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Band Teacher James Pianalto Just Knew He Didn’t Want to Be a Farmer

June 29, 2016

James Pianalto, Benton, Age 45

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to Kristina for 24 years. We have 2 sons, Aidan (12) and Evan (6). I have one sister, Nancy who lives in Siloam Springs. My father lives with his wife in Bella Vista and my mother lives in Springdale. My 96-year-old grandmother lives in Tontitown where I grew up. My wife’s parents are both deceased.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I grew up in the small Italian settlement community of Tontitown, AR. It’s nestled on the northern side of the nook where Springdale and Fayetteville meet.

3. Describe your childhood.

We lived right across the street from my grandparents who owned a 100-acre farm consisting of approximately 75 dairy cattle, maybe 60,000 chickens and sometimes a few pigs and/or rabbits. When my grandfather retired, the farm was retired too, shortly thereafter – after my father and his brother tried to share in a partnership of the farm. We moved to a small chicken farm purchased by my parents around the time I entered Jr. High School. At this point, I didn’t know what I was going to do when I grew up, but I knew I was NOT going to be a farmer. Farmers never get a vacation and it always seems like every element of life is pulling against the small farm owner. These times were sometimes a major financial struggle but I wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything. I learned through my father’s example how to persevere through hard work and I learned how to live more with less. I watched my father work two, three, and sometimes four jobs to provide for my family as my mother developed some pretty serious health problems which kept her from continuing her work as a nurse. Personally, I struggled academically with ADHD during a time where medication was not really offered as an option. Luckily, I was very successful at taking the work ethic learned from my father, applied to learning a musical instrument in Jr. High and High School to develop skills that eventually turned into a career.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I would have to say my first music owned was the entire 8-track Elvis gold collection at the age of six. At that age, I enjoyed standing on wooden toy box pretending to perform as Elvis using a hairbrush as a microphone. Later, when I started making my own decisions about music, I owned Journey, Chicago, Def Leppard, Prince and everything in between.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Currently I enjoy any type of activity that involves physical fitness. My favorite activity is just about anything we do within the walls of Crossfit Testament. I also love to cycle, hike and on occasion, canoe/fish and play golf.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the Band director at Benton Jr. High school and assistant band director at Benton High School. I teach everything from Marching to Jazz to Symphony Music.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I just completed my 17th year with Benton Public Schools, so Benton really feels like my hometown. I really enjoy living in Benton because it is a larger town with a small town feeling that reminds me of Springdale when I was growing up. The parents of the students I teach still respect what we do and that the decisions we make are in the best interest of our students and for our music program as a whole. Without the selfless support of the community and especially the parents who have children in our program, we could not thrive as we do.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Magically, it would be beneficial to have a larger institution of higher learning here. A four-year institution where our students could closely interact with more students and professors in order to advance their musical skills at an even higher level. Universities also host opportunities for our secondary students to experience more artistic events that could be more easily experienced by our students. Currently, it’s just not as easy to attend a University concert or recital for live music experiences.

I would also magically place more activities targeted toward our teenagers. Teenagers need inexpensive activities and positive places to hang out and enjoy to keep their minds and bodies active.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I enjoy “So You Think You Can Dance,” “American Pickers,” “Criminal Minds,” and yes, “Finding Bigfoot.” My family and get much comic relief from this show.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Anything chocolate. My last meal would probably consist of homemade lasagne and Big Al’s chocolate cake from Copelands

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Of course THE Benton Panthers! GO PANTHERS! Growing up in Fayetteville’s backyard though, I do bleed Razorback Red. GO HOGS! I don’t follow professional sports except to watch the success of former Razorback players.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

A loving, secure, safe environment that nurtures their needs, inspires their creativity, and builds their confidence to be their own person vs. what most of society deems important.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I would say the most important day in my life is when my first child was born, Aidan. When I first laid eyes on my first born son, I felt the emotion of every accolade anyone has ever given me for my whole life, wrapped up into one moment. It brought me to my knees. Emotion that led me to be a more selfless person. Emotion that eventually led me to accept Jesus Christ as my savior. In a nutshell, Aidan is God’s angel sent to save my life.

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Jill Jones is Putting Community in Writing

June 20, 2016

Jill Jones, Benton, 50

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married for 17 years to Tracy Jones, one son, Mitchell who is 14 and will be a sophomore at Bryant High School this fall. Both of my husband’s parents are deceased, as is my mom. My dad lives in Atlanta, where I grew up, along with my three older sisters and their families.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was actually born in Greenville, SC, but it should’ve been Atlanta. I was a little bit early. I grew up in Atlanta.

3. Describe your childhood.

We were pretty much middle class. My dad worked for Ray-O-Vac Battery company, he was a regional manager of the southeastern part of the U.S., so he traveled a lot….and though my mom had her nursing degree, she was a stay at home mom raising us four girls. My mom and dad were married for 48 years when my mom died in 2004. We attended church, had lots of chores around the house, played outside until dark-thirty, and made sure Dad approved of every boy we ever had a date with.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

My very first album was the Eagles Hotel California, in 6th grade, which later became my first concert too. It was a record and opened up like a book,and I put one of those furry fuzzy footprint stickers on the inside of it. What a dork. I remember listening to 8-tracks in my oldest sisters AMC Pacer.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to read and cook, and going to movies. But my favorite thing is watching my son play football. And going to the beach with my sisters. Also, I am in my 22nd year of playing Fantasy Football with a group of old friends from Florida. My team name is Victorious Secret…I’m the only female coach I the league.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I own and publish a monthly magazine called Hurricane Lake Living, which is for the residents of Hurricane Lake Estates. I interview residents, pets, kids, cooks, athletes, veterans, you name it. I take pictures, write stories, host events like Neighbors Night Out, Family Movie Nights, Cocktail parties and more, and of course, sell advertising to support the whole thing!

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

My husband works for Dillard’s corporate in Little Rock, which is what brought us to Arkansas. We chose to live in Saline County for it’s people, schools, and peacefulness. I used to work for the City of Benton and for KTHV 11, but love being able to work from home now and being self-employed.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would magically finish building Hobby Lobby, Ulta and the new shops that are coming. I would magically stop the infighting in our city and county governments. I would create transparency so we citizens knew what was going on. I would create a way for more people to participate in government, and would put people in office who care about the community at large and not just their little corner of the world. There is a lot I would do if I could, most of it revolving around uniting the commonalities between Benton and Bryant.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Project Runway, UFC, The Walking Dead and football…any football!

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I love barbecue ribs, and steamed clams.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Georgia Bulldogs.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

World Peace. But also to make sure they are saved and love Jesus Christ, which he is. And to make sure he recognizes the special person God has chosen for him to spend his life with, and that she is protected and safe until that time.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day my son was born.

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Carl Frank of Traskwood Has Thousands of Children

May 23, 2016

Carl Frank of Traskwood, age 53

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Single, no children. Dad and step-mom live in Little Rock

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Terrell, TX, but raised in Arkansas. Lived in Little Rock and attended First Lutheran School in Little Rock K – 7th grade. Moved to Traskwood in 1971 and attended Glen Rose from 8th grade – 12th grade. With the exception of my college years, and about 6 years where I worked near where I was employed, I have lived in Saline County, in Traskwood.

3. Describe your childhood.

Family was middle class, lived in the city (Little Rock), then moved to the country (Traskwood). I have a younger brother. We both attended First Lutheran School in Little Rock, and then attended/graduated from Glen Rose. We had pets, cats and dogs, and after we moved to Traskwood had cows, pigs, goats, and chickens at some point while we were in school. I played baseball almost every summer in Traskwood. Great times!

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

First music was on records. I do not remember what we purchased first. I do remember some K-tel compilations and some 45’s of the Banana Splits, Josie and the Pussy Cats, the Jackson Five and the Osmonds. Later, some Sonny & Cher, Jim Croce, Bread.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Watch baseball, collect autographs. Go to the lake with family and friends.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I teach Computer Science at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts. I have taught there since November of 1995. I enjoy teaching and promoting Computer Science Education as a discipline. I also have coached high school baseball for 8 seasons, and serve as the ASMSA FBLA advisor.

When I am not doing work related things I serve the community in other ways. I currently serve on the Glen Rose School Board, and have been on the board for about 15 years.

I have also been a member of the Glen Rose Optimist Club and the Saline County Democratic Party.

I am also president of the Arkansas Computer Science Teachers Association where we are promoting Computer Science Education in Arkansas and helping train teachers to better teach Computer Science.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I enjoy the community where I live. I like living in the country and being relatively near Little Rock and Hot Springs.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I miss having organized baseball and softball in Traskwood. I grew up in a time were the parents in the community were all very community-minded. They coached, worked the concession stands, worked on improving the ballpark, maintaining it. Even if they did not have kids playing at the time. I benefited from being raised in Traskwood at that time.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Flash, NCIS, Agents of Shield, Modern Family

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Depends on the mood. I like Mexican, Italian, Chinese, American.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Texas Rangers – MLB

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I do not have children of my own, but I would like them to be instilled with the desire to make the world a better place than they found it.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I have had many important days. I enjoy my life and what I do. I have had many great days, a few bad, and a lot of average days. I have enjoyed each of my graduations, both mine and those of my students.

I have had a lot of great days with family and friends.

Some of the best days are when a former student writes you a nice thank you or email years later and thanks you for what you have done for them. This is hard perhaps to explain fully to a non-teacher, but it is a wonderful feeling. It helps remind you why you got into teaching in the first place.

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Paul Calley Says His Gas Station Job as a Teen Made His Work Ethic

June 1, 2016

Paul Calley of Benton, age 47

Coach Calley (right) speaking to Mary Dunleavy of THV11. He would be join the Harmony Grove Cardinals as head coach, after 20 years with the Bryant Hornets. He would replace Cardinals Coach Jimmy “Red” Parker.

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to Laryssa , daughter Kenzee, son Kurt, Dad Johnny Calley, Mom Reia Calley both still alive, Sister Jeanie White, Brother Nick Calley.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Gurdon, AR, in the Little Missouri River/Ouachita River bottoms and at the corner of Highways 67 and 53 where my dad’s service station is located.

3. Describe your childhood.

I had a great childhood, wonderful grandparents, parents and family. Being from a small town, you are friends with everyone and they all know your business. Our big entertainment was riding 3-wheelers during the 80’s. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. My mom was a housewife and my dad ran Calley’s Station and still does (50 years in business). My grandfather was in business with my dad. He passed away in 1981, I was 12 years old. Daddy needed my help and I worked there when I wasn’t playing sports, part-time and full-time until I took the head job at Bryant in 2003. The days were long 13-15 hour days, but I credit my upbringing for my success.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I had an Andy Gibb, Queen and Styx 8-track tape, an Alabama record, but my favorite was a Champagne 8-track tape my mom had.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to bass fish, ride 4-wheelers and believe it or not, bush hog at the farm.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

Head Football Coach at Harmony Grove High School. The most important thing I do is mentor young people. I’ve always felt like the Lord blessed me with a wonderful family so that I could help those that were less fortunate than me. I am able to do this mainly through sports but it gives me many other avenues to make a difference.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Saline County is close enough to the big city to enjoy all of the amenities, yet it still has that small town feel. My wife has also experienced tremendous growth in her Shelter Insurance Agency and that is attributed to the wonderful people in Saline County.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would want a public, trophy bass lake just off the Saline River out Highway 5.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I don’t watch much TV, but if I do, it’s SEC Football, A&E, History channel, Andy Griffith or a Netflix series.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Chips and salsa and Mexican cornbread.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Henderson State University Reddies, Hogs and the Dallas Cowboys prior to TO.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want to make sure they have a relationship with God, integrity, character, work ethic, compassion and love.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The most important day of my life was the day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I’m not perfect and never will be but God’s Grace covers me.

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Judge Robert Herzfeld Has Roots Here Nearly as Old as the County Itself

May 12, 2016

Robert Herzfeld, 42, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’m married, with two teenage sons

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was raised in Saline County

3. Describe your childhood.

Comfortable middle class. Two older sisters. I read lots and lots of books, but also enjoyed sports.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

The first album I remember listening to over and over was called “Goofy Greats” and had a wide variety of novelty songs. My favorites were “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” and “Please Mr. Custer”

A1 –Royal Guardsmen* Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron
A2 –Brian Hyland Itsy-Bitsy, Teenie-Weenie, Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini
A3 –Newbeats* Bread And Butter
A4 –Fendermen* Mule Skinner Blues
A5 –Bobby Day Rockin’ Robin
A6 –Hollywood Argyles Alley-Oop
A7 –Johnny Thunder Loop De Loop
A8 –Ohio Express Yummy, Yummy, Yummy
A9 –George Baker Selection Little Green Bag
A10 –Tokens* The Lion Sleeps Tonight
A11 –Trashmen* Surfin’ Bird
A12 –Ohio Express Chewy, Chewy
B1 –Ray Stevens Ahab The Arab
B2 –Shirley Ellis The Name Game
B3 –Lemon Pipers* Green Tambourine
B4 –1910 Fruitgum Co.* Simon Says
B5 –Piero Umiliani Mah-Na-Mah-Na
B6 –Bill Haley See You Later, Alligator
B7 –Playmates* Beep, Beep
B8 –Jewel Akens The Birds And The Bells
B9 –Lovin’ Spoonful* Nashville Cats
B10 –Larry Verne Mr. Custer
B11 –Larry Williams (3) Bony Moronie
B13 –1910 Fruitgum Co.* 1-2-3, Redlight

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Reading, writing, sports with my kids. Watching my kids play sports. Spending time with my wife.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I’m a Circuit Judge in Saline County. I hear primarily domestic and probate cases, but also preside over some criminal and civil cases. I also serve as the Administrative Judge for our Judicial District.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I have deep roots in Saline County going back more than 150 years. I love it here, and have enjoyed raising my own family in Benton.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I’d love for a four-year college to be located here.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Survivor, The Amazing Race, Game of Thrones, and Veep.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Cheese dip from La Hacienda. Also, chocolate birthday cake with white icing.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Benton Panthers and Arkansas Razorbacks. Surprise!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

A firm grounding, loving home, and an adventurous spirit.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day I met my wife, Karma.

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Shannon Hills Mayor Mike Kemp Feels No Limits

May 3, 2016

Mike Kemp of Shannon Hills, age 59

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

My wife, Penny, and I have two grown children in their thirties: daughter Candice and son Jason. Both live in Shannon Hills. We have grandchildren we enjoy immensely every chance we get.

2. Where were you born and raised?

L-A, (that’s Lower Arkansas for folks who are not from here…lol), born in Nashville, AR, Howard County, graduating from Mineral Springs High School, attended college at Arkansas Tech in Russellville and Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia.

3. Describe your childhood.

I feel very fortunate to have had a wonderful childhood growing up for the most part in a small town. My parents taught me the value of hard work and encouraged me to get an education. I never felt any limits for my future and feel all parents should teach their children they can accomplish anything if they are willing to invest the time and make the sacrifices required.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Vinyl: first 45 rpm single was a Beatles tune, first album was Rolling Stones.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Traveling and listening to waves on the beach.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

As Mayor of Shannon Hills, I spend a lot of time looking for ways to help people and improve our community. There is of course the day-to-day operation of the City to keep an eye on, but it is also my job to keep an eye toward the future, always seeking opportunities to maximize tax dollars and make our community the best it can be.
I also work part-time in broadcasting, as a reporter and anchor for the Arkansas Radio Network. You can sometimes hear me locally on KARN AM-FM news reporting and anchoring.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

This is my home. I love Saline County. I have been fortunate enough to live in a number of different locations over the years and visit many more. Saline County is one of the best places on the planet to live. We have some of the best folks in the world here and there’s no place else I would rather call home. As an example: one of the first relief efforts to reach New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina came from privately organized sources in Saline County and Shannon Hills. It just shows what good hearts there are here.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

All Saline County students would be allowed to go to Saline County schools and all Saline County towns would have their own zip codes eliminating confusion, ensuring tax dollars go where they are supposed to, and making sure ALL our children are allowed to get the best education possible without spending hours a day on a bus.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

More often than not, I am on the Discovery Channel, History Channel or something along those lines. I must say I do truly enjoy comedy as well, such as “The Big Bang Theory” and “Saturday Night Live.”

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, maybe some green beans with bacon.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints are right up there, although, I was rooting for Peyton Manning and the Broncos all last season. What a wonderful ending to a storybook season for the Manning family.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Strong work ethic, integrity and the desire for life-long learning.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

If you eliminate the obvious things like, your faith, getting married, our children and their milestones in life, I would honestly say the day I became Mayor of the City of Shannon Hills. I truly enjoy the work I get to do for our community. It is wonderful when you can do things that actually have a positive impact on the quality of life for your friends and neighbors. It makes me misty-eyed just thinking about how fortunate and blessed I am to be here and be a part of this community.

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Tom Kimbrell Is Schooling Bryant

April 26, 2016

Tom Kimbrell, age 54, of Alexander

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’ve been married to Tina for 27 years. We have 2 children. Kason is 20 and a student at OBU and Graice is 15 and in the 9th grade at Bryant High School.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in West Memphis, Ar. We lived in Dyess where my dad was a teacher and coach. I lived there 2 years and we moved to Turrell where my dad was a coach, principal and superintendent. We moved later to Corning where I graduated from High School.

