp’s takeaways versity of Arkansas Cooperative laboration of the 4-H Youth DevelExtension Service. By the end of the six-day overnight opment website and the This group is oldpartenough Visitage Eldoark.com to be of a community thatCommunity receives 12 and to grasp some of the civics con- Economic Development at the Uni- camp, campers are expected to have month. Stay up to date versity on El Dorado with theSystem community of Arkansas Division good understanding on how the loceptsmillion andhitstoperunderstand things Agriculture and nibbler is funded by gen- cal and state government works, that calendar, they wish could doneAlso,ofenter Sandy’s Blog have and more! our weekly trivia eral improvement funds allocated how civic life is more than just differently, she added. contests a chance win every week!by legislators. politics, and how important it is to The brandfor new YouthtoCitizenship

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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.

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become an engaged citizen. Not only will attendees learn from guest speakers and do a mock legislative session, but they will also tour the state Capitol and the Justice Building, as well as completing a

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Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! UCAPS is offering a special adoption rate on all its cats and kittens throughout the month of June! Adoption fee costs $25 (regularly $80) with an approved adoption application. 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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Strange Politics: Arkansas’ lieutenant governor was and wasn’t Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

What would have seemed like an ordinary election became one of the most bizarre legal controversies in state history – all of it over the office of lieutenant governor. Between 1907 and 1913, nine men had served either as governor or acting governor. In 1913, Gov. Joseph T. Robinson resigned after serving less than two months in office to serve in the U.S. Senate, leaving a fight between James K. Oldham and Marion Futrell over who would become the next governor. The need for a better line of succession to the governor’s office had become clear. The legislature decided that it was time to follow the lead of most of the other states and establish a separate office of lieutenant governor to avoid this kind of chaos, offering an amendment to the state constitution. Arkansas briefly had a lieutenant governor from 1864 until 1874. The proposed Amendment 6 would face the judgment

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

of voters in the September 1914 general election. Arkansas voters were swept up in the nationwide movement demanding a greater voice for the average man in the political system. In 1910, voters enacted the Initiative and Referendum Amendment, giving them the power to have final approval over certain legislative acts and the power to put laws directly into effect. The Arkansas Supreme Court was unimpressed by the new trend of voter referenda and tried to control it. In 1906, the court ruled that only three ballot issues could be placed before the voters in any one election. In one of the oddest rulings in state history, the court ruled that a majority vote was not necessarily

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a majority. The court argued that a popular referendum could only be approved if a majority of all voters in the election voted in favor of it. Voters approved Amendment 6 by a vote of 46,567 (50.74 percent) to 45,206 (49.26 percent), a margin of only 1,300 votes. Of the 145,511 men who voted in the 1914 election, only 91,773 voted on the amendment question, or only 63 percent of the voters. Such behavior is not unusual for voters. In many elections, voters may only cast ballots for the most prominent elections, such as president or governor, and not vote for races lower on the ballot. As a result, the lieutenant governor question was left hanging for the next decade. The approved office was not approved. The Supreme Court justices recused themselves from another election case in 1925, leading Gov. Tom Terral to appoint a special five-judge panel to hear Brickhouse vs. Hill. The special court now ruled that a majority was a majority in a vote. The next year, the state

Supreme Court ruled in Combs vs. Gray that this ruling also applied to the lieutenant governor question. Suddenly, Arkansas had a new executive office. Harvey Parnell, a state senator and quiet reformer from Chicot County, was thrust from near obscurity to the office of lieutenant governor in the 1926 election. After less than 14 months in office, the governor’s office was again vacated when Gov. John E. Martineau resigned to become a federal judge. And the state’s first lieutenant governor since Reconstruction found himself as the new governor of Arkansas. Parnell would be elected to a full term in 1928 with 77 percent of the vote and serve as governor until 1933 after one of the strangest episodes in state political history.

