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TUESDAY, December 1, 2020 / Vol. 6 Issue 48 / 75 cents
Angel Tree Program Works Christmas Magic by Warren Johnson
For as long as many of us can remember, the Angel Tree has been a holiday tradition in our community. Many of us adopt Angels at Christmas with the aim of bringing a smile to a child’s face. I became curious about the origins of the program in our county. To learn the answers, I only needed to walk across my backyard. I visited one afternoon with my neighbor Jo Nell Warren and her friend Debbie Whillock. They have worked tirelessly for decades helping the less fortunate in
our community. Debbie remembered hearing about a family in need of food during the Thanksgiving holiday in 1978. She and Jo Nell discussed the need with fellow members of a ladies group they belonged to at the Clinton Methodist Church. The ladies gathered provisions for the family, and Debbie agreed to deliver the care package. She recalled visiting with the ladies group afterward and telling them the family’s need was great. The group decided to adopt the family for Christmas.
They gathered provisions, including clothing and toys, for three little boys. The fixings for a Christmas meal were assembled, and the care package was readied for delivery. Debbie said, “The act of kindness was never forgotten.” The children would see her on the street and come running to give her a hug. Debbie and Jo Nell were close friends and spent a lot of time together. As they heard of needs in the community, they were able to respond more quickly than the church group considering the group only met once a month. Debbie and Jo Nell began by giving food from their pantries and clothing from their children’s closets when a family would have an unexpected need, such as a house fire. As word spread,
more needs became known to “Friends of Special People” and donations began to arrive from residents across the county. Debbie recalled, “We just kind of trudged along until the United Way was formed.” She said, “United Way took care of many of the needs, such as when someone’s house burned.” This freed the ladies to focus on the children in the community. The Optimist Club had a small Angel Tree program at the time and turned it over to them. Debbie and Jo Nell would purchase for the Angel Tree until their donations were gone. They only went under one year. The shortage was forty dollars. They each contributed $20 of their own money. Every year, Sid King would help with
2019 Donation a toy drive, and Harlan Isom would bring out baskets of toys and clothing. Debbie recalls, “There was nothing more satisfying than seeing the children’s faces when they would receive meager gifts... clothes mind you. The kids were thrilled to death.” She
Angel Tree receiving donation from Walmart Manager Harlon Isom 1980’s
Debbie and JoNell are still passionate about Angel Tree
Clinton Beta and Student Council raised $2900 in 2019
said, “Every year it made my Christmas to see the children get the gifts and to see the smiles on their faces when they came back to school after Christmas break.” Jo Nell said, “That’s the thing about the Angel Tree. It’s not just for the people who get the gifts. It’s for the whole community. There are families who have made this a tradition. The people who donate money are also helping. Although the ladies are still involved and continue to help with the Angel Tree, eleven years ago they passed the torch to the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. The efSee Angel Tree on page 4
Officer Scott Solomon has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for the Clinton Police Department.
Santa Letters
The Voice invites teachers to share letters to Santa from your kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes from our county schools. Deadline to send in the letters is Thursday, December 17, 2020. The special pages will be published on December 22, 2020. We will publish as many letters as space allows. Send those letters to voiceeditor@artelco.com. Merry Christmas
Live Nativity Play marks 23 years by Anita Tucker
Robert Snyder captured this beautiful sunset.
Coronavirus By the numbers November 28, 2020
Van Buren County Share your Christmas bling with the community. Send your holiday photos to The Voice. voiceeditor@artelco. com
State of Arkansas
• Total Cumulative • Total Cumulative Cases: 374 Cases: 155,026 • Total Active Cases: 83 • Total Active Cases 13,221 • Total Recovered Cases: 288 • Hospitalizations:1,010 • Total Deaths: 3 • Total Deaths: 2449
Years ago, a group of church friends were eating pizza after a Sunday Service when one of them shared a vision. Let’s put together a live nativity play, Paul Rhoda suggested to the group. That was the beginning of a 23 year tradition. “Behold The Lamb,” an annual live nativity with a cast of children and animals, begins its run on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and runs through Saturday Dec. 5. The cast includes more than 100 kids as well as camels, donkeys, goats and chickens. It wasn’t always that way, Tammie Aday, one of the original organizers, re-
called. At the first live nativity, there were seven or eight kids and one donkey, she said. And, she said, the weather didn’t cooperate either. It was cold and it snowed, she said. There have been problems over the years, including having to find a last minute Baby Jesus a time or two. A few times a doll has had to be used. “Everybody has a job,” Aday said, “and usually it works like a well oiled wheel.” She said the same kids are in the play year after year, playing different roles as they grow up. But, she said, there is always room in the inn for more. This is a community event and it doesn’t matter which
church the kids attend, everyone is welcome. The play now is held at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds on Highway 16 East. It began at Friendship Baptist Church then later moved to the sale barn in Clinton before landing at the fairgrounds. The fair association allows use of the grounds to the organizers at no cost. There is a table set up where donations are accepted, but Aday says nobody has to contribute. “We do it because it is a blessing” she said. “Behold the Lamb” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. each night from Dec 1-5. Coronavirus guidelines apply.
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 2
December 1, 2020
Christmas Past in Van Buren County My Ozark Memories
being admonished to some for the tree.” We hung candy canes on the handful of branches we could reach, while stashing a few of the delicious treats in our pockets. There were plenty of big gaudy ornaments. We had almost as many shiny silver icicles laying on the floor as we had hanging on the tree. The eclectic creation was capped with a big tin star which leaned to one side.
by Warren Johnson “save
As many of us begin to immerse ourselves in holiday magic this season, I find myself feeling nostalgic. I recall gathering with my cousins at my Grandparent’s house when I was little. I can still smell the aroma of a fresh cut evergreen and hear the crackle of wood popping in the pot bellied stove. I vividly remember snacking on popcorn from the bowl, while
Under the tree were a few colorful packages with shiny bows. Those pretty boxes sure ramped up our excitement levels. I remember the gleam in Granny’s eye when George Bailey read the message from Clarence the Angel, “ Remember no man is a failure who has friends.“ After almost 50 years, these childhood memories of Christmas remain some of my finest. It has been said, times change and peo-
ple change. Many of the folks from my childhood are no longer here, but they are still with me in my heart. As we enter into the season, let’s take a moment for nostalgia. Let’s remember the ones who have guided us and the ones who we have shared our journey with. My prayer this holiday is for today’s kids to look back on this season with fond memories and to be able to share the magic which was Christmas 2020.
of Choctaw. Ruth said Tommy and Leigh Davis brought them some very good dressing for the meal. Donna and Richard Sherrod had several guests for Thanksgiving. Their son David and Tabby of Searcy, granddaughter Brandi and Josh Crossen of Searcy, daughter Tammy and Randy Kelly and Madison of Manila. On Friday, Donna Thomas and Cadence Valentine of Wooster came. So they had a post Thanksgiving with them. Donna said they all ate outside and had a fire in the wood stove going and social distanced. She said it was nice and didn't get too cold. Brian and Debbie Tatum hosted a Thanksgiving meal for their children and grandchildren. Also present were Jim and Twila Guerrieri and Ben Webster and Ann Mann. They played games and had a good
time outside! Sammy Story spent several days in Maumelle visiting her daughter Barbara Ashley and her family. She reports a good Thanksgiving meal too. Darcy Lankford and her daughter, Riley, came by for a short visit on Thursday morning. I enjoyed getting to visit with them for a little while. I also had a wonderful meal thanks to my sweet niece and nephew. That's about all I can dig up for this week. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving as much as I did! God bless and have a great week.