3. Describe your childhood.

I grew up the third of four children. My dad was an educator and mom stayed at home until we all were in junior high. I had lots of friends and we found things to do around our small town. I hunted and fished a lot with my father and then with my friends as I grew up. My father was a former Naval Officer and was pretty strict in our upbringing. We had weekly inspections of our bedrooms. His involvement at school meant I couldn’t get way with much at school or even in town, as everyone knew everyone else.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I had a lot of vinyl records and cassettes. I mostly enjoyed rock and popular music of the 1970s and 1980s. My favorite band at the time was the Eagles.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

When I have time, I like to bass fish and spend time on the lake with my family.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

As Superintendent of Bryant Schools, I spend 90% of my day in meetings. The meetings can range from one-on-one to a group as large as 50+ individuals. In these meetings we are planning for the future of Bryant Schools, resolving a current issue at school or just listening to staff members and patrons. The other 10% of my time is spent with budgets and facility management.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I stay in Bryant and Saline County because of the school and the opportunities for a quality of life for my family and I. It is close to Ouachita Baptist University where my son attends college and plays baseball. Bryant High School provides the course offerings and extracurricular programs for my daughter to be prepared for college and her future.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

The attitude of its citizens to support the services provided by police, fire, parks, schools, and other community services.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I love to watch The Voice and The Middle.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

The hamburger steak at Doe’s in downtown Little Rock.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Bryant Hornets of course and the OBU Tigers Baseball team.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want my children to have an appreciation of others and to be kind to everyone.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day I married my wife Tina.

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Betty Cummings Says You Can Learn a Lot From the Elderly

April 19, 2016

Betty Cummings, Benton, age 49

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Divorced, 5 kids – 3 boys and 2 girls. I have 3 Grandchildren – 2 boys and 1 girl. Mom lives in Alien Town, Roswell, New Mexico. Dad passed away several years ago.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Little Rock, moved to Haskell at the age of 10. I lived there until I married and moved around quite a bit.

3. Describe your childhood.

I lived a very structured childhood. My Dad was extremely strict, so most of my time was spent at home doing chores, homework or playing outside in the yard. We had 16 acres so we liked to walk through the trails on our land. We owned pigs, horses a mule and a few dogs. We stayed pretty busy.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

My Dad owned the largest music collection in Saline County, minus the record stores. He had almost an entire recording studio set up in our living room. Everyone knew about the set up, and neighbors would come over and record themselves singing along with the music onto reel to reels. It was an awesome system!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I have recently started making DIY bird feeders to hang outside. I am going to try my hand at a bird bath next. I have started taking a photography class, it has always been interesting to me. I have an appreciation for nature and see beauty in most everything.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I work in the Healthcare Field. I care for the Elderly. I enjoy helping them do the things they are no longer able to do. They are so full of knowledge and have a lot to teach.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I think Saline County is not only a safe place to live, but it’s so peaceful here. And the residents are very caring and compassionate. It’s also a beautiful county.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

There’s really not too much I would want to change about Saline County. For the most part it’s quiet and peaceful. There’s not a lot of crime here. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

My faves are Chicago Med, Fire and P.D. along with The Voice

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Ice Cream

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Don’t really have one

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Financial Security

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The most important days of my life were the days my children were born.

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Susie – The Face of Everett, Healthcare Advocate, Nana to 6, Okie Transplant

April 12, 2016

Susie Everett, Benton, age 59

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to Dwight Everett for 38 years. 2 daughters and sons-in-law. Christa and Brandan Hudspeth; Chad and Anna Hendrix. 6 grandchildren, I have 2 brothers: Jeff and Joe Brumley. One lives in Tulsa, OK, Joe lives in Malvern and works at our dealership. My parents, Byron and Louise Brumley, live in Malvern. They moved there when I was a sophomore in college.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma – raised in the country outside of Tulsa until I was 10 then moved to Benton with my family

3. Describe your childhood.

We lived in the country – so country that the road we lived on was Coyote Trail – around the bend was “Hounddog Holler” I grew up within walking distance of most of my cousins, Grandpa and Grandma, aunts and uncles. We played outside, climbing trees and hiking in the woods. Mom would take me to the small town of Sand Springs to the library. I loved the library. Our school in Keystone didn’t have a library. I loved when the bookmobile came to the school. Our classrooms had 2 grades per one teacher. Seems we all knew each other and all of us rode the school bus.
We moved to the large city of Benton in 1967, where I started the 6th grade at Howard Perrin. Went to Eastside Junior High and graduated from Benton High. We had outside dogs when I was growing up in Oklahoma. I loved Dizzy and Mutt. I remember having to leave Dizzy when we moved. It made me so very sad. We didn’t have much but in Oklahoma, it seemed we were all the same. I fought with my brothers a lot! I was the youngest cousin and remember my position for baseball was the catcher behind the catcher – they called it the pig pen! I had a horse for a while (which I won in a fishing derby) we had to sell “Prince” when we moved to Arkansas. All in all and looking back – it was a very good childhood!

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

The first music I remember was “45s ” that were my brothers’. They were the big music ones. They both played the guitar and were in a band. I always remember listening to their music. The Beach Boys, 4 Seasons, The Beatles… I also remember listening to my daddy’s music – Jim Reeves, Eddie Arnold, Floyd Cramer, Frankie Lane. I love music! I listen to contemporary Christian music most of the time now

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I guess you can say my hobby is my workout. I go to Crossfit Testament doing crossfit 3 times a week and FuseFit Boot camp at the same location 2 times a week. I love to have one-on-one time with one or two grandchildren but that rarely happens since I have 6! Usually always have 2 or more!

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I mainly do PR and spokesperson for the 7 car dealerships we own. I do of lot of keeping my grandchildren too! It’s nice to have the flexibility to leave work and help out with my family.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Saline County is my home. It’s where I’m comfortable. It’s where I feel accepted. My family are here and my parents are close by. I wish they lived closer. I love the people and love the fact that I know so many. I miss my Oklahoma family but I couldn’t leave here! I can see the river from our home. I love my view of the Saline River. It is peaceful living here!

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Actually I’m involved with some boards that are trying to make this a reality. I would love to see hunger stamped out in our County. I would love for all of Saline County residents to receive the healthcare they need and be educated and participate in preventative health care. I’m excited about the bike trails that are being built in our County and the business growth that has boomed in the past few years.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

It’s over now but I loved Downton Abbey and Mercy Street on PBS, I like BBC shows and we watch The Voice. Madam Secretary is a favorite too.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

That is easy – ice cream yogurt, peanut butter and almond butter.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

High School team is the Benton Panthers. College would have to be the Razorbacks. Pro teams – I really don’t have one.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

For my children to continue their faith journey with Jesus Christ, for them to realize their full potential in Jesus Christ, to walk in His Peace, Wisdom and Love.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I would have to say, even though it was just the beginning, was the day I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. I was very young, but in spite of my highs and lows, He has never forsaken me.

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Oksana and Brian Hamby Are Bringing Arts of All Parts to the County

April 5, 2016

Brian Hamby and Concert Violinist Oksana live in Benton. Brian just turned 49, Oksana his wife will just tell you she’s 18!

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married, 3 children: Alexander, age 10, Elizabeth, age 12, and Slavek, age 22. Elizabeth and Alexander play 5 instruments each, Slavek is one of the top drummers in the area and records the Arkansas Symphony whenever they perform. Oksana’s parents are here from Ukraine for one more month, they come here every 6 months and are from the area of Ukraine where the Civil War is active between the government of Ukraine and the Eastern Ukrainians. Brian’s mom is still alive and lives in Benton and works for Bryant Schools as an ESL teacher.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Brian was born in Beaumont, TX and has lived in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico while growing up. He is most recently from Austin, TX. Oksana was raised in Severodonetsk, Ukraine, and has lived in Poland, Russia, and Finland. She moved to the United States 15 years ago and has lived in Florida and Arkansas.

3. Describe your childhood.

Brian’s dad was one of the first Church of Christ Youth Ministers, his mother has always been involved in education. His dad played jazz trombone, piano and accordion and his mother is a cellist. Oksana’s father is retired as a Chemical Engineer at a big fiberglass plant in Severodonetsk and her mother was a scientist there.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Brian’s grandma bought him a Glen Campbell’s ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ record because he loved the title track. Oksana was raised on Russian pop music.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Brian loves to participate in long distance cycling. Before he moved to Benton, he rode his bicycle from Austin, TX to Benton to visit his parents. He has also participated in the Big Dam Bridge 100, completing the 100 mile ride twice. Oksana and the rest of the family likes to do lighter cycling also, this past summer we bought folding bikes and rode all over New York City! Our remaining time for hobbies is taken up by music involvement. Brian likes Dodge Challengers, we rented one this weekend for his birthday. He would have loved to have bought one, but we had to have a van instead.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

Oksana and Brian run Ovation Music Academy (www.OvationMusicAcademy.com) in Benton, the school is 4 years old with over 100 students and 15 teachers. Brian also teaches piano at Piano Kraft 3 days a week in Little Rock (www.b3hamby.com) Oksana performs with the Texarkana and Ft. Smith Symphonies and performs in a German band in Hot Springs on most Fridays. Brian and Oksana have performed together all over the area. Brian also performs in a jazz organ trio and is the organist and pianist for Scope Ministries in Little Rock, Pastor Elvin Jackson. Brian also rents out his Hammond organ to churches and concert venues locally. Brian and Oksana also help run Dimensions Fine Arts, a new non-profit that is trying to up the level of the arts in Saline County. This group created the Saline County Community Orchestra a couple of years ago, and added a youth orchestra last year. (www.DimensionsFineArts.org). On April 30, 2016, they will hold their first music festival in downtown Benton featuring the orchestra, local musicians and a sing-off that anyone can participate in.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

It is a great community to raise kids, it’s a fast-growing community with lots of potential for arts development. It’s a beautiful area, people are super friendly. It’s nice to be between Little Rock and Hot Springs.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Would love to have as much high quality live music here as in Austin, TX or St. Petersburg, Russia, haha!! Would like to help develop venues for professional musicians to come and perform.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

We don’t watch enough TV to warrant having a TV service. Most evenings we watch Russian evening news over the internet and movies. The kids enjoy watching Full House reruns, we watch a lot of music concert videos. Everything we watch is streamed from the internet, connecting our iPhone to the TV.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Brian’s is spaghetti or lasgana, which he makes himself. Whenever Oksana’s parents are here, we have the best private Russian restaurant in the city. Oksana’s favorite food are the Russian foods, pronounced “akroshka,” a cold soup with lots of vegetables, and Cake Napoleon.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Don’t watch sports, other than Olympic games, doesn’t matter who they are, if they perform wonderfully, Oksana says she loves them all.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Excel as a musician, and not play so much on their iPads! We homeschool them and are teaching them and help them understand who they are and what they need to do in life.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Getting married! Every day is a wonderful day when we are all together.

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Janie Lyman, Mayor of Haskell, Mom to RN, Grandma to Rocket Scientist

March 16, 2016

Janie Lyman of Haskell

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

My immediate family includes my daughter Gina (RN) and my grandson Daegan, who lives in Houston and works with NASA at the Johnson Space Center. My father Joe Lyman (Former Supt. Of Bryant Schools) and my mother Bernadine (opened the first beauty salon in Haskell) are both deceased. I have two brothers that reside in Haskell, and a sister who lives in Bryant.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Little Rock, and was raised in Haskell.

3. Describe your childhood.

I was raised in the 1950’s with Sunday School, Preaching services, Bible School, Youth Rallies, values, grandparents who adored me, homemade goodies for events at Harmony Grove school, strict rules for being polite and showing respect for others, saying please and thank you, helping others, and going that extra mile in whatever you do.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

The first music in my collection was Elvis, and then the Beatles.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to read (always mysteries), and I enjoy working in the yard.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am currently the Mayor of Haskell. That title alone denotes that there are a variety of things that happen – every day.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I was raised in Haskell, and my extended family lives here. I have lived and worked in Texas and Little Rock, and decided to ”come home” 23 years ago for a less hectic pace.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I wish all the roads were in good condition and needed no repairs. It costs more than you will ever know for the streets and bridges to be maintained.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

NCIS, Major Crimes, Blue Bloods, Black List

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Ice cream- lots of ice cream.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Anything the Harmony Grove Cardinal teams are involved in.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Maintain a close relationship with God, have respect for others at all times because everyone has a situation, a sense of self-worth, good health, surrounded by people who care about them, and a job they love.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

There have been many awesome days in my life, but the best day (other than my accepting Jesus) would be the birth of my daughter Gina. She always has my back, helps me do all those technical things that I do not understand, and she gave me the most wonderful grandchild.

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Brandon Sutton is in search of – and frequently finds – our history

March 9, 2016

Brandon Sutton of Benton, age 35

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

My wife, Holly, and I have been married for eight years and my daughter, Molly, is 11 going on… well… too old for me.
Between the three of us, our Chihuahua and wolf dog, Lucy and Ethel, and all the “normalcies” of life, there always seems to be a small SNL skit tucked inside every single day we live together.

My parents, Larry and Joanie Sutton, live in Benton next door to my younger brother, Clint, my sister-in-law, Laura, and our little mess of a four-year old niece, Annie.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Benton and have lived here most of my life, excluding my junior high years when we lived in Hot Springs Village. I’m pretty sure we moved back when a toilet paper roll slipped out of my hands and accidentally flew across the gym and knocked a poor cheerleader in the head during a pep rally.

Other than that, my dad’s side of our family has lived on the exact same Saline County property longer than I’ve been on this earth. My great-grandparents, my grandparents and my aunt, my parents, my brothers and I have all lived in one or more of those houses at some point(s) in our lives.

3. Describe your childhood.

Every afternoon as a kid, my brothers and I would jump off the school bus, or as we called it, “the cheesewagon,” and immediately go running for the stash of Nutty Bars and a post-school reward of cartoon marathons. I have fond memories of sitting on my great-grandparents’ back porch shelling peas and spitting out watermelon seeds as we ate them fresh off the rind. They grew everything they ate in their backyard garden, which they fenced to keep our goats, Sparkplug and Bucket, from indulging in their own all-you-can-eat buffet.

My family had two Chihuahuas, Pitty Pat and Prissy, who could speak the words “mama” and “I love you” and lived to be 17 and 19 years old. My parents have always been huge antique collectors and I inherited that love of finding the beauty in someone else’s lost treasure. In high school, I drove a beautiful candy apple red ’65 Chevy pick-up Hot Rod that made me feel cooler than Danny Zuko. That’s the only “thing” I can remember ever taking true pride in because we were never the kind of people to try to “keep up with the Joneses.” I’ve grown up seeing the beauty in things and places, but always knowing that life’s true joy can’t be bought.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Boyz II Men’s second album, “II.” I think I played that CD until I burned a hole in it, belting out “Water Runs Dry” on continuous repeat.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Metal detecting is, by far, my biggest hobby. It’s my happy place. I grew up looking for arrowheads on my family’s land and I’ve been an addict ever since. My favorite thing to do is find unique items, research their history and find out the stories behind them. There’s no happiness quite like calling someone and saying, “Hi, you don’t know me, but I actually found your late brother’s WWII military dog tags in the flowerbed of your childhood home. You know, your brother that received the Bronze Star for shooting down a kamikaze pilot headed for his ship? Anyways, would you like to have them?”
Those people should have those things. They’re not mine. I always return special items to the family members of whomever they belonged to because they carry such nostalgia with them. The sounds in the surprised voices, the looks on their faces and the warmth of their hugs just never gets old.

I’ve always been a lover of the outdoors, so I thrive on deer and bear hunting, fishing, and just messing around outside.

I have a love for singing, picking around on the guitar, and creating paintings and other artwork for others.

I love “yard-saling.” Don’t judge.

Did I mention I love to metal detect?

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I’m a code officer for the city of Little Rock where I’m not only able to encounter some of the most bizarre things in my life (and I’ve seen a lot!), but I also see it as an opportunity to minister to others by being a friendly face, a gentle voice and a willingness to be a helping hand if possible.

Aside from that, I used to own my own art and construction business. I still create custom paintings for people and do a lot of woodwork, construction, furniture building, etc. as a side job.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Honestly? There have been a few times when I’ve wondered the same thing. But for me, it comes down to family. This is where my favorite people in the world are, so this is where I am.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

If I could take away the “small town” politics and gossip that seem to drive so much negativity, Saline County could give Disneyland a run for its money on dubbing itself “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

However, since a Hobby Lobby store is in the works of construction in Saline County, my wife could argue that we’re now well on our way to beating out Disneyland.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

My wife and daughter make fun of me because I could survive on YouTube music and metal detecting videos alone.

Other than that, any show centered on the outdoors, hunting and history.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

NACHOS.

I think God had me in mind when He invented them.

–Not the wimpy ballpark chips and cheese-looking stuff disguised as nachos, but the glorious heaps of gourmet nachos piled high in layers with gobs of goodness that only restaurants can provide.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Holly and I watch the Hogs play football and occasionally yell at the TV like they can actually hear us, but I’ve just never been a big sports guy. I’m much more into hunting, fishing and the great outdoors.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

More than anything, I want Molly and my future children to not only know Jesus, but to love him deeply, form a forever bond with him and to live with the kind of grace towards others that he still shows us.

I want them to be kind, loving, full of true joy, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

I want them to know that objects can be fun, but they’re fleeting. Instead, I want to keep teaching that family and their relationship with God is forever and above all else.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

06-07-08.

June 7, 2008 was the day God planned a wedding, meshed another human being together with me and transformed us from two separate people into one. That day, He gifted us with a life to live together forever and is has been calling it “marriage” ever since.

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Dianne Jester – Banker, Tomboy, Women’s Advocate & Just Fun

March 1, 2016

Dianne Jester of Malvern, age 57

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married for 33 years with my daughter, step daughter and step son. I have 7 ¼ grandchildren! 4 girls and 3 boys with the new “baby bean” coming in September!

My Father died when I was eleven so my Mom and two brothers were my family. My Mother passed away when I was 23 and one of my brother’s died 5 years ago. Rough few years!

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Malvern, Arkansas on April 17, 1958 at the then Hot Spring County Memorial Hospital. I refuse to list birth weight! LOL

Lived just outside of Malvern in the country ‘til I graduated from Malvern High School in 1976. I married and moved to College Park, Maryland for a year, then back to Malvern, then to Shreveport, Louisiana where I worked for First Commercial Bank. When I moved back to Malvern, my daughter was born September 1979 with my first husband that died in a truck wreck when she was 2 years old.

