Of the people,
Home of subscriber Gary Linn
By the people, For the people
TUESDAY, January 12, 2016 / Vol. 2 Issue 2 / 75 cents
Funeral home wars Roller sues former employee
Re-imagining the possibilities South Side-Bee Branch School hosted guest speaker Richard Hight, an international speaker who inspires audiences to re-imagine possibilities and discover their creative processes. He encouraged the students -- kindergarten through 12th grade -- to expand their creativity, and the message was shared through an interactive visual display of art. Hight resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has traveled the world and has shared his messages with millions of people. He has appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX networks, and his artwork is placed in museums and over 50 universities across the country.
Denver Roller, Inc. took a former employee to court last week, asking for a preliminary injunction to keep it from being "irreparably harmed." On July 23, 2015, Roller fired 19-year employee Joe Tsosie, who is also the Van Buren County coroner. Eleven days later, on Aug. 4, 2015, Tsosie received a "cease and desist letter" from his former employer, and on Nov. 13, 2015, a "verified complaint" was filed against Tsosie by Denver Roller, Citizens Fidelity Insurance Co., and Roller employee Elizabeth
Hess. In her testimony Jan. 6, 2016, before Circuit Judge Mike Murphy, Hess, the office manager for Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton said Tsosie was "always making jokes, picking at me, yelling at me." She said when she was working at Roller-McNutt's booth at the county fair last September, Tsosie threw an ink pen at her one night and hit her the next, leaving her ear hurting and red. She said she was later told by her employers to file a police report on the incident. When his turn
came to testify, Tsosie said everything Hess described was "horseplay," and they had always engaged in it. He said Hess didn't complain about it over the years. Roller's complaint also alleges that Tsosie has taken advantage of his role as coroner to try to sway families to take their business to Roller's competitor, Clinton Funeral Service. Tsosie swore he never did so in his official role and that anybody who says he did is lying. He said apart See Wars on Page 5
(Funeral director explains prepaid policies and consumer's choices / Page 5)
Man reported missing is back A man reported missing by his landlady is safe, according to the Clinton Police Department. Steven Allen Hussman, 32, of Clinton was reported missing on Dec. 30, 2015, after he had not been seen in more than two weeks. The Police Department said Hussman's landlady said he called her on Jan. 5, 2016, and said everything was fine. She said Hussman told her he had been out of state and had not meant to worry
anyone. In another missing persons case, this one dating to last summer, there still has been no word on the fate of Amando Salinas Jr., 42. He was reportedly last seen at a residence on Highway 9 just outside of Clinton on July 9, 2015, according to the Van Buren County sheriff's office. Salinas' family is offering a $4,000 reward in the case. Anyone with information should call the sheriff's office at 7452112.
The new Van Buren County Library is almost ready to open its doors.
Librarian offers update on transition To our patrons and community:
The Van Buren County Library is starting the process of transitioning to the new building. The following will happen in the next few weeks: On January 18, 2016, the Van Buren County Library will close its doors of normal operations for at least six weeks. Hold request: You may request items online at FCL.org. We will open to the
public on Wednesday mornings for waiting list pickup only 9 a.m. to noon at the 119 Shake Rag Road location or you may pick these items up at any of our branch locations. Book returns: You may return your books and other items in the book drops at VBC Library, Damascus, Faulkner or any of our other Regional Libraries (Twin Groves, Greenbrier, Mayflower, and
Vilonia). You may also call any of the branches if you require a renewal. Please keep in mind that any items you have checked out could be on a hold status and cannot be renewed. Computer Services are available at the Damascus Library We apologize for the inconvenience to you our patrons, and community. We believe libraries are an
important part of any community and we love providing this service. Weather or set-up permitting, we hope to resume operation by March 1, 2016. (See information on branch libraries, Page 5) Thank you for your patience and we look forward to servicing you in our new home. Sincerely, Karla Fultz VBC Library Administrator
Mobile Vet unit to be in town The Mobile Vet Center will be in Clinton on Tuesday, Jan. 12, according to County Veterans service coordinator James Beavers. The unit, from the Little Rock Vet Center, resembles a super-sized recreational vehicle. It is 38 feet long and takes up five parking spaces. The mission of the Readjustment Counseling Services is to provide information to veterans in far-reaching ru-
ral areas on services the center has to offer. Those include individual and group counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, bereavement counseling, marital and family counseling, referrals, and substance abuse information and referral. The unit will be in Clinton from 10 a.m.2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Walmart parking lot in Highway 65 South.
County gets new public defender Conway attorney Angela Byrd is handling public defender duties in Van Buren County, according to the Circuit Court clerk. Byrd replaces Clinton attorney Ralph Blagg who left the position at the
end of 2015. Byrd was a former deputy prosecuting attorney and ran unsuccessfully for a circuit judgeship in 2014. During the 2014 campaign, Byrd's candidacy was challenged because her
law license had been suspended for failure to pay bar dues. A Supreme Court rule requires an administrative suspension of a lawyer who fails to pay state license fees on time. Pulaski Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen ruled the au-
tomatic suspensions were unconstitutional because they denied attorneys the right to challenge. H.G. Foster faced the same predicament during his campaign that year for a different seat in the 20th Judicial District. Foster
won the seat and will hear many of Byrd's cases in Van Buren County. Judge David Clark defeated Byrd in the Division 4 race. Byrd is married to Karl Byrd, a former Faulkner County sheriff.
Byrd
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 2
Library Hours
Looking for homes This young female dog is waiting at the Van Buren County Animal facility for a new home. There are several cats also available for adoption. Call the shelter at 745-2121 for more information or to volunteer your time to help walk dogs.
Don't cut
out the
carbs
We hear this all the time, even from doctors, “Eat a lowcarb diet.” “Don’t eat starches.” If I may interject briefly here, WRONG! Pardon my screaming. I get overheated sometimes when I hear that garbage. There are only three types of food, everything you eat is either a carb, protein or fat. All three of those are necessary for your health. Now if your goal is to be sickly, yes, then cut out one of those three. But if you want to be the slim, healthy person you dream of, then eat carbohydrates. In fact, eat
Council working on budget The Clinton City Council held a special meeting last week to work on its 2016 budget. Department heads presented their budget requests for the year. Mayor Richard McCormac told The Voice he expected the department's to turn in similar requests as last year. The council has until the end of February to approve a budget for 2016. Advertise in the Voice of Van Buren County - Email voiceads@artelco.com
more carbs that you eat protein or fat. Yes, you heard correctly. About 40 percent of your dietary intake should be from carbs, 30 percent from protein and 30 percent from fat. Here’s the deal though, not all carbs are created equal. Some are bad for you, some are good. There are some types of carbs that are termed “resistant starches,” which mean they digest slowly and trigger the release of digestive acids that accelerate calorie burn and suppresses the appetite. One study found that by swapping just 5 percent
of your daily carbs with these resistant starches it will boost your metabolism by a whopping 23 percent. Let me give you one example, oatmeal (rolled oats to be more exact). It can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and help prevent getting diabetes. That’s 3-for-3. Here’s your clean-up hitter right here. More examples of resistant starches: bananas, peas, white beans, lentils, and pasta. - Ron Henson, RN Ozark Health Home Care
January 12, 2016
Letter to Editor Note from the Van Buren County Clerk 2015 was a busy year, but a smooth transition as I had promised. There was a couple of “hick-ups” concerning Same Sex Marriage ‘Law’ (or lack of). Learning there was nothing I could do about it was very hard for me. From January 2015, I have worked closely with the IRS, Auditors, and the AAC Attorneys (Association of Arkansas Counties) to make needed changes. I am proud to say, the County Clerk’s office is run efficiently and according to the law. We all have worked very hard and I am very proud. I keep a close eye on budgets to make sure we all stay ‘in the black.’ I am also proud to say the budgets have never looked as good by year end as they did in 2015. Some new things for 2016: Minimum wage is now $8 per hour, the income tax rate was reduced by 1 percent for annual incomes of $21,000$75,000. Elections will be moved up this year due to the presiden-
tial elections. This will save money. The last day to register to vote is February 1, 2016. Early voting will begin February 16 at the Courthouse Annex. It will run for two weeks. Hours will be Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4p.m. Primary Election Day will be March 1, 2016, at your voting precinct from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. The General Election early voting will begin October 24, 2016, and run for two weeks. Hours will be Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. General Election Day will be November 8, 2016, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at your voting precinct. You may apply for an absentee ballot by contacting Vicki in our Voter Registration office at 501-745-VOTE (8683) If you would like to work the Polls in 2016, you may contact the Election Commission office at 501-745-6738. All Poll workers will need to be trained. Election Night Reporting can be seen at www.sos.arkansas.gov
You can also view your sample ballot at www.voterview. ar-nova.org Other useful websites are www.arcounties.org to keep up with new laws and lots more. Also you may want to add our county website www. enjoyvbc.com to your favorites. You can keep up with upcoming events, county offices and county officials' information, ordinances, resolutions and so much more. If you click on County Clerk’s office, there are printable forms, Fee amounts for filings, licenses, etc. Under Voter Registration there are District maps, 2016 Election Calendar, etc. Taylor Fisher is the man who keeps the website updated, and he does a very good job. Our County Quorum Court Meetings are every third Thursday of each month at the Courthouse Annex at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome, and it is a good way to keep up with your county government. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2016. God Bless! Pam Bradford Van Buren County Clerk (501) 745-6995
Where to find The Voice
of Van Buren County Austin • The Austin Store Bee Branch • Caldwell Feed (Inside sales) • Snappy's (Outside Rack sales) Choctaw • Elite Automotive (Inside sales) • Gasoline Alley (Outside Rack sales) • PEH Supply (Inside sales) Clinton • Assessor's Office (Inside sales) • CashSaver (Outside Rack sales) • Chief's Little Steakhouse (Inside sales) • Flash Market ~ Citgo (Inside sales) • Huddle House (Outside Rack sales) • June's Cafe (Inside sales) • L'Attitude Bistro (Inside sales) • The Voice of Van Buren County (Inside sales) • The Voice of Van Buren County (Outside Rack sales) • Western Sizzlin (Inside Rack sales) Damascus • Walmart Neighbor Market (Outside Rack sales) Dennard • Dennard Country Store (Inside sales) Fairfield Bay • Jack's (Inside sales) Leslie • Smith's Citgo (Inside sales) Scotland • Lowder General Store (Inside sales) Shirley • First Service Bank (Outside Rack sales)
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
Page 3
Police Report
Bramlett
Gilland
Jones
Long
Meredith
Young
Drug charge filed
and a weapon. Gilland is being charged with felony possession of a drug paraphernalia, carrying a weapon, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and criminal impersonation in the second degree for giving deputies a false name, according to the news release.
