Arkansas Crossroads

ARKANSAS CROSSROADS

Love, Laughter & “I Do” Samantha McFadden is the wedding wizard of The Silos

Will the Thrill: Making waves in NEA’s music scene

Welcome to the wonderful world of Wilson

Designing Dreams: Cindy Shepard is living her best life

From the Editor

Welcometo the transformed pages of Arkansas Crossroads, a magazine that embraces the vibrant spirit of our beloved state and all who call it home. Formerly known as Delta Crossroads, we have reimagined and expanded our publication to better serve our readers and engage with our advertisers, offering a comprehensive platform that truly represents the essence of Arkansas.

Our mission is simple: to celebrate the richness of our state and the incredible individuals who make it the best place to live, work and explore. Arkansas Crossroads aims to captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more. Through our carefully selected content, we invite you on a captivating journey, uncovering the hidden gems, unique stories and untold wonders that make Arkansas truly exceptional.

In this revitalized magazine, we have broadened our horizons to showcase more of our wonderful state, shedding light on the captivating experiences found within its borders. From the rolling Ozark Mountains to the sprawling Arkansas Delta, we aim to encapsulate the diversity that defines our region, shining a spotlight on the landscapes, traditions and people who make up the heart of our communities.

With each turn of the page, prepare to be whisked away on a thrilling adventure through the enchanting towns, thriving cities and breathtaking wilderness that make up our beloved state. Through in-depth features, compelling profiles and captivating photo essays, we will delve into the heartbeat of Arkansas, unearthing the stories that often go unnoticed but deserve to be shared with the world.

At Arkansas Crossroads, we understand our state is not only defined by its natural beauty but also by the creativity and talent that flows through its veins. In homage to our great arts scene, we will salute the artists,

ARKANSAS CROSSROADS

musicians, writers and performers who infuse our communities with their unique expressions. By celebrating their creativity and showcasing their work, we hope to grow a deeper appreciation for the arts and inspire others to embrace their own creative pursuits.

As we honor the present and look to the future, we remain ever mindful of our rich history. Arkansas Crossroads will pay homage to the legacies and traditions that have shaped our state, celebrating the stories of those who have come before us. By presenting the past into our narratives, we aim to forge a stronger connection between generations, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that surpasses time.

You will also find a collection of stories that not only inform but also entertain. From tales of resilience and triumph to lighthearted moments of joy and laughter, we strive to create a magazine that brings you delight and inspiration. With each issue, we hope to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the unique jewel that is Arkansas, reaffirming why it truly is the best place to call home.

Within these pages, you will read about Samantha McFadden, a sought-after wedding planner and manager of one of the state’s top event venues, The Silos in Bono. Samantha is one of those people you fall in love with the minute she speaks.

Her passion for wedding and event planning is evident, as is her love for a good time.

We also showcase young Will Wright, who is no stranger to the limelight, being the son of local celebrity Diana Davis. Will is making a name for himself with his vocals and writing skills, known as Will the Thrill, his story into music makes you want to smile.

We take a visit to the town of Wilson, tucked deep into the Arkansas Delta, this town is like a scene from a movie, with a café that serves the best Old Fashioned known to man.

We also introduce a Registered Nurse turned marketing guru, Andrew Knatcal. Andrew’s love for all things marketing sets him apart from the rest.

In each issue, we will highlight an Arkansas community and share a little piece of the people who call it home. In this issue, we highlight the historic town of Pocahontas. Situated along the cool waters of the mighty Black River, the stories of the citizens of Pocahontas run as deep as the town’s history. We hope you enjoy your tour of Pocahontas and make plans to visit soon.

These and many more stories are here, at your fingertips, ready to be read and soaked in. Enjoy the journey as we explore the captivating stories of Arkansas and the remarkable individuals who call it home.

As Editor-in-Chief, it is my honor to welcome you to Arkansas Crossroads. Together, let us embark on this exciting journey, as we uncover the hidden treasures, embrace the richness of our communities and celebrate the incredible individuals who make Arkansas an exceptional state.

Yours sincerely,

Finally where he was meant to be Editor of Arkansas Crossroads finds himself at 40

John Allen French, a name now synonymous with the Pocahontas Star Herald and the Arkansas Crossroads, has been on a remarkable journey of self-discovery that has led him from the artful world of floristry to the vigorous land of journalism. After turning 40 in March, French reflects on his winding path and how he has finally found his true calling.

French’s odyssey began in the small town of Delaplaine, where he graduated from the nowclosed Delaplaine High School in 2001. His thirst for knowledge led him to Black River Technical College in Pocahontas, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree. However, the winding road ahead was far from certain.

After struggling to find his footing in various pursuits, French carved a unique niche for himself with Bloomingtown Florist and Gifts in Pocahontas. For years, he crafted artistic floral arrangements, reveling in the creative freedom and diversity that each day brought.

“It was a way to be unique and creative, and no day was like the other,” he reminisces.

But destiny had different plans for French. One fateful day, a phone call from Jeremy Gulban changed the course of his life. Gulban had recently acquired the historic Pocahontas Star Herald, a newspaper that had been a steadfast presence in Randolph County since 1880. Intrigued by French’s insight into the community’s needs, Gulban reached out to him.

“I told Jeremy, ‘Hire me. Let me run the paper. I can do it. Just give me a chance,’” French recalls. And thus, a new chapter began. Taking on the role of editor, French found himself in uncharted territory. Transitioning from the world of floral design to the realm of journalism was not without its challenges.

“In the floral world, I was sought after because I was one of the best, but when I took over the newspaper, I was like, ‘Eh, I am not very good at this,’” he admits. Months of perseverance and self-doubt ensued before French began to settle into his new role. Determined to succeed, he returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications online from ASU, a decision he reflects upon with zero regrets.

Amidst all these professional transformations, French found support and inspiration in his teenage daughter, Presley,

now 15. A full-time single dad, he was resolute in showing his daughter how to thrive in unfamiliar territory. “I wanted Presley to be proud of me and the positive changes I was making in our lives,” he shares.

Traversing the challenging scene of single parenthood while steering a community newspaper demanded immense dedication. French acknowledges that while this job isn’t easy, it’s certainly more manageable than his previous career in floristry, which had him working around the clock. As he looks ahead, He is focused on continuing his education and pursuing a master’s degree in education, driven by the question, “Why not?”

His aspirations extend to the success of the Pocahontas Star Herald and all the publications within the CherryRoad Media family, including Arkansas Crossroads. “That’s my ultimate goal,” he affirms. And with a light in his eye, French also dreams of writing a best-selling book.

“I think that I might want to retire at 50.”

“It’s never too late to be happy”

-John Allen French

ADVERTISING TEAM

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John Allen French, Anita Murphy, James Jacob Seawel, Jan Ziegler, Drew Calhoun, Cindy Toney Robinett, Hannah Rohrer, Stephen Koch, Nan Snider, Phyllis Jean Casscoe

STORY, COMMENTS + PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

John Allen French

210 McDonald, Pocahontas, AR 72455 jfrench@cherryroad.com | (870) 686-6400

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

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SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Jenny Tyson | jtyson@cherryroad.com | (870) 686-6400

PUBLISHED AUGUST 2023

ARKANSAS CROSSROADS is published quarterly and distributed free all throughout the state of Arkansas.

All contents @2023 CherryRoad Media

ARKANSAS CROSSROADS

32 40 46 50 56 62

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Sam Dodd

SAYING I DO

Samantha McFadden

A DREAM COME TRUE

Richardson Wedding

DESIGNING WOMAN

Becky Barnes

MARKETER WITH A PASSION

Andrew Knatcal

GETTING WOW FACTORS

Cindy Bennett Shepard

A LIFETIME OF CALLS

Ray Bishop

TANK FULL ADVENTURES

Wonderful World of Wilson

IRREGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM

True Southern Grandma

POCAHONTAS DOWNTOWN

PLAYHOUSE

WILL THE THRILL

Will Wright

ARKANSAS ART

Artists Linda Bowlin & Becky Lindner

82 84 86 90 92 94 96

1867 DEATHS OF A POCAHONTAS

JEWELER & HIS MURDERERS

MY DELTA HOME

Phyllis Jean Casscoe

ANOTHER SONG OF ARKANSAS

Bonnie “Little Blossom” Dodd

DOWLESS RETIRES

Fred and Beverly Dowless

FILMING DELTA COUNTRY

Heather Tyler & Gloria Iseli

150 YEARS & STILL ON TRACK

Corning celebrates 150 years

OUR FAVORITE RECIPES

Almond Chicken

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

Polar Freeze closes after 65 years

ARKANSAS OWN GERMAN PUB

Steinhaus Keller

FOREVER A MYSTERY

John Kizer

IN PLAIN SIGHT

True Grit

AROUND ARKANSAS PHOTOS

Mistina Hibbard

Getting to know you

Age: 25

Occupation: Full-time Student/ Actor

Hometown: Corning, AR

What’s your hometown known for, and what do you love most about it?

If we’re going for prestige, its namesake is a loose relative of Albany, NY mayor and state representative, Erastus Corning. In layman’s interests, we have the same mascot as Walnut Ridge, are surrounded by towns that start with ‘P’ in every direction, and walking distance from the state line. What I love most about Corning are the people and their commitment to better the community. The efforts made by Drew Calhoun, Ryan Carter and Carson Hewett in leading the “Growing Corning Together” committee make me proud to say I’m a Corning native. Just don’t call us Corningites!

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what

Indian food. Simple but potent flavors from just a handful of ingredients, even though I really don’t need another excuse to eat more bread.

What’s the most unique or quirky talent you possess that not many people know about?

I can recite the entirety of the 1966 Don Knots comedic vehicle, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and how would you use it?

To unlearn The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and memorize the act III soliloquy from Hamlet. I just want to impress my Lit professors.

Tell us about a hobby or activity that brings you pure joy. Collecting tapes and vinyl records. In a world of streaming that persists on nickel and diming you at every turn for revisionist editions of old content, finding the original artifact is infinitely satisfying to me. The Rolling Stones just don’t sound right unless they’re playing from a rock grinding against a wax groove.

If you could time travel, which historical era would you visit and why?

1960’s America. The music, the fashion, the politics; everything was happening all at once. For a brief bit it really felt like we might make a difference and that there was still hope for the world. Who wouldn’t pay to relive mass hysteria over four British blokes with bad hair!

Share a memorable travel experience that left a lasting impact on you.

Seeing a ballet performance of Peter Pan at the Orpheum in Memphis on a field trip when I was 13. Like most teenage boys, I was less than en-

thused, however that moment would become pivotal for my relationship with performance. Seeing how the dancers employed their physicality to convey anger, fear, love and joy in an overarching narrative with no words astounded me, and I knew I had to be a part of it somehow.

What’s the most fascinating aspect of your current occupation?

This is going to sound very pretentious, but when you get so good at a role you achieve transcendence. You’re no longer just reciting lines and responding to cues, you’ve become another person; the tears, the anger, the laughter turns genuine. We love people despite their flaws, but as an audience we love characters because they’re flawed; the Greeks knew this. It’s very surreal when you’re running errands and bump into people who’ve seen the shows and they’ll be like, “oh you’re Paul from Barefoot in the Park” or “that crazy guy from Mousetrap.” I guess in some ways you’re always a character.

Share a funny or heartwarming childhood memory that still makes you smile.

Fishing with Papa at Mom’s Lake in Corning. My grandfather was a very stoic man and never said much, but in that moment it didn’t matter. On those sunny days with a light breeze, I watched him pull my tangled up line out of the reeds and knew he cared.

Imagine hosting a dinner party with three guests, dead or alive. Who would they be, and what’s the theme of the party?

Queen Elizabeth, Betty White and Prince for fondue and board games with an open bar. By the end of the night, they’d all be the same person!

Sam Dodd

MISSOURILOCATIONS

CAPEGIRARDEAU 401S.KingsHighway CapeGirardeau,MO63703 573-335-8226

ARBYRD Hwy164West Arbyrd,MO63821 573-654-3511

DEXTER 19084StateHighway114 Dexter,MO63841 573-624-8021

MALDEN 36856StateHighway25

Malden,MO63863 573-276-3896

KENNETT

ARKANSASLOCATIONS

PORTAGEVILLE 421E.MainSt. Portageville,MO63873 573-379-5455

POPLARBLUFF 1443HighwayB PoplarBluff,MO63901 573-785-9628

915HomecrestSt.,Kennett,MO63857•573-888-4646

BLYTHEVILLE 106SouthPorterDrive Blytheville,AR72315 870-763-4556

OSCEOLA 2501WestKeiserAve. Osceola,AR72370 870-563-6636

HOXIE

1974 Highway 63B North Hoxie, AR 72433 (870) 886-6663

PARAGOULD 11625Hwy412W. Paragould,AR72450 870-573-6970

PIGGOTT 1955EastMain Piggott,AR72454 870-598-3848

POCAHONTAS 3937 Highway 67 South Pocahontas, AR 72455 (870) 892-2511

Saying “I Do” with The Silos’

The warm summer breeze caresses the rolling fields of Bono, Ark, as Samantha McFadden, a native of Jonesboro, takes a moment to reflect

on her journey in the wedding planning industry.

The sun casts a golden glow on her family farm, where The Silos stands tall, an enchanting venue that has become a symbol of love and celebration for countless couples.

Samantha’s story is one of unexpected beginnings, a blend of passion, expertise and the pursuit of happiness.

A decade ago, Samantha’s parents, embarked on a remarkable venturebuilding The Silos, a charming barn initially intended for the wedding of Samantha and her husband, Wade, and that of Samantha’s brother and his wife. Little did they know that this endeavor would set the stage for a career that would shape Samantha’s life in ways she had never anticipated.

The Silos quickly became a sought-after destination for couples searching for a unique and scenic venue to say, “I do.”

“I never set out to be a wedding planner or venue manager,” she chuckles, her eyes sparkling with fondness. “But I’ve always been the party planner, the one who loves to host events big and small. Birthdays, showers and yes, weddings! It’s in my blood.”

With a bachelor’s degree in social work from the U of A in Fayetteville, a master’s degree from UALR and a background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Samantha’s transition into the world of wedding planning seemed almost unex-

pected.

As we sit on the porch of the guest house that is set on the property at the venue, Samantha, a mother of three, delves into what sets her wedding planning services apart from others in the industry. With a genuine smile, she emphasizes her dedication to providing couples with the ultimate “stress-free” wedding experience.

“My goal is for couples and their families to approach their special day with excitement and joy, free from the overwhelming burden of planning every minute detail,” Samantha explains. Her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a seamless event are evident in every aspect of her work.

Crafting unique weddings that reflect the couple’s vision is her specialty.

“Sometimes, couples struggle to visualize what their dream wedding will look like,” she shares. “It’s my job to get to know them, understand their priorities and propose ideas that go beyond their imagination.” Samantha’s knack for understanding her clients and translating their desires into reality is a testament to her innate talent and empathy.

However, she acknowledges that challenges are an inevitable part of any job. From unexpected weather conditions to navigating complex family dynamics, she faces each hurdle with grace and flexibility.

“Flexibility is key,” she states firmly. “I always have a plan B ready, and I encourage my couples to remain open to creative solutions. After all, it’s the love and joy that matter most on their special day.”