I remarried and moved just outside of Malvern so my daughter could attend Poyen Schools. My kids and grandkids all live in Malvern.

3. Describe your childhood.

I was raised in the community of Harp on Highway 9 just outside of Malvern. My Father was a great carpenter and built the house that we lived in. I had two older brothers. One was 9 years older and the other 10 years older than me. I think that’s why I was such a tomboy growing up. Riding bikes, digging in the dirt, climbing trees, etc. I was always outside playing with friends.

We had a black and white television and no air conditioning but were as happy as we could be. My Father was a Missionary Baptist Preacher so we attended many different churches where he pastored. I started taking piano lessons when I was six so I could play at church. He was also a wonderful carpenter. After he was injured during the war, he was given the Purple Heart and a medical discharge. My Mom was a seamstress and worked part time at the local Sears Store. She made all of my clothes growing up. I always remember getting off the school bus in the afternoon and walking in the house to the sound of Mom’s sewing machine and the smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies! YUMMM!!

I loved working in the shop with my Dad. He would let me help him with whatever he was building. To this day I love to build things and do crafts. I sew every now and then but only when forced! I found out a long time ago I don’t have the patience for it. The best thing I ever made was my daughter’s Rainbow Bright Halloween costume when she was in the First Grade. That pretty much ended my sewing career. LOL

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I loved music growing up! The Monkees were my heroes! I had and still have their record albums, several 45 singles and watched their TV show. I guess I’m un-American but I was never an Elvis fan. I also loved ZZ Top! Best concert ever! I really like all types of music from Metallica to Opera to Country.

When I was sixteen I got my first car. A l969 Volkswagen Bug with a cloth sunroof that I could drive forever on a tank of gas. If I ran out of gas it has a lever that controlled the reserve tank. Flip it and I was on my way for another forever amount of miles! The first thing that I added to the Bug was a removable 8-track tape player. The receiver fit under the dash. It was portable so when I got out of the car I could take the receiver and plug it in its home unit in my room. Great car and great memories of that car. It was so unique. It was a four speed in the floor but the shifter would sometimes turn around so you had to do a little maneuvering while driving, shifting and listening to music. It was GREAT!!!

I graduated in 1976 the year of the Bi-Centennial so when it came to homecoming parade we took chicken wire and wrapped my Bug to make it look like a three-tier cake. Of course with the sun roof we had to have Uncle Sam pop out the top during the parade. Go ahead and laugh but we got first place!!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to work in the yard, ride my 4-wheeler, shoot my collection of guns (which kind of worries my husband), fish, squirrel hunt with my cat (Recon), I’m the #1 Green Bay Packer fan, LOVE Christmas and was born to SHOP!! I also love to cook and I’m addicted to Pinterest!

The hobby that relaxes me the most is playing my piano. I can sit for hours and play. Gospel music is my favorite to play because it has such power in the words and the music.

My passionate hobby is the Career Closet! I love to go and work through all of the wonderful donations that people have sent! It is such a blessing that so many women have been able to benefit from something that was just a dream in the back of my mind. With Goodwill’s partnership the Career Closet has grown and is thriving. It has received several awards and publicity. The ladies of WIN are the true heroines. My dream came true because of them and their generosity and love for helping others. Kathy Pannell, Assistant Branch Manager at the Bryant Bank of the Ozarks is my lifeline. She has done so much to help me with the Career Closet and the WIN group. There are no words to express my gratitude to her for all she’s done. She is fabulous!! She also keeps me on track which is no easy task.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the Vice President of Business Development for the South Central Arkansas Division of Bank of the Ozarks. I learned a long time ago that if you don’t love your job you will not give it 100% and you will be miserable. Guess what? I love my job! I get to travel all over south central Arkansas and meet hundreds of new people every week! I enjoy visiting with prospective customers, calling on existing customers, working with many different chamber groups and getting to know our great team of employees.

Bank of the Ozarks has grown so much over the past six years. It’s great to work for a company, that while it’s growing in size and assets, continues to value each community and hometown where we have locations. Selling the bank to prospective customers is easy. They have read and heard about us and know that we are a stable, secure and a customer friendly bank. All of that makes my job much easier!

I am currently the President of the Hot Springs Village Chamber of Commerce Board, a Board Member of the Bryant Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the Benton Chamber of Commerce, and attend meetings for the Malvern and Hot Springs Chambers of Commerce. There’s a pattern there. I think a chamber of commerce is extremely important to the community. It’s not just about the events they have… it’s about their involvement in the betterment of the communities where they are located. I would encourage every business to take time to find out about the chamber in their area, join and participate! The chamber is there to represent you! Off my soapbox now. LOL

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

While I do not reside in Saline County, I have worked there for almost 25 years. Benton and Bryant are like home to me. I work there, shop there, use many of the businesses there, and have frequented Saline Memorial Hospital a few times for surgeries and meeting my new grandbabies!

I have so many friends in Saline County. It’s truly a great place to get to know people.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

There’s always talk about “Benton doesn’t like Bryant” and “Bryant doesn’t like Benton.” I’ve worked in both cities, supported both cities for years and worked Salt Bowl for over 7 years. If there’s ever a time for side-taking it’s during football. Yet I sit year after year with both coaches and listen to the admiration and respect they have for each other and their schools. Not saying there’s no rivalry there, there is, but it’s done with class and respect.

During the time I have worked in Saline County I have met so many people that love both cities. I have several business friends that have locations in both cities and they love them both.

Magically, I would love to see the Cities, Chambers, etc. get along and work very strongly together. Both have wonderful Mayors, Chambers, businesses, schools, and most of all great people! They work well separately but just think what could happen if you had all of these great resources working together!

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I guess my favorites would be Major Crimes, Amazing Race, Billionaire Wreck, pretty much anything on Discovery and History Channel.

Don’t really watch a lot of television. Most of the time I am recording shows only to have someone tell me what happened before I get to watch it. J

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Hands down without a doubt there are two… banana pudding from Riverside Grocery (thanks to Rick and Scott for that) AND Chocolate Chip Ice Cream! Late night I love a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream no matter what the time of the year. I can’t drive past Rick’s Store without stopping in for banana pudding! So, I have to take Highway 5 a lot when I’m driving to Hot Springs Village! Just sayin.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Easiest question yet!! The NFL Green Bay Packers are my absolute hands down, without a doubt, never waiver, favorite team!! I have been a Cheesehead since I was 5 years old. My Dad and brothers were Cowboy fans. Ugh. I was one determined little kid to stick with my Packers. When it’s NFL season, my family knows when the Packers are playing and know that you better not bother the Nana when she is watching football! I have all types of Packer memorabilia from a light up sign in my car window to a life size Fathead of Aaron Rodgers! Yep, it’s a serious love relationship between me and my Packers!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I would like for my children and my grandchildren to have the self-confidence and determination to go for anything that they want out of life. I want them to make good decisions and have no regrets.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I can’t fairly answer that question. If I answer one specific thing it makes me feel like other important days in my life were not so important. So… the birth of my beautiful daughter, the day I was baptized, the opening of the Career Closet, the births of my precious grandchildren, and the list could go on and on.

14. Hehe I added my own question! What is your favorite phrase?

Surround yourself with successful people and you will be successful!!!!

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Thelma Poole – Retired Tech, Quilter, Quester, Reporter, Wife, Mom, Grandmother

February 24, 2016

Thelma Poole, Bryant, age 69

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I live alone (sort of) with my husband Roger. Next month it will be 51 years of marriage for us. The reason I say “sort of” is because we are blessed to have both of our children living nearby as well as a grown grandson who all have keys to come and go. Never know who might walk in the door. Family is important!

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born south of San Antonio, TX. By age 5, we had moved to SA. Dad had a civil service job repairing jet engines at Kelly AFB.

3. Describe your childhood.

It has taken me many years to understand President Eisenhower’s economic strategy. From history lessons mostly on PBS and the History Channel, I have come to realize that our country was made better.
Not so much could be said about our family’s economic standing. Dad lost his job as did so many civil servants. He was almost 50 and one-handed. So in the early 1950s it was a daunting task to find work to feed a family. We were poor. I was shy because of it. But we were loved.
When I was almost 8, Dad took us to Lubbock, TX where his brother lived, to pick cotton. In earlier decades, this would have proven profitable. Not so much the fall of 1954. All I remember is red clay, dust storms, and living in a shack near the cotton fields that had an ice box instead of a fridge. We returned to our home in SA right before Christmas.
I had accumulated a small amount of money from what little cotton I had picked after school. I was such a naggy kid begging to spend it on a big doll I had seen. But we needed every cent to get back home. Dad worked mostly as an auto mechanic after that. He passed away from lung cancer when I was 15. I found solace in my church friends, roller skating and high school attendance.
I was a self-centered teen as most are. I just wanted to find a nice loving guy with potential and start a new life. God must’ve been looking out for me. As I mentioned before, Roger and I have been together a LONG time.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

As a teenager, I collected a few 45s. But couldn’t afford to buy much. I can’t really remember ever purchasing a single record. But I had a collection. One 78 rpm record I remember playing over and over was “Never Walk Alone.” Mostly I liked the pop rock of the late 50s through mid-60s. I liked all of it. It’s odd that I don’t much listen to music any longer, but love American Idol and sing in my church choir.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I quilt every Monday morning at my church, Mabelvale United Methodist. We take in tops that people want hand-quilted.
I love to garden. My body is fighting me on that lately, but I still try. I am a member of Riverdale Garden Club. Our project is the garden at Bryant Post Office around the flag pole. It’s about time to clean out the winter weeds and plant blooming annuals. The red vincas have been so pretty the last two years.
I can do lots of things. I sew, crochet, cook, make jewelry. I also do a lot on my computer.
I’m a member of the Questers. We like old things. We raise a few funds for preservation and restoration projects. I’ve been on the state board for over a decade and served as registrar for an international convention.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I retired in 2003. When I was younger, I worked in several offices using my business skills learned in high school. One day, I decided I wanted to do something different. I managed to get a job with IBM (never did I dream that I could). I repaired typewriters, dictation equipment and copiers for them for 12 years. They wanted out of the copier business. They sold the company and copier repair people to Kodak. They held out in the copier business for probably 8 years and they sold us to Danka. Never heard of that one? I spent a total of 27 years repairing office equipment and dealing with angry customers. I thought that was enough. I’ve never regretted the choice to retire at 56. Money is a little tight at times, but life is good. I get to watch birds, garden and do community things that I never had time for when I worked. I thought I would have plenty of time to go and do whatever I wanted. People find you and convince you to help with their projects when you retire. That includes my daughter on her blog. I seldom wear my MySaline name badge, but I have one, and often receive roving reporter assignments.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I really fought my husband about looking for a house in Bryant in 1995. I kept remembering living there a few months in 1973. It was on the westbound access road on I-30 (west of Reynolds just before Luigi’s Pizza). We both worked in Little Rock. All of Bryant was closed by 6 p.m. and Benton at 8 p.m. But we found a “steal” on a new house. We had been looking in Little Rock for months and couldn’t find anything decent we were willing to pay for. So we moved here.
It’s nice. I don’t feel like I have to worry about safety. Stores are opening to the point that I hardly ever go to Little Rock for much. Hobby Lobby and Sam’s were missing. Next year it will only be Sam’s missing. Yay! Also, I feel I can send my mayor an email and get an answer!

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I have several things. I have to agree with my husband about the Post Office. All of us know the improvements a couple years ago only made it harder to negotiate traffic and curbs.
I wish we didn’t have medians entering and exiting parking lots. I know my rear bumper will get knocked off some day. And I wish more side-by-side parking lots were interconnected.
I wish the cleaners next door to Iberia Bank on Highway 5 North in Bryant had a side entry. I wish I had a roundabout on Highway 5 North at Larry’s Pizza so I could get out on the highway easier from my neighborhood.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I love Major Crimes, Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, Downton Abbey, Madame Secretary. Are they ever going to make any new Doc Martin episodes?

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

That’s hard. I love most food. If the casserole is cheesy and has cream soup, I like it. But ice cream is probably my favorite. Decadent Fudge Tracks by Great Value at Walmart is my current fave. My granddaughter introduced me to cotton candy flavor. Yum! How about some fudge topping?

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

I will watch what others watch. Most sports don’t excite me. Unless it’s overtime.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Knowledge of things that make their lives easier. I hope to reunite with all my friends and family in Heaven later. So the good news in the Bible is imperative. I mostly want my kids/grands to know they are not alone and I love them.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Probably the most important decision I ever made was marrying my husband. I didn’t know him well. I had met him in church though. I remember my knees shaking as we stood taking our vows. “People didn’t divorce.” Without this man, I wouldn’t have my wonderful family and would probably still live in south Texas. Arkansas is great.

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Melody Warrick – Wife, Mom, Farmer, Minister

February 16, 2016

Melody Warrick of Lonsdale, age 47

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I have been married to Steve for 27 years, we have three kids and have a cattle farm. Emily (22), Sara (19) and Matthew (17). The two girls are in college and Matthew is a junior in high school. My dad is deceased and my mom lives in Tennessee. Steve’s parents are both alive and live in Benton.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. I went to a private Christian school up until I started 8th grade. At that time, I started the public school which was right across the street from my house! I lived on the same street and the same house my whole life until I met Steve and we got married. He wasn’t too fond of living in Memphis so we moved to Hot Springs.

3. Describe your childhood.

My dad worked a lot because he always had his own business. My mom stayed home to raise us until my senior year in high school. Then she went back to school and received her cosmetology license. Thirty years later and she is still cutting hair. I had strict parents. Of course, most kids probably think they have strict parents. Then after I became a parent, I realized why they did everything they did. It was because they loved me and they wanted what was best for me. My parents taught me good work ethics, morals, and values which I think have been passed down to my own kids.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

My first record was probably Shaun Cassidy!! He was just too cute and I would have posters of him all over my walls. I love music though. I still have a large collection of vinyl records/albums that range from Elvis, Alabama, Journey (my fav), Def Leppard, Morris Day and Prince. Very odd collection I know!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

In my spare time I like to monogram and play with new designs on my monogramming machine. It is so fun to have a project that you are happy with the final results. Recently, I bought an electric pressure cooker which has a canning feature. I’ve always enjoyed making jellies and jams but now I can safely make things like salsas, soups and canning fresh vegetables.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the Women’s Ministry Associate at FBC. I love helping women grow in Christ by helping provide appropriate women’s Bible studies, faith-based conferences, and times to be with other women to discuss real life issues. A lot of times women are experiencing something in their life and they feel all alone and that it’s only happening to them. We have some great groups that bring women together where they can just get to know each other and talk. Soon they find that there are others experiencing the same thing or have already been there.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I love living in Saline County. All of our kids have been in the Benton school system. When the oldest started kindergarten it was fun to see that her principal had been my husband’s principal when he was in school. Benton is the perfect size town and in the best location. You have so many things to do and places to go just right at your fingertips. I honestly would not have wanted to raise my kids anywhere else.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

If I could magically change something in Saline County, it would be the Interstate and Highway construction! They are going to start widening Highway 70 and I wish that could just happen overnight. I know it will be for the best and will hopefully make it a safer road to travel but it’s going to be a mess.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

If I get the chance to have the remote, I like to watch The Pioneer Woman and usually anything on the Hallmark channel. I like to spend time with my family when they are home, so if they want to watch something else then I’m good with that. I’m just glad they are there and don’t mind that I watch with them!

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I love pizza, a good burger (like Burger Shack) and seafood.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

My favorite sports team is the Benton Panthers! Soccer and football. I won’t miss a game!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I hope that our kids know how much we love them. I hope that when they all get married that their spouse will treat them like the king and queens they are. I hope that they will always be kind, learn from their mistakes and always show respect to one another. I want them to know that they are rich because they have Christ and that money is not something to base their success on.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Two important days in my life would be:
When I accepted Christ because that is the most important decision someone can make.
Then the day I met my husband. I could not imagine being married to anyone else or living anywhere else.

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February 9, 2016

Aaron Garrett of Benton, age 38

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’m married with one son and one daughter. My parents are still alive.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Malvern. Raised in Glen Rose.

3. Describe your childhood.

Raised middle class. Friends with popular & not so popular. Was raised in a strict religious home. Had all kinds of pets. Too many to remember. Have a large family. 3 sisters & 3 brothers.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Cassette of Randy Travis. Not a big country fan these days.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I like to play sports with my son, I am a Professional DJ. Not so much anymore. Binge watch documentary series on Netflix. Spend time with my wife and family.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am a Videographer and editor that gathers content for local cable television station Fidelity Local 6. We film sports events, local events, try to come up with original programming that will engage our viewership.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I love Saline County because it is the heart of everywhere. There is a huge sense of community in this county. Everybody knows everyone, and it’s a great place that has great schools for my kids. I love that it has an Interstate where I can get to anywhere in no time. Saline County has really grown in the past 10 years since I’ve moved here. I no longer have to drive to Hot Springs or Little Rock to get what I need, I have it right here in my own county.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Although our current sheriff and police departments do an awesome job, I’d like to see more emphasis on drug issues and impaired driving. Also think our road infrastructure could use a facelift. I’m aware that all this is being taken care of, it stinks you have to wait so long though. That’s just life.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I am more of a Netflix junkie, I hate commercials, talk about irony. I do like Homeland, Billions, Walking Dead, and college sports.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Pizza, anything Italian, sweets, a big o’ fat juicy hamburger, and Mexican food.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Duhh! The Arkansas Razorbacks WPS!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

To not have to worry about the future, that they are taken care of. For them to be able to live life without worries and have confidence in theirselves.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day I married my wife. Without her I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today. I would not have my two amazing children. She supports me no matter what, no matter what kind of day I’m having, she’s always there for me.