Letters to editor
Dear Editor The entire staff at Ozark Health and Nursing Rehab have been such a blessing to our family. I must say that I was truly concerned that my Aunt Gene “ Avis Black “ would not transition very well into the controlled environment of the nursing facility but she surprised us all and that is a direct result of the wonderful staff. She had lived alone for many years and was not used to being told when and what to do. The staff made her feel at home and I am convinced they always had her best interest at heart. The facility itself was always kept very clean and fresh with meals catered to individuals as needed. I never really understood the impact of skilled health care givers until now. The staff at Ozark Health & Nursing Rehab exude the very best of what we have to offer each other during our brief existence on this earth. Bryan Hargett
Patsy Ward Formosa
Sindee and David Morse hosted Thanksgiving dinner for their children and grandchildren and parents. Lauren's father-in-law, Chuck Foster, was there also. David and Pinyan Story of Rocky Mount, Virginia, came last Tuesday and are spending a week with his mom, DeLane. David and Pinyan and Roxie Williams had Thanksgiving dinner with DeLane. Later in the day, Bruce Williams of Cabot and Brett Williams of Romance came for a visit. They are Roxie's brothers and DeLane's nephews. I know she enjoyed the visit and also spending time with David and Pinyan. Ruth Webb's guests for Thanksgiving were Thelma and Ruby Webb
Calendar
Image credit City of Clinton
Christmas at the Clinton Park will beThe 23rd annual gin at 4 p.m. on SatBehold the Lamb live urday, December 5, nativity will be held at 2020. 6:30 p.m. on December 1 - 5 at the Van The Clinton Police Buren County Fair- Department would grounds. The admis- like to invite each of sion is free. you to participate in our 1st Annual Cops There will be a and Coats for Kids. Christmas Extrava- The drop off for this ganza complete with event will be at the Santa, outdoor ven- Clinton Police Dedors, and Clydesdale partment during regsleigh rides hosted ular business hours, by the Bar O F Ranch 8am-4pm Monday Store on Saturday, through Friday. This December 5, 2020 event will be from Defrom 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. cember 7th through December the 11th. The Clinton A&P The Clinton Police Commission present Department will althe lightning of beau- so be holding a Potiful Archey Fork Park, lice Officer meet and with holiday music by greet as they accept D.J. Tim McCool, free donations December hot chocolate, visits the 12th from 3pmwith Santa, a real life 6pm, so come on out gingerbread house, and meet each Officer and Polar Express personally. They're rides for the kids. looking forward to seeing each of you! Sci-fi fans, prepare to see an apCoats and Toys pearance of the spec- are greatly appreciattacular Death Star ed and each donation from Star Wars. will receive a comCostumes are memorative Law Enwelcome! forcement Ornament.
James & Joyce Burns Scotland
Now that Thanksgiving is over and I See Neighbors on page 3
The VOICE of Van Buren County
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Terry O’Connor - voiceads@artelco.com Subscription Rates: $35 per year in Van Buren County $45 per year outside of county Subscriptions or Circulation Customer Service voiceads@artelco.com or (501) 745-8040 To Submit News: voiceeditor@artelco.com Letters to the Editor: voiceeditor@artelco.com Display and Classified Advertising: voiceads@artelco.com or (501) 745-8040 Deadline to submit news items, letters and all advertising: News Deadline: 4:00 p.m. Thursday Ad Deadline: 4:00 p.m. Friday The VOICE of Van Buren County is published weekly on Tuesday by VBC Communications, LLC 328 Main Street, Clinton AR 72031 USPS Permit # 16970 effective 10-13-2015 Periodicals Postage paid at Clinton AR. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The VOICE of Van Buren County P. O. Box 1396, Clinton, AR 72031
December 1, 2020 3935 and we will see Neighbors that it gets into the pafrom page 2 per. Stay safe, warm, and healthy. am sure we all ate too much, we can talk about lunch each day. I heard the Scotland Community Center will be open starting on Monday, November 30 through Thursday, December 3. They will serve lunch to eat in or take out. The cost is only $4.00. They will also be playing pool, working puzzles, as Thelma Murray well as Bingo on Thursday. Open to all ages. Shirley I had a phone visCome and have a good time. Please wear a it with Gerald Harpmask. They will take er from Indian Rock temperatures to keep Village. He is doing good, and he said he everyone safe. We have had a nice can still have window fall and now they tell visits. Lois Compton is us we will have frost and cold weather. So still doing real well. I think we can say that When I called her, she winter is here. This is had a happy spirit in one year that I am not her voice. I finally caught looking forward to the cold or wet weather. Doyle Edwards in his Sunday afWe have been staying house in so maybe it will pass ternoon. For several weeks I have tried to as fast as the fall did. Thanks to all that call him, and he didn't call and check on answer his phone. But James. Keep him in- I talked to him today, terested in anything and he is doing just that is going on. That fine. He was just outmakes him eager to side when I called. November 22 was get better. Each time Home Health comes, my cousins Betty Ann they seem to be very [Meyner] Ward and pleased with the way Jimmy Dan Meyner's his foot is healing. birthday. They celeThe last time we saw brated 66 years. Bill Rolen is still dothe doctor, he said by wearing the wound vac ing fine. He says he is it would cut the heal- like a scared rabbit. He ing time in half. So it is just hiding here and is worth all of the trou- there and any place he ble. Thanks again for can find to keep the virus from catching him. caring. Joan Allen's famiNot much to say. So, if you have Scot- ly were in visiting famland News, call 592- ily and friends during
The Voice of Van Buren County the holiday. They were Melba and Ronnie Mackey of Mount Pleasant, Mississippi who visited for a week. Also, Laurie and David Prater and their three children of Mustang, Oklahoma. The Highway 110 E.H.C. meeting was held on Monday with 6 members present. We are trying to keep our club alive. Cameron and Joni Murray of Conway and daughters Claire and Carlee Beth visited Stan and Pam Murray on Saturday afternoon. Lodean Reeves's Thanksgiving dinner guests were Cliff Hutchins of Jacksonville, Joel and Laura Gambrell, Lana Nelson of Clinton, Mike Goins of Mountain View, and Lisa Nelson of Dennard.
Jeffry Burgess Crabtree
Thursday the Volunteer Fire Department meets at 7 p.m. Interested persons can call 253-5071. Saturday night is the peak of the Cassiopeid meteor shower. It will be a tough watch with a bright moon and few per hour. Many
may be short tailed as they enter right “at” us. Sunday night the Puppid-Velid meteor shower peaks with best viewing from midnight to 3 a.m. Sunday is last day for modern gun hunt for deer. Muzzleloaders get another chance December 12-14. Check the Regs for details. Monday, a virtual ACRDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. To attend call 7455278 or email burtie@ artelco.com for confirmation and Zoom invitation. Monday at 6:36 p.m., the third quarter moon will be official. Tuesday, Private Application Training for agricultural producers in restricted pesticide use will be held. For info contact The Extension office, or online at uaex.edu/pat. Next Thursday, EHC meets at 1:30 p.m. in the Alread FUN Park, weather permitting. Wear a mask and bring a chair. After modifications to his cottonpicker turned sugar cane picker and processor, Louis Jackson returned to his Crabtree cane field last week for another go. While a few more rows were completed, he said, “It’s going to take major surgery” to get it working right. He despairs of ever getting it fixed, this being his fourth year for the attempt, and very little molasses to show for all his efforts. He knows of similar equipment in Kentucky and Tennessee and speculated that if he had seen their processors first he might have done better in fabricating his. “I haven’t totally given up,” he concluded, “but it’s over for this year”, since the sweet juice has drained from the cane as temperatures turned cold. I have to admire his perseverance. If you have info about the greater Crabtree and west Hwy. 16 area, call or text Jeffry Burgess, 745-1249.
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The county’s only cottonpicker turned sugar cane picker and processor was back in the field last week, after repairs. For more on how it worked out, see the Crabtree News.
Mary Jean Hall receives 20th year certificate from the DAR.
