The Caddo Hills Music Department will be hosting what may be the most unique fundraiser held in some time when they host a mattress fundraiser Sunday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Caddo Hills Cafeteria.
The fundraiser will feature Beautyrest mattresses with adjustable bases, luxury pillows and mattress protectors available for purchase. The mattress sets will be priced to sell with twins starting at $249, queens from $329, king/CH-king from $499.
All sizes will be available with over 25 styles on display in the cafeteria the day of the sale. All mattresses are brand new with full factory warranties with delivery available.
All forms of payment will be accepted. Financing will also be available.
Every purchase benefits the Caddo Hills Music Department.
For more information visit bit.ly/beds4caddohills.
The folks at the Heritage House Museum are braving the cloudy skies today as they work to sweeten your day with the 10th Annual Sorghum Festival in Mount Ida.
This year’s Sorghum Festival is offering area cooks an opportunity to show off your best sorghum recipes this Saturday at theHeritage House Museum’s 10th Annual Sorghum Festival.
The festival to be held Saturday, October 26, at the museum in Mount Ida. There will be a cooking contest featuring two categories. You can enter in either the bread or dessert category. If you so choose you can enter in both. The only requirement is that the recipe includes sorghum.
If you would like to participate in the contest please call the museum at (970) 867-4422. Judging for the contest will begin around 10 a.m. Saturday.
The biscuits are warm and the sorghum is sweet at the Sorghum Festival today. – Photo by Dwayne Holloway
The Sorghum Festival is a walk back in time to a sweeter day when local farmers grew sorghum to make their own syrup. The festival gives those interested in the sweeter things in life an opportunity to see the sorghum making process from beginning to end as volunteers crush the plants to extract the juice all the way through the cooking process in the cook room.
Museum Director Karen Rouse is excited about this year’s event which she believes will feature a bumper crop for them to work with. She shared that they may be able to have some sorghum cooked ahead of time for tasting.
Regardless of whether the Montgomery County sorghum is ready or not, the museum will have sorghum on hand for tasting over fresh biscuits. They will also have sorghum cookies available and cane pieces to chew.
The event offers something for everyone with vendors and demonstrators set up displaying a variety of talents.
The event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 26, and admission is free to everyone.
Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County is located on the corner of Luzerne Street and Highway 27 South at 819 Luzerne Street in Mount Ida.
The Museum offers a host of exhibits that share information about every aspect of the history of Montgomery County. Exhibits are constantly rotating in and out of the museum so even if you have been there before it is worth another trip.
For more information about the sorghum festival, or the Heritage Museum visit their website at hhmmc.org, or call (870) 867-4422.
Baylor Bates leaps over an Outlaw defender. Bates scored the first touchdown of the game for Mount Ida. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Mount Ida was unable to hold onto an early 6-0 lead as the Dierks Outlaws rolled to a 51-14 victory over the visiting Lions Friday night.
Mount Ida started the game at midfield after receiving the opening onside kick. The Lions pushed the ball downfield and scored on a five yard run by Baylor Bates to take a six point lead.
Dierks responded with a quick score and 2-point conversion to take an 8-6 lead. The Outlaws went on to score 45 unanswered points to take a 45-6 lead at the half.
Landon Scrimshire wraps up a Dierks running back. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Each team would score a touchdown in the second half as the clock rolled by way of the sportsmanship rule.
See next week’s issue of the Montgomery County News for a full recap of the game.
Southern Bancorp and the Greater Glenwood Chamber of Commerce joined together for a ribbon cutting celebration at the banks newest location in Glenwood Thursday, October 24.
The parking lot stayed full of cars and people from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as bank staff served hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks to celebrate their grand opening at their new location. The Chamber joined with bank staff for the ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.
The bank is located at 218 Elm Street in Glenwood and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Southern had the pleasure of joining the Glenwood community earlier this spring with a temporary location, and we are excited that construction is complete on our new branch,” said Southern Bancorp, Inc. CEO Darrin Williams. “It is our mission to be wealth builders for everyone; therefore, we provide a wide range of financial development products and services such as small business loans, credit counseling and free tax preparation.”
The Glenwood location is led by Market President Greg Black. During his 20 year banking career, Black has served as Vice President and President of Lending for numerous financial institutions throughout Southwest Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Glenwood native, Tamara Horn serves as Branch Manager. She graduated from Caddo Hills High School in 1994 and comes to Southern with more than 15 years of banking experience. Horn is actively involved in her community as a Lions Club member and a local church representative for The Call.