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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Youth golf camp set to teach game, life skills

Boys and Girls Club partners with KidsNGolf to offer summer golf course Local nonprofits, KidsNGolf and the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado have teamed up to offer youth ages 8 to 18 the chance to learn the game of golf. “The Game of a Lifetime” golf camp is slated for June 23-27 at the Lions Club Municipal Golf Course in El Dorado. The week-long camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Each day youth will receive golf instruction geared towards all ability levels, with the necessary golf equipment provided. The camp will also include life skills classes as related to the game of golf, and will

conclude with a week-ending tournament and lunch. The camp costs $50 per child. Registration forms are available at the Lions Club Municipal Golf Course on 19th Street or at the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado. For more information, contact Art Noyes with KidsNGolf at 870.299.0192. Learn more about the nonprofits’ golf programs at KidsN Golf.org and eldoradokids.org/Golf. Putt-Putter: Art Noyes assists Caden Hymes with his putt on the KidsNGolf putting green, as a few other children wait their turn. — File photo

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Connections: Therma-Flite plant manager Donald Lee (left) details the company’s manufacturing processes with SouthArk technical education dean Jim

JOBS

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more hiring is coming soon. Thirty-four of Therma-Flite’s El Dorado employees are welders. Lee just hired four South Arkansas Community College welding students who graduated last month. “The first thing that we did was start looking at the workforce, and we found SouthArk,” Lee said. “We saw an opportunity to build a relationship with the college. The training at SouthArk leads to good jobs right here in El Dorado.” Demarcus Smith, for example, is only 18 years old – he graduated from high school and from SouthArk in the same month,

having completed the welding program offered through the college’s Secondary Technical Center – but he now is employed full-time at Therma-Flite making $13 an hour plus overtime, with a full spate of fringe benefits and opportunities to advance. Many of his friends still are working part-time minimumwage jobs. He said that he couldn’t be happier. “It was a great opportunity for me,” Smith said. “My parents are proud of me, and I’m proud of myself.” An assessment test determines the starting wage for a welder at Therma-Flite. Lee said that Smith, as well as the other three new hires from the college, tested into significantly higher starting pay scales because of their proficiency

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Roomsburg. Students in manufacturing-sector programs will have ample local employment opportunities, according to plant managers. — Heath Waldrop / SouthArk

————————— “This is the best opportunity in decades to go into manufacturing.”

become more prevalent, according to SouthArk technical education dean Jim Roomsburg. “This is the best opportunity in decades to go into manufacturing,” Roomsburg said. Jim Roomsburg In fact, demand for employees Technical Education Dean, SouthArk is so high in manufacturing that ————————— last fall SouthArk was awarded $3.9 million in federal Department on the exam. The new employees readily of Labor funds to bolster three techthanked the instruction that they re- nical programs. Lee said that without having ceived through the SouthArk weldSouthArk here, his company would ing program, and program director struggle to fill positions. Shannon Forrest, for that. “It would be extremely difficult,” Several other area manufacturing he said. “It’s hard to find skilled companies also are hiring as the people. All of the manufacturers are economy improves, jobs come back in the same boat. We want to hire as to the United States from overseas, many people as we can like these Baby Boomers retire, and plant ex- guys [who graduated from Southpansions and product diversification Ark], who know the basics.”


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MUSEUM

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» Bubble Fest « On Monday, July 7, children in kindergarten through third grade can discover what it’s like to be inside a bubble at the museum’s Bubble Fest. From 9 to 11 a.m., students will experiment with water in its many forms, while learning about water as a natural resource. Participants will make and play with bubbles and water balloons, as well as seeing the world from the inside of one large bubble. After the experiments, children can cool off by playing in the sprinklers and wading pools. Watermelon will be served at the end of the event. Admission costs $15. Reservations are required; call 870.725.2877 to register.