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John Eddy Picked the Best of Two Saline Counties

February 3, 2016

John Eddy, age 38 of Haskell

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’m a happily married man for 15 1/2 years to my wife Ashleigh. We have 2 boys – Robert, who is 10 years old and is autistic, and Daxton, who is 8 years old.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in El Paso, Texas, but was raised in Salina, Kansas (funny enough, Salina is the county seat of Saline County, KS).

3. Describe your childhood.

The best way to describe my childhood is loving. My parents both worked really hard to insure that life was comfortable for my brother and I. My father, who is an Army veteran, worked for Western Auto as a warehouse lead, and my mother, who is a Korean immigrant, worked for Tony’s Pizza. Both parents did instill an old-fashioned upbringing on us which taught us family and social values, faith, discipline, and love.

Growing up, our favorite past-time was to go fishing as a family. My mother and brother would catch all the fish, and we all laughed at dad because of his bad luck of only catching carp. As for me, I couldn’t sit still long enough or be patient. This got better when I grew older.

For the majority of my childhood, we had a couple of toy poodles growing up. This was mainly because I was highly allergic to dog dander and poodles were hypoallergenic. No cats because dad hated them.

In middle and high school, I was not part of the popular niche which was mainly made up of kids from upper-middle to upper income class families. BUT, I still had some friends to hang around and cause trouble with.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

My first piece of music I ever owned personally was a hard rock compilation cassette tape. It had bands like Status QUO, Golden Earring, Black Sabbath, and Cheap Trick. If I remember correctly, I got that when I was in the 5th grade.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I have several hobbies. The one that I am the most fond and invested in is photography. Back in high school, I was the school’s yearbook and newspaper photographer for a school that is roughly the same size as Bryant’s high school. I also love to cook, woodworking, and tinkering around with electronics. I love science and math.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am a service delivery operations engineer for Windstream’s enterprise business unit (large businesses and non-profits, government, schools). My job is a unique position where I support several back office teams like service test and activation, service configuration, and a tier 3 escalations team. I am also responsible for training these teams and help develop process and procedures. Most importantly, if no one in my organization can figure it out, I am their escalation point.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

We relocated to central Arkansas in late 2007 due to a job promotion. We had several choices where to reside and heavily looked in the Conway and LR/NLR metro area. We came across a house rental ad in Haskell, drove out there and immediately fell in love with the small town atmosphere. When it was time to leave the rental and buy a house, we elected to stay in Haskell. In most cases, I do not mind the commute to Little Rock for work. The Harmony Grove school district is great, and overall it’s really quiet where we live.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Right now, I believe Saline County is moving in the right direction. I would really love to see a YMCA in Benton and Bryant for our families and youth. Also I would love to see the plans for that shopping center off of Exit 114 to go forward, but it looks like to be tabled for now. I would love to see a Sam’s Club come to Saline County.

Infrastructure-wise, I would love to see the state highways and county roads widened to allow a shoulder. Also, this is more in general with the State of Arkansas, but highways need to be better marked (coming from Kansas, it’s hard to get lost because EVERYTHING is marked).

The majority of the people here are great, and I don’t get a lot of crap for being a Kansas State fan. I would love to magically change the driving habits for people in Saline County though.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, all of Greg Berlanti’s DC-comics based shows (The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl), Agents of SHIELD

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Almost anything that is Korean… especially if it’s homemade Korean jajangmyeon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jajangmyeon). Bulgogi, kimchi, galbi, bibimbap, gimbap, etc.. If I ever go to Korea, I’d probably come back 100 pounds heavier and an extreme type 2 diabetic!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Kansas State Wildcats!!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

A well rounded education, including street smarts. Being book smart isn’t enough in today’s world.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Well, I have 3 – the day I got married and the days Robert and Daxton were born.

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Robin Freeman Works for CADC and a “Bunche”

January 26, 2016

Robin Freeman of Benton, age 47

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married – husband is Orlando. We have 1 daughter – Baley who is in the 10th grade. I’m the youngest of 10 children (5 girls, 5 boys). My mother is 87 and now lives in LR. We grew up in Van Buren.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and reared in Van Buren, AR. I lived for a while after college in Conway.

3. Describe your childhood.

I grew up in a large family. Before I was born, my mother and father were small business owners – had a grocery store in the front of the home and family lived in the back. By the time I was born, many of my older siblings were having children of their own, so I have nieces and nephews who are older than me. But we all ran the streets together and looked out for one another. My father passed away when I was in 3rd grade, so we didn’t have a lot but our family was creative & resourceful.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

As I hang my head in shame, I’m fairly certain it was the soundtrack from Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (cassette tape).

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I enjoy jogging, weightlifting and yoga, as well as reading, daydreaming and sleeping. I also like to write.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

My occupation is Planning Director for Central Arkansas Development Council. My work focuses on administration, grant writing, publicity, web & social media, research & training. I also volunteer in the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association, which focuses on improving the social and economic conditions of the Ralph Bunche community in Benton.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Good schools, small community, economic progress, low crime. However, I would love for the city to have more higher education opportunities.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Paint it blue.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

The Muppet Show, American Crime & The Shark Tank.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I LOVE homemade popcorn – the kind you cook on the stove and drench in butter.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Independence, strength, faith and trust in God, a love for justice and the desire to make a difference in the world.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day I was born (again).

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Kim Moseley Made a Life & Living of Respecting Her Elders

January 20, 2016

Kim Moseley, age 52, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’m single. Have one boy & two girls who are my life. My mother is 80 years old and is a resident at the assisted living facility where I work in Benton. My dad lives in Rosebud, Arkansas, on his ranch called Rainbow Ranch.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Dewitt and lived there until age 13, when I moved to the big town of Paron, where I went to school.

3. Describe your childhood.

While living in Dewitt, I loved running my bike a couple of blocks to the local nursing home and reading to the residents after school.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

8 track Donnie Osmond – Oh how I loved him! lol

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love traveling with my family. I love the beach.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I’m the administrator of a wonderful assisted living facility here in Benton called Four Seasons. I see about all my residents daily to make sure they are happy and receiving the best care possible.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

It’s home….and I love my job. There’s nothing more rewarding then going home at night knowing I have helped others.
Plus we are building a new assisted living in Saline County, so looking forward to that. Four Seasons will soon be 100 beds.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Nothing – I love Saline Coounty.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Grey’s Anatomy

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Me & my little girl love Red Lobster. The garlic biscuits are delicious.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Of course the Razorbacks!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

My 2 oldest children are grown so what I hope for them is good health, a happy family and to someday give me a couple of grandchildren. My youngest is still in school so of course good health, and a good education and for each of them to follow their dreams.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I really couldn’t pick just one day because I feel all my days are important as long as I spend it doing what I enjoy and that’s helping others.

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Justin Tittle – Lawman, Hunter, Dad

January 5, 2016

Justin Tittle, age 44, Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am single with two daughters. My parents are alive & life-long residents of Benton.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in a Little Rock hospital but was raised in Benton.

3. Describe your childhood.

I had a very blessed childhood. God-fearing parents who had me in church every Sunday, worked extremely hard to provide for my brothers & I, and supported us in our sports & other activities.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I believe that the first album I had was an 8 track of Crosby, Stills & Nash. But I remember playing my parent’s vinyl records like, Elvis, etc.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I like to hunt mainly. But I also like to play golf. Most of my spare time, though, is spent being at home, my favorite place.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am currently retired as a police officer after 22 years.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I have lived here my entire life. It’s where my family & friends are.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would make Highway 5 South into 5 lanes, from the interstate, all the way to Hot Springs Village.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Any football games, American Pickers, The Walking Dead, and whatever else is on the History Channel.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I love grilling ribeyes. The Japanese Steak House would be a close second.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

The Benton Panthers, of course. But I love the Hogs & the Dallas Cowboys as well.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want my children to have an undenying love for God, peace & happiness. If they have that, everything else I can give them is just a bonus.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The most important day of my life is when my children accepted Jesus as their savior.

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J.P. Jordan Is Fired Up About Saline County

December 22, 2015

J.P. Jordan, age 41, of Bryant

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to Kandy and have two daughters, Ashlyn is 15 and Anna Kate is 10. One son – a YorkiePoo – named Buster! Mom and Dad are John and JoAnn Jordan. I am the oldest of 5 children in my family.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in West Memphis and raised since the age of one in Bigelow (Perry County, Ar)

3. Describe your childhood.

I had a great childhood. My dad was the Superintendent of Bigelow Schools so we were always involved in all things school-related. We traveled a lot, going to see major league baseball games and other destinations. My parents taught me how to treat people. I am what I am today because of them.They showed me lots of love and emphasized the importance of education. I have a 3 Associate’s degrees, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis in Fire Administration and a Master’s degree from Columbia Southern in Emergency Services Management. I try to be the best I can be and try to impart that on others.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I like all different types of music from Rap to Christmas music. You would be hard pressed to play a song that I didn’t know! I love Christmas music though. I start listening to it about October. I see the Holidays like a vacation. You are so pumped about the anticipation of a trip you have planned and as it comes time for vacation, it goes too fast and things are hectic. The holidays are the same way. Most of the enjoyment comes from the anticipation and preparing.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to hunt, cook, and just be around people in general.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the Fire Chief for the City of Bryant FD and I am so blessed and fortunate to be. I love my job and the people I work with and serve. I have been Chief of a paid department since 2004 so I have not been on the truck full time in 12 years, but I still go to calls and occasionally ride out on the truck. My days are mostly filled with administrative duties, meetings, etc. I am still very much a hands-on Chief.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

My family and I really like it here and it is home now.We are close to the rest of my family back in the Conway-Toad Suck area and close to just about anything we could want to do. It is a great central location.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I have only been here with my family since 2012. So far we like it and wouldn’t change anything about it.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I like westerns and old movies.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I really like all types of food and love to cook for people. I’m serious when I say I don’t have a specific favorite. I like it all!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Arkansas Razorbacks. Woo Pig!!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

A sense of confidence about themselves and what they can accomplish. I also want them to feel a sense of appreciation for whatever they have in life.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day my wife Kandy came into my life. She has given me my two wonderful daughters and a best friend.

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Michael Shipp – Dad, Musician, former Business Owner

December 8, 2015

Michael Shipp
Benton AR
“1957 model”

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

With lovely wife Kim, we have two beautiful little ones roosting with us. Peyton, the little Rooster is 11, 12 in January. He is in the 6th grade at Benton Middle School. Presley, our little princess, is 9. She is in the 3rd grade at Ringgold Elementary.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Little Rock. When I was 3, my family moved to Blytheville, where my parents were from. That’s where I feel I kinda grew up. It was the ‘60s, a much more innocent time, and the times I remember there were good. At 12, my family moved to Benton, in 1969. After attending Benton Schools, we were transferred to Harmony Grove when I was in the 9th grade. I graduated from Harmony Grove HS in 1975.

3. Describe your childhood.

In Blytheville, we were middle class… although I think we surely tethered on the downside! I don’t think kids in the ’60s really understood what class they were in. I had a dog named Pete, a best friend named Eddie, and we played in the neighborhood, close to the train tracks. We could ride our bikes all over town and be gone for hours and our moms didn’t have to worry about us. After moving to Benton, it was a different culture, but still a good one. Seemed Blytheville as I remember, was more about big farming, and a mini-mecca for the region. Benton was more Alcoa/Reynolds-oriented, and everything seemed a bit more countrified… in a good way most of the time.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

As folks know, music has been a huge part of my life. The first record I ever bought with my own money, was Jumping Jack Flash by the Rolling Stones, a 45rpm. But music was always in my house. My Dad was a big Johnny Cash fan… and I learned how to play guitar by playing Luther Perkins style (Johnny Cash original guitarist) and all of Cash’s songs. But it didn’t end there. My interest in music started with Elvis.I can remember going to the Ritz Theatre in Blytheville, seeing each movie, and going home to act it out in our back yard during the coming weeks. The only question was who got to be Elvis. Then there was the British invasion, the TV shows, Shindig, Hullaballoo, Ed Sullivan. I was always glued in to the black & white TV to watch The Dave Clark Five or the Animals, Stones, or Beatles. Speaking of the Animals, they were a big influence on me. Possibly the coolest of the British bands, and introduced me to Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and all the blues cats from America that would eventually shape my guitar playing ability. Music was even bigger to me after we moved to Benton. In the 70’s, I played in bands in High School. We were big Black Oak Arkansas Fans, I loved the Stones, Johnny Winter, The Allman Bros., and ZZ Top. Southern Rock lit a fire under me for sure, but I never left the roots of American Music. Still love it to this day. However, the ‘60s & ‘70s were a hugely talented era, and wasn’t watered down with talent. Society as a whole was much more literary and songs, lyrics were so much more meaningful. I feel sorry for today’s youth who cannot take time for whatever reason to enjoy true songwriting talent, storytelling in four minutes or less. There are few writers today that even write with those thoughts in mind. It’s watered down in practically every genre. How do I know… the music from the era I mentioned has stood the test of time. Actually, moreso. The Beatles 50 years later… genius. Stones, Zeppelin, and many others will still be relevant 50 years from now. Talent wins out. It’s difficult to name a band since 1990 that’s music has stood the test of time and can compare – nevertheless 25 more years from. At least in my opinion.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love baseball. Coaching baseball has always been fun to me, helping kids respect the game and hopefully carrying it over into other parts of their lives. I really love St. Louis Cardinal Baseball and I believe I am a pretty good baseball historian. I enjoy teaching guitar to both kids and adults who have a passion for music.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I owned businesses in Saline County from 1976 (founded Benton Equipment Rental & Sales, Inc) until 2008 when Kim and I sold our AT&T Wireless store, Shipp Communications. Currently, I write music, perform, and try to keep my published music, Roosterboy Music, in front of people. The music biz is next to impossible to turn a profit nowadays in any form. Therefore, after pretty much being a full time dad to Peyton and Presley the last few years, it is time for me to go back to work. I am searching for a job now, so if anybody out there needs my 30+ years of business experience in Saline County, please let me know.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Simple answer… it’s home. Why complicate it?

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I like planned progress. We are behind in schools, internet infrastructure, roads, etc. Yet, we pay high taxes, seemingly large government salaries compared to what the taxpayers get. I would change people’s attitudes in saying….”it’s the same way everywhere.” No it isn’t. Go other places, even in Arkansas and compare. I don’t like to settle for mediocre or the good ole boy mentality. But I am not going to rant politically…But I am not going to rant politically…But I am not going to rant politically…But I am not going to rant politically…But I am not going to rant politically.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

We watch The Good Wife. I have to admit I watch Nashville. I watch the old stuff on MeTV a lot.PBS documentaries, History Channel. Not really any network shows or sitcoms I like currently. I despise reality shows or the talent shows like The Voice or American Idol.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

If it’s in front of me, I pretty much eat it. Not unlike a bulldog.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Razorback Football, Baseball, and trying to stay onboard with basketball. STL Cards baseball, and Dallas Cowboys… still trying to stay on the horse here too.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want them to know they can achieve anything they want, that it’s ok to leave Arkansas to pursue the dreams, and that I will help them as long as I can. I feel I was told as a teenager more what I couldn’t accomplish than what I could accomplish, conditional love possibly. I want to make sure I am a better parent at making my kids, and all kids around us know they can achieve higher goals and to never ever ever be afraid. This starts with knowing Christ, becoming a Christian, and following your heart.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Kim appearing into my life in 1995 and our marriage in 1996 obviously was a great change for me. I have witnessed the birth of my 4 amazing kiddos, Tara, Randy, Presley & Peyton, along with 2 grandchildren who call me Pops, Emily & Ethan.

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Lora Crawley’s Life Is Racing and Keeping it Legal

December 1, 2015

Lora Crawley, age 38, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to Tim Crawley since 2006. We have one child who is 7 and Tim has 2 older children ages 21 and 13.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Memphis, TN and have lived in Arkansas since 2003.

3. Describe your childhood.

My childhood was good. I have a twin brother and we fought like cats and dogs as most siblings do. My parents were really young when we were born so we didn’t have as much as others did and that taught me to appreciate everything that I have.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I had some Michael Jackson and Elvis records when I was young and lots of cassette tapes especially New Kids on the Block.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Here lately there is not much spare time in our lives. Between working full time jobs, supporting my husband’s sprint car racing on most weekends and now my son is racing go-karts. That keeps us on the road quite a bit. Other than that, we enjoy having friends over for cookouts and gatherings.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am an Executive Assistant for The Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Little Rock. We provide free civil legal help for low-income Arkansans. It’s a very humbling job, seeing so many that are in poverty. Definitely makes me even more grateful for what I have.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

We enjoy the small town atmosphere of the Salem community in Benton. We support the locally-owned businesses as much as possible. The schools are top notch. Working in downtown Little Rock and the traffic makes it nice to get home to Saline County every day.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Being that we have done an annual toy drive for the Saline County Toy Commission for 4 years now, my dream would be for all children in Saline County wake up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree. I do this toy drive because as a child I didn’t have as much as other children and it’s hard to go back to school after your break and everyone is talking about what Santa brought them etc. and you feel embarrassed because you didn’t get much, or for some that get nothing. Parents are struggling these days just to put food on the table and keep the lights on, so we do what we can to make the less fortunate have a great Christmas. Last year, we were able to help the Saline County Toy Commission give gifts to over 600 kids in Saline County.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Besides the cartoons that are usually on our TV, the only shows I watch are all of the Real Housewives which includes 5 different cities throughout the year.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I would have to say Mexican, being we frequent the La Hacienda at least twice a week.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Being raised in a racing family, other sports was never an option, so I have never really become a fan. I am a dirt track racing fan of all kinds and now a go-kart fan.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

In this day in time, as parents we have to protect our children more than ever. I want my child and all children to be in loving homes and around positive role models. There is so much hatred and cruel people out there so we have to do all we can to protect our babies.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The most important day of my life was January 2008 when my little Landon was born. He has brought so much joy to my life. I live for him and what he wants to do in life. Right now his dreams are to become a racecar driver like his dad. My dreams for him is to be a respectful young man, get all he can from school and choose a career that he will succeed in.