fic stop and after receiving permission to search the vehicle, deputies, assisted by the Clinton Police Department, found in the vehicle illegal drugs and paraphernalia, according to a news release. Also assisting in the investigation was the 20th Judicial District Drug Crime Task Force. Meredith was charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor simple possession of drugs (marijuana, the news release states.
Also arrested were James Harvel Long, 23, of Clinton on a parole violation charge, and 54-yearold William Jeffery Jones of Clinton on a probation violation charge, the news release states.
old Cody Lee Bramlett of Clinton, had battered the victim who was trying to calm down a situation between Bramlett and his wife, acccording to a sheriff's office report. Bramlett was later arrested at his residence in Van Buren County and charged with misdemeanor battery in the third degree and public intoxication. Bramlett later bonded out of jail on the charges.
Bee Branch. Deputies responded to Damascus about a criminal mischief incident that happened on Stuart Road in Van Buren County. After speaking with the victim and witnesses, deputies found that Young had taken a hammer and busted the windshield of the victim’s vehicle, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Young was later found at apartments in Damascus and arrested. Young was charged with criminal mischief in the second degree and later bonded of jail, according to the report.
In the early morning hours of January 5, 2016, deputies from the Van Buren County sheriff’s office made contact with a 35-year-old white female from Stone County in Clinton. During a traffic stop, deputies found that Leeone Gilland was driving on a suspended drivers license, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. After receiving permission to search the vehicle, deputies reported finding drug paraphernalia, prescription drugs without a prescription
3 charged
On January 3, 2016, deputies from the Van Buren County sheriff’s office arrested 40-year-old Terry Michelle Meredith of Clinton. During a traf-
Battery charge
On January 1, 2016, deputies responded to an altercation, reported by the Clinton Police Department that happened in the county. After meeting with the victim and witnesses, and investigating the incident, deputies determined that 38-year-
Criminal mischief
On January 1, 2016, Van Buren County sheriff's deputies arrested Derek Joe Young, 24, of
For the latest news in courts and crime read The Voice. Call 745-8040 to subscribe.
December 911 calls Alarms................................................................................................ 31 Hang ups, Accidentally dialed, open lines and info calls ................ 227 Animals............................................................................................... 13 Fire...................................................................................................... 52 Medical............................................................................................. 159 Motor Vehicle Accidents..................................................................... 41 Police.................................................................................................. 91 Public Service..................................................................................... 14 Medical Transfers............................................................................... 65 Traffic.................................................................................................. 35 Total number of calls for December 2015........................................ 728 Total number of calls for 2015....................................................... 9,130
Marriage Licenses
Dale LaFountain, 53, Damascus and Heather Esser, 39, Damascus
Christopher McKinney, 35, Bee Branch and Tabitha Booher, 30, Clinton
December 2015
Shane Widener, 43, Clinton and Amanda Green, 30, Clinton
Blake Crow, 28, Dover and Julisa Rolen, 22, Bigelow
Robert Evans, 37, Clinton and Stephanie Harris, 37, Clinton
Divorces
Destal White, 26, Fairfield Bay and Sara Smith, 23, Fairfield Bay
Sarah M. Puckett vs. Robert Puckett
Max Pastrano, 25, Bee Branch and Eleanor Fierro, 26, Bee Branch Brandon Baker, 23, Shirley and Taylor Cox, 20, Clinton Brian Hughes, 20, Clinton and Ashley Sowell, 23, Clinton
December 2015
Hilda E. Littleton vs. Jerry Scott Teresa Robinson vs. James Robinson Valerie J. Holcomb vs. David B. Holcomb Michael Martin vs. Stacey Martin
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The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 4
Obituaries Macel Williams
Macel Hammett Williams, 94, went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2016. She was the first child born to Thomas Reed Hammett and Lula Needham Hammett on September 8, 1921, in Formosa, Arkansas. She attended school in Formosa, and went on later in life to earn a degree in education from Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway. Macel was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and remained an active participant for most of her life. Macel enjoyed a rewarding teaching career that spanned 31 years and three school districts but did not require her to hold a degree when she started. September 25, 1943. Macel married her high school sweetheart, Olen Williams. Although Formosa was always home, Olen’s service in the Navy took them to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for a short period of time and later his job with the Army Corps of Engineers required a move to Heber Springs, Arkansas, where they stayed for 19 years. In 1980 they returned to Formosa, built their retirement home and began to enjoy their golden years. Macel enrolled in painting classes, joined the Clinton Art Guild, and was involved in the Van Buren County Historical Society where she assisted with documenting the history of Formosa and Van Buren County. In addition to being a full-time wife, mother and teacher Macel enjoyed gardening, canning, quilting, crocheting and spending time with her family. Macel was a member of the Church of Christ and
truly enjoyed attending services, teaching Vacation Bible School, and studying her Bible to live a truly Christian life. She is survived by two sons, Ronald Williams and Stanley Williams; one granddaughter, Amanda Williams; two sisters, DeLane Story and Jo Ann Hancock (Buddy); one sister-inlaw, Peggy Hammett; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Olen Williams; her brother, Reed "Junior" Hammett; and a sister, Willadean Hammett. The family requests that donations be made to the Formosa Community Center, 789 Happy Road, Clinton, AR 72031. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 7, 2016, with Micah Williams officiating at the Formosa Church of Christ. Burial was at Union Hill Cemetery. Hal Hammett, David Story, Frank Gibson, Ted Ashbridge, John McClure and Darrell Olinger were pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Wesley Hammett and Buddy Hancock. Funeral arrangements under the care of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ clinton.
Jim Dennison
James "Jim" Lynn Dennison, 63, of Shirley, passed away January 7, 2016. He was born February 22, 1952, in Loma Linda, California, to William
C. and Harriett Helen Ankeny Dennison. Jim retired from the United States Army. Jim loved to spend time with his family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cindy Dennison; children Christy Dennison and fiancé Jerrod Hutchens, Josh Dennison and fiancé Betty Martin, Roxanne Dennison and fiance Kenneth Loeschner and Zach Macon. Jim is also survived by brothers William Dennison of Lakeside, California, and Rocky Dennison of Clinton; grandchildren Jarrin Dennison, Braxton Dennison, Austin Glover, Aleena Dennison, Trace Hardy, Zeke Hardy, Vincent Ervin, B.J. Nicholson and Christine Dennison; and several nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation was Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Clinton Funeral Service. The family will hold a private service at a later date. Services entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service. To sign Jim's Book of Memories, go to www.clintonfuneralservice. com.
