The Voice of VBC December 22, 2015 by The Voice of Van Buren County

Of the people, Letters to Santa, Page 1B

By the people, For the people

TUESDAY, December 22, 2015 / Vol. 1 Issue 11 / 75 cents

Merry Christmas

Owner shares history of beautiful Baker House The most famous Victorian house in Van Buren County is dressed in its annual Christmas finery awaiting its well-deserved line of admirers. And the lady of the house has offered to share some memories. Mary Helen Baker says the Bee Branch landmark was built in 1907 by Milton Collums for his wife. Collums died, and his widow and daughter continued to live in the house for about another year. In 1925, Baker's father, Ervin Baker, bought the house for his new bride, Lizzie Hoffman. Four years later, in 1929, their daughter, Mary Helen, was born in the very room

where she now hosts visitors. Mary Helen has lived in the house most of her life, leaving for five years when she began her teaching career to live in England, Arkansas. She returned to Bee Branch and spent 20 years teaching shorthand and bookkeeping at South Side. It was, in fact, some of her former students who started decorating the home about 12 years ago. The decoration became more elaborate over the years, including the addition of a horse and carriage and the couple who appear to be ready for tea on the front porch. The house has been on the Nation-

The horse and carriage, along with Dan and Peggy (on porch), were added to the Christmas collection about four or five years ago, says owner Mary Helen Baker. The carriage and couple were ordered from Texas. al Historical Register since the early 1990s, a distinction that spares its yard from the current high-

way widening project. Baker retired from teaching in 1976, and cared for her mother until her death in

1984. Her father died in 1959. She has spent the years since her mother's death taking care of anoth-

er lady - that beautiful yellow Victorian in Bee Branch. Job well done.

JPs approve 2016 budget Dogs massacred From the Voice staff The Van Buren County Quorum Court approved the operating budget for 2016 at its meeting last week. Figures included $6.525 million for the County General Fund; $4.3 million for the county road fund; $1.8 million for the sheriff's office; and $1.04 million for the detention center. (For a complete look at the 2016 Van Buren County budget, see the Jan. 5 edition of The Voice.) Also at the meeting: * County Judge Roger Hooper said the county has had 13.2 inches of rain since Nov. 17. "I guess

we're living in a rain forest," he said. He said the cost of repairs from the last heavy rains will be reimbursed by the state only, no federal funds, and will bring back about 35 percent of expenditures. * From the sheriff's office, Randy Gurley said the new cars have been ordered and should be delivered the second week of February. There currently are 13 federal inmates at the detention center, and the sheriff would like to have a couple more. Gurley also said kitchen renovations should begin soon.

Fifty-five dogs were found shot to death in Chimes last week. The dogs were found Thursday on a logging road just over the county line in Searcy County by people looking at timber tracts for sale. A few dogs were still alive and are being treated for their injuries; a couple of dogs were not captured. Searcy County deputies said they believe the dogs were taken to the area and possibly poisoned before they were shot. The sheriff's office and the Searcy County Human Society are investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the sheriff's office at (870) 4482340.

3 end up in jail after high-speed chase A high-speed chase through Van Buren County on Thursday, Dec. 17, ended when the driver of the fleeing car turned onto a road that leads only to the county jail. The chase began when Damascus Police tried to stop a white Toyota Camry heading south on U.S. Highway 65 around 12:30 p.m. The officer reported that the car would not stop and was traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer then reported that the vehicle made a U-turn in the middle of the highway and was heading north toward Clinton. During the pursuit, the Camry struck several other vehicles in its attempt to evade police, according to a report from the Van Buren County sheriff's office. A short time later deputies, Arkansas Highway Patrol, and the Arkansas State Po-

lice joined Damascus in the pursuit. As the vehicle was entering the city limits of Clinton it was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph, according to the report. Trying to evade the law enforcement, the vehicle turn east onto Williamson Drive just past Sonic DriveIn in Clinton, the report states. Williamson Drive is a deadend that leads to the sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and detention center. As the vehicle got to the end of the road it turned around and headed back toward the highway, but deputies and police by this time had the roadway blocked. The Camry driver tried to go through a yard, but hit a driveway culvert and lost control, hitting an oak tree head on, according to the report. Officers arrested three black males from Florida -- Kareem Jermaine

Brown, 23, of Fort Lauderdale, Christopher Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Pierre, 26, of Lauderhill, and Darion Sequan Matthews, 18. Matthews was transported to Ozark Medical to be treated for minor injuries. A search of the vehicle found a pillow case with jewelry inside, and illegal drugs, according to the report. Also found in the vehicle were window punches, used by emergency personnel for breaking out windows in case of emergencies. Criminal history checks found that Brown was wanted in Ohio and Kentucky for felony burglary, and Pierre was on probation from Florida. Ohio detectives told deputies Brown was a member of the Snap Money Gang out of Florida that travels across Interstate 70 in the eastern part of the United States, breaking into cars and burglar-

izing homes, according to the news release. The detectives said Brown has been on the run and two of his associates have already been charged in burglaries in Kentucky and Ohio. Cleburne County detectives said they have reports of house break-ins with stolen jewelry that occurred a few hours earlier Thursday, the news release states. The three suspects are being charged with two counts of felony fleeing by a vehicle, felony theft by receiving, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, Improper passing, driving left of center, and failure to maintain control of a vehicle. They are being held at the Van Buren County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing.

Skeeter pretends to be a gift under the Christmas tree at the Voice's office on Griggs Street in downtown Clinton. Dear Readers, It's been three months since The Voice of Van Buren County began publication. We've had a lot of good moments but also some bad. We've tripped ourselves, and we've been pushed around and bloodied. But each time we've had folks step up to help us to our feet and support us in ways big and small: A gift for Skeeter, a basket of fruit, paintings for the office, a beautiful plant, a phone call with some encouraging words. We already knew it, but that doesn't stop us from saying it again and again: You are the most wonderful, caring, amazing people in the world. As 2015 draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our sub-

scribers, readers, advertisers, and those of you we haven't heard from yet. Let us know what you think, what we're doing wrong and right, what you would like to read or see more of or less of. We're listening to you. We also want to thank our contributors who volunteer their time to help make the Voice a true community newspaper, and we thank you for your stories, ideas and suggestions. You constantly amaze and surprise us. And you make it easy to remember the reason we are here: The people of Van Buren County deserve their own Voice. This is the final issue of the Voice for 2015; we're taking off a week for the holidays and the office will be closed from Dec. 22-Dec. 28.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Page 2A

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

It's a Win Win! You know we here at The Voice love contests and giving away prizes.

Now we're having a contest to see who can sell the most subscriptions to The Voice of Van Buren County. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, 2015, whoever sells the most one-year subscriptions to the Voice wins $100 cash! Just bring in completed subscription forms (make as many copies as you need) along with the payment in cash or a check -- $25/year in county, $35/year outside of Van Buren County -and whoever sells the most WINS $100!

For more information call 745-8040 In case of a tie, a drawing will be held to determine the winner.

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

Page 3A

Police Report Scam alert

Volleying to end hunger The Clinton Junior and Senior High Volleyball Teams collected and donated food and hygiene products to make blessing bags for needy families. Pictured with the teams are Homeless Liaison Glenda Stagg (right) and Homeless Coordinator Shelly Hink.

Gifts for the animals South Side Bee Branch Mutts Club Santa Paws Project collected much needed pet supplies for the Van Buren County Animal shelter. Keegan Rose a student at Clinton Elementary School has donated food to the Shirley School pantry to help feed children. The Shirley School District appreciates all the help provided to its pantry. Pictured with Keegan are Jenni Lewis and Tyrene Gardner.

Take me home! This fellow has a couple of brothers, all looking for good homes to take them in. They will be big dogs when they're grown as you can tell from those feet. Can you keep these boys from growing up at the shelter? Adoption fee is $25 and includes neutering, rabies shots and heartworm test. Call Van Buren County Animal Control at 745-2121 for more information.