Despite the challenges, she finds immeasurable reward in the relationships she builds along the way. “The most fulfilling aspect of my job is the

own Samantha McFadden

couples and their families,” she confides. “After ten years in this business, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing love stories unfold, seeing families grow and being a part of truly significant moments.”

Staying attuned to the latest wedding trends is crucial for Samantha to offer her clients the most up-to-date and innovative experiences. With her keen eye for design and a penchant for continuous learning, she keeps herself immersed in inspiration from various sources.

“Pinterest and Instagram are my go-

to platforms for fresh ideas,” she reveals. “I follow wedding venues and planners across the U.S., always eager to discover new trends and bring them to life.”

When asked about the distinguishing features of The Silos, she beams with pride.

“The personal touch and hands-on experience you receive here are unparalleled,” she asserts. “From the moment you reach out to us for information to the final walk-through before your big day, we’re dedicated to understanding your vision, offering

support and making your wedding planning journey enjoyable.”

With nearly a decade of experience, The Silos has honed its process to perfection. Samantha’s team operates like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that couples have a seamless and stress-free experience from start to finish.

“We’ve refined our packages to cater to everyone’s needs, wants and budget,” she adds. The Silos strives to offer a range of options, ensuring that every couple can find their perfect fit.

Continued on Page 16

Transforming the wedding venue to match different themes and styles is where her creativity shines.

“I love it when couples infuse their personalities into their special day,” she exclaims. “With a versatile space like The Silos, the possibilities are endless. Colored linens, hanging floral installations, unique chairs - we’ve done it all to create unforgettable experiences.”

Of course, she has encountered her fair share of unusual requests. One recurring query stands out - including fur babies in the celebration.

“Pets are an integral part of our lives, so it’s only natural for couples to want their furry companions to be part of their wedding day,” she shares. The Silos has witnessed adorable moments with pups stealing the spotlight, adding an extra layer of charm to the festivities.

Coordinating the couple’s vision with the logistical constraints of the venue can sometimes be a delicate balance.

However, she approaches potential conflicts with diplomacy and open communication.

“It’s all about building relationships,” she emphasizes. “I take the time to get to know the vendors and outline expectations clearly, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and valued.”

Behind the scenes, Samantha’s days are a whirlwind of phone calls, emails and meticulous planning. Managing the venue requires her undivided attention, ensuring that every detail is taken care of.

“There’s always something that needs fixing or cleaning, supplies to be purchased and decor to be replaced,” she reveals. Yet, through it all, her passion for creating magical moments propels her forward.

For couples just beginning their wedding planning journey, she offers valuable advice.

“Sit down together and establish your

priorities from day one,” she suggests. “Craft a budget that aligns with your vision and ensure that everyone involved is on board. Remember, this process is not just about planning a wedding; it’s about building a foundation for a strong and united future.”

As the sun sets, casting a radiant glow over the peaceful farm, Samantha gazes at the horizon, reflecting on the love stories she has nurtured. Her journey in the wedding planning industry is a declaration to the power of following one’s passion and embracing unexpected opportunities.

With every wedding she orchestrates, she glues together dreams, love and everlasting memories, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those she touches.

And so, Samantha McFadden continues to craft the extraordinary, reminding us that within the magic of a single day, love’s enduring power shines brightest.

A

Dress: Lows Bridal and Formal

Tuxes: Men in Black

Florals: John Allen French, Becki Gibson and Donna Lowe

Music: Suspense Entertainment

Décor: A Perfect Bloom

Photography: Lauren Tyler and Sammie Polch

Coordinators: Samantha McFadden and Holly Head

Designing WomanBecky Barnes

he world of pageantry is a place where dreams and elegance unite, and at the heart of this dazzling world stands a creative visionary, Becky Barnes.

For years, Becky, from Lake City, has been a steadfast presence, turning aspirations into reality through her custom-designed dresses that grace the stages of countless pageants. As her creations shimmer under the spotlight, her journey unfolds, a story filled with determination, mentorship and an unyielding passion for her craft.

A Journey Kindled by Mentorship

“My daughter Allie started in pageants

when she was two years old,” Becky reminisces. It was a twist of fate that led her to a pivotal encounter with Etta Helms of Lepanto when Allie was five. Little did she know that this meeting would set the course for her remarkable journey. Etta was contemplating selling her dressmaking business, and she saw something extraordinary in Becky.

“She asked me if I wanted it because she thought I had an eye for it,” Becky recalls with a chuckle. While the idea seemed doubtful at first, the solid support of her husband, Ben, and the encouragement of her mentors nudged her to take the leap. With Etta as her guide, and the guiding lights of

puts on the glitz

Laverne Davis and Melva Case, Becky embarked on an unexpected path of self-discovery and creativity.

Creating Magic: One Dress at a Time

In the world of custom pageant wear, there are no shortcuts.

“There are no off the rack designs,” Becky emphasizes. Each dress is proof of her dedication and love for her craft.

“I fell in love with creating different designs then, and that is what still motivates me today,” she says. Every dress is a masterpiece, a singular design, reflecting the uniqueness of each wearer.

Becky’s signature style is defined by her attention to detail, blending timeless elegance with contemporary trends. “I am detail oriented and classic while recognizing current trends,” she affirms.

Inspirations and Milestones

The spark for Becky’s creations is ignited by the child who wears the dress.

“The things that matter most are their personality, helping to bring out their natural beauty,” she explains, echoing the wisdom she gained from her mentors.

Among her many achievements, one

moment stands out, “My designs walked the runway at the Atlanta market fashion show on the main stage with other high-profile designers,” she proudly recalls.

While the journey has been rewarding, competition remains a challenge that fuels her growth, both as a designer and an individual.

Craftsmanship and Legacy

Becky’s dresses are valued for their impeccable fit and timeless allure.

“My dresses stand out because they Continued on Page 22

fit correctly,” she asserts. The fabrics she chooses – super stretch, organza, chiffon and lace – form the canvas on which her artistic visions come to life. And when the right color isn’t found, Becky’s creativity knows no bounds; she hand-dyes fabrics to perfection. Her creations become lasting symbols of beauty and confidence.

Guiding Principles and Future Visions

As her designs continue to grace pageant stages, Becky’s guiding principles shine through.

“All of my girls hold a special place in my heart,” she says with a warm smile. The joy of seeing her dresses worn by competitors fills her heart with pride. Looking forward, she imparts invaluable wisdom, “If you have an idea, go for it, if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay, just keep trying.”

Her dresses have stood the test of time, remaining as relevant today as they were two decades ago.

“My dresses never seem to go out of

style,” she notes. With a new grandchild in her life, she envisions a future where her designs continue to weave their magic.

“I am going to keep doing it until I can’t or until I just can’t come up with something unique,” she declares. The legacy lives on, as her daughter Allie carries forward her dress line at the River Boutique.

“Never doubt yourself, if you work hard, it can happen.”

Meet Andrew Knatcal

The marketer with a passion

In a world overwhelmed with marketing agencies vying for attention, one man stands out with his unique approach and genuine dedication to his clients.

Andrew Knatcal, the owner of Kate Marketing LLC, plans to turn his passion for helping others succeed in business into a career.

Since its inception in June 2022, Kate Marketing has been making waves in Northeast Arkansas with its innovative strategies and complete commitment to helping small businesses thrive.

A critical care RN by day at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Knatcal’s journey into the world of marketing may seem surprising at first. But as he explains, his desire to make a difference in people’s lives extends beyond the walls of the hospital.

“Why marketing?” he muses. “Just like nursing, I realized that I wanted to help others. The COVID pandemic shaped me as a nurse and pushed me to explore new avenues where I could serve as a guide for business owners.”

Raised in Batesville and a graduate of Hooks High School in Texas, he found inspiration from an unexpected source: his retired father’s custom-made riverboat. As they floated down the Black River, Knatcal marveled at the attention to detail and problem-solving prowess evident in every aspect of the boat. He instantly thought of his own marketing desires and how he knew the attention to detail he can give his clients, and like that boat, he can help those businesses run successfully.

“I know every single avenue a business can help itself online and all the available assets,” Knatcal enthuses. “The business owner does not. I am here to help them. They are also trying to run

their business, and too much sweat equity is put in by these owners.”

With a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact and armed with an extensive toolkit of marketing knowledge, he aims to bridge the gap between unsuccessful businesses and their potential for success. Whether it’s crafting appealing websites that truly represent

a brand’s essence or managing social media accounts to bolster engagement and grow an online following, Kate Marketing delivers tangible results.

“I can see myself doing this full time— this is more than just a side gig for me,” Knatcal says. “It’s something that will replace my current profession. I can still help people through this mar-

keting. I serve as a bridge between an unsuccessful business and a successful business.”

His passion for empowering business owners extends beyond his own ventures. He created the Wake Up NEA Facebook page as a platform to inspire and support entrepreneurs in Northeast Arkansas. Through insightful posts and engaging discussions, the page aims to nurture the courage and drive necessary for business growth.

“Northeast Arkansas can be grown by those who want to grow,” he asserts. “The bestlaid plans sometimes fall on

deaf ears, but with the right support and determination, local businesses have the potential to flourish.”

Among the crop of marketing agencies, Kate Marketing stands out as the only accredited marketing business with the Better Business Bureau of Arkansas. This accreditation underscores Knatcal’s commitment to professionalism, ethics and delivering exceptional results to his clients.

To get in touch with Andrew Knatcal and discover how Kate Marketing can transform your business, you can reach him at aknatcal@kate-marketing.com, call 870-484-4694, or visit https:// www.kate-marketing.com.

As he continues to pave his path in the world of marketing, one thing is certain: his dedication and genuine care for his

Andrew Knatcal and his wife, Myriah Knatcal, both originally from Batesville, now proudly call home just outside of Pocahontas in Randolph County.

clients set him apart. With his guidance, business owners can find peace in knowing they have a trusted partner to lead in the ever-changing world of marketing, ultimately leading them to greater success and growth.

Cindy Bennett Shepard

Creating Wow Factors & Personalized Spaces

ith an unparalleled ability to harmonize colors, flavors and aesthetics, Cindy Bennett Shepard, an interior designer based in Paragould, has become a legend in the world of home design. Working her magic at Gamble Home Furnishings in Jonesboro, Shepard’s unique talent for turning houses into homes has earned her praise and admiration from clients far and wide.

The roots of Shepard’s passion for design run deep, originating from her childhood experiences and family influences.

Raised in Randolph County, her upbringing in a farming family in the O’Kean area imbued her with a keen appreciation for aesthetics, as she witnessed her mother’s artistic touch transforming their home.

“My mother had a great eye for decorating,” she reminisces, fondly recalling her mother’s knack for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The spark that ignited Shepard’s career in interior design came when she embarked on a journey to acquire her

real estate license. Her then neighbor Frances Rose, who lived across the street during Shepard’s formative years, left an indelible impression with her perfectly decorated home.

“I just loved how her home was decorated,” she recalls. The seed was planted, and Shepard’s passion for design began to flourish.

Today, Shepard’s portfolio boasts a diverse array of projects, ranging from residential to commercial spaces. Her design process is marked by personalized attention to detail, understanding the client’s vision and infusing each project with a touch of surprise.

“I always want each job to be different and always ending with a wow factor,” Shepard emphasizes, her dedication to delivering unique and unforgettable spaces evident in her work.

Despite her success, Shepard remains committed to constant growth and inspiration. Regularly attending furniture markets, she keeps her finger on the pulse of evolving trends and col-

ors. “I find that it gives me inspiration and can’t wait to get back home and try it,” she exclaims, her enthusiasm for her craft is untiring.

Reflecting on her journey, she chuckles about an amusing incident involving throw pillows.

“The funniest thing I have ever encountered was when an absolute crazy woman attacked me with some throw pillows,” she recalls with a grin. The client’s passion was not directed at Shepard’s design, but rather her disappointment at not being the one to pick out the pillows. This tale exemplifies Shepard’s belief that style is subjective, and she encourages all her clients to embrace their unique preferences.

Beyond her design expertise, she is a woman of many talents. She can out-sing most, out-cook any celebrity chef and possesses a decorating finesse that could leave even the most famous Beverly Hills designer speechless.

Her multifaceted abilities are matched only by her strong family bonds.

Shepard is a proud mother to Ashley and Garrett, who is married to Carolynne, and her role as a grandmother to Bennett holds a special place in her heart. In a touching tribute, Bennett is named after Shepard’s maiden name, Bennett, expressing the legacy that she continues to create through her remarkable career.

As she takes on the vigorous world of interior design, she remains rooted in

her conviction that each space is an opportunity to craft a unique story.

“I have traveled to homes from Arkansas to Bethesda, Maryland, that I didn’t see until I walked into the front door,” she echoes on her career. Armed with a couple of photographs, she undertakes the challenge of turning unknown spaces into personalized masterpieces, her creativity and dedication shining through with every stroke of design.

In the words of Cindy Bennett Shepard herself, “Style is definitely in the eye of the beholder.” Among the ever-changing trends and currents, her design philosophy centers on authenticity and personal expression.

“I always want to give my clients something they love and never expected.”

looks of fall

A Lifetime of Calls and Memories Ray Bishop

Larry Bird famously said, “Push yourself again and again. Don’t give an inch until the final buzzer sounds.”

This quote has been etched into the minds of sports fans, players and officials alike, serving as a guiding source for those who dedicate their lives to the game.

No one embodies this more than Ray Bishop, a retired basketball official who recently found himself at the center of a well-deserved celebration.

On July 14, surrounded by his proud family, Bishop was inducted into the Arkansas Officials Association’s Hall of Fame in Hot Springs. The culmination of a remarkable 42-year journey as a basketball referee, Bishop’s induction was an indication of his dedication, integrity and passion for the sport.

For Bishop, his journey began in January of 1976, when he officiated his first game – a junior high girls’ contest between Stanford and Knobel. Recalling that night with a smile, Bishop confessed, “It was 3-on-3, and I had never even seen 3-on-3 before. I was scared; I knew nothing.” Yet, this significant occasion was the inception of a career that would see him rise through the ranks, making countless calls and leaving an indelible mark on the court.

The road to the Hall of Fame was a long and rewarding one for Bishop. Over the years, he officiated in 19 state tournaments and 12 state championship games, each moment contributing to a treasure chest of memories. One memory that stands out is the 7A boys state championship game in which Bobby Portis, a rising star at Little Rock Hall, dominated the court. The game was a flurry of dunks, and Bishop, ever the watchful official, re-

called, “I called three fouls the entire game, and that was one too many.”

But it wasn’t just the high-stakes games that defined his career. His dedication to the craft and the solidarity he shared with fellow officials became his life’s cornerstones. A true example to this is his enduring friendship with Ron Bellomy, a fellow Hall of Famer. Bishop fondly reminisced, “He is the best friend I have in the world, and we hunt together, fish together and have vacationed together.” Such connections were encouraged by the Arkansas Officials Association, a fraternal organization that felt like family to those who dedicated their lives to the game.

As the years rolled on, the game of basketball evolved, players growing bigger, faster and more skillful. Bishop marveled at the transformation but also acknowledged the challenges this evolution brought to officiating. Despite the changing terrain, his firm

Memories on the Court

commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game never wavered.