Muriel Hink celebrated her 99th birthday with family and friends. Kay Weaver made her a special gift of 99 shiny pennies. She attributes her longevity to God, family and friends. She is looking forward to reaching the big 100. She is thankful for every day.
The Voice of Van Buren County
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Obituaries
Lewis Swartz
Lewis Paul Swartz, 54, of Clinton, Arkansas, departed from this world on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. He was born November 4, 1966 in Heber Springs, Arkansas to William Lewis Swartz and Gerita Spivy Kennedy. Lewis was a truck driver and enjoyed fishing. Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Gerita Kennedy; wife, Elizabeth Swartz; children, Jesse Swartz, Chase Swartz, Sasha Swartz; siblings, Jason Swartz; grandchildren, Eliey Thompson, Easton Swartz, Ethan Jones; nieces, Stormy Swartz, Laney Kay Swartz and many friends and other family members. Lewis is preceded in death by his father, William Swartz. Arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service.
Frank Hartsock
Major Frank Eugene Hartsock, Sr., 91, was born on September 21, 1929 to the late Francis and Jewell Ann (Going) Hartsock in Peoria, IL and passed from this life on November 21, 2020 in Conway, Arkansas. Major Hartsock distinguished himself as a career military man having served with valor in both the Korean and Viet-
nam theaters. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Mae, of over 50 years. Left to cherish his memory are two daughters; Thyme Wisper, Deborah Wheeler, one son, Frank E. Hartsock, Jr., three granddaughters, seven great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. To express online condolences, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
Mark Cam Horton
Mark Cam Horton, age 60 of Buford, Georgia passed from this life on Monday, November 23rd, 2020 at his home in Branson West, Missouri. He was born in Harrison, Arkansas on October 4th, 1960 to Willis Dale Horton and Glenda Holsted Horton. Cam spent his working years as a homebuilder until his retirement. He spent most of his later life in Georgia but part of his heart will always be in Searcy County and the beautiful Ozarks. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Watching college football brought him much enjoyment, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks. Family was everything to Cam. Time spent with his family was his greatest strength and joy. His strong presence will be greatly missed by those closest to him. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Sandra Slay Horton of Buford, Georgia; children, Joel Slay and wife Katie of Buford, Georgia, Katie Olasz and husband Andrew of Atlanta, Georgia and Courtney Matyja and husband Shay of Conway; granddaughter, Ava Slay of Buford, Georgia; his parents,
the county, usually raise Angel Tree money and shop for the from page 1 children. Unfortunately, this year the students fort is organized by Car- couldn’t participate. rie and Brandon RenCarrie wants to frow with assistance thank everyone for their from Jason Hayes, To- hard work and support. ny and Lisa Rollins, and She requests that all Nancy Fowler. Angels and gifts be reCarrie’s team, along turned to the Angel Tree with members from the by December 7th to encommunity, are doing sure delivery to the chilan excellent job of con- dren before Christmas tinuing to bring smiles Day. to so many faces. The Debbie said, “I Clinton High School want it to go on. I want and Junior High School it to go on forever and students, along with with all of us doing it, it many groups across should.”
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
Willis Dale and Glenda Horton of Marshall; brother, Kevin Horton and wife Laurie of Marshall; his "sis", Elaine Lewis; nieces, Tressa and Brandi; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other family and friends who will also mourn his passing. Cam is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roy and Alice Horton; and his maternal grandparents, Brewster and Iola Holsted. Graveside services for Cam will be 1:00 PM Saturday, November 28th, 2020 at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Roy Ragland and Terry Horton officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 till 1:00 preceding the service and will be held at East Lawn Cemetery. Burial will follow the graveside service. Bearers will be Danny Bohannon, Steven Halsted, Jerry Joe Harris, Anthony Redman, Joel Slay and Rick Horton. Honorary bearers will be all of Cam's first cousins, Brad Bibb, Marvin Caston and Scott Major. Seating is very limited at the graveside service so please provide your own chair if needed. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we are practicing social distancing at our graveside services and all patrons are required to provide and wear their own masks. Anyone with underlying health conditions are advised to please stay home. You may sign our online guestbook on our website: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall
Warren Stroud
Dr. Warren Wayne Stroud, born November 4, 1939 in Weston, Missouri, moving to St. Joseph, Missouri, The Gateway ToThe West, as a very young child. Warren went home to be with the Lord,Thursday, Novem-
School Menus Clinton School District Nov 30 - Dec 4 Elementary Menu
Monday Breakfast: Cereal, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Cheeseburger, French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato, Fruit, Milk. Tuesday Breakfast: Frudel Stru-
December 1, 2020
ber 26, 2020, after a long illness due to complications of Agent Orange. He is preceded in death by his parents Warren LewisStroud, Hilda March Jeffries Stroud, a daughter Theresa Maria, a son Gary Warren, a brother Lewis William, and two half-sisters Shirley Cason of California and Betty Harr of St. Joseph, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Leta, one son Ronnie Dwayne (Elizabeth) of Conway; one daughter: Lorina Santiago-Ostolaza (Hector) of Columbus, Georgia, and one stepdaughter Sarah Crowder (Rev. Jeff) of Morrilton; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and eleven step-great-grandchildren. Warren is a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Warren spent 20 years in the U. S. Army. He served in Korea and spent 2 1/2 tours in Vietnam, fighting in 8 major battles which included the Tet Offensive in 1968. He received 7 Vietnam Campaign Medals, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm Leaf, Vietnam Civil Action Medal and the Vietnam Citation Badge. His outstanding performance and untiring devotion to duty, leadership, and loyalty was rewarded with numerous meritorious awards in recognition for exemplary service, bravery, and heroism including the U. S. Army Legion of Merit Award, 3 Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and The Order of the Silver Rose. He retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer W3 in 1976 and was selected for CW4 and Regular Army Status. Warren is the recipient of 9 college degrees with a Doctorate in Ministry. He is a member of Who's Who in American Colleges, and a member of Who's Who in Small Businesses. Warren co-pastored Victory Baptist Church for five years. He pastored Zion Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas for 7
del, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Beef Nachos, Corn, Salsa, Pinto Beans, Fruit, Milk. We d n e s d a y Breakfast: Cereal, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Italian Rotini, Romaine Salad, Sliced Carrots, Breadstick, Fruit, Milk. Thursday Breakfast: Mini French Toast, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Chicken Patty, Creamed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit, Wheat Roll, Milk. Friday Breakfast: Cereal, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Pizza,
1/2 years, where he is now Pastor Emeritus. He spent over 20 years in evangelism. He served on the Public Facilities Board in Conway for 7 years. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:00am in the chapel at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Visitation will be Monday, November 30, 2020 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Center Ridge, AR. Pallbearers: Anthony Santiago, Ronnie Myers, Matthew Meyers, Joshua Crowder, Justin Crowder, James Wahrmund and James Fuller. Honorary Pallbearers: Miranda Santiago and Jerry Wahrmund. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Frank Johnson, Jr.
Frank Johnson, Jr. of Fairfield Bay passed away on Wednesday from complications due to the Corona Virus at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, AR. Frank was born May 9, 1927 to Frank E. and Annie (Furland) Johnson. He married Mary Louise Martinson on February 15, 1946. Mary passed away in 2002. Frank then married Barbara Price on May 24, 2003. Frank served in the US Army. He also worked as a mechanic and business owner before retiring. Frank was a member of the American Legion and was the commander for many years. He also volunteered as an EMT with the Fairfield Bay ambulance crew for over 20 years. Frank was predeceased by his parents, wife Mary, sons Larry and Richard Johnson, daughter Linda Johnson, sister Marion Lundeen and brother Merle Johnson. Frank is survived by his wife Barbara Johnson, daughter Carol Messer, sons Don, Tom and Dennis Johnson, stepdaughter Renee Brown and stepson Wesley Price along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Per Frank’s request, he has donated his body to science and requested no funeral or visitation services to be held.