Deb’s Fashions

On December 16, the Van Buren County sheriff's office received information from a citizen of Van Buren County of a phone scam. It was reported that a group of foreign-speaking persons was contacting individuals on their phones, claiming to be with the Federal Grant Department. A subject, saying her name was Michelle, stated the individual had been selected to receive a $7,000 to $9,000 grant from the US Grants and Treasury Department for paying their taxes on time. The person told the individual they knew her home address and e-mail but needed to verify it. The individual said the caller gave an access code and she needed to call Alex Smith at 206-4523388, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The caller told the individual they had a year to claim the grant and needed to send them a deposit fee of $262 via a Walmart money gram. The original number the scam called from is 202-8859875. Criminals use many different phone numbers and e-mail addresses from areas all across the world to scam money from unsuspecting victims. Never give out

personal information to people you do not know and do not fall prey to sending money to these people, Sheriff Scott Bradley warns.

Arrests made in copper wire theft

Hours after the reported theft of copper wire from Clinton's City Park, deputies arrested two men on theft by receiving charges. On December 11, deputies noticed a lot of black smoke coming from a residence on U.S. Highway 65 South in Clinton. A deputy arrived at the location and found two males burning the insulation off copper wire under the carport of the residence. Investigator from the Van Buren County sheriff’s office arrived to help in the investigation. A city of Clinton employee identified the wire as that stolen from the Christmas lights display at the park. Joshua Moudy, 38, of Clinton and Jimmy Conaway, 33, of Shirley were arrested at the residence. The investigation was then turned over to Clinton investigators. Clinton police officers charged Moudy and Conaway with misdemeanor Theft by Receiving. Moudy and Conaway where later released by Clinton police, according to the sheriff's office.

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The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 4A

Obituaries

Anna Hale

Anna Ruth Hale, 80, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015. She was born October 17, 1935, in Choctaw, Arkansas, to Jesse T. and Dicie (Weaver) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Winfred "Odie" Hale; an infant son; four brothers, Wendell, Vancle, Hazle and Allen Smith;and two sisters, Katheryn Hubbard and Bulah Cullum. Anna is survived by her two sisters, Minnie Lee (Tommy) of Clinton, and Maudean Lewis of Ashland, Missouri; one brother, Willard Smith of Russellville, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Pallbearers: Steve Lewis, Greg Lewis, Kelvin Smith, Dale Smith, Jerry Cullum and Dick Smith. Funeral service was 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas. Burial was in Huie Cemetery. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton

Stephanie Sundelin

Stephanie Jo Sundelin, 63, of Clinton, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2015, in Little Rock. Born June 26, 1952, in Waukegan, Illinois, to the late Steven and Dorothy Diehn Wolowski, Stephanie worked many years as a cook in the hospitality industry. She also served as the first vice chair of the Van Buren County Republican Committee and loved people. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Richard Sundelin of Shirley, Ar-

kansas; children Emily Dunn and husband Shaun of Shirley, John Sundelin and wife Jessica of Fox Lake, Illinois, and Patricia Sundelin of Little Rock; sisters Cathy Wilkes of Mechesney Park, Illinois,and Bonnie Binning of Rockford, Illinois; brother Stanly Wolowski of Santa Clara, California; and grandchildren Lillie Dunn, Sadie Sundelin, and Lola Washington. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and other family. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service of Clinton. Memorial services to be announced at a later date. To sign Stephanie's book of memories, go to www.clintonfuneralservice.com.

Juanita Presnull

Juanita Faye Wyles Presnull, 80, of Clinton, passed away December 17, 2015. Born July 10, 1935, in Aplen, Arkansas, to the late Tom and Ollie Nichols Wyles, Juanita was a retired teachers' aide and was of the Pentecostal faith. Juanita was an avid gardener. She loved all her flowers, especially her house plants. After learning to drive and obtaining her license at age 63, her love of driving continued as long as she was able. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Charles Presnull and wife Tina of Dennard, Arkansas, William Presnull of Houston, Arkansas, Phillip and wife Brenda Presnull of Henderson, Tennessee, Ronald and wife Alice Presnull of Dennard, Arkansas. Also surviving Juanita are her 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 2 greatgreat grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members. Juanita is preceded in death by her husband of over 40

years, Vertis Presnull; one daughter, Sharron Presnull Downs; sisters Alma Scott, Lillie Scroggins, Violia Stewart; brothers Clyde Wyles and an infant brother; and daughter-in-law Mollie Presnull. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, December 19, at Botkinburg Foursquare Gospel Church. Burial was in Dennard Cemetery. Arrangements by Clinton Funeral Service.

Jean Harness

Olivia Jean Harness, known as “Jean,” was born on June 20, 1932, and grew up in Clinton, Arkansas. She was valedictorian of her high school graduating class and received her bachelors degree at Henderson State Teachers College. Later, she taught home economics and elementary education. Jean and Aubie Harness, also of Clinton, were married on July 5, 1955. They lived in California for 46 years, and raised a family of three girls in a comfortable house with a big backyard, where the piano was always being played, and friends were always welcome. In 2000, they returned to Arkansas. Jean’s strong Christian faith was an inspiration to many. She persevered through many long-suffered hardships with a heart for God that never wavered, and a radiant beauty that shined with the joy of knowing Jesus. In recent years, she served as the church pianist at Pee Dee Baptist Church in Clinton. Jean enjoyed birthday lunches, playing bridge, hilarious telephone chats, and decorating for the holidays. She passed away in peace on Wednesday, December 16, 2015. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Aubie Monroe Harness. She is survived by her daughters San-

dra Leigh Flynn, Susan Ann Harness, and Pamela Jane Harness, son-in-law Mark Stephen Flynn, and grandchildren Lindsay Marie Flynn and Ryan Michael Flynn, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, at Pee Dee Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Pee Dee Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Van Buren County Special School or to Pee Dee Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton

Harold Williams

Harold Simmons Williams, 84, of Scotland, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015. He was born May 9, 1931, to Scott and Alta (Simmons) Williams. Harold was an Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War. He was an Air Traffic Controller at Fort Smith and Little Rock Airports. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-inlaw, Rene Williams, five sisters, and two brothers. He is survived by his two sons, Dwight Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Hugh Scott Williams of Vilonia, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Allen Williams, David Williams, Wesley Williams and Jessie Williams; sister, Winnie Hall of Clinton, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews, close friends and his caregiver, Sue Jones of Scotland. Pallbearers are his grandsons. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel, Clinton, with Pastor Roy Dale Clark officiating. Interment was in Pee Dee Cemetery. Funeral arrangements

December 22, 2015 are under the care of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes. com/clinton

Danny Fultz

Bertie Anderson

Roberta "Bertie" Marguerite Anderson, 97, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, December 13, 2015. She was born January 22, 1918, in New Sharon, Iowa, to Forrest and Elizabeth (Hughes) Wood. She was married to Howard in 1943. They moved to Clinton in 1980. She and Howard traveled all over the United States in their motor home for many years. She loved to square dance and she and Howard traveled all over Arkansas to numerous dances. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Mulbrook, in 2013. Bertie is together again with all the ones that passed on before her. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Howard Wayne Anderson; a son, Tommy Wayne Anderson (Sharon) of Dennard, Arkansas; son-in-law, Michael Mulbrook of Clinton; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many friends. Memorial service was 10 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2015, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel, Clinton, with Pastor George Odell officiating. Donations may be made to the Clinton United Methodist Church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home. Online guest book: www. rollerfuneralhomes. com.

