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Savvy flying leads to unique war story for WWII vet

Dewayne Holloway

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September 21, 2019

Savvy flying leads to unique war story for WWII vet

(August 29, 2019) MOUNT IDA – A childhood love for flying resulted in a unique story about how a young man from Iowa escaped from Switzerland after being shot down during World War II.

William Henry Jr.’s story began in Iowa during the Great Depression. His son John recalled how his Dad had talked about a plane ride that changed his life as a young boy. William’s first contact with airplanes came at a county fair when he was a boy. The story goes that he paid five dollars to ride in an old Ford tri-motor plane. The quick trip launched a lifelong love of flying for William. A talented athlete, William went to college in Iowa before joining the Army flight program. His son John stated that he had attempted to join the Navy first, but was a few hours of college credit short of making officer and flight school.

While William wanted to be a fighter pilot his training steered him toward multi-engine planes. He trained on the B-26 before moving to the B-24 bomber. His first wartime deployment was in Tunisia, from there he was stationed in Italy.

A young William Henry was shot down while flying bombers in World War II. – Submitted Photo

While serving in World War II William flew over 20 bombing missions. His 23rd bombing mission was to be his last thanks to damage to his airplane. John flips through his father’s flight logbook to the addendum page that records the events of July 20, 1944. It was on this day during his 23rd bombing mission his plane was shot down after flying a bombing mission over Germany. William had told his kids that they had always been told that if they were going to crash to try and aim for Switzerland. William received word from his crew after dropping their payload that they had three engines down. Remembering the advise he had received, William limped the plane on one engine into Switzerland. He piloted the plane as his crew escaped and then he parachuted to safety as well. Once on the ground William was taken captive by a farmer with a pitchfork and turned over to the authorities.

John’s favorite part of the story is what happens after his father is captured.

He recalls that while in Switzerland officers were treated very well. It quickly became obvious why they were instructed to aim for this very hospitable country. Prisoners of War were kept in hotel rooms where they were locked in at night. However, they were allowed to leave their rooms during the day for meals. They were also allowed two day passes to visit the Swiss countryside while they were detained.

John gingerly unfolded a Western Union telegram father, William, was allowed to send a to his parents just four days after his capture. John also carefully unfolded then read from a letter his father sent four days later to his family.

It would take a month for the U.S. military to contact his family to let them know William was officially listed as missing in action. His family was surprised to know of his whereabouts long before the U.S. military. A local paper even ran an article about the incident.

While the conditions were pleasant, William wasn’t happy being grounded and jumped at the opportunity to escape in September 1944. John shared how his father was approached by another officer about escaping. William took a two day pass where he got off the train in civilian clothes and hid until he could be snuck across the border into France. From France he made his way back to his base in Italy.

Unfortunately for William his capture brought an end to his bomber pilot days. He was sent home to Love Field in Dallas where he would become an instructor. William was awarded the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters for his valorous service in combat. The two oak leaf clusters signified that he had flown more than 20 combat missions.

While this was the end of his career as a bomber pilot it would lead to him meeting his wife Ruth. He met her in a cafeteria at Love Field early one morning. They have been married 73 years.

William flew for American Airlines before moving to Pencil Bluff in 2000.

William Henry, Jr. passed away August 22. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons William, Lee, and John Henry and a daughter Christine Spanbauer.

Article Written by Dewayne Holloway

Former Caddo Hills coach to be added to HSU Ring of Honor

Dewayne Holloway

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September 21, 2019

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ARKADELPHIA, AR — A former Caddo Hills coach is among the nine Reddie greats to be honored this year at the Henderson State Univerisity Hall of Honor Banquet to be held Friday, October 4.

