Arkansas Weekly Receives Ozark Tourism Award
Stacy Fields (left), graphics manager of Arkansas Weekly, receives the Wilson Powell Media Support Award on behalf of Arkansas Weekly from Cathy Drew, executive director of the Ozark Gateway Tourism Council during the council's annual banquet. The award is in recognition of extraordinary support for regional travel through the use of the media. The banquet was held last month at Elizabeth's Restaurant in Batesville. Partner in Tourism awards were also given to W.R.D. Entertainment (the parent company of Arkansas Weekly), Areawide Media, North Arkansas Electric Co-Op and White River Distributors. Photo by Kathy Fitzsimmons
Wyatt announces candidacy for county clerk
Tracey Wyatt
Tracey Wyatt, a lifelong resident of Independence County, has announced her candidacy for Independence County clerk. Incumbent Karen Wooldridge will retire at the end of her present term. Wyatt currently serves as chief deputy clerk. She is a graduate of Batesville High School and Gateway Technical College (now the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville). She has worked in the county clerk's office for the past 12 years. During those years, Wyatt has gained experience in every aspect of the clerk's office. The county clerk is the official bookkeeper of the county government and serves as a clerk for the county, probate and quorum courts. The clerk's office is responsible for county payroll, accounts payable and voter registration. The county currently employs 260 people, and there are approximately 17,000 registered voters in the county. During 2009, the clerk's office processed over 13,000 claims. Wyatt says she enjoys working with the public and the current staff at the clerk's office: Tammy Hillis, Phyllis Russell and Lisa Drake. Wyatt resides in Batesville with her children, Hope and Greyson Wyatt. She is the daughter of Jim Nast and Susan Nast and is the granddaughter of James and Bertha Nast, all of Batesville. "I hope to continue to serve Independence County with courtesy, efficiency and dedication," said Wyatt. "I would greatly appreciate any and all support in the upcoming election." Wyatt may be reached by calling (870) 793-2361. From Press Release
Nelson seeks second term as Independence County JP
Larry Nelson
Larry Nelson has announced his candidacy for a second term as justice of the peace, District 7, on the Independence County Quorum Court. Nelson is subject to the Democratic primary in May. District 7 is composed of the area east of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, all of Ruddell Hill, all of Bethesda and part of the Cushman area. He serves on the Solid Waste, County Road and Parks and Recreation committees. Nelson has lived in District 7 for 20 years. He is married to Barbara Roe Nelson. Barbara has worked for the state of Arkansas for 18 years in the Department of Human Services. The Nelsons are active members of the Church of the Nazarene where Larry serves on the church board. The Nelsons have three sons, one daughter and four grandchildren. "I am pleased and honored to serve on the current quorum court," Nelson said. "The court members are dedicated to serving the county and their respective districts to the best of their abilities. In 2009, there were some very tough decisions to be made, but we worked together for the good of all. There are some tough issues ahead, but I feel the current quorum court will work together to solve those issues. "I feel that with the leadership of Economic Development Executive Director Ed Mabry community leaders can bring good jobs to Independence County. "It has been a privilege and honor to serve District 7," Nelson said. "I will continue to be a full-time JP. I have answered all calls in District 7 and honored my pledge to be the voice of the district. I believe I have represented the district majority with my quorum court votes. I will continue to listen to my constituents, keep an open mind on all issues and consider all options that District 7 residents relay to me. I will continue to honor my first election pledges: to not accept county insurance or accept mileage for checking the district's roads. "I pledge to work hard with all county and state officials," Nelson said. "I am blessed with good, hardworking people in my district and three superb fire departments. I will appreciate your continued support and vote in the May primary." Nelson may be reached at (870) 793-7892 and will be at the Bethesda Fire Department the first Saturday of every month. From Press Release
Weaver seeks re-election as Independence County JP
Bobby Weaver
Bobby Weaver has announced he is seeking re-election as an Independence County justice of the peace for District 5. "I would like to express the utmost gratitude to the registered voters of District 5 for allowing me the opportunity to represent and serve them for the past 14 months," said Weaver. "I have voiced and brought forth to the quorum court and county judge any concern or point of interest that has been provided to me by the citizens of the district. "The past year has been an educational one," Weaver said. "As a newcomer to the quorum court, I was appointed and introduced to three committees: Solid Waste, Law Enforcement and Parks and Recreation. Solid waste has been challenging but has been resolved within the county versus privatization. Sitting on these committees has helped me to see some of the hardships we face. "An economic downturn involving job losses and tax revenue loss doesn't provide