Lester Burroughs
Lester Henry Burroughs, 94, was born June 9, 1921, and passed from this life Friday, January 8, 2016, at Ozark Health Nursing Home, in Clinton, Arkansas. Lester served from September 18, 1942, to November 14, 1945, in World War II. He was in the 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron serving in Central Europe. He re-
ceived the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AR 600-68 Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and Army Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp. In the Korean War, he served from May 18, 1948, to July 16, 1952. He was part of Company B, 8th Infantry Regiment of Fort Benning, Georgia. He spent most of his time in Germany and France during the Korean War. Lester was the son of the late James E. Burroughs and Nancy (May) Burroughs. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Frankie Burroughs; brothers Chester, Ralph, Ray and Merle Jr.; and a granddaughter, Julie Burroughs Hicks. Lester was the father of eight children, 20 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sons Ricky, Tommy and Stanley Burroughs, and daughters Alice Shipley, Diane Calhoun, and Mary Kennedy; a step-daughter, Jean McBay; three brothers, Roy Lee, J.C. and W.H Burroughs; a sister, Anna Beth Carpenter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January12, 2016, at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton, Arkansas. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at the Sand Springs Cemetery near Gravesville, Arkansas, with military honors. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Mcutt Funeral Home in Clinton. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
January 12, 2016 Vicky Allen
Vicky M. Allen, 78, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2016. She was born March 14, 1937, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Elmer R. and Louise (Leathers) Bradford. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www. rollerfuneralhomes. com.
Lois Hankins
Lois Emerson McDaniel Hankins was born to Archie and Ora Emerson on September 10, 1931, in Alread, Arkansas, and left to live with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 6, 2016. After completing her education in the Alread schools, Lois entered the business world and worked in various fields. Her final work place was Kimberly-Clark of Conway from which she retired early due to being physically disabled. On February 22, 1964, Lois married Oather Hankins. From the beginning, the couple was dedicated to rearing their four children on biblical principles and sharing Christ’s love for them. For almost 52 years, Lois and Oather were a team and Lois’ love for the various generations of her family was paramount in her life. That love was returned to her many-fold and she will be greatly missed. Lois is predeceased by her par-
ents; siblings Alvie Emerson, Laverne McDonald, Syble Berry and Bill Emerson; son-in-law Tony Kingston; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. In addition to her husband, Lois is survived by siblings Leon, Bryce, Wayland and Dormet Emerson; children James McDaniel, Gene (Gwen) Hankins, Vickie Kingston, and Teresa (Russell) Wilson; grandchildren Ben McDaniel, Rik (Fauna) Hankins, Cathy Hankins, Alina (Kris) Cox, Brian (Erin) Kingston, Alicia Kingston, Chris Kingston, Kyle Rega, Allison (Eric) Garner, Bethany Grissom and Chris Wilson; great-grandchildren Kylie Cox, Kacen Cox, Mataya Kingston, Victoria Kingston, Nanette Kingston, Zebediah Kingston, William Kingston, Sierra Ast, Kyoko Mills, T.J. Turner, Olivia Garner, Owen Garner, and Jett Grissom, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lois was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Conway whose home-bound ministry was a great blessing to her. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Interment was at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Wooster, Arkansas.
Jackie Cleaver
Jackie Dale Cleaver, 72, of SolgObituaries, page 5
The staff of The VOICE of Van Buren County extends sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones. If you wish to express your appreciation to friends, neighbors, family, church and community members with a Thank You on the obit page, call (501) 745-8040 or email voiceads@artelco.com.
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The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016 From Page 4 ohachia passed from this life on Thursday, December 31, 2015. He was born March 16, 1943, in Shirley, Arkansas, to Jessie Vernon and Lois Elsie Nelson Cleaver. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Leon Cleaver, Leonard Cleaver and Lilburn "Dick" Cleaver. Survivors include his brother, Jimmie L. Cleaver and wife Donna of Clinton; two sisters-in-law; several nephews and nieces; and other family and friends. Graveside funeral services were Monday, January 4, 2016, at Culpepper Mountain Cemetery in Clinton with Bro. Wesley Howell officiating. Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway.
Dora Day
Dora Deane Day, 88, of Greenbrier went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 18, 2015. She was born Tuesday, April 5, 1927 in Holland, Arkansas, to William H. and Grace A. Smith. Mrs. Day worked as an LPN and was a member of Needs Creek Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years Edgell D. Day and brother Arthur “Buddy” Smith. Survivors include her son Danny Day and wife Candy of Clinton; grandchildren Denver Leanne Landers of Benton, Kristi Finley of Greenbrier and Danny Day Jr. of Clinton; and a host of extended family and friends. Graveside services were Monday, December 28, 2015, at Needs Creek Cemetery.
Wars from Page 1 from his job as coroner, he has made suggestions personally. There was some question as to when Tsosie began working for Clinton Funeral Service. He said that after he was fired from Roller the vehicle they allowed him to drive as coroner was taken back and Clinton Funeral Service began to provide one for him. He said he was not a paid employee until Jan. 4, 2016. R o l l e r- M c N u t t Manager Bobby Bradford and Steve Ballard, Denver Roller vice president of operations, both testified that since December 2014 business has been falling off. Ballard said that in the past few months, though, business has "plummeted," which he defined as a drop of at least 50 percent. He and Bradford both attributed the sharp decrease to Tsosie's working from a different funeral home in his capacity as coroner. Bradford said it did not occur to him that losing the coroner might harm business. Both Bradford and Ballard named one particular family who they felt were swayed by Tsosie to use Clinton Funeral Service when they had a prepaid policy with Citizens Fidelity. Tsosie said he asked the family at
the hospital only which funeral home they wanted to use and the answer was Roller-McNutt because the deceased had a prepaid burial policy. Tsosie said he left the hospital and headed toward home. He was called back a few minutes later and told the family had changed its mind, so he transported the body to Clinton Funeral. He said the family members were friends. Dale James, who sells prepaid policies for Clinton Funeral, testified that he heard one of the family members say they were "stuck with Roller," and he explained they were not. He said Tsosie had nothing to do with the family's decision to switch. Ballard said about the decision to fire Tsosie that he was an insubordinate and uncooperative employee who "was not willing to fall in with Bobby's type of management." Tsosie testified that he had worked at the funeral home since almost the day he graduated from high school and the former owners, Sid and Dorothy Branscum, were like family to him. He acknowledged that he believes Bradford has no management skills and the two never got along. In fact, several years ago, Tsosie and Bradford got into a "scuffle" and Ballard said both were given a "last chance" let-
Page 5
ter.
Denver Roller's complaint contends that Tsosie has been defaming the company. Bradford testified that he had been told of things Tsosie was saying about him and the company by a gravedigger. Bradford said Tsosie hadn't said things to the gravedigger, but to others. "So we're talking double hearsay now," said Tsosie's attorney Chad Brown. He likened the validity of what Bradford had been told to the old game called Telephone. Murphy said he, too, would like to know more about the "trustworthy people in and around Clinton" who had heard Tsosie making "blatantly false statements" about Roller, as was the reference in the letter to Tsosie. The plaintiffs did not present witnesses to the alleged statements. In closing, Murphy said he saw no evidence that Tsosie solicited business in his role as coroner. In denying the preliminary injunction, the judge said elements of granting it would be showing irreparable harm and likelihood of success at trial. Attorneys were told they could submit briefs; no further court dates have yet been set. Denver Roller, Citizens and Hess were represented by the Rose Law Firm of Little Rock.
Tribute video ready to view -- Warren Johnson has released this year's memorial to those we lost in Van Buren County in 2015. To view the video visit his Facebook page, Van Buren County, Arkansas: Thanks for the Memories or link to https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=c6SsEN68vIU. We appreciate Johnson's time and dedication in making this annual tribute. A word of warning, have a box of tissues handy when you view it.
A baptizing -- Liberty Missionary Baptist Church holds a baptism at the old Baptizing Hole in Chimes around 1921. Pictured are (from left) Esther Hefner, Pearl Ingram, elder M.B. McEntire, Gypsy Harper, Burlie Ennis and Minnie Wood Ennis. (Van Buren County Historical Society photo courtesy of Mrs. Carl Mathis)
Advertise with The Voice of Van Buren County. Call Terry at 7458040 for details
Ask the funeral director ... by Darriel Ezell
A question was brought up to me the other day while eating lunch. That question was, "Darriel, because I have a prepaid burial with another funeral home, do I have to use that funeral home?" To answer his question, No. Just because you have set aside money for your funeral at a specific funeral home for your burial, doesn't mean you
have to use that funeral home. The money you have given them is your money. It does not become the funeral home's money until after your death. Since you have set that money aside for your burial, you are free to chose whatever funeral home you chose. Funeral homes in Arkansas are regulated by the Arkansas Insurance Depart-
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ment when it comes to pre-paid funeral plans. Funeral homes can put the money into a trust or an insurance policy. An insurance policy is a much safer and I feel protects the customer better than money in a trust. There are many misconceptions about pre-paid funeral plans. Many believe they are stuck in a contract with the funeral home that re-
quires them to use that funeral home. Others may feel that they have no choice at time of death to change their minds as to who will handle the care of a loved one. You are not obligated to a funeral firm just because of a prepaid funeral plan or a burial policy at that firm. Every funeral home will honor the face amount of the policy.