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Jennifer Wiseman Cancer Free, Likes Prison & Rick Springfield

November 24, 2015

Jennifer Wiseman, age 42, of Bryant

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to the love of my life, Michael Wiseman, for 6 years. We have 2 daughters, Hannah (12) and Haley (11). My dad, Tommy Massanelli, lives in Benton, and my mom, Connie, lives in Hot Springs Village.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born and raised in Pine Bluff, long before it was a bad place to live. It used to be a good place, regardless of how it is now.

3. Describe your childhood.

We were pretty much just your middle class family, with me and our pets. I played softball from age 8 until age 19, and that took up a lot of summer. I also played basketball from 3rd until 8th grade. Unbeknownst to me, in 1987, I met my future husband, I just didn’t know it at the time

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

No shocker if you know me well enough. My first music was the LP Working Class Dog by Rick Springfield.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to knit and sew, and have opened a small online business for the things I make. Love to play Xbox 360 with my family, take pictures, color in coloring books, and go see Rick Springfield in concert.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

So my “job” is teacher with the Arkansas Correctional School district. Yes, I work in a prison. No, it is not all male. No I am not scared. I have been working for them since 1999.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Our girls are in middle school, and Bryant has one of the best school districts in the state. My dad also is local, which keeps us around.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Would love to have a local yarn shop. I knit, and the “yarn” that Walmart has doesn’t cut the mustard.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Walking Dead
Big Bang Theory
Limitless (new fave!!!)
Gotham

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Unlimited sushi from Kobe. With a side of extra diabetes medication to counter all of the rice!!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Don’t have one.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Being that I have fought breast cancer, I would love to be able to make sure that they don’t have to go through the same thing as I did. I want them to have everything they need to be happy, healthy adults.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Of course, I should say the day my kids were born, or the day I married Michael. He and I were talking about this exact subject recently, and he gave a surprising answer, which I will use, because it really fits… Most important day was when the doctor told me that I was cancer free. 1-11-11

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Roger Poole, “AP&L” Retiree, Writer, A/V Geek & My Dad

November 17, 2015

Roger Poole, Bryant, age 72

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am 50 years married to the former miss Thelma Edwards of San Antonio, TX. We have a son, Rick Poole, and a daughter, Shelli Poole. My parents, deceased, are Mat and Maxine Poole.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was the youngest of seven children and the only one to be born in a hospital which was in DeQueen, AR. My family lived in Wilton, AR where I went to school until half way through third grade. We moved to Nashville, AR where the family remained. I graduated high school in Nashville. Once a Scrapper always a Scrapper. I did double duty for the Scrappers by playing both center and defensive end. I was number 88. I had many great teachers that influenced me to seek education beyond high school. Numbered among them were Mary Sue Williams, Nayda Tyndall, Ms. Reese, Mr. E. T. Moody, and Mr. Lester Bradley. The first two instilled in me the pleasures of reading and further the writing of my own family narrative.

3. Describe your childhood.

By some standards we might have been classified as poor. My Dad always had a job, we always had food, albeit their were times when the chickens didn’t lay well enough so that half an egg at breakfast was not uncommon. I know of one instance when one of my brother’s friends was invited to breakfast. John Hollowell served himself as the egg platter came around and brother Wayne, never the shrinking violet, screamed, “Hey, he got a whole egg.” A major crisis was barely avoided by quick action by Mama who confessed to not being very hungry thus allowing for the half egg shortage to mitigated. I had many on and off friends in my youth, but only one, Bill Newberg, was a special friend even until cancer took him a couple of years back. I never forgave myself for an incident that happened when we were still in high school. We were at the Nashville ballpark watching a baseball game. I noticed this man in the press-box with a handkerchief in his hand that he put to his mouth to catch a bit of drool that seem to continually flow forth. I punched Bill and said, “Hey, Bill. Look at that guy in the press-box.” He turned to look and with a little hurt in his eyes he turned back to me and said, “That’s my Dad.” Those three words from Bill that night instilled in me a level of tolerance that I try to this day to maintain.
After we moved to Nashville, it was apparent that others might have judged our economic situation more harshly than we did ourselves. A case in point happened when I was about eleven years old. For some reason some ladies at the 1st Baptist Church decided that I needed a new winter jacket. I didn’t know I needed one but when you are an eleven year old kid you do what you are told or you did back then anyway. I was told to go to Freel’s store in downtown Nashville and pick out a jacket. I went in and a lady asked if she could help me and I explained I had come in to pick out my new jacket. Well she had to ask some questions like who sent me, and are they paying for it, and what were they expecting to pay, and more. All were questions I could not answer. Well apparently some phone calls were made and some details not previously known were gathered and I was led to a rack of winter type jackets any of which would be very nice had I known that I needed a jacket. I picked out one, a blue one with black pin striping. I took it home, hung it up and never wore it.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I had a stack of 45 rpm records from the fifties. I had everything from Elvis to the Everly Brothers. From Stagger Lee to Buddy Holly. I carried them in a couple of cases that I took to a party or two. I took them to Locksburg, AR one time and stowed them in the floor of my first car, a ‘54 Ford Custom 4-door sedan. The heat from the muffler came right through the floorboard and made curly black doilies out of my 45’s. That might explain one of my hobbies in question #5.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Writing, digital photography and videography, collecting old records.
I love to write stories. I have a bunch of thumbnail sketches collected from family members that are seeds for individual short stories. I have planted many of those verbal seeds and grown them to fruition. So far about ten of them are completed and when totaled up amount to about 75 to 100 “book pages” I call those stories”mostly fiction.” I have been working on a another writing project which so far is similar in length to the short stories.
I have several video cameras and am on my 5th generation digital still camera. I take photos and videos to record the activities at my church, Mabelvale United Methodist, and my Rotary Club of Little Rock Midtown, and my Questers Club.
Regarding recordings, When I go to garage sales, my eye is always looking for old records. Still trying to replace those I toasted in floor of that old Ford. I have equipment for transferring various formats of media to digital. Whether it is a record, cassette tape, or VHS video tape, I can convert it to digital on my PC.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I retired after 30 years as an Electrical Engineer for AP&L (Entergy). While I have a BSEE from the University of Arkansas. I never really used it that much. I spent my time helping to devise, implement, and maintain computerized work management systems for the electrical distribution side of the power company. Distribution is the part of the system that takes the power from the substation to your home or business.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

When we first moved from Little Rock to Bryant around 1995, we went to the water office to sign up for an account. It was Christmas time. We spoke to the lady behind the glass window and made all the necessary arrangements. When we finished lady said, “Now y’all go on in there and gitchee some of them Christmas goodies before you leave.” Well how do you turn down an offer like that? We’ve been in love with the people and this place (Saline County) ever since.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

If I were “King of the World,” I would find a large centrally located land mass within the city limits of Bryant and thereupon I would erect a brand spanking new post office with lots of parking and plenty of counter access space inside, and if needed, its own traffic sign for easy ingress and egress.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

NCIS, Castle, that show formerly known as the Closer, How It’s Made, Antiques Roadshow, Big Bang, Elementary, Rizoli & Isles, Blue Bloods, Shark Tank.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Gravy.
When I go to Bryant Cafe anytime they are open, it’s breakfast time, and I order 2 eggs scrambled, country sausage, whole wheat toast, hashbrowns, and gravy on the side. They should call it the “Roger.”

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

As I said before, once a Scrapper always a scrapper, and since I have a class ring with a hog on it, I am proud to be a Razorback fan. Also, predictably, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan, but don’t tell anybody.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

From that book called (paraphrasing) – “Everything I really need to know as a grown up I learned in kindergarten” I want them to have a sense of sharing, and caring, and to be able to accept even the most meager of gifts with grace, knowing that the dignity of the giver is maintained and even elevated by that genuine response to their offering.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

About 50 years and a few months ago, I happened to see a girl in a red dress in the choir of the South San Antonio Baptist Church. The red dress caused me to look her way. The sparkle of her eyes and her bright smile with the heart shaped red lips would have kept the room lit even had the power gone out. That is when and how my heart was introduced to Thelma Pauline Edwards. That day was pretty darned important to me.

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Abby Wilhite Makes People and Things Prettier

November 10, 2015

Abby Wilhite, Age 50 of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married with seven kids between my husband and myself – five girls and two boys. My parents are deceased. I’m one of 12 children. I have two brothers and one sister deceased as well.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Warren, Arkansas and lived there most of my life.

3. Describe your childhood.

We lived in a small town and had a good childhood – played baseball, played outside after dark, and rode our bikes to the store for candy and a Coke. In our neighborhood, our house was always the hangout. Always tea in the fridge and something to eat . I had a Chihuahua for a pet when I was small. His name was Cricket and we had lots of cats.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

8-track tapes of REO Speed Wagon and AC/DC.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to junk and antique, going to auctions and repurposing old things.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I own a hair salon on Alcoa Road in Benton and for my other job I have a flea market booth . I have been a stylist for 25 years. Not a day goes by that I don’t love what I do. We specialize in color cuts and shellac nails.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

The area was great for me starting over in a salon as an owner. Married here and made my home here. All my grandkids live here also. Why would I want to live anywhere else? Benton has everything a person should need to have a good life.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

A playground for handicapped children to play and more places for kid activities.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Alaska Final Frontier and that’s about it. Not a fan of TV.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Spaghetti. I don’t like sweets or chocolate.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Of course the Razorbacks! Woo Pig Sooieeee!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

A good college education. That’s necessary in today’s time.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day I had my babies and the day I meet my soulmate, my husband, Robert.

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Dennis “Bubba” Byrd Used to Write for a Living, But Is All About Vacation Now

November 3, 2015

Dennis “Bubba” Byrd, age 67, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Linda and I have been married 47 years. We have a son, Dennis Jr., (wife Heather) and a daughter, Roxie (husband Perry). They each have a son and a daughter, which gives me four outstanding grandchildren. In order, they are Gunner, Branden, Addison, and Leighton. I also am fortunate to live in the same city as my sister, Lisa (Curtis), and their children, Ramsi and Will.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Little Rock before there was a hospital in Saline County. I lived in Benton until I was 10, then moved to El Dorado, where I graduated from high school.

3. Describe your childhood.

We were what I considered a middle-class family and lived in a neighborhood of Benton where everybody knew one another and often visited in one another’s homes. We did most things as a family, but my dad and I went fishing together. I played Little League baseball at Tyndall Park and was fortunate to have many friends from the neighborhood, school and my baseball team. I continued to play sports at El Dorado and was lineman of the year on the football team as a senior for the El Dorado Wildcats, earning a college scholarship to play at Henderson State University.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I owned a good-sized collection of 45 rpm records, mostly from the early rock ‘n roll era. I was a huge Elvis fan and had several of his records. Other artists I liked as a child were Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, the Coasters, and Danny and the Juniors. I also enjoyed country music and was quite impressed when my family visited the Grand Ole Opry at the old Ryman Auditorium. I grew to enjoy many music genres, especially ’60s and ’70s soul, including artists as Otis Redding, Chuck Berry, the Four Tops and the Temptations.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I play golf, although some would question whether I’m a golfer. I love to travel, including road trips on a three-day weekend or a two- or three-week vacation, if time allows. Cruising is my favorite type of travel. I’m a writer, but have taken time off from that since I did it for a living for so many years. I hope to get back to it on a limited basis at some point.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I’m a home-based travel agent (Book Some Fun), working as an independent contractor representing almost every major travel provider, including cruise lines, resorts and all-inclusives. I really enjoy planning honeymoons and group travel, but I also do things like Disney vacations. Travelers are surprised to find out they spend no more by using a travel agent and often get more for their money.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Saline County is home. I’m enjoying watching the growth and hope Benton and Bryant will continue to grow in a self-sustaining way. I enjoy the amenities that come with growth, especially the proliferation of restaurants and shopping areas that keep more people in the county. My hope is that somehow the orderly growth will continue but that Benton, in particular, will always have a small-town atmosphere.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I worry about apartment growth as it relates to traffic patterns. I’ve seen situations where the number of residents has out-distanced the capital improvements to streets and roads to handle the volume. I understand the growth mentality and am a proponent, but I want to see evidence that planning is staying ahead of the growth.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Sports, especially Razorback sports, would rank No. 1. But, I have become a Netflix junkie, watching the series “24” from beginning to end and am now enjoying “NCIS.” I love good situation comedies, especially those with great writing. “Seinfeld” was one of the best-written sitcoms of all time. I also enjoy “Big Bang Theory.”

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I love lobster tail and a great steak. For dessert, give me strawberry (the fresh kind) shortcake with real whipped cream.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

I’m a fan of the Benton Panthers, the Arkansas Razorbacks, the ASU Red Wolves and the Henderson State Reddies. I like to see Ouachita do well, but not in the Battle of the Ravine! I used to love the Dallas Cowboys, but it’s down to “like,” and barely that.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I am glad that my children both know Jesus as their personal Savior and want that for my grandchildren, too. It’s the most important decision anyone can make in life.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Like most people, there have been many important days. Finding out my children were healthy at birth and that my wife was fine afterward made those days very important. Obviously, the two most important days were when I was saved and the day my family became complete in the Lord.

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Lisa Goodrich is a “Royal” Resident

October 27, 2015

Lisa Goodrich, age 35, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am single with one furbaby, “Emma.”

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Denver, Colorado and moved to Benton as a child.

3. Describe your childhood.

I am the youngest of three children with two older brothers. We were the typical middle-class family. My brothers and I were what they called latchkey kids, which don’t exist now. It’s surprising that our parents trusted us home alone and no major fires happened – just few accidents. We also had dogs, cats sometimes rabbits or the occasional iguana.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I always had records as a child, mostly Barbie music. My first official record? My aunt gave me her Poison record. I was a young child and felt so cool.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to spend time with my family, I am very active at the Royal Theatre, Co-Founder of the Royal Film Festival, and Co-Founder of Saline County Shakes (the only Shakespeare troupe in Saline County). When I am not busy with all that, I am found with my camera in hand, taking pictures or hanging out with my friends having game night.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am Patient Services Coordinator for Arkansas Prosthetics and Pedorthics. I work closely with prosthetic patients and practioners during the process of recieving of prosthesis and other devices.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I love the small community feel. I love the growth of Saline County that is happening right now. It’s “the past meets the future” type of vibe that not a lot of cities have.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Restaurants downtown that stay open when the Royal has a show. So you can catch a dinner and a show type thing.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Big Bang Theory is the only one I have time for. I am not a typical TV watcher.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

OHHHHHHHHHH Carbs, pizza, pasta, bread, oh my!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

My family roots for the Broncos and that is as close as to cheering on a team I get.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I would hope all children would learn what it is like to put the phone down, turn off the computer and listen to their family stories.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Everyday I wake up is pretty important.

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John Haman of Bryant Keeps Bees, Trees and Money

October 20, 2015

John Haman, age 49, of Bryant

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am married to Sarah, who is a first-year drama teacher at Hall High School in Little Rock. I have a 4-year-old son, and two daughters, 12 and 10. My father died when he was 52 due to brain cancer. My mother is alive and living in Jacksonville. My wife’s family is from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Okinawa, Japan, as my father was in the Air Force and stationed there during the Vietnam War. My mother says that there were a bunch of disabled veterans there in the hospital — amputees, etc — and after I was born I was passed from man to man by those heroes in their wheelchairs. My mother went into labor with me while watching Mary Martin perform in a tour of South Pacific. I feel like that is how I got the theater bug in me. I grew up at Air Force bases around the world. Okinawa, Wichita, Biloxi, Plattsburgh, NY, Great Britain and finally, Little Rock Air Force Base. My mother was from Jacksonville, my dad from Queens, NY. I lived on the air base here.