The branch has one lender, Patsy Webb, a customer service representative, Anna Self and Traci Lair serves as teller.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) announced a new trap shooting team this week. The trap shooting team has 10 members and will compete as a club team for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Trap shooting team coach James Montgomery said the team may consider joining a conference after the first year. The team is currently working on fundamentals and improving scores to prepare for their first competition later this fall against Southern Arkansas University. Montgomery said they plan to schedule matches or exhibition shoots with other area colleges as they progress.
Pictured left to right: (front row) Dr. Samantha Christian (coach), Casey Cowan, Kristen Brown, Bailey Blackshear, Jordan Peek; (back row) Cayden Reed, Chris Fincher, Cristapher Zuetlau, Aaron Combs, James Montgomery (coach); not pictured, Dr. Christopher Thrasher (coach), Theresa Farmer, and Danielle Russell. Photo courtesy of National Park College
The College provides the training and equipment. Team members are required to complete an Arkansas Hunter’s Education Course. Montgomery said safety is a top priority for the team. “We’ll provide training for any shooters who do not already have that certification. We pick a different fundamental, such as safety, pace, rotation of shooters, stance, or sighting to focus on each week. We always have a safety briefing before taking our shotguns on the range,” he said. “We require hearing protection and eye protection for all personnel prior to entering the range area. We are proud to have been to the range numerous times without any safety violations.”
The National Rifle Association Foundation awarded NPC a grant for five shotguns, 14 cases of shotgun shells, and funds to purchase clay pigeon targets. Arego’s Guns supported the team by waiving the FFL fees for receiving the shotguns. The Mountain Valley Sportsman’s Association (MVSA) hosts the team for practice on their trap ranges.
Montgomery expressed his appreciation for the support the team has received to get started. “We have had a lot of support from our campus and the community. I am excited to build on the momentum as our students continue to learn and improve their marksmanship,” he said. “A fierce competition is now underway to gain one of the five places on our starting lineup.”
The team practices each Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. During inclement weather, the team uses a the LaserShot Firearms Simulator in the Criminal Justice classroom with a clay pigeon simulator for additional training.
Pictured front row, left to right is Dr. Samantha Christian (coach), Casey Cowan, Kristen Brown, Bailey Blackshear, Jordan Peek; back row, left to right, Cayden Reed, Chris Fincher, Cristapher Zuetlau, Aaron Combs, James Montgomery (coach); not pictured, Dr. Christopher Thrasher (coach), Theresa Farmer, and Danielle Russell.
National Park College was established in 1973 and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The College enrolls over 7,500 credit and non-credit students per year. NPC is a comprehensive two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates as well as continuing education, community services and workforce training.
The Mount Ida Junior Lions shook off the rust after an off week and roared their way to a 7-2A Conference Title with a 42-14 victory over the Dierks Junior Outlaws.
The Junior Outlaws entered the game with a 7-0 record while Mount Ida was 6-1. Both teams stepped onto the field with unblemished conference records to set up the conference title match up.
Dierks quickly scored on a 33 yard run by Eli Sharp. He took the 2-point conversion in to give the Junior Outlaws an eight point lead.
Jacob Woodfield dives into the end zone for the first Junior Lion touchdown of the night. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Undaunted, Mount Ida responded with 30 unanswered points to take a 30-8 lead at the half. Jacob Woodfield was the first to score for Mount Ida, followed by Jack Hoeksema with back to back scores and Woodfield finished things off in the half.
The two teams swapped scores to start off the third with Woodfield scoring for Mount Ida and Sharp scoring for Dierks.
Woodfield scored the final touchdown to give Mount Ida the 42-14 victory over the visiting Dierks Junior Outlaws.
Eli Sharp is tackled by a Mount Ida Junior Lion. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Read next week’s issue of the Montgomery County News for a full recap of the game.
MOUNT IDA – The majority of the time spent in the Montgomery County Quorum Court meeting Monday night was spent discussing fire department boundaries and petitions.
The meeting opened with a customary prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. After approving the minutes, Montgomery County Judge turned his attention to old business.
Barry Craw discusses changes to the county fire district boundaries with JPs. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Barry Craw was asked to present a map to the JPs that reflected proposed changes to the county fire district boundaries. He presented the map and then explained the redistricting was to provide better service to local residents. Under the current district map some residences are in districts that can’t reach them in a timely fashion. Piney Volunteer Fire Department’s inability to reach many of their residences was what precipitated the change. However, Craw stated that there were other district’s that have been changed for similar reasons.