» Tinkering for Tots « On Aug. 5, the museum will kick off its monthly Tinkering for Tots program for children ages 3 to 5. The hour-long program will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, introducing science and tinkering to preschoolers in a hands-on and interactive environment. Children will make crafts and participate in various experiments to learn about the world around them. The program costs $5 and reservations are required. To register, call 870.725.2877.

» Park Visitors «

Bubbles: One of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources many summer programs for youth will include

Moro Bay State Parks will bring a piece of their parks to the museum to share with attendees. Participants will be able to see different types of animals, such as alligators and snakes. The program will also include a visit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a visit from a local veterinarian who will discuss pet care. The programs are free and open to the public and no reservations are needed.

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service activity at Boyle park. During the sessions, youth will learn about state government structure and how it works, and gain team-building and service skills. Being an engaged citizen is important because it trains youths to step out of their comfort zone, something that is harder to be taught to an adult, McCullough said. The six-day camp is free and is held at the Arkansas 4-H center, located at 1 Four H Way in Little Rock.

encouraged to use their imaginations to design and build. In the next Tinker Time, on July 12, participants will learn about electrical circuits by making a scribble-bot. Tinkerers will be challenged to construct a moving scribble-bot from a plastic cup, small motor, AA battery, electrical tape and a glue stick. Reservations for each Tinker Time program are required. To reserve a space for the upcoming July 12 program, call 870.725.2877. All programs will take place on the grounds of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, located at 3853 Smackover Highway. The mission of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is to collect, preserve and interpret Arkansas’s natural resources with particular emphasis on petroleum and brine used for bromine extraction. Temporary exhibits change every six months and focus on the Bubble Fest, a morning of playing in and learning about water through various topics. experiments and games. — Courtesy image One of 52 Arkansas State Parks, Tinkering Studio, will allow par- the museum is open from 8 a.m. to ticipants to experiment with dif- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday ferent topics, such as circuits and and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. mechanics, through hands-on trial- Admission is free. For more inforand-error tinkering. Attendees are mation, go online to www.amnr.org.

$

» Tinker Time «

Every Thursday throughout June During the summer the museum and July (with the exception of July 3), the museum will host its will continue its monthly Tinker free weekly summer program. For Time from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second one hour beginning at 10 a.m., vis- Saturday of each month. iting interpreters from Logoly and Tinker Time, held in the museum’s

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For more information or to register for the free citizenship and leadership camp, contact Stacey McCullough at 501.671.2078. A youth development program conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H aims to provide opportunities for youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes and practice behavior that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. For more information, visit the Extension website at www.uaex.edu.

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Water safety a must

American Red Cross offers swimming, water safety tips

To mark its 100 years of swimming safety education, the American Red Cross is urging Arkansans to make sure that all family members can swim. “We’re asking every family to make sure that both adults and children can swim and that parents make water safety a priority this summer,” said Connie Harvey, director of the Red Cross Centennial Initiative. The new Red Cross drowning prevention campaign (http:// rdcrss.org/1i29Tta) comes at a time when a new national survey (http://rdcrss.org/1lt6zYK) shows that people believe they are better swimmers than they actually are. The survey, conducted for the Red Cross, found that while 80 percent of Americans said they could swim, only 56 percent of the self-described swimmers can perform all five of the basic skills that could save their life in the water. These critical water safety skills, also known as “water competency,” include the ability to: step or jump into water over your head; return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute; turn around in a full circle and find an exit; and swim 25 yards to the pool edge or beach with the ability to exit from the water. If you’re in a pool, you must be able to exit without using the ladder. Other key survey findings include: » Just 4 in 10 parents of children ages 4 to 17 report that their child can perform all five basic swimming skills, yet more than 92 percent of parents state their child is likely to participate in water activities this summer. » Men are significantly more likely than women to report that they have all five basic

swimming skills (57 percent for men compared to 36 percent of women.) » Nearly half of Americans report that they have had an experience in the water where they were afraid they might drown. In addition, 1 in 5 said they knew someone who had drowned, and 20 percent knew someone who nearly drowned.