Carrot Sticks, Celery & Biscuit, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Nacho Sticks, Fruit, Milk. Salad, Beans, Lettuce, Junior High & High Tomatoes, Salsa, CinMonday Break- namon Muffin, Fruit fast: Mini Donut, Fruit Cup/Fruit, Milk. Juice, Milk. Lunch: Mini Thursday BreakCorn Dogs, Mustard, fast: Pancake Pup, Tossed Salad\Dressing, Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Green Beans, No-Bake Chicken, Creamed PoCookie, Fruit Cup, Milk tatoes, Steamed BrocTuesday Break- coli, Wheat Rolls, Fruit, fast: Breakfast Pizza, Milk. Peaches, Juice/Milk. Friday BreakLunch: Vegetable Beef fast: Pop Tarts, Fruit Soup, Crackers, PB&J Juice/Milk. Lunch: PigSandwich, Tossed Sal- N - B l a n k e t / M u s t a rd , ad\Ranch, Fruit, Milk. Baked Beans, Fries/ W e d n e s d a y Ketchup, Pears, Milk. Breakfast: Chicken
The Voice of Van Buren County
December 1, 2020
THAT
BANNER MOUNTAIN GIRL
by Freeda Baker Nichols
A Visit To The Homeplace Sometime, around 1956, my parents moved away from our Banner homeplace to the Pee Dee community where Daddy built a new house for them. It was a move so that as they grew older, they would be nearer to their married children. We lost Daddy in 1965. In 1974, my husband retired from the Air Force and we bought a
house next door to my mother. Often, I returned to our homeplace, just to recall memories of growing up there. Mama loved to go back to reminisce, although the abandoned house was deteriorating. And I took her back there to visit as often as I could. From my journal, dated April 8, 1977, I came across these notes: Mama, sitting
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to rest on a rock at the bank of the pond, and I, sitting near her, leaning against a pine tree. I looked at Mama and saw such a contented, peaceful expression upon her face. She smiled and I smiled back. “What are you thinking?” I asked. “It always seems like home to me. Not as much now, though, since the house is falling in.” Looking down the trail, I said, “I’ve gone down that trail many a time, coming home from school.” She replied, “I can remember Bill coming down the trail with his little lunch bucket. He always took his lunch by himself.” “I guess Yvonne and I shared our lunch, didn’t we? In a lard bucket?” “I guess so,” Mama replied.
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Her memories of Yvonne and me were apparently not as clear as her memory of our brother. Mama was 81 and her memory was still good. I prompted her to see what she remembered of my early days of school. “Do you remember when I started to school?” “Yes. And the first year you went to school, Yvonne nearly worried me to death. She couldn’t be satisfied at all.” Mama told me that Yvonne was so lonely, that she would go outside to play with our dog, Rusty. She called him “Rust.” After two years, she joined me on the trail to the schoolhouse. More notes from my journal: April 24, 1975: The lilac bush had just a few blooms on it. Mama called the iris plants “flags” and she said she
“planted the flags all along the side of the garage. The garage blew down and we took the lumber up to the house and used it first for one thing and then another,” she said. She added, “My peonies were right there.” She dug in the ground with a stick and uncovered decayed leaves. A dogwood tree had sprung up and jonquils lined the walk. The blue hyacinths had already bloomed. Someone (vandals) had removed windows and a door from the house, and a latch from the smokehouse. Some boards had been removed but not taken. Yet. It’s sad when someone takes away something that is not theirs. Eventually, someone dug up the lilac bush my mom had planted. A bush I loved so much. I glanced down and
saw the tiny flower we called “sheep shire” or “sheep shar”. You can eat the leaves. They taste like green grapes. Mama pointed to the two cedars just inside the yard fence. “Bill set out the two cedars. One on each side of the gate.” Our older siblings had set out one tree in the yard, but, which one it was escapes my memory now. During the time our family lived at the homeplace, there were many happy days. I remember mostly good days, good times, laughter and fun. The forest has now reclaimed the homeplace, but I visit it often in memory and sometimes in real life— when only deer and rabbits play and snakes of all kinds and colors are burrowed deep in their holes in the ground.
Location Location Location Community Profile
Store that we pick up ny miles just to shop
by: Jeff Stansbery our story with Flo Vick, there. Flo's grandson,
Many buildings around Clinton, have housed multiple businesses in the past. Some of those buildings are still occuppied; but the business or organization which is located there now has changed. Some of them, numerous times. Such is the case where the Voice of Van Buren County newspaper office is. Decades have passed with many businesses coming and going. Bill Eoff recalls that as long ago as the 1930's and 40's, Eoff's had a furniture store at that location on Main Street in Clinton. After that, Steve Cavander had a 5 & Dime store there. Later on, in the mid 70's there was a business known as Bill's Dollar Store. It is with Bill's Dollar
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(501) 745-8040
Where to find the Voice Austin
of Van Buren County
• The Austin Store (Inside sales)
Bee Branch
• Snappy's (Outside Rack sales)
Choctaw
• Alon Gas Station (outside rack sales) • PEH Supply (inside sales)
Clinton • • • • • • • • • • • •
Assessor's Office: Temporarily closed due to coronavirus Goode's CashSaver (outside rack sales) Clinton Drug: Temporarily closed due to coronavirus Doublebee's Exxon (outside rack sales) Flash Market-Citgo (inside sales) Huddle House: Temporarily closed due to coronavirus L'Attitude Bistro: Temporarily closed due to coronavirus McDonald's (outside rack sales) Ozark Health Medical Center (outside rack sales) Petit Jean Electric (outside rack sales) The Voice of Van Buren County (inside sales, outside rack sales) Western Sizzlin: Temporarily closed due to coronavirus
Damascus
• Goode's CashSaver (outside rack sales)
Fairfield Bay
• Craven's - Dollar General Shopping Mall (outside rack sales) • Jack's (inside sales)
Leslie
• Misty's Conoco & Convenience (outside rack sales) • Smith's Citgo (inside sales)
Scotland
• Lowder General Store (inside sales)
Shirley
• First Service Bank (outside rack sales) • Reaves Food Store, Hwy 330 S (outside rack sales)
www.voiceofvbc.com
who managed the store back in the mid-70's to 1980. Flo was born in Grand Prairie, Texas. Later on, while living in Hudson, Texas at age 15, Flo left home and came to Clinton, Arkansas. Shortly thereafter, she was married to Don Nicholson. They had two children, Nancy and Wayne. She picked cotton in Missouri, peaches in Clarksville and strawberries in Marshall as well as other various jobs. When Flo managed Bill's Dollar Store, her grandson, Joe Tsosie (around 4 years old at the time) stayed in the store with her. Bill's had practically everything any modern day dollar store shopper might find these days. Bill's Dollar Store was so very popular, Flo recalled, that some people would travel for ma-
Joe, pictured with this column, would eventually become the Van Buren County Coroner. In 1980, Flo moved back to Texas and worked at W. Walker Wholesale in Diboll, Texas. At the W. Walker Whol. she stocked merchandise for Bill's Dollar stores. She worked as a stocker, fork-lift driver and later became warehouse shipping manager. Flo and Don were divorced in 1980. She married William Vick in March of 1981. Flo, currently lives in the Choctaw area, having moved back to Texas for a time working at a school as housekeeper and at Walmart in the Lufkin, Texas area. When Flo moved back to Arkansas, she worked for Walmart in Clinton as the Health and Beauty Manager (1999-2009). Then she
Flo Vick – Manager of Bill’s Dollar Store.
Joe Tsosie – future Coroner worked at the Clinton Hospital in housekeeping from 2014 to 2016. Flo enjoys quilting, likes horses and books. She said the best things she enjoys about this area is the friendly people and the scenery.
Prayer For My Beloved Country Freeda Baker Nichols will I give my life for others?