Former Caddo Hills coach Jimmy Reppo will join eight other athletes spanning five sports in the 2019 Hall of Honor class. The 2019 class includes, from Category I (Football and Men’s Basketball), gridiron legends Sean McGrath and Kevin Rodgers, as well as NAIA basketball standout John Hansen; from Category II (Other Men’s Sports), early 2000s baseball greats Cody Deal and T.J. Hendricks; from Category III (Women’s Sports), women’s golf pioneer Jenna Chadwick-McKiddy and tennis ace Stephanie Devine-Fincher; and from Category IV (Heritage Era), one of the greatest scorers in Henderson basketball history, Jimmy Reppo.

Receiving special recognition as a part of this year’s Hall of Honor class is the late former president of Henderson State University, Dr. Charles Dunn, who will receive the Willie Tate Meritorious Humanitarian Award.

Reppo was a four-year letterman in basketball for Henderson State from 1958 to 1962. A two-time All-AIC selection in 1961 and 1962, Reppo averaged 15.5 points per game in his 71 career contests for the Reddies and is one of just 25 players in program history with over 1000 career points (1102). Reppo led the AIC in scoring during the 1960-61 season with an average of 25.6 points per game, which remains the highest per-game scoring average for a single season in school history. Proficient at getting to the free-throw line, Reppo is the program’s all-time leader in made free throws for a career (418) and in a single season (195). Following his playing career at Henderson and a two-year stint in the military, Reppo went into coaching and spent the remainder of his career coaching high school basketball in Arkansas. His coaching stops included Jessieville, Bradley, Taylor and Caddo Hills.

The ceremony, which will take place on Friday, Oct. 4 in the Garrison Center Grand Ballroom, will kick off with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by the induction of the 23rd Hall of Honor class at 7 p.m.

Tickets to the event cost $25 and can be purchased through Angie Bradshaw by calling 870-230-5161.

SEAN MCGRATH

One of the most recent Reddies to represent the program at the professional level, Sean McGrath excelled at tight end for Henderson State in 2010 and 2011. A Daktronics First Team All-Region selection in 2010, McGrath was the top tight end in the Gulf South Conference and earned First Team All-GSC honors after catching 55 passes for 659 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 59.6 receiving yards per game. In two years at Henderson, McGrath racked up 61 receptions for 717 yards and four touchdowns. In 2012, McGrath signed a free-agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks and then reached an agreement the following year with Kansas City, where he played in all 16 games and made 26 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns in 2013. In 2014, McGrath stepped away from football and returned to Henderson to earn his master’s degree. Following a brief hiatus, he came out of retirement in 2015 and spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions before retiring for the final time in 2018. In his NFL career, McGrath started in 20 games and caught 32 passes for 373 yards and two scores.

KEVIN RODGERS

One of the most heralded players in the history of Reddie football, Kevin Rodgers was a three-time NCAA DII All-American at quarterback for Henderson State from 2011 to 2014. The native of Rockwall, Texas, holds virtually every passing record for the Reddies, is sixth all-time in NCAA DII history with 124 career touchdown passes and fifth all-time with 13,678 career passing yards. His 66.5 percent completion percentage also ranks third in NCAA DII history. In 41 games played, Rodgers averaged 333.6 passing yards per contest — the third-most for any DII player ever. A three-time Harlon Hill Trophy finalist, three-time GAC Offensive Player of the Year and the 2014 Capital One Academic All-America DII Player of the Year, Rodgers became just the sixth DII player in history to pass for over 4000 yards in back-to-back seasons in 2012 and 2013. Perhaps most importantly, Rodgers’ individual success translated to team success on the field. During his career, Henderson amassed a record of 36-8, won 28-consecutive Great American Conference games, claimed two league titles in 2012 and 2013, and made two appearances in the NCAA DII playoffs. Rodgers is the all-time passing yards and passing touchdowns leader for college football in the state of Arkansas at all levels of competition.