Red Cross Swim App The new Red Cross drowning prevention campaign begins as summer gets underway, as most Americans are planning time at the beach, pool, water park, boating or fishing this summer. Safety concerns rise as a third of such activities include swimming at a place without a lifeguard. “Parents are encouraged to enroll their child in Red Cross swim lessons and to download the free Red Cross Swim App (http://rdcrss.org/1lJGpjw) to track their child’s swim progress and water competency,” Harvey said. “Adults need to know how to be safe in the water even before they can protect their children and can take a Red Cross swim course for adults. But just as importantly, parents should learn about water safety and know how to respond to a water emergency.” To learn more about Red Cross water safety, visit the website at redcross.org/arkansas or call 800.REDCROSS. Union United is a section showcasing the news and happenings of the United Way of Union County and its 14 nonprofit partner agencies. For more information, visit unitedwayunioncounty.com.

JURIED

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Bowers, Kelly Campbell, Sheila Cotton, Norwood Creech, Houston Fryer, Louise Halsey, James Jumper, Ronald Kinkaid, Sandra Marson, Spencer Purinton, David Rackley, Mary Ann Stafford, Rachel Trusty, Kenna Westerman, Jessica Westhafer and Ralph Wilson, all from Arkansas. Out-of-state artists in the competition include: Helen Allen, Virginia; Lisa Blatt, California; Deanna Douglas; Mississippi; Richard Ensor, Tennessee; Cindy Holmes, Texas; Jean M. Judd, Wisconsin; Ahrong Kim, Pennsylvania; Kaitlin Knapp, New

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York; Minny Lee, New Jersey; Galen Olmsed, Georgia; Kristin Richards, Kentucky; Bethany Taylor, Florida; Justin Thornton, New York; Rick Weis, Michigan; and Peggy Wyman, Missouri. SAAC’s 2014 Juried Art Competition, an annual competition juried by nationally and internationally recognized art professionals, is open to all artists across the nation ages 18 and up. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the arts center. For more information about the Juried Art Competition, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or visit www.saac-arts.com.


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COMMUNITY calendar

» LIBRARY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM — Barton Public Library will host the summer program, “Fizz, Boom, Read!,” for those in grades first through sixth. A variety of programs including science experiments, reading and live performances will be available at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As well, students can participate in a reading challenge to collect coupons for prizes. The program is free, but registration is required. When: 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, now through July 18 Where: Barton Public Library, 200 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Laura Cleveland at 870.863.5447. A complete schedule can be found at www.bartonlibrary.org. » LIBRARY TEEN SUMMER PROGRAM — Barton Public Library will host the summer program, “Spark a Reaction,” for teenagers entering seventh through 12th grades. The group will offer teen-targeted crafts and movie and book discussions one night a week. Some crafts will include making a lava lamp and creating an intricate labyrinth from colored sand. The program is free but registration is required. When: 6 p.m. Tuesdays, now through July 18 Where: Barton Public Library, 200 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Laura Cleveland at 870.863.5447. A complete schedule can be found at www.bartonlibrary.org. » SAU TECH NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION — Southern Arkansas University Tech will hold

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

new student orientation, SOAR, June 18-19 and again July 15-17, with both morning and afternoon sessions. SAU Tech will also host an evening session at 6 p.m. on July 14. New students should call ahead, and students who have already completed the admissions process can go online to select a time to sign up for SOAR. When: 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on June 1819 and July 15-17 Where: Southern Arkansas University Tech, Camden Contact: New students should call 870.574.4558. Sign-up for SOAR is available at sautech.edu.