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 6
January 12, 2016
Classic champs! The Shirley Blue Devils captured their first Greers Ferry Lake Classic Tournament in 17 years with a convincing win over rival and top seeded Greers Ferry Westside. The Blue Devils outscored the Eagles 20 to 6 in the first quarter and never looked back. Junior Joe Owen led all scorers with 24 points. Sophomore Michael Fuller had 16 and junior Easton Freeman contributed 10 in the 73 to 54 victory. Shirley defeated tournament host Quitman in the quarterfinals and Rose Bud in the semifinals to reach the championship game. Additionally Shirley defeated South Side-Bee Branch on December 15 to complete the first half of their conference schedule. This victory coupled with a win over Clinton earlier in the month entitled the Blue Devils to claim the unofficial title of Van Buren County Champions. (Story by Brian Crotts / Photos by Tim Widener)
Easton Freeman
Michael Fuller
Joe Owen
Clinton FFA team goes to Louisville The Clinton High School FFA Chapter was one of 36 teams participating in the National FFA Agronomy Career Development Event. The event was held in conjunction with the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville,
Kentucky. The team, led by adviser Chad Mooney, was awarded a Bronze emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 140 other participants. Taylor Huggins received a Bronze emblem, Tyler Huggins received a
Silver emblem, Zane Hinchey received a Silver emblem, and Caycee Lonnon received a Bronze emblem. The Top 10 individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to recognize their success
in the event. The cash awards and the agronomy event are sponsored by Bayer CropScience as a special project of the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization. The National FFA Agronomy CDE is a
competitive event that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants' knowledge of agronomic sciences was tested through several levels of competition including developing solutions for problem-
atic scenarios; identification of seeds, insects, soil and crops, and other management practices. Pictured above are (from left) Chad Mooney, Zane Hinchey, Tylor Huggins, Taylor Huggins and Libby Walsh.
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
School Menus Shirley Schools
Jan. 13 - Breakfast: Breakfast burrito, fried potatoes, fruit juice, cereal. Lunch: Barbecue pork on bun, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, peanut butter cookie. Jan. 14 - Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese OR half bagel with cream cheese and cereal, raisels, fruit juice. Lunch: Hot dogs, potato wedges, veggie strips, orange smiles, sherbet. Jan. 15 - Breakfast: Chocolate chip muffin and yogurt OR Cereal and yogurt, grapes, fruit juice. Lunch: Catfish, potato salad, black bean salad, Mandarin oranges/grapes, cupcake and ice cream. Jan. 18 - Breakfast: Pancake on a stick, peaches, fruit juice, cereal. Lunch: Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, green beans, mixed fruit, rolls. Jan. 19 - Breakfast: Oatmeal, Goldfish graham, spiced apples, pears, cereal. Lunch: Turkey tacos, seasoned pintos, spiced apples, Rice Krispy Treat. Jan. 20 - Breakfast: Biscuit and sausage, gravy, grapes, fruit juice, cereal. Lunch: Chili, crack-
ers, broccoli with Ranch, cucumber salad, applesauce, cinnamon roll. Jan. 21 - Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, toast, jelly, fruit cocktail, fruit juice, cereal. Lunch: Baked ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato crunch, black-eyed peas, fruit cocktail, bread stick. Jan. 22 - Breakfast: Mini pancakes, banana, pineapple, cereal. Lunch: Vegetable beef soup, peanut butter/honey sandwich, apple slices.
Clinton Elementary & Intermediate
Jan. 18 - No school Jan. 19 - Breakfast: Waffle square, ham, fruit mix/juice. Lunch: Chicken and noodles, cranberry sauce, green beans, fresh carrots, bread stick, juice. Jan. 20 - Breakfast: Breakfast bagel, peaches, juice. Lunch: Pepperoni pizza, salad, corn, spiced apple slices. Jan. 21 - Breakfast: Egg and cheese wrap, pineapple, juice. Lunch: Beef and cheese taco, spicy refried beans, cinnamon roll, raisins. Jan. 22 - Breakfast: Cinnamon toast, cereal bar, pears,
juice. Lunch: Corn dog, broccoli salad, tater tots, applesauce.
Clinton Junior & Senior High
Jan. 18 - No school Jan. 19 - Breakfast: Cereal, peanut butter sandwich, pears. Lunch choices: Beef enchilada and apple fruit pocket or Corn dog and sour lemon blast raisels, baked beans, fries, mixed fruit or salad. Jan. 20 - Breakfast: Breakfast bagel, peaches. Lunch choices: Beef nachos or Chicken sandwich, tomatoes, lettuce, orange juice, apple crisp or salad. Jan. 21 - Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and ham, biscuit and gravy, hot cinnamon apples. Lunch choices: Chicken and noodles with Sun chips or Chicken fajita flatbread melt with Sun chips, salad, diced pears, juice. Jan. 22 - Breakfast: Cereal, toast, orange wedges. Lunch choices: Chicken nuggets and sugar cookie or Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, string cheese and chocolate chip cookie, carrots, celery, applesauce cup, sliced strawberries.
WANNA WIN?
Page 7
Honor Roll South SideBee Branch Elementary
First Semester 2015-16
All A 's
Kindergarten: Kenzee Henderson, Anslie Leslie, Jael Quattlebaum, Sam Smith, Carson Tumbleson, Ashlyn Warner, Treasure West, Olivia Whillock, Kelbey Williams, Madison Winchester, Parker Wells, Sophie Rorie, Lydia Smith, Tommy Adams, Griffin Fortenberry, Jordan Rugama, Lawson Stacks, Sawyer Wilson, Kayson Watkins. 1st Grade: Jerit Crownover, Olivia Frazier, Rosie Holloway, Chloe Nuckolls, Carley Villanueva, Shari Bell, Laci Burroughs, Abbi Cullum, Jasmine Gann, Haddi Hulse, Hayden Jones, Zeke Leonard. 2nd Grade: Angel Burroughs, Magen French, Quincy Gann, Noah Meadows, Sarah Parish, Chandler Ward, Wyatt Ratliff, Hallie Holland, Aubrey Lankford, Joshlyn Crites, Chloe Bigham. 3rd Grade: Brookie Cullum, Alexis Lankford, Eli Presnull, Jaylyn Watts. 4th Grade: Layne Faulk, Kristine Downes. 5th Grade: Hayden
Black, Blair Hutto, Emma Leonard, Karlie Nowlin, Courtney Hall, Whitt Holland. 6th Grade: Marli Huddleston, Drew Raines, Isaiah Leonard, Reign Andrade, Mollie Leonard, Abi Shepard.
A's and B's
Kindergarten: Allen Chapman, Beau Mathews, Gunnar Kimbrough, Fisher Burdess, Logan Marshall, Carson Pennington, Kross Ratliff, Alyssa Cossey, Summer Collins, Jacob Barnes, Ryder Williams. 1st Grade: Cayden Duncan, Kamdon Fore, Adilee McMurtrey, Caitlyn Morgan, Jasper Murphree, Daniel Allen, Lily Collums, Dylan Phillips, Makenzi Wooten. 2nd Grade: Emerson Howard, Isabell Stithem, Nathan Barnes, Ayden Martinez, Audrie Lislie, Trinitee Tyler-Hayden, Adrean Songer, Ashton Bramlett. 3rd Grade: Shiann Coates, Payton Deckard, Evan Echols, William Graves, Landon Isbell, Kaytlyn Lilly, Hannah Parish, Kalvin Barr, Joshua Brock, Tisha Davis, Toby Goodnight, Jackson Henthorne, Haze Hulse, Ben Hutto,
Hagen Jones, Creed Leondard, Brandon Pogue, Lee Sours, Chloe Treat, Case Walls. 4th Grade: Shanah Coates, Maggie Force, James Guynes, Natlaie Leslie, Jewel Walley, Isabelle Walthall, Laciegh Duncan, Dakota Grissom, Carter Guynes, Bayler Hall, Juliana Linn, Brent Wall, Addison Zimmerman. 5th Grade: Brinkley Smith, Ella Thornley, Emily Walley, Dezmond Griffin, Ethan Ward, Skylar Bradford, Mara Holland, Katrina Martinez, Kameron Mason, Adam Pearl, Bonnie Permenter, Sean Rogers, Elizabeth Smith, Riley Swofford, Charles Tilley. 6th Grade: Jordan Brock, Hadley Bullard, Kane Guynes, Sierra Keen, Gracey Lindsey, Easton Swofford, Shelby Treat, Riley Cargile, Meghan Hurt, David Justus, Laura Wells, Emily Thomas. Perfect Attendance for the 1st semester: LD Burns, Riley Cargile, Alyssa Cossey, Brooklyn Cullum, Maggie Force, Audrie Leslie, Aydan Martinez, Bethany Ogle, Hannah Parish, Abigail Shepard, Olivia Whillock, Khloe Carter.