Off the court, his support system was paramount. His wife, Brenda, stood as a pillar of strength throughout his journey, enabling him to pursue his passion.

“Without Brenda, I could not have done this. No way,” Bishop confessed. Her steady support allowed him to fulfill his calling even on days when the responsibilities seemed insurmountable.

In hindsight, his journey was defined by the thrill of making impactful calls, the joy of being in the midst of an electrifying game and the friendships he forged. His induction into the Hall of Fame was a crowning achievement, a recognition of his dedication, and a humbling honor.

“It is very humbling and a great reward for the 42 years I put in. I am very grateful,” Bishop expressed, his voice laced with emotion.

He still isn’t fully retired. As the owner, manager and everything in between at Bishop Mobile Glass in Paragould, he still enjoys getting out and about, visiting with the many friends he has made over the years.

Although officiating career ended almost three years ago, Ray Bishop’s legacy continues to inspire. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, friendship and a deep love for the game.

Guided by Larry Bird’s words, Bishop indeed pushed himself again and again, guaranteeing that he never gave an inch until the final buzzer sounded.

PIGGOTT

Success Is What We Do. SCHOOL DISTRICT

Piggott High School

533 E Main St.

Piggott, AR 72454

870-598-2572

Elementar y School

895 E Main St.

Piggott, AR 72454

(870) 598-2546

Superintendent

Freddie Bowen

Board of Education

Jennifer Rahn

Chris Rober ts

Bradley Dunlap

Jim Threatt

Jacob Richardson

Piggott High School Principal:

Paul Seegraves

Elementar y Principal:

Brock Swann

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Tankful Adventures Wonderful World of Wilson

For years, the whispers of Wilson, Ark. had danced on the edges of my curiosity. As someone who enjoys an enticing day trip, I found it surprising that this charming enclave in the Arkansas Delta had escaped my explorations. That is, until this summer, when my friend Chris Robinson and I decided to take a day without commitment and board on a journey to this quaint haven.

The drive to Wilson was an adven-

ture, navigating the Arkansas Delta’s region, with endless rows of corn, soybeans and cotton. It’s a voyage back in time, reminiscent of simpler days and stepping onto a movie set

from a Hallmark Christmas film, although without the presence of Candace Cameron Bure or Cameron Mathison.

We found a spot to park right on the town square, and as we meandered around, the allure was almost palpable, from the immaculate architecture to the perfectly kept grounds. Our journey led us to the Wilson Café.

The Wilson Café proved to be a

symphony of perfection. From the impeccable staff to the inviting bar, every detail was on point. Our beverages, a Moscow Mule and a smoked Old Fashioned, were

chocolate cake felt like a fitting finale. After all, between the two of us, I’m obviously the one who takes part in a good dessert.

Beyond the culinary delights, our trip took us to see The Louis Hotel, a new jewel in Wilson’s crown. As Mr. Charles, a friendly and entertaining elder gentleman, guided us through the establishment, our sense of wonder deepened. The rooftop bar, poised for memorable receptions, offered a sight that evoked awe. The lobby bar, an oasis of perfection, summoned with its quiet elegance and inviting ambiance.

As I enjoyed the perfection of the braised beef ribs and Chris savored the shrimp and grits, it was clear that every dish was a masterpiece. The presenta tion matchedner indulgence in a slice ofless

the flavor, and my post-din-

Nestled near the Mississippi River, Wilson is a hidden gem that lies just 45 minutes north of Memphis and a little over an hour south of Jonesboro. To reach Wilson is to span the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, a domain bordering on the surreal. With its flat expanses interrupted only by the rise of Crowley’s Ridge and the imposing levees, this land transports visitors to a different era. Cotton fields and crops stretch as far as the eye can see. Bright yellow Ag Cats dance in the sky like oversized dragonflies before vanishing into the sunset.

Jones spe archi

But what makes Wilson truly special? Many things, from its cuisine and shops to its Tudor-style architecture. Yet, beneath the surface lies something less tangible: a rich history, a cultural heritage, and an

undying hope. Wilson’s history is intertwined with the Arkansas Delta, once a company town and now a destination. The visionaries behind Wilson’s future seek to honor the area’s legacy while infusing it with fresh hope, not only for the town but also for the entire region.

A glance at Wilson’s architecture is like stepping into a Tudor-era English village, a sight that might make you question your location. How did this charming association come to be? Wilson owes its origins to Lee Wilson, who established Lee Wilson and Company in 1885. What started as a sawmill evolved into a family enterprise that spanned over a century. The sawmill’s expansion led to the creation of logging camps, including the budding town of Wilson.

As logging gave way to farming, Lee Wilson’s empire encompassed railroads, banks, general stores and cotton gins. The Tudor-style architecture, a trademark of the town, traces its roots to Lee Wilson Jr. and his wife, who were inspired by European architecture during their honeymoon. This visionary decision led to the charming Tudor-style town square that graces Wilson today.

In 2010, The Lawrence Group took up the mantle of Wilson’s stewardship, acquiring the Wilson family’s land holdings and commercial buildings. This dedicated group is spearheading the town’s revival, nurturing a vision for Wilson to become a world-class visitor destination and a haven for residents seeking an exceptional place to live, work and raise families.

A vacation in Wilson extends beyond its culinary and artistic wonders. A leisurely walk around the town square reveals architectural marvels, offering a glimpse into history and the promise of a peaceful life. The Hampson Archeological Museum State Park provides a window into the area’s past, while events like wine tastings and concerts promote a sense of community and connection.

Shopping in Wilson is a joy, with White’s Mercantile offering treasures and the Wilson Pharmacy offering both essentials and gifts.

The Delta School, founded in 2014, offers an innovative approach

to education, combining hands-on learning with stunning surroundings.

The future of Wilson glows with promises of prosperity and enchantment. The Alluvium Golf and Country Club, The Wilson Motor Club and an upcoming Spa and Wellness Center are just a few gems that promise to elevate the town’s attraction.

Wilson Brew Works, a brewery on the horizon, adds to the town’s charm. As the pages of Wilson’s story turn, the possibilities remain boundless.

Whether you’re drawn by its Tudor architecture, culinary indulgences or its commitment to nurturing its cultural heritage, Wilson is a destination that merits both your visit and your anticipation for what’s yet to come.

Wilson in Pictures

Irregularly Scheduled Programming

All about a true southern grandma

Friday nights belonged to Grandma Vival. She’d have taken the other six too if her meddlesome daughter-in-law, my mother, hadn’t had her head chock full of silly notions.

Southern grandmothers don’t do boundaries.

Prayers were uttered, words exchanged, and a truce was brokered between the factions. It marked the last time in my life two women ever fought over me.

After the peace accords, my brother Chester and I would spend every

Friday night with our grandparents. From the 3:00 dismissal bell at Maynard Elementary on Friday afternoon through late Saturday morning, we belonged to Granny V. In TV terms we stayed from Saved by the Bell Friday after school through Looney Toons Saturday morning. Granny had not only built her house upon the rock, but also a stone’s throw from the school her grandchildren attended. You had to get up early to get ahead of Vival Seawel.

Living out on Rural Route 5, visits to our grandparents’ house in town afforded my brother and me many opportunities we didn’t otherwise

have – paved streets on which to ride our bikes, adult permission to be lazy, and, perhaps best of all, cable television. Long before the Internet dominated our lives, TV connected folks. She who ruled the remote ruled the world.

Maynard had 13 channels in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which was a whole heck of a lot more—11.5 to be precise-- than we enjoyed out in the sticks between Columbia-Jarrett and Attica, where the only thing going on was a Baptist church in each community and the old country store at Attica.

At home, Jonesboro’s KAIT8 was the only consistent channel. If you jury-rigged the aluminum foil-capped bunny ears just so while also holding your breath and wishing upon a star, AETN would occasionally snow through long enough to feature those two oddballs that kept the homeschool moms in a twitter. Their names were Curt and Bernie, or something like that, but we didn’t get led too far astray as Channel 2 was hit or miss, never mind that boring cartoons have never once turned a child “funny.”

Our parents were educators who spent any evening leisure time reading, so at home our little TV served solely to bring the news: Channel 8 out of Jonesboro for local who-done-whats and Terry Wood’s weekend forecast so our dad could plan his Saturday dates with his French mistress, La Fourche River. Following local news, our parents watched ABC’s World News Tonight and 20/20 for world and national happenings. With any luck, U.S. Senators Pryor or Bumpers, our refined Southern orators and statesmen, would wax eloquent and make my parents proud. And they felt a need to keep a close eye on Gorbachev.

Meanwhile, over in Maynard where Granny ruled the roost with a sharp tongue and an iron skillet, the only Cold War she paid any mind to involved the thermostat. The woman knew two settings: hog killing cold in summer and devil’s armpit in winter. The woman didn’t do half measures.

At Granny and Papa’s, the TV was a huge part of the world. Granny had worked her entire life until her feet had finally played plumb out, thus requiring solid flooring beneath them. Furthermore, her arch nemesis, old “Arthur,” paid frequent visits and wreaked havoc on her joints. Still, she stayed busy from babysitting grandchildren to cooking three meals a day to making, on average, a quilt a month. And, though she didn’t pay much mind to what happened on either coast or in Washington DC, she did keep her eye on her hometown and reported community news to the Pocahontas Star Herald. All the

while, her “progrums” kept her company and provided a suitable outlet for her ire when our saintly grandfather was busy in the garden or out doing his church work and therefore out of earshot.

Granny’s house had only a couple of rules: 1) No swipin’ fried taters until Papa had turned thanks, and 2) Join her if you wished, but do not pull her away from the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas or Falcon Crest. Papa could at least say “amen” to the Cards.

Otherwise, Chester, Cousin WD and I were allowed the run of the place, which included the TV. Some of my peers watched MTV, but even as a

timing (like her commentary), was right on the money. As she passed by the television, a buxom blonde took to shaking this and that while the band honed in on the chorus: God Blessed Texas.

With a scowl Granny said, “Oh, they’re blessed alright.”

My brother and I fell out laughing, but she wasn’t finished. She seldom was. As the cold taters hit the hot grease, Granny continued to fire away.

“Blessed ‘em with everything but good sense and common decency.”

The video that most tweaked Granny’s melon, as it were, was Tracy Byrd’s Watermelon Crawl. Not only were the gals scantily clad (strike 1) and claiming watermelons in Georgia were bigger and better than the Cave City variety (strike 2), they commenced to stomping the bright red meat of the fruit into oblivion (strike 3, you’rrrre out!)

kid I preferred the music of my roots. Like Barbara Mandrell, I was country when country wasn’t cool.

Granny tolerated city folks knocking boots when it was set to scripted dramas, but somehow any hint of rolling in the hay set to country music stuck in her craw.

Back when CMT aired videos, Granny didn’t care much for the treacherous young vixens prancing around on the screen before her impressionable young grandsons. You haven’t truly watched CMT unless you’ve watched it with Granny V while she sat perched in her orange glider peeling potatoes and chastising “hoochie mamas.”

A couple of videos in particular really put a bee in her bonnet. Little Texas’s God Blessed Texas, in which the Dallas Cowboys’cheerleaders flaunted their assets with reckless and seductive abandon really chapped Granny’s fanny. One evening as she got up to take the taters to kitchen, Granny’s

“Them little hussies oughta be shamed a-themselves, tramplin’ them good watermelons like they ain’t got the sense God gave a goose!”

My church elder grandpa offered a dry rebuke. Waxing theological with a nod to Deuteronomy, Papa Quimby declared, “Muzzle not the ox, Mother, that treadeth out the grain.”

She rolled her eyes before dismissing him with her trademark “hooey,” then kept mouthing off as she hobbled kitchen-ward, saying something about Charley Pride never having to stoop that low to sell a record.

My grandparents obliged my channel choice, but they never cottoned to CMT. Why?

“For one thang, it ain’t country,” Grandma said.

“And for another, it ain’t music,” Papa said with finality.

They’d been lifelong fans of The Grand Ole Opry, which we sometimes Continued on Page 48

“Blessed ‘em with everything but good sense and common decency”

watched together on TNN. Somehow weak lyrics and cheap appeals to base sexuality didn’t seem what the Lord or Mother Maybelle had in mind when they invented country music.

Still, there was plenty on TV to keep us on the sunny side of life.There were plenty of programs that could gain consensus. The conflict over music videos dwindled when it came to one thing: the horn of the General Lee.

Of Hazzard and Hillbillies

The Dukes of Hazzard, much to my mother’s horror, was a common thread between my brother, grandparents, and me. Our English teacher/school librarian mother worked night and day to steer us, as well as her students, toward not being the type of rednecks who reveled in never having read a book. (Being a redneck was acceptable; being an ignoramus was not. In 72444, we distinguish.)

Our watching the Georgia yokels drove Mom nuts. She once described the show as “a plot-thin caricature of Southern life with two-bit actors with fake accents on a cheap set created to propel ignorant stereotypes that do little but entertain the unwashed masses while raking in the dough for some rich Hollywood prick who wouldn’t know the real South from east Cincinnati.” Designing Women’s Julia Sugarbaker wasn’t the only Southern woman worthy of being nicknamed “The Terminator.”

Still, Granny, Papa, Chester, WD and I watched The Dukes with hot pursuit. Kew-kew-kew, I love it, I love it!

The Beverly Hillbillies, even more deplorable in our mother’s mind than Boss and Rosco, provided a regular half hour of entertainment. Though his motherin-law, Granny Clampett, was from Tennessee, Jed himself hailed from the Ozarks. To this day, one can still stir up a hornet’s nest on certain corners of the Internet when discussing which side of Arkansas-Missouri border the hillbilly family hailed from. While our mother would have gladly let the MO folks claim the country bumpkins, the greater consensus in the family

was that those hicks in Californywere Arkies like us. If it had been up to our Granny, she might have told TV Granny and them, “Y’all come back now, y’hear?”

The Waltons was one show that my brother and I enjoyed with our grandparents that didn’t make my mother want to stick toothpicks in her eyeballs and peanut butter in her ears. After all, the protagonist John-Boy was honest and decent and a writer to boot. The wholesome Waltons didn’t insult one’s intelligence or make a mockery of being from the rural South. To her they seemed not unlike the Chesters of the Eleven Point River Valley of Arkansas, of which she was one. Besides, the show had been based upon the works of a reputable Southern writer and veteran, which meant he had at least two feathers in his cap in Mom’s eyes.

While Chester, WD, and Granny probably wouldn’t have balked at a rousing car chase with some good old boys running shine and a crooked and inept deputy, the Virginia Walton family had plenty of antics to keep us entertained even if at a slower pace. Besides, with the old spinster Baldwin Sisters and their secret recipe, the residents of Walton Mountain were rarely thirsty and managed to make plenty of mischief of their own. For being teetotaler fundamentalists in a dry county, we sure found a lot of entertainment in those who imbibed.

The Depression Era themes addressed in The Waltons’ Virginia were not dissimilar to those our grandparents had lived through in the neighboring communities of Gooberhull and Brakebill in rural northern Randolph County where they grew up. If anything, our grandparents might have been a little envious of the genteel poverty portrayed on the famous show. Their rural Ozarks upbringing was a site more hardscrabble than the Virginia mountain folks’, but that was okay. Some oldsters fondly reminisced about the days of yore, but Granny found such talk claptrap.