JOHN HANSEN

John Hansen was a standout for some of the best teams in Henderson State basketball history from 1977 to 1981. An All-AIC and All-District 17 selection during the 1980-81 season and a District 17 All-Tournament Team honoree in 1981, Hansen helped lead the Reddies to AIC titles in 1978 and 1979, District 17 championships in 1979 and 1981, and the 1979 NAIA National Championship game. Hansen holds the school record for career assists with 703 — an average of 6.1 per game — and is one of the best Reddies to ever step to the free-throw line, where he shot 81 percent for four seasons. He finished his time at Henderson with 823 points and 214 rebounds in 115 games played, and shot 58 percent from the floor as a senior.

CODY DEAL

One of the best hitters in Henderson State history, Cody Deal was a two-year letter-winner for the Reddies in 2004 and 2005. Deal, along with teammate Jarrod Eason, became Henderson’s first baseball All-American of the NCAA era when he earned Third Team ABCA and Honorable Mention NCBWA All-American honors in 2005. During his scorching 2005 campaign, Deal collected a program-record 83 hits with 23 doubles, racked up 26 multi-hit games, and turned in a batting average of .437, which remains the highest single-season mark by any Reddie in the NCAA era. In just two playing seasons at Henderson, Deal ranks third in program history in career batting average (.372), eighth in RBIs (88), ninth in doubles (31), and ninth in home runs (19).

T.J. HENDRICKS

T.J. Hendricks was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection for the Reddies from 1999 to 2003. The lefty pitcher, who was First Team honoree in 2003, compiled an 18-15 record during his career, including a 9-4 mark as a senior in a season where he struck out 80 batters — third-most in HSU history. In 2002, Hendricks led the team with a 2.93 ERA in 60 1/3 innings. His ERA ranked fourth-best in the GSC and 12th overall in the NCAA. Hendricks totaled 288 innings pitched and struck out 196 batters during his career, both of which rank third in Henderson State history. In 2003, he compiled 11 complete games while pitching 90 1/3 innings with 80 strikeouts. In the final start of his career against Ouachita Baptist, Hendricks pitched the seventh no-hitter in school history in an 8-0 victory. Hendricks is third all-time in program history in innings pitched, fourth in strikeouts (196), and seventh in wins (18).

JENNA CHADWICK-MCKIDDY

Jenna Chadwick-McKiddy was a standout golfer for the Reddies from 2007 to 2009 when she was named First Team All-Gulf South Conference in three consecutive years. Chadwick-McKiddy is the only female golfer in program history to earn First Team All-Conference honors three times, and one of just 12 players in GSC history be named to the All-Conference team three or more times. Named the GSC Golfer of the Year and a Women’s Golf Coaches Association Academic All-American in 2008, Chadwick-McKiddy also garnered GSC All-Tournament Team honors that same season after finishing as the individual runner-up at the league championships in Hot Springs. A pioneer for her sport at the university, Chadwick-McKiddy is the first female golfer inducted into the Henderson State Hall of Honor.

STEPHANIE DEVINE-FINCHER

Stephanie Devine-Fincher was a four-year letter winner for the Reddies from 2000 to 2004. A three-time All-Gulf South Conference selection, Devine-Fincher earned Second Team honors her freshman and sophomore seasons playing No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles, before being named to the All-GSC First Team in 2004. As a senior, Devine-Fincher proved to be one of the best players in the league and was named GSC West Division Player of the Year while playing at No. 1 singles for Henderson. Devine-Fincher was the first women’s tennis player to earn Conference Player of the Year honors in program history.

JIMMY REPPO

Jimmy Reppo was a four-year letterman in basketball for Henderson State from 1958 to 1962. A two-time All-AIC selection in 1961 and 1962, Reppo averaged 15.5 points per game in his 71 career contests for the Reddies and is one of just 25 players in program history with over 1000 career points (1102). Reppo led the AIC in scoring during the 1960-61 season with an average of 25.6 points per game, which remains the highest per-game scoring average for a single season in school history. Proficient at getting to the free-throw line, Reppo is the program’s all-time leader in made free throws for a career (418) and in a single season (195). Following his playing career at Henderson and a two-year stint in the military, Reppo went into coaching and spent the remainder of his career coaching high school basketball in Arkansas. His coaching stops included Jessieville, Bradley, Taylor and Caddo Hills.