3. Describe your childhood.

My dad was away when I was in adolescence a lot, as he got stationed in Germany, England and Korea for long assignments that the family could not come on. I spent a lot of time listening to my dad talk to me on audio cassette tapes during that time. I went to North Pulaski High School from 7th through 12th grade and loved it. In junior high, my parents divorced and my dad had to move away with the Air Force. I got to see him for several weeks in Germany the summer before my senior year in high school. I had no idea, but that proved to be the last time I would really spend any time with him, as he moved to California, remarried, and developed the terminal cancer right after I got out of college. I only saw him all of once from that summer in high school to his death, I wish he could see what has happened in my life, meet my children, my wife, etc.
I was really happy as a child, and played a lot of baseball. I was curious, and liked to take things apart, then put them back together as other things. For example, I once turned a toaster into a door buzzer for my bedroom, and I used to set elaborate mechanical traps for creatures like the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy.
Moving all over, I didn’t have a lot of friends before junior high that I remember. They are all lost to time. But I had a really good crew at North Pulaski and I have kept up with them.
My deal in high school was band. I played the French Horn, and some other brass instruments. I was also the math kid, and I loved physics.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

It would have been a 45 rpm record. Not sure what it was, but I would like to believe it was “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. That’s the song I won the fifth grade dance contest to.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I have no spare time because I have too many hobbies. I am a beekeeper, and have six colonies in my back yard. I also garden, and I am building a small homestead farm. I hope to soon have dairy goats and egg-laying hens on my property. We are also starting a small orchard with apples, figs, blueberries and blackberies.
I am renovating a 1970 house, and that is a hobby unto itself.
I hold a second-degree black belt in Judo, but right now I am training in Brazilian Jujitsu with the wonderful coaches Jory and Abby Malone at Revolution Mix Martial arts in Benton. The instruction is so good that I switched sports so they could coach me. I love Razorback football, too.
I have acted in and directed a lot of plays, mostly at The Weekend Theater. In my last gig, I directed “Spamalot” and it was a huge, successful production. Right now I don’t have time for that because of being a farmer-in-waiting.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, and I specialize in building stress-tested retirement plans for people in their 50s and 60s. I have been an advisor at NM for 12 years, and I work with in a range of areas, but everything I do begins with a financial plan. From that detailed plan, the recommendations develop. The first thing we always do with our clients is protect their income with tools like disability and life insurance. When we have that defensive base in place, we help them accumulate wealth in investments, retirement accounts, annuities, life cash values and the like. The final step — and my favorite — is helping clients understand how to maximize their sustainable retirement income. In other words, how to create a retirement income paycheck, and to know that you have a 90 percent chance of keeping that paycheck for the rest of your life, with factors like inflation, health costs and long-term-care expenses factored in. It is a detailed process but it creates financial security for our clients. I work with people from 35-75, but my favorite clients are those over 50 who have built some wealth and want to know the best way to position their dollars to maximize retirement income. This year, I have helped many people retire, and I am most excited about the ones who have retired at 55! A lot of clients come to me for help with their 401(k) rollovers, but the hallmark of my practice is a complete financial plan.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I just got here! We moved here to buy the only house we could find anywhere around that had 3 acres, a good amount of space inside, and the ability to have as many bees, chickens and goats as we pleased. I like feeling like I am in the country, but being so close to convenient businesses and also just a short distance from Little Rock. I love the friendliness of this town! I have found that since I moved here, I am friendlier, too. I am talking to people at gas stations and grocery stores. We love it here.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would put a liquor store in the middle of Bryant right now! I know it is coming, but it sure will be nice.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Game of Thrones (but I am three seasons behind, so no spoilers!) The Americans and stuff on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Scallops. I love them with a cream sauce over puff pastry, or any other way they are served. but I also love anything you can eat at Mo Betta Gumbo in Benton, especially the shrimp and grits.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Arkansas Razorbacks football! Also fond of my adoptive Bryant Hornets. Swarm and Punish!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want them to know the value of honesty and integrity. I want them to know that there will be moments of truth in their lives when they will have a chance to take a shortcut to make money, or improve their position, at someone else’s expense. And if they take it, they will damage themselves forever. I want them to know that their integrity and character is priceless.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The most important day of my life was probably the day I finished my full-length play, “Undraped.” It went on to have several readings and a full production in Little Rock, and it led to me meeting my wife, Sarah, who played one of the key roles in the production. The act of finishing that play led to a lot of wonderful things in my life. I finished it in the early afternoon at a coffee house in Little Rock, and later that night, watched the Hogs win the Miracle on Markham vs. LSU. What a day.

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Russell Steed Shines in Many Ways

October 13, 2015

Russell A Steed, age 49, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married with a 15-year-old son. My mom and stepfather live in Mena AR. My father is deceased.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Mena, Arkansas and uprooted and moved to Houston TX, Returned to the beautiful state of Arkansas in 2000.

3. Describe your childhood.

I was raised by a middle-class single mother along with my two sisters and various animals some exotic. And yes I had to pick my own switch until I grew bigger than mom then she threw stuff at me (just kidding).

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I think a Foghat cassette a hand-me-down from my older sister, my first concert was Rush 2112. and then I was hooked, I still have some very rare vinyl my most prized is Emerson Lake and Powell “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

My hobby is researching my craft. I live eat and breath shoe shining.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the chief shoe shine dude of “The Shine-ing” shoe shine service. I make tired shoes look and feel like new. “People can tell where you stand by looking at your feet.” I have been covered in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette twice, Sync Weekly, Garden and Gun, The Arkansas Times and will be in the November issue of Do South but most importantly right here on MySaline.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

We love Benton. Me and my wife have lived in many different states and Arkansas and Benton are the best. there is a lot of history here in Saline County and we’re hooked.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Tear down the abandoned houses around town and build habitat houses and more parks.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

All the CSI shows, it’s the science geek in me.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Gelato any flavor. It is so much better than ice cream and not as fattening.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

The St. Louis Cardinals.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Happiness most of all. Whatever it is they choose to do is of no consequence as long as they are happy doing it. I have had many failed careers and I have never been happier now that I am my own boss.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The birth of my son. We knew there were complications but we trusted in God and we have been blessed ever since.

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Cheryl Cook Graduated with Less than 100 Seniors at Bryant

October 6, 2015

Cheryl Cook, Age 63, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’m married to Mike Cook. I have 3 girls and one son, 9 grandkids and one great-granddaughter. Mike has 2 sons and 3 grands. My mother, Faye Wise is still living. She resides at Stagecoach Nursing Home, where she is the “social butterfly.” I have 3 brothers.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Perryville, Arkansas and moved to Saline County when I was 11 months old, so I was raised in Benton, in the Salem area. I went to Bryant Schools, graduating in 1970.

3. Describe your childhood.

We were middle class. My Dad worked for McGeorge Construction and my Mom was a stay at home Mom. I grew up with 3 brothers, 2 older and one younger. I had a wonderful childhood with lots of love and family all around. My parents taught us early on about accepting Christ and I did that at the age of 9. We had 4 cousins that lived near us and neighborhood kids. We were always playing something outside, baseball, kick the can or catching fireflies. Mom always cooked a hot breakfast and had a hot dinner on the table when Dad came home. We always sat down and ate together, and frequently that included some extra friends. We were all very close as a family, my brothers are all still protective of me, It’s ok now, but not so much when I was a teenager and dating! I am fortunate that our families all live in or near Saline County.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I was lucky to grow up in the era of the Beatles, The Monkeys, CCR, Three Dog Night, etc. My favorite group was Gary Puckett and the Union Gap and The Grass Roots. That was a great time for music. Someone gave us a turntable and 45’s were pretty cheap. I can’t remember the first record I had. My brothers, cousins and neighbors would gather at our house and play “air bands”. The younger generation won’t know what that is, but I’m not sure how Mom could stand the noise!!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I like to fish, work in our yard, read, sew, crafts, and go “junking.” Mike and I love to just hit the road and look for antique stores and flea markets. We love to travel, sometimes in our Miata to just ride and see the country sides. Our “bucket list” is to drive all the way up the east coast and then the west coast, then everything in between that we haven’t already seen!

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I work for Landers here in Benton. I am the Administrative Assistant to the Area Vice President, Rodney Plack.We have the Chevrolet Store, The Ford Store, Benton and LIttle Rock body shops. I love my job! I get to be out in the county representing Landers. I’m on the Board at the Benton Chamber and an Ambassador for both Chambers and various committees for both. Most of my career before I came to Landers was in Human Resources, so I’m a people person. Here at Landers I do various administrative jobs. I love seeing people come in that I know from the community, from church, etc. I’ve met so many great people and made some good friends while out in the community. We sponsor a lot of events and I try to be involved from start to finish on those.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I guess I stay here because it’s always been home. I went to Bryant Schools from 1st to 12th grade. During that time there were 96 students in our graduating class and you knew them all. I always felt lucky to stay in the same school and see the same faces every year. My family is here, my kids all live here. My Mom and two of my brothers & families are here, my other brother is nearby in Perry County. I love the small town feel of Benton. It’s grown a lot, but it still has that small town feeling of home. As I said earlier, I really do love my job and Ilive about 5 minutes away. I think that Saline County is a good place for my grandkids to grow up and go to school.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

There is a lot of rivalry here, between not only the schools but between Benton and Bryant as cities and some other things. I would like to see it as Saline County as one group of people working together for the schools and businesses and the growth of the county, not necessarily the individual city. I guess if I could magically change something it would be for the new CTE* career center to be built today!! It will be a great asset to our school systems.

[*A Career and Technical Education school is in the works to be built in Saline County]

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I don’t watch a lot of TV but I like The Big Bang Theory and I think my favorite is Scorpion. I like to watch sappy love story movies and the shows that redo old houses.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I guess that would have to be chocloate! I love anything chocolate, white, dark or milk chocolate, about anything covered in chocolate. That would be an indulgence in calories!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

I like to watch baseball, live or on TV. I guess my favorite team would be the St. Louis Cardinals and the Harmony Grove Cardinals, where 3 of my grands play.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

My prayer first and foremost for my children was to be saved and know Jesus as their personal savior. They have, now I pray that prayer for my grand children. I’m able to see that as well as they grow up. Another prayer that I had for my children was to be able to experience being a parent. That is such a rewarding and remarkable feeling, It changes your entire being almost, how you think and to know pure unselfish love for that child.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

WOW, now that is a hard one! It’s really hard to say, the day I was saved was the most important, even though I didn’t realize just that at the time. I was scared, but I knew what I needed to do. God had my heart and my hand. As I grow older I realize that if you have that everything else is second.

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Ashley Copple Moved Here from Illinois to Help Others

September 29, 2015

Ashley Copple, age 24, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am not nor have I ever been married. I have one child who will be 5 years old the 28th of September. She has a major attitude, super independent, high energy, beautiful blue eyes and …. sheds A LOT. Oh! Did I mention she is a pure breed Siberian Husky? My parents live in Central Illinois where I was born and raised. I am a proud aunt of a beautiful 4-year-old. I am the oldest sibling and have one sister and one brother. My aunt and uncle live here in Benton.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois and went to Eastern Illinois University. (Decatur is literally the dead center of Illinois and 3.5 hours south of Chicago!)

3. Describe your childhood.

My mother is a hair dresser, and my father is a plumber. My parents divorced when I was in 3rd grade. I grew up in the mud or in the water. I was either four-wheeling, dirt-biking, go karting or I was knee boarding, tubing, skiing and wakeboarding. Totally against my tomboy ways, my mother placed me in a leotard, tights and a tutu for ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop since I was 2… until I performed half-time for the Bears vs. Lions NFL game in college. Any other time I was at church or my nose was in a book of some kind. My mother was extremely strict with me and taught me to love everyone as Jesus does. It paid off because I was Class President and Homecoming Queen and that leadership transitioned into college and now in my career.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Dixie Chicks and Backstreet Boys. Yes, I got to experience 8-track tapes and remember trying to stop the radio at the perfect time to record my song. I like to melt records into bowls for art and craft time so I never got to truly enjoy the sound of a record going throughout the house.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love to hike with my furry baby. We conquer Pinnacle Mountain, Big Dam Bridge and Petit Jean frequently. I enjoy being outside. If I am inside, my face is in a book. My life is my job pretty much so I enjoy to spend evenings networking at different community events.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the Special Events Coordinator for Civitan Services. I actually moved to Arkansas for my job and family. I have been at Civitan Services since January 2014. We are a local non-profit that serves men, women and children with developmental disabilities in Saline County since 1958. I would love for y’all to attend our 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner at the Benton Event Center October 29th at 6 pm. All the proceeds benefit our adults and their new building in Bryant as well as help our preschool renovate our current Benton Campus. Please check out www.civitanservices.com for more information and to purchase tickets. It is a “whodunit” comedy (similar to the boardgame CLUE) with to-die-for food for a killer cause

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

The people. I have always been a small town girl. I also enjoy that I can go 20 minutes and be in the city or 20 minutes and hike beautiful areas or swim in beautiful lakes. I hope to someday marry and raise my kids in Saline County.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

The Benton/ Bryant Rivalry. It hurts my heart that there are people that do not like change and refuse to use businesses because of the city location. I wish we could have a more Saline County focus. I didn’t attend any of the high schools here so I do not have a favorite. I support all of you!

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Remember how I said that I am an outdoor person? If I am inside, my face is in a book? Yup. I do not have cable. I did enjoy The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones when I did have cable in college. Back then I typically watched shows to procrastinate studying….

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Chocolate. Anything chocolate with a diet coke. Oh, Sonic blasts call my name quite frequently, too. Other than that, I typically eat healthy and bland foods at home but enjoy trying new restaurants. Sushi or steak and potatoes kind of gal. Shoot, who am I kidding. I LOVE FOOD! I will marry the man that makes me happier than chips and cheese dip. 🙂

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Chicago Blackhawks. I miss hockey… just not the cold. Honestly, I enjoy the culture of sports, but I could not name athletes or any statistics.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want them to be able to see the love my (future) husband and I have for one another and strive to have a marriage like ours. I believe that God comes first, then my (future) husband, THEN my kids and everything else. Sorry kids, what dad says goes. I also want to be able to travel with my children as my parents and grandparents did with me.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

There is not one day that is better than another. I strive to live my life to its fullest. I gave my life to the Lord, graduated college, traveled to Europe/Mexico/Puerto Rico, studied abroad in China, became an aunt, moved by myself to another state, been skydiving/bungee jumping/hot air balloon rides/cliff diving/bridge jumping/rappelling. You name it. Even with that said, I don’t think I have reached my “most important day” yet. I believe that day will come when I marry my husband and have children. Until then, I will seize every moment and every day.

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Mike Butler is the Red Ranger and he’s for Falcons, Hogs and Dawgs

September 23, 2015

Mike Butler, age 31, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Me (middle of photo)
Mom: Sondra Covert
Step Dad: Robert (Bob) Covert
Dad: Ben (Gentle Ben) Butler
Step mom: Caroline Butler

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Little Rock at Baptist during the snow storm of 83. Lived in Benton and Bryant until I moved to Atlanta Georgia for 12 years.

3. Describe your childhood.

I was raised in a broken home by two parents who loved me and my brothers unconditionally. We could not afford the “O” or the “R” so we were “PO.” This taught me to be proud of how God made me and not to care what other people thought of me.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Wierd Al CD and a CD of Steven Curtis Chapman’s greatest hits

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Hike, mountain bike, write

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

As of right now i deliver pizzas for Papa John’s in Benton. If you see a red Ranger with a Papa J’s topper on it, that’s me.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

The history. My great grandfather was the last blacksmith in Benton. His shop was where Econolodge is today. A part of my ancestors the Covert were a big part of building Benton. Also the memories of Benton. Racing for the free Coke at Bud’s Roller Rink, driving nowadays to the post office and reminiscing about the haunted house at the Bogs Theatre, watching Rocky V and Terminator 2 at the Royal Theatre, singing karaoke with Jerry Van Dyke at his soda shop, watching Tinseltown get built. I could go on and on and on but I digress.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

A classic throwback game at C.W. Lewis stadium. Maybe Benton vs. Benton Harmony Grove (oops I mean Harmony Grove Haskell).

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

King of the Hill
Gunslingers
30 for 30

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Fried Rice, Toco Bell soft taco, and Chicken Alfredo.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

My dad being who he is, i was originally a Hogs fanatic. After a few years living in Georgia I became a Dawgs fan. The only time I didn’t support the Hogs at was when Bobby Patrino cowered his way out of Atlanta and slithered himself to Arkansas. NFL obviously i am a Falcon – RISE UP!!!!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I don’t have children – I have nieces and nephews. I would wish but more pray that they find a loving, longing, ardent relationship with Jesus .

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

My salvation.

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Shelby Mobley Has the Tint So You Don’t Have the Squint

September 16, 2015

Shelby Mobley, Age 21, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am married to Mark Mobley. My dad is Shaun McFarland and married to Tammy McFarland (They own YourAdTeam.com) and resides in Benton. My mother is Tanya McFarland. She currently resides in Bryant. My baby brother is 18 (Dalton McFarland). He will graduate from 13 weeks of Marine Corps Bootcamp in San Diego, CA. on September 18, 2015.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Benton, AR. I am a hardcore Panther Fan when it comes to the Rivalry between Benton/Bryant. I want to raise my children in Benton as well. It just feels like home.

3. Describe your childhood.

My childhood was extremely strict. I now appreciate that, being only 21 and a business owner for 3 years. My parents helped me develop my very strong personality. When it came to pets, fish were my only option – they lasted about a week each. I had more acquaintances than I did friends. I am definitely a “loner” when it comes to my chill time. I grew up with my best friend – my baby brother. He is 3 years younger than me and knows me better than I know myself. We created a lot of fun memories I will never forget.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

The first music I owned was on a CD… Jesse McCartney. I thought he was the cutest guy that had ever walked the planet. “I Want You And Your Beautiful Soul”… listening to that song on my “mobile” CD player with my awesome over-the-head earphones, made my heart melt. He truly wanted me and my beautiful soul!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I LOVE to sing. Singing has always been my passion. I grew up in church choir/band. I also made All-State/All-Region choir from freshmen to senior year in school. I have also tried out for NBC’s “The Voice” TWICE now. It was definitely a fun experience. Something I will never forget.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

Mark and I own Arkansas Window Tint. A day in my life would consist of answering the phone, tinting windows, sign/decal making, and of course the public relations work. Every day is different in our business and I absolutely love it! I would not change my work any day. If I have nothing to do, it drives me crazy!

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Saline County is home for me. I know almost 80% of the people that live here… related to probably 25% through my husband. I like how Saline County is growing economically. I wish that Benton/Bryant would come together through businesses and grow together. Bryant is slowly leaving Benton behind… but we will soon catch back up.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

If I believed in magic, I would change the rivalry between the same types of businesses. I understand that you have to have more than one business per industry to make an economy run. But there is no reason for the hatred between the businesses themselves. You can accept the fact that they are present and continue to do your business the way you do it.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I do not watch a lot of TV. I have the shop television on Channel 7 almost all day. I have gotten to like the show “The Chew.” Gives me inspiration to be a good wife and cook every night!

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Honestly, I could eat mac-n-cheese every day, all day, for the rest of my life and be completely happy. I am a super picky eater. Mainly chicken and cheese dip will do!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

I am not completely into sports like some women are. I do like the Razorbacks because their apparel is ADORABLE. I will sport them all day long in a cute dress, scarf, necklace, bracelet… I think you get the point.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

When I have children, I want them to have hard work ethic like me and Mark do. I want them to get up every day and strive to be a better person and work their tushies off.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The most important day of my life was my high school graduation. It gave me a sense of freedom and a sense of responsibility for my future.