“Now,” Granny said, “why on earth would I want to go back in time and live through The Great Depression all over again? Jesse and Mazie [her broth-

er-in-law and his wife] can go back in time and be hungry, hot, and broke if they take a mind to, but I’m a gonna stay rye-cheer under this air conditioner and watch TV with a full belly.”

Granny dressed mostly in floral “house dresses” she sewed herself. She saved bacon grease, harvested poke sallet, and spoke in the old Appalachian-Ozarkian vernacular. But, she did it all in modern comfort. She never set foot in the Maynard Pioneer Museum of which our hometown is so proud.

Shocked to learn this, I asked Granny why not. She responded, “I growed up in old, cold, leaky roofed cabins where you could see the hogs a rootin’ around beneath ya, and believe-you-me, it ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

In many ways, Granny lived like one of Loretta Lynn’s old aunts back in Butcher Holler, but she did so with easy access to an electric “ice box,” cable television, and central heat and air. She refused to romanticize the rural poverty of her Ozarks girlhood. “That was then, this is now” was her motto.

But the Waltons of Virginia, who persevered come hell or high water, didn’t trigger any PTSD in Granny. Through it all, they remained loyal to faith, family, and country, which is what our grandparents modeled for us. Still, Granny wasn’t about to trade places with them. You can flat say good night to that, John-Boy.

As it turned out, Mom’s fears found no fruition. My brother and I both became readers (though if you saw my brother in his squirrel-hunting getup you’d be forgiven for doubting it).Whether reminiscing about the antics of Rosco P. Coltrane or Cousin Jethro as introduced to us by our TV-loving granny or reflecting on the classics like Sounder or Hatchet our mother bade us read, one thing’s for sure: growing up in the Arkansas Crossroads town of Maynard was the best of times.

James Jacob Seawel, a native of Randolph County, now splits his time between his home in North Carolina, his cabin in Arkansas, and his job Bavaria, Germany.

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Rector School District

Johnny Fowler, Superintendent, 870-595-3151

Rector High School

Nathan Henderson, Principal, 870-595-3553

Rector E lementar y

Mark Manchester, Principal, 870-595-3358

Mission Statement:

We believe all students can learn regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural status. With community and parental support, we accept the responsibility of providing the basic skills and knowledge needed to provide a balanced general education.

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 Baseball and softball summer league conducted through the City of Rector

Pocahontas’ Downtown farewell as Marr Street Productions

The Downtown Playhouse, which has delivered classic, quality, stage plays in a beloved historic building in Pocahontas since opening in July 2015, presented its final production, Barefoot in the Park in July and August.

Although the non-profit organization headed by Kelly Grooms and the Second Act Productions has ended, the arts in various forms continues to be represented at the well-known facility - the site of the original Imperial Theater in downtown Pocahontas - and become The Marr Street Playhouse, headed up by Marilyn Hogan’s Marr Street Productions.

Grooms, the director and general manager of The Downtown Playhouse, said the decision to dissolve the group was based on the fact that he and many of the cast members, staff and support groups were getting older, and wished to pursue other intrests, especially, in his case, spending more time with family members.

After 40 plus years in the theater, which in the last 8 years required most of his personal free time to direct 3 productions each season, amounting to around 36 weeks in a given year, Grooms said he felt it was time to slow down.

“I can’t commit the time to it like I used to,” he said. “Out of our entire core of Downtown Playhouse family

- the board, crew, helpers - I am the youngest. The point is of all us have done this together for decades. It requires physical labor to stage live plays. Everybody thinks of the acting and having a good time and stuff but getting us there is stressful and physical and, as my crew gets older, leaves me out there doing a lot more on my own. Sometimes you have to let go of the things you are pas sionate about, but I can live without it. I am now able to go places and do things I haven’t been able to do.

“But the main reason is I now have more important priorities - spending time with the loves of my life, mainly my grandson. I decided that being a grandpa is for more rewarding than anything else I could do right now. When your best buddy is your grand-

Downtown Playhouse bids Productions moves in

son, you’re a fool to deny yourself that opportunity. I’m blessed to get to spend so much time with him. He has singlehandedly made getting old the most enjoyable time of my life.”

Grooms said he was also happy that the Downtown Playhouse ended on a high note and not because of anything negative, but with all of the core group agreeing to the decision.

And transferring the building to the Marr Street Productions group made it easier, he added, as they will employ and use the beautiful facility for their own productions.

Hogan said her group is very excited and grateful to be acquiring the Playhouse facility.

“We will be utilizing the theater for our student productions, but we also have plans for three productions per season,” she said. “In addition to some of our students, we will be involving performers from the community, similar to the model the Downtown Playhouse has established. We will do our best to continue “the coolest casual night in town” as well as our Marr Street Productions mission, “building character one note at a time.” Many of our students and volunteers have been involved in productions at the Playhouse and we will continue those efforts. Our first production planned, which will be the third installment for the Playhouse season, is the Diary of Anne Frank . We

Continued on page 52

Above, The Imperial Theater was once a popular hangout during the 1940s-1970s

Left, As the building looks today, recently renovated for the Downtown Playhouse.

Max Oakley (right) and Clark Shively (left) stand as ushers in 1942 of the Imperial Theater. Little did they know that Max Oakley’s journey would lead him to become the manager and eventual owner of the Imperial, shaping its legacy in the world of entertainment

plan to open the show the first weekend in November.

“We will “kick off” the spring 2024 season with a live music and dance production, Celtic Nights. Our student showcase, MSP on the Air is scheduled for May. Two more productions are in the planning stages for summer and fall 2024.

“We are also working on plans for renovation of the areas of the building not currently utilized in order to be able to have our classes in the facility.”

For season ticket holders the third play of the 2023 season will be honored by the Marr Street Productions.

The Imperial Theater has a storied history as an entertainment venue since it first opened as a cinema in 1941 on the old Hwy. 67 (now 302 North Marr Street). The building was constructed on the site of the old Randolph County Jail which was built in 1886 and razed in the 1930s.

According to Pocahontas resident Linda Bowlin, whose family owned and operated the theater during the 1960s, the Imperial Theater was built and owned by brothers Henley and Burris Smith in the “art deco style with a beautiful green glazed brick facade and lighted glass bricks and a marquee in the style of large movie houses of the day.”

The building housed a pool hall in the basement along with storage for the theater and on the left side, a grocery store and later ArkMo Power offices, she said.

“There was a stage which showed local talent shows and other community events. A massive velvet curtain covered the screen and opened by drapery cords pulled by the ushers as the movie started. There was a balcony with a cry room.

Show bills were distributed to towns throughout the county and to some surrounding counties on Saturday mornings.

“Opening night movie was Blues in

Bottom:

made it one of Downtown Playhouse’s most cherished shows. Photos by Cyndi Barr/Facebook

the Night, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 1941. The show schedule was Sunday matinee, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday...Wednesday, Thursday and Friday...and then a double feature on Saturday matinee and night. (Movie makers were prolific in the 40s and 50s). Tickets originally cost 10 cents and a big bag of pop corn was 5 cents. A cartoon and a few previews were shown before every movie.

“I think it was the largest air conditioned space in town at the time and for many years and had a very cold water fountain,” she said. “Before ice machines, crushed Ice for drinks was purchased each day at the local ice plant by the river where Overlook Park now”

Bowlin said her dad, Max Oakley, started as an usher at the theater then

manager and became the owner in the 1960s.

According to a paper entitled History of 67 Highway from the archives of the Randolph County Heritage Museum, “this historic old movie theater often was a venue for live performances. The Rhodes family played there many times as well as other, mostly local talent. Two Pocahontas born and raised musicians who have become nationally/internationally recognized in the music industry, Gary Gazaway and Robert Bowlin, had both performed on stage at this theater. J.R. Rogers, a former Arkansas Legislator, has also performed there...all three spent a lot of time in the Imperial during their youth.”

The Imperial closed in the mid 1970s. Afterward local businessman Jake Foster owned the building and rented it for a time to an archery group. In 1994, Foster financed and later donated the building to the Studio for the Arts, a non-profit group which gutted and renovated the building as the Imperial Dinner Theatre where live plays were presented for a number of years. In 2004 the Imperial Theatre group moved to a brand new facility on Hwy 304.

The venue was then sold to local resident Tom Rackley who operated it for a time as the Randolph Music Theater featuring many rock, country, bluegrass and gospel groups.

The facility was purchased in 2014 by Foster and Mike Dunn. Kelly Grooms, who had been a board member with the Imperial Dinner Theatre, became the manager of the brand new non-profit group and headed up the transformation of the facility into The Downtown Playhouse - once again offering live stage plays in the beautiful renovated building with eye catching paintings on the brick walls. The entire outside facade was also changed resulting in an entirely new look to the theater.

In reflecting back on his career in theatre, Grooms said he is pleased with the types of plays they were able to present over the years.

“I’m very proud we opened with A Time to Kill, back in 2015,” he said. “From an artistic standpoint, I am more into the heavier genres, but we also had an obligation for delivering entertaining comedies. We had somewhat of a reputation for doing stories that matter rather than just something to make us laugh and get away from

our problems. We wanted to make sure we never stopped putting real life issues into our offerings. We’ve dealt with mental challenges, racism, divorce, suicide, all real issues. But along the way two thirds of the time we made people laugh and have a wonderful evening out.”

Continued on page 54

Grooms said he doesn’t really have a favorite play, but rates them according to the technical aspects, the artistic value, most entertaining, most fun doing, set design, etc. But in naming a few, he said Night Mother is right at the top of his list and the one people still talk about. Always, Patsy Cline, The Boys Next Door, Tuesday’s with Morrie, Woman in Black and others are also among his favorites.

Carol Belford-Lewellen, a board member and a frequent member of the cast, has been associated with Grooms and the local theatre scene since 2000 when she starred in The Odd CoupleFemale Version. She also appeared in the final play.

Carol said she was saddened when initially hearing the news about the ending of the Downtown Playhouse but gradually came to see it was a good decision.

“At first I said ‘no way’, but the more

we talked about it and I saw the is sues Kelly was going through and I knew the issues that ‘Carol’ was going through trying to perform (it’s more difficult now than it used to be - remembering lines and blocking) it’s been easier for me to accept that, yes, it was time for the Playhouse to close. And not just for Kelly’s sake, but alsofor others like me who are in my same age group who struggle to perform as we used to. And, you know what? I’m good with it. I really am. I’m satisfied with where we are leaving it and I am so proud of what we have done over the years.”

Grooms said he didn’t want this time of closure to be about him but wanted to acknowledge the many supporters that people don’t even know about who are responsible for the success of the Downtown Playhouse. They have given money, time and support and don’t especially want or need the recognition.

“I have been so blessed in all my years to work around groups of people who have this community at the top of their priority list and other groups of very creative people,” he said. “But the people who attended our shows for all those years and enjoyed our offerings and made bonds with us are the most important to me. I hope that when all this is said and done they saw less of supporting a good cause but more of getting a fair exchange of goods because we tried very hard to earn their support. Walking around, talking to them before the shows, that’s what I’m going to miss the most.”

“And we’re delighted that people are saying ‘we’re going to miss you.’” Carol added.

Now Marr Street Productions continues the tradition started in 1941 by people who rightly considered the arts an asset to a community’s quality of life in the same beautiful facility that has stood on Marr Street for over 80 years.

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Will the Thrill

In the Northeast Arkansas (NEA) music scene, one name has been creating excitement and garnering attention like never before. Will Wright, known to his fans as “Will the Thrill,” is a promising young artist whose musical journey is steeped in family roots and a solid passion for music.

Born into a family of media personalities, Will is cutting his own unique path in the world of music, filling his work with a blend of pop, hip-hop and rhythm and blues that attracts audiences near and far.

As the son of the KAIT personality Diana Davis and the younger brother of Destiny Quinn, a respected TV news anchor who followed in her mother’s footsteps, Will’s background is undoubtedly rich in media exposure. However, it is his father, Mitchell Wright, who introduced him to the world of country music, and his mother who brought him into the field of pop and rock classics. This diverse musical upbringing provided the perfect footing for Will’s eclectic sound and style.

“I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t into music,” Will reflects. “My mother tells me that I would steal attention away from my sister and her dance team at competitions because I would be singing and dancing in the stands. I was like five years old. She hated that!”

But it wasn’t just sibling rivalry that fueled Will’s passion for music. Growing up as the kid brother of a teenager, he absorbed a wide range of musical influences, from the hip-hop sounds of Macklemore to the country tunes of Tim McGraw and the energetic pop hits of Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi. This early exposure to different genres laid the groundwork for Will’s musical discovery and his eventual gravitation toward a pop/ hip-hop sound.

“I like to write for a pop/hip-hop sound,” Will shares. “But some of the songs that have gotten the most attention for me are those with a more rhythm and blues sound.”

Indeed, Will’s ability to effortlessly transition between genres is evident in his discography. Tracks like That I Love You showcase his skill in crafting an easy-going, romantic atmosphere, while Curfew playfully

pokes fun at his own experiences while boasting an irresistible pop hook. This versatility is a testimony to Will’s dedication to his art and his commitment to creating music that resonates with a wide audience.

The young artist draws inspiration from a collection of musical icons, ranging from Train and The Weeknd to Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Imagine Dragons. It’s a witness to his eclectic taste and his willingness to embrace a distinct selection of influences that shapes his unique sound.

Will’s journey into the world of music began at an early age, marked by a passion for learning instruments and honing his vocal skills. A multifaceted musician, he took on the challenge of Suzuki violin, piano lessons and even drum ensemble during his elementary years. Summers were spent jamming with fellow young musicians at BackBeat Music in Jones-

NEA’s Rising Star

boro, where he found friendship and a shared love for music.

“I started early! My mother insisted that all the kids in our family play Suzuki violin starting in kindergarten,” Will explains. “I took piano lessons at the Holy Angels Convent and played in drum ensemble at my elementary.

As he continued to develop his musical abilities, Will found guidance and mentorship from figures like Dr. Timothy Crist, who taught him guitar and encouraged him to pursue his passion.

He also credits Krisie Holmes, the choral director at The Academies at Jonesboro High School, for shaping his formal training in voice, which ultimately led to his participation in notable school productions like All Shook Up, High School Musical and West Side Story.

Continued On Page 58

Despite his definite talent and firm determination, Will acknowledges the challenges that come with pursuing a music career as a teenager. “It’s not a lack of support for my work as a teenager,” he admits. “It’s feeling like I am not doing enough to market the songs that I create.”

While juggling the demands of academia, his role as an equipment manager for the A-State football team, and his desire to join a fraternity, Will finds himself constantly piloting the delicate balance between his music aspirations and his academic responsibilities. “My plate is pretty full right now. I feel like my biggest challenge is not having enough time!”

Yet, Will’s passion remains untiring, and he’s determined to conquer the challenges that come his way.

“It’s just something I like doing.

With a dedicated fan base that continues to grow, Will the Thrill’s journey in the NEA music world is just beginning. As he crosses the intricate dance between academic pursuits and artistic undertakings, one thing is certain: his music will continue to impress listeners, capturing the heart of his experiences and emotions.

If I can make a career out of it, that would be great! But I hear a beat and the lyrics just come. It’s like breathing.”

