Moore seeks re-election to Independence County Quorum Court
Anne Moore
Anne Moore of Newark has announced her candidacy for a second term on the Independence County Quorum Court as a justice of the peace representing District 4, which includes Newark, Oil Trough, Union Hill, Thida and the Blacklands (Big Bottom-Wycough-Logan; Newark 1, 2, 3; Magness; Oil Trough; Hill and Deparatee precincts). Moore serves on the Budget, Solid Waste and Hydroelectric committees, as well as being the quorum court representative for Newark on the Interlocal Committee. "It has been a privilege and responsibility to represent you this past year as your quorum court worked together as a unit to make decisions that will better serve our county and districts," Moore said. "We had some major challenges facing us as we began 2009. With diligent resolve and cooperative effort, I feel sound decisions were made. Realizing it takes time to correct or move issues forward, we continue our efforts in 2010 to develop plans that will reduce the county budget, save our residents money and assure progress in solid waste disposal, road issues and hydro concerns while we pursue economic development possibilities to bring jobs to our county. "A new county-wide emergency system to notify each resident served by phone service, whether hardwire or cell, was approved and will be used for emergency weather issues such as flooding, road hazards or closings. This is a major asset to our county and replaces the few remaining area sirens," Moore said. "Our family has been Independence County residents for six generations, so I feel a great burden through service to leave my county in better condition than when I began," Moore said. Moore may be contacted by calling (870) 307-2813 or (870) 799-3715. Her e-mail address is lavadatwo@yahoo.com. Her mailing address is PO Box 294; Newark, AR 72562. From Press Release
McIntosh announces candidacy for District 4 JP
David McIntosh
David McIntosh has announced his candidacy for justice of the peace, District 4, on the Independence County Quorum Court. He is subject to the Democratic primary in May. District 4 includes the Newark, Oil Trough, Union Hill, Thida and Big Bottom area. McIntosh is a lifelong resident of Independence County. He has been married the past 38 years to Clara Ann, and the couple has two children and four grandchildren. All of his grandchildren attend the Cedar Ridge School District. He is a four-term board member for the Cedar Ridge School District. He is a lifelong Democrat and is a member of and attends the Oil Trough United Methodist Church. McIntosh's concerns are county roads, county debt, more jobs for people, and to set some priorities for parks and recreation. He also notes he is looking forward to working with Ed Mabry on economic development. "I feel District 4 has economic potential that could be developed and other areas of the county as well," McIntosh said. "I would greatly appreciate any and all support in the upcoming election." McIntosh may be reached by calling (870) 264-9416. From Press Release
Community School Inc. teaches job skills despite bad economy
In the top photo, Amanda Seagrave, executive director of The Community School Inc., helps Terry Ganus sort clothes at the New To You resale store. In the bottom photo, Raymond Parmer sorts clothes in preparation of the store's winter clearance sale. The store helps developmentally disabled adults learn job skills. Photos by Steven Story by Steven Story -- Arkansas Weekly staff White River Specialized Industries is a subsidiary of the Community School Inc. of Batesville. It is a nonprofit organization that offers training programs to developmentally disabled adults and emphasizes jobs. But the bad economy has affected the Community School as it has many other businesses. "We appreciate jobs to do such as sorting, packaging, getting things ready for mail outs and small parts assembly," said Amy Lewis, who is the assistant director of the workshop at the Community School. "We give a bid just like a factory. The people who do the work are paid. We work with people who are developmentally disabled and accommodate their work needs." The Community School did have contracts with the Bosch-Skill manufacturing plant in Heber Springs and the White-Rodgers assembly plant in Batesville. Bosch-Skill closed its doors in 2007 and moved its production of circular saws to China. White-Rodgers closed its doors in 2008 and moved its operations to Mexico. The school also did contract work for the Kohler Co. in Searcy, but it closed its doors at the beginning of this year and moved its operations to Mexico. The plant made stainless steel sinks. The school does have a contract with Concord Specialty, which supplies corrugated products to businesses in Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. Despite losing the contract jobs, the school still teaches job skills and makes money with its New To You resale store, located at 1550 Cottonwood St. in Batesville. It is located next to the fire training center. The store is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. "The clients fold clothes, dust. (Working in the store) teaches them employment skills," said Amanda Seagrave, executive director of the Community School Inc. "The staff work with the employees on a number of jobs -- sorting clothes, hanging and folding the clothes, switching out seasonal clothing, boxing them up, cleaning, dusting, pricing and putting out items for display." The store sells clothing items, dishes, pots and pans, electronics including computers and printers, paperback and hardback books, games, 45 and 33 record albums, household knickknacks, puzzles and toys. Right now the store is having a clearance sale on winter clothing to make room for spring clothing. The Community School Inc. also operates two more resale stores in the city. Second Time Around is located at 3244 Harrison St., and Almost New is located at 563 Water St. Both stores are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Donation drop boxes are located at each of the three stores. For more information or donation pickup, call (870) 793-6943. The Community School Inc. is a United Way agency.