When my country’s flag is flying and I’m standing at attention, far below its waving glory— blue and white and red, it’s waving like it waved when Francis Scott Key wrote the song Star Spangled Banner— proud I am to be reciting pledges to defend my country. When and if the call comes for me,
Will I sacrifice my freedom for the freedom of all people? Marines, airmen, sailors, soldiers in cold graves beneath white crosses, traded life for country, gave me freedom now to live and worship. How I love them, how I thank them for the blessings I now cherish given me because they died for U.S.A. Beloved country.
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 6
Fun & Games
Weekly Crossword
December 1, 2020
80’s Music Trivia Lyrics Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken? Play the guitar on the MTV With the touch of a velvet glove. She’s so fine, she’s all mine, the girl is all right!
“Legs,” ZZ Top “Abracadabra,” Steve Miller “Money for Nothing,” Dire Straits Tina Turner
TV Trivia On ''Seinfeld'' what was stolen from Elaine that Kramer was suppose to guard on the sidewalk? What was the name of Mr. T's character on ''The A-Team''? On ''Cheers'', what was Norm's favorite eatery called? What medical problem does Adrian Monk suffer from on the TV show ''Monk''?
Obsessive compulsive disorder Hungry Heifer Baracus armoire
Puzzle solutions on page 5
Where in the county is this?
Sudoku Sudoku: The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.
Where can you see this in Van Buren County? Submit your answer to voiceeditor@artelco.com
The Voice of Van Buren County
December 1, 2020
December 01 . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Branscum December 01 . . . . . . . . Cynthia Dusenberry December 01 . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa Habelitz December 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hester Hall December 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas Horton December 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kale Jamus December 01 . . . . . . . Lily Kimmons-Nelson December 01 . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Roberson December 01 . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Strempke December 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronnie Tucker December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . Candice Barnett December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. D. Bradford December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Bradley December 02 . . . . . . . . . . Diane Canterbury December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . Robbie Habelitz December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Jones December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pam Leal December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dena Malone December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . Maureen Murray December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Pack December 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy D. Stark December 03 . . . . . . . . . Jeffrey D. Appleby December 03 . . . . . . . . . Paula Iburg Banks
Make us your Birthday Headquarters!
Main Street Florist & Gifts Happy Birthday Wishes Tammie Williams, owner 374 Main Street Clinton, AR • (501)745-3569 We deliver same day. Teleflora & FTD Wire Services Available
www.mainstreetfloristclinton.com
Page 7
December 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . Margie Gilmore December 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Irby December 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelton Jones December 03 . . . . . . . Alexander Kempson December 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Nixon December 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobbie West December 04 . . . . . . . . . . . Russell Danson December 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassie Lopez December 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny Rimmer December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Adams December 05 . . . . . . . . . Dalayna Alexander December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy Amos December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . Spencer Brown December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lene Jackson December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Johnson December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . Oma Standridge December 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . David Williams December 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Cobb December 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Fritts December 06 . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia Pulliam December 06 . . . . . . . . . . Ethem Roberson December 07 . . . . . . . . . . . . Makinsie Cook December 07 . . . . . . . . . . . Kasey Holcomb December 07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Watson
We will have a Monthly Drawing from the Birthday names for a gift from one of the Birthday Page Sponsors! Simply stop by our office and add your family and friends to our birthday list or email names and dates to us at thevoice@artelco.com or call us (501) 745-8040.
Sign up once and you are done. Happy Birthday Wishes
Clinton - 179 Elm Street - 501-745-2441 Fairfield Bay - 121 Lost Creek Pkwy - 501-884-3384 www.regions.com Member FDIC
from
Susie Allen’s Salon Please call for appointments
501-745-4247 for you and your family.
P.E.H. Supply Inc. Plumbing, Electrical, Hardware, Industrial.
Happy Birthday Wishes to You! Cletes "Bill" Blantz, owner MMC (SW) U.S. Navy (Ret.) 4319 Highway 65 South Clinton, Arkansas 72031 Phone: 501-745-6222 Fax: 501-745-2102
Happyhday birthes! wis RadioShack®
Northside Shopping Center 117 Bone St
501-745-4988
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 8
December 1, 2020
CHURCH PAGE
Photo by EuGene Smith
Thanks to those of you who called and correctly identified last week's featured church as Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. If you can identify this week's Church call 745-8040. (Remember to give me a contact for the history of your Church. We want to print the history of every Church in Van Buren County. With your help, we will!) Antioch General Baptist Church 1608 Highway 9, Fox (870)363-4509 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 757-2069 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 Church of the Nazarene 1664 Highway 65 S, Clinton Clinton Church of Christ 184 Third Street, Clinton 745-4252 Clinton Seventh-day Adventist Church 125 Skyhill Drive, Clinton 745-4532 Clinton United Methodist Church 636 Joe Bowling Road, Clinton 745-5181 Colony Church of Christ Hwy 92 E, Bee Branch Corinth Baptist Church 5158 Holley Mountain Road, Clinton Cornerstone Evangelical Church 3351 Highway 330 S, Fairfield Bay 884-6657 Crabtree Foursquare Church 11301 Highway 16 W, Crabtree 745-2894 Culpepper Community Church 6055 Highway 336 W, Culpepper Culpepper Mountain Church of Christ 118 South Essie Road, Culpepper Damascus United Methodist Church 17194 Highway 65 S, Damascus 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 Faith Christian 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109 Faith Church Highway 65 N & Harper Mountain Lane, Dennard, AR 72629 Faith Lutheran Church 310 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3375 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 First Baptist Church of Sugarloaf 557 Arkansas 337, Higden 654-2354 First General Baptist Church 664 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4043 First Pentecostal Church of Clinton Highway 65 S at 1128 Lyn Road, Choctaw Formosa Baptist Church 630 Highway 9 W, Clinton 745-7709 Formosa Church of Christ 6603 Highway 9 West Clinton AR. 745-4446 Friendship Baptist Church 1321 Third St., Clinton 745-7177 Full Gospel Tabernacle 128 Catland Lane, Shirley 723-4500 Grace Church 3793 Highway 65 S, Clinton 472-7462 Half Moon Baptist Church 1031 Half Moon Road, Clinton 745-2273 Harmony Mountain Church of Christ Quattlebaum and Harmony Mtn Roads 745-2059 Hope Community Church 905 Damascus Road, Quitman Immanuel Baptist Church 498 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-8528 Kaley Hill Missionary Baptist 6505 Highway 356, Bee Branch Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 3624 Highway 65 S, Clinton 745-8781
Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church 250 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3304 Landmark Missionary Baptist Church ABA 229 Third St., Clinton Lexington Baptist Church 9525 Highway 110, Clinton 723-4787 Liberty Missionary Baptist Church 2712 Highway 254 W, Chimes Community Low Gap Community Chapel 4320 Low Gap Road, Alread Lute Mountain Community Church Lute Mountain Road, off Highway 16, Shirley 723-8299 Main Line Full Gospel 114 Mariposa Loop, Bee Branch 253-1005 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 New Beginning Church 12200 Highway 254 E, Dennard New Hope Baptist Church 4198 Highway 65 N, Clinton 757-2332 New Liberty Church of Christ 4815 Highway 95, Cleveland 669-2575 New Life Apostolic Church of Clinton 198 Richard Road, Clinton 745-6411 Peace Lutheran Church of Edgemont 10849 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-4726 Pee Dee Baptist Church 2744 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4115 Pine Grove General Baptist Church 102 Silvertree Road, Shirley Pine Mountain General Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, South of Bee Branch Plant Baptist Church 4897 Highway 110, Clinton 745-6887 Pleasant Grove Friendship Church 22210 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 Red River of Life Church of God 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109 Rupert Baptist Church 21434 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-8593 Salem Primitive Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, Bee Branch 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 Settlement Baptist Church 10277 Highway 16 E, Shirley 501-215-1595 Shady Grove Baptist Church 5448 Shady Grove Road, Shirley 723-4273 Shady Grove Chapel 4790 Highway 254 E, Dennard Shirley Church of Christ 10509 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8101 Shirley Community Church/First United Methodist 784 Matthew Clark Memorial Drive, Shirley 723-4387 South Side Baptist Highway 65 N, Damascus 335-7423 St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 250 Woodlawn Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3349 St. Jude Catholic Church 3178 Hwy 65 S, Clinton 745-5716 Tabernacle of Praise 159 Boston Fern Road, Shirley 723-8280 The Gathering Ministry Outreach 80746 Highway 16 W, Rupert 745-3883 The Zoo Church 12174 Highway 65 N, Dennard 514-8535 The Power House (non-denominational) 159 Mt. Zion Road, Bee Branch, AR 253-2385 Trace Ridge Bible Church Highway 254 W at Morris Road, Chimes Walnut Grove Church 6940 Highway 95 W, Clinton 745-3445 Zion Hill Missionary Baptist ABA 29129 Highway 16 W, Jerusalem 745-4467
Last Week's Featured Church
Liberty Missionary Baptist Church 2712 Hwy 254 West, Chimes Community
Pawn • Shooting Sports
VAN BUREN COUNTY PROUD 794 Highway 65B Clinton, Arkansas
Tournament Fishing Tackle
(501) 745-2581
OPEN TIL 6:00pm MON-SAT (501) 745-6991
1863 Hwy 65 South, Clinton, AR 72031
195 Highway 16 E, Clinton, AR 72031 www.garypack.com GaryPackLumber
Deb's Fashions
Fashions
OPEN M-F 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SAT 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
debsfashionsonline.com
501.745.3901
314 Ingram St behind EXXON off Hwy 65 in Clinton
The Voice of Van Buren County
December 1, 2020
Page 9
Classifieds • Legal ANNOUNCEMENTS
MISC. FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
LEGAL
For Sale
For Rent 2 BR, 1Bath Apt near School and DownTown ***************** Trash removal and Water Furnished
PERSONALS
THINKING BIG
“Some of us think holding on makes us stronger, but sometimes it is letting go.” -Hermann Hesse
PUN OF THE WEEK
Claustrophobic people are more productive thinking out of the box.