NOTICE To All Customers of Arkansas Telephone Company The Public Service Commission designated Arkansas Telephone Company as an “Eligible Telecommunications Carrier” for its service area for universal service purposes. The goal of universal service is to provide all Arkansas Telephone Company service area customers access to essential telecommunications services. Arkansas Telephone Company provides single party residence and business service (with local usage) at rates which range from $10.52 per month for residential customers and $20.57 per month for business customers. (These rates include the monthly fee for the subscriber line charge, but do not include taxes, surcharges, or other fees that may be applicable.) These rates also provide:
Put your Political Ads in The VOICE of Van Buren County Call (501)745-8040.
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Voice grade access to the public switched network Touch tone service Access to emergency services Access to operator services Access to interchange service (long distance carriers) Access to directory assistance Toll blocking for qualifying low-income customers Use of some of these services may result in additional charges. Arkansas Telephone Company would be pleased to provide you with specific rates for your area upon request. Discounts Available for Low Income Customers If you are a low income customer you may qualify for Arkansas Telephone Company’s Lifeline Programs. This means that you may be eligible to receive a monthly discount for your basic phone charges. Free toll blocking is also available for qualifying customers. Please call 501-745-2114 if you have any questions. Arkansas Telephone Company 128 Church St. P.O. Box 69 Clinton, AR 72031
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 8
Patsy Ward Formosa
The Dennard Community Church received a new roof.
Tom Hogan Dennard
How times do change. Better roads and safer cars bring the world so much closer. The electronic world keeps us connected to everything, all the time. Its engagement demand has become relentless. Some among us old enough to remember, and that's still most of us, talk of things like quiet reflection, and thoughtful conversation, and harmony. We seek to set aside the noise and worry of today, if only for a little while, and return to that time. Not long ago I was introduced to just such a place. Having grown up in a world of grand cathedrals cloaked in ostentatious ceremony, walking into a simple, unassuming, chapel
Bridge Club
The Idle Hour Bridge Club met Thursday at the home of Gay Whillock. Winners for the evening were: high, Emma Hink; second high, Rita Bintliff; traveling, Connie Starnes; and bingo, Merl Eoff.
felt like coming home. Dennard Community Church reminds me of Grandma's wooden rocker. It is a place of stories, too many to tell. It is a place that reverberates with the joy of a thousand voices lifted up. It is a place of peace. I am told that there was a time when it was a big part of a small community. Sadly, it has become a small part of a big community. Who can say what the future holds? However, a new roof tells me that someone cares. Knowing there are people who will work that hard to put a new roof on an empty church fills this humble traveler with hope. Finally, a tip of the hat to the good people who, very quietly, keep this once vital and vibrant gathering place warm and inviting. It's nice to be reminded that there are still places where the most important messages don't require a cell phone. As always, if it matters to you, it matters to Dennard. You can reach me at 592-2930.
Visiting in our home and sharing New Year’s day dinner with us was Janet Blair and Margie Pounds. Our menu consisted of turnips, cabbage with smoked sausage, deep fried hog jowl, black eyed peas and a coconut cake. It was good and the company was better. We had a good day to start the year off. JR sure did like me cooking on the first of the year, I guess he thinks it might continue all year. Ha ha! Marva and RG Ward went to a gender revealing party for their great-grandson. He will be here before we know it. He will make them eight greats. The family is growing by leaps and bounds! Condolences go out to the family of Macel Williams. She was a longtime member of this community and a sister to DeLane Story. Marion Smith recently spent some time at St. Vincents hospital with her son, David Smith of McGee. He had a heart attack, but is doing better now. Marion's daughter, Sherri Carter from Williamsburg, Virginia, spent two weeks with her and fixed a Christmas dinner for family and friends. David and his family came up to visit on Sunday after Christmas. All of the family went to Quitman to the Catfish Barn for New Year’s dinner. While they were here, they built Marion a new porch, which she is very proud of, for her Christmas present and also some new shelves in her storage shed. Sherri left on Sunday morning and got home on Monday afternoon. Crystal McMahan got her nurse practitioners degree from UCA in December, and her sister, Meagan Self, got her RN degree. Meagan will be working at the White County Hospital. Congratulations to both of you! Meagan and Crystal are
Choosing Names
daughters of Gail and John Forsythe. Happy birthday to Drake Self and cousin Ella McMahan who turned 1 and 3 recently. JR and I made a trip to Conway this week. He had a dermatologist appointment. He got a good report, didn’t have to have anything removed! All together, we have been without electricity for about 4 1/2 hours today. Maybe that will be all the outages for a while. Take care and have a good week. God Bless!
Debby Prout Highway 110
Well, we are sure starting off with a wet 2016. We have rain and fog again today. I guess it is better than snow …. especially ice! I am already missing the fresh veggies from the garden. What I wouldn’t give for a plump red juicy fresh tomato right about now! We will be starting our seeds soon for the spring/ summer season. Well, we have tons of birthdays out on the Highway 110 Community this month. Grace West celebrated her 89th on January 4! She looks great, doesn’t she, Also a very happy birthday to Brandon Bokony on January 6. Upcoming birthdays right around the corner are Gretchen Parent turning the big 34 on January 21, Natalie Alexander turning 14 on January 23 and Danilyn Murray turning 25 on January 26. Hannah Prout will be turning 72 on January 27. If you want your birthday put in here, give me a shout! The Highway 110 Fire Department has had its power restored and clean up still on going. It’s amazing the amount of damage wind can do! Not much else is new up here on the hill. Be sure and stay safe and dry. Got news? Send to dprout@artelco. com
January 12, 2016
Jeff Burgess Crabtree
Chili is the chilly season choice at this month's Seniors' Night Potluck at Crabtree's Foursquare Church. This event returns to its regular schedule of the last Friday of the month on the 29th. An early rising neighbor confirmed that I wasn't dreaming when I returned home from a holiday visit with family and friends in the very early hours of December 29th. Covering the pastures and open spaces around Crabtree was a winter wonderland of the white stuff. It was thin and didn't last past early daybreak but it was the perfect ending to an inspirational Christmas vacation. It was also the first snow cover of the season for the county at the higher elevations. Archery season for deer continues until February 29. If you info about about the greater Crabtree and 16 West community call Jeff Burgess, 745-1249.
Mary Jean Hall Scotland
I attended the Conway County Genealogy Society meeting Monday night Jan. 4, 2016. The Maria Van Buren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which I am a member of, met Saturday, Jan 9, 2016, at Simmons First Service Bank in Clinton. The program was genealogy in a jar. Remember the Chili Supper at the Scotland School Cafeteria will be Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 for all you can eat. There will also be a pie auction. And maybe some of the candidates who are running for office will be there. So come on
The gators were up at the break of day And after a hearty breakfast were on their way While walking down to the creek one of them said “Our mom has left us without a name and I wonder why” The leader answered with a smile and a reply I’ve got this old Stetson hat full of names, pick one They were eager to get it done For they had no name since time begun One jokingly said “This is a class act” Because Stetson makes a good hat So they all took their turn in the drawing The leader picked the name Hogan then came Logan, Mildew and Moss They were all happy about their names And in their possession that Stetson hat remains! oldmanocean
down and help with this fundraiser for repairs for the school cafeteria. Remember I know more about the past then I do the present, so please e-mail me some news: mjhallartelco.com or phone me at: 592-3716 (I have an answering machine) with the news. One Hundred Year Ago: John Lacy, Jimmie and Hurley Reynolds of near Appleton were in Scotland making pictures.
Thelma Murray Shirley
Visiting Dorthy Cates and her sons Danny and Mitchell last Saturday for a late Christmas dinner were Aaron and Kara Cates ad daughters of Vilonia, Jenny and T.J. Wood and children of Conway. Christmas visitors of Benny and Doris Brown were Bennetta and Lewis Caston of Onio, Tyler Caston and family of Mountain View, Taylor Caston of Little Rock and Torrie Caston of Onia, and Tyrene and Randall Gardener and their chidren, Cole Gardener and his wife of Pickles Gap and Rebecca and her husband. Ephe Hackett has been sick, but he is home and feeling better now. Hazell and Sherman Murray and granddaughter Meridith Murray of Greenbrier visited Lodean Reeves and Jimmy and Thelma Murray last Friday. Earnie and Freda Sowell celebrated their 52nd wedding anniersary on Jan. 4. Visiting them this weekend were Larry Napier and his fiancee Rebecca of Springfield, Missouri. Earnie and Freda had both of their children and spouses and all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren with them for the holidays. Some are from Dennard, Greers Ferry, Bee Branch, Conway, Morrilton, Clinton, Booneville and North Dakota. They got to see all 23 of them.