The board approved the request to change fire district boundaries. The map will now be submitted to the state office that redraws the maps. Once they have created the new maps the new districts will be in effect. Craw did point out that many of the districts that will absorb residences from the Piney district are already responding to calls in those areas.
Judge Jones stated that with the change in boundaries people will now be paying dues to VFDs who are actually serving them.
The JPs turned their attention to new business.
The JPs discussed the county’s most recent legislative audit. Judge Jones stated it was one of the best the county has received.
The JPs approved an ordinance that transferred $12,000 from the 18th West Drug Task Force fund into the county general fund.
Judge Jones brought up that Sims VFD has once again petitioned the quorum court to reclassify their district as a Fire Protection District.
Judge Jones stated that the Sims VFD called a special board meeting to discuss the petition last Monday, October 7, at the fire station. He added that he and JP Johnette Rowland were in attendance along with about 16 other people. He stated that there were no current members of the Sims VFD Board in attendance at the meeting.
Jim Douglas, a resident of Sims, shared his feelings about the issue at the quorum court meeting. He stated that he used to pay his dues when they were $35, but stopped paying when they were raised to $45. He complained that the only fundraiser they did was a pancake breakfast. He pointed to the annual fish fry at Pencil Bluff as a better option for a fundraiser.
JP Mike Dobbs pointed out that under current state law the quorum court has no choice but to approve the petition within a 60 day window.
County Clerk Penny Black stated that Dewayne Franklin filed the petition on behalf of the Sims VFD October 2. She said that he claims state funds are available, but that VFDs have to show they are collecting all the dues they can before the state will award any of their grants.
Douglas interjected and stated that forcing people to pay dues would open the VFD up to lawsuits when they are unable to save a home.
JP Rowland asked county attorney Andy Riner his opinion on the subject.
Riner began by pointing out that the law which requires the quorum court to approve this petition by the Sims VFD was one of 800 laws passed in the state legislature over a period of 80 days. He added that the quorum court and the people of Montgomery County are being force fed a diet that is unpalatable.
Andy Riner shares his opinion regarding the petition to reclassify Sims Fire District to a Fire Protection District. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Riner stated that once a VFD becomes a Fire Protection District their dues are placed on each individual’s tax bill and the dues are given superiority over the collection of county taxes. If a resident within that district doesn’t pay their dues then a lien can be placed against their property until the dues are paid.
He also shared that it was possible that some might interpret this as the collection of an illegal tax.
JP Rowland asked if Sims residents could remove the board by way of a petition. Riner stated all the petition would do is reveal public opinion, but he believes public opinion is important.
Riner read from the Sims petition pointing to the language in the opening paragraph where it states, “We would LIKE TO petition.” He stated that “like to” is conditional language which could be interpreted as nothing more than a request to petition the court instead of an actual petition.
He proposed drafting a letter requesting copies of the minutes from the board meeting when the vote to file the petition was taken. He also proposed the letter request documentation from when the current board members were selected. Riner also believes they need clarification as to whether the petition was actually a petition.
No one from the Sims VFD was in attendance to answer questions, but there were representatives from Joplin, Mount Ida, South Fork-Center and Norman VFDs in attendance. Each of the representatives shared their concern for how this might affect their districts. They also talked about how their VFDs have raised money without collecting dues. All four stated they rely on grant money, donations and fundraisers.
Randy Egleston asked if the change is made and then Sims dissolves will the VFDs that cover their area then required to become a Fire Protection District. He stated that South Fork-Center would not cover that area if that was the case because they would never become a Fire Protection District.
Bill Barnes with the Joplin VFD questioned whether Sims met the state requirements to be considered a viable fire department. He stated that money wasn’t the only factor in receiving grant funds. Fire Departments also had minimum requirements on firemen, training and equipment.
Riner added that there are other county attorney’s who have requested AG opinions on the constitutionality of the law being used to force quorum courts to approve such petitions.
JP Melissa Powell asked if the quorum court could dissolve the district after approving the change in classification. Riner stated he wasn’t sure.
JP Dobbs suggested redrawing fire district lines in such a way that Sims Fire Department no longer exists. He also asked if there was any way around this petition. Barnes suggested they reach out to the state office that oversees 833 Funding for local fire departments and ask them to look into Sims’ viability as a VFD. JP Greene stated he would check with the state office. Someone also stated that they have heard that Sims’ ISO rating is in jeopardy.
Riner stated that he would draft the letter and send it to Sims VFD. The issue was tabled.
This is the second time Sims VFD has filed such a petition. They withdrew the first request without its implementation. They currently collect dues on residents’ personal property tax bill as a voluntary payment. Once they become a Fire Protection District the payment of dues would become mandatory.