His unique blend of genres, heartfelt lyrics and magnetic stage presence have solidified his position as a rising force to be reckoned with. With a future brimming with potential, Will the Thrill is set to make even bigger waves in the music industry.

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

East Poinsett County Schools

WINNERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Mission Statement

We are living in an era of rapid change where advantages in technology for education are occurring constantly. The mission of the East Poinsett County School District is to provide quality equitable education in a functional, safe environment for all school age children within the community. The district is dedicated to continue teaching, training, and instructing students to be mature, productive and well-rounded adults. To this end, the district will establish a well-developed educational program that will network our teachers, students, parents and community with the technology and resources necessary to compete successfully in the 21st century.

870-475-2331

ARkansas Art

Featuring NEA Artists Linda Bowlin and Becky Lindner

The 1867 Deaths of a Pocahontas Jeweler and His Murderers

In 1867, there lived in Pocahontas a young man named Henry Corey, who was widely known and well-liked by everyone in the community. He was engaged in the jewelry and watch repair business, with his shop located on the south side of the St. Charles Hotel.

This hotel stretched along the east side of the court square and held a significant place in the region. Many prominent individuals, including Nancy Jones, a businesswoman who owned the St. Charles Hotel, graced its doors.

During the same year, three young men resided in the town: George Brainard, John Turpin and Thomas Denman. Brainard and Denman were not originally from Randolph County, so their backgrounds remain unknown. Turpin, on the other hand, hailed from a highly respected family in Pocahontas. Despite his promising reputation as a man of honor and respect within the community, Turpin possessed a flaw that eventually led to his downfall. He had a poor ability to judge character and could easily be influenced by his peers.

The precise date remains unremembered, but the incident that triggered the tragedy occurred sometime in May 1867, between midnight and 6 a.m., at Henry Corey’s jewelry business on the court square.

Brainard and Denman unlawfully entered Corey’s shop with the intention of stealing a specific compass. This compass was to aid them in escaping the area after committing a series of planned crimes. During the trial, one of the three admitted that their initial plan was to loot the entire town of money, goods and horses. Among the targeted individuals were Green R. Jones, a wealthy merchant (and Nancy Jones’s husband) and Sheriff Black, who also served as the county tax collector. In those days, banks and financial institutions were scarce.

Corey was asleep in his living quarters attached to the jewelry shop when Brainard and Denman forcibly entered. Their intrusion awakened Corey, who sprang into action, trying to expel them from the building. A scuffle ensued, during which Denman was wounded by Corey’s gunfire and then Co -

rey was shot and fatally wounded.

Despite his efforts, he managed to chase the criminals out but collapsed dead on the court square.

As they planned their escape, Brainard took a horse from Dr. Harrison, and Denman stole another from Dr. Esselman. While Brainard and Denman were focused on stealing the compass from Corey, Turpin headed to the barn of James C. Marvin, a successful lawyer. Turpin intended to “borrow” some of Marvin’s fine horses.

Turpin heard the gunshots that claimed Corey’s life and panicked, making an escape in a small boat down the river towards what is now Davidsonville State Park. Sheriff Black and his posse swiftly apprehended him there.

Brainard and Denman fled towards the Maynard area on their stolen horses.

Denman’s gunshot wound was severe, and Brainard abandoned him in a barn near Pittman’s Ferry. Denman was discovered and taken into custody.

Brainard was captured while attempting to cross the Black River in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and was brought back to the Pocahontas jail, where he joined Turpin and Denman.

At that time, L.L. Mock, a highly regarded circuit judge, presided. He convened a special court session to expedite the trial of these criminals, leading to a first-degree murder conviction. M.D. Barber, known for his gentility as well as his assertive demeanor, served as the prosecuting attorney. William F. Henderson represented John Turpin, while former Arkansas Governor and Pocahontas founding father, Thomas Drew, was appointed to represent Brainard. Denman lacked legal counsel as he had fully confessed to the crimes, revealing their plot and conspiracy. In return for his cooperation, he received a 10-year sentence in the state penitentiary for his involvement in the deadly spree.

The grand jury comprised of several familiar Randolph County names, including Simington, McNabb, Ryburn, Hufstedler, Black, Crabtree,

Peters, Yancy and Ellis. Promptly, the jury convicted Turpin and Brainard of first-degree murder, condemning them to public hanging scheduled for July 19, 1867.

The execution would take place in a field a few miles west of town, near the present-day Shiloh cemetery area. Notably, C.C. Elder, a distinguished circuit clerk known for his courtesy, was responsible for recording the court proceedings during this period. He later passed away in California.

Brainard faced his impending execution with remarkable courage, sitting on the wooden coffin that would soon hold his lifeless body while he smoked a cigar. Sheriff Black, riding the horse Brainard had stolen from Dr. Harrison, joined the procession to the gallows, where Turpin and Brainard were headed. Brainard humorously remarked to Black, “Mr. Sheriff, next time you want to ride my horse, you must ask for permission first.”

Roughly two to three thousand onlookers gathered around the gallows to witness justice being served.

As bold as Brainard appeared, Turpin was overwhelmed with fear and remorse. Numerous clergymen attended the event and offered prayers for the criminals.

Just before the execution, Brainard addressed the crowd, acknowledging his role and accepting his fate. However, he couldn’t resist taking a swipe at the court, suggesting that Denman should be standing next to him instead of the innocent Turpin. As the noose tightened around his neck, Brainard continued speaking, and just before the rope constricted, he shouted, “Sic semper Gloria, Brainard!” (It is always Glory). Brainard met instantaneous death. Turpin, on the other hand, endured five minutes of agony and torment before finally drawing his last breath.

*All the information presented here was drawn from a letter written by Sheriff Black’s son, George T. Black, in the early 1900s. This letter was based on his father’s account of the events and newspaper articles published at the time of the murder and executions.

My Delta Home

don’t know about you, but I get tired of folks overlooking the Arkansas Delta. Too often when I tell people I’m from the Delta, they immediately think Mississippi. Then when I tell folks I’m from Arkansas, they immediately think the Ozarks. I am not from Tunica, nor do I live in Mountain View. I’m from the Delta: the Arkansas Delta.

Now, I don’t have anything against my neighbors to the east or my fellow Arkansans to the northwest. Elvis was born in Mississippi and I went to school in Fayetteville -- Go Hogs!-- so I am pretty fond of both places, but the Delta is home. The Arkansas Delta.

I love the Delta as it is now, but I am a Christian woman so I suppose I should be honest, though that trait seems to have fallen out of fashion. But, no one wants to hear an old woman talk politics.

The truth is I liked the Delta landscape a lot better when I was a girl. Since I am a southern woman, you will not ask me how long ago it was that my legs didn’t look like a road map. Suffice it to say that on my first trip to Graceland, the Old Bridge was my only option. Swimming would’ve messed up my bouffant and only the Lord can walk on water. (I hate to admit it now but on my pilgrimage to the home of the Presleys, Elvis was the only King on my mind.) Let’s just say I was born after Hernando de Soto, but before the “M” bridge named in honor of the Spanish explored was completed.

A college girlfriend of mine lives up in northwest Arkansas, which I must admit doesn’t seem like the same Arkansas I’m from at all. The Mississippi Delta or even the Missouri Bootheel feel more like home than NWA. Even back in our college

days, Fayetteville and northwest Arkansas resonated with an altogether different culture. It’s like comparing Memphis to Gatlinburg. Hard to believe they’re in the same state. Nowadays, NWA is just a shimmering oasis of opulence and commercialism. I’m not real sure how I feel about it.

On the one hand, how wonderful to have all those jobs and amenities right here in Arkansas. On the other, I never thought I’d see the day where Arkansas succumbed to urban sprawl. Now, I know the complaint sounds laughable to someone from Dallas or Denver, but Arkansans were not designed to sit in bumper to bumper traffic while staring at billboards and cookie cutter subdivisions. Boy howdy, you’d better not be in any rush to get from Fayetteville to Bentonville on a weekday after work, and just plan on looking at new neighborhoods popping up like corn suckers.

There are so many newcomers up there that it has lost much of its small-town Arkansas charm. For better or worse – probably both -most of the Delta doesn’t share that problem.

When I visited my NWA friend a few years back, she just went on and on about the paucity of trees on her road. For a minute I wondered if one of us had skipped her meds. There were so many leaves outside of every window I couldn’t see the clouds.

“Oh, I know there are still trees everywhere, but I mean the giants are gone,” she said. I saw some fair-to-middling sized trees, but the particular stretch of highway we were traveling had until recently been lined with ancient oaks and other hardwoods, majestic reminders of simpler – and more beautiful

– times. I commiserated with her, but she couldn’t let it go.

“Farmers just hate trees!” she said, which irked me because she knows my family farms. But I knew what she meant.

The word farmer means something entirely different along the lower White River from what the term implies throughout the upper watershed of the same river in northwestern Arkansas. In the Delta, farmers are row-croppers – chiefly cotton, soybeans, and rice. In the Arkansas hills, farmers raise livestock. Aren’t those ranchers? You’d be forgiven for asking, but most of my Arkansas connections who raise cattle refer to themselves as “farmers” even if they own five hundred acres. A Texan can rent ten in Oklahoma and still call himself a rancher; he’d sport the Stetson, buckle, and boots to “prove” it. You’ve heard the expression, “all hat, no cattle.”

Arkansans share one trait: we tend not to make too big a fuss out of ourselves. If anything we downplay our successes. Lord knows there are exceptions to the rule, but I’ll spare them – and you—this go ’round. Now then, back to the trees. I asked my friend how she was so sure it was farmers. It looked to me like developers or ARDOT could afford to share some of the blame. She shot that down in a hurry.

“No, it was that old no good so-andso Mr.—”she called his name.

I had heard her lament the gentleman’s antics before when he had flown a popular but profane flag rebuking the President. Now, believe you me, my friend shares the basic partisan beliefs of the flag-waver, but they differ when it comes to candidate and couth. Neither of us even say that word (rhymes

with a water fowl) but we certainly couldn’t imagine displaying such language on a flag in our own yards. Somehow the farmer had stooped even lower than flying trashy pennons for God and everybody to see. I wondered what on earth he could’ve done worse than brandishing vulgarities before the school buses of children who pass by daily. As a beloved neighbor with a keen eye used to say in instances such as this, “Some people just don’t got no durn sense.” Isn’t that the truth? It turns out that Farmer Brown had recently cleared about a mile of a highway frontage fence row only to replace it with a crisp new white fence. Now, in his defense, it was, at first glance, a beautiful fence, looking to my weary eyes like a Lexington horse-country kind of white rail job. I made the point to my friend. She grew a little agitated with my seeming obstinacy.

We are old Christian women. We reserve our bad words for only the worst of circumstances. Well, our instance must have been dire to my friend.

“No, the bleep it’s not a beautiful fence!” She beat upon the steering wheel as if it had stolen her pocketbook and questioned her sense of southern womanhood. People our age need to keep our hands at ten and two, not to mention our wits about us.

I was relieved when she pulled the car over on the shoulder. She told me to look hard, which I did… and heavens to Betsy if the fence wasn’t made of hard plastic. Probably manufactured in China. The barrier had only been up for two years, yet sections of it were already covered in black mold.

I rolled my eyes and sighed out loud.

“See what I mean?” she asked. I said I did. She wouldn’t let it go. Couldn’t, I guess.

“There used to be a dozen old oaks at least two hundred years old. They

were big when I was a girl. Some of them were just regal, others were gnarled and twisted. They’d survived lightning strikes and tornadic winds. All had character. They were beautiful testaments to history and nature, and I bet many of them pre-dated Arkansas statehood.”

She was spreading the butter mighty thick, but she clearly had an axe to grind so I kept my big mouth shut.

We sat in silence. I hoped we would move on.

“All for a bleep-bleep plastic bleep fence!”

It is not good for a woman with bladder issues to laugh as hard as I

did, but I flat couldn’t help myself. Here my friend, a devout Baptist, who rations curse words like sugar during the Depression, had taken to cussing a blue streak. I half expected lightning to strike. Even if it had, I would have kept right on cackling. I never could hold in a laugh once I was thoroughly tickled. She had me to where I could hardly breathe.

She stared at me hard for a long moment and I’m pretty sure she hated me for a second, but finally the contagious laughter we have shared for decades caught up with her and we laughed in sync the rest of the way home. Thank the stars she has two bathrooms and I had packed extra clothes.

Now, back to the Delta and the trees again. I mentioned earlier preferring the Delta of my girlhood. Progress isn’t always good; it isn’t even always progress. One of the things I remember about the Delta of my youth was the trees, which must sound strange to denizens of western Arkansas. But, we do have trees in the Delta, including “Goliath,” the truly ancient bald cypress on the Champion Cypress Tree Trail near Ethel. Once upon a time we had thousands of acres of trees, bigger by far than any old Ozark oak. With a few exceptions in our protected forests and wetlands, those days are long gone. Even if the entire Delta was sown with saplings, I’d not live long enough to picnic in their shade.

The Arkansas flatland is farm country. You can’t get much more horizontal than the Delta, though the preachers of my youth always feared we might. They had no right to talk for the most part, but now I’m just being petty.

It would not surprise me one iota to get to heaven and learn that God created the Delta for the express purpose of rowcrop farming. Delta cotton clothes the world; while Delta rice and soybeans, not to mention catfish and ducks, feed it. If every half-acre were covered in thickets and forests, we wouldn’t be able to live up to our calling. We are a farming landscape and culture, a way of life regularly threatening to forestation and natural wetlands. I understand that, but that doesn’t mean we must cut every last tree and drain every last slough. (Somehow, you knew my disclaimer was coming.)

In the Delta of my childhood, our elders hadn’t left us many trees but we had a few. There was the occasional shade tree in the

fields; the riverbanks remained mostly unmolested; and there were a great many tree-lined roadways. Once, it was seemly to

Our yards were full of huge old trees. Our small towns, church yards, and cemeteries were veritable arboretums. Sister and I passed many an hour on the tire swing Daddy hung from a live oak; we passed our afternoons playing among the low branches of our grandmother’s magnificent magnolias. We could scramble into those branches during a summer shower and stay dry.

Our downtown had row upon row of stately trees. Whether we lived in simple shotgun houses or sprawling homes with columns and balconies or somewhere in between, we took great pride in our yards and the best feature was always the trees. Tulip trees, live oaks, and sycamores galore.

While I sympathize with my friend from the Ozarks, I feel even sorrier for my Delta self. Surely, we can make a little room for trees. Some other white woman might hug a tree and hex anyone who means it harm, but that’s not my style. But, I will plead my case: leave the trees alone. If you must cut one, plant two more in its place.

leave a tree or two where an old home place, country school, or church had stood. Not anymore. Is nothing still sacred?

Trees get in the way of raising cotton, sure; but they are not the sworn enemy like the boll weevil, the cottonmouth, or the mosquito. Trees are trees, not Nature’s

Only recently did I imagine I would write for publication. I knew my subject even before I accepted the assignment. I do love the Arkansas Delta so – from the way it was to the way it is. Might I prevail upon you good folks – you outsiders – to stop overlooking us? We are here. We matter. We have good folks, good food, and good music. To the insiders, my fellow Deltans, let’s remember who we are. And, let’s have some pride in ourselves and in our fertile land of opportunity. Beauty is the natural state of the Arkansas Delta.