DR. CHARLES DUNN

Dr. Charles Dunn, who served as President of Henderson State University from 1986 to 2008, is the 2019 winner of the Willie Tate Meritorious Humanitarian award. A fervent supporter of Reddie Athletics during his time as president and until his passing in 2013, Dunn helped lead Henderson State through the transition from NAIA to full NCAA member-status in 1992, which included securing Henderson an invitation to join the Gulf South Conference. Dunn also served on the NCAA President’s Commission during the restructuring of the NCAA in 1996 and 1997, and was a member of the NCAA President’s Council — the governing body of Division II — until 2001. Under Dunn’s watch, Henderson saw some of its biggest athletic triumphs of the NCAA era, including four GSC men’s basketball titles and a berth in the 2004 NCAA Division II Women’s Final Four. A beloved figure in the Henderson State community, Dunn’s tenure as president saw over $80 million go towards building and renovation projects to enhance and improve the university.

Mount Ida names Homecoming Queen, Court

Dewayne Holloway

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September 19, 2019

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Kyleigh Sigman has been named the 2019 Homecoming Queen for Mount ida High School. Homecoming will be held October 4 as they host Murfreesboro. Kyleigh is pictured from left to right with her Homecoming Court: Freshman Maid Brianna Hamilton, Senior Maid Haley Lyksett, Queen Kyleigh Sigman, Junior Maid Katelyn Gilbert and Sophomore Maid Madison Fechuch. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

US Forest Service conducting environmental analysis at Albert Pike Recreational Area

Dewayne Holloway

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September 19, 2019

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US Forest Service conducting environmental analysis at Albert Pike Recreational Area

HOT SPRINGS The USDA Forest Service will conduct an environmental analysis using the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to determine the future use of the Albert Pike Recreation Area.

The environmental analysis will carefully consider the physical environment of the site, consider public health and safety issues, analyze potential liability risks, and will provide multiple opportunities for productive public engagement.

Two of the four loops have been closed and overnight camping has not been allowed at Albert Pike since a flash flood killed 20 people at and around the campground in June 2010.

“To ensure visitor safety, the entire area will remain closed to overnight camping during the analysis and decision-making process,” said Chris Ham, Recreation and Planning staff officer on the Ouachita National Forest.

The use of the NEPA process will allow the Forest Service to make a well-informed decision on the future use of Albert Pike. The process will involve considering the physical environment of the site, the current and historic hydrologic status of the area, assessing the potential use of emergency detection and warning systems, and the opinions and comments of the public and other stakeholders.

The environmental analysis will allow feedback from the public and other stakeholders, along with a thorough understanding of public safety and liability risks, that will help make the best decision for the future use of Albert Pike.

The environmental analysis is scheduled to begin late autumn 2019. For more information on the Ouachita National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita.

A renewed interest in camping at Albert Pike has resurfaced recently with supporters of overnight camping gathering at the park July 27.

Congressman Bruce Westerman has shown interest in the cause, holding a public meeting this week in Glenwood to discuss the issue.

Southern Bancorp opens Mount Ida branch

Dewayne Holloway

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September 19, 2019

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MOUNT IDA – Building communities and providing opportunity for those who may get passed over by the bigger banks is what Southern Bancorp hopes to bring to Mount Ida with the grand opening of their newest branch.

While Southern Bancorp has been open for business for a couple months in Mount Ida they officially opened at their permanent location at 1017 Highway 270 East with a ribbon cutting Friday, August 30.

They celebrated the grand opening with fresh grilled burgers and hot dogs and the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed them to town with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Several local business leaders, students from Caddo Hills High School, Mount Ida High School and Mayor Jo Childress were on hand to welcome them to town at the ribbon cutting.