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
Page 9
Lady Jackets win home game The Lady Jackets (11-8, 2-1) played at home for the first time in a month, and came away with a 65-35 victory over the Lady Eagles. Tori Johnson led the way with 20 points, while Allie Hensley added 15. The Lady Jackets started the game on fire, hitting their first 5 shots en route to an 11-0 lead midway through the period. From their, Clinton used pressure defense to force 12 first half turnovers, and converted several transition opportunities into points. At half-time, the Lady Jackets found themselves up 40-14. "The way we started the ball game was exactly the way every coach wants their team to play," said coach Jeremy Carson. "We were focused, and took ex-
cellent shots and most importantly hit them. Our pressure bothered Baptist and sped them up which is what we wanted to do, and that helped tip the game in our favor. I was very proud of the way our girls played." The early second half was a carbon copy of the first half. The Lady Jackets opened the third period with 9 points by five different players, and ended any hope of the Baptist rally. The final tally would end up 65-35. Along with Johnson and Hensley, the Lady Jackets got 9 points from Kaitlin Kirkendoll and 7 from Alyssa McKnight. The Lady Jackets will remain at home this week, facing off against Dover on Friday night at 5.
Opening draws near - The signs are up and the opening day grows closer for Tractor Supply Co. at Highway 65 and 65B in Clinton. The store will be opening in a few weeks. (Photo by Sam Tucker)
Senior Center Lunch Menu Monday, Jan. 11: Vegetable beef soup, Oriental slaw, cornbread, fruit. Tuesday, Jan. 12: Pork roast, au gratin potatoes, orange-glazed beets, wheat bread, apple cake. Wednesday, Jan. 13: Creamy chicken spaghetti, peas, capri blend, bread stick,
cake with icing. Thursday, Jan. 14: Lemon pepper chicken, baked corn casserole, zucchini and tomatoes, chocolate pie. Monday, Jan. 18: MLK Jr. Holiday Tuesday, Jan. 19: Smothered pork cutlet, pickled beets, broccoli, roll, cobbler.
Calendar When I Shot My Third Deer
By Dawson Burgess / 4th grade, Clinton Elementar
We were about to leave to come home. Dad told me to look toward the feeder to see if there was a deer. Right before I saw the feeder, I saw a deer. Dad handed me the trigger stick and then ... BOOM! We saw dust and dirt everywhere. Dad said, "You missed." I said, "I had it right on
its shoulder." So we went to see if there was any blood. And we saw blood right when we got there. About an hour later we found the deer. My dad said that she ran about 250 yards from where I shot her. We found out that I shot her dead center, but she run far.
SEND YOUR SCHOOL NEWS TO voiceeditor@artelco.com
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Van Buren County's Oldest and Most Trusted Pawnshop
The Clinton City Council's regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at the Clinton Municipal Airport. The meeting is open to the public. The Quorum Court Road Committee has been rescheduled to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18, 2016, at the Courthouse Annex. It was rescheduled from Jan. 11. The meeting is open to the public. The Van Buren County Quo-
rum Court will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at the Courthouse Annex on Highway 65 in Clinton. The meeting is open to the public. The Clinton School Board holds its regular meetings the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The Shirley and South Side school boards meet on the fourth Monday of each month. The meetings are open to the public.
Wednesday, Jan. 20: Taco soup, chips, salad, strawberries and bananas. Thursday, Jan. 21: Lean hamburger patty on bun, Mexicali corn, baked beans, melon/strawberries. Monday, Jan. 25: Hashbrown ham casserole, spring salad, strawberries, bread stick, angel food cake.
Tuesday, Jan. 26: Sliced turkey with gravy, sweet potatoes, cream-style corn, roll, apple crisp. Wednesday, Jan. 27: Chili, broccoli slaw, Mexican cornbread, fruit. Thursday, Jan. 28: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans, salad, French bread, brownie muffin.
Retired teachers to meet The Van Buren County Retired Teachers Association Will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at Western Sizzlin in Clinton. Guest speaker will be Sue Pico, a local artist and teacher. The topic will be Art Activities and You. In addition to sharing about various art related activities in the community, she will involve retirees in a hands-on activity with a "poster" type drawing. As part of her presentation she will pro-
vide samples of "improve y o u r art" lessons. Pico is well Sue Pico known for her Ukrainian Eggs Workshops that are offered at Sue's Art House and she will bring some for display. The meeting is open to all retired school personnel and guests. Dues of $5 are still being collected and will be used to fund scholarships for a student in each of the three county schools.
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Send your news tips, community and calendar items, sports and school news to voiceeditor@artelco.com
Page 10
The Voice of Van Buren County
Fun & Games
Weekly Crossword
By EuGene Smith
Rules Here at The Voice of Van Buren County, we love puzzles and games, contests and prizes. And we want you to play along with us. Solve our Word Find puzzle and enter for a chance to win a prize. Puzzle entry may not be a photocopy, originals from newspaper only. Let us know “Where In the County Is This?” and you become eligible for our drawing for a one-year subscription to The Voice. There will be one winner for each contest every month. To enter, mail your puzzles to The Voice / P.O. Box 1396 / Clinton, AR 72031 or drop them by our downtown office, 260 Griggs St., Clinton. You can also call us at 745-8040 to tell us where the week’s picture was taken. This month's drawings will be held Jan. 29, 2016. Entries accepted through Jan. 28, 2016.
January 12, 2016
Where In the County Is This?
It's another easy one this week. Tell us where you can see this old military cannon and you could win a one-year subscription to The Voice of Van Buren County. See rules at left.
You're home!
Theo welcomes his people home after a long day of school and work. The 8-year-old mutt is owned by Anita and Sam Tucker of Clinton. Send your cute pet photos to voiceeditor@artelco.com.
Our Van Buren County Family Album By Shay Belonie
(If you need a little help the solution is on Page 2)
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
Page 11
Valentine’s Day is almost here
In honor of Valentine's Day, the Voice is seeking photographs of your favorite couple. Tell us who they are and send them to voiceeditor@artelco.com, mail to The Voice / P.O. Box 1396 / Clinton, AR 72031 or bring them by our office at 260 Griggs St., Clinton. The Voice will publish as many of the photos as we can. Names of all who send in a photograph will be entered into a drawing and five people will win a box of candy from The Voice.
Thomas "Uncle Irv" and Roxannah Smith
Unah and George Tucker
Deadline to enter is February 4, 2016.
To the best wife a man could ask for
Place your Let your Valentine's Valentine Day greeting know how yo u g n lli by ca feel. Place at y Terr Happy your ad in Valentine's 745-8040 the
Day to the love of my life
Voice, 25 words for $5
You are the answer to my prayers
To my husban d and best friend, happy Valentine's D ay
E-mail your Valentine ad to voiceads@artelco.com
Page 12
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
Recipes
Send your favorite recipes to voiceeditor@artelco.com
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
Page 13
Fishing Report
Fishing Guide Greg Seaton will be hosting a free fly-fishing class at First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs in February and March. The series consist of four two-hour classes on Feb. 18, Feb. 25, March 3 and March 10. Registration is open to all beginning and novice fly-anglers, youth and adult alike. Youths must be accompanied by an adult. No fishing tackle is required to participate in this hands-on fly-fishing experience. For more information and to register, contact Greg Seaton at 501-690-9166.
Central Arkansas
Little Red River (Greers Ferry Tailwater) (Updated 01-062016) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip ‘em All Guide Service said recent rains have pushed Greers Ferry over 12 feet above top conservation pool level. Expected water release to the Little Red River is one unit of generation plus flood gates until the second unit is back online. This pattern is expected to continue over the next 60 days unless significant rainfall is received. This pattern will eliminate any wade fishing opportunities and those planning to drift fish should exercise caution. If you do fish these conditions, you will want to
use long leaders and heavy weight. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, micro jigs and large nymphs tend to work well. Pounding the banks with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high water conditions. For Trout Magnet fishing, use long leaders and heavy weight using hot pink, cotton candy and purple colored bodies on silver and chartreuse jig heads. Concentrate on pools along the banks. Key for both fly fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet.
Greers Ferry
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation
at 464.64 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 462.04 msl). (Updated 01-062016) Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water level is 12.61 feet above normal pool and steady. Crappie have moved shallow in some of the flooded bushes up the rivers. Some good ones are being caught on jigs and minnows. The deeper lake fish can be caught 15-25 feet deep around any wood on the same baits. The walleye in the river are staging for their run and are gathered up around bridge pilings, points, etc. They are facing upriver. The walleye still back in the lake are suspending off the ends of big flats next to the channels. Try large crankbaits for all the fish. Bass fishing is good right on the bank on sunny and cloudy days with a spinnerbait. Deeper fish can be caught on a crankbait or a jig drug along as well as a Carolina rig. The white bass and hybrid bass are in the rivers chasing shad. Some also are in the lake around schools of shad in 25 to 70 feet of water. Try spoons , in-line spinners and swim baits for the lake fish. Some days you can catch the river fish on grubs up as shallow as 5 feet.