Let’s take pride in that.

“I’m saying this is the South, and we’re proud of our crazy people. We don’t hide them up in the attic. We bring ‘em right down to the living room and show ‘em off.

See, Phyllis, no one in the South ever asks if you have crazy people in your family.”

-Julia Sugarbaker

It’s Another Song of Arkansas Bonnie “LittLe BLoSSom” dodd

Arkansan Bonnie Modena

Dodd of Saline County and Hot Springs became known as a songwriter and steel guitar player particularly in Country and Western Swing Music – nicknamed “Little Blossom” by none other than Tex Ritter, her songs of heartbreak have been recorded by everyone from Hank Williams to The Staple Singers.

Dodd was born Jan. 9, 1914, in Saline County. She was the youngest of four siblings, and the daughter of cotton farmers. The Dodd family farmed in Central Ark., as well as in East Texas, before leaving agriculture in the early 1920s for the city life of Hot Springs. It was there that Bonnie’s mother worked on the city’s famed Bathhouse Row at the Ozark Bathhouse, while her father became a barber in town.

During high school, Bonnie Dodd worked in a Hot Springs grocery store and worked on her music. A musical partnership with Murray Lucas saw the pair performing on the legendary Hot Springs radio station KTHS. With its call letters standing for “Kum to Hot Springs,” KTHS initially broadcast out of the Arlington Hotel in the downtown area. The station had only been launched a few years prior, in 1924. Radio station KTHS featured many live performers of note, including the debut of the comedy team Lum and Abner. KTHS eventually became the first 50,000watt station in the state, and, still later, the station morphed into the Little Rock AM radio powerhouse KAAY, another Arkansas radio station with an incredible history.

Dodd graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1932. She and Murry Lucas continued performing together for several more years, including on other notable Midwestern U.S. radio stations such as KMOX in St. Louis,

and on the National Barn Dance on WLS in Chicago.

In the 1940s, Dodd came into her own as a songwriter and collaborator. She joined the band of Jimmie Davis, the governor of Louisiana best known for his song, You Are My Sunshine. She wrote songs with Davis and Charles Mitchell, and she soon began enjoying her own country chart hits – an all too rare feat at the time for a female songwriter in country music.

Also in the 1940s, Dodd began her best-known musical partnership, with singer/actor Tex Ritter. Ritter was one of the most popular singing cowboys

of the era, appearing in some 70 films. He later was a founding member of the Country Music Association, and a lifetime member of the Grand Ole Opry and additionally was the father of John Ritter of Three’s Company and Sling Blade fame.

It was Tex Ritter who gave Dodd the nickname “Little Blossom.” In 1945, Dodd’s song You Will Have to Pay became a number one hit for Ritter.

Many of her songs spoke of heartbreak, with titles like If It’s Wrong to Love You, I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair, and I’ll Just Kiss your Picture Tonight. Dodd’s song Don’t Say Goodbye if You Love Me, goes They tell me today you are going far away, just to make you a name / They tell me that you’re discontented, And that you are searching for fame.

Her song Be Careful of Stones that You Throw has resonated over the decades with artists from across the genres. The song tugs at the heartstrings with a tragic tale of a car wreck, even as it’s a moralizing diatribe against harsh talk and gossip: A woman is killed while saving a child who had been shunned by her mother. Its chorus goes A tongue can accuse and carry bad news / The seeds of distrust it will sow / But unless you’ve made no mistakes in your life / Be careful of stones that you throw.

Be Careful of Stones That You Throw was first recorded by Little Jimmie Dickens in 1949, who was riding high that year with his classic country song, Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait). The somber Be Careful of Stones That You Throw was a marked contrast from Dickens’s trademark lighter material like Take an Old Cold Tater and May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.

Be Careful of Stones That You Throw has since been recorded by classic country artists ranging from Red Sovine and Porter Wagoner, and outlaw

country performers Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr and David Allan Coe.

American doo-wop singer Dion even had a hit with the song in the early 1960s, and in 1965, so did the family gospel group The Staple Singers. Bob Dylan and the Band recorded it during their Basement Tapes sessions in 1967.

The most famous version of the song was cut in 1952 by Hank Williams Senior as Luke the Drifter, Williams’s moralizing alter ego who specialized

in recitation songs. Dylan was a big fan of Williams as Luke the Drifter, later writing “I could listen to the Luke The Drifter record all day and drift away myself, [and] become totally convinced in the goodness of man.”

Dodd’s later years saw her retreat from the music business due to poor health. Dodd never married. She lived in a house with her sister Elva in Southern California for nearly 40 years. In her final years, she was homebound.

Bonnie Modena “Little Blossom” Dodd died Nov. 2, 1984, in San Diego, California, at age 70 years old, with her pioneering contributions to Country Music and Western Swing as both a performer and a songwriter little recognized. Dodd is buried in Antioch Cemetery in her native Saline County, Arkansas.

Dodd’s tombstone reads, Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.

Elementar y Office: 561-3145

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MANILA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

We are the Lions

1 4

2 5

3 6 7

Accessing and processing information

Thinking, reasoning, and problem solving

Achieving working skills in technology

Dealing with change

Developing creativity

Valuing and contributing to the community

Exhibiting responsible behavior

Fred & Beverly Dowless decide to retire

Fred Dowless has been in business, in Monette, for over 50 years, and he and his wife Beverly decided in May to retire.

“It will be strange not to come here to work every week,” he said. “It is just a part of who I am. I have loved the carpet and antique business, and most of all meeting new people and being surrounded by lifelong friends. Beverly and I have thought we needed to slow down and do some traveling, and finally decided now was the time to do that.”

Fred comes from a long line of Dowless family members that grew up in the Monette and Caraway areas. He is the son of Vernon and Louise (Stokes) Dowless, of Caraway, and has one brother named Leland.

Fred graduated from Caraway High School in 1961 and went off to college at ASU with dreams of being a coach.

“I went to college for five years, at ASU, Southern Baptist and the University of Arkansas, and had finished my practice teaching.” Fred said. “I was not sure what I wanted to do for a living. I took an auto related job in Memphis as an Assistant Manager. I still did not feel this was the job for me. When an opening came for a job with Western Tire and Auto, in Rome, Georgia, I took it.”

His job in Rome turned out to be very successful but he was still searching for a business of his own that he could put his heart and life’s work into.

“That part of Georgia was surrounded by all those carpet mills,” Fred said. “I met a businessman named Burks Beckler, with Beckler’s Flooring, who really inspired me to consider flooring as a career. I really liked the idea of learning more about the business with hopes of someday having

a store of my own back in Northeast Arkansas.”

In 1972 Fred moved to Monette and started D and H Carpets, on East Drew Avenue, across the street from the Monette Lumber Company.

His Uncle Joe Dowless owned a feed store just down the street.

“Having little or no equipment to work with, I often had to haul carpet supplies across country by using a

horse trailer pulled by my car or using a bean truck.” Fred said. “As time went by, we acquired forklifts and vans.”

He had just settled in good, when the tornado of May 27, 1973 hit Jonesboro, leaving hundreds of people with destroyed or damaged homes. There was an urgent need for carpet andflooring. The Monette business really took off.

Soon Fred hired Peggy Williams, of Black Oak, as his bookkeeper and as many installers and crew members as possible to help with the heavy workload. Peggy went on to work for 30 years there.

Fred married Beverly Fletcher, of Paragould, in 1984. She is the daughter of Darrell and Wanda (Osburn) Pegg. Beverly not only joined him in life but in the flooring business whole heartedly. She had many business skills of her own, having worked for “The Little Gift Store,” in Paragould, which handled antiques. As partners, their business continued to grow and soon they needed more space.

The Dowless family has lived by the motto “We don’t close the door until the last customer leaves. “

“Monette was a very busy place to work in the beginning,” Fred said. “There were many businesses up and

down the street, but very few to rent or buy. I looked at purchasing the old bank building and one of the city drug stores to expand. When long-time merchant Jimmy Blankenship decided to retire, we were able to buy his business on West Drew Avenue. We incorporated our business in 1994 as Dowless Carpet Emporium, as the name means a place that sells a variety of goods.

“My son Brant just grew up in the business,” Fred said. “He started helping at age 15. He was an integral part of the business, being a quick learner and good with people. He turned into a fantastic warehouse manager and could manage several crews of installers going in all directions.

“All of our buildings were not acquired at the same time,” Fred said. “As our needs arose for more space, we bought extra buildings across the street. The flooring industry changed from carpet to hardwood sales and that is when we started Dowless Antiques and Area Rugs. The flooring business has been a process of growth from start to finish.”

Fred and Beverly have been full partners through their years together, both adding business skills to the growing enterprise. They liked getting to know customers and have made several close friends throughout the years. The busi-

ness has involved long hours of work and full weeks of being on call.

They built a new home In Jonesboro in 1992, in the Windover sub-division. They have filled it with antiques of a wide variety, reminiscent of a life in the business, and good eyes for quality.

“We have always felt the flooring business has been one of service to our customers,” Fred said. “We have extended our service area and friendships as we grew our business.”

They now spend as much time now as they can with family and friends and hope to do more traveling after retirement. Their friends surprised them with a retirement luncheon on May 27. They took their first post-retirement trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and of course couldn’t resist visiting a few antique stores.

Beverly’s daughter Stephanie and her husband Rob Myers have a daughter named Avery, who is a busy 11-yearold.

Fred’s son Brant lives nearby, as well as his granddaughter Lauren Cherry, her husband D.J. and great grandchildren Cate and Winn.

“Beverly and I are really enjoying our grandchildren and great grandchildren and try to attend as many of their activities as possible,” Fred said. “We can’t completely walk away from all of our inventory and collections here at our Monette business. After all, we need a place to keep our stuff.”

He still had one more flooring installation to do after retirement, at the new Manila Museum. He can still be contacted on the regular business phone number, 870-486-2861 for store inventory appointments.

“Fifty years has been a long time to be in business,” Fred said. “I am amazed how fast it has gone by. I finally found something that I felt well suited for and passionate about. The years here have been a blessing to me and my family.”

Filming Delta County

In the sweltering Arkansas summer of 2023, daily news warned of heat stroke, pop-up thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Interrupting the alerts were an occasional nod to political indictments and to the culture wars raging on the state’s battlefield of public schools and libraries. Small wonder then, that the good folk of Pocahontas were largely oblivious to the fact of being at the periphery of a different sort of unfolding event. What had been delivered to their (mostly) pristine world of woods and rivers and small town life was nothing less than a slew of “interesting” folk from “off,” the place ascribed by locals as the origin of any newcomers to their (mostly) peaceful rural world. Their visitors had come to Pocahontas, population 7,371, to make a movie--a murder mystery. Delta County is a project conceived, written, funded, and now in production by the town’s native daughter, Heather Tyler, who had traded the south first for Chicago, and then for the fairer skies of Los Angeles.

Few locals were aware that these visitors who would marvel at what seemed like tiny stars twinkling in the woods, these strangers who would run to the window at the sudden unscripted appearances of does and fawns in the yard, were a cast of professional actors, along with a crew highly skilled in sound, lighting and cinematography. They had auditioned or interviewed via Zoom. Many had flown in to Memphis International Airport, while some had driven from Little Rock and Conway where they work professionally. Still others of the dozen or so had traveled from Houston, Sedona, or Kentucky to the place the film’s producer still calls “home.”

For a brief interlude in June and July, the small town described geographically as “where the Ozarks meet the Delta,” and the state’s capital, Little Rock, morphed into the fictional Delta County, to become the setting for the independent film of that name.

The idea for the piece actually dates to the start of the pandemic, when Tyler’s agent encouraged clients to write their own content: “characters we wanted to play” she said. The idea grew. Tyler began working on a storyline for her script, but kept leaving it and returning to it in the intervening months, interrupted by other stage and film projects and auditions. After Tyler’s most recent stage appearance earlier this year in Happy Birthday, McKenna, she re-connected and pitched the idea to a director she knew, longtime friend, Gloria Iseli. The two met in Los Angeles for a few days in April, working at Tyler’s kitchen table. Their enduring rapport from work on theatre ventures in Chicago years earlier remained strong and vibrant. This process even included a “working hike” up L.A.’s Runyon Canyon, where the two made several crucial story decisions, including cutting certain characters and further developing others. Tyler re-worked the script reflecting the changes, and Iseli pitched the idea of setting the film in Arkansas. Decision made: Tyler would produce the film and Iseli would direct it. The entire movie, roughly ninety minutes in length, would be shot on an Iphone 14 Pro, with the addition of in-water shots with a GoPro and aerial images with a drone.

Assembling the cast and crew entailed teaming up Zoom auditioning with personal networking: all cast

members were selected based on their auditions or interviews. “We were looking for someone for a really challenging role, but couldn’t find the right fit. We had in mind someone more mature, but the person who showed up and really surprised us looked nothing like what we had expected. [It was] Lauren McCullough, a professional photographer and actor from Little Rock.” Another Little Rock connection led them to professional Filmmaker/Cinematographer Dennis Matthew Jordan. Filling out the roster of crew members included reaching into the substantial network Tyler and Iseli had established, and then reaching further. Tyler contacted a former classmate from her alma mater, Rhodes College, which led to a contact with the University of Memphis and to a former UCA professor. Several working L.A. actors who have had prominent roles in various shows auditioned and were cast, including longtime friend, Sara Sevigny, who happened to be working onstage in Fayetteville’s Theatre Squared at the time. Because of personal friendships, Tyler said of her actors, “They have been very gen-

erous with their time,” explaining that she first knew most of the West Coast people from working with them onstage in Chicago. Other L.A. actors included writer/actor Guy Picot, Grace Shen, Sean Bolger, Tracey Rooney, Eddie Yu, Nicci Bates Amberg and Karl T. Wright, whose family is also from Arkansas, prompting him to knowingly declare “No way I’m going to Arkansas in July!” Tyler even connected with Jed Newton of Little Rock, a senior theatre major at U of A Fayetteville and fraternity brother to her twin nephews, to assist with camera duties. Actors from the Southeast region include Texan Juliana Philippi (a native of Puerto Rico) and Cate Chapman of Sedona, Airzona, who

play the mother-daughter roles.

Even with a cast selected, the project was tenuous and seemed in jeopardy when the actor’s union, SAG-AFTRA, became embroiled in a historic strike in L.A. The Delta County team was on alert of an impending strike, but since the project was already underway, Tyler learned from her union that the Delta County independent project would not be struck even after a June 12 date because it is under a Micro-Budget Project Agreement. These types of projects have been made possible by a new agreement the actors’ union had implemented earlier in order to empower members wanting to create their own content to do so under

union guidelines, with stipulations. “Think of it as a case of creativity over consumerism,” she said.

She might well have said “a case of creativity over challenges,” because the project, with its multiple Arkansas filming locales separated by more than 100 miles, includes more than a few of those, beginning with the difficult logistics of shuttling of people and equipment. And those challenges are in addition to the region’s volatile weather which performed as if on cue. “We had allotted two days on the river as a cushion,” Tyler said, “and on both those days, we got torrential rain and violent summer thunder

Continued on page 78

storms.” This forced a mad dash a day early to Little Rock, where they had to film more quickly than an approaching storm on the Arkansas River.