RESEARCH
Reflect A Moment He said, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Call: 745-8644 or 253-0664
Shop Booth 94 at Howard's Antiques for crocheted items, knickknacks, dishes and jewelry.
SERVICES
BTE Bellinger Trenching Excavating 501-253-8629
BTE Utility Drainage Driveways
FOR SALE OR LEASE 20x40 Office with 8x40 Covered Porch and 3 Green Houses on 1 acre on Highway 65 South, Clinton, AR
Call 501-940-5448
DUPLEXES FOR RENT Nice 1000 sqft 2-bedroom Duplexes with appliances. No Pets. No Smoking. $600-$650/month plus deposit. Call: 501-745-5858 or 501-412-7682
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FOURTH DIVISION NO. 71PR-20-109 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF INGE WEAVER, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 187 Pine Knot Road Fairfield Bay, AR 72088 DATE OF DEATH: September 26, 2020 The undersigned was appointed Executrix of the estate of the above-named decedent on November 16, 2020. A contest of the probate can be effected only by filing a petition within the time provided by law. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. Provided, that claims for injury or death caused by the negligence of the decedent shall be filed within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of the notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in such estate. THIS NOTICE first published this 24th day of November, 2020. AMANDA THOMPSON, Executrix
For Rent
FOR RENT
By: /s/ M.Edward Morgan M. EDWARD MORGAN, Bar No.82113 MORGAN LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for Estate 244 Highway 65 N, Suite 5 Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-4044
Apartments and mobile homes in Bee Branch area. $450-$650/month. Deposit required. Call for availability (501) 581-8640
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS NO. 2020-3 N & C LAND COMPANY PETITIONER
Jerald Bellinger 501-253-8629
IN RE: LOTS 1-19 AND LOTS 21-31 OF EAGLE VISTA SUBDIVISIONREVISED VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS
EMPLOYMENT
NOTICE OF PETITION TO REDUCE PLATTED LOTS TO ACREAGE
MISC. FOR SALE
FL Davis Cash Lumber will be taking applications for a CDL driver, class A or B.
This is a full time position. Applicants must have a clean driving record, must be reliable, and must be able to pass a drug test. Applications may be picked up at FL Davis Cash Lumber 160 Park St. Clinton, AR 72031
ESTATE SALE
Estate Sales 364 Main Street Clinton, Arkansas ************** Nice Table & chairs $48.00/set Formal Table & chairs $350/set Children's clothes 4 pieces/$1.00 More goodies Come and See
Notice is hereby given that a Petition has been filed in the County Court of Van Buren County, Arkansas, to revert Lots 1-19 and 21-31 of Eagle Vista Subdivision-Revised to acreage. A hearing has been scheduled for the 23rd day of December, 2020, at 9 A.M., in the Van Buren County Quorum Courtroom, Clinton, Arkansas, at which time the Petition will be presented to the County Judge for approval. Any person having an objection to the Court granting said Petition is hereby notified to appear at the hearing to demonstrate why the aforementioned platted lands should not be reduced to acreage. First published December 1, 2020 /s/ Kent Tester . KENT TESTER #89123 TESTER LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for Petitioner 230 Highway 65 N., Suite 7 Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-7077 kent@testerlaw.com
LEGAL IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FIRST DIVISION 71PR-2020-111 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NICHOLAS NAHAS, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 22 Lee Road Oak Hill, NY 12460 DATE OF DEATH: November 3, 2018 On the 18th day of November, 2020, an Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by a distributee was filed with the Circuit Clerk of Van Buren County, Arkansas. The following real property is listed in the affidavit: THE S1/2 SE1/4 NW1/4 CONTAINING19.974 ACRES, THE NE1/4 SW1/4, CONTAINING 40.129 ACRES, THE SE1/4 SW1/4, CONTAINING 40.297 ACRES, SECTION 27, AND THE NE1/4 NW1/4, CONTAINING 40.481 ACRES, SECTION 34, ALL IN T-12-N, R-14-W, VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS, BEGINNING AT A SET IRON PIN AT THE COMMON ¼ SECTION CORNER TO SECTIONS 27 AND 34, T-12-N, R-14-W, THENCE S 01°39’11” W A DISTANCE OF 1324.98 FEET TO A SET IRON PIN AT THE SE CORNER OF THE NE1/4 NW1/4 SECTION 34; THENCE N 88°26’30” W A DISTANCE OF 1329.60 FEET TO A IRON PIN AT THE SW CORNER OF THE NE1/4 NW1/4; THENCE N 01°35’17” E A DISTANCE OF 1326.02 FEET TO A SET IRON PIN AT THE SW CORNER OF THE SE1/4 SW1/4 SECTION 27; THENCE N 01°14’32” E A DISTANCE OF 1323.28 FEET TO A SET IRON PIN AT THE NW CORNER OF THE SE1/4 SW1/4; THENCE N 01°14’32” E A DISTANCE OF 1323.28 FEET TO A SET IRON PIN AT THE NW CORNER OF THE NE1/4 SW1/4; THENCE N 01°48’15” E A DISTANCE OF 660.62 FEET TO A IRON PIN AT THE NW CORNER OF THE S1/2 SE1/4 NW1/4; THENCE S 87°57’05” E A DISTANCE OF 1319.89 FEET TO A IRON PIN AT THE NE CORNER OF THE S1/2 SE1/4 SW1/4; THENCE S 01°46’47” W A DISTANCE OF 657.65 FEET TO A STONE MONUMENT AT THE CENTER OF SECTION 27; THENCE S 01°00’11” W A DISTANCE OF 1319.68 FEET TO A SET IRON PIN AT THE NE CORNER OF THE SE1/4 SW1/4; THENCE S 01°00’11” W A DISTANCE OF 1319.68 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; CONTAINING AN AGGREGATE OF 6,136,796 SQUARE FEET, OR 140.881 ACRES. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. Provided, that claims for injury or death caused by the negligence of the decedent shall be filed within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of the notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in such estate. THIS NOTICE first published this 24th day of November, 2020. By: /s/ Nathan S. Morgan NATHAN S. MORGAN, Bar #2009269 MORGAN LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for Estate 244 Highway 65 N, Suite 5 Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-4044
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FIRST DIVISION No. CIV-2020-106 GORDON HECK PLAINTIFF VS. MATTHEW GOTHARD and SHANNAH GOTHARD, husband and wife DEFENDANTS NOTICE OF COMMISSIONER’S SALE
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in pursuance of the authority and directions contained in the decretal order of the Circuit Court of Van Buren County made and entered on the 5st day of November, 2020 in a certain cause, No. 71CV-20-106, then pending therein between Plaintiff, Gordon Heck and the Defendants, Matthew Gothard and Shannah Gothard, husband and wife, the undersigned, as Commissioner of said Court, will offer for sale at public venue to the highest bidder, at the County Courthouse, in which said Court is held, in the County of Van Buren, within the hours prescribed by law for judicial sales, on the 9th day of December, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., the following described real estate, situated in Van Buren County, Arkansas, to-wit: APARTMENT 73, CHELSEA GLADE CONDOMINIUM, FAIRFIELD BAY, AS SHOWN IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 51 AND PLAT BOOK 6, PAGE 3, VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS. SUBJECT TO THE DECLARATION OF HORIZONTAL PROPERTY REGIME, MASTER DEED AND BY-LAWS. LESS AND EXCEPT OIL, GAS AND OTHER MINERALS. TERMS OF SALE: On a credit of three months, the purchaser being required to execute a surety bond as required by law and the order and decree of said Court in said cause, with approved surety, bearing interest at the rate of ten percent per annum from date of sale until paid, and a lien being retained on the premises sold to secure the payment of the purchase money. Given under my hand this 20th day of November, 2020. /s/ Debbie Gray Circuit Clerk This notice published on November 24, 2020.