Greg Black cuts the ribbon as the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Southern Bancorp to Mount Ida. Bank staff, regional officers, Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce members, local business owners, students from Caddo Hills and Mount Ida joined in the festivities Friday at Southern Bancorp’s ribbon cutting. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

Bill Wright, the CEO of Southern Bancorp’s West Region, shared that he has had Mount Ida on his radar for quite some time. He explained that Mount Ida had been a part of his circuit while working as a lawyer in the region. Once he turned his attention to banking Dan Horton became a mentor for him.

He stated that he got to know Greg Black when he went to banking school and was excited to get the opportunity to work with him now with the Southern Bancorp branch in Mount Ida.

He shared that while many banks work to expand into larger cities, Southern Bancorp works to expand into rural areas, as well as underserved communities.

He pointed to the bank’s mission statement on the wall as evidence of what their goal is.

It reads. “Our Mission: Southern Bancorp’s mission is to create economic opportunity in rural and underserved communities by providing responsible and responsive financial products and services that balance profits with purpose.”

Wright was first involved with Southern Bancorp as a lawyer when they purchased Elkhorn Bank in Arkadelphia in 1987. He would later become the CEO of that branch in 2002.

The thing he seems most proud of is that Southern Bancorp doesn’t just look at the dollars. When evaluating a loan they look at both mission and margin.

He explained that national statistics state that only 20 percent of people born into poverty rise above the poverty level. Wright stated that the only way a person can escape poverty is to acquire equity. Southern Bancorp works to help people gain equity through home ownership, vehicle ownership, or small business.

A high concentration of their loans are home loans. He explained that home ownership provides individuals and families with equity to send children to college, or to start a small business.

By focusing on rural and underserved communities they are also able to help revitalize communities where home ownership is on the decline.

While loans are a big part of what Southern Bancorps does, they do provide several other helpful benefits. They offer free credit reports, credit counseling and home ownership counseling.

Wright is also proud of the fact that Southern Bancorp is able to help a lot of people start their own small business. Small business start ups not only help the owner improve their economic standing, it helps bring economic growth to a community.

“We try to be a wealth builder for all, not just the wealthy.” Wright stated.

Southern Bancorp is located at 1017 Highway 270 East in Mount Ida.

Article Written by Dewayne Holloway

Museum features new hands on exhibit

Dewayne Holloway

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September 19, 2019

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Visitors to The Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the history of the area thanks to a “Hands On Exhibit” at the museum.

This new exhibit will only be available for a limited time from September 3 through October 8. The exhibit will give visitors an opportunity to hold history in the palm of their hands.

Due to the delicate nature and uniqueness of some of the pieces in the exhibit a number of the artifacts will be encapsulated for their protection. Visitors will also be required to wear gloves provided by the museum while handling other pieces.

“Hopefully, this exhibit will bring people to the museum that have not previously taken advantage of our large collection of Montgomery County history. “stated Karen Rouse, Director of the museum.

In addition, the museum has a genealogical research area that allows visitors to search for their own family history in the county. Census information, marriage record indexes and cemetery records are also available for in house research purposes.

The museum also maintains files of visitor submitted family history materials which may be copied and added to as is appropriate.

“Our collection brings back many memories from seeing artifacts donated by family members in the past.” Rouse said.

Rouse is excited to announce that during the next month visitors will be able to register for a special drawing with the prize to be awarded October 8.

The museum is a non-profit volunteer ran organization. Volunteers all are always needed and Rouse hopes that the new exhibit might encourage some to volunteer at the museum.

Museum Director Karen Rouse, the museum board and their faithful volunteers look forward to welcoming new visitors to the museum. So don’t waste any time, the new hands on exhibit is only open for a limited time.

Article submitted by Karen Rouse, Heritage House Museum

Junior Lions fall short in season opener

Dewayne Holloway

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September 19, 2019

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Junior Lions fall short in season opener

MOUNT IDA – Special teams play was a huge factor last Thursday as the Mount Ida Junior Lions fell to the visiting Magnet Cove Junior Panthers by a score of 34-28 in a non-conference season opener.