Elements of the script reflect realities in Tyler’s life, including the first quarter of the story filmed in L.A., which she describes as “darker, rooted in loss, depression.” This element stems from a real loss, the death of her best friend’s husband, one of her closest friends in L.A.

In Arkansas, where three-fourths of the story takes place, Detective Harlowe—a role played by the script’s author/producer—regains her life.

According to the storyline, “Agent Evie Harlowe, still struggling after the loss of her husband, is forced back into active duty with the FBI when her sister is accused of killing a controversial philanthropist

in Delta County, Arkansas.” The fictional plot includes unresolved conflict between Harlowe and her sister as well as political intrigue involving government corruption in Little Rock. The apparent murder site Harlowe must investigate to clear her sister is on the Arkansas River which flows through the capital city. Tyler’s brother-in-law in Little Rock has a new pontoon boat he keeps “on the beautiful Arkansas River,” she explained, adding, “so I wrote that in.”

Tyler still is not certain her family realized the scope of the project for which they opened their home in the countryside and another in a nearby town; for that reason she asked at least three times, “Are you sure it’s O.K. to use your house?”

Truth be told, her family had only a vague idea of what she meant by

Originally from Louisville, KY, Gloria is a Writer/Director with credits spanning film, TV, podcasts and web series. For the last 4 years, she’s been an English language Dubbing Director and Script Adaptor, working on over 40 foreign films and TV shows streaming on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Disney+. In the winter of 2023, her feature film KING CHESS won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Golden State Film Festival and recently acquired distribution with Random Media.

“use your house.” But they did understand “hosting” this unique set of visitors and the tools of their trade. They did enjoy the sense of professionalism when the clapperboard announced the start of a new scene. They immediately stopped moving around when the call “Quiet on set!” and “Action” rang out. They turned off their cell phones and they made sure their dog was well out in the yard before any dialogue started. They willingly helped remove personal family photos and any locally produced pieces of art from the walls. They helped to move furniture that did not fit the setting and they re-located lamps or greenery or “knick-knacks.” And they cheered with the entire cast each time, in all sincerity, the Director called out “That’s a wrap for Juliana!” or for whomever, signaling the end of filming for that specific character. They enjoyed the opportunities to

take their grandson Rex to the local donut shop or for a ride on Grandpa’s “real” antique 1939-B John Deere tractor or to a museum the day filming required quiet for long stretches of time. Rex’s time to be filmed would come later, back home with Mom and Dad in L.A. They understood the words of appreciation from their guests as they shared home-cooked apple pie or spaghetti or fried chicken or barbecued pork. They laughed when someone referred to their zero-turn mower as a “tractor,” and soothed worries when someone was concerned because her hair coloring had faded on a white towel. They located a scented candle when someone needed one to complete her bubble bath experience. They came up with an icepack and ibuprofen when someone slipped on wet concrete and they urged their guests to remember to use the mosquito-fighting deet be -

Heather L. Tyler, Writer/Producer

After studying theatre at Rhodes, Heather began her professional career in Chicago, where onstage credits include The Threepenny Opera w/the hypocrites @ Steppenwolf and critically acclaimed Dirty Diamonds at The Factory. In Los Angeles, she was in the ensemble for Tony award-winning The Lehman Trilogy at the Ahmanson (a record shortest time onstage.) She worked with Rogue Machine in A Bright New Boise and Wish I had a Sylvia Plath (u.s.) and with Sacred Fools in A Gulag Mouse. Film/TV credits include The Bridge (FX), For All Mankind (Sony/AppleTV) and her award-winning short film, postpartumm… recently completed the festival circuit.

fore going outside. They--one of them, at least—even agreed to fill in as an “extra” FBI agent, donning his black tee shirt, dark glasses, and cap. They were touched and they greatly enjoyed the generous gift of homemade cheese—Brie, Cheddar, Swiss, and other cheese unknown to them (Halloumi?)—all of them delicious—sent by the father of Iseli from his farm near Louisville. Their main regret was that the strict production time regimen required their guests to be busy working for the most part from morning to evening. They would have loved to have time for card games around the table with their guests or walking in the woods to the deafening noise of the crickets, or visiting special places around the community.

The cast did have one such brief opportunity with a film shoot at the local community theatre, The Down-

town Playhouse. “I still consider Arkansas my home,” Tyler said. “It is where I was raised. And I always see things through that filter.” Possibly this homeward tug prompted Tyler to “write in as much local color as possible.” This included a visit to the Playhouse just a block from Pocahontas’s historic Court Square and its majestic 150-year-old “Old” Court House. The theatre was, coincidentally, in production with its swan song offering, Barefoot in the Park, during the time Delta County would be filming in Pocahontas. In homage to Kelly Grooms, founding director of the playhouse, as well as having directed The Miracle Worker at the local community college when a teenage Heather Tyler had the role of Annie Sullivan, she had written into the Delta County script a scene at the playhouse. She even cast Continued on page 80

her talented former director, whose retirement from the theatre is imminent, in what she says could be possibly one of her favorite scenes in the entire movie.

“We knew this would be a very ambitious feature film with this size budget,” Tyler said. “And it has been a challenge. I had written and produced before, but having locations in two different states has been especially challenging. I have been impressed,” she added, “by the extent of film and crew talent in the state— people who were credible and had experience and skill—and this experience reminded me of how many unique and beautiful inspiring places there are in my home state.”

On their last day when the principal photography in Arkansas was over and Tyler and Iseli could finally catch their breaths, Iseli asked her friend, “How do you feel?” Tyler surprised even herself when she immediately said, “Honestly, I’m ready to do it all over again. Not immediately. I’m not just talking about the L.A. portion. I’m talking about what we have just done here. I just can’t believe we did this.”

On the drive to the Memphis airport late one afternoon in mid-July for her return flight to her home in L.A., Tyler thought about the work awaiting her back there: shooting the first part of the story, and then the post-production work, entailing editing, multiple revisions, color correction, sound design and mixing,

scoring, credits and titles. Finally, she explained, the movie will be ready for submissions to film festivals, public access channels, free to consumer new media— Freevee, Tubi, and Roku, for example. Potential outcome of the strike is still unknown, she said, and added, “I still hope to someday come back to do a move featuring Pocahontas and the Court Square.” And then suddenly she was scrambling for her Iphone, asking if we could pull over so she could get out. The crop-duster just ahead was flying low, really low, the orange color of the aircraft’s wings contrasting with the lush, dark green of the flat Delta rice field. As the plane pulled up, we saw in the western sky what was the beginning of a red sunset. Her camera was rolling.

150 Years and Still on Track...

It’s been 150 years since the first southbound train from St. Louis to Little Rock came through and stopped at a brown and yellow depot with the name “CORNING” on its sides. That event occurred on Wednesday, February 5, 1873. The first southbound Train No. 1 was set to leave St. Louis at 8:00 a.m. The train had stopped in Ironton for lunch at 12:00 and then stopped for dinner in Poplar Bluff. By 8:00 p.m. the depot was beginning to get crowded as Corningites anticipated the train to arrive soon. At 8:30 p.m. the telegraph was clicking away announcing that the train arrived in Arkansas and stopped at Moark, the first town on the railroad once you get into Arkansas. Finally, at 9:00 p.m. Train No. 1 reached Corning. The train refueled while St. Louis newspapers were passed out as well as the last batch of mail address to Hecht City (prerailroad name) and the first batch addressed to Corning. The southbound Train No. 1 left town and the northbound Train No. 2 from Little Rock to St. Louis stopped in Corning at 2:00 a.m.

Not soon after Corning’s founding Clayton County was established by the Arkansas legislature on March 24 out of sections of Randolph and Greene Counties, being named after Senator John M. Clayton. However, this name was an unpopular choice because it reminded Clayton County citizens of John’s brother Powell Clayton. He was a Republican Reconstructionist Governor who had declared martial law on Greene County due to violence being done against the recently emancipated African Americans and Southern Unionists. This issue of martial law prevented them from voting in the 1868 election. Local Corning senator and contributor to the 1872 Constitution of Arkansas, E. Foster Brown submitted a bill during the 1875 General Assembly which passed changing the name from Clayton County to Clay County, in honor of Henry Clay of Kentucky. Mr. Brown’s home, known as the Sheeks House, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built around 18721873, it is the oldest building in Corning.

This year during Corning and Clay

County’s Sesquicentennial a lot of cooperation went into creating some rememberable events for the occasion. The Chamber of Commerce’s in Corning, Piggott, and Rector partnered together along with 10Box Cost Plus in Corning and Harps Food Stores in Piggott and Rector to throw a birthday party for Clay County. A cake was provided for elected officials with a ceremony at the Western District Courthouse in Corning and in the Eastern District Courthouse in Piggott. Cake was also served by each city’s Chamber of Commerce in each of the city’s grocery stores.

As for Corning, it was decided by the City of Corning, Corning Area Chamber of Commerce and Growing Corning Together that Corning’s sesquicentennial should be observed during the annual Independence Day Homecoming Picnic. The event began with a 150th anniversary themed parade from downtown to Wynn Park. At the park, the heads of the three groups signed a certificate that declared Erastus Corning, III as the new “Foster Godfather of Corning, AR.” This was a call back to the centennial in 1973.

Back then city leaders were looking for anyone possibly related to who Corning was named after, H.D. Corning. He was an engineer employed by the construction firm of Mandeville and Allen which built the section of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad where Corning was established. The closest person of relation they could find was Erastus Corning, 2nd the then mayor of Albany, NY and great-grandson of New York railroad tycoon Erastus Corning. It was assumed at the time that these two railroad men might have some relation to one another.

Lots has changed in Corning since 1873. The first US Census for Corning in 1880 reported 393 residents. That is now up to 3,227! Before the Cairo and Fulton Railroad came through the area there was just a little lumber community called Hecht City. The railroad transformed this hodgepodge village into a proper town with platted streets with homes and busi-

nesses. In the 1930s Corning saw the advent of the United States Numbered Highway System bringing US 67 and US 62 into town leading to more growth and expansion. Time will tell to see how Corning

will adapt as it has done so many times before with the construction of Future I-57 in the coming years. Hopefully we will have even better news come the bicentennial in 2073!

Our Favorite Dishes

Roasts and hams certainly may get a lot of fanfare, but chicken is a versatile food that is mild enough to be molded into whatever flavor profile cooks desire. Chicken also can be dressed up so it easily competes with other protein sources for top billing on holiday tables.

Easily cooked on the stovetop in a flash, this recipe for Almond Chicken With Peaches and Roquefort from 125 Best Chicken Recipes (Robert Rose) by Rose Murray can be customized and multiplied depending on the size of the crowd. While peaches may not be in season where you live during the holidays, simply substitute two small pears, which work well for fall and winter meals. Serve with crisp green beans and lemon couscous, which is easily made by adding 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to warm couscous.

Almond Chicken With Peaches and Roquefort

Serves 2

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper

1 egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 unpeeled peaches, sliced; or 2 small pears, cored and sliced

1/4 cup dry white wine or

chicken stock

1/4 cup whipping cream

2 tablespoons Roquefort or Gorgonzola cheese

1. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Dredge in flour mixed with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Dip each breast in egg and coat with almonds.

2. In a large skillet, heat half the oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook about 5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove to a warm platter and keep warm.

3. Add remaining oil to pan and heat over medium heat. Add peaches (or pears) and cook 1 minute. Stir in wine and bring to a boil; cook 3 minutes to reduce. Stir in cream, cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Cook stirring, until thickened. Spoon sauce around the chicken and serve

•••••••••

Want to dabble with Irish flavor?

Many cultures have a variation on the potato pancake, and the Irish are no different. Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake. Individuals who want to include boxty in their celebrations can try this recipe, courtesy of Chef Pádraic Óg Gallagher of Gallagher’s Boxty House in Dublin.

Irish Boxty

Makes about 10

300 grams (approx. 101/2 ounces) raw potatoes, peeled

300 grams (approx. 101/2 ounces) cooked potatoes, mashed

300 grams (approx. 101/2 ounces) flour

10 grams (approx. 21/2 teaspoons) salt

850 ml (approx. 31/2 cups) milk

1. Grate the raw potatoes into a muslin cloth and squeeze as much liquid as possible into a bowl. Let liquid stand for 20 minutes.

2. Gently pour off the liquid and keep the starch that settled in the bottom of the bowl.

3. Add grated potatoes to mashed potatoes and flour. Add starch and salt to mix.

4. Slowly add 3/4 of the milk to form a batter of pouring consistency. Depending on the potato, you may not need to use all the milk. If the batter is too heavy, add more milk.

5 . Leave batter resting for 30 minutes.

6. Drop a ladle full onto an oiled nonstick pan over medium heat and cook on the first side for 2 minutes (this depends on how heavy the batter is and how much you use). Check color (it should be a nice golden color) on the bottom. Adjust heat if necessary.

7. Turn and cook on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes more.

8. Boxty pancakes are best left overnight in a fridge and reheated in a pan in good butter.

Dishes

“Cooking is like love: it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

- Harriet Van Horne

Goodbye, Old Friend After 65 years, a Walnut Ridge Institution closes its doors

After 65 years of business, Walnut Ridge staple and legacy Polar Freeze has closed its doors.

Polar Freeze left patrons with more than just full bellies; it’s given generations of families in Northeast Arkansas memories to last a lifetime.

“We are very pleased with the memories we’ve made,” Velma Allison said about the diner she watched thrive for over six decades.

The business went through various owners before it fell into Jack Allison’s lap in 1958.

Mr. Davis, the previous owner, offered it to Jack, but he politely declined as he couldn’t afford it. Mr. Davis, however, wouldn’t take no for an answer and told him that he could make payments on the restaurant as he made profits.

Family members and friends told Jack he should not take the offer, but he simply couldn’t resist and accepted the deal.

Jack, only 24 at the time, made the purchase with the help of his mother on July 1, 1958.

The shop was a hit with the town and many locals frequented it daily.

After two years in the business, Jack married his beloved Velma after only three months of courtship, which Vel-

ma calls their “short love affair.”

She recalls how Jack would work seven days a week in the beginning years of their relationship, sometimes only having one or two nights a week off if they were lucky.

“I would sit up there and peel potatoes for hours for french fries. I just wanted to be near him,” Velma said.

A few years later, Jack added a concrete slab at the back of the building with a jukebox. It was called “The Patio” and was often filled with teenagers, whether they were skipping school, coming after school, or hanging out on the weekends.

Eleven years after the initial purchase, Polar Freeze resettled into a new structure across the street from their old building. This was when Jack hosted the infamous “tear-down party,” where he invited local teenagers to demolish the old building using sledgehammers, crowbars, and anything else they could get their hands on.

The event received media attention across both the state and the country. Locals say it barely took 15 minutes for the teens to destroy the building, and afterward, they were all treated to complimentary soft drinks.

Fast forward 61 years, Jack Allison passed away in the summer of 2019 at 85.

Velma, left to run the business with her children’s help, said it was extremely hard to carry on the traditions she and Jack had maintained for so long.

“It was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. Even though we knew that the time had come, it’s still hard,” Velma said.