Little Maumelle River
(Updated 0106-2016) River Valley Marina (501-5171250) said the water is muddy and high.
The flooding has kept everyone off the water, and many homes in the area have been in danger of flooding during the high water.
Lake Norfork
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 555.53 feet msl (normal conservation pool: SeptemArkansas River ber-April – 553.75 (Little Rock Pool) (Updated 01-06- msl, April-September 2016) The folks at – 556.75 msl). (Updated 01-06Fish ’N Stuff (501834-5733) said the 2016) Tom Reynolds water is way too high, of STR Outfitters said swift and muddy to last year was the put a boat on right year of water. Nornow. The current is fork Lake was above strong enough to pull its normal shoreline a boat under. No one and into the buck should try to venture brush four times. All on the river until the of the rain that fell flow gets back down throughout northern below the small craft Arkansas and southern Missouri will stop advisory. the major release of water from Norfork Clear Lake (Updated 01- Lake until sometime 06-2016) McSwain in January. The curSports Center (501- rent high water event 945-2471) said the does not impact opwater is high and erations on Norfork muddy. Crappie are Lake. The resorts slow to fair. No report and marinas continon any other species. ue to operate as normal along with the many lake accessNorth Ares for boat launchkansas ing. Big schools of striped bass, hybrid Bull Shoals As of Wednes- bass and white bass day, the Army Corps are roaming the large of Engineers reports flat areas in 30 to 50 the lake’s elevation feet of water. For the at 662.64 feet msl last five days the bite (normal conservation has been consistently good with a lot of fish pool – 659 msl). being caught. I have been mainly vertical White River (Bull jigging with a spoon, Shoals Tailwater) (Updated 01- bouncing the spoon 06-2016) Sports- off the bottom or man’s White River Re- when I see suspendsort (870-453-2424) ed fish reeling up to said the water actual- them and jigging in ly has been low during the school. There has the high water events, been some topwabut very few anglers ter action for stripers have been to the Bull with a few fish surShoals tailwater lately. facing while feeding The water is stained. on shad. Good elecNo report on angling tronics are definitely helpful this time of success.
year. You will need to graph an area until you find the fish then start fishing. Also look for seagulls. If you notice these birds diving into the water, there will be feeding fish nearby. Trolling a 5- to 6-inch swim bait will also catch some fish. Set your baits at different depths between 20 and 50 feet. Live shiners, threadfin shad and gizzard shad are also working very well. In the mid-lake area, check southeast of Robinson Island, the northwest side of the 101 bridge, in front of Mallard Point, the east side of Cranfield Island, Seward Point, in front of Briar Creek, and east of Howard Cove going toward Talbert Point.
North Fork River (Norfork Tailwater)
(Updated 01-062015) Berry Brothers Guide Service (870453-2424) said the Norfork has fished better of late. It has had some wadable water. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns (sizes 1822) like ruby midges, root beer midges, zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles (sizes 14-16) like the green butt. Egg patterns have also been productive. Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective.
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The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 14
January 12, 2016
Classifieds • Legal ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
REAL ESTATE For Rent
DONATIONS NEEDED Clothes, shoes & furniture in usable condition. Will pick up bulky items. Store Hours are: 8:30am to 4:30pm Seven Days a Week THRIFT, GIFTS & MORE 745-3278
Help Wanted! Have Some Fun & Get Paid to Wave! Liberty Tax (501) 745-4829
RESEARCH
Readers, use these Personal Spots to say Happy Birthday, Wish someone Good Luck, Contact old friends, make now friends. Shout out that you are alive and well in Van Buren County. All kinds of things. The cost is $5.00 for 25 words.
To Camille Wilson.
Get well soon. Gene and Terry
"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you."
REAL ESTATE For Rent HOMES FOR RENT IN FFB AREA From $375/mon $750/mon Call: (501) 723-4424 Buckhorn, Inc.
For Sale
SPECTACULAR country home on 40 acre cattle farm! 3 bdrm, 2 bath with spacious kitchen, closets, deck, porch, and gazebo. Barn, shop, 5 ponds, adjoins Arkansas Game and Fish. $270,000. Minerals can be purchased separately. MLS#15028141.
House for Rent in CLinton, AR. Very nice 3BR/2BA, unfurnished, storm cellar, shed and fenced area. AVAILABLE $750 mo. with $750 deposit Ph. 501-253-3658
To Johnny French and Pat French: Just wanted to let you know how much we care about you and that we’re all sending you our best wishes.
REAL ESTATE
He said,
We hope you are recovering quickly from your recent surgery and doing well. Here’s wishing you the best in life and many more years of health and happiness.
FOR LEASE 2500 sqft COMMERCIAL OFFICE OR RENTAL SPACE next to CashSaver in NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTER Call (501) 253-0924
Reflect A Moment
PERSONALS
National Register of Historic Places listings in Van Buren County, Arkansas
FOR RENT 2BR MOBILE HOMES
Graham & Associates Inc. 501-745-2436
For Sale 2000 sqft double-wide motor home setting on concrete footers with rock underpining on 2 acres of land in Morganton area. $79,000.00 Owner financing available. Call for details: (501) 253-1179
We are praying for you to have a speedy recovery from surgery and the best of health.
Bee Branch. Wheel Chair accessible. Call for availability. (501) 581-8640
Hope you get well soon. Gene and Terry
WANTED Horse drawn wagon or wagon parts in good condition. Call Tom 501-745-4378
Sales/Service
3BR/2BA 1600+sqft house, one block south of Shirley School on Hwy 9 on 1.25 acre lot. 501-204-9261
2BR Apartment near Senior Center and School. CH/A, Ceiling Fan, All Appliances, W/D Connections. No Pets. $475/month + $475 deposit. Call (501)253-1881
Tax Time is here again! TLC Bookkeeping & Tax Service (501) 745-4969
Call 745-8040 to place an ad in the classifieds
EXQUISITE CUSTOM brick home built by Donnie Collins, almost brand new condition, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 9 ft ceilings. Geothermal heat/ ac. with 2 car garage on 6.29 acres. $258,900. MLS#15033305 Graham & Associates Inc. 501-745-2436
Send us the history of your Church. We would like to tell something about the featured Church each week. Include current pastor and church phone number, please.