Danny Lee Fultz, 57, of Shirley, Arkansas, was born September 25, 1958, to the late Earl and Pauline Lackie Fultz in Fresno, California, and passed from this life December 12, 2015, in Clinton, Arkansas. Danny was an outgoing soul who never met a stranger. He was a goodhearted man who would give the shirt off of his back when it was needed. Left to cherish his memory are three sons, Joshua Lee Fultz and Travis Dean Fultz (Brooke), both of Shirley, and Frankie Kessler of New Jersey; three daughters, Kerri Lynn Fultz (Casey Rice) of Clinton, Brandi Woodward of California, and Alisa Kessler of New Jersey; many grandchildren; many other relatives and special people he took under his wing, and his very special friend, Tina Anderson. Pallbearers: Josh Fultz, Travis Fultz, Dustin Williams, Casey Rice, Anthony Kidd, Gary Hartwick, Andy Anderson, Steve Young, Richard Reynolds and Steve Young Jr. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Saturday, December 19, at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Shirley, with interment at the Shady Grove Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.

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The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

Page 5A

Fishing Report Fisheries biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently conducted trap net sampling on Bois d'Arc Lake in Hempstead County to assess the fishery's crappie population. Catch rates exceeded 90 white crappie per trap net night in November, most of which were from this year's spawn. A handful of crappie were taken for age and growth samples, but the vast majority were released. Anglers can expect to see high catch rates of crappie beginning in 2017, from this strong year class.

Central Arkansas

Lake Conway

(Updated 12-162015) Bates Field and Stream (501-4701846) said the water is stained and at normal level. Bream are biting well on worms and crickets in 4 to 6 feet of water about 20 feet from the bank. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs fished 6 to 9 feet deep around Gold Creek and the Highway 89 Bridge. Bass are biting fairly well on top-water lures and white spinnerbaits fished around creek channels in 6 to 8 feet of water. Catfishing has been excellent on yo-yos and limb lines baited with large trotline minnows and goldfish around cypress trees. (Updated 12-162015) Daniel Zajac at Gold Creek Land-

ing (501-607-0590) said crappie are biting well early in the morning and late in the evening on jigs or minnows. Anglers have been catching them both shallow and deep. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers. Bream are fair on redworms fished near the bottom.

Little Red River (Greers Ferry Tailwater)

(Updated 12-162015) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip ‘em All Guide Service said the Little Red is receiving one unit of generation 24 hours a day. This generation pattern is expected to continue until the lake falls below 463 feet. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, micro jigs and soft hackles are working well for fly-fishers. For Trout Magnet fishing, cotton candy and purple bodies on silver and chartreuse jig heads are working well. The key for both fly-fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get the fly/Trout Magnet down with additional weight, long drifts and maintaining a good presentation. (Updated 12-162015) Greg Seaton with Little Red Fly Fishing Trips (501690-9166) said the Little Red is running one generator around the clock. Water is clearing after the weekend’s rain. Drift fishing remains the only option and care should be taken to safely navigate the high water. Large flies such as micro jigs, egg patterns and San Juan worms are

the best options. (Updated 12-162015) James Dillard at Tailwater Fishing Company (501-2071770) said the water continues to be high. The Corps of Engineers is releasing about 6,500 cfs through one turbine and the floodgates. Wading opportunities are virtually nonexistent. Fishing from a boat has been excellent using egg patterns and San Juan worms.

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 12-162015) Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water level is 2.6 feet above normal pool and falling. Bass fishing continues to be good with the off-colored water. Use spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and jigs shallow. Deeper fish out to 40 feet deep can be caught on a Carolina rig, football head jig, and drop-shot rig. Walleye are scattered with all the new water and the flood gates open as they are headed to prespawn areas. Check points, bridge pilings and other structure near channels and troll large crankbaits 25 to 45 feet deep in 60 to 80 feet of water. The bream have really slowed but some can be taken in 20 to 35 feet of water on drop-shotted crickets. Crappie are suspended in 15 to 25 feet of water around any type of wood cover on jigs or min-

nows fished slowly with very little movement. Hybrid and white bass are biting well. Find the shad in 25 to 50 feet of water and you should find the hybrids and whites willing to bite on swim baits, inline spinners, spoons and some top-water baits.

Harris Brake Lake

(Updated 1216-2015) Whiskers Sporting Goods in Perryville (501-8892011) said the crappie are biting on minnows and Bobby Garland Baby Itty Bit Swim’Rs in monkey milk, pennyback shad, blue ice shimmer and Cajun cricket in 6 to 10 feet of water. Catfishing is good on worms, shad and minnows. Bass are biting buzzbaits and worms. White bass are biting well on Johnson Silver Minnows and Bobby Garland Itty Bit Swim’Rs. Bream are biting on crickets and worms.

Little Maumelle River

(Updated 1216-2015) River Valley Marina (501-5171250) said the water is muddy and should be back at normal level in a couple of days. The recent rain shut things down, but fishing was good before that and should improve with some stable weather.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)

(Updated 12-162015) The folks at Fish ’N Stuff (501834-5733) said the water is high and muddy. No anglers have been in the shop with duck sea-

son in full swing and rainy weather. (Updated 1216-2015) McSwain Sports Center (501945-2471) said the water is muddy and at normal level. Crappie are biting well on minnows. No report on any other species.

Clear Lake

(Updated 1216-2015) McSwain Sports Center (501945-2471) said the water is muddy and high. Crappie are biting well on minnows. No report on any other species.

North Arkansas

White River (Bull Shoals Tailwater)

(Updated 12-162015) Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is fairly clear and high with seven to eight generators running. Not many fish are being caught lately, but they’re bound to be feeding and putting on the weight with the high water.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,125.43 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 1,120 msl). (Updated 12-162015) Southtown Sporting Goods (479443-7148) said the water is high and the recent rain made it a bit cloudy. Stripers are being caught on topwater lures and live bait from Rocky Branch to the dam. Bass are biting well on crankbaits and

jerkbaits in the middle section of the lake. No report on catfish, crappie or bream.

Lake Sequoyah

(Updated 12-162015) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-4443475) said the fishing was good, but the rain totally washed everything out. Logs and trees are floating throughout the lake and the fishing is poor.

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Poinsett

(Updated 12-162015) Lake Poinsett State Park said there were some reports of a fair catch of crappie here at Lake Poinsett last week, and the bait shop sold a lot of minnows. No other report came in last week.

Crown Lake

(Updated 1216-2015) Boxhound Marina (870-6704496) said the water is 6 inches high and clear. Crappie are biting well on minnows in 15 to 20 feet of water. Largemouth bass are biting well on large crappie jigs in yellow/ white or orange/chartreuse fished in 20 feet of water. No report on bream or catfish.

White River near Newark

(Updated 12-162015) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is high and dirty with the recent rain. Bad weather and bad conditions have kept anglers at home lately. No report.

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The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 6A

December 22, 2015

Classifieds • Legal ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

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LEGALS

Van Buren County Special School is accepting sealed bids on a 2004 Ford high top van. 173,000 miles. Van may be seen at Thrift Gifts and More located on highway 65 south. Bids may be left at store. Bids will be opened at store on 1/4/16 at noon. Maintenance records available. Van sold as is. Van Buren County Special School reserves the right to decline any and all bids.

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VAN BUREN COUNTY QUORUM COURT

ORDINANCE NO. 2015-37

ORDINANCE NO. 2015-38

BE IT ENACTED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF THE COUNTY OF VAN BUREN, STATE OF ARKANSAS, AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED: AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ORIGINAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE #2014-24, THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET FOR 2015, TO INCREASE THE PROJECTED REVENUE AND APPROPRIATE $300.00 INTO THE ELECTION COMMISSION BUDGET #1000-109-3030. WHEREAS: All three (3) of the Van Buren County Election Commissioners attended a training conducted by the State Board of Election Commissioners held in October of 2015; and WHEREAS: The State Board of Election Commissioners has compensated each County Commissioner $100.00 for attending, paid to Van Buren County, receipt #1072 on 11-24-15; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS THAT: $300.00 be appropriated into the Election Commission budget #1000-109-3030 to be paid out as follows; Jim Kirkendoll $100.00 George Silva $100.00 Bob Patterson $100.00

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS THAT: $1,790.29 be appropriated and transferred into the Circuit Clerk’s budget #1000102 from the Circuit Clerk’s Recorders Cost Fund budget #3006-102 as follows; $1,500.00 from #3006-102-3100 Other Misc. to #1000-1022001 General Supplies $290.29 from #3006-102-3100 Other Misc. to #1000-1023020 Telephone/Fax

Approved this 17th day of December, 2015

APPROVED: /s/ Roger Hooper. Roger Hooper, County Judge

ATTEST: /s/ Pam Bradford. Pam Bradford, County Clerk

WHEREAS: These monies need to be paid to each Van Buren County Election Commissioner.