She details long nights spent at the barbecue joint, even after she retired 17 years ago. She owes a lot of Polar Freeze’s success after Jack’s passing to her daughter, Kellie Yates, and long-time employee Pat Murphy, who worked there for more than 30 years and is “ready to retire” but sad to leave her second home.

Joe Clayton, a hardworking employee for the Allisons for over three years now, says, “It’s been pretty emotional for sure. I definitely wasn’t ready for the news, but it wasn’t too surprising. Still,it’s very emotional for me and the rest of the crew, especially those who have been here as long as I have.”

Velma, now 83, feels at peace with the decision to close the Polar Freeze

doors, as she knows the community has her and her family’s best interest in mind.

Velma and Jack Allison had three children; their late son Calvin Allison, another son Shad Allison, and daughter Kellie Yates, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and another on the way.

“I’ve not always been happy about how hard we had to work. It was a good living for us, but we did have to put the work in,” Velma said.

All three children and some of their grandchildren worked at the family business for many years. Shad and Kellie had their own careers but still helped part-time to ease some of their mother’s responsibilities and worries.

“I feel like I’m losing my dad all over again,” Kellie said about her father’s legacy closing.

The last week of operation was hectic, with people bustling in and out throughout the day, many in search of the delectable barbecue sauce that they make from scratch.

Velma reported that dozens of people had requested large quantities of the sauce to keep at their homes; some even asked for a gallon or more.

People drove from all over to get their last fix before doors closed. Velma says she had customers come from as far as Florida, Michigan, and even California.

“A lot of people did come just for the barbecue sauce but usually left with more than that,” Velma laughed.

She says that they bought extra products leading up to the last week in hopes that they wouldn’t run out of anything.

“We bought a little more than usual for the last week but almost ran out after the first day. We did run out of barbecue meat three times, though,” she said. She says it takes around 20 hours to cook their barbecue meat around the pit, so it was vital that they stocked up for their cherished visitors.

Polar Freeze prided itself on being different from typical fast food restaurants regarding food preparation.

“The food is made when we receive the order,” Velma said, saying, “Some customers could be disgruntled at times for waiting if they’re used to traditional fast food places that have a burger sitting in a heater for 20 minutes. We don’t do that.”

A disadvantage only to those with no patience – any loyal, longtime customer would argue that Polar Freeze was one of the only eateries in Walnut Ridge genuinely worth the wait.

The employees made almost everything from scratch. Velma says she and Jack always preferred things to be as fresh as possible. She says even the hamburgers were not frozen, but instead fresh-ground hamburger.

The pandemic was a worrying time for Polar Freeze, Velma and her daughter Kellie said. They decided not to raise the prices of their products over the last few years when inflation worsened, even when most other businesses did.

“We had wonderful help over the years. Everybody has been begging

Continued on page 88

for help for the last few years, businesses and such. But, COVID was good to us,” Velma said. She says the drive-thru window made things easier for them during the tough times of 2020, and she’s thankful for their customers’ support.

Restaurants like this are few and far between, and many family businesses didn’t make it out of the pandemic. Tales of Jack Allison and Polar Freeze will stay alive through the Walnut Ridge-Hoxie area for years to come.

It’s been weeks since the family busi-

ness came to an end. The Allisons are enjoying the luxury of having more time with each other and focusing on their passions, but they say they’re thankful for every moment spent at Polar Freeze and hope their customers feel the same way.

Feel Transported to Germany Steinhaus Keller S

ettled on the bottom floor of Spencer's Corner, a historic downtown Hot Springs establishment, lies a hidden gem that transports visitors to the fascinating world of Germany.

Steinhaus Keller, a true German Rathskeller, captures the essence of an old-world grotto with its exposed rock walls and barreled ceilings, creating an ambiance that's nothing short of mesmerizing.

As you descend the stairs into the bedrock, the experience of this establishment welcomes you into a thriving biergarten oasis, complete with a tranquil water feature, full-service dining and a pet-friendly environment.

Within my pursuit to uncover the most remarkable and distinctive

venues for enjoyment in Arkansas, I stumbled upon what I confidently deem the finest pub in the Natural State.

Hot Springs, renowned for its historical bathhouses, horse racing, slot machines, lakes and unexpected twists, exposes another layer of its charm at Steinhaus Keller. Tucked away within the brick and mortar of Spencer's Corner, this spot signals patrons to revel in a slice of Germany right in the heart of the city. For a Germanophile like myself, the attraction was irresistible. With an affinity for all things German, including my car, I knew this place was tailor-made for my appreciation. During my visit, I embarked on a culinary treat that dipped me in the flavors of Germany.

Alongside my best friend, we indulged in a group-

ing of delectable German dishes, from the crispy delight of fried sauerkraut cakes to the comforting embrace of cabbage-wrapped delicacies. Naturally, I couldn't resist sampling the potato pancakes and a mysteriously white-hued wiener schnitzel, the experience of which I enthusiastically praised.

Occasionally, a German phrase would escape my lips as I marveled at the authenticity of the setting. Chef and owner David McGuire, a culinary artist, masterfully creates the menu using authentic recipes and ingredients sourced from the Bavarian region of Germany. The choices are tantalizing and assorted, spanning from pretzels that boast a perfect balance of chewiness and crunch, to the rich and tender schnitzel, complemented by red cabbage and the timeless appeal of traditional German potato salad. To pleasantly accompany these charms, the bar showcases the state's most extensive collection of German and European bier, a tribute to the rich brewing traditions of the continent. Even our furry friends can partake in the revelries, as Steinhaus Keller proudly presents a dedicated "Barking Biergarten Bites" menu that promises safe and non-alcoholic

Steinhaus Keller’s popular dish, Pork Knuckle, has been called the most tender shank you’ll ever eat

treats for fur babies to enjoy.

The inclusivity extends to the weekends, where guests can extend their merriment through energetic live entertainment. It's a polka-filled experience that invites even the most reserved to kick up their heels and plunge themselves in the infectious energy.

For those eager to taste this slice of Germany in Hot Springs, reservations are recommended. Steinhaus Keller warmly opens its doors at 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays designated for a well-deserved rest.

– German Proverbs

“Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it.”

Forever a Mystery:

I’ve heard stories about John Kizer since I was a child; after all, he was my great-grandmother’s brother, and we are from the south, so we love to tell family stories. Passing on our history is engrained in my DNA. My grandmother would speak of Kizer only occasionally and then only in a hushed voice. She remembered “Uncle John,” and those old memories were like a complicated maze, sometimes difficult to get through.

Born in the winter of 1871 on a hill farm just outside Dalton, John Randolph Kizer was the second child born to a Confederate guerrilla fighter and a Missouri belle. Francis Marion and Catherine (Lane) Kizer were parents to at least seven children, four sons and three daughters: Julian, John, James, Jacob, Rebecca, Susan and Sarah. Susan, or “Susie” as she was known, suffered from polio and walked with a limp—one leg being smaller than the other.

Like most folks after the Civil War, the Kizers farmed and worked hard to make ends meet. The children had some education, but it was limited due to the rural location and lack of a permanent school building until they were well on their way to being grown. Though Catherine could read and write, Marion could do neither.

My impression has always been that the Kizers were not extremely prosperous, but there was enough money for a few extras. Theirs is a large bordered, family cemetery plot in the Reynolds Cemetery.

There are dozens of articles about John Kizer in the old Pocahontas Star Herald archives. In fact, be-

sides family stories that have been passed down, those news articles are how we know most of what we know about him. According to the newspapers, he was always up to something—whether it was a new business venture, being a member of a committee or association or just being a good citizen. It is now very obvious that he was driven by a deep seeded desire to be the hero, the astute businessman and the allaround good guy in the eyes of the local residents of Pocahontas.

And, for many years, he was held in very high esteem in the community.

The late Mr. Joe Martin once told me that as a boy of around six years of age, he went with his father, Lantie Martin, to see John Kizer about some insurance business. They met Kizer just outside Pocahontas where he had a herd of brush goats clearing some land. Mr. Martin recalled that Kizer seemed to always be in a good mood, and on that day, he tried to give young Joe a small goat, though Mr. Martin told him no thank you. The memory still brought a smile to Joe Martin’s face over 75 years later.

After years of research, there’s something else I’ve come to ponder. It is obvious to me that we don’t know who John Kizer’s first victim really was. Is it a coincidence that Kizer’s older brother, Julian, a seemingly strong and healthy young man, died at age 29, or that another young man—again, related to Kizer, Sam Brown, an elected official in Randolph County, died strangely around the age of 34. Both of these untimely deaths occurred many years before the events we usually associate with Kizer—those being the deaths of his two wives, Birdie

and Rosena, his in-laws and his stepson, Bonner.

Randolph County definitely had its fair share of brutal crimes of death in the early days of the 20th century. John Kizer’s crimes weren’t the first; however, whether it’s by coincidence or not, he was there or had first-hand knowledge of two of our most infamous crimes.

The first was when George Cheverie killed Pocahontas’ town marshal, John Norris, in 1901. Kizer was a deputy sheriff at that time. In fact, Kizer was on duty the night a mob came to the jail in Pocahontas and demanded Cheverie be turned over to them. Out of fear for their lives, law enforcement released Cheverie from his cell and gave him to the mob, whereupon he was taken straight to the Marr’s Creek bridge and hanged.

The second crime occurred in 1912 when Tom and Dee Tiner were

John Kizer

Davis. The trial was held at Pocahontas in 1913 and John Kizer is actually listed on the inditement as the grand jury foreman. The Tiners claimed self-defense and, though both were convicted, were granted full pardons in 1916.

Tom Campbell helped to prosecute the case and later wrote about the crime in his book, Arkansas Lawyer.

So, what caused John Kizer to become that monster who is believed to have been so evil later in his life? Was it something he’d always carried inside, or was there one event that pushed him over the edge? Perhaps it was that he was an incredible narcissist, with no empathy for any other person, though he portrayed himself to the community as the kind and friendly man approachable to anyone of any age.

In my mind, I easily compare him to serial killer Ted Bundy.

For this article, I’ll not go back over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Birdie, Rosena, Mr. and Mrs. Bonner and Bonner Arnold, which all occurred between 1927 and 1936, not to mention Kizer’s own suicide in 1936—less than a month after Bonner’s death.

I’ll save that for another day.

To be continued...

Photos

in plain sight

Compared to other Southern states (one thinks of Mississippi and its abundance of esteemed writers), Arkansas boasts comparatively few authors of note. The Razorback State has ample material, as evidenced by my Ozarks childhood. My foothills Granny baked a ‘possum with all the trimmings every winter until she passed in 2000. We might be short on literati, but not on characters and storytellers.

One must admit, the handful of authors we share with the nation and the world do tend to be big guns. Maya Angelou, John Gould Fletcher (with ancestors from my hometown of Maynard), and E. Lynn Harris all made considerable splashes in their respective genres. Though people associate John Grisham with Mississippi, the best-selling novelist hailed first from Black Oak and Jonesboro.

But today, I focus on a notable Natural State native we lost: Charles Portis. Portis gave us, among other titles, True Grit, and in doing do so blessed us with Rooster Cogburn, arguably one of John Wayne’s best roles and the only one for which he won an Oscar.

All Arkansas grandfathers--and a good many grandmothers--of the 1980s watched “Television Westerns” of an evening. The Duke’s movies were particular favorites of Quimby and Vival Seawel and their grandsons. And when Rooster

Cogburn came on (a reprise of the immortal character), we marveled at the juxtaposition of the old Arkansas coot and the Yankee spinster (portrayed by Katherine Hepburn)--a match made in Hollywood heaven, with a little boost from Arkansas.

Portis also gifted our American consciousness with an Arkansas girl of gumption if ever there was one. Long live young Mattie Ross and her homespun wisdom. “Men will live like billy goats if they are let alone.” Truer words were never spoken, Miss Mattie.

I’m basing my praise off the movie versions and sequels of the story, which (since I’m name-dropping on behalf of Arkansas) I should add featured Glen Campbell (born in Billsville--near “Dee-light, y’all). I’d be lying if I said I’d read the book, which I’m sure, Mom, is infinitely superior.

I have read Portis’ Norwood, a fun read if for no other reason than what one reviewer called the “Texarkana vernacular.” If memory serves, it’s a tale of working-class blues bordering on Southern Gothic--trailer house love scenes, a British midget, and a talking chicken.

One midnight a decade ago on a stroll across Little Rock’s Big Dam Bridge, I remarked to my friend and fellow bridge walker that I’d like to meet the reclusive local author Charles Portis. My friend, a keeper

of a CIA-worthy low profile, cleared his throat in a telling manner.

“He’s not a recluse,” my friend said in a tone more defensive than usual.

“You flippin’ know him,” I accused. I pressed until my buddy admitted a friendship with the family. But our man Portis, it seems, had no desire for the limelight, preferring anonymity but rejecting the label of “recluse.”

“He just doesn’t want too big a deal made of him,” my friend shared.

His kinfolk were honorably and fiercely protective.

A respecter of fellow introverts, I withdrew my request. Let’s be honest, I could tell there wasn’t a snowball’s chance, so I let it go and memorized the author’s face from Google images in case I ever hap pened to bump into him at Whole Hog. Neighbors, they say, saw him frequently, and, not knowing of his literary accomplishments, assumed he was just another old white man.

I reckon he preferred it that way.

Jacob Seawel is a freelance writer and licensed clinical social worker with the U.S. Air Force.

Originally published in the Democrat-Gazette, February 2020

“I would not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brains.” - Charles Portis, True Grit

Arkansas

Mistina Hibbard

A Heartfelt Thank You

As the ink dries on the pages of this issue, I find myself both humbled and elated to extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your solid support and readership have breathed life into our magazine, turning it into a light of inspiration, knowledge and entertainment.

Thank you for choosing us as your trusted source of information, insight and enjoyment.

Behind every word, every image and every story lies the collective effort of a dedicated team committed to bringing you a magazine that not only informs but also uplifts and enriches your lives. We strive to provide you with a mix of content that keeps you turning page after page, discovering new ideas, exploring new perspectives and connecting with the world around you.

None of this would be possible without the support of our advertisers. Their commitment to partnering with us has helped us to create a publication that reaches your hands, inspiring and engaging you in ways we hope bring joy to your lives. We encourage you to take a moment to show your appreciation by visiting their businesses, engaging with their offerings and expressing your gratitude for their role in making this magazine a reality.

We want your feedback, your thoughts and your suggestions. Your voices drive us to continually better our content, ensuring that we cater to your interests and aspirations. Reach out to me personally at jfrench@cherryroad. com or give me a call at 870-686-6400. I am eager to hear your insights, suggestions and ideas that will shape the upcoming issues and help us continue to deliver a magazine that relates deeply with you.

As we gear up for our next publication in December, I am thrilled to announce that we will be putting the spotlight on the town of Batesville. This upcoming issue will be a celebration of the town’s unique charm and its transformation into Arkansas’ go-to destination during the festive Christmas season. Get ready to cover yourself in the holiday spirit, as we explore the sights, sounds and traditions that make Batesville truly magical during this time of year.

Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making our magazine a part of your life’s journey. As we anticipate our next chapter together, I wish you all a fall filled with joy, love and cherished moments.

With heartfelt appreciation,

84 beds opening in 2024