The Voice of Van Buren County
January 12, 2016
Page 15
CHURCH PAGE Pleasant Grove Friendship Church 2221O Highway 16 W, Alread 745-8450 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 5092 Banner Mtn Road, Shirley 723-4737 Pleasant Valley General Baptist No. 1 5153 Highway 92 W, Bee Branch Point Remove Baptist Church 10954 Highway 336 W, Formosa Rabbit Ridge Church of Christ 215 Rabbit Ridge Road, Bee Branch 745-4634
Photo by EuGene Smith
Congratulation to those of you who identified last week's photo as the Pee Dee Baptist Church. Can you identify the Church pictured this week? (Remember to send a history of your Church.) Archey Valley Community Church Highway 254, Chimes Bee Branch Baptist 11509 Hwy 65 South, Bee Branch 654-2630 Bethel Community Church 17904 Highway 95 W, Cleveland Botkinburg Baptist Church 9297 Highway 65 N, Botkinburg 745-3530 Botkinburg Community Foursquare Church 7054 Highway 65 N, Botkinburg 745-2311 Burnt Ridge Community Church 5846 Burnt Ridge Road, Clinton 745-6737 Calvary Missionary Baptist Church ABA 144 Nickie Ave., Clinton 745-3245 Choctaw Baptist Church 208 Highway 330 E, Clinton 745-7370 Choctaw Christian Center 4157 Highway 65 S, Choctaw 745-8264 Choctaw Church of Christ 233 Highway 330 E, Choctaw 745-8264 Christian Fellowship Church 674 Highway 658, Clinton Church of Christ 20452 Highway 16 W, Alread 745-5498
Eagle Heights Baptist Church Independent Fundamental VBC Fairgrounds, Clinton 757-0013 Eglantine Church of Christ 3796 Highway 330 S, Shirley 884-6880 Fairbanks Community Church 4753 Arkansas 356 E, Bee Branch Fairfield Bay Baptist Church 481 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3371 Fairfield Bay United Methodist Church 765 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3373
Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church 250 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3304 Landmark Missionary Baptist Church ABA 229 Third St., Clinton
Sand Springs Missionary Baptist Church Highway 124 E, Damascus 335-8003 Sardis Freewill Baptist 4141 Highway 124, Gravesville 335-8027 Scotland Baptist Church 278 Postal Lane, Scotland 592-3787 Scotland Church of Christ 297 Scotland-Formosa Road, Scotland Scotland Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church 1476 Scotland-Formosa Road, Scotland 592-3311
Faith Christian 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109
Liberty Missionary Baptist Church 2712 Highway 254 W, Chimes Community
Shady Grove Baptist Church 5448 Shady Grove Road, Shirley 723-4273
Faith Lutheran Church 310 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3375
Low Gap Community Chapel 4320 Low Gap Road, Alread
Shady Grove Chapel 4790 Highway 254 E, Dennard
Lute Mountain Community Church Victory Lane near Highway 16, Shirley 723-8299
Shirley Church of Christ 10509 Highway 16 E, Shirley 745-4859
MainLine Full Gospel 114 Mariposa Loop, Bee Branch 253-1005
Shirley Community Church/First United Methodist 784 Matthew Clark Memorial Drive, Shirley 723-4387
First Assembly of God Church 2466 Highway 65 N, Clinton 745-2285 First Baptist Church of Clinton 211 First Baptist Road, Clinton 745-6113 First Baptist Church of Damascus 43 Oak Tree Road, Damascus 335-7440
Clinton Church of Christ 184 Third Street, Clinton 745-4252
First General Baptist Church 664 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4043
Clinton Seventh-day Adventist Church 125 Skyhill Drive, Clinton 745-4043
First Pentecostal Church of Clinton Highway 65 S at 1128 Lyn Road, Choctaw
Clinton United Methodist Church 636 Joe Bowling Road, Clinton 745-5181 Colony Church of Christ Hwy 92 E, Bee Branch
Crabtree Foursquare Church 11301 Highway 16 W, Crabtree 745-2894
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 3624 Highway 65 S, Clinton 745-8781
Salem Primitive Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, Bee Branch
Lexington Baptist Church 9525 Highway 110, Shirley 723-4787
Church of the Nazarene 1664 Highway 65 S, Clinton
Cornerstone Evangelical Church 3351 Highway 330 S, Fairfield Bay 884-6657
Kaley Hill Missionary Baptist 6505 Highway 356, Bee Branch
Rupert Baptist Church 21434 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-8593
Faith Baptist Church Highway 65 N & Harper Mountain Lane Dennard,AR
First Baptist Church of Sugarloaf 557 Arkansas 337, Higden 654-2354
Corinth Baptist Church 5158 Holley Mountain Road, Clinton
Immanuel Baptist Church 498 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-8528
Red River of Life Church of God 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109
Maranatha Assembly of God 11929 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8181 Mount Zion Church of Christ 1202 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-2572 Mount Zion General Baptist 2333 Mount Zion Road, Bee Branch 362-3807
Shirley First Baptist Church 10277 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8171 South Side Baptist Highway 65 N, Damascus 335-7423
New Beginning Church 12200 Highway 254 E, Dennard
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 250 Woodlawn Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3349
New Hope Baptist Church 4198 Highway 65 N, Clinton 757-2332
Tabernacle of Praise 159 Boston Fern Road, Shirley 723-8280
Formosa Baptist Church Highway 9 and County Line Road, Clinton 745-7709
New Liberty Church of Christ 4815 Highway 95, Cleveland 669-2575
The Gathering Ministry Outreach 80746 Highway 16 W, Rupert 745-3883
Formosa Church of Christ 4940 Highway 9 W Clinton 745-4446
New Life Apostolic Church of Clinton 198 Richard Road, Clinton 745-6411
The New Tabernacle 12174 Highway 65 N, Dennard 514-8535
Friendship Baptist Church 1321 Third St., Clinton 745-7177 Full Gospel Tabernacle 128 Catland Lane, Shirley 723-4500
Culpepper Community Church 6055 Highway 336 W, Culpepper
Grace Baptist Church 3793 Highway 65 S, Clinton 472-7462
Culpepper Mountain Church of Christ 118 South Essie Road, Culpepper
Half Moon Baptist Church 1031 Half Moon Road, Clinton 745-2273
Damascus Church of Christ No. 6 Highway 124 W, Damascus 745-4446
Harmony Mountain Church of Christ Quattlebaum and Harmony Mtn Roads 745-2059
Damascus United Methodist Church 17194 Highway 65 S, Damascus
Hope Community Church 905 Damascus Road, Quitman
Peace Lutheran Church of Edgemont 10849 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-4726
Trace Ridge Bible Church Highway 254 W at Morris Road, Chimes Walnut Grove Church 6940 Highway 95 W, Clinton 745-3445
Pee Dee Baptist Church 2744 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4115
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist ABA 29129 Highway 16 W, Jerusalem 745-4467
Pine Grove General Baptist Church 102 Silvertree Road, Shirley
Last Week's Featured Church
Pine Mountain General Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, South of Bee Branch Plant Baptist Church 4897 Highway 110, Clinton 745-6887
Pee Dee Baptist Church
GeneratorGeorge.com 870-447-2559
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 16
January 12, 2016
(Among the many programs and services of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is the County Courthouse Restoration Grant Program. Created in 1989, this grant program has helped to extend the lives of courthouses that hold vital links to community pride and local history. These grants are funded through the Real Estate Transfer Tax, administered by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Since the beginning of the program, the AHPP has awarded more than $20 million to 73 historic courthouses and courthouse annexes around the state for use in rehabilitating, preserving and protecting these important historic resources. Since 1995, Van Buren County has received six grants totaling $244,127 for the Van Buren County Courthouse.)
Small Courthouse serves large purpose By Mark Christ Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
While it may be the smallest county courthouse in Arkansas, the 1934 Van Buren County Courthouse remains the centerpiece of a vibrant downtown in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in north Arkansas, and generations of caretakers have seen that it stayed that way, helped in part by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program’s County Courthouse Restoration Grant Program, funded through Real Estate Transfer Tax proceeds administered by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. The area that would become Van Buren County was a remote wilderness when Georgia native John Lafferty moved into the “Big Bottoms” where three branches of the Little Red River converged and es-
tablished a farmstead during the territorial period. Lafferty lobbied hard to have a new seat of local government created to serve settlers in the area and he was successful on November 11, 1833, when Van Buren County – named for Vice President Martin Van Buren – was carved from adjacent counties to serve its rugged area. The first courthouse for the new county was established in Obadiah Marsh’s one-room log house in the Bloomington community – better known as Mudtown for the condition of its streets after a hard rain. Local men soon built a new log structure to house county government, which may have been a very popular location in that it was just across from a horse-racing track second only in size to the one at Batesville. In 1842, the county seat was moved to Clinton, the home
of Van Buren County’s first cotton gin in 1840, and another one-room log courthouse was constructed. As settlement increased and prosperity grew, this humble structure was soon replaced by a two-story frame courthouse with a stately, columned front façade. Van Buren County, as was the rest of Arkansas, was deeply divided over secession as Civil War loomed. Some men joined the Confederate army while others joined the Unionist “Peace Society” – many of these were later arrested and given the choice of joining the Confederate army or going to prison. As the war progressed, violence plagued the area as pro-Union “jayhawkers,” pro-Confederate “bushwhackers,” and gangs of lawless thugs battled and preyed on the local population. Bushwhackers burned the courthouse in 1865.
The local Methodist Church was pressed into service as a temporary seat of justice until a new one was built – another two-story frame building constructed in 1869 that would serve until 1934, outlasting a couple of burglaries and a pair of arson attempts. Economic disaster hit Van Buren County hard during the Great Depression, and local leaders turned to one of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal agencies to replace the aging courthouse in Clinton. The Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works (soon known as the Public Works Administration, or PWA) was created in 1933 to help fund local public construction and infrastructure projects. The administration of County Judge John H. Johnson was successful in procuring PWA funding for a new building for county business.
Little Rock architects Frank Erhart and Howard Eichenbaum were hired to design the new courthouse, PWA Project No. 3454. The architects and builders Earl and Carl Bird used the natural stone that was so abundant in Van Buren County to create the building, getting their supply from a quarry north of Dennard. The Van Buren County Courthouse was completed in 1934 and reflects a uniquely local interpretation of the Art Deco style of architecture, a style that was frequently used in New Deal-era courthouse construction. The Van Buren County Courthouse measures just 100 feet by 43 feet and holds a basement, county offices on the first floor, and a courtroom on the second. The interior was remodeled in the 1970s and ‘80s, and the courtroom in particular was changed, with interior walls moved
and a dropped ceiling added that cut the tall, metal-framed windows that distinguish the building off from the room. Following a major exterior restoration funded by an AHPP County Courthouse Restoration Grant, the courtroom was largely restored in a 2015 project that saw its original dimensions restored, the ceiling altered to allow in natural light from the windows, the original audience benches refinished, and new furniture added to the front of the room, much of it built by County Clerk Ester Bass himself. The Van Buren County Courthouse stands today as a striking example of the Art Deco style, ready to continue serving the needs of its citizens as it reminds them of their past. (This article ran in the Fall 2015 issue of the quarterly publication of the Association of Arkansas Counties – County Lines.)
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Ester Bass holds the quilt he received for winning The Voice of Van Buren County's Christmas essay contest. The quilt was made by Rose Hamilton of Rose's Country Fabrics in downtown Clinton.
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