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You Probably Didn’t Know You Were Seeing Shaun McFarland’s Work All This Time

September 10, 2015

Shaun McFarland, age 49 of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

My parents are W.W. “Bill” and Linda McFarland. They live in the Alexander, Arkansas area.

Tammy and I have been married nearly 3 years. Tammy spent 30 years working in the Human Resources field and now we work together in our businesses.

Daughter: Shelby Mobley, 21 years old (Shelby and her husband Mark own Arkansas Window Tint)

Son: Dalton McFarland, 18 years old (finishing up 13 weeks of Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego and will graduate September 18, 2015)

Step Son: Ryan Pickett and his wife Amanda have 3 children

Step Son: Eric Pickett and his wife Jennifer have 1 child

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in North Little Rock in December of 1965 a few months after my dad was deployed to Vietnam (Marine Corps).

I grew up in Bryant and went to Bryant Schools 1st through 12th grades. Other than a couple of years living in Little Rock, I’ve lived in Saline County all of my adult life. I’ve lived in Benton since 1994.

3. Describe your childhood.

My mom and dad were very strict parents (which I appreciate now) and continue to have a very positive influence in my life. They taught us how important it is to make God the center of our lives and everything else would fall into place.

I have 2 older brothers (Wes and Scott) and a younger sister (Melinda). Our parents encouraged us to play instruments as we were growing up. I tried my hand at a few… piano, accordion, kazoo. My brothers played the trombone and trumpet in the band at school. When my parents asked me what I wanted to play, I said, basketball. Then I held my breath to see if they would honor my request. They did. I played basketball for the Bryant Junior High Mustangs and went on to play for the Bryant Hornets in high school.

My parents couldn’t settle on a church in Bryant, so most of my childhood and youth was spent in church in Benton at Calvary Baptist Church. The late Brother Oscar Golden was the pastor there and had a great positive influence on my life. My favorite summer time memories were going to Siloam Springs church camp every summer.

Our family raised boxers (dogs, not fighters) from time to time. Mainly as a hobby but probably for extra money. I had 2 dogs at different times. Holly was a beagle and Ginger was a brindle boxer.

In my mid-teen years, I built a basketball court in my back yard. When I say I built it, I mean I wore down the grass between the 2 goals so the ball would bounce straight back up. Then, we lowered the goals to dunking height which made it way more fun. We would have 20 guys over playing dunk basketball every Sunday afternoon. That was the life.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

The earliest music I can remember that I owned was on 8-track tapes. I had a lot of country music 8 track tapes (Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash), but my favorites were the heavy synthesizer songs by singers like Donna Summer (Hot Stuff), Anita Ward (Ring My Bell), Chic (Freak Out). I wasn’t a very cool kid. But you probably already guessed that.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Tammy and I bought a convertible about 2 years ago. Purposely, a two-seater convertible. We have a great time going anywhere. Other than hanging out enjoying life with my beautiful wife, I enjoy playing golf and I love water skiing. Basketball is still a favorite, but I don’t get to play much these days.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am a serial entrepreneur. In 1997, I founded YourAdTeam ad agency here in Benton. In 2013, I co-founded Benton Events, Inc. through which we produce the Spring in Saline Home & Garden Show every year at the Benton Event Center.

A day at YourAdTeam consists of developing marketing strategies, creating ads for clients that we run on Facebook (yep, those pesky little “sponsored” ads you see on your timeline), writing email marketing content, writing and developing websites, designing logos and creating slogans (like the new Benton “You Belong Here” logo), creating newspaper and publication ads, marketing consulting, producing TV and radio spots, and media planning and placement. Anything that has to do with marketing and advertising happens at YourAdTeam. Oh yeah, you’ll catch me sweeping the floors and taking out the trash on a regular basis too.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Saline County is my home. I love the small community feel with the convenience of large city shopping and dining. I am especially excited about the explosive growth for Benton and Bryant. The Alcoa Road area has taken on a whole new face in the last several years. I grew up in Bryant not far from where Bishop Park is now. The only restaurant in town was Pizza Hut located on Reynolds Road where Big Red is now.

I’ve built my business here in Benton for nearly 20 years. This is where I belong.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

One thing I truly love about Saline County is the rivalry between Benton and Bryant. I’m a little torn when it comes to choosing sides since I graduated from Bryant but have lived in Benton most of my adult life. I never want the rivalry to die down. I think it helps make the county a better place. BUT, if the two cities could come together economically, we would be a force to reckon with on a national level. But, then again, I don’t believe in magic.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I’m a Netflix junkie. I would rather miss the entire season of a show and wait till it comes on Netflix than be strapped down to watching it every week.

– Breaking Bad (well, I don’t watch it anymore since the series is over, but it tops the list of favorites)
– Damages
– Walking Dead (last season is about to hit Netflix)
– Family Feud (only the shows with Steve Harvey hosting)

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Bone-in Ribeye at Texas Roadhouse is my favorite meal.

My favorite terrible-for-me meal is Fritos dipped in cream cheese.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Of course I love my Razorbacks. I love college football and college basketball but I don’t schedule my life around watching either one. My favorite sports experience so far was taking my son and 2 step sons to the Final Four last year in Dallas.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

(I would say I want them all to be Christians, but they already are.) I want my children and step-children to live very happy adult lives. I want them to realize I am no longer on this earth to “parent” them but to be their mentor. I want them to be prosperous but I want them to realize the intangibles in life are way more valuable than the tangible things.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I am not shy about my faith in God. That hot summer day at Siloam Springs church camp when I realized I needed God in my life was certainly the most important day of my life.

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Josh Elrod Learned the County Through the Pages of a Magazine

September 1, 2015

Josh Elrod, age 32, of Bryant

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

All my immediate family live and work in Saline County.

My wife (Crystal Elrod) is a mortgage loan officer for Arvest Bank in Bryant. We just had our first child (Jett Greyson Elrod) who will be two months old on September 3rd.

My dad and mom (Jimmy and Kathy Elrod) live in Benton. Jimmy is the managing partner at Mt. Carmel Community in Benton, Hot Springs Village, and Rogers.

Also, my brother, his wife, and two kids (Justin, Kim, J. Dawson, and Ali Elrod) live in Bryant. Justin is the owner of The Elrod Firm in Bryant.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Little Rock, but my family moved to Bryant in 1985 (I was 3 years old). I went K-12 in the Bryant school system. So really everything I remember from my “early years” is based in Saline County.

I moved to Conway for college (UCA), living in Conway and Maumelle for 7 years, before moving back to Bryant in 2008 to start my current business.

3. Describe your childhood.

My childhood couldn’t have been better. My family lived in Dogwood Place, off Reynolds Road in Bryant. It was the perfect neighborhood growing up. There were at least 5-10 kids around my age that lived around me. Times were different then. From sun up, sun down… we were outside playing. It could have been playing sports, riding bikes, building clubhouses, you name it… if it was outdoor and active, we would do it!

Growing up my dad worked at Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock. So a majority of my nights and weekends were there (Sunday morning service, Sunday night service, Wednesday night youth group, summer camps, church league sporting events). I would say my family was at the church 4-5 nights a weeks and I wouldn’t have changed it. It kept me active and out of trouble 🙂

I never got to enjoy pets growing up. We weren’t a family of fur babies. The only pet I had was a goldfish when I was in 11th grade. Sadly that didn’t last long either. He decided to jump out of his bowl in the middle of the night and commit fishy suicide. We found him on the floor, hard as a rock the next morning. I later decided to get a beta fish (named Boy). He actually survived for almost 2 years, until his tragic bowl cleaning accident. One day I was cleaning his bowl and accidentally poured him down the drain with the dirty water. That ended my run of pets, until I adopted my wife’s two cats (Charlie & Lady) after we got married in 2011. I can honestly say I’m not a “cat person”…but they have grown on me over the past 4 years!

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Honestly I can’t even remember my first music. I have ZERO musical ability (other than being able to whistle pretty good). So music wasn’t a big part of my life. If I had to guess, I would say it was a Jock Jams tape or possibly something really dorky like the Top Gun soundtrack.

But my musical taste has greatly expanded over time. Now I pretty much love all genres. I can’t say I’m a fan of any current music/artists. But I like most anything from the 80’s and 90’s. Thank goodness for satellite radio and the 90’s on 9 station!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

In my spare time I love to stay active. I love to play all sports (golf, basketball, baseball/softball, etc.) and enjoy working out. But I have to say my newest hobby/passion is traveling and food. Five years ago this would have never been on my list. But my wife has shown me the ways of the world and I can’t get enough. We have a map on the wall that shows all the places we have gone and want to go. There is really nothing better than exploring a new place, in the states or out of the country.

Of course, all my hobbies wouldn’t be possible without my family and friends. Everything I love to do revolves around the people I love to do them with!

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am the owner of Ignite Media Group, which is a full service, advertising agency. I am also the Publisher of Saline County Lifestyles magazine. I started this business back in May of 2008 and have been going strong ever since. Saline County Lifestyles just celebrated its 7-Year Anniversary in May and I couldn’t be more excited about how it has grown over the years.

It is just an honor to run a business that is an asset to the community that I love to so much. It’s a joy to get to work with so many great businesses and business owners. Doing this job has allowed me to learn a lot about Saline County and get to know people that I otherwise wouldn’t of had the pleasure of knowing.

Not to mention, how else would I have got the opportunity to do a personal photo shoot with Cliff Lee, in full uniform, the year he won his MLB Cy Young Award. That was only our fifth magazine to ever do. And honestly it has been a difficult memory to top!

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I came back to Saline County and stay in Saline County because this is where my family is, where my friends are, where my job is, and where my heart is. There is truly no place I’d rather be. As I mentioned earlier… traveling is great. I LOVE visiting other places. But when it comes down to where I want to live, Saline County is where I plan to stay.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

My wife and I are major “foodies!” We love food of any kind. I don’t mind driving out of my way or spending a little extra money, if it means getting a great meal. I’m not talking about chain restaurant food; I’m talking about good eats. Sadly I don’t feel like there is enough of that in Saline County. We are lucky to have the few unique/quality options in town, but it seems like 80% is your run of the mill, big box stores. I would love nothing more than a bigger variety of good grub to pick from!

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

My TV picks are kind of strange. I could survive with only 3 channels. That would be ESPN, HGTV, and the Food Network. It is either sports, food, or home renovations. Those three categories pretty much cover my basic needs/likes. But I will say I’m currently a sucker for The Big Bang Theory. That is one show that will keep me laughing.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I have a major sweet tooth! My mom is an amazing cook and an even better baker. Growing up I can remember always have some sort of homemade goodie each week. It could have been pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, homemade ice-cream, you name it! If it was sweet and delicious she could make it. The reason I work out, is so that I can eat more sweets!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

When it comes to a team, there is no question I’m all HOGS! There are the only team that stays consistent for me. I’m going to be a fan of the Razorbacks regardless if there are good or bad. In the pros, I’m less of a specific team fan and more a specific player fan. So some people would say that I’m a “bandwagon” fan. But it’s not that I just like the best teams, I just generally like the best players. But if I had to pick a favorite from each sport, I’d say Cavs (NBA), Broncos (NFL), and Cubs (MLB).

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

This question has a lot more meaning to me now that I am a new father. I want my children to have a good example of a kind, hardworking, Godly, fun, responsible, honest parent. Being someone who teaches them the right path to follow and the correct way to live.

This is one of my biggest fears as a parent. It is a huge responsibility to raise a child the right way. I was lucky enough to have amazing parents/family that was everything I needed and more. I hope to be that same example for my kids.

If you have these basic principles instilled early in life… everything else they could ever want is sure to follow.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I would say my few major milestones:

1. The day I was saved
2. The day I married my wife
3. The day my child was born
4. The day I started my business

All of these days have been game changers in my life and are things that have made me the person I am today.

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Matthew Burr, Family Man, Hogs Fan

 August 26, 2015

Matthew Burr, age 39, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I have been married to Brinda Burr for 12 years, we have 2 boys. Jordan is almost 10 years old and plays football with the Saline County Titans and Chance is 7 months old. My parents live in Fort Smith.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Salem, AR, but moved around to different states quite a bit due to my dads occupation.

3. Describe your childhood.

I would say we were a middle class family. We were a pretty laid back family and I can’t remember a time when we didn’t have friends over, even if that meant late at night after playing basketball outside all day. My mom would cook something up for all of us including our friends. Dad traveled a lot with his job but he always made it a point to be there for us whenever he was home.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

In my teenage years, it was most likely a hip hop CD, not sure of the artist.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Anything that my oldest son is into. Basketball, Football, Baseball. He is into it all. Don’t have much time for anything else and wouldn’t have it any other way.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am a Buyer/Assistant Store Manager for a home center in Hot Springs Village, AR. I am responsible for making sure all our merchandise is ordered and received and ready to sell. All special orders are priced by me and relayed to the customer.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

The small town feel but the big town amenities is what I love. The people are great, and I have lived in Benton for the past 12 years and this is the town my kids know and love. The schools are excellent.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would definitely get the drug problems to disappear. And approve the traffic problem getting to the schools from where I live.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

TV mainly stays on anything kid friendly, unless it is Razorback-related, then we watch that as a family.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Steak is my favorite food.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Razorbacks and whatever team my son is playing on.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

The knowledge that God loves them no matter what, and that through him all things are possible. That their mom and I love them and we will do anything we can for them.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

May 4, 2000 – Met my wife Brinda
February 8, 2003 – Married my wife Brinda
October 4, 2005 – My first son Jordan was born
January 3, 2015 – My second son Chance was born

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Shawna Bell Has Moved Plenty, But Came to Benton to Stay

August 13, 2015

Shawna Bell, age 37, of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married with one step son. Mother is living, father passed away when I was 2.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Visalia California, moved to Arkansas in 1991, graduated high school in Heber Springs. Moved to Benton in 2000.

3. Describe your childhood.

Poor. My step dad was a truck driver & every time the rent was due we moved. I went to 7 different kindergartens. I have had several pets but the one that I had the longest was my, part poodle, part chihuahua named Sweet Pea. My childhood was pretty strict. I grew up in church & u went every time the doors were open.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Milli Vanilli (bought the tape myself)

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I like to make wreaths, crochet, & pretty much any kind of craft.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I work @ Simmons Eyecare. I work @ the front desk. I check people in for apts. check them out when they are done, answer the phone, etc.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

My husband was born & raised here. It’s a good town to live in. It’s big enough to cater to your needs but small enough to still feel like home.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would end the corruption in Saline county. People can deny it all they want but it’s alive.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

I love Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Secrets & Lies, and anything on I.D. channel. I’m a true crime kinda girl.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Mexican!!!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Not a sports person. But to be Arkansas Proud I’ll say Razorbacks.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

The best education the could have, for free. Everyone should have the same chances when it comes to education. I wish that no child would ever know the feeling of being hungry. I wish they would all have a warm place to lay their head.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The day that my mom adopted my little sister. She means the world to me. She was 1 1/2 when we got her from California & she has been the biggest blessing! The day the judge said, “little girl, this is now your forever mommy” it sent chills through me. She stays with me at night Monday – Friday while my mom works night shift. She’s a wonderful girl. (She’ll be 10 next month.)

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Amber Isom Loves Legal, Music, Geocaching & Family

July 14, 2015

Amber Isom, age 29, of Haskell

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am married to my absolute best friend, Jason. We have an 8-year-old son, Gavin and a spoiled rotten Poxer dog, Peanut. I have two siblings, April (23) and Hunter (8). My parents Larry and Rhonda Stoops are long-time Saline County residents as well.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Malvern, went to school in Glen Rose and grew up in Saline County.

3. Describe your childhood.

We are, and always have been, a close-knit family. I enjoyed growing up in a small town where I knew my neighbors. I had pets, but the most memorable one was G.E. the hound. He was my best friend until my sister was born. I was a hard-headed, strong willed child and that hasn’t really changed. I have always wanted to work in the legal field and had a thirst for knowledge. I have my associates degree in Law Enforcement, BA in Criminal Justice and MS in Criminal Justice from UALR. Money doesn’t make you the person you are. My parents modeled hard work and dedication, even if you don’t like your situation.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I was OBSESSED with Michael Jackson and watched the Moonwalker VHS for hours at a time as a kid.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I geocache in my spare time and am a music fanatic. I enjoy spending time with my family and going on driving trips.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am a Deputy Clerk for the Circuit Clerk’s office. I was a Juvenile Probation officer before that in Malvern. I love working in Saline County. I work with a great crew. I have always wanted to make a difference and change the world. I love working with the legal system and clients.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

It is where my heart is. Whenever I was a teenager, I swore I was going as far away as I could, but I keep coming back to my heart. My friends and family are here. Even if I didn’t work here, I would live here.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

The back roads have a lot of potholes. I wish that were different. I think that there are many good things here. I think that more nightlife would make more people notice Saline County.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Oh Goodness. I LOVE the Food Network! Hells Kitchen, Devious Maids, Snapped and Survivor are other favorites.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

My family and I like to go eat sushi. I didn’t really eat it as a kid, but my son loves it!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Razorbacks, of course!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I want my child(ren) to have a deep love for Christ and their community. I hope to teach them tolerance and love for people, even if they are different than they are.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

The birth of my beautiful blue-eyed boy, September 20. A close second is when I married my husband, who had been my best friend for years.

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Lights and Tornado Sirens Don’t Happen Without Dallas Wright

July 8, 2015

Dallas Wright, 33, of Haskell

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I’m married to the best wife I could ask for and we have two awesome children. Aaron is almost 2 years old; Gracelynn is 4 years old. My parents are the best parents ever. My dad, Tommy Wright, is retired 34+ years from Saline County Road Dept. and 20+ years from Saline Memorial Hospital. My mom, Annette Wright, still works at Saline Memorial Hospital. They both have hearts of gold and are willing to help anyone they come across, with anything they can.

2. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Benton and raised in Bryant.

3. Describe your childhood.

I wouldn’t say by any means that we were rich. My parents worked very hard for what we had. They made sure we never went without and no one else went without either. I was raised in the time that you could ride your bike all over town without your family having to worry. I can remember riding my bike from our house by First Southern Baptist church all the way to the firework stand by the old Road Runner (now Mapco) station to buy fireworks around the 4th of July.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

It was a thing called a cassette tape of Hank Williams, Jr.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love anything antique – well really just anything OLD. I like to work on cars or anything mechanical. I was born and raised around cars and racing. I love to spend most of my time playing with my two God-given monsters (my kids). They tend to keep me pretty busy.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am an Alderman for the City of Haskell and I love it!!! I work for the Saline County Road Dept. There, I do just about anything, from driving a truck to working on traffic lights. Probably my two favorite things I do are being part of the two-man crew that installs the Christmas lights each year at the Saline County Courthouse, and I also build, install and help maintain the Tornado sirens in the county.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I stay in Saline County because it has everything, great cities, great people, and things to do!!

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I wish they would bring back the Benton vs. Bryant football game to Saline County. I know what people will say, “their stadiums are not big enough!” Well oh well – sell certain amount of tickets and keep the game in Saline County. Oh and make the streets around the courthouse all two way streets.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Street Outlaws, Fast N’ Loud, Misfit Garage, Duck Dynasty, Extreme Collectors, Alaskan Bush People, and anything on Food Network.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I like food. No really – I like to eat anything and everything.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Of course the Arkansas Razorbacks, I really cant stand pro sports mainly because they are WAY overpaid. I love racing (not NASCAR).

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I just pray everyday that my kids make better choices in life than I made in my teen years, not to do the dumb things I did. I pray that they keep their faith in GOD strong as it is now and stay on the path that he wants them on.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

When I was born. Mainly because if that day didn’t ever happen then I would be here today, doing this interview… No, truly the best days in my life would be:
1st when I was given the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with my wife and she was saved, then seeing her baptized was AWESOME!!
2nd, Oct. 18, 2008 when I said I DO to Melissa and then gave her a big kiss!!
3rd, Oct. 6, 2010 when I became a Dad to an awesome daughter, Gracelynn.
4th, Aug. 21, 2013 when my son Aaron was born.

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Ares, the K-9, Was Born in Europe, But He’s All-American

July 21, 2015

Ares (K-9) of Benton, 3 years old (21 in dog years)

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Single, no children. Unknown about parents, adopted. Rumor has it they live in the Netherlands. Considering looking them up one day.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in the Netherlands. Date of birth: 7-25-12

3. Describe your childhood.

Played a lot as a puppy and then shipped to the US around one year of age. No real memories of Europe. Remember the great training I received at the Little Rock K-9 Academy. Adopted by Officer Begoon in February of 2014 and went to work with the BNPD.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

Three Dog Night

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Chasing tennis balls is a favorite past time. Also enjoy a good bark at a cat when I have time.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

Work with the BNPD on a daily basis as a criminal apprehension, narcotics detection, and tracking dog. Get to ride around in a police car and make my handler look good.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Because they keep me in a fence and on a leash. For real though, it’s a great place to live and hope to start a family one day here.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

I would add more fire hydrants.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Lassie reruns and Saving Private K-9

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Bacon

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

ASU Red Wolves

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Endless supply of bacon and tennis balls. A life of living inside with the air conditioner with no outside work.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Being sworn in with the police department and my official naming ceremony. I was named by a student at the Benton Middle School after an art contest.

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Tim Metcalf “Created” His Residence in Arkansas 25 Years Ago

June 30, 2015

Tim Metcalf of Benton.

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married to Toni Metcalf, 1 Son Matthew; 1 Daughter Amanda one grandchild and one on the way. Grandchildren are an incredible blessing. My parents are deceased.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Shelbyville, Tennessee and I’ve been in Arkansas for 25 years. I moved here as part of my job I had at the time.

3. Describe your childhood.

I grew up in a middle class family with 3 OLDER sisters. My parents owned a butcher shop / grocery store until I was 16. Back in the day you got a deposit back if you brought in soda bottles. My first job at around age 6 was sorting those sticky nasty coke bottles. My dad later tried to teach me to be a butcher and I have the scars to prove it. Our house was directly behind the store, so I had a very strong work ethic. There was no calling in sick.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I had lots of 45 rpm records and albums. First concert was ELO. The first thing bought on credit was an 8-Track player for my ride.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I love cowboy action shooting with the Mt. Valley Vigilantes located between Benton and Hot Springs. We get to play cowboys; just like when we were kids — but with real guns! My cowboy alias is Willy Fire. and my wife is Shoot Fire. We are hoping one the kids get involved so they can be Spit Fire. The absolute best people on earth are cowboy action shooters.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

My wife Toni and I own Imaginations Created in Benton. We like to think it is the absolute coolest place on earth. We have classes on art, wood carving, pottery making, etc. We host birthday parties for adults and kids plus even wedding showers. We also have Pick & Paint pottery people can come in and paint anytime. As customers come in and ask if we do classes on a subject, we try our best to find someone to teach it.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Small town atmosphere but close to a big city.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Find a way to educate the citizens more about what incredible small businesses we have right here in Saline County. Until we opened our business and we joined the Chamber of Commerce I had no idea how blessed we are to have the businesses we do right here in our backyard.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

BATTLEBOTS is an awesome show! Home improvement shows.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

A great steak is hard to beat and top it off with something involving ice cream for dessert.

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Nascar and the Razorbacks.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Good health! For the most part they are very healthy and I hope it stays that way. They have a very good work ethic and I wish they were rewarded more for being the hard working dedicated people they are.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

I guess the day I was born; otherwise I wouldn’t be able to answer these questions. Actually I like to think every day is equally important because I believe everyday is what you make of it.

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Stella Prather Traded Beach Life for Saline County

June 15, 2015

STELLA PRATHER, AGE 47, OR ALEXANDER 

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married with two boys, Braxton, 11, and Branton, 8.
My parents are still living.

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born and raised in Panama City, Fla.

3. Describe your childhood.

Childhood: Middle class family.
Grew up with Very strict parents. Pets: Yorkies.

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

45 record. Shaun Cassidy – Da Doo Run Run

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Water sports, beach activities and watching my boys play baseball.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am director of communications for the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries. I have the opportunity to “tell the story” through various communication mediums of how Arkansas Baptists are making a difference in the lives of children and families in crisis.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Great schools and great people.

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Widen Springhill Road.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Once Upon a Time & Castle

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

Sushi

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Bryant Hornets & University of Florida Gators, Gainesville, Fla.

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

I hope both my children come to know Christ in a personal way!

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Birth of my children!

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Business Owner Leeann Clemons says Saline is a Perfect Mix

June 9, 2015

Leeanne Clemons, age 35 of Benton

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

Married, 2 boys, Twin girls. Yes, my parents own Gilbert RV Campground on the Buffalo River.

2. Where were you born and raised?

White Hall, AR

3. Describe your childhood.

Middle class- My parents were business owners in Pine Bluff. They owned a mom and pop grocery/pharmacy/hardware/crafts store. My mom is a pharmacist and so was her dad. My parents bought the store from my grandparents.
I had a few close friends growing up. My dad was strict and my mom was easy going.
I had dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, and a bird growing up. I loved my dogs the most!

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

I think the first cassette tape I owned was New Kids on the Block. But I would like the record to state that it was CCR or Stone Temple Pilots please!!!

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

Reading, fishing, organizing, and working on the garden during the summer.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I own and operate Natural State Drug and Alcohol Testing in Benton. I’m it! Everything to do with the company is 100% me… unless your experience there was less than satisfactory :/
I went to school for Respiratory Therapy. I still keep my license up, but don’t use it at the moment.

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

Saline County is just the right amount of country and city to raise my family. Joining the Benton Chamber of Commerce has allowed me to become more involved in the community and has opened doors to new friendships. The economic growth of Saline County is perfect for sustaining my business and family. Plus Saline County doesn’t have a shortage of fishin’ holes!

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

We need a smaller version of Barton Coliseum, so the bands can visit us instead of having to fight Little Rock traffic.

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

Game of Thrones, Big Bang Theory, Deadliest Catch, Castle and The Good Wife.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

You bring me a box of Cadbury Flakes and you can buy my love!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

Benton Panthers… duh!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

Knowledge- Get your education first. You only live once. Take smart chances. Be prepared.

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

Probably the day I graduated Respiratory Therapy school and thought “I’m done with school FOREVER!!!”

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Deborah Middleton Loves Genealogy and Keeping Heritage

June 3, 2015

Deborah (Smart) Middleton, age 51 of Benton.

1. Describe the structure of your immediate family.

I am married and have 3 beautiful children… Joshua Helton, Jessica Helton Talbert and Jarrod Robinson. I lost my father in 2001 but still have my mom, Ann, and she is my foundation!

2. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Benton… raised in Harmony Grove/Haskell.

3. Describe your childhood.

My two brothers and I had a wonderful childhood. My dad worked at Reynolds and my mom worked at Saline Memorial Hospital after we were a bit older. My friends never believed me, but I can only remember twice that I received a real spanking. We respected our parents and they were able to discipline us through conversation and reasoning. We didn’t have a lot growing up, but my mom… she always managed to get what we needed! Our school was great, our community was great… it was just a fun time to grow up!

4. What’s the first music you owned in your personal collection?

It was a record album…..Children of the Sun, I believe.

5. What kind of hobbies do you have?

I am addicted to genealogy!!! My mom and I have researched our family lines and have helped friends with theirs. Currently, my husband and I are restoring a home in Benton on First Street that was built in 1900.

6. Tell us what you do for a living.

I am now a homemaker. I began working at the courthouse for Sheriff Steed in 1987 and then worked for Judge Garrett from 1989 until 2002, when I moved to Fairfield Bay for several years. I have always worked in legal or medical fields. While at the courthouse, I was also blessed to be able to take an active role in preserving and caring for some of the very, very old records and books! I loved it!

7. Why do you stay in Saline County?

I am very proud of where I live! We have negative news come out of our communities, just as with other counties, but we are a strong county… full of history and we are host to amazing stories!! I now live downtown, near the courthouse that I love so very much and I don’t think I could be happier!!!

8. What would you magically change about something in Saline County if you could?

Because our county seat survived the Civil War, etc., I would just love to see more of the old buildings and homes saved, rather than mowed down. It broke my heart to see the Webb House of Flowers home taken down! Keep the character of the town!!!!!!!!

9. What TV shows do you currently watch?

TV is just not what it used to be!!! I watch Survivor, Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance without missing a season. But I enjoy Blue Bloods, Bones, Law And Order, NCIS.

10. What’s your favorite indulgent food?

I love chocolate no bake cookies!!!!!

11. What’s your favorite sports team?

I’m not a lot into sports actually!

12. What would you like to make sure your children have?

My children are grown, but I’ve told them time and time again to just be happy!!!! In whatever they do, whoever they chose to be with, whatever it takes, because life is too short to be miserable or to settle!

13. What has been the most important day of your life?

That would have to be the dates when my children were born! To carry a child, bring them into this world and nourish them with hope and love and faith… nothing tops that! And to look at my children now and see how accomplished they are… I am so proud of them!

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Nate Olson of Benton, Editor of Sync Weekly

July 23, 2014

MySaline continues the “Saline 13” series of interviews by talking to Nate Olson. He’s from Iowa, but we’ll forgive him because he’s a solid Arkansan now. Nate has covered sports from various types of media, and he currently serves as Editor for Sync Weekly. Here are his 13 questions:

1. What’s your history with Saline County?

We moved to the Cherry Creek subdivision in Bryant in the summer of 2003 from the Crystal Valley area of Little Rock (near Otter Creek). In 2007, we moved to Heritage Farm in Benton. We love living in the Benton/Bryant area and have no plans of leaving anytime soon.

2. Tell us about your family.

My wife Sheena and I have been married for 13 years. Sheena double-majored at UALR and has a master’s degree in public administration and law degree from UALR. She served seven years at DHS in medicaid and is now an administrator at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. We have two sons J.D. (5) and Luke (3).

3. What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I have wanted to be in the media since I was 12. Working in journalism is a dream come true to me, and I feel very blessed to do something I love doing. I look forward to coming to work every day. It’s not just a career but a passion for me. I’m one of the lucky few that can say that.

4. How do you come by your love of sports?

My dad is a big sports fan. I started playing in the backyard and going to games with him when I was 3 or 4. The older I got, the more games I watched and the more books I read. My dad spent hours playing with me and talking sports. Even today, sports is something that bonds us, and we enjoy watching games together.

5. If you could do anything at all with your life, no worries of money or family responsibilities, what would you pick?

I love to travel, but it isn’t easy with young children. If time and money weren’t a factor, I would spend a lot of my time traveling and hitting some of the states I haven’t seen yet. Some trips with family and others with friends or by myself.

6. Where’s your favorite recreation spot in Saline County?

The Midland soccer fields. J.D. has competed in the Bryant Soccer Club program the past two seasons and plans to again this fall. I have coached and our entire family enjoys being outside and watching him play.

7. What could Saline County really use?

Another good barbecue joint. Whole Hog and Smokey Joe’s are great, but they could use some competition.

8. What’s a charity you’re fond of and why?

The Special Olympics. We give to it every year, and I volunteered when I was a kid. It’s an awesome thing to those with special needs get a chance to compete and have fun.

9. You could not live a day without your…

iPhone. I never leave home without it. Wouldn’t get far without my email and my contacts.

10. What sort of hunter/fisher are you?

Never hunted a day in my life. Growing up in frigid Iowa, I never had a desire to get up at the crack of dawn and venture into sub-freezing temps. I fished every day of the summer growing up in a state park. I haven’t fished regularly since college, but I am going to start again and teach my boys.

11. What’s the best thing you cook?

Anything on the grill, especially steak or chicken. Sheena doesn’t like me in the kitchen, so I stick to the grill.

12. What TV show are you currently into?

Eastbound and Down. I am binge watching on HBO On Demand. It’s raunchy but funny. Sheena and I have watched Law and Order Special Victims Unit and CSI for as long as we have been married.

13. How would you hope people describe you?

A good, Christian family man.

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Shelli Poole, Founder of MySaline.com

June 23, 2014

Recently, I asked MySaline readers to suggest people who might be a good choice for answering a few interview questions and therefore, we’d get a glimpse in another life in the community of Saline County. We’re calling the feature “Saline 13.”

There will be 13 questions in each interview. Some interviewee names will be familiar, maybe even legendary. Others will be people you maybe never heard of, but are doing some very interesting things in these parts. I’ve gotten several suggestions, but I’ll always take more. Email me at [email protected] with your suggestions.

Meanwhile, as I wondered who to start with, one faithful reader said I should start with me. And then they sent me some questions. Okay, let’s do this.

What is the mission of MySaline?

It’s always been to get people more involved in the goings on of the community. You can’t care about what you don’t know about.

Where is your favorite place in Saline County?

This is a difficult pick. There are a couple of spots on the Saline River that are worth visiting several times a year. One – the Peeler Bend section – for playing in the water and another – the old river bridge area – just for taking in the view.

What would you suggest to improve the quality of life in Saline County?

The county needs to go wet. Regardless of how you feel about alcohol, people will buy it and they will drink it in this county. We need to keep the revenue it generates in this county. I’d like to see a county tax on alcohol sales when/if we become wet and I’d like to see it used to create more deputy jobs to cover the perimeter of the county. You can only do so much when you’re spread thin.

Who are some up and comers in Saline County that you will be watching?

I’m glad you asked. I’ll be looking for those people in an effort to interview them for this “Saline 13” feature. Anyone you can suggest?

What are you least proud of about Saline County?

Some would say a history of corruption. I say lack of the individual educating themselves on what’s actually going on. Just because your neighbors said their cousin’s barber told them a client once saw something… doesn’t make it true. I enjoy a person who bothers to uncover the facts before “spreading the news.”

What is Saline County’s best kept secret?

It’s not a secret to many of us in Saline County, but there is a beautiful, magical place a couple miles away from the Interstate on Congo Road that serves the dreamiest ice cream and tater tots. Yes, it’s Salem Dairy Bar. Mmmmm…

If you were banned from Saline County, where would you live?

If I have the choice, I needs me a beach. One that doesn’t freeze in the winter months.

What is one business you’d like to see in Saline County?

A craft store. How have Hobby Lobby and Michael’s missed out on us?

What is your most popular feature on MySaline.com?

The very most popular content is the one of least repute. The mugshots page. An attorney or alarm company would do well to advertise there.

If you could interview anyone, who would it be?

I sure wish I could interview some people that have already left us. Town fathers (and mothers) and such.

Are there any local causes you support and why?

The Boys & Girls Clubs, because kids need so much and receive less and less from their parents and society. It’s crucial to build love into our future.

Where is your farthest subscriber located?

I’m not terribly sure where everyone lives. Not everyone who reads is a member. But there is one in California. There are some on active duty and they might be in Afghanistan. One member thanked me for live-streaming video from a school board meeting, because she was able to watch it from Guam!

What is your vision for the future of MySaline and Saline County?

I hope for MySaline to continue to grow as a staple for Saline County news and community. I’m always considering ways to make it better and welcome suggestions. I hope to add more bloggers for news, opinion and events. (Contact me at [email protected] if you’re interested.) As far as Saline County, I think we’re doing a good job of growing. We have great parks, schools and libraries. Our public safety structure is solid and we’re steadily attracting more business to town. I hope that MySaline can educate more people about the county and we’ll all put a hand in to keep it great.