Mount Ida played well on special teams with Head Coach Zack Wuichet keeping the kicking game simple with short kicks. Mount Ida was unable to recover any on side kicks, while Magnet Cove recovered their only attempt in the third quarter, setting up a key touchdown in the game that gave them a two score lead over the Lions.

Mount Ida won the toss, but deferred to the second half. Magnet Cove started their opening drive at midfield and two plays later scored on a 39 yard run. The two point conversion came up short and they held a 6-0 lead with a minute gone off the clock.

Mount Ida claimed the lead on the ensuing kick off thanks to a 70 yard return by Jacob Woodfield. Woodfield fielded the kick at the Mount Ida 30 yard, cutting through traffic to the open field on the home side of the field. Caleb White bulldozed his way into the end zone on the two point conversion to give Mount Ida an 8-6 lead with 6:46 to go in the first quarter.

Magnet Cove responded with a six play scoring drive that traversed 54 yards. They converted on the two point conversion to take a 14-8 lead.

The Lions took over on their own 45 yard line and methodically drove the ball 55 yards to score on a six yard run by White with 41 seconds left in the first half. He trotted in for the two point conversion to give Mount Ida a 16-14 lead.

Magnet Cove only needed two plays to regain the lead, this time on a 53 yard touchdown run. The two point conversion failed and they held a 20-16 lead with 7:41 to go in the first half.

Mount Ida fought their way down field to the Panther six yard line before fumbling the ball away on the three yard line.

Magnet Cove moved the ball to their own 33 yard line, but Woodfield cut their drive short with an interception. Mount Ida was moving the ball when the half come to an end.

Mount Ida opened the second half with a four play 44 yard drive that ended with a 33 yard touchdown run by Woodfield. The two point conversion failed and the Junior Lions held a narrow 22-20 lead with 5:56 to go in the third quarter.

Magnet Cove responded with a five play 58 yard drive that ended with a 30 yard touchdown run. They converted on the two point conversion to take a 28-22 lead.

Magnet Cove was able to break the tit for tat scoring cycle by recovering the ensuing kick off on the Lion 38 yard line and later scoring on a 15 yard pass.

Mount Ida looked as if they might have found an answer for the Panthers on the first play of the drive. Magnet Cove’s quarterback rolled to his right and was sacked by Payton Dorrell for an eight yard loss. Unfortunately, back to back completions moved the Panthers inside the Lion 15 yard line. Two plays later they scored on a 15 yard pass. The two point conversion failed and they held a 34-22 lead with 7:53 to go in the final quarter.

Mount Ida was able to score a final time on a 21 yard run by Woodfield, but would not be able to avoid the loss.

Jacob Woodfield led all rushers with 21 carries for 182 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 70 yard kick off return for a touchdown and an interception.

Caleb White had 12 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Payton Dorrell had two carries for eight yards.

Mount Ida had 35 carries for 257 yards and three TDs as a team.

Magnet Cove combined for 169 yards and four touchdowns on the ground through 18 carries. They also completed 8-11 passes for 145 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Mount Ida’s Junior Lions will be off next week, but will travel to Jessieville Thursday, September 12. Kick off will be at 7 p.m.

Article Written by Dewayne Holloway

Faye Gwendolyn Wallstrom

Obituaries

Dewayne Holloway

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September 19, 2019

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Faye Gwendolyn Wallstrom, 93, of Hot Springs passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. She was born August 19, 1926 in Crystal Falls, Michigan to the late Einar & Ellen West Johnson. She was a member of 1st Lutheran church; member of the women’s missionary league and prayer shawl ministry.

She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Wallstrom.

Survivors include her daughters; Kari (David) Albright, Chris (Ken) VanDerHorst; brother, Don (Marlene) Johnson; sister, Carol (Watt) Merten; grandchildren; Jessica Newcomb, Ana-Lisa Albright, Adam Albright, Sara O’Friel; three great grandchildren; Clara Newcomb, Ike Newcomb, Aurora Coker, and Mosha Albright.

Services to be held at a later date.