DUPLEXES FOR RENT Nice 1000 sqft two bedroom Duplexes with appliances. No Pets. No Smoking $550-$650/month plus deposit.

FREE 6 month old male puppy, 20lbs. Shots given and neutered. Collar, leash, food, treats, and toys included. Call 745 7002 for questions.

REAL ESTATE

Call: 501-745-5858 or 501-412-7682

REAL ESTATE For Sale

For Rent HOMES FOR RENT IN FFB AREA From $375/mon $750/mon Call: (501) 723-4424 Buckhorn, Inc.

Sales/Service House for Rent in CLinton, AR. Very nice 3BR/2BA, unfurnished, storm cellar, shed and fenced area. AVAILABLE WANTED Horse drawn wagon or wagon parts in good condition. Call Tom 501-745-4378

2BR Apartment near Senior Center and School. CH/A, Ceiling Fan, All Appliances, W/D Connections. No Pets.

ORDINANCE NO. 2015-36

LEGALS

Reflect A Moment He said,

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.

VAN BUREN COUNTY QUORUM COURT

LEGALS

$750 mo. with $750 deposit Ph. 501-253-3658

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

3BR/2BA 1600+sqft house, one block south of Shirley School on Hwy 9 on 1.25 acre lot. 501-204-9261

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

December 22, 2015

Page 7A

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 Red River of Life Church of God 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109

Photo by EuGene Smith

Last week's photo was of the Trace Ridge Bible Church in Chimes. Can you identify the Church pictured this week? 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

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

Faith Baptist Church Highway 65 N & Harper Mountain Lane Dennard,AR

Lexington Baptist Church 9525 Highway 110, Shirley 723-4787

Faith Christian 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109

Liberty Missionary Baptist Church 2712 Highway 254 W, Chimes Community

Faith Lutheran Church 310 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3375

Low Gap Community Chapel 4320 Low Gap Road, Alread

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

Lute Mountain Community Church Victory Lane near Highway 16, Shirley 723-8299

New Liberty Church of Christ 4815 Highway 95, Cleveland 669-2575

Colony Church of Christ Hwy 92 E, Bee Branch

Formosa Church of Christ 4940 Highway 9 W Clinton 745-4446

New Life Apostolic Church of Clinton 198 Richard Road, Clinton 745-6411

Half Moon Baptist Church 1031 Half Moon Road, Clinton 745-2273

Damascus United Methodist Church 17194 Highway 65 S, Damascus

Harmony Mountain Church of Christ Quattlebaum and Harmony Mtn Roads 745-2059 Hope Community Church 905 Damascus Road, Quitman

Shady Grove Chapel 4790 Highway 254 E, Dennard Shirley Church of Christ 10509 Highway 16 E, Shirley 745-4859

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 250 Woodlawn Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3349

Formosa Baptist Church Highway 9 and County Line Road, Clinton 745-7709

Damascus Church of Christ No. 6 Highway 124 W, Damascus 745-4446

Shady Grove Baptist Church 5448 Shady Grove Road, Shirley 723-4273

Mount Zion General Baptist 2333 Mount Zion Road, Bee Branch 654-2402

Clinton United Methodist Church 636 Joe Bowling Road, Clinton 745-5181

Grace Baptist Church 3793 Highway 65 S, Clinton 472-7462

Scotland Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church 1476 Scotland-Formosa Road, Scotland 592-3311

South Side Baptist Highway 65 N, Damascus 335-7423

First Pentecostal Church of Clinton Highway 65 S at 1128 Lyn Road, Choctaw

Culpepper Mountain Church of Christ 118 South Essie Road, Culpepper

Scotland Church of Christ 297 Scotland-Formosa Road, Scotland

Mount Zion Church of Christ 1202 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-2572

Clinton Seventh-day Adventist Church 125 Skyhill Drive, Clinton 745-4043

Full Gospel Tabernacle 128 Catland Lane, Shirley 723-4500

Scotland Baptist Church 278 Postal Lane, Scotland 592-3787

Shirley First Baptist Church 10277 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8171

First General Baptist Church 664 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4043

Culpepper Community Church 6055 Highway 336 W, Culpepper

Sardis Freewill Baptist 4141 Highway 124, Gravesville 335-8027

Maranatha Assembly of God 11929 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8181

Clinton Church of Christ 184 Third Street, Clinton 745-4252

Crabtree Foursquare Church 11301 Highway 16 W, Crabtree 745-2894

Sand Springs Missionary Baptist Church Highway 124 E, Damascus 335-8003

Shirley Community Church/First United Methodist 784 Matthew Clark Memorial Drive, Shirley 723-4387

Church of the Nazarene 1664 Highway 65 S, Clinton

Friendship Baptist Church 1321 Third St., Clinton 745-7177

Salem Primitive Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, Bee Branch

MainLine Full Gospel 114 Mariposa Loop, Bee Branch 253-1005

First Baptist Church of Sugarloaf 557 Arkansas 337, Higden 654-2354

Corinth Baptist Church 5158 Holley Mountain Road, Clinton

Rupert Baptist Church 21434 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-8593

New Beginning Church 12200 Highway 254 E, Dennard New Hope Baptist Church 4198 Highway 65 N, Clinton 757-2332

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

Tabernacle of Praise 159 Boston Fern Road, Shirley 723-8280 The Gathering Ministry Outreach 80746 Highway 16 W, Rupert 745-3883 The New Tabernacle 12174 Highway 65 N, Dennard 514-8535 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

Pine Mountain General Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, South of Bee Branch Plant Baptist Church 4897 Highway 110, Clinton 745-6887

Trace Ridge Bible Church

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 8A

Neighbors Patsy Ward

Formosa

I attended the Formosa EH Club Christmas dinner on Wednesday. Those attending were Bill and Earlene Brecheen, James and Sammie Story, DeLane Story and her son, David Story, Roberta Darling and her son-in-law, Beri Chickesh, Holly Linck and JR and me. We had a nice lunch and enjoyed the fellowship. We discussed some projects for the club for next year. It ended with Merry Christmas wishes for all. I visited for a short while with Nina Gray this week. It was the first time I had met her. She is a nice lady and I think I will go visit again. JR and I celebrated our 42nd anniversary on December 15. It’s hard to believe we have been together this long. I guess time flies when you are having fun! Hopefully we will have several more. God bless you all and have a great week end.

Tom Hogan

Dennard

Just a couple of ideas to make this Christmas season special. Our friends at Faith Baptist Church have a nativity on display for all to enjoy, and wouldn't it be fun to spend some time visiting with a neighbor who doesn't get out much these days. Merry Christmas and God bless. (In the next Voice, Tom visits with another gem of Dennard.)

Debby Prout

Highway 110

Crazy temperatures up here on the hill, 70’s to 30’s all in the span of a few days! Happy Birthday to sweet Demi Pilcher as she celebrated her 16th on December 14! Also Zane Widener celebrated his 10th birthday on December 15! Hope you kids had fun.

There has been a few structure fires this past week with the temps changing, please be careful with the heaters etc. as the cold weather settles in. Take precautions. Wishing all a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family, friends and neighbors, stay safe and God Bless.

Mary Jean Hall Scotland

T h e Scotland c o m munity lost Harold Williams, 84, on December 16. He was buried at Pee Dee Cemetery. Our sympathies to his family. No other news until January 2016. Everyone seems to be busy shopping. Be safe over the holidays. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 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 years ago: “Hazel Mason,” a drama, was presented by local talent. $19 was raised which was used to help in providing a laboratory for the Scotland High School.