» SMACKOVER OIL TOWN FESTIVAL — The Smackover Chamber of Commerce will host the 43rd Annual Oil Town Festival, with contests, tournaments, live concerts, activities, vendors and more for all ages. Concerts will include Frank Foster, Jason D. Williams, Lainey Wilson, The Issacs and Jamie Coulter and the Cummins Prison Band. The festival will also feature the Pork Rib Cookoff, 5K Oil Run, Duck Race down No Name Creek and Tug of War competition. The festival is free and open to the public. When: Thursday, June 19 through Saturday, June 21 Where: Tennyson Park, Broadway and 10th streets, Smackover Contact: For more information and a complete schedule, visit smackover ar.com or facebook/SmackoverOil Town Festival. » CAMDEN MOVIES ON THE RIVER — The City of Camden presents its Movies on the River 2014 summer series. Families may bring

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.

lawn chairs, stadium seats, drinks and snacks to enjoy the outdoor movie with theater sound every Friday night through June and July. Glass is not allowed and bug spray is recommended. Concessions, including drinks and popcorn, will be available (cash only). In case of poor weather and holidays, the viewing will be moved to Saturday. Movie: “Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” rated PG-13 (146 min.) When: Friday, June 20 at dusk (about 8:15 p.m.) Where: Riverwalk Amphitheater, 405 Washington St. SE, downtown Camden Contact: For more information, call the city at 870.837.5500 or visit the website at www.camden.ar.gov. » HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION — Clean Harbors will hold its Household Hazardous Waste Collection program on the third Saturday of each month from April through September. Appointments are required and can be scheduled for any time between 8 a.m. and noon the day of the event. The event is free and open to all households in Union County. Wastes such as paint, cleaning fluids, herbicides, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, out-of-date non-prescription medicines, used oil and filters, propane and butane cylinders are accepted. When: Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to noon (by appointment only) Where: Drop-off location (next to Clean Harbors facility), 2300 Short Hillsboro St., El Dorado Contact: To schedule an appointment or for more information on what types of waste are accepted, call Clean Harbors at 870.863.7173.

» BEGINNER PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS — South Arkansas Community College is offering Beginning Photography, a non-credit class with instructor Eric Maynard. The course is designed to teach students about camera features and functions, and how to use them to shoot more creative photographs. Cost is $98. When: 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays from June 23 – July 28 Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus Contact: Register at the SouthArk Bookstore in the El Dorado Conference Center or call 870.864.7163. For more information, call 870.864.7192 or email ce@southark.edu. » SOUTHARK SECOND SUMMER TERM — The second short summer term at South Arkansas Community College begins this month. Registration is ongoing. When: Classes start on June 26 Where: South Arkansas Community College, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For more information, go online to www.southark.edu/summer. » RIVER VALLEY DONATION DRIVE — River Valley Community Federal Credit Union is asking the community to join in its mission to answer a need for area youth. The local business is taking donations of new backpacks and duffel bags for displaced children and teens. When: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Where: River Valley Community Federal Credit Union, 2416 North West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information, call 870.863.6000 or go to myrvcu.com.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

June 11


06•18•14

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

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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.

Union County's free source for community news and more

Noalmark Broadcasting

General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

Editor Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com

WEEKLY RECIPE Turkey need not be relegated to Thanksgiving Turkey is most commonly associated with Thanksgiving. But turkey need not be relegated to just one day per year. The following recipe for “Peppery Turkey Casserole” from Judith Finlayson’s “The Healthy Slow Cooker” (Robert Rose) is easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

Harry Dyer harry@noalmark.com Stacey Turner stacey.turner@noalmark.com

Ingredients: » 1 tablespoon olive oil » 2 onions, finely chopped » 4 cloves garlic, minced » 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled » 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns » 1 cup dry white wine » 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, including juice » 2 cups chicken or turkey

Directions: 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.