Savoy Family Cajun Band concert set for FilmFest
Concert and films celebrate Cajun culture
Marc and Ann Savoy and the Savoy Family Cajun Band will perform in concert at Independence Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB). Photo submitted Marc and Ann Savoy and the Savoy Family Cajun Band will perform in concert at Independence Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 27. Ann Savoy will read from her book, Cajun Music: A Reflection of the People, at appropriate intervals during the concert. The book has been hailed as "the definitive guide to Cajun music." The Savoys have been a major force in the appreciation of traditional Cajun music for over three decades. Informed by Ann's extensive research and writing on the subject, the couple, in various musical configurations, has endeavored both to preserve and to popularize the music of the French-speaking natives of Louisiana. Their efforts have met with considerable national and international acclaim, impressive record sales, an active touring schedule and a unique place in the hearts of music lovers. Marc has been honored with a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts for his work as a Cajun accordion maker and musician. In addition to making Cajun music with the family, Ann also records with Linda Ronstadt as the ZoZo Sisters. Best known for their years of recordings and performances with Cajun fiddler Michael Doucet in the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, the couple now performs with their sons, Joel and Wilson, as the Savoy Family Cajun Band. Cajun music and culture will also be highlighted in a pair of films presented by Les Blank. The acclaimed documentary trailblazer will screen J'ai Ete au Bal (I Went to the Dance) and Marc and Ann. The former film is the definitive take on the history of the toe-tapping, foot-stomping music of French Southwest Louisiana, featuring performances by all of the Cajun music greats. The latter is an enchanting portrait of the Savoys and a tribute to their work preserving Cajun culture. Marc and Ann will participate in the post-screening discussion. The Les Blank film program is set for 3 p.m. on March 27 at Independence Hall. Admission is $5, $4 for seniors and children, and $3 for Foothills Film Society members. Tickets for the Savoy Family Cajun Band concert are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for Foothills Film Society members. Members also receive admission discounts to all screenings, as well as invitations to two private catered receptions honoring this year's guest filmmakers and screenwriters. Basic individual memberships are $25. Supporting memberships are $100 and include discounted admission for screenings and the concert, as well as admission for two to "Members Only" social events. Ozark Foothills FilmFest Inc. is a 501(c)(3) educational, nonprofit corporation founded in 2001. First Community Bank is the festival's founding sponsor. Major sponsors include the Arkansas Arts Council, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, FutureFuel Chemical Co., Midwest Lime, Citizens Bank, Atlas Asphalt, W.R.D. Entertainment Inc., White River Distributors, KFFB 106.1FM, the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council, Life in the Ozarks and the Oxford American. The Savoy Family Cajun Band performance and the Les Blank film screenings are made possible by an American Masterpieces Presenting Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. American Masterpieces is a major initiative to acquaint Americans with the best of their cultural and artistic legacy. For more information, visit www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org or call (870) 251-1189. From Press Release
Midland school celebrates 25 years
Richard Blevins, a former superintendent for Midland school, and Janet Canard, an original and current staff member at the school, share a laugh. Midland school recently celebrated 25 years of pride and progress. Photo submitted The Midland School District recently celebrated 25 years of pride and progress at the high school campus in Pleasant Plains. The Midland School District, with its Mustang mascot, is a result of a consolidation effort 25 years ago of the Floral Eagles and the Pleasant Plains Panthers. Eight members of the original faculty and staff still work at Midland: Donnie Branscum, Kim Bridgman, Janet Canard, Nancy Roberson, Kathy Sharp, Roetta Stoneking, Sue Turner and Karen Wells. The celebration allowed alumni, administration, faculty, staff and friends both past and present to renew acquaintances and honor distinguished alumni from 12 different categories. Leroy Brewer and Richard Blevins, former superintendents of the district, and representatives from the late Frank Monroe family, a former principal, attended the event along with nearly 200 other people. The distinguished alumni honored included Larissa Crawford Clark, education; Bryan Sexton, law; Scott Crawford, law enforcement; Katy Harrison Hattenhauer, agriculture; Greg Grammer, military; Jeremy Grammer, vocational-technical; Jeremy Scott Robinson, computer science; Daniel Haigwood, athletics; Cristy Mofield Houston, science; Tasha Sharp McAdams, medical; Ronnie Fortson, community service; and Anthony Turner, business. Current Superintendent Dean Stanley announced that the Event Committee wanted to honor an additional 12 candidates every five years as a way to celebrate the exceptional talent that Midland has had the privilege of having walk through its halls over the years. From Press Release
"Green Eggs and Ham"
Kindergarteners Reagan Ramsey and Abi Milam enjoy a Dr. Seuss "green eggs and ham" breakfast recently at Midland Elementary School. The school was celebrating Read Across America Week, which honors Dr. Seuss and his books. Photo submitted