“Dang,” she said. “I went on a diet and lost 20 pounds. Then I went off the diet and gained 25 pounds. I tried exercise but it didn’t help. Now I have to go on anotherdiet because my son is getting married and the new dress that I bought won’t fit. And that diet is a killer; I’m hungry all the time.”
Repeat this story several times (family keeps getting married, reunions keep happening, swim suit season comes every year) and we have an unhappy woman who is a lot heavier than when she started. This is called “yo-yo” dieting.
Every pull of the yo-yo reduces your metabolism. That means fewer calories are needed to maintain your body weight. But when you come off that diet you go back to eating just like you did before; too many calories. This is no fun.
A couple of years ago I read the article at the bottom of this article describing the painful truth that causes the morbidly obese participants in “The Biggest Loser” to move inexorably back to their former weight. As you read the article (and I encourage you to do that) I want you to consider several important things.
The contest includes extreme exercise, something like 8 hours per day. The camera is trained on the exercise and the weigh-ins. It wouldn’t be very entertaining to watch people eat (or not eat). Exercise is not actually required to lose weight although it helps. What I want you to think about is that depending on exercise to lose and maintain weight is dangerous because you could accidentally break your leg or be in an automobile accident or just about anything tomorrow. Boom, exercise is no longer an option.
The contestant’s diets are very low calorie. In other words, there isn’t a shred of normalcy to their diet. The combination of extreme exercise and very low calorie leaves their bodies with no option but to burn body fat. Which, of course, is the whole point.
While they are in the middle of this extremeness, this body fat “burning” actually amounts to body fat being converted to ketones by the liver (see discussion of the ketogenic diet in another recent article) that are used by the body to produce energy. Otherwise the contestants would not be able to keep going.
But at the end of all the pain, when the scales are packed away, the camera is gone, and the celebration is over, you have a bunch of people whose metabolism is in the ditch and ketones are not being produced. Just about any diet may be “too much.”
The article details some of the hormone changes attached to the problem. But in the end what matters is that here are people who are hungry, craving certain foods, with bodies that are going to turn almost any calories into body fat. The yo-yo has now been pulled. This is actually just like a recovering alcoholic; one drink and it’s over. But in this case, one chip and it’s over.
I once worked out at a gym owned by a woman who had lost an extreme amount of weight earlier in her life. She swore that if she ate one piece of bread she would gain 20 pounds. The voice of experience.
Don’t think for a minute that this does not apply to you just because you aren’t morbidly obese. The woman described at the top is heading in that direction.. Morbidly obese or heading in that direction, it doesn’t matter. The answers are still the same..
Eat the diet detailed in “It’s All About the Food.” It’s not a hard diet, not a diet that generally requires counting calories, not a diet that leaves you hungry. It is a balanced, nutritious diet that you can comfortably eat for the rest of your (hopefully long) life.
Plan on losing excess weight very slowly. When you make extreme reduction in energy producing calories (sugar and fat) your body does just what the contestants’ bodies did, gears down your metabolism to match the available resources.
Your fat cells know their job, to be sure you are covered during a famine. This is why you can last a very long time on a starvation diet. So when you fake a famine by your diet, metabolism slows down to conserve energy. Heaven only knows how long you will be stranded on that desert island.
When you start eating again, your fat cells are so relieved. You don’t lose fat cells when you lose weight; the cells just become skinnier. But they have been waiting with bated breath for the opportunity to fill back up.
So now you are hungry and have cravings caused by the hormonal changes. And, as I stated in the book, hunger is the death of weight loss. When we feed that hunger and the cravings, there may as well be a feeding tube directly connected to your fat cells.
Hunger and cravings are almost invariably attached to carbohydrates (better known as sugar).
When it comes to weight loss (and gain) it is particularly important to understand what sugar is and where you will find it hiding out in your food. It is way more than that white stuff in your sugar bowl. My book, It’s All about the Food, will tell you what you need to know.
Google the linked article below and thank the good Lord this isn’t you. Or is it?
Pat Smith is the author of “It’s All about the Food,” a book that guides nutritious food choices as the way to avoid illness and maintain a healthy weight. Proceeds from her book benefit the Montgomery County Food Pantry. She is a resident of Montgomery County, AR, president of Ouachita Village, Inc. board of directors (Montgomery County Food Pantry), and president of the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. She can be contacted at patsmith2@live.com, 870-490-1836. Her Facebook page is www.facebook.com/patsmithbooks. Her website is http://allaboutthefood.org/