Jeff Burgess

Crabtree

T h e last modern gun hunt for deer this year is coming up Saturday through Monday. It's another chance to get the big one. It's a good idea to wear hunter's orange in the woods even if you're not hunting. I talked to an interesting lady who has a farm near Crowell Mountain road. She wants to remain nameless but I have to tell how she describes her talkative nature. "I can talk to a stump if it just grows a bit." The Ozarks are filled with colorful language. If I can sneak it past the editor's King's English I'll share a bit of what I "hare in this neck of the woods" from time to time.

I have neighbors who have a garden that looks like something out of a magazine. Enough lush greens, onions and more to feed their family all winter. They do it with long, low, little greenhouses made out of wire hoops and plastic. I've been sworn to secrecy on the location as they want to avoid curiosity seekers. Merry Christmas everybody! If you have info about about the greater Crabtree and 16 West community call Jeff Burgess, 745-1249.

Christmas Scenes

Mainstreet Kids in Shirley caroled around town on the chilly morning of Thursday, December 17, for a few hours. After lunch, they returned to the Shirley Community Center to perform a requested encore for the senior citizens there.

Thelma Murray Shirley

Calla Linn and her sister Glenda Keenihan of Beebe visited their cousin Bobby and Shirlene Ward of Holley Mountain Saturday. Megan and John Feole and son Lucas and daughter Aria Jade of Belleville, Illinois, visited Megan's grandmother Melba Tipton over Thanksgiving. Melba Tipton's son Tony George is spending this wek with her. Louise Emmerson of Holey Mountain hosted the Highway 110 Extension Homemakers Club Christmas Party on Tuesday. If you want sweet onions, buy flat shaped onions; if you want hot onions, by oval shaped onions. It's a good rule to keep in mind. Lois Overturff will be celebrating her 90th birthday on December 23; remember to give her a call. Merry Christmas to all.

The decorated hay bale is back on Highway 95 East, this time posing as a goofy reindeer.

The decorations at City Park in Clinton include this Christmas tree made of lights. (Photo by Robert Snyder)

Our Van Buren County Family Album By Shay Belonie

Bridge club

The Idle Hour Bridge Club met Thursday at the home of Jo Nell Warren. Winners for the evening were: high, Lou Burgess; second high, Gay Whillock; traveling, Carolyn Lefler; and bingo, Jo Nell Warren.

HELP US

FEED HUNGRY KIDS.

Weekends are hard when you’re hungry. But that’s reality for many kids with free and reduced lunches. The BackPack Program works to fill the gap with nutritious, kid-friendly food sent home every Friday. You can help by bringing:

The Van Buren County Library

The Van Buren County Library is accepting applications for a full-time Youth-Services Librarian at the Clinton branch. This position will work with professionals, paraprofessionals, and community members to deliver quality services to children and teens in the Faulkner-Van Buren region. The position will be responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating local, and countywide programs and outreach services to families and youth of all ages (0-18).

December 22, 2015

Donations accepted at First Security locations in Clinton, Conway,

Individual boxes of cereal Packets of instant oatmeal Granola bars Mac-and-cheese Ramen noodles Juice boxes Canned meals with pop-top lids Individually wrapped snacks Fruit cups Pudding cups Powdered milk

Greenbrier, Mayflower and Vilonia now through January. Thank you for helping us make a difference.

Applications for this position will be accepted until Wednesday, December 30th @ 4 p.m.

Bank Better.

For a full job description please contact the library on 119 Shake Rag Rd. Clinton, AR or call 501-745-2100.

onlyinark.com | fsbank.com Member FDIC

December 22, 2015

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 1B

The Voice of

Van Buren County presents

Letters to Santa 2015

May all their wishes come true

Merry Christmas

Bank Better. Member FDIC

Page 2B

Shirley Mainstreet Kids Dearest Santa, Hello! Please bring us lots of wrapped toys and presents! Jaedyn wants a Barbie Dream House. Keaton would like trucks. Bryce wants you to bring him a toy Santa Claus. Macy would like a book with a picture of her playing softball in it. Brooklyn wants makeup, ChapStick, a Barbie Dream House, and a Paw Patrol truck. Gavin would like a new gun. Raylee wants a Frozen Elsa doll. Aedric would like a little, teeny Batman. Stella wants a Paw Patrol truck and a Barbie Dream House. Kenedie would like an Elsa and her own makeup and fingernail polish. Jesse wants a new Batman! Lily would like a Monster High Doll. Gradon wants lots of money that's dollars and pennies and a really sharp knife. Sawyer will take a basketball player. Lex would like a basketball goal and a basketball. Payton wants a truck with a trailer and a boat on it. Jordan will take a new bike and a new basketball goal. Thank you! Love, Shirley Mainstreet Kids

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

Shirley Head Start Dear Santa, I have been really good this year. I hope you have had a good year. I would really like a real puppy and a power wheels this year. Thank you Love, Taylor

Dear Santa, I have been a really good girl this year. I would like some blue earrings and a matching necklace. How are you and the reindeer? Thank you Love, Brylee

Dear Santa, Hi! How are you doing? I have been good this year. I really want a power ranger gun, a blue race car power wheels, and a toy race car. How is Rudolph? Thank you Love, McClain

Dear Santa, I would like a pink car and a yellow truck. I have been good this year. Thank you Love, James

Dear Santa, I have been good this year. I would like a Dear Santa, pink scooter and a vacuum. How are your I have been really good this year. I would reindeer doing? Thank you like a transformer, toy plane, robot, scooter, Love, Aynslee and a bible. I have been nice. How are Dear Santa, the reindeer? Thank you How are you? I really want a speed boat. Love, Bentley Thank you Dear Santa, Love, Blake I have been really great this year. I would Dear Santa, really like some candy, a new bike, a new I have been good this good. I really would bed, and a pool and floaty. Thank you like a red car. I hope you can find one. Love, Payton Thank you Dear Santa, Love, Noah I have been a really good girl this year. Dear Santa, How are you and the reindeer? I really I am really excited about Christmas this want some singing toys, a pink car, a yellow year. I would like a pink scooter. How are bike, a blue couch, and some frozen toys. you and the reindeer? Thank you Thank you Love, Adalyn Love, KeiAla Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I have been really good this year. I would I have been a really good girl this year. I like some spider man toys, avenger toys, and would really like a baby doll and bottle. I hope you are having a good year. Thank a new batman. Thank you you Love, Joey Love, Kaitlyn Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I have been really good all year. I would Hi! How are you? I have been a really like a turbo scooter bike. How is Rudolph? good this year. I would like a pony, a Thank you chicken, and a beautiful dress this year. Love, Dawson Thank you Dear Santa, Love, Destiny I have been really good this year. I would Dear Santa, like a toy dog and a pink scooter. Thank I have been really good this year. I would you like a new bow to go hunting with. Thank Love, Tessa you Love Caribia

Hannah Gipson’s Kindergarten Class Clinton Elementary

Dear Santa, I want a Batman and Robin death stroke, toy robot, and a monster truck. Love, Riley Farrell

Dear Santa, I want a dog, a cat, and an ipad. I love you so much Santa. Love, Kyanna Dunham

Dear Santa, I want a big giant castle cool thing and a puppy. Love, Micah Parkinson

Dear Santa, I want a bird, a squirrell, and an ipad. I love you Santa so much. Love, Blayze Hardy

Dear Santa, I want a toy dog with a collar and toy castle with princesses. I like you and I love Mrs. Claus too. I love you with my whole big heart. Love, Cadence Allen

Dear Santa, I want orbies, an iphone 6, paw patrol play set for my bubba, and a mickey mouse play set that you can type in letters. I love Santa and Mrs. Claus. Love, Nevaeh Huereca

Dear Santa, I want a baseball, a bat, a glove, and a helmet. I love you. Love, Ayden Hays Dear Santa, I want a Monster High doll, a book, and a dress for Christmas. Love, Bella Olsen