CLUES ACROSS

Peppery Turkey Casserole Makes 8 servings

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South Arkansas

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

South Arkansas Leader

stock » 1 1/2 pounds bone-in turkey breast, skin removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes » 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water » 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped » 2 green bell peppers, diced » 1 roasted red bell pepper, diced » 3 cups water » 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed » Sea salt (optional)

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, oregano and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add white wine and tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware. Add chicken stock and stir well. Season to taste with salt, if using. Add turkey and stir well. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until turkey is tender. Add paprika solution, jalapeno pepper, bell peppers and roasted red pepper to slow cooker stoneware and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, until peppers are tender. Meanwhile, in a pot, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa in a steady stream, stirring to prevent lumps from forming, and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Set aside. When peppers are tender, add cooked quinoa to slow cooker stoneware and stir well. Serve immediately. Variation: Omit the quinoa and serve the stew over hot rice or mashed potatoes.

1. Missouri River tributary 7. Orange-brown African antelope 10. Access steps 12. Scottish word for gutter 13. Oiled whetstone 14. Tranquility 15. Indian rat snake genus 16. Competent 17. Premier ___ Wine 18. Carbamide 19. Belongs to “2001” computer 21. Campaign commission 22. Lives without oxygen 27. Blue Hen school 28. Herb-grinding tools

34. “Fast Five” star’s initials 35. Does not pay debts 36. Word element meaning life 37. Town of 1993 Texas siege 38. Prohibitions 39. Cardboard box (abbr.) 40. Hillside (Scot.) 41. Yemen capital 44. Plural of 40 across 45. Cloths showing needlework skills 48. Settled a debt 49. Cause annoyance in 50. Million gallons per day (abbr.) 51. Parson

CLUES DOWN 1. Pale (archaic) 2. __ Marie Presley 3. Bachelor of ____ 4. Deuce 5. Light brown color 6. Vision organ 7. Australian bear 8. A single occurrence 9. Stinging insect 10. High voice 11. About title 12. Medieval fiddle 14. Marched in a procession 17. People of Southeast Asia 18. Hoopoe bird genus 20. Unit of a tennis match 23. Steep-sided valleys 24. China’s largest ghost town

25. Undergraduate degree 26. Finish 29. First state 30. South by west 31. Tea wagon 32. Lactaid enzyme 33. British prep school 36. Blatted 38. Woven pigtail 40. Boast 41. Saliva 42. Countertenor 43. Close by 44. Beats per minute 45. Tiny drink 46. Macaws 47. Married woman

Answer key on page 10.

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South Arkansas Leader

06•18•14

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Chamber hosts ribbon cuttings in community Petsense joins The Commons

The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand re-opening ceremony for The Commons Shopping Center, located at 2600 North West Ave., on June 5. The event also welcomed new tenant Petsense to The Commons. Attending the Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony for Petsense were (front row, from left): Diane Hammond, Betty Fricke, Buford Fricke, senior asset and facilities manager of Carnegie Companies Dave Richards, Vice President of Carnegie Companies Fred Scalese, Mayor Frank Hash, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeremy Stratton and Trey Clark. Built in the early 2000s, The Commons Shopping Center is located at 2600 North West Ave., and is currently home to RadioShack, GameStop, Hibbett Sports, Cato, Sally Beauty Supply, GNC, Four Brothers Seafood and Southern Eatery, and more.

New dance studio for all ages opens Lucy’s Ladies Dance Studio celebrated its grand opening at 1129 North Madison in El Dorado on June 11. The dance studio will offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and speciality classes for ages 3 to adult. “I am excited to bring my talent back home from Los Angeles and share it with all of you,” said owner Hannah Hightower. “I believe dancing brings joy to your heart and a sense of self assurance. My goal is to create a positive and nurturing place for young ladies.” Attending the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony were (front row, from left): Tequila Smith, Dianne Hammond, Peggy Thompson, Jeff Hightower, Colby Pepper, owner Hannah Hightower, Rhonda Thurmon, Alyssa Thurmon, Hunter Hightower, Paula Guy, Mayor Frank Hash and Donna Farish. For information on dance classes, contact Hannah Hightower at 870.639.3509 or follow the studio on Facebook at facebook.com/lucys ladiesdancestudio. — Courtesy photos


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