positive incentive, but with the appointment of Ed Mabry, the future seems a little brighter," Weaver said. "Mr. Mabry came highly recommended and was hired to be the executive director of the Independence County Economic Development program. He is doing a good job of promoting the county and bringing jobs to the area. "When voting on serious matters, or any matter involving taxpayer dollars, my vote belongs to the opinion of the majority of District 5," Weaver said. "During the campaign for my first election, I promised the district's voters that I would take action and be a voice for the area and relay any concern brought to my attention. I believe I have kept that promise and will continue to do so as long as I represent District 5. I would appreciate a vote of confidence on May 18." Weaver may be contacted at (870) 793-9284. From Press Release
Second annual Friends in Great Places concert set at UACCB
BATESVILLE -- The second annual Friends in Great Places concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB). All proceeds from the event will go toward the Nursing and Allied Health facility which is currently under construction on the campus of UACCB. This year's concert will once again feature a variety of talented musicians from the surrounding area. W.R.D. Entertainment is the lead sponsor of this event. "We will feature the same lineup of musicians as last year," said Danny Dozier, who assists UACCB in setting up this event. "I'm proud to call them my friends, and I rank their talent among the highest anywhere in the country." Dozier said this year's format will also be the same as last year and will include a variety of country, folk, bluegrass and blues. Artists will include Brad and Brandon Apple; Gary Rounds; Sarah Roark from Melbourne; The Leatherwoods Band from Mountain View, which includes Pam Setser, Chuck Hughes, Teressa Johns, Roger Fountain and Dozier; as well as Billy Joe French from Hardy and his band, which includes Robbie Springfield, Ken Loggains, Mike Foster, Tim Crouch and Jerry Bone. "We will be playing songs that include a variety of musical instruments," Dozier said. Instruments will include acoustic guitar, mandolin, resonator guitar, fiddles, mountain dulcimer, banjo, harmonica, bass guitar, autoharp, spoons, piano, organ, electric guitar, steel guitar and drums. The show will last about two and a half hours. Ticket prices are $15 and $10. Tickets may be purchased at First Community Bank, Citizens Bank, W.R.D. Entertainment, UACCB and Centennial Bank in Mountain View. For more information, contact Hayes Olson, the director of development at UACCB, at (870) 612-2017. From Press Release
Sherwood's Jackson named Bad Boy Mowers scholarship recipient
Pictured (from left to right) are Bad Boy Mowers representative David Brogdon, Bad Boy Mowers scholarship recipient and Scots basketball player James Jackson, Lyon College Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins and Lyon College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Tim Bruner. Bad Boy Mowers recently awarded Jackson a scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year. Photo submitted BATESVILLE -- Lyon College guard James Jackson has been named the recipient of the Bad Boy Mowers basketball scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year. Jackson, a 6-foot-4 senior on the Scots basketball team, was selected for his work in the classroom and his performance as a student athlete. Jackson averages 10.2 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game as a guard with the Scots. He was selected as a TranSouth Scholar Athlete in 2008-2009 and is on track to repeat the honor this season. "We appreciate Bad Boy Mowers' support of our athletic department, and we're proud of their support of our men's basketball program," said Lyon College Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins. "Their hard work and dedication for the community and Lyon College athletics allows us to recruit fine young student athletes like James Jackson." Bad Boy annually awards this scholarship to a men's basketball player at Lyon College, whose hometown is within 250 miles of Batesville and who best represents the Lyon College Scots in the classroom, in the community and in the athletic arena. For more information on the Lyon College athletic program, visit www.lyon.edu/athletics. From Press Release
Southside FFA Volunteers at Humane Society
The officer team of the Southside High School FFA chapter donated food and toys to the Independence County Humane Society during National FFA Week. The team also volunteered their time to help with cleaning pens, vaccinating and playing with the shelter's animals. Pictured left to right is Tyler Fields, president; Buzzy Mouer, reporter; Tiffiny Semashko, sentinel; Raini Stewart, secretary; Matt Norris, adviser and Matt Anderson, vice president. Photo by Stacy Fields
Local band to present Haiti disaster benefit concert
Local Christian band Titus III will present the Haiti Disaster Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Independence Hall at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB). Admission will be $5 at the door. Children under 8 will be admitted for free. Other local Christian bands World Sound and MannaFest Hymn will join Titus III in the concert. All proceeds from the concert will go to World Vision, which is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision is currently on the ground in Haiti helping the victims of the recent earthquake. From Press Release