Dear Santa, I want a toy hard lion, a toy hard tiger, a real cotton candy maker, a trampoline, and a collared lizard that lives around Arkansas. How does Rudolph's nose work? Love, Connor Merriott

Dear Santa, I want a jacket, a pair of blue gloves, a doggy, and a laptop. Love, Jasmyn Miller

Door Pictures Courtesy: Clinton Elementary Facebook Page

December 22, 2015

Arista Love’s Kindergarten Class Clinton Elementary

Dear Santa, I need a new vest, I want new pajamas. P.S. I like your hat! Love, Cara Dear Santa, I need new shoes, I want a toy pickup. P.S. I like your reindeer! Love, Asher Dear Santa, I need a dress, I want a doll house. P.S. I love you, Santa Clause! Love, Janet Dear Santa, I need a new pair of boots, I want legos. P.S. I love you Santa Clause! Love, Jacob Dear Santa, I need socks, I want a Paw Patrol House. P.S. How do you fly at night? Love, Hayden

The Voice of Van Buren County

Penny Little’s First-Grade Class Shirley Elementary

Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. I would like Legos, Legos – and Legos! Hope you are ready for the big night. Love, Erik Worthing Dear Santa, I have been relly good this year. I would like a blanket, stuffed animals and Legos. Hope you are ready for the big night. Love, Theodore Enns Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. I would like snow shoes, a dictionary, and a batman. Hope you are ready for the big night! Love, Aiden Coots Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. I would like a jail, a zebra and a fourwheeler. Love, Adrain Polk

Dear Santa, I need a new dress, I want clothes. P.S. I like your red bag! Love, Aubree

Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. I would like a stuffed animal, a Elsa dress, a new movie. Love, Mary Adelyn Paxton

Dear Santa, I need a purse for mama, I want a bike. P.S. I will leave an orange out or something (when you come) Love, Kayden

Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. I would like Spongebob and Patrick and Marvel Avengers. Love, Deven Spencer

Dear Santa, I need a tractor battery, I want a skateboard. P.S. I like everything you have all the presents! Love, Trip

Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. I would like fourwheeler race car and a jet. Hope you are ready for the big night! Love, Dalton Hines

Dear Santa, I need clothes, I want an Ipad. P.S. I love your clothes and your reindeer! Love, Kennedy

Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. I would like Elsa dress, play kitty cat and daddy toy horse. Hope you are ready for the big night. Love, Bella Robinson

Dear Santa, I need socks, I want a big, red, giant bike. P.S. I like your red hat! Love, James Dear Santa, I need a bike, I want a new cat. P.S. I like your red coat! Love, Kallie Dear Santa, I need new Christmas jammies, I want a real life police car. P.S. I love Rudolph! Love, Eli Dear Santa, I need a vest, I want a hoodie. P.S. I love your beard! Love, Makena

Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. I wuld like a four wheeler charger, Red ds and Mindcraft Legos. Hope you are ready for the big night. Love, Michael Ginn Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. I would like a pony, four wheeler, and mermaid Barbies. Hope you are ready for the big night! Love, Ireland Witt Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. I would like Wolverine action figure, superhero book, a red and bleu Angry bird, Dinochargers. Hope you are ready for the big night. Love, Paul Massey

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Page 4B

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

Sarah Vernon’s First-Grade Class Clinton Elementary

Dear Santa, Santa Claus how are you doing? Can you pleas say hi for me to Mrs. Claus? I am doing fine. Hi I have been a good boy this year. I would like to have a rocit fishing rod. I will liv you some milk. Say hi for me to Rudolph. I hope you have a good Christmas. Love, Jackson Carroll Dear Santa, Santa Claus can you come her and bring are presins? Santa Claus cen you ples make are presins? I want a slinky. Elves I love you because yall made are toy. Love, Eden Cifuentes Dear Santa, Is Rudolph rill Santa Claus? I been a good girl. Can you please bring me a Dock Mis Stufens knew bill, meteyim Rerdy doll, and a Frozen bike? I will leve cookes on the tabll and white milk and cierits for the reindeer. Love, Katie Fleming Dear Santa, I have been a vere gud boy. Ples breing me skiladrs soopr chrgers pac, drk skiledrs pac, reru gle pets, rerscile drs. I wil lev you choclit milc and cuces. Your friend, Cole Folse Dear Santa, I have bin a good boy this year. I want a drt bike. Win its time to opin the presins my sistr comes and wax me up. I’m going to lev cookes bi my Crismis tree. Your friend, Isaac Garner Dear Santa, Is Rudolph real? Are you mad? Can I have fur real frends pug? How are you? We are going to leav you some coockies. I want a fur real frend pug and a big doll, smart Bord, real live babby pug, plush fish, honey girl, plush dophin, thermlade zoo animal, and a toy babby. Love, Meggie Goodchild Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. The onle thaieng I whant is ples mae I see Santa Clos and Mrs. Claus! Can you tel me all of the Randers. I hope your Elves are wel! I hope your wife is OK! I like Roudolf! From Jacob Green Dear Santa, Santa Claus I Love you and Rudolph. I have been a good boy. Will you ples bring me a fone, 22 toy gun, and a robot dog. It kan do andething. I wot run fast shos. I am going to make kookes if I ken. Love, Triston Johnson Dear Santa, Santa Claus I will mak kukes for you. How are your famile? I hope Mrs. Claus wus my gramo. Zachary and Deven and Nichole are gud evre da. Will you breing me a fone, ipode, and makup. Do you no my grempole? Love, Nichole Joyner Dear Santa, I love you Santa Claus. Your sled looks osum. Santa I will put cookies under the tree and at my moms hous owase the hole entiyer Christmas. I love Rudolph. Thank you elves for making presens. Your friend, Will Legenbauer Dear Santa, Santa claus how did you fide elves? I have been very good this year. Would you please bring mackup, barbi socks, boots, phone with a pink case, tablet, computer with a teal case, lipstick. I will lev cookes on my cofe tabl. Love, Andrea Linn

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. I want mak up, barbis, cumputur, lipstick, TV, pink kase, and cat. I will put cookis on the nit stand. Love, Abby Longshore Dear Santa, Are your reindeer ok? Thank you for the presents! I love Rudolph and all of the other reindeer even if they do not have red glowing noses. I have been a really good girl this year. Can you please bring me a kitten, tablet, and a phone. I am going to leave your cookies for you. Your friend, Kamillah Musser Dear Santa, I Hav bin good at my Hous. Wil you bring me a basketball, tablet, and car. I wil lev you cookies. Your friend, Nestor Nava Dear Santa, Snowflake and Klide are my elves and thay are funeey. I have been a good girl this year. Woud you ples bring me a Chromebook, A.g. car, fone, Kraft set, A.g. Kichin, nail polish, techr set, and a Baskitball. Santa I’m going to give you some cookes and I’m going to give your rendeer some Kerits. Your friend, Finley Newland Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. Will you bring me legos, tablet, fone, and robot. Your friend, Asher Parkinson Dear Santa, How are you all doing? Santa Claus I have bin a good girl. Santa pleys can I have hiy hils. Santa Claus I have a dog home! I want Nel plish, monstr mooveys, and a cat careyr. I want some fake nels, and a baskitbll. Santa I will lev you some milk and some choklit cookeys. Love, Caylee Robertson Dear Santa, How do your elvs make toys? I love you so much wen it is Christmas moring my sister will wake me up and we will read the presints. I have Ben a good girl this year. Would you plese bring me a phone, phone casis, nel polish, 80 lip stik glos, Books, klip up chart, new moves, and monster Hi moves. Your friend, Haley Smith Dear Santa, I Love Santa Claus. I have been a real good boy. Can I ples hav a lego set, cat food, cat, face 22, Ipad, toy gun, fishing pole thats blue. How dus the reindeer fli? Love, Easton Swartz Dear Santa, How are your reindeer? I have been a good boy. Would you pleys bring a fone, tablit, facke cows, and pistl? Santa Claus I am going to leeve you cookies. Your friend, Eli Thomas Dear Santa, I love you and all your siblings. I have ben a very good boy my bruthr has bin a vere good boy too. Can I list wut I want? If I could I wont a remoe kinchrl vehikl that gos on wotr and lend, jogu fer costoom, Ds game, a yo-ler woch Ds game, a smile fase pilo, wii play that is a game, and wii game cod yoshi yarn. Ples if you can. Your friend, Cole Wade Wherry

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

Lisa Jones' Kindergarten Class Shirley Elementary

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Noah Barnett. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super outstanding if you could bring me these things: a talking dog, sausage egg biscuit, Xbox live. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Good Job! for me.