Page 10
The Voice of Van Buren County
Fishing Report Northeast Arkansas
Lake Charles
The feeding frenzy of largemouth bass, as well as white bass, in Millwood Lake continues for anglers, including this Texas angler who was visiting. Photo provided by Mike Siefert.
Northwest Arkansas
Beaver Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,120.37 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 1,120.43 feet msl). (updated 11-252020) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is “starting to really pick up. Stripers are starting to get on a good fall/winter pattern. Look for Stripers from Rocky Branch all the way up the White and War Eagle. Keep moving; the bite has been pretty consistent. Look for bait and look for striper marks near the bait. Use brooders working as are umbrella rigs. “Crappie are good on brush and laydowns near main river channels. Walleye for the most part have been slow; a few have been picked up in the Monte Ne area on trolled cranks.”
Beaver Tailwater
(updated 11-252020) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “This week's report will be a short one,
as I have been tied up with work. The bite in the tailwater has been good. Most fish are being caught with spoons and PowerBaits fished with light terminal tackle. This week's hot spot is between U.S. Highway 62 Bridge and Spider Creek. If you can get on the water before the Army Corps of Engineers starts generating, the bite will be more productive. If you're fishing flowing water, try fishing the slackwater or drifting. “I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Have fun, stay safe and catch some fish.”
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 659.22 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 659.00 feet msl). The reported lake elevation at Table Rock Lake was 917.03 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 917.00 feet msl). updated 11-252020) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock says the Army Corps of Engineers has been slightly slowing the generation and the shad are getting balled up more. Bait-
fish are pushing toward the backs of creeks. “I have been doing better towards the back of creeks, and some of the shad balls are getting bigger but suspended over the old creek channels,” Del said. The topwater bite has slowed drastically. Try a spinnerbait, chatterbait or square bill for powerfishing “shallow” if there are bushes with deeper water close by and shad, or if it’s cloudy or stormy. Target shallow flats close to old creek channels with runoff. As the sun comes up, change tactics and slow down. Work the pockets, channel swings and transitions with wind. Brushpiles are getting good if there is shad present. The fish position will change depending on sun, wind, current, clouds, etc. “Keep it moving. The jig bite is picking up. Try a half-counce jig in green pumpkin orange, green pumpkin blue, or green pumpkin orange shaky head,” he says. Bull Shoals Lake clarity is dingy to clear, he said. Water level is normal and the surface water temperature is 62 degrees.
(updated 11-252020) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said she received a few reports of small crappie being caught. Lake Charles is down 2 feet because of the drawdown needed to help flood Shirey Bay Rainey Brake Wildlife Management Area for waterfowl season. She says the next good stretch of days for fishing will fall Nov. 27-Dec. 3. The lake is murky. Surface temperature Sunday morning was 59 degrees. For catching those crappie (Lake Charles is known for ample numbers of crappie), use minnows or jigs. Target the brushpiles, stumps and rocky points. There were no reports on bream, black bass or catfish, though the lake often has hot stretches on all those species.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 11-252020) The gate at the dam at Lake Poinsett will be closed on Dec. 1, allowing the lake to begin refilling with rainwater. Property owners with piers and boathouses on the lake have this period to get their last repairs done before the lake will begin filling up. The lake, at Lake Poinsett State Park, has been undergoing a three-year renovation with a new water control structure, more than 10,000 linear feet of shoreline work, more than 100 habitat structures placed on the lakebed, and nearly 100 trees anchored for fish habitat with more anchoring in the plans as the lake begins to refill.
When the lake has enough water for stocking, channel catfish will be stocked to give anglers target fish to seek, while prey fish such as shiners and shad will be stocked. After the prey fish have established a base over the next year or so, predator fish such as largemouth bass and crappie will then be stocked.
Spring River
(updated 11-252020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-4352169) said the Spring River is navigable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and North Fork rivers. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive Woolly Buggers with a bit of flash (size 10), cerise and hot pink San Juan worms (size 10) and Y2Ks (size 10).
Central Arkansas
Greers Ferry Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 458.45 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.04 feet msl). (updated 11-252020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said, “Happy Thanksgiving to all and may you all be blessed to fullest for the future. “Not a lot new to report. The water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 458.40 feet msl, and that is 3.64 feet below normal pool, with some on-again wait-morewait generation for various reasons. Overall
December 1, 2020
catching is real good in places and real bad in others. According to the presence of shad, the turnover, weather conditions and species, that is the short of it. Try and mimic below for best guestimations of when, what and how.” Black bass are shallow to 100 feet. Try Alabama rigs, spoons, spinnerbaits, Wiggles Warts, jigs, topwater baits -- a lot will work; stay around shad or where they are using. Crappie can be caught trolling and fishing vertically, with jigs and minnows. No report on catfish. Walleye are roaming as well; spoons will get a good bite when you find them. Try main and secondary points. Some bream are still shallow and will bite the regular stuff, no report on the rest of them. Hybrid and white bass are doing about the same as black bass: Where things are settled good, a spoon on structure right now is key. Most of the rest are roaming. Stay with shad and try to mimic them.
Little Red River
(updated 11-252020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said, “We had about an inch of rain Tuesday night and the river is dingy. The generation today (scheduled to run two generators for 3 hours Wednesday starting at 5 p.m.) should help clear the river. “The posted schedule has not been accurate for the last couple of days. I am not sure why; maybe a spike in demand for electricity. It is wise to check during the day for an unexpected generation.”
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The Voice of Van Buren County
December 1, 2020
Page 11
Flood of ‘82 Ben Williams of Clinton gave words of encouragement. “I’ve lived here all of my life. I can remember 45 years. I never have seen anything this bad, but I think they’ll
come back from this. There are enough people who love them and we are going to encourage them and they will come back. We’ll see a greater Van Buren County.”