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Rhianna Meeuwsen. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. Cat. 2. A star cookie jar. 3. A Santa cookie jar. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me.

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Triston Cowin. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A robot with a door in it. 2. A puppy. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me.

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Stephen Paden. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Fairfield Bay. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. Zoomer Kitty 2. Candy Cane. 3. A Santa toy. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me.

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jolynn Fultz. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A puppy dog. 2. New clothes and shoes. 3. A cat. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Zolaura Griffith. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A zoomer kitty. 2. A Easy Bake Oven. 3. A spy and a face thingy. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Mark Harris. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Clinton. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A king's costume. 2. A dog that is a pillow. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Riley Hines. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A microphone that goes with a computer. 2. A rock star outfit. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Zane LeGaux. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Fairfield Bay. This year I've been really good and it would be super buper if you could bring me these things: 1. A bead gun. 2. A puppy dog. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me.

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Savannah Roberts. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A play phone. 2. A play computer. 3. New boots. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Carson Shull. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A toy motorcycle. 2. A table with my own chairs. 3. A train that goes choo choo. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Molly Smith. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1. A cartoon movie. 2. A toy. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves I love Lf for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Tommy Stone. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super duper if you could bring me these things: 1 A hunting suit. 2. Hunting gloves. 3. Hunting boots. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hi for me.

Melinda Baneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First-Grade Class Shirley Elementary

Dear Santa, I have been very good this year. Are you ready for the big night? I would like toys, Brock Leshar and John Cena Belt, and Nikkie Bella belt. Love, Gracie Haynes Dear Santa, I have been really good this year. Are you ready for the big night? I woulb like a puppy, snake and headless hoseman costume. Love, Kannon Clauer Dear Santa, I have been prity good this year. Are you readdy for the big night? I would like stuft woody and rc and a noow buzz. Love, Kaden Rushing Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. Are you read for the big night? I would like a bog and John Cena belt and a tooth all. Love, Shun Bradfield Dear Santa, I have been pretty this year. Are you ready for the big night? I would like bog will, guitar fund will fun. Love, Keith Shaver

Dear Santa, I have been super good this year. Are you ready for the big night? I would like guitar, drums, snake. Love, Colton Barnett Dear Sanny, I have been super good this year. Are you ready for the big night? I would like a basket ball and a Baby Pupy, John Cena costume. Love, Ryan Harrison Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. Are you ready for the big night? I would like remote control doll a Elsa doll and a remote control kitty. Love, Destiny Kilfether Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. Are you ready for the big night? I would like toy puppy, toy oven and a mini coloring book. Love, Blair Berry Dear Santa, I have been pretty good this year. Are you reade for the big night? I would like (1) a dog and (2) John Cena doll and (3) Ryan Bader doll. Love, Wyatt Weaver

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The Voice of Van Buren County

Delonda Powell's Kindergarten Class Shirley Elementary

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Kami. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Clinton. This year I've been really good and it would be super neat if you could bring me these things: Elf on the Shelf, phone. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves I love you for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Eric. I am 6 years old. I live in the great town of Fairfield Bay. This year I've been really sweet and it would be super cool if you could bring me these things: Iphone like Kennedy's, skateboard. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves there rock'n for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Andrew. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Clinton. This year I've been really good and it would be super neat if you could bring me these things: Ipod my own Christmas tree, robot girl. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves I love you for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Caden. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super sweet if you could bring me these things: Lego Scooby set, bouncy ball. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves I love you for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Waylon. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super awesome if you could bring me these things: Rechreable motorcycle. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves thank you for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Theo. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super cool if you could bring me these things: Binoculars, bikecy, motorcle. . Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! Dear Santa Claus, My name is Autumn. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Clinton. This year I've been really good and it would be super cool if you could bring me these things: Phone, computer, phone charger. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves hello for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jayden. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super cool if you could bring me these things: Barbie doll, Jack in Box, Baby Doll. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves I love you for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Gavin. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Shirley. This year I've been really good and it would be super cool if you could bring me these things: Farmset, Remote control Blue 33 Race car, IPod Blue. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves I love you for me. Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jasmine. I am 5 years old. I live in the great town of Fairfield Bay. This year I've been really good and it would be super cool if you could bring me these things: Make-up, Barbie-Doll, Candy Cane. Thank you. You're the best Santa ever! P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves awesome for me.

December 22, 2015

Cindy Bradleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kindergarten Class Clinton Elementary

Dear Santa, I would like a snowman, a bike, penguins and stickers. Love, Bella Anders P.S. Do you like chocolate chip cookies? Dear Santa, I would like a yo-yo and a Doc mobile. Love, Kinslee Bagley P. S. Do you like oatmeal cookies?

Dear Santa, I would like a McDoc and a tablet. Love, Cheyanne Rushing P. S. How do the reindeer fly? Dear Santa, I would like a Rudolph toy. Love, PrayLeigh Sturtze P.S. How do your reindeer fly?

Dear Santa, I would like a Dear Santa, Dominus Rex Zoomer I would like Dino and a Spiderman stickers Jurassic Park semi that click, a Rudolph that is remote toy, a new movie, and control. a David book. Love, Love, Gavin TuellP. S. Is Aiden Cooper Rudolph going to lead P.S. How are the way this year? the reindeer? Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I would like Flicker, I would like an Elsa a bear toy, new doll that sings, a perfume, a teacher reindeer, a car, and desk, new clothes and a flower garden. a white fringy purse. Love, Love, Skylar Haskell Reese Wallace P.S. Hi, Santa. P. S. Can I take a picture with you? Dear Santa, I would like a Paw Dear Santa, Patrol vehicle and a I would like a bike Paw Patrol blanket. that goes zoom, zoom Love, and a truck that Braiden Kley goes fast. P. S. How is Love, Rudolph? Collin West P. S. Would you Dear Santa, like cookies or I would like a two celery this year? seat stroller, Barbie beds, a high chair, Dear Santa, and an electric I would like shop scooter. kids, an electric Love, scooter, an Elsa bike, Zoey Knight and a phone. P. S. What kind of Love, cookies do you like? Madison Wood P.S. Do you like Dear Santa, milk and cookies? I would like some Barbie dolls and a Dear Santa, kitchen set. I would like a moLove, torcycle, a 4 wheeler, Jaden Mackey a bike, a scooter, a P. S. Do the elves jacked up truck, some have pointy ears hunting clothes, and like Peter Pan? some nike clothes and shoes. Dear Santa, Love, I would like a race Gunnison Honeycutt car, a dinosaur toy, P.S. Have I been a Rudolph toy, and a good this year? black bear toy. Love, Garrett Patterson P. S. Do you want cookies this year?

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 22, 2015

Page 7B

Kim Treece's First-Grade Class Clinton Elementary

Dear Santa, My name is Julianna. How are you doing? How is Mrs. Clause and the raindeer? I want Inside Out and Big Hero 6. They are movies. And a Baby Doll and a Junn axxics mat. That's all. Thank you very much! I love you very much! (Your frend) Julianna Dear Santa, My name is Cort. I want a 243 and a 410 crossbow and a hellucoper, raindeer. I hope Roudph is healthy. Your fried Cort. Dear Santa, My name is Garret. I want a four wheeler, Star wars legos, rifle BB gun. Your frind Garret Dear Santa, My name is Keetan. I hope you are tacking care of Rudolph. I want a xBox, also games. I want a toy santa. I want a toy Rudolph. I want a remote control Ironman.

Dear Santa, My name is Robin. I want a toy. I want a little car. I want a football book. I like you. How is rudolph?

Dear Santa, My name is Keegan How is Rudolph? Santa for christmas I want a xdox 360. I also want some games. Your frind Keegan Dear Santa, My name is Dereck. How is the Rendeer? I Wanta Xbox 360 and I want a jacet for Crismis. your Friend Dereck Dear Santa, My name is Anna. How is Mrs. Claus? For Christmas I want a sled. I will be laeving cookis, milk and carrot. I love you Santa. How is Rudolph? Your Friend, Anna Dear Santa, My name is Gabriel. I want 8 dollars for Christmas. I also want a tablet with Shadow Fight 2. Thack you.

Dear Santa, My name is Rorie. How are you? How is Mrs. Clus? I want orbe's for Chrismas. Make sure Dear Santa, My name is Linda. How is rubolph? I your elfs make it right. your friend (Rorie) want a Doll. I like a mickey mouse. I Dear Santa, want a tablet. I luve you Santa. My name is Thomas. I will leave cookies. Plese Dear Santa, can I have a D.S. and I want a Mario My name is Shelby. How are you? I Brothers game. From your friend Thomas. want a mini bake oven, and a scootDear Santa, er. I love you. Your friend, Shelby My name is Chloe. How is Mrs. Dear Santa, Claulls? I want a shot hous in a tree. My name is Kale. How are you boing? I i want oorebees for Christmas. I love want a new bike for Crismis. Love Kale you Santa. You,re frend Chloe. Dear Santa, Dear Santa, My name is Kenzie. I want a basktball. My name is Keagan. I want a laptop or Cherimas with Shadow Fight 2 and Skirem! I want a baskt ball goal. I want a pie Face Game. I want some finger nail I love you Santa. Your friend Keagan polish. I love you Santa your friend. Dear Santa, Dear Santa, My name is Makenzie. How is Rudolph? My name is Grace. I hope you are feeling I want a cool frozen blanket and a good. I want a pottery. I want a candle. toy of a puppy. We read a book about I want a tablet. I want some barbys. Santa. Your friend, Makenzie Your fried Grace. I love you Santa.

Crystal Hendrix's First-Grade Class Clinton Elementary

Dear Santa, Wut do your elvs like to do? I like to play. I wunt Call of Duty Ghsts. I wunt a gun to. Love Keegan. Dear Santa, How dus your sled fly? I lke trucks. I wont a gokart for Crismis. I wont a foot bol for Crismis. Love, Bayli

Dear Santa, Santa wat od your elvs look like? Santa, am I on the good list? For Crismis I wood like a fuotball that is purple for Crismis. Asoe a dvd plarer that is lil blue. Love, Gabby

Dear Santa, Your a nice man are you? I have been having a good weck have you?For chistmas may I have a dancing bunny? And I would like a jumprope ples! Love, Aly Dear Santa, Wi is yow red cot red? I hav bing rat? I wunt a robot. I want anubr lin. Luv, Austin Dear Santa, How duse rootofe fly? Dide you sy me by good? I want a halrcotr. I want a drt bick. Love, Logan

Dear Santa, How does rudolph fly? I've been good. I wunt a fack baby doll. I want a barbe for Christmas. Love, Rosalyn

Dear Santa, How old are you? I've ben good threw the hole year. I want a dirt bike to go really fast. I also want a for willer to go in the woods. Love, David

Dear Santa, Wat thus your elvs look like? Iv ben good dis yir. for Crismis I wont legos. oso I wont a football frum sant clos. Love, Zane

Dear Santa, How do your reindeer fly? I love you santa. And I want some makeup for christmas. I want a ipad for christmas. Love Katelyn

Dear Santa, How bus ure sleb flli? I love my techr. I want a bik for crimick! I rily want a smely ber frum Santa efs, rile bad pies, Santa. Love, Leta

Dear Santa, Do you yoos majik? I've ben good all yir! I wont a foot ball for Crismas. I wont a baby doll for crismis. Love, Adison Reeves

Dear Santa, How is Rudolph doing? Can he fly? Have I bin good for this year? Can yer elve mace a elve? Can yor git me a ril pupe, can mace medtem yor for me pupey? Love, Khloe

Dear Santa, how dos your randir fliy? I love you. I like to play with helkoptr. football are fun to play. Love, Landon Dear Santa, How Rudalph can fly? I,m good to day. I went a toy. I went a football braen for play with my cuszns. Love, Anderson

Paper Christmas Melanie Crider's fifth-grade homeroom class at South Side School recycled issues of The Voice of Van Buren County to make a Christmas tree last week. Photo by Melanie Crider

South Side-Bee Branch Elementary students didn't write Letters to Santa to share this year. Maybe next year!

The Voice would like to thank all the teachers who participated.

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 8B

A New Love Was Born On that Holy Night Hidden in an infant Cherished as His delight Soon to be used Throughout His days This gift He was given Would soon be ours to display A love so perfect And so divine That's what we should share At Christmas time! Oldmanocean

December 22, 2015

And the winner is … The Voice of Van Buren County is proud to present this special story that captured the hearts and minds of our panel of judges. The author of the story will be awarded a beautiful Christmas quilt from the Voice and Rose’s Country Fabrics. We thank all who shared their for favorite Christmas memories. My Favorite Christmas

My favorite Christmas took place when I was about 5 years old. We lived in an old rundown house in Cleburne County. My mother was bedfast with cancer and Dad had left her and the three of us children with nothing to live on and no money to buy food. In those days there wasn’t a lot of assistance programs to help people that were down on their luck like us. Neighbors were kind but everyone we knew was almost as poor as we were. As Christmas approached that year we knew there would not be money for presents, but we at least knew the love of a godly mother. We knew that if she could, she would have given us the best there was. On Christmas Eve my two sisters and I went out in the woods and found a limb that had broken off an old oak tree, and carried it back to Mother’s beside. We had no lights or any kind of decorations to put on it, so we went in the back room and found some old rags. We patiently tore them in small strips and tied them all over that old limb, and watched as Mother began to smile from ear to ear. When we were finished, I stood back and looked at that brightly colored limb with different colored rags hanging all over it, and thought it was the most beautiful Christmas tree I had ever seen. The next morning, to our surprise, under the Christmas tree were three small gifts. The neighbors had pitched in and bought us gifts for Christmas. We lost Mom to cancer a few months after that Christmas and there have been many Christmases come and go, but every time one rolls around my mind goes back to that most blessed Christmas of all.

Honorable Mention …

My Favorite Christmas My favorite Christmas Day was 1950, giving birth to our third daughter. My husband and I enjoyed a Christmas dinner with our two daughters, 3 ½ and 1 ½ years old, my parents and his parents. We finished the meal and let the girls open their gifts. The time had come for the arrival of the baby. We didn’t know if it would be boy or girl. We had no phones in our area. My husband drove into Clinton to get the doctor that made house calls and delivered babies. The beautiful baby girl arrived on Christmas Day, 10 p.m. 1950. She is a mother of three, two married daughters, and three grandchildren. – Violet Elliott

– Ester Bass

This poem was submitted by Mary Bradley. She says it is read each year at Christmas time at First General Baptist Church.

Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

Christ y m r as er

from Petit Jean Electric Co-Op Your Connection to the Future Since 1940. (Be sure to watch for downed power lines!)

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house Not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care In hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed, Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head. And Mom in her rocker with the baby on her lap Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap. When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash! When what to my wondering eyes should appear But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY! The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! returning just like He said. And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself. In the Book of Life which He held in His hand Was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name, When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame. The people whose names had been written with love He gathered to take to His Father above. With those who were ready He rose without a sound While all the rest were left standing around. I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only we had been ready tonight. In the words of this poem the meaning is clear, The coming of Jesus is drawing near. There's only one life and when comes the last call We'll find that the Bible was true after all.