On Patterson Family Part 1
County heritage comes
by Eugene Smith down through my ma-
Recently I dropped by the office of The VOICE newspaper to pet the cats and visit with Terry at the front desk ( cat~ first, then Terry!). As Terry and I chatted, the topic of my interest in genealogy came up and Terry, newshound that she is, suggested that I might write something about my ancestors and extended family in Van Buren County. I was sort of roped in, but I agreed to do my best. Those who know me would say it ain't easy to shut me up, but I am somewhat reticent when I'm writing. My Van Buren
ternal side: Patterson (grandfather) and Whillock (my grandmother). My father's lineage had no connection with this county, so I will not go into it here. It will take more than one installment to do a simple ~utline of the Whillock family, as there were lots of them in the county, so I will begin with the Patterson family. The earliest member of the Patterson in my lineage was James Patterson (1738 -1788) who was born in Accomac County, VA and died in Worcester County, MD. He was married to Sarah Revel (1740 - 1802) of Worcester Coun-
Redemption at Rumley Written by Tina Lewis Johnson before dissipating into
In the mid-1800’s there was a small community called Rumley. There were a few settlers who built their homesteads along the banks of the Little Red River deep in the hollow of an untamed wilderness. Survival required hunting and trapping the wild animals that lived there. It was the middle of winter. The evergreens were bowed from the heavy weight of ice, and the forest floor was covered with a thick blanket of snow. The temperature outside was so frigid the breath of a man would linger as a fog
the frosty air. Four hunters left their homes in the early morning upon hearing the blood-curdling screams of a panther. Their intention was to stay close to home; so, they departed with their guns but left the dogs behind. They tracked the path of the wild cat with ease, but the cat was quick, and they had to proceed carefully and quietly. Many hours later, they spotted the beast sitting high on the edge of a rocky bluff. They watched as he crawled into a cave underneath. He was the largest cat they had ever seen. He
ty, MD. James Patterson was a Captain the Snow Hill Battalion of the Worcester County Militia during the Revolutionary War. As such, his descendants are eligible for membership in Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. Next in the Patterson lineage was the son of James and Sarah, also named James Patterson (1772-1826) who was born and died in in Worcester County. Little is known about this James Patterson and who he manried. One of his children was the next in our lineage, John Revel Patterson. John Revel Patterson (1792 - 1823) lived his whole life in Worcester County, MD He mar-
ried a widow, Mrs. Rebecca (Stevenson) White ( 1795-1829), and among their children was James Henry Patterson. James Henry Patterson (1820-1864) was born in Worcester County, MD, migrated to Arkansas where he married Civility "Cally" Rubottom Bettis in Spadra Bulff, Johnson County (near Clarksville) in 1841 around the early 1850's he moved to Van Buren County and settled in Clinton where he operated a mercantile store. James Henry Patterson was a Mason and formed Patterson Lodge in which he was the first Worshipful Master. He fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War the later be-
came the County Enrolling Agent (a Recruiter) late in the war when he was killed in an ambush by Bushwhackers. James Henry and Cally Patterson are buried in the Clinton Cemetery. They had four children: Henry Overton, who died at age 16; John Rubottom; Ransom, who moved to Cleburne county~ Charles W., who remained in Clinton; and Rosalia. Charles White Patterson (1856-1941) married Minnie Ferguson (1873-1952, daughter of James Ferguson and Sarah Norman). Both buried in Bradley Cemetery. Charles and Minnie had 3 children: Charles Walter; Augustus Garland "Gus"; and Rosalie Augtustus "Gus"
Patterson ( 1899 Clinton - 1971 Clinton) married Margaret Melinda Whillock (1904 Plant -1979 Clinton) and they had 3 children: Billy Charles (1924-1990); Betty Margaret (19272012 - mother of the author); and Mai Katherine 1930-2018). I am stopping with that last generation rather than try to get into the dozens of descendants in my generation. The next installment will get into a study of the Whillock lineage which came down to a much greater presence in Van .Buren County and will take at least three separate articles to cover it down to the same generation as I did with the Pattersons.
was over eight feet long from his nose to the tip of his tail. His weight was near 200 pounds. The men crawled up the steep, frozen slope while grabbing onto the branches of trees that grew up the mountain side. They crouched at the edge of the cavern’s mouth and listened. They heard nothing but the whistle of the wind as it blew through the woodlands. Page Hatchet raised his rifle and pointed it into the cat's den. He saw in the darkness the glow of two yellow eyes. He fired a shot. Uncertain if it was a fatal blow, he requested his friend crawl into the cave to assess the damage. James Rumley declined the opportunity and
handed Hatchet his own gun. While Rumley was reloading the first gun, Hatchet took another shot. The panther gave
a long, rumbling growl, and Hatchet warned the men to retreat. They stumbled down the hill and ran over a mile before they rested and awaited the panther’s attack. When they felt certain they were not prey, they decided they should return home. Unfortunately, the sun was sinking low in the sky and night was upon them. Soon it would be dark, and they were ill-prepared for a night spent in the frozen terrain of the wild woods. They traced their steps several miles before darkness overtook the sky and the temperature began to plummet. As the moon became their only source of light, the view of the trail diminished leaving no distinct path to follow. Deep in the shadows, the nocturnal animals responded to its glow. A distant owl hooted his somber night call. Wild creatures howled and bayed. They were mountain men, they were resilient, but they were going to die. Then came a miracle. In the distance was a sound. It was the jingle of a bell. They waited and quietly listened. They heard another jingle in the distance. They hastened toward the sound of salvation. They found a little hut built on the side of the mountain with a billow of smoke rising from
the roof. They knocked on the wood door and were greeted by a man and his wife. Surrounding the fireplace were several small children huddled around the fire. Their faces glowed from the only source of heat. The family owned very little, but they offered the strangers all they had. The lady shelled dried corn by rubbing two cobs together. She boiled the kernels until they were soft enough for the man to grind with a stone and pestle. When the corn was turned into meal, she added water and lard then baked it in the fireplace until it was bread. They ate the corn pone along with venison the man had killed earlier. That night, the hunters slept on the roughhewn wood floor covered with animal hides and furs. At daybreak, they thanked the family for their hospitality and headed for home. They didn’t want to return empty handed, however. Instead, they decided to return to the cave where the panther hid. They found the cat dead on a bluff with a bullet hole in his chest. They quickly skinned the animal and dressed it out. When the sun was setting below the horizon and after traveling a total of 16 miles that day, they returned home to find their worried families waiting for them.
The Voice of Van Buren County
Page 12
December 1, 2020
Christmas in the Bay
With the beginning of cold weather, these might be the last two outdoor spider webs of the season. They were spotted this past weekend in the Sleigh rides with the Cowboy Clydesdale's Photo by Tina Johnson (photo by Jeffry Burgess) Crabtree area.
12 Month Garden Tidbits By Jeffry Burgess and
The arrival of winter cold put many of the last remaining active gardens to bed, but we don’t have to wait for spring to enjoy the “fruits� of our labor again. This is a great time of year to start growing microgreens
sprouts indoors. Microgreens can be ready to eat in a matter of days and sprouts in a few weeks. Nutritional values are high for both and equipment needs are minimal. Numerous options for seed and kits are available online and make the perfect gift for your favorite fair
weather gardener looking to keep their green thumb active during the dark and dreary days of winter. For more information on this sub- Mr. and Mrs. Claus Lucky Draw Band entertaining shoppers ject check out the “12 dropped by Photo by Tina Johnson Months of Gardening� Photo by Joyce Dobbs Iverson column, appearing in The Voice’s last edition of December.
Sonya Washington’s beautiful tree is looking great.
A 1958 Ford located in Eglantine is transformed into a life sized Christmas ornament.
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voiceeditor@